I just don't like February

I thought this year it wouldn't bother me...I was wrong.  To be honest, I thoroughly enjoyed having everyone home and so much down time and family time last week.  At the same time, this is going to be the fourth coldest February on record, so I'm beginning to understand why I'm just not thrilled.  I feel "pent up" and restless.  Yesterday was a particularly rough day as honestly, I just spent the day crying and fighting tears.  I was missing our former town tremendously...mostly missing such dear people who make the town what it is.  Andrew and I are both struggling in that regard, but we accept what it is and I feel it's a topic for another post.

I've not felt terribly great all week, but not awful either.  Andrew had a particularly busy week with evening commitments every evening except Monday, and that's never particularly fun either.  Every day though, I am truly amazed by the blessing of getting to share my life with him.

Our day tomorrow is just so hectic, and probably a little emotional.  Catherine has a basketball tournament.  Knowing that she is unlikely to make the team next year and that 8th graders don't play rec, it is likely to be her last basketball game.  Thomas also has his annual scouting ceremony where he will be crossing over to boy scouts.  He is joining Robert's troop and they are making it so that Thomas will actually cross over to Robert.  It seems like we just did this with Robert and yet it was four years ago....where has the time gone?  I know that I would probably cry, but because of timing I don't get to be there.  I will be with Catherine at her game.  Thomas's Godfather and fiance are taking our place, and I'm grateful they can be there for him.

I'm looking forward to a quiet Sunday, although more nasty weather is expected to arrive!

Starting the week with a delay

School is already on a delay for tomorrow.  It is supposed to get down into the negative numbers again this evening, and it's always wonderful to know the night before!  I'm not entirely convinced there is actually going to be school tomorrow given the amount of snow we received yesterday and the high tomorrow being only 15 degrees, but I guess we'll see.  I told Andrew that it's kind of nice to ease our way back into the school routine with a delay!

More snow

We went under a winter storm warning last night with the expectations of 4-6" of snow overnight and into this morning.  They mentioned however, that if the snow never turned over to ice or rain we could get up to 10".  We are currently about 1/2 way there, so we will just have to see what the afternoon brings at this point in terms of temps.  It seems pretty certain it is going to precipitate, one way or the other!  All activities have been canceled or postponed so we have no reason to venture out at this point.  Tomorrow will be a dry day, although I should note that they are calling for negative temps overnight tomorrow into Monday morning.  I certainly, beyond words, hope that everyone is back in school on Monday, but I do want safe rather than sorry.


We took the day off from our blizzard bag work yesterday knowing that we had the entire weekend, so everyone is at it again today.  I'll be honest...it brings out lots of ugliness in everyone but they are getting finished.  Friday was our last available blizzard bag day, so if there is any more school missed at this point it will have to be made up at the end...but right now I don't mind!

One weekend morphs into the next

We got the phone call last night before 7PM that we would be closed today.  I really can't complain...we made popcorn and watched episodes of Friends together as a family.  That never gets old.  Today's high was around five whopping degrees.  Tonight's low is supposed to set a record at -12.  I wasn't really sure what to think about the chances for school because the high is going to be in the teens.  However, when I checked the hourly forecast I saw that it wasn't supposed to get out of the negative numbers until mid-morning...way past when the buses would need to be running even with a delay.  About an hour ago we got the news...no school again tomorrow!  The last time anyone went to school was a week ago today and now we are at the beginning of a "three day weekend."  It seems a little hard to believe, and honestly, I've never experienced anything quite like it before.  One of the most ironic things about all of this is that Monday afternoon I was complaining about how little snow we had and that we weren't going to get any snow days this week.  Wrong, wrong, and oh-so-wrong.

Tomorrow I had volunteered to work at the district swim meet that is being held here in town.  I felt obligated to do so even through Robert wasn't on the swim team, just on the dive team.  However, I knew how difficult it would be to find parents who would be available on a week day during working hours.  Since school is closed I've now signed Andrew up to work with me as well.  No school also eliminates the issue is what to do with Thomas and how to get him on the bus...it's all worked out perfectly!

Another bonus day

We are off school again today.  I had thought that perhaps there was a chance for a delay because there was another inch of snow due to arrive around 3AM overnight.  That combined with the frigid temps I thought could make it a later day.  However, we definitely received much more than an inch and at 5AM the call came that we were closed today.  This is snow day number six which means the kids now get to do "blizzard bags".  This, in my opinion, is the worst idea the State of Ohio has ever come up with.  It is a bunch of busy work that is assigned to the kids so that it counts as an instructional day.  NOTHING can replace actually being in a classroom...and if that means it's a bright sunny day in June, so be it.  If it means that we don't get out early on Wednesday and count that extra hour, so be it...but blizzard bag work stinks.

And today was really the only day I thought we had any chance of actually getting to school this week.  So basically we are looking at having the entire week off.  We aren't expecting any more significant snow, but the air temperature starting this afternoon through all day tomorrow, and into Friday morning is going to be around zero or lower, and at nights below zero.  We have a shot at record lows!  It is definitely February in Ohio!

A bonus day to our long weekend

This has truly been one of the most enjoyable weekends I can remember.  Of course, there were five days in our weekend so that always helps!

After we canceled our travel plans Saturday, we decided to order dinner in with money that my grandmother sent for Valentine's Day.  The kids are also enjoying marathon sessions of Friends since we have all ten season on DVD, and we have laughed right along with them.  Sunday was church, and then we all worked on doing some housework since we hadn't planned to be home...but our evening was more Friends!  Yesterday was a quiet day and Robert's "girlfriend" came over to spend the afternoon.  I ventured out late afternoon to take her home, and was astonished by the roads.  Although it had snowed literally all day, we could still see the grass so I really didn't think it would be that bad!  We decided though, that it must've had something to do with President's Day and that full crews weren't out.  The roads were AWFUL.  After I took her home, the snow really picked up, and I'll be honest, it was absolutely gorgeous.  It was exactly the kind of snow I had been hoping to see...and living in our wooded neighborhood just makes it all so much more beautiful!  The call came at 7:00 last night that school was closed today...a perfect "ending" to our weekend!  We shared more episodes with the kids and everyone got to sleep in again today.

This morning when we got up I realized the roads were still in very bad shape.  It doesn't help that our temperature has been single digits most of the day and only low teens for the high.  Our road is clear now, and I expect everyone to be back in school tomorrow, although I'm not sure it will be at the normal time.  I'm not too optimistic about school Thursday and Friday because the temps overnight will be below zero, and the wind chills only make it worse.  Today we've played some games and everyone has really enjoyed our day together!

Travel plans canceled

We are supposed to be on the road to my in-laws this afternoon.  Our plan was to leave after Thomas's basketball game and be on the road around 3:00.  I started becoming concerned earlier in the week when it looked like the weather in PA was going to be nasty, although we decided only 1-3" wasn't awful and we would be okay.  However, as the week progressed the wind chill temps began to alarm me, not to mention that most of our trip was going to be after dark.  This morning my in-laws called and told us not to come because they had seen predictions of white out conditions.  Andrew wasn't sure that was the right call yet, although by then I had decided it was safer to stay home.  We weren't going for any specific event other than just a visit so it was ridiculous to risk it unnecessarily.  As we were leaving Thomas's game, I noticed the wind and the blowing snow, and Andrew realized how poor the visibility was.  It was a ridiculously long drive home for only a five mile trip, and not only was visibility poor, but the road conditions were also very bad.  Upon arriving home I learned that some friends had been involved in a major pile up on I-70 outside of Columbus, right along the route we would've been taking.  Fortunately they are okay, but apparently there is a fatality in this pile up.  So very grateful that we weren't out in it ourselves...and very grateful we are all home safe and warm!

A tradition I won't be sad to see end

There are many things I will miss when my children are grown, but the annual "let's fill out the Valentine's exchange cards" is not one of them!  It was such a chore when they were little, and it was very early on that we had all three to worry about.  One year we were so snowed in prior to the parties at school that I just insisted we all make our own.  Not necessarily my idea of fun, but it worked.  As the kids got older it wasn't something they particularly missed either, and frankly, Thomas hated completing the task.  In fact, last evening it suddenly struck me that today was the last day of school prior to Valentine's Day, and when I asked him about it, he said it was optional.  The more I pried though, the more it became evident that he simply didn't want to do it.  Thank goodness I had purchased some last year at the end of the season so we had some on hand last night.  This is one tradition I am not sad to see be done!

The beginning is always the best

Thomas gets off the bus in less than 20 minutes, and then no one has to be go to school again until Tuesday!  I love having four whole days off, although we will be traveling to the in-laws Saturday afternoon and returning Monday afternoon so it's not totally relaxing, but it is pretty darn close.  No one has to be up for anything tomorrow morning which means we get to sleep in, and although Andrew is working tonight at a basketball game, he'll be home by 8:30...plenty of time to enjoy our first evening of a long weekend and relax!

I need to be three different people

One of the hardest things about being a parent is knowing how to be the parent that the child needs.  Anyone who knows children knows that each child is absolutely different.  For instance, my oldest is most motivated by money.  This has always been true of him, but is only exacerbated by his teenage years.  He is not motivated by his DS or having a social life (although TV is a pretty good one as well), he is best motivated by his allowance.  He is also set on learning life the hard way...meaning we can warn him of the pitfalls of his choices, but he frankly doesn't believe us.  Catherine is similar in many regards in that she is also very headstrong, but getting on her case does little to no good and only makes things worse.  She has a temper unlike any I have ever seen in a teen before.  While we are grateful she is unlikely to get pushed around in life, she is entirely too old to be throwing tantrums.  As her mother, I also have to learn her triggers and try not to set them off so that we can have a positive productive conversation.  With Thomas, he IS highly motivated by all things electronic, although it rarely comes to the threat of that.  Usually a stern look and a firm voice are all he needs to get himself back on track.

Life as a parent certainly isn't all about discipline though, and again each of my children need a different parent.  Thomas needs lots of hugs and cuddles...they are the very nature of his personality.  He isn't one to really talk about his feelings though.  Robert on the other hand, is a very loving person as well, but much prefers his space and always has.  If we can catch him in the right mood, he is willing to talk about life and his feelings, and especially enjoys sharing accomplishments and compliments.  Catherine just needs to be listened to.  We are trying to help her remember that we aren't in her head and her segues in conversation, while perfectly logical to her, are not to the rest of us.  She shows traits of the "middle child" sometimes where she often seems to say something ridiculous just to have something to say, but she is very reticent to not only talk about, but to display her feelings.  It takes a lot of one-on-one with me to get her to open up, and I'm happy to spend that time to make it happen.

I've written this down because it's just been a little rough lately, parenting two teens and a preteen.  I have prayed fervently that I am somehow able to be the mother each of them needs, and that I can be the best mother I can be.  I know that being their mother is the greatest gift I've ever been given, and I'm so thankful for it each and every day.

Why I don't often read books

When I was a child, I was a voracious reader.  This is a trait I inherited from my mother, and she still is to this day.  These days, most of my reading is limited to the newspaper and magazines...and this is a conscious choice I've made.  I have realized that I have a very addictive personality when it comes to books, and I can't stand the thought of putting them down.  Sunday evening, I began reading Pride and Prejudice, which I had never before read.  I finished it this morning and I must say my house is an absolute disaster area!  Andrew was very patient with me yesterday, but he did at one point mention my lack of discipline in this regard.  I truly enjoyed the book, and now it is time to get back to my housekeeping!

The middle of February

Not only is it a wet and dreary Monday morning, but the rain is the remnants of a cold front that is going to make it awfully frigid here.  Knowing that this is simply the weather pattern for this time of year just makes it even ickier, and I'm finding it tough to motivate today.

Fortunately though, we had a really great weekend.  My shopping on Friday turned out to be pretty much of a bust because I just refuse to spend money...that isn't really a bad thing on the long run.  Friday evening we attended the high school basketball game, where it was not surprising that all three teams lost.  We just aren't very good at boys' basketball this year.  I was grateful though, that we were able to sit with some people I know and who are very similar to us.  We just don't have friends here, but that is another post for another day.

Saturday morning we were up and out the door by 7AM to get Robert to a scouting event.  Catherine had basketball games at 9 & 10, and Thomas had games at 11 & 1, and of course Robert had to be picked up from his event early afternoon as well.  Catherine played really, really well at her games and it was really fun to watch.  She also pointed out that in their second game, her team scored 51 points which was more than the high school varsity boys the evening before...which her team thought was pretty darn funny.  Thomas's team lost both of their games, which they have done at every game this season, but although they were down by over 20 to begin the fourth quarter of their first game, they battled back to within seven...it got really exciting for a bit!  I regret that for Catherine, this season is most likely the end of her basketball career, but I can't change how things are.

After an unsuccessful attempt at a quick nap, we took the kids to our friends' house and the adults ventured to a community art show to support Thomas's Godfather who was one of the artists on display.  We enjoyed being out with friends and got to see a few other friends, and just really enjoyed our evening.  With everyone's schedules it is just so tough to get to see all of these people who are so dear to us, and it makes the opportunities when we can even more treasured!

Yesterday was just a tremendously relaxing day.  Andrew made breakfast and we exchanged cards for our anniversary.  With our schedule and timing of things, we decided that we would go out later for a combined anniversary/Valentine's Day dinner.  We really enjoyed spending the day at home, especially since I didn't feel great.  We sat and watched episodes of "Friends" with the kids, and Andrew brought in fried chicken for dinner.  I don't know that I've ever been more in love with my husband then I was yesterday!

Fortunately, we only have four days of school this week and I'm really looking forward to sleeping in on Friday!  After the kids games on Saturday, we are heading to PA to visit with my in-laws since we didn't get to much at Christmas, although we are keeping an eye on the weather as always this time of year.  Here's to another week!

Today is our anniversary

Andrew and I are celebrating another year of marriage.  I am so incredibly blessed to share my life with this man...I can't even put it into words.  We decided to stay home from church this morning and just make today a family day.  I love our life together!

Off to run errands

I have not been out of my neighborhood since Sunday.  I've had a productive week at home, but I am actually looking forward to running errands...one of my least favorite chores ever!  It's just been too long that I've been here at the house and I'm looking forward to some sunshine.  I'm optimistic it will help to cure that nasty attitude I had yesterday!

This time of year

It's February, and thank goodness it is a short month.  There is something about this time of year that is just simply tough.  I suspect that is has to do with the fact that right now, it is single digits outside with even colder windchills.  I am so grateful for the large windows in our home that let in fabulous amounts of light and the sun is shining brightly, but it's just cold...no two ways about it.

I'm finding myself so easily frustrated these days.  I am frustrated by Thomas's school, where they are taking money out of his lunch account on days that he isn't purchasing anything.  I've begun tracking it daily and I'm beginning to wonder how much we've lost this year.  It's to the point that Andrew is beginning to think we are victims of fraud by the lunch ladies.  I hate to admit that he could be correct...after all, how many neurotic moms are out there checking lunch balances daily?

Speaking of fraud, our credit card account was hacked for the second month in a row.  It is so frustrating!  I'm good about checking things and keeping tabs on things so I catch it quickly, but it's getting ridiculous.

My volunteer job is another source of aggravation in that the bank lost a deposit in November and still hasn't fixed it.  They completely admit they've screwed up and that they will fix it, but they can't get it taken care of in a timely manner.  I'm trying to be nice but obviously I'm losing my patience.  In addition, in spite of my repeated requests to have some brief meetings so that we can take care of things nothing is getting accomplished.

I'm equally frustrated by the fact that Catherine joined an extra curricular history club at school, and suddenly I am the one that has loads of work to do...not because she isn't capable or isn't doing it, but because the advisor lacks communication skills and now the parents are having to scramble to make registrations happen...and of course it's another expense.  I've sent a few emails to Robert's scout leader asking some questions I need to know before he goes to merit badge college this weekend, and I'm not hearing back.  I hate to nag, but at some point I need to know!

I suspect Andrew is equally frustrated because he seems to have gone deaf.  It's not that he can't hear, it is that he seems to be choosing not to hear.  His "tuning out" of the family has reached epic proportions.

That's enough complaining for today.  I really do want this blog to be a happy place, but right now it's just a bit tough.  The good news is that it will be warmer this weekend and I have an amazing family that I get to share each day with...and for that I am very grateful!

My amazing husband

Last week, when my new curtains arrived, I literally felt as though I could walk on air...that's how excited I was about them.  It was a well known fact that I hated the previous ones.  As I was getting ready to go to bed that evening, I thanked Andrew for my curtains...after all he is the only one earning money in our family and I had just spent some of it on these curtains.  He looked puzzled and asked me why I was thanking him.  Before I could answer he said, "You aren't feeling guilty about being home, are you?"  As I explained that I feel guilty literally every day for being home, my eyes began to fill with tears...because I very literally do feel guilty every day.  Andrew's tone became very stern as he told me that there was absolutely no reason to feel guilty.  He even explained how grateful he was that because I am home, he doesn't have to worry about cooking very often, and he doesn't have to spend his evenings cleaning the house or running errands...these are things I take care of during the day.  I was very, very grateful to hear him be so firm that this is what we BOTH want...not just a luxury for me.

We've also talked about how much things that have happened with the kids would've been worse if I hadn't been here...the choices were poor, they could've been much worse if I hadn't been here when they get off the bus.  With all of this in mind, we've decided that while I will renew my sub license and begin subbing again in the fall, I will allow myself to be rather selective about the jobs I take.  I'm shooting for only working about two days a week.  It will be enough to help with some of the extras, especially involving the kids' activities, but it will still, for the most part, allow us to have down time and enjoy our evenings...at least when we aren't running kids here and there!

We wanted the snow

We are so disappointed that the forecast of a major snow event turned into just a day of rain today.  I LOVE a good snowstorm!  We were so looking forward to a day off after this evening's super bowl (although we don't particularly care about the results of the game...other than NO Patriot victory!) but it appears as though everyone will be up and at 'em tomorrow.  It was a miserable day of a cold rain...and I just know it would've been a fabulous amount of snow if it had been cold enough!