The kids are all still sound asleep on one of the few days we actually get to sleep in this summer. Beginning Monday, Catherine and Thomas have morning swim practice (in addition to daily evening practice) from 8-9. No sleeping in happening here! It makes me tired just to think about it! I slept until about 8:30 this morning and I'm enjoying the quiet. Andrew had to go in and finish up just a couple of things and then he is home as well. I love the more laid back pace of life...if something doesn't happen today it can happen tomorrow! If one day is crazy the busy the next day is likely to be blank...these are all things I am looking forward to this summer. I feel like our summers have been disappointing the last couple of years so I'm trying to keep my expectations low. It's not that they have been bad summers, I think I just had unrealistic expectations. My goal for the summer is to just enjoy the kids, even if we aren't in the throws of a long stretch of relaxation...it can still be fun!
We have a fun weekend to get things going. This evening is the retirement party of one of Andrew's colleagues. Tomorrow my in-laws arrive for Robert's Sunday morning confirmation, and we will be joined at church by Robert's and Thomas's godparents. My family will come down for the cook-out to follow, and it should be a very nice day (in spite of the yucky weather forecast). Last evening we attended graduation, and it's just so hard to believe in three very short years it will be our turn to experience that as a family. Not looking forward too far today though...just going to enjoy this one!
Friday, May 29, 2015
Thursday, May 28, 2015
I picked up a different child
Because of the way high school does the finals schedule, Robert has been finished with his exams by 11:30 each day. Yesterday he stayed a bit to finish an AG woodworking project and then I picked him up and brought him (and it) home. Today he doesn't have any finals, so when I picked him up yesterday, he had officially completed his freshmen year of high school...and the child I picked up was not the same child I had sent to school in the morning. This child was chatty and smiling and pleasant...not the sulky and moody child who had left in the morning. I was absolutely astounded. Clearly, school, finals, and probably state mandated testing, had taken a toll on him this spring. There are still LOTS of issues that need to be addressed in his life, but I am so grateful to have my cheerful son returned to me!
The end of the elementary era
I just put Thomas on the bus for the last day of school...his final bus ride to elementary school. I always thought when this day came that I would hate it and lament it. Instead, I find myself embracing it. I will miss our morning one-on-one time, but since Robert and Catherine both have after school activities there will still be many days when we will have it after school. And because of the activities, it will be so much nicer to have Thomas home on the bus at 3:00 instead of 4:30. The wake ups are going to be very rough on him in the fall, but he'll get himself adjusted. I have been the parent of an elementary student for the last nine years, but those days are about to be behind us!
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Blessings in everything
I am truly amazed by the blessing that are in my life every day. I am so grateful that I have the grace to see these blessings and recognize them as they are...even in the midst of tough times.
It really goes back to my father's passing and the many comforts I found. Mom's illness confirmed my dad's passing was a blessing that he didn't have to see her suffer, especially in his condition, and that we didn't have to be caring for both of them...and most likely mourning his passing while Mom was trying to fight for her life. Mom's illness also confirmed the blessing of us having moved a year earlier than expected. I can't imagine how we would've been able to do so last summer.
Friday was another time. Robert was violently ill, and it was awful. But it happened on a day when Andrew had no classes, so he was able to make arrangements to have Robert take his exams immediately instead of waiting until the designated times, and then was able to bring him home instead of waiting on me to get there. He was able to meet me at urgent care and help get Robert home while I ran to pick up the medicine...such huge blessings!
Yesterday was another affirmation of my faith that we are where we need to be and that life is full of blessings. We met with our pastor yesterday with Robert, and while it is by no means the end of the process, it is a very good start. I was grateful that we attend a church where I feel comfortable, and it that it isn't just Andrew attending each week with the kids. I was grateful that our church is a rather small congregation. While that may mean it doesn't necessarily offer everything that we may hope for, it does mean that Pastor knows Robert and who he is. He didn't preach at Robert, but when he spoke about who Robert is and who he could be, he was speaking from personal knowledge about Robert's hopes and dreams. As we sat there yesterday, I had absolutely no doubt that God is with us in this process, and I know He is there in everything we do! I am so very grateful!
It really goes back to my father's passing and the many comforts I found. Mom's illness confirmed my dad's passing was a blessing that he didn't have to see her suffer, especially in his condition, and that we didn't have to be caring for both of them...and most likely mourning his passing while Mom was trying to fight for her life. Mom's illness also confirmed the blessing of us having moved a year earlier than expected. I can't imagine how we would've been able to do so last summer.
Friday was another time. Robert was violently ill, and it was awful. But it happened on a day when Andrew had no classes, so he was able to make arrangements to have Robert take his exams immediately instead of waiting until the designated times, and then was able to bring him home instead of waiting on me to get there. He was able to meet me at urgent care and help get Robert home while I ran to pick up the medicine...such huge blessings!
Yesterday was another affirmation of my faith that we are where we need to be and that life is full of blessings. We met with our pastor yesterday with Robert, and while it is by no means the end of the process, it is a very good start. I was grateful that we attend a church where I feel comfortable, and it that it isn't just Andrew attending each week with the kids. I was grateful that our church is a rather small congregation. While that may mean it doesn't necessarily offer everything that we may hope for, it does mean that Pastor knows Robert and who he is. He didn't preach at Robert, but when he spoke about who Robert is and who he could be, he was speaking from personal knowledge about Robert's hopes and dreams. As we sat there yesterday, I had absolutely no doubt that God is with us in this process, and I know He is there in everything we do! I am so very grateful!
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
The last week of school
We are down to the final three days here, although Andrew must also work on Friday to finish the year. It's finals week at the high school so Robert is home by lunch each day, and they are doing early dismissal for the other schools so everyone should be home by 3:00. Catherine and Thomas have had very good school years, although I am ready for Thomas to be finished with elementary school and be on the same schedule as the rest of the family. It's going to be a bit of a crazy week as swim practices also begin in the evening and they aren't over until 9:30, but it's the last few days so there certainly isn't anything major happening at the lower school levels.
Robert won't be doing swim this summer. Instead he will be looking for a job. We've had problems with him that I never in a million years dreamed would happen with him, and we are hoping that a job will help him with his priorities and discipline. We are meeting with our pastor today as the beginning of some counseling, although I know that we will most likely need to move to a professional therapist. I will always respect my children's privacy and will never go into details here, but we would certainly appreciate any prayers that might be available. The most frustrating part is that overall, he is a good kid and has so many things going for him, but he just seems way too ready to throw it all away.
I know that we are past the stage in our life with carefree summer days with small children. Still, I'm looking forward to a bit here and there, and a little slower pace to life. I am very grateful for my family and each day we have together!
Robert won't be doing swim this summer. Instead he will be looking for a job. We've had problems with him that I never in a million years dreamed would happen with him, and we are hoping that a job will help him with his priorities and discipline. We are meeting with our pastor today as the beginning of some counseling, although I know that we will most likely need to move to a professional therapist. I will always respect my children's privacy and will never go into details here, but we would certainly appreciate any prayers that might be available. The most frustrating part is that overall, he is a good kid and has so many things going for him, but he just seems way too ready to throw it all away.
I know that we are past the stage in our life with carefree summer days with small children. Still, I'm looking forward to a bit here and there, and a little slower pace to life. I am very grateful for my family and each day we have together!
Friday, May 22, 2015
What a week
This week has been one of the most emotionally draining of my entire life. Catherine cost us an arm and a leg by leaving the garage freezer door open (threw out well over $100 worth of food) and then damaged her clarinet...right before she bumped into a wine glass and it broke. She was a walking path of destruction that day. That doesn't even begin to touch what Robert has done this week, but for his privacy I am not going to publish it. Let's just say he's at a very serious crossroads in life, and I've truly never prayed like I've prayed this week. After all of the emotion of dealing with that, today he came down with the stomach flu. I decided he needed some help with the nausea pain, and at urgent care, he literally laid on the floor writhing and pounding the floor with his clenched fist. It was so tough to watch as a parent...and what a range of emotions I've had about him in the last 48 hours. I am just feeling spent.
It wasn't over yet though. Right as I walked into the grocery I received a phone call that a school mate of mine had passed away this morning. We had hung out together in high school and I was at his wedding shortly after I graduated (he is currently married to his second wife), but for the most part we had lost touch. I knew he had become a minister and lived somewhere in the middle of the state, but for the most part there wasn't any contact. Knowing someone so close in age to myself could be gone so suddenly was just astounding. I came home and hugged my husband, who has been fabulous as always, and counted my many blessings.
It wasn't over yet though. Right as I walked into the grocery I received a phone call that a school mate of mine had passed away this morning. We had hung out together in high school and I was at his wedding shortly after I graduated (he is currently married to his second wife), but for the most part we had lost touch. I knew he had become a minister and lived somewhere in the middle of the state, but for the most part there wasn't any contact. Knowing someone so close in age to myself could be gone so suddenly was just astounding. I came home and hugged my husband, who has been fabulous as always, and counted my many blessings.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Even the clocks are too tired to keep up
This is just a tough, tough time of year. I hate that I feel like all of my posts are about complaints right now. My life is full of many blessings, both big and small, every single day. Yet even my husband, who never lets things get to him, admitted last night that he just feels defeated. It is absolutely exhausting beyond words, but I also know it isn't just us. In fact, the fact that I am not working outside the home should actually make it easier on us (although sometimes I think the fact that I don't have a distraction makes me dwell on it more, but who knows).
Ironically, even our clocks are having problems keeping up! We have five battery powered wall clocks here in our house. Two of them are cruising along just fine, but the other three? Not so much. I didn't know that wall clocks could have a life span, but I am wondering about two of them. I've replaced the batteries in them and yet still they seem unable to keep up...so strange! Apparently even the clocks are tired from this school year!
Ironically, even our clocks are having problems keeping up! We have five battery powered wall clocks here in our house. Two of them are cruising along just fine, but the other three? Not so much. I didn't know that wall clocks could have a life span, but I am wondering about two of them. I've replaced the batteries in them and yet still they seem unable to keep up...so strange! Apparently even the clocks are tired from this school year!
Monday, May 18, 2015
I kind of wish I didn't know
The evening that my dad passed away, I vividly remember the phone conversations with my mother. She called and said she had gone into check on him and couldn't wake him up. She explained she had called paramedics, and then when we spoke just minutes later, she told me he was gone. I remember asking what happened and she had replied she didn't know if it was a stroke or some event like that. I vividly remember her making the comment over the next several days that she was grateful it didn't appear to be a traumatic event. In my mind, this meant he had fallen asleep and simply didn't wake up.
I learned this weekend that wasn't exactly how things happened. It wasn't that my mom had attempted to keep it from me, it was just a miscommunication. It turns out he was up and about and was walking into the bathroom when he called out to her. She was on the phone, but ended her conversation so she could go check on him. Now we know that he was already gone by then, but the paramedics did make some attempts to revive him. There was nothing they could do, and honestly reviving him would've only extended his suffering and delayed the inevitable.
Even though it's been 18 months since Dad passed, this news is hard for me. I had this vision that he had simply closed his eyes, whatever event happened while he was asleep, and he simply never woke up. I think anyone could understand what a comfort that was for me...isn't that the way most of us hope to go? Knowing that he cried out to my mother, and that there was a moment of suffering, regardless of how brief, makes me sad all over again. I know it doesn't really change anything, but I'm having a tough time accepting this.
I think ultimately, it just goes to show my emotional reserve it pretty low. Dealing with ailing parents, and then battling with challenging teens who push you to the brink of your wits end on almost a daily basis can really take a toll on a person. At the same time, I'm very, very grateful for my faith that gets me through each and every day!
I learned this weekend that wasn't exactly how things happened. It wasn't that my mom had attempted to keep it from me, it was just a miscommunication. It turns out he was up and about and was walking into the bathroom when he called out to her. She was on the phone, but ended her conversation so she could go check on him. Now we know that he was already gone by then, but the paramedics did make some attempts to revive him. There was nothing they could do, and honestly reviving him would've only extended his suffering and delayed the inevitable.
Even though it's been 18 months since Dad passed, this news is hard for me. I had this vision that he had simply closed his eyes, whatever event happened while he was asleep, and he simply never woke up. I think anyone could understand what a comfort that was for me...isn't that the way most of us hope to go? Knowing that he cried out to my mother, and that there was a moment of suffering, regardless of how brief, makes me sad all over again. I know it doesn't really change anything, but I'm having a tough time accepting this.
I think ultimately, it just goes to show my emotional reserve it pretty low. Dealing with ailing parents, and then battling with challenging teens who push you to the brink of your wits end on almost a daily basis can really take a toll on a person. At the same time, I'm very, very grateful for my faith that gets me through each and every day!
Coming around the bend
We are into our last full week of school...and the last Monday of the school year! There is something always wonderful about that! We enjoyed our last short weekend by spending the day with our friends at a wedding, and yesterday was MAJOR housework here at home. The kids enjoyed their day with my mom, and despite some serious reservations I had, Mom loved having them as well.
Our next couple of weeks, as always, are crazy. This week Robert will compete at the district track meet in the pole vault and the 400m dash. While our school is by no means small, it is not at all athletic so Robert is getting opportunities as a freshmen that most don't have. Our expectations are rather minimal, but we keep pointing out he's a frosh so that's okay! Next week swim team practices begin, although we will have to miss for a recognition ceremony for Catherine at school. Next week is the high school's graduation and Robert will be performing with the band. The rest of us will attend as a family, and then just a few days later Robert will be confirmed in the Lutheran church. We began attending this church about 16 months ago and it truly is the best fit for our family. This weekend will also be full of many family and friends, and it's really a great way to end the school year!
Our next couple of weeks, as always, are crazy. This week Robert will compete at the district track meet in the pole vault and the 400m dash. While our school is by no means small, it is not at all athletic so Robert is getting opportunities as a freshmen that most don't have. Our expectations are rather minimal, but we keep pointing out he's a frosh so that's okay! Next week swim team practices begin, although we will have to miss for a recognition ceremony for Catherine at school. Next week is the high school's graduation and Robert will be performing with the band. The rest of us will attend as a family, and then just a few days later Robert will be confirmed in the Lutheran church. We began attending this church about 16 months ago and it truly is the best fit for our family. This weekend will also be full of many family and friends, and it's really a great way to end the school year!
Saturday, May 16, 2015
A day with adults
I have been looking forward to today for quite some time. We get to spend the entire day with adults! While I am truly an extrovert at heart and enjoy quiet time at home (both alone and with my family), I also am not a hermit. The bride and groom are people we've known through other friends and had zero expectation of being invited to their wedding. However, when the invitation arrived, we were beyond excited. We really like this couple and love when we get to hang out, and we are even more excited that they are allowing us to spend the day with such good friends! My kids are heading to my hometown and between my mother, sister, and grandmothers they will be occupied for the day. We are very much looking forward to a day with adults!
Friday, May 15, 2015
Into single digits
There are only eight more days of school! I am so pleased that this is our last two day weekend until next fall...so fabulous! This year has, by far, gone the fastest yet...and I suspect they are only going to go faster!
It's been a crazy couple of weeks with band concerts, band banquets, recognitions ceremonies, meetings, and of course every day life. Our weekends are crazy right now as well. Tomorrow we have a wedding to attend, and the kids will spend the day in my hometown with various relatives. Next weekend we will have our family's cemetery trip and then we are hosting a cookout for friends later in that day, and the weekend following Robert will be confirmed in our church, and we will again host a cook out, this time for family. We are so very much looking forward to sharing times with our family and friends!
It's been a crazy couple of weeks with band concerts, band banquets, recognitions ceremonies, meetings, and of course every day life. Our weekends are crazy right now as well. Tomorrow we have a wedding to attend, and the kids will spend the day in my hometown with various relatives. Next weekend we will have our family's cemetery trip and then we are hosting a cookout for friends later in that day, and the weekend following Robert will be confirmed in our church, and we will again host a cook out, this time for family. We are so very much looking forward to sharing times with our family and friends!
Thursday, May 14, 2015
The little waving hand
One of the things I am so grateful for is that each day is a clean slate. It's not to say that I always wake up refreshed and not feeling anything leftover from the day before, but every day is a new opportunity to make it a great day. I don't love one bit how yesterday ended, but today is a new day.
One of the routines that Thomas and I have established is the morning bus ride. He gets on the bus, and as it pulls away I begin walking back to our house. Because he gets on at the corner, when the bus turns the corner he is actually sitting on the side of the bus where I can see him. Even though his bus is getting farther away and I am walking back towards our house, we both wave and wave at each other until we can't see the other one any more. As simple as it sounds, I am so grateful for that moment each morning and sometimes it brings me to tears. My little guy is about to be finished with elementary school and move into the preteen world of middle school, but he still loves sharing that moment with me each day. It absolutely makes my heart full, and is a blessing I never fail to recognize!
One of the routines that Thomas and I have established is the morning bus ride. He gets on the bus, and as it pulls away I begin walking back to our house. Because he gets on at the corner, when the bus turns the corner he is actually sitting on the side of the bus where I can see him. Even though his bus is getting farther away and I am walking back towards our house, we both wave and wave at each other until we can't see the other one any more. As simple as it sounds, I am so grateful for that moment each morning and sometimes it brings me to tears. My little guy is about to be finished with elementary school and move into the preteen world of middle school, but he still loves sharing that moment with me each day. It absolutely makes my heart full, and is a blessing I never fail to recognize!
I regret how it went
Yesterday, I honestly felt lousy. Between the migraine and the miserable allergies, I just felt lousy. While sleeping the day away felt almost necessary, it wasn't an option. I had three doz. cupcakes to make for a church dinner and a band banquet last night, and Robert was going to need his track uniform washed from his meet Tuesday evening so that he could pack it last evening for today's meet. Why didn't I plan ahead for the cupcakes? Actually, I did. I wasn't going to be able to get the church cupcakes to the dinner so I had to have them there by noon before the secretary left for the day...planning ahead! I didn't have a chance to make them Tuesday evening because I was at a meeting for band. I didn't make them during the day because Catherine and Thomas wanted to have the daughter of one of Andrew's colleagues over after school Tuesday so I had cleaned the house all day, but still managed to get us a hot dinner after playdate and before meeting! Monday I had spent the evening working at a band concert and had spent the day working on laundry, house things, and getting information and reports ready for the band meeting. Sunday we had spend the day at my mom's house helping her with things there. I'm not complaining about any of this...just pointing out how busy the last couple of days had been.
I mentioned to Andrew Tuesday evening that he would need to get Thomas off the bus at 3:45 because I had to take Catherine to a track party at 3:30 and there was no guarantee I could get back in time. He would then need to pick up Robert from practice at 4:30 because I had to be setting up for the band banquet, and then get Catherine at 5:30 from her party...rushing home so that he and Robert could get to the banquet at 6:00. This is our life and I'm not complaining...but Andrew did. He said that was a lot of information to remember. Well, yeah, but it's what needs to happen. It all fell into place and when they arrived at the banquet (late) I explained that I wouldn't be able to sit with them because I had to man the food tables. I did make it over for a minute and mentioned how much I appreciated him running the kids around so I could help with the banquet. He pointed out (again) that he had just been running and going and that he hadn't really had a chance to relax (although I do know for a fact that he closed his eyes for 20 minutes because I had to wake him up in order to go get Robert from practice). I'll be honest, by that point I was just miffed with everything. I was well aware that the kids' schedules are sometimes not fun to deal with because I am the one who handles them pretty much every. darn. day.
I had to stay and clean up after the banquet (don't even get me started on the fact that there are over 80 members of the band but it's basically the same set of seven or eight parents that do all the work) and by the time I got home last evening it was after 8:30. I walked in to find that although it is after bedtime, neither Catherine nor Thomas are bathed, the mound of "clean" clothing that has been stacked for over a week and his now beginning to fall onto the floor that I had specifically told Thomas to put away was still there, and Andrew didn't seem to think any of this was a big deal. When I asked Robert if he had his track uniform packed and he became defensive that I dare question his responsibility level, I pretty much lost it. I turned into a raving maniac. I began ranting about how lousy I had felt all day, and that I HAD to get things accomplished because they were all things that my family NEEDED me to do even though they didn't know it! I ranted how they just take for granted that all the things that they need accomplished just happen for them without any acknowledgement, and that even when I'm not home in the evenings it's because I'm out at a meeting or an activity for them! Catherine then began mentioning other things that she needed me to take care of and I asked why I was just hearing about them. She pointed out that she had been telling Andrew because I'd been gone in the evenings this week. Andrew informed me that he assumed Catherine knew to tell me because I handle these things, and Catherine of course assumed she had fulfilled her obligation by telling a parent, so nothing had been handled. At that point I just began to cry. I told them all that apparently I needed to go find a job outside the house where people might actually respect and appreciate what I do each day...and then they would all find out exactly how much I actually do at home! I pointed out that I had felt so miserable yesterday but had pushed through in order to make sure they had clean uniforms and something to take to banquets and clean underwear! Not only did no one show any appreciation, but they all seemed absolutely aghast that I didn't seem to understand that they just expected it all to be handled.
I know that Andrew was angry at me for overreacting to the situation. And I know that I did, and I very much regret that I did. I truly do love being home during the day and being able to have our family as my only focus, and I am blessed that we can make this work. At the same time, a person can only take so much! I know that I do not like one bit how our evening went last night and hope that I can make better choices and react better in the future. I also hope that the other members of this family recognize their part in how things went, and will also take action to avoid similar problems happenings.
I know this is a really long blog post, and I know these are all pretty much "first world" problems. Life is wonderful and I never forget that! Being a mom is the greatest gift ever, but I'm putting this out there because I know I'm not the only one who ever has days like this!
I mentioned to Andrew Tuesday evening that he would need to get Thomas off the bus at 3:45 because I had to take Catherine to a track party at 3:30 and there was no guarantee I could get back in time. He would then need to pick up Robert from practice at 4:30 because I had to be setting up for the band banquet, and then get Catherine at 5:30 from her party...rushing home so that he and Robert could get to the banquet at 6:00. This is our life and I'm not complaining...but Andrew did. He said that was a lot of information to remember. Well, yeah, but it's what needs to happen. It all fell into place and when they arrived at the banquet (late) I explained that I wouldn't be able to sit with them because I had to man the food tables. I did make it over for a minute and mentioned how much I appreciated him running the kids around so I could help with the banquet. He pointed out (again) that he had just been running and going and that he hadn't really had a chance to relax (although I do know for a fact that he closed his eyes for 20 minutes because I had to wake him up in order to go get Robert from practice). I'll be honest, by that point I was just miffed with everything. I was well aware that the kids' schedules are sometimes not fun to deal with because I am the one who handles them pretty much every. darn. day.
I had to stay and clean up after the banquet (don't even get me started on the fact that there are over 80 members of the band but it's basically the same set of seven or eight parents that do all the work) and by the time I got home last evening it was after 8:30. I walked in to find that although it is after bedtime, neither Catherine nor Thomas are bathed, the mound of "clean" clothing that has been stacked for over a week and his now beginning to fall onto the floor that I had specifically told Thomas to put away was still there, and Andrew didn't seem to think any of this was a big deal. When I asked Robert if he had his track uniform packed and he became defensive that I dare question his responsibility level, I pretty much lost it. I turned into a raving maniac. I began ranting about how lousy I had felt all day, and that I HAD to get things accomplished because they were all things that my family NEEDED me to do even though they didn't know it! I ranted how they just take for granted that all the things that they need accomplished just happen for them without any acknowledgement, and that even when I'm not home in the evenings it's because I'm out at a meeting or an activity for them! Catherine then began mentioning other things that she needed me to take care of and I asked why I was just hearing about them. She pointed out that she had been telling Andrew because I'd been gone in the evenings this week. Andrew informed me that he assumed Catherine knew to tell me because I handle these things, and Catherine of course assumed she had fulfilled her obligation by telling a parent, so nothing had been handled. At that point I just began to cry. I told them all that apparently I needed to go find a job outside the house where people might actually respect and appreciate what I do each day...and then they would all find out exactly how much I actually do at home! I pointed out that I had felt so miserable yesterday but had pushed through in order to make sure they had clean uniforms and something to take to banquets and clean underwear! Not only did no one show any appreciation, but they all seemed absolutely aghast that I didn't seem to understand that they just expected it all to be handled.
I know that Andrew was angry at me for overreacting to the situation. And I know that I did, and I very much regret that I did. I truly do love being home during the day and being able to have our family as my only focus, and I am blessed that we can make this work. At the same time, a person can only take so much! I know that I do not like one bit how our evening went last night and hope that I can make better choices and react better in the future. I also hope that the other members of this family recognize their part in how things went, and will also take action to avoid similar problems happenings.
I know this is a really long blog post, and I know these are all pretty much "first world" problems. Life is wonderful and I never forget that! Being a mom is the greatest gift ever, but I'm putting this out there because I know I'm not the only one who ever has days like this!
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Woke up with a migraine
I can't think of too many ways that are worse to wake up than with a migraine. If I'm awake and I feel it coming on, I'm usually able to stop it, but this one was full blown by the time I woke up. I got up with the Andrew and the older two before they left for school, and I remember standing in the dining room just holding my head. Fortunately, my migraines respond VERY well to ibuprofin, and after a little bit of sleep (and a couple of swigs of Mountain Dew...caffeine works wonders on my migraines!) I felt much better.
That's a very good thing too because I had three doz cupcakes to make first thing this morning for a church dinner (that need to be delivered by noon) and then for our band banquet this evening. I decided to make the same thing for both to make life easier and then just divide the batch. In spite of how I woke up, it's been an incredibly productive morning!
That's a very good thing too because I had three doz cupcakes to make first thing this morning for a church dinner (that need to be delivered by noon) and then for our band banquet this evening. I decided to make the same thing for both to make life easier and then just divide the batch. In spite of how I woke up, it's been an incredibly productive morning!
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
It could not be more gorgeous outside
Yesterday a cold front came through that I had been waiting for! After nearly week of temps in the mid to upper 80's, today's high is only supposed to be in the mid 60's! We turned off the a/c last night and cranked open all the windows, and the humidity even dropped significantly. This morning as I sat on the porch watching for the bus, I just couldn't believe how gorgeous it was outside. It's pretty light out by 6:30, so I grabbed my coffee and just enjoyed the gorgeous morning on the porch!
I'm not cut out for this
Andrew has officially had his principal's license for about a year now. He always felt "someday" he'd make the jump to administration, but to be honest, I wasn't so sure. He is an absolutely fabulous teacher. I've always known that, but moving here has only cemented that thought. Whenever I meet someone, particularly a parent of a student Andrew has had (present or former) the parent almost always gushes about how much they think of Andrew and how much the student loved his class. He loves connecting with his students, and I'm always very proud of him. And to be further honest, I don't necessarily love a principal's schedule...especially the additional workdays in the summer.
About a month ago, Andrew ran into the superintendent at a function. She specifically asked him why he hadn't applied for administrative positions. He explained he'd only had his license a year and that none had been open in that time. She asked if he would apply if one were open and he responded he would. Shortly thereafter, the high school principal sought him out and asked if there were a middle school assistant opening, would he apply. He responded that he would consider it. We learned just a couple of days later that there indeed was going to be an opening. We did a lot of research and a lot of talking about it. The pay was only a marginal increase and it was an additional six weeks out of our summer, but I told Andrew I would completely support whatever decision he made...after all, he has been incredibly supportive of me being home and I would certainly be the same towards his career decisions. Andrew went in to let his principal know that he was applying and that central office would probably be calling the principal about him...and Andrew was informed they had already done so! I found this odd as he hadn't even applied yet. A day or so later Andrew ran into the HR guy who wanted to know if Andrew had put in his application and Andrew responded it would be in before the deadline. At this point, we were thinking that Andrew had to be in a good position with seemingly so much interest, and we began to discuss it more seriously. Andrew actually mentioned at one point that he hoped he wasn't offered the job so he didn't have to make the decision...which I pointed out to him sounded to me like he didn't really want it! I began to consider my life as a principal's wife, and I began to dread it. I knew there would be events that I would have to attend as his wife as well as other obligations that just didn't sound very fun...and I worried about what I'd wear, etc., etc. Andrew's interview was scheduled for yesterday with the HR guy (which we thought was odd as usually the first interview is with a principal and several teachers) and that's where I learned I am not cut out for this!
The HR guy actually opened the interview with the information that the middle school head principal insisted that they hire someone from the outside with experience, so basically this interview was nothing more than a courtesy interview. What the heck??? The one question they did specifically ask him was whether he would consider leaving the district without an administrative position. To be honest, the answer is yes and no. He absolutely would not consider leaving within the next couple of years, and he truly does like and enjoy his job. As the years get closer to Thomas graduating, he may consider going to a nearby district, and after Thomas graduates there is really nothing tying us here so we could look many places. I was pretty irritated by the "game playing" I felt had happened prior, and the fact that "real" applicants were granted interviews with the principal and internal "courtesy" interview were with the HR guy. I am just not into politics, and I think it all just stinks..and I don't even want him to have the administrative job! I am so grateful that Andrew didn't have his heart set on this working out, and that he has a job that he absolutely loves...but I definitely confirmed I am not cut out for the politics of administration!
About a month ago, Andrew ran into the superintendent at a function. She specifically asked him why he hadn't applied for administrative positions. He explained he'd only had his license a year and that none had been open in that time. She asked if he would apply if one were open and he responded he would. Shortly thereafter, the high school principal sought him out and asked if there were a middle school assistant opening, would he apply. He responded that he would consider it. We learned just a couple of days later that there indeed was going to be an opening. We did a lot of research and a lot of talking about it. The pay was only a marginal increase and it was an additional six weeks out of our summer, but I told Andrew I would completely support whatever decision he made...after all, he has been incredibly supportive of me being home and I would certainly be the same towards his career decisions. Andrew went in to let his principal know that he was applying and that central office would probably be calling the principal about him...and Andrew was informed they had already done so! I found this odd as he hadn't even applied yet. A day or so later Andrew ran into the HR guy who wanted to know if Andrew had put in his application and Andrew responded it would be in before the deadline. At this point, we were thinking that Andrew had to be in a good position with seemingly so much interest, and we began to discuss it more seriously. Andrew actually mentioned at one point that he hoped he wasn't offered the job so he didn't have to make the decision...which I pointed out to him sounded to me like he didn't really want it! I began to consider my life as a principal's wife, and I began to dread it. I knew there would be events that I would have to attend as his wife as well as other obligations that just didn't sound very fun...and I worried about what I'd wear, etc., etc. Andrew's interview was scheduled for yesterday with the HR guy (which we thought was odd as usually the first interview is with a principal and several teachers) and that's where I learned I am not cut out for this!
The HR guy actually opened the interview with the information that the middle school head principal insisted that they hire someone from the outside with experience, so basically this interview was nothing more than a courtesy interview. What the heck??? The one question they did specifically ask him was whether he would consider leaving the district without an administrative position. To be honest, the answer is yes and no. He absolutely would not consider leaving within the next couple of years, and he truly does like and enjoy his job. As the years get closer to Thomas graduating, he may consider going to a nearby district, and after Thomas graduates there is really nothing tying us here so we could look many places. I was pretty irritated by the "game playing" I felt had happened prior, and the fact that "real" applicants were granted interviews with the principal and internal "courtesy" interview were with the HR guy. I am just not into politics, and I think it all just stinks..and I don't even want him to have the administrative job! I am so grateful that Andrew didn't have his heart set on this working out, and that he has a job that he absolutely loves...but I definitely confirmed I am not cut out for the politics of administration!
Monday, May 11, 2015
Things my dad had
I could definitely be accused of being a hoarder. While I know that things shouldn't be special to me, people are...and things that belonged to people I love are therefore special to me. Things that they touched, especially those that are no longer here, are absolutely priceless.
For instance, we have an antique table that I have no clue what I will ever do with it. It is clearly too small for our family of five, but I will NEVER get rid of that table. Just over a week before my father was originally diagnosed as being ill (although we didn't know how ill) he and I went antique shopping. This was nothing uncommon for us...it was one of Dad's favorite activities and I was always happy to accompany him. He found this old table and then his mother stripped and refinished it. So not only does it have the memory of our last "healthy" trip together, it has my grandmother's sweat in it. Andrew totally understands my feelings on this one (but probably wishes it was a smaller item).
My dad has many, many things that belonged to his father and grandfather. I believe most of them are in storage somewhere. Yesterday though, we came home with something that might be odd. In the process of cleaning the house, my sister walked in carrying a VERY old camera and an old glass martini shaker. Mom mentioned it was probably from the bar in my grandparent's basement. Stands to reason, as I never saw my parents drink (although I know my mother did, but never in front of me) and there was never alcohol in the house. Andrew has begun to drink martinis so it is actually something that we could use so I agreed to take it and my sister took the camera. Even though it's not like I have any memories of all of my father and that shaker, it's something that was important to him, and I do have fabulous memories of sitting at my grandparent's basement bar and playing restaurant. I am grateful for these and other things I have!
For instance, we have an antique table that I have no clue what I will ever do with it. It is clearly too small for our family of five, but I will NEVER get rid of that table. Just over a week before my father was originally diagnosed as being ill (although we didn't know how ill) he and I went antique shopping. This was nothing uncommon for us...it was one of Dad's favorite activities and I was always happy to accompany him. He found this old table and then his mother stripped and refinished it. So not only does it have the memory of our last "healthy" trip together, it has my grandmother's sweat in it. Andrew totally understands my feelings on this one (but probably wishes it was a smaller item).
My dad has many, many things that belonged to his father and grandfather. I believe most of them are in storage somewhere. Yesterday though, we came home with something that might be odd. In the process of cleaning the house, my sister walked in carrying a VERY old camera and an old glass martini shaker. Mom mentioned it was probably from the bar in my grandparent's basement. Stands to reason, as I never saw my parents drink (although I know my mother did, but never in front of me) and there was never alcohol in the house. Andrew has begun to drink martinis so it is actually something that we could use so I agreed to take it and my sister took the camera. Even though it's not like I have any memories of all of my father and that shaker, it's something that was important to him, and I do have fabulous memories of sitting at my grandparent's basement bar and playing restaurant. I am grateful for these and other things I have!
A Mother's Day with ups and downs
Yesterday, I was able to receive the one gift I really wanted for Mother's Day...sleeping in! I had literally been counting down the days until this because our weekend "wake-up calls" had been awfully early the last few weeks. In fact, ridiculously early some might say! Anyway, I was very excited to sleep in until 10:00 yesterday.
We had to pick Thomas up from our former town shortly after noon, but unfortunately the other family had a delay. It wasn't a big deal as we were simply traveling to my Mom's to move furniture and I wasn't in a huge rush. Thomas was an absolute pain throughout the entire day. I knew he would be, and for the most part we just left him alone. Part of the down of the day though, is that my sister was at my mom's house as well, and she was just about as unpleasant as I've seen her in a while. She clearly didn't want to be dealing with any of us, and after a while Mom just suggested she come back another time when we weren't all there. It's kind of sad...even Robert mentioned yesterday, "Aunt K was in a really bad mood." Yes son, sometimes she's just difficult. We didn't actually move any furniture, but we did spend time going through things, cleaning and helping Mom with various tasks. Afterwards we visited my paternal grandmother who had a generous surprise for us. It will ensure that as long as we make frugal decisions, we should not have to eat into our savings this next school year, even if I stay home. We are very grateful! She also fed the kids dinner, and is just an absolutely amazing woman...beyond words!
By the time we got home last night, Thomas was barely able to walk upright. He changed into jammies and the kids made a quick phone call to Andrew's mom. Afterwards they surprised me with cards and my gift of a bag of candy bars (NOT helping with the diet AT ALL!) and then we just hung out. It was an amazingly busy weekend, but full of time with my favorite people!
We had to pick Thomas up from our former town shortly after noon, but unfortunately the other family had a delay. It wasn't a big deal as we were simply traveling to my Mom's to move furniture and I wasn't in a huge rush. Thomas was an absolute pain throughout the entire day. I knew he would be, and for the most part we just left him alone. Part of the down of the day though, is that my sister was at my mom's house as well, and she was just about as unpleasant as I've seen her in a while. She clearly didn't want to be dealing with any of us, and after a while Mom just suggested she come back another time when we weren't all there. It's kind of sad...even Robert mentioned yesterday, "Aunt K was in a really bad mood." Yes son, sometimes she's just difficult. We didn't actually move any furniture, but we did spend time going through things, cleaning and helping Mom with various tasks. Afterwards we visited my paternal grandmother who had a generous surprise for us. It will ensure that as long as we make frugal decisions, we should not have to eat into our savings this next school year, even if I stay home. We are very grateful! She also fed the kids dinner, and is just an absolutely amazing woman...beyond words!
By the time we got home last night, Thomas was barely able to walk upright. He changed into jammies and the kids made a quick phone call to Andrew's mom. Afterwards they surprised me with cards and my gift of a bag of candy bars (NOT helping with the diet AT ALL!) and then we just hung out. It was an amazingly busy weekend, but full of time with my favorite people!
Saturday, May 9, 2015
I get to sleep in!
I told my kids there is only one thing I wanted for Mother's Day...to sleep in! I told them as far as I was concerned my gift was three weeks ago when I got to spend stay overnight visiting with my friends in Indianapolis. It was such a fabulous evening and I was so grateful to get away even for such a short time. It wasn't a terribly expense weekend at all, but since I don't like to spend entertainment dollars on just myself so I insisted it be my gift. I suspect there will still be a card and that is certainly fine, but I really can't tell you how much I am looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow!!!!
Friday, May 8, 2015
I can't believe I turned on the a/c before Mother's Day
That's right folks, two days before Mother's Day, I turned on our a/c. I really can't believe it is this warm here so early. When I looked at the thermostat, it said 81 degrees, and I decided that was ridiculous! It isn't going to be terribly cool tonight either, so I decided it was time. I hate the fact that I have to pay for so much electricity in May! On the upside, it will be a welcome relief for my allergies!
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Where did spring go?
Just last week we were having overnight low's that prompted the furnace to kick on. This week we are having high's in the upper 80's! What the heck happened to spring? I really thought these temps were just an anomaly since it is still early May, but when I just checked the five day forecast it shows nothing but upper 80's...not what I am hoping for! It's also pretty miserable with allergies this time of year, so I guess the one good thing is that I won't mind too much if we have to break down and turn on the a/c...although there is usually much more of a break between the furnace and a/c!
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Life around here
It's so hard to believe that counting today there are 16 days of school left. Three years from now we will be planning graduation for Robert...oh my goodness! I often forget how crazy May can be each year as each activity wants to have a "wrap up" activity, but this year it's made somewhat easier by not working...and I have no idea how I did it when I did!
My mom is recovery fabulously well from her surgery. Her friend texted me yesterday that she just couldn't believe how well mom is doing. I was grateful to know she wasn't just putting on an act when she spoke with me each time. She has a tremendous pain tolerance and I'm sure that helps, but she's a pretty amazing woman as well!
Catherine has officially finished with the track season. I'm not even really sure what to say about it. She loved it, although I'm not exactly sure what it is that she loved about it. I'll try not to judge her lack of competitive spirit, and just be grateful that she enjoyed herself. Robert still has a couple of weeks left in his season.
Looking forward to a gorgeous day!
My mom is recovery fabulously well from her surgery. Her friend texted me yesterday that she just couldn't believe how well mom is doing. I was grateful to know she wasn't just putting on an act when she spoke with me each time. She has a tremendous pain tolerance and I'm sure that helps, but she's a pretty amazing woman as well!
Catherine has officially finished with the track season. I'm not even really sure what to say about it. She loved it, although I'm not exactly sure what it is that she loved about it. I'll try not to judge her lack of competitive spirit, and just be grateful that she enjoyed herself. Robert still has a couple of weeks left in his season.
Looking forward to a gorgeous day!
Monday, May 4, 2015
Into the teens
I am happy to report that counting today, there are only 18 days of school left. Because of the ridiculous amount of classroom time taken up by state testing my husband cringes every time I count down, but I am very pleased...and so are the kids! I know that we are going to have a VERY busy summer. All three kids want to be on swim team and they practice twice a day from the end of May until the middle of July. The practices are not completely mandatory so if there are other plans that is fine, but there is no "sleeping in just because"...that's going to be a little rough. I guess we'll just have to hope for some early morning thunderstorms!
Regardless of the sleeping, I'm just looking forward to a more relaxed pace. Last evening Thomas wanted to play catch with Andrew. I just kept thinking, "But he needs to shower and it's getting later!" I don't want to have to be worrying about those things, and it's one of the many things I am looking forward to!
Regardless of the sleeping, I'm just looking forward to a more relaxed pace. Last evening Thomas wanted to play catch with Andrew. I just kept thinking, "But he needs to shower and it's getting later!" I don't want to have to be worrying about those things, and it's one of the many things I am looking forward to!
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Mom's surgery
Mom had her rotator cuff surgery on Friday. I'll be honest, it was a pretty exhausting day. My sister was willing to meet me at the hospital so that I didn't have to leave my house at 6AM, but it was still a pretty early morning. Mom's surgery went well overall, although it turns out there is a great deal more damage than we originally understood there to be. The tendons are severely retracted and there is no guarantee they are going to reattach. Right now it's just a waiting game, and fingers are crossed!
Dealing with my family can be pretty draining as well, and that made Friday evening more exhausting. I am so grateful to Andrew for taking complete charge of the kids for the day and handling everything. Hopefully we won't have to continue on this medical trail!
Dealing with my family can be pretty draining as well, and that made Friday evening more exhausting. I am so grateful to Andrew for taking complete charge of the kids for the day and handling everything. Hopefully we won't have to continue on this medical trail!
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