We are a family

Today is the day where we remember how very blessed we are to be part of our family.  So many things had to happen in life to make us where we are today, and I'm so very grateful that they did.  I'm so blessed to be a mother to my three amazing kiddos, and my husband is more wonderful that I can put into words.  I don't know how I got so lucky.  We are looking forward to being able to take our family to our favorite restaurant, but it appears that might still be several weeks away from that happening.  It doesn't matter though...we will get there and we will celebrate!

Celebrating my grandmother

Three weeks ago my paternal grandmother turned 86.  We were out of town that weekend, but I wanted to make sure we got up to celebrate.  Life with three busy teens makes that challenging, but we finally made it up there today.  My mom joined us and we brought lunch in.  It was so nice to visit.  She is the most amazing woman I've ever met.  She gets around absolutely wonderfully.  She definitely is not one of those older people who live in denial regarding any diminished capacity.  In fact, she is probably more capable of things then she gives herself credit for, but she feels that at her age there are certain things she shouldn't do anymore.  It was absolutely wonderful to celebrate her today!

It all came together at just the right time

Last night was a really good evening for Robert and Catherine.  Both the boys and the girls swimming teams won the league meet.  It's the eleventh year in a row that our swim teams have won.  The girls team won by over 100 points, and the boys team won by over 250 point.  They are pretty awesome!

Catherine was able to cut 3 seconds off her PR and we are all pleased.  In addition to Robert's outstanding performance in the 200 free, he also cut 6 seconds off his 100m backstroke, and finished in 3rd (behind two teammates)!  Apparently it was a very exciting race as it was neck and neck coming down to the end, and Robert finished about 1/4 of a second in front of fourth place.  Astounding!  Coach was so excited and proud of him!  I really wish I had seen it, but such is life.  He was also on a relay team that came in 3rd place, so he had a really great evening.

I'm so grateful for my kids to be part of something so wonderfully positive!

So proud of and excited for my oldest kiddo

Tonight was our league swim meet.  Thomas didn't want to go along, and I don't blame him.  Andrew was in charge of taking tickets, and I decided to help him with that.  I had told Thomas that I would be home by 8:00.  Because Andrew is working as a school employee, he has to stay until the end.

Catherine is only in one event this evening, and it is towards the end so I knew I wouldn't see it.  Robert is in four events, but three of them are in the last four events, so I knew I would only see his first event.  That one happened to be the 200m freestyle.  He was in the "b" heat, as his best time of the season seeded him as the 10th best time (we have a 9 lane pool).  Robert absolutely blew everyone away and completely dominated his heat.  He cut 20 seconds off his personal record!  As we were watching the "a" heat, we realized that Robert's time was actually better than some in the heat.  In fact, he was better than most in the heat, and had the fifth best time overall.  We were happy for him, but it was our impression that you could only officially place in the event if you were in the "a" heat.  Therefore we were absolutely astounded when we heard his name over the PA as being on the medal stand as the fifth place winner!  We were so excited for him!

I am so happy for how his hard work has paid off!  I am so proud and excited for my kiddo!

The students have returned

Last weekend the university students returned to campus in town.  This is never our favorite thing.  The day that they return the traffic outside of our neighborhood can be ridiculous.  It's not hard to get out of the neighborhood if we are heading east out of town, but if we need to go west into town we might be sitting awhile.  And furthermore, we would definitely sit at the stoplight upon arriving at campus...and probably through several cycles because the traffic is so bad.

And of course they are now here.  When we purchased our home, I loved the fact that it was east of town because it made it easier to get back to our former town as well as my hometown.  I'm a little less enamored at this point however.  To go to anything in town, we have to go through campus.  It's obviously not enough to make me want to move or anything, but it sure is a pain when students are constantly walking out in front of you!

My little Steelers fan

The Steelers game didn't go quite as we had hoped last evening.  In fact, there really was no point after about the first quarter during which we could even maintain much optimism.  It just wasn't our night.  And losing to the "Deflatriots" as my youngest calls them, makes it even worse.

My little guy sure tried to bring them good mojo though.  Andrew and I were both dressed in our jerseys, but Thomas took it to the next level.  He had on his jersey, and underneath it was a Steelers t-shirt and over it was another Steelers shirt.  He had on his Steelers sleep pants and brought out (although he wouldn't wear) his Steelers jester hat.  When it became painful we decided it was time for him to go to bed even though the game wasn't over, he was wrapped in his Steelers blanket and sleeping on his Steelers pillow.  He sure tried to will them to victory!

I think it's sad

I'll be honest, this weekend has made me very sad.  Yesterday's marches across the world highlight what I mean.  I've heard women (and their supporters) who marched called those who don't support a disgrace.  This is completely untrue.  I've heard those who don't support call those who do support a disgrace.  This is completely untrue.  It makes me so very sad that what is really happening is that no one wants to listen to anyone who doesn't completely agree with them.  It's really so very sad.  I know that I certainly don't have all the answers.  Sadly, so many people seem to think they do have all the answers and they seem to think they are the only acceptable answers.  I'll be honest, I am sad and I am scared for the future.  Lots of prayers are happening.

A day of a lot of fear and sadness

This is NOT connected to the post I wrote earlier (although that doesn't help).  Today, less than two hours away from my home, was a school shooting.  To say that it makes me sick to my stomach doesn't even begin to describe my feelings.  They showed parents who were lined up waiting to be reunited with their children.  Having experienced something much, much, MUCH less involved last week with the school bomb threat, I couldn't help but cry as I watched the video of those parents.  I know that my imagination most likely doesn't even begin to come close to what those parents were feeling.

In addition, a young lady was found deceased in her dorm at the local university.  She is a freshman.  The spring semester has not yet begun (it resumes next week), so it most likely was just a few weeks ago that she was home celebrating the holidays with her parents.  I can't even imagine receiving that phone call.

I've also learned that five teenagers from a county high school were injured in a car accident this morning.  As a parent, I'll be honest, it brings the emotions front and center!

I just can't be as excited about it

Eight years ago today I wrote about the history that I was witnessing as Barak Obama was inaugurated.  I wrote about how much I thought it meant to have a man of color as the President and how grateful I was that my children were witnessing it.

I don't want this to be a political blog...not even close.  I want it to be an honest blog though, and I just can't feel happy about today.  In fact, I'm actually feeling sad and morose.  I've been attempting to live in denial for the last two months, and now reality is smacking us in the face.  I have absolutely no desire to watch it, and I have no intention either.  It's going to happen whether I watch it or not, so I don't see any reason to put myself though it.  I've never felt this way about an election before...ever.  I'm scared for our country, but more than anything I am scared for my children and future.

I still choose to live with faith though.  I truly believe everything will work out.  I have to believe that.  Ultimately, I want to hug my loved ones, and try to be as kind and respectful person as I can be, and I hope that my children emulate that.

Power outage in the middle of the night

Last night, just before 2:30, I heard the power go out.  One might wonder how I "heard" it...I have a fan that runs all night to drown out the noises of our house.  I'm a very light sleeper and I really need the white noise to sleep at night.  I heard the fan stutter and then stop working.  I realized there was no light anywhere.  I immediately got up and managed my way down the hall to get a flashlight.  I then grabbed my cell phone so that I could set an alarm for the morning.  I also unplugged all the TV's and the computer so that when the electricity came back on, there wouldn't be any damage from a possible surge.  Then I went back to bed.  Of course, without the fan, I had an extremely difficult time sleeping.  In addition, every time Andrew moved I would be wide awake because I didn't want him to panic when he saw the power was out.   I was also trying to think of what everyone could eat for breakfast and how we could all get ready without light.  I eventually fell asleep, but sure enough, when Andrew realized I heard him exclaim, and I immediately assured him I had set my phone alarm.  The power ended up being out a little over 90 minutes total.

I'll be honest, I had already stayed up later last night than I should've, and I was tired even before that.  I am DRAGGING today.  I am just dog-tired.  I am working again today, and as usually happens when I sub at the high school, the class has desk work and there really isn't much for me to do (especially when I don't speak a word of French).  At one point I was pretty terrified that I was going to fall asleep.  About 45 minutes ago, I found myself not only counting down until the end of the school day (although I'm going to my second job at the church directly from here so that doesn't really matter)  I am even counting down until I can go to bed.  I hate wishing away an entire day, but last night's lack of sleep is making today tough!  Thank goodness today is Friday and we can sleep in tomorrow!

Tomorrow is french

Tomorrow I get to sub in a french class.  I've also learned that I'm apparently covering another class as well, which means no plan period.  That doesn't thrill me, but it is what it is.  I've been in Ag class twice this week.  It's a different Ag class than the one that caused me such stress and grief last month...this one has awesome kids!  I'm so grateful for these opportunities to earn extra money.  It will be especially helpful as we are gutting and renovating our kids'/guest bathroom, but that is another post!

We can't have a snow day with these temps

There is soooo much precipitation in our forecast.  In fact, I can't remember the last time I needed my sunglasses when driving.  It was probably sometime last week, but it's been quite a while.  If this were coming down as snow...oh the snow days that we would be having!  Unfortunately, our temps are in the 50's and might even hit 60 this weekend.  That certainly means no snow, and without snow we can't have a snow day!  Still plenty of winter left, but I sure would like it if we could have a bonus day off!

A relaxing Monday morning

Our family truly enjoyed our Monday morning.  We needed it!  The older kids' lock-in ended up being cancelled last night, and that meant we were all home shortly after 8:30.  It also meant no one had to be anywhere until Noon today, and ALL of us slept in.  In fact, I didn't get up until 10:00 today.  I'm sure that will make the fact that I have to be at work tomorrow at 7:00 feel rough, but my body needed some catch up.  Andrew made us fried mush for dinner last evening, and the recipe always lasts through at least one more meal.  I'm so grateful to find a meal that is so inexpensive that we all really like.  We add eggs and/or a breakfast meat to it, and even try to add some fruit.  It works for us.

The kids' swim meets went fairly well this weekend.  Catherine especially is ready for the grueling schedule to end.  I can't blame her.  I'm looking forward to the three weeks that will happen between swim season and the beginning of track, but even then practices are after school so our evenings will have some family togetherness again.  As we are into the second semester of Robert's junior year, those moments become even more precious!

Saturday of a long weekend

This is the kind of long weekend I like...the kind with a third day, not just so many activities it feels long!  The kids have the second kind of long as well though.  They had to be at the pool at 6:15 this morning for a swim meet, and again tomorrow at 7:15.  Robert had a date with Chelsea this evening and he also has to work tomorrow evening.  After work, he and Catherine are going to a youth group lock-in at church.  Robert also has a dentist appointment Monday afternoon while there is no school.  So the kids have a lot going on!

Unfortunately, there was chance of freezing rain throughout the day, and I was unable to attend my cousin Frank's funeral today.  I regret that I wasn't able to pay my respects, but even more so I regret that I wasn't able to visit with family.  My cousins from Massachusetts are in town and I can never visit with them enough.  I probably could've made the trip, but I just wasn't confident enough in the weather.  Instead, I made sure I was productive today and all of the Christmas decorations, with the exception of the trees, are down and packed away.  Tomorrow I'll be spending the bulk of my day at the swim meet (Andrew's work shift was today) and then we'll watch the Steelers game in the evening.  I might go in to church to work for a bit on Monday, but even so I'll get to sleep in.  I am very excited about that!

Excitement I could've done without

Today I was working in a first grade classroom.  An announcement came mid-afternoon that we all needed to check our emails because there were going to be some dismissal changes.  My kids happened to be in gym at the time, so I walked to the office since I don't have access to teacher emails.  They explained that there was a bomb threat at the high school and that school was on lock down.  The building was being searched with bomb-sniffing dogs, and classes were being dismissed one-at-a-time.  Because the buses were being delayed, it would cause a chain reaction to the elementary dismissal as well.  So not only were two of my immediate family members in a locked-down building with a bomb threat, I was facing an unplanned hour with first graders I didn't really know!  I immediately called Andrew because he doesn't have a class at the end of the day.  He was safe and felt confident it was a hoax, but we completely understood the choices and actions they were taking.  Andrew let me know about an hour later that he had been evacuated and was home.  We had no word on Catherine.  For the first time I wished I had allowed my kids to have cell phones at school.  Even though I was certain she was fine, I just hated the fact that we really didn't know what was going on.  She finally made it home over an hour later than normal.  In the meantime, so many kids at the elementary had parents come to pick them up that I was sent home, and I'm so very grateful for that.  I couldn't wait to hug my family when I got home.  I know that it absolutely could've been worse, but it was definitely excitement I would've been happy to avoid!

Decorations are still up

I know I wrote early last week about taking down the Christmas decorations.  I didn't do it though, although maybe I should have.  Tuesday I worked and we had unexpected (and much enjoyed!) company.  Wednesday I did some errand running with the younger kids on their last day home.  Thursday I was preparing (laundry/packing, etc.) for our weekend trip.  We were gone Friday morning until Sunday evening.  I worked Monday (both at school and church) and Tuesday at the school, then last evening the kids had a swim meet.  Today I was trying to get laundry caught up and get some reports ready for a monthly meeting this evening.  I also got caught up on general household chores.  Tomorrow I work again, and again Friday morning.  This weekend the kids have all-day swim meets both Saturday and Sunday, and I also have a funeral to attend.  So yep, the Christmas decorations are up and might be for almost another week.  And you know what?  I am totally okay with that!  My house is picked up and put together.  I find the decorations quaint and cozy, and I especially love the trees and all the memories hanging on them.  I also love the pictures that are taken each year of the kids (or our entire family) in front of the tree and are currently sitting in our family room where we spend most of our time...I enjoy those memories as well.  I've decided life is way too short to worry about something so trivial.  My plan is to just enjoy the decorations while they are out!

Maybe he really is a rock star

I sit on a community committee run by our school superintendent.  When introducing me one time, she described my husband as a "rock star" when it comes to teachers.  I thought she was going a little overboard, but I'm biased and do think he is pretty special.  I'm working next door to him again today, and as my classes are generally working quietly, I've been able to hear him since we both have our doors open.  I really love listening to him teach.  His enthusiasm and passion for his subject blows me away.  He has a fabulous rapport with his students, and is truly well-liked and respected by them.  Honestly, listening to him this morning, I kind of fell in love with him all over again.  He's amazing and I'm so incredibly proud to be his wife.

It is also very sweet how protective he is of me.  The group I have second period is a pretty challenging group.  I walked next door after that class and told him about an issue I had (and dealt with).  He was out in the hall looking for the young man so he could have a word with him.  He couldn't find him and honestly, it was over and done with and it was fine.  But it sure is sweet that my hubby feels that way about me!

RIP Frank

This morning when the alarm went off at 5AM, I realized I had awakened with a migraine.  That is never a fun way to begin my day...never.  My normal attempts with sinus pills and ibuprofen didn't do the trick and I ended up having to take an actual migraine pill.  I'm happy to report it worked, but sadly, I really, really want to sleep and since I'm working today that is not an option.

After taking a quick shower for the day, I checked my computer for any information I might need for the day.  I was stunned to receive an email from my cousin letting me know her brother died.  This is a first-cousin to my dad, and he was only in his late 60's.  They had just buried his mother-in-law yesterday, and he suffered a heart attack last night and passed away.  It was such a shock, and my heart breaks for his wife.  Growing up, I was very close to this particular branch of the family, although as time has passed, I've become much closer to his siblings.  This turned out to be a really rough start to my day!  It was so unexpected and such a shock...you just never know in life.  My prayers are being sent up to his family!

It's really kind of cute

I am back in the classroom today, and I'm pleased to be here.  I am a couple of doors down from Andrew, and I'm subbing for a first year teacher who works closely with Andrew.  Last evening when I saw this job was available he was excited about having me in the building so close.  He has come down a couple of times to check on me and just to make sure everything is going okay.  It's really kind of cute.  It probably has something to do with the last time I was at the high school where I honestly was beginning to fear for my physical safety...that's how awful the class was and Andrew didn't like the thought of that.  Even though this is a totally different experience, it's really sweet that he is keeping an eye on things!

Pat's final gift to our family

This weekend our family made a whirlwind, 1100 mile driving trip in 55 hours.  I wrote in September how our family was stunned by the loss of a friend.  This woman loved my children with all of her heart, and we were so very thankful that she was a part of our lives.  Her family had a memorial service this weekend and we drove over to be there.  I can't help but feel that this weekend was Pat's final gift to us.

Her husband came by on his way through Tuesday evening and we were able to spend a few hours with him then.  Our family then left Friday morning and drove eight hours Friday.  We found a great little place to stay, and Andrew and I both commented on how much we enjoyed our Friday evening together as a family.  We were all in one hotel room, but not a room that was so small we were all on top of each other.  It was really perfect.  We had dinner together and laughed together, and just enjoyed each other.  Yesterday we finished the drive and were able to spend a few hours visiting with her family.  It was wonderful to see her kids whom we had met before, as well as meet her absolutely adorable grandchildren.  It was also nice to meet her siblings and extended family.  Everyone was so welcoming, and I'm so grateful we were able to make the trip.  After we left the service we drove about half way back to home and spent the night with Andrew's parents.  Even though we were only there about 15 hours, they were absolutely thrilled to have us overnight and for breakfast this morning.  We left after breakfast and returned home early evening...in time for Robert to get some drive time in and for the other two to work on homework from missing school.

I just kept thinking to myself that Pat would be very pleased to know that although the reason for the trip made us sad, the fact that we had so much time as a family, and with her family and my in-laws, would have made her very happy.  I am grateful for this weekend, and her final gift to us.

I got my wish!

I received an email about 45 minutes ago that the swim meet was cancelled.  I was ecstatic!  The email went on to say that the coach had been informed he was not allowed to practice this evening.  He is pretty intense, so he was NOT pleased.  I then received an email from Catherine that her Mock Trial practice had been cancelled due to the early release of school today.  This was new information to me!  I checked our school's website and sure enough, they are getting out 75 minutes early.  Because of that, Thomas's after school running club is cancelled and we'd already received word that youth group is cancelled.  I checked with Andrew, and he says that his meeting has also been cancelled.  That means that we have truly been given the gift of time.  I am so excited, and so incredibly grateful!  I'm almost giddy!!!

Hoping for cancellations

Everyone is back to school today.  I'm not going to lie, it was a tough morning.  It is generally my least favorite school day of the year, but I'm grateful it isn't a Monday on top of it.  In fact, we are expecting to leave town tomorrow morning so this is the only school day this week for the youngest two!

Anyway, we are expecting 2 - 4" of snow during the day today.  It only began as a dusting this morning so of course there is school, and there is going to be a mid-day break.  However, it is supposed to get heavy and icky this evening.  I would love, absolutely love if the swim meet for the evening would be cancelled.  I know my kids enjoy them, but with us leaving in the morning it would be great if we could have the opportunity this evening to get ourselves packed tonight rather than tomorrow morning.  It's probably not going to happen that way, but I can dream!

The last six weeks

Six weeks ago was the very first day of Thanksgiving break.  Today is the very last day of winter break.  These six weeks are pretty much my favorite six weeks of the year...especially those that fall during the school year!  I really, really love Thanksgiving.  As much as I usually love the Christmas season, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  Maybe it is because it leads right into the Christmas season!  I also just love the long weekend that is usually very unscheduled, that includes lots of family, lots of traditions, and awesome college football!

Today though, is the end of all of that.  I'm always a little bit sad and depressed by this.  Probably because it is never further away from the next holiday season then the end of the current one, but I'm also sure it has to do with school lives as well.  We are really into the thick of the school year and it's busy, but the weather is also cold.  I'm great with snow, not so in love with just the general cold.

What I need to remember though, is that each day, regardless of how mundane or stressful or chaotic or even sometimes unpleasant, is still a blessing.  I try to hold on to that, and I'll be honest, I'm also hoping for several (not just a few, but SEVERAL) snow days that might help our family to have some togetherness!

Happy birthday to my husband

Today is the birthday of my best friend.  I'm so incredibly grateful to have this man in my life.  I can't imagine spending any of this without him, and he's just amazing.  He's an amazing husband and an amazing father.  I absolutely hit the jackpot!

Thinking about undecorating

Even though I like the decorations to stay up until a little later, since reality is beginning I'm seriously considering taking down the decorations.  I'm especially enjoying the trees so I kind of don't want them to come down.  At the same time, I really, really don't feel as though I was ever in the Christmas spirit this year.  I'm not sure if it was because we had very little snow and very mild temps, or if it was because I went back to work and life was so busy.  I normally love sending my cards out and can't wait to get to them, but this year I started two weeks later than normal and it felt like "work", not the pleasure I normally feel.  There was also this break.  The kids had swim practice every day from 8-10AM and then again from 5:30-7:30PM.  Andrew and I appreciate the need to be committed to the team, but it has serious consequences on our family time.  Not once over break did we play any family board games, nor did we have an opportunity to go see any lights.  Most evenings, we didn't even get to eat dinner together.  It really was the exact opposite of last year's break  I enjoyed Christmas, but I just don't feel like I "felt" Christmas, and I really regret that.  I'm not going to lie...swim season really can't end soon enough!

Easing back into reality

Tomorrow, Robert returns to school.  I'll be honest, in no way do I look forward to being up at 5AM.  It is what it is though, and it is early.  Andrew heads back for a teacher work day on Wednesday, and then the younger two go back on Thursday.  Tomorrow Catherine has to be at swim at 8AM and then I have to go into the office for church items, so once I get up at 5 I'll pretty much be up.  Wednesday I can go back to sleep after Robert gets on the bus, and I'll be honest, that is exactly what I plan to do!  It's kind of nice to be able to ease back into the craziness!

New year = vacation booking

Our family sat down yesterday and booked this year's vacation.  We had purposely saved to make this year's vacation special since there is a good chance this will be the last one we get together.  Robert is planning to enlist in the Navy and will be able to do so at the end of May.  That will mean in 2018 when he graduates, we have know idea when he'll need to be reporting, so we decided to make this one awesome.  After our fabulous trip last year, our family decided we wanted to go back to the Outer Banks again.  We decided that since we had saved, we would allow ourselves to splurge on the lodging.  We have a rented a house that is soundfront and it's located in an amazing resort with ocean front pools and snackbars and so many amenities it's just amazing.  It's hard not to wish away the next five months, but we definitely don't want to do that.  It sure will be fun when it happens though!

#1700 at the beginning of the year

A milestone post that begins the new year...hard to believe!  We are spending a very, very quiet day as most of us are very, very tired.  Robert had a fairly quiet New Year's eve with his girlfriend, and it sounds as though Catherine and Thomas enjoyed their evening with my mom, and my mom definitely enjoyed her evening with them.  They also got to see both of my grandmothers while they were there.

Meanwhile, we were having a fabulous evening.  So many of our dear friends were in attendance, and in many ways it was even better than "old times".  There were six couples and one additional friend (she and kids didn't stay until Midnight) and several of the kiddos.  I particularly enjoyed hanging out with the teenagers, strangely enough.  I couldn't help but think back to the evening I took the then third-grader and second-grader to meet their teachers, and last evening I sat there with the senior and junior and enjoyed their senses-of-humor and laughed with them.  I was so grateful for these friends who have been a part of our lives for so long that I've watched the kids grow up, just like they've all watched mine grow up.  While I missed ringing in the year with my kids, I'm so grateful to have been able to ring it with others we love so much.

At Midnight, we were all very wide awake...and continued that way.  We ended up all being up until 4AM, so I'm very grateful we just slept there which is half way to my hometown anyway!  It wasn't difficult to get up and moving this morning to go get our kiddos (I went after the younger two, Andrew picked up Robert) and then we all got home here about the same time...where we are spending our quiet day!