Life should be colorfully fun

This morning I am subbing in an English/Language Arts classroom.  I really love being at the high school and had been looking forward to this day.  I really enjoy the teacher, as a person, for whom I am subbing.  I was looking in her desk drawer for a pen, and she has so many different colors of ink.  I chose purple as the pen I would use for the day.  During second period, I decided to work on my grocery list, and I found myself feeling happy about using the purple pen.  I think I am going to buy some when I'm out and about soon.  It is a fairly inexpensive purchase, and if it can make me happy just by being around the colors, why not?  It made me think...life should be full of fun colors!

It's always good to visit with friends

This past weekend we had made plans to visit with our friends who recently moved out of town.  With college football not yet having started, we knew this would be the best time to head over their way, and the rest of life just isn't too crazy yet.  We left late afternoon and Jodi made us dinner.  We had such a lovely visit and truly enjoyed ourselves.  We were there about four hours and still made it home before it was awfully late.  It was tough to say good-bye because we aren't entirely sure when we'll get to see them again, but it was absolutely wonderful to be able to spend the time together that we did.  I love how Jodi put it later, "Old-town friends sharing dinner in our new-town backyard makes our hearts (and bellies) full."  And as someone who not too long ago was the the new-town person, I totally get it.

Time to run again

I've changed my blog to show runners again.  It is that time of year...cross country season!  Andrew and I have both talked about the things we are going to miss about Robert graduating, and not being at cross country meets is pretty much at the top of the list.  Saturday was the first meet of the season.  Robert has been blowing everyone away in the little races and challenges that they have been having at practice, and to be honest was being not-too-humble about it.  I kept reminding him that he had to sustain for three miles and not just run as far as you can for six minutes...doesn't work that way in a meet.  To be honest, he didn't look particularly good at the half way point, although he claimed he was running six minute miles.  He ended up finishing over 20 minutes because he apparently developed blisters, and pretty severe ones, on his feet.  In fact, no matter what shoes he put on the rest of the weekend he limped a bit.  On the upside, it brings him back to earth a bit, and hopefully will provide motivation to help him have significant improvement this season!

It still makes me emotional a year later

A year ago today was the day Robert collapsed and Thomas ran his first ever cross country meet and finished last, but to the cheers and applause of his teammates and so many others.  That morning is seared into my brain.  I experienced so many different emotions, and such dramatic emotions in such a short period of time.  As I was re-reading my post from one year ago today, I'll be honest...tears began again.  I'm so grateful for that memory, even as emotional as it made me.  They were truly special moments.

In the classroom with my youngest

Today I was able to be Thomas's social studies teacher.  To be honest, I loved it!  I try to avoid middle school and am successful for the most part, but I always told Thomas I would take jobs if I could have him.  This particular teacher is also a friend, and I love American History.  I also feel that any days worked this early in the year are a bonus, as it usually doesn't happen that way.  Thomas was looking forward to having me.  I asked if I should act like I had never seen him before.  He said I shouldn't, but I kind of did anyway.  It's just so cute.  I love seeing him interact with his classmates, and overall things seem to be good for him this year.  I'm so grateful for this day!

The first full week always feels rough

The first full week of school always feels the roughest I think, especially when it isn't the week in which you start.  There is no excitement or adrenaline...just the mundane and already routine.  There is homework and the feeling of sleep deprivation is fresh.  Our bodies still want to be on summer time, but we are up at 5AM.  It's just a little tough.

We've made it though!  It is still a rather full day as I am working, and Robert not only has cross country practice but also has to work this evening.  Catherine has to attend the away football game for band, and I'm not sure if Andrew is going along to stat or not.  Thomas and I, however, have no where we have to be once Thomas is home from football practice at 6.  I am soooo looking forward to the evening of nothingness for he and I.  He had a rough late night last night, and I think we both could use some extra sleep with an early bedtime!

Student move-in day

Today is the day that the local college students return.  I enjoyed the 14 weeks without them, but it is that time again.  The mini-vans and the large SUV are all parading into town.

I know a few of the students this year.  Some are from this school, some from our former town.  I am distinctly aware of the parents this year.  I am trying to imagine what is going through the minds of those parents.  After all, I myself have a senior.  Next year though, there is no dropping him off at college.  We will instead be taking him to the state capital and he will be gone for eight weeks.  It won't be terribly long after that when he could literally be anywhere in the world.  I am sure I will be emotional when the time comes, but this has been something he has always wanted to do and I am so happy it is happening for him.

The other thing I can't believe is that is has been 25 years since I was one of these students!  How did an entire quarter century go by so fast?  I can not even imagine what the next 25 years are going to bring, but I hope and pray it is full of as many blessings as these have been!

A morning just like old times

This morning Thomas and I both have dental appointments.  I had been debating about whether or not to send him to school since I would have to get him less than an hour after school begins.  Knowing that he would be in bed late last night because of a football game (he still is in concussion protocol) I was leaning towards letting him sleep in and stay home.  When I realized that today is freshman move-in day and traffic is going to be wretched, I decided there was no reason to drive in the chaos more than necessary.  He didn't have to get up until 90 minutes after Andrew and Catherine left for school.  Right now it is just he and I, just like it used to be all those years when he didn't have to go to school until after the others.  The TV is a little different though.  There is no Mickey Mouse, or Paw Patrol, or Sid the Science Kid.  There are now teen shows on TV.  I can live with it though.  Love this time with him!

Photo memories

Over Labor Day weekend, we are having a family gathering to celebrate my maternal grandmother's 88th birthday.  She actually turned 88 in May, but my mother doesn't want to wait until her 90th.  She said you just never know.  It's true.  There is nothing to indicate my grandmother won't be around in another couple of years, but you just don't know.  I never complain about an excuse to gather with family!

We are getting together at my mom's house.  She is basically handling everything with a little bit of help from her siblings.  In discussions, I offered to put together some photo collages that could be displayed.  Last evening I finally had the opportunity to sit down and go through my photos of the last 30 years.  I'm hoping some other family members will be able to assist with older ones, but I've got what I've got.  A couple of the photos made me sad for a variety of reasons.  In many of the older photos, so many loved ones have passed away.  Even in not-so-long-ago photos, seeing my kids so sweet and tiny made me a little sad.  I love watching my kids grow into the people they are becoming, but I miss those little people.

I'm looking forward to getting this all together!

Today's eclipse

Today was the big eclipse.  I'll be honest, I'm not remotely a science person so I hadn't really given it one bit of thought until about two weeks ago.  By then, there was no finding any glasses or anything to make it safe.  I was thrilled to hear that the entire middle school was going to get to participate, because Thomas was definitely the one that cared the most.  I'm a little disappointed that he had football after school today (indoors) and I'll be at band by the time he gets home.  I can't wait to hear what he thought about it.  The high school also had some available and Catherine took advantage.  We were not in totality, but were at 89-90%...pretty darn good!  I was able to see the crescent shapes by looking through my colander.  It got darker than normal, but both Catherine and I agreed it wasn't as dark as we had expected.  It was more eerie than anything else.  I'm just grateful the clouds stayed away so we could experience what we could experience!

The first day for being home with Abby

Since I worked all three school days last week, today was the first day I've been home with just Abby.  I'll be honest, the kids did a really fabulous job of taking care of our dog once she came to live with us.  I'm grateful too, because they were the ones who really wanted the dog.  I love her and she is sweet, but I could've lived without having a dog.  The kids though had always wanted a dog, and she has been wonderful addition to our home, and I'm grateful the kids were so good about taking care of her.

Today though, it is just she and I.  To be honest, she mostly just slept since early this morning.  Shortly after Andrew and the kids left, she and I took a walk, and by that point she had been up about two hours.  She has pretty much slept since then.  Tomorrow I'm going to have to run a bunch of errands, and she'll be by herself for awhile, but I'm glad we spent today together!

How I plan to spend my week

You know the saying, "If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans"?  That was last week.  I'm not complaining though.  I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work those three days.  August sub jobs are few, so I consider any that I am fortunate enough to have to be a bonus.  As I told Andrew yesterday, I will consider myself lucky if I work even one day this week.

I am hoping to be so productive this week.  I have things that need to be donated to Goodwill, and my bedroom needs a serious organizing and cleaning.  I would love to paint the bedroom hallway, but since I haven't even picked a paint color that seems unlikely.  My Thursday is filled with doctor appointments but overall, I expect to have time to get things caught up around here!

Thank goodness we start on Wednesday

I am more grateful than I can put into words that we begin school on a Wednesday.  I really can't fathom having to go through two more days of this level of exhaustion.  With today being Friday, it gives us the "lift" we need to get through the day!

The transition is always tough, but having me working at the school has been an added challenge.  I didn't find out I was going to be working until late on Tuesday, so I had put things off thinking I would have the three days of quiet to get them done.  We ran the dishwasher two days ago and still haven't put the clean dishes away, so of course that means all of the dirty dishes are now stacked around the kitchen.  I haven't read the mail since Tuesday, and the piles of laundry I had created thinking I would get to them when the kids went back to school are now strewn everywhere.  We look like crazy slobs.  I'm also grateful that our sweet Abby, our new dog, doesn't have to be crated for another eight hours tomorrow.  She is not enjoying that at all!

Because of Abby, everyone is also up a little earlier than we were last year.  Andrew is getting up to walk her on days where we know I'm working so he's up earlier than normal.  Robert and I are up earlier anyway because his bus now comes by 5:30 (isn't that ridiculous??).  Catherine and Thomas are also up earlier because we want them to play with Abby for a bit in the morning before she has to spend the day in her crate.  I'm looking forward to the days where I can be home with her and everyone might get even just an extra 15 minutes of sleep.

Robert has to work this evening and I feel badly for him, because the rest of us will be RELAXING.  We'll do some cleaning up around the house, but mostly going to just "be" this evening.  Tomorrow we are headed to my home town for a family birthday party, and then Sunday there is a neighborhood event we need to attend (and Andrew has to help with).  Other than that, we are going to catch up!

We moved four years ago

It just doesn't seem possible that we have lived in our house in this town for four full years.  I don't think I'll ever feel like this town is home, but I do love being in these schools and I love our church.  I especially love our house.  The last four years have absolutely flown by.  I can't believe that in four years we will be starting Thomas's senior year of high school.  Time just flies!

An interesting first day

Day one of this school year is in the books.  It was really strange for me not to be home, but it gave me an opportunity to not be sad about the end of summer or to miss everyone.  At the same time, the class I was in is a remedial reading class, so some of the kids are challenging.  We'll get through the next two days though.  It is also weird that Thomas isn't home.  He has a football scrimmage this evening.  Even though he can't play, he is there with the team.  I really hate that I haven't been able to hear all about his first day yet.  Hopefully it won't be terribly late before they get home.

Robert had an interesting day as well.  He gets on the bus at 5:30 A.M. (obscenely early) and because there is no cross country practice today I was expecting him home around 3:00.  At 4:00 the phone rang.  I hadn't been worried because honestly, it seemed odd he would be home so early.  It was Robert telling me that they weren't supposed to ride home on the same bus that had taken them to school in the morning and a bunch of them were on the wrong bus.  As he put it, quite an adventure!

Overall, it was a good first day!  I'm already tired and not necessarily looking forward to the craziness of the school year, but I'm very grateful that it seems everyone is on track for a good year!

An unexpected beginning to the school year

I've been planning what I'm going to do with all of my alone time in these early days of the school years.  Most of my thoughts consisted of cleaning, organizing, and just enjoying the quiet.  I received a phone call today though, and that won't be happening this week.  A teacher at the high school left for a new job and the replacement can't begin this week.  I'm a little sad that it won't be my "normal" first day, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to earn an extra three days of income.  Clearly, I wouldn't be working otherwise.  I'm sure I'll still be off most, if not all, of next week and I'll get my things done then.  I'll still be sure to take pictures (especially since this is Robert's final first day) and we'll definitely be off and running for this school year!

August is a tough month

I've written many times over the years how August is a tough month.  It's hot, and I don't handle heat well.  It is back-to-school, and that means the craziness and stress of the school year is back in full swing.  It's also been very, very emotional with deaths and illnesses over the many years.  It's just a tough, tough month.

This year, we are reminded it can also be a tough month financially!  With the car purchase last spring and the bathroom remodel, we are being careful not to drain our money.  Back-to-school sure doesn't help though.  All of the school and activity fees are due in August, along with the new school-year supplies and other purchases that are required.  It also doesn't help that August is a month where I'm not collecting a substitute teaching paycheck, and didn't last month either.  In that regard, school starting is a GOOD thing!

It really seems so hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day of summer break.  Where did it all go??

Some sadness in my little home town

Friday evening I learned that the younger brother of a classmate passed away.  His sister in my class was not someone I knew well, nor did I consider her a friend.  I did however, have several classes with her in high school and we always got along.  I liked her a great deal.  I was very sorry to see that he had passed before the age of 40.  I am unaware of the circumstances, but regardless what they may have been, it is definitely a shame.

Yesterday, I also learned of the passing of a schoolmate's mom.  This woman was one of the most well known members of our little community, and she herself was native.  Her family had been through so, so much.  Her daughter Carrie (whom I never knew) was killed in a bicycling accident just before starting high school.  There was a daughter a year younger than me that I did know, and Maggie was someone everyone loved.  It was Maggie's mom that was sitting behind me at a basketball game when I learned our Homecoming queen my junior year, and a good friend of Maggie's, had been killed in a car accident.  Just five months later, the family was together before school started when Maggie's dad dropped dead from a heart attack.  This family had endured more than most people can even imagine in just six short years.  Because of it all, they were very close.  I am so sad for this family that they are grieving again, but know that she was suffering at the end.  I am grateful for her reconciliation with her husband and beloved daughter, but am sad for those left behind.  Keeping them in my prayers.

It's starting to feel like a real Sunday

This may seems like an odd post title.  After all, it is 6:30 in the evening, it is "starting" to feel like Sunday?  And what is a "real" Sunday?  Sundays in the summer don't feel like Sundays during the school year.  The twelve Sundays in the summer scream of freedom and relaxation.  No matter the weather, or the time, or anything, Sundays in the summer are just fabulous.  However, there are 52 weeks in the year, and only 12 summer Sundays.  There are other "fun" Sundays with no school the next day.  There is Labor Day, President's Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend.  There is Easter Sunday, and usually two Sundays during the holidays, and all of these don't have school the next day.  They are still fabulous, but they aren't summer Sundays.  Summer Sundays have more fun possibilities than any other time of the year.  Honestly, I just don't know how to put it into words.

This one doesn't have quite the same feel as the first eleven did this summer though.  Andrew has to be at work at normal time tomorrow, and I have to be at the church office in the morning as well.  School bags are almost packed, and tomorrow is the last day that I don't have to make sure lunches are packed or clothes are ready to go.  Looking outside and it isn't yet 7:00, but the shadows are starting be longer than they used to be at this time.  This is still a summer Sunday, but it is definitely starting to get the feel of a "real" Sunday.

Difficulty in dinner planning

To be honest, I can't remember the last time I really cooked a good dinner for everyone.  I do know, it has been weeks.  For one thing, I was in charge of those dinners at band camp two weeks ago, and then since then it has been crazy in other ways.  I don't see it getting better, but we need to start eating better.

The challenge is this...I need to pick Robert up from cross country practice after school at 5.  I then need to be out the door with Catherine by 5:30 for band practice.  She needs to have eaten before then, and so do I if I need to be there (which I do again this week).  Andrew and Thomas won't be home until about 6 from football practice.  I really need to get better about doing crock pot and casserole meals.  I need to be better about planning ahead.  And of course the fact that Thomas and I are such picky eaters doesn't help either.  I'm going to try though...it's my "back to new school year" resolution!

I miss him every year when he goes back

Andrew is back at work today.  Every year, I miss him when it is time for him to go back.  I truly enjoy the time that we get to spend together in the summers...at least most of the time.  Of course there are days when we get on each other's nerves and need more time apart.  Generally though, he is the person I most want to share everything with, and he is my best friend.  I am so incredibly grateful for our summers, and I know we couldn't do it year-round...we would make each other crazy.  I miss him though!

I kind of miss shopping for little kids

This year, our back to school shopping has been minimal.  Fortunately, the needs have been few.  Robert is required to wear a uniform and that is the same as last year.  Thomas has plenty of options from being the second boy so we are set there.  I did purchase some items for Catherine, although she was already set with shoes.  The boys did receive new shoes.  Overall, it's been a year that the children understand our budget, especially after the last nine months where we purchased a very used car from my sister, a newer vehicle for Andrew, put braces on Catherine, and gutted our bathroom.  I'm grateful our children are beginning to understand the difference between "need" and "want".

While I've been out purchasing the few things we need, I can't help but notice how cute clothing is for little ones.  Sometime I even stand and gush to whomever is with me about how cute something is.  Especially when it comes to Catherine's clothes, those days seem so much simpler.  I wish I would've enjoyed them when those days were part of our lives.  I suspect that is why being a grandparent is so much fun.  You know even better to enjoy those moments that seem so mundane and simple!

Concussion

Thomas has a concussion from the first night of contact at football.  Fortunately, it is a very mild concussion.  Sadly, I knew this was pretty much inevitable.  He really doesn't know what he is doing out there.  Honestly, he is more of a flag football kind of guy.  He is out for at least the next week, and I suspect longer.  Not because it's a bad concussion or anything like that, but because I'm afraid this is his way to not get pummeled, while saving face without quitting.  I know that sounds like a horrible thought to have about my child, but I'm realistic it is a possibility.  Regardless, we are absolutely going to follow the proper protocol, and he is not going back on the field too quickly.  Hoping everything works out for the best!

One last week

This time next week we will be getting ready for school in the morning.  At this point, Robert's bus is expected to arrive even earlier than last year, which I didn't think was possible.  We are cautiously optimistic though, that eventually it will be back to a time more similar to last year.  We shall see.

This summer has flown by, but as always happens this time of year, I'm ready for the routine of school.  I'm not necessarily ready for school itself, but the craziness of the week leading up to school makes me ready for the kids to be IN SCHOOL so I can stop attending meetings, orientations, and other (sometimes ridiculous) things.  For instance, Thomas is my third child to attend our middle school, and it is the third year he has been there...our sixth year overall with a child at that school.  It seems a little ridiculous that I would need to attend orientation...again!  But I did, and we did, and it's done.

I can't believe this will be Robert's last 'first day of school'.  I know that major life changes are coming for him in less than a year, and I know that things will never be the same.  I also know though, that not all changes are bad.  Moving four years ago definitely taught me that.  I also know however, that it's going to be an emotional process.

I wish I could say that we have fun things planned for the last seven days of summer break, but that isn't the case.  Between jobs, practices, the dog, and our street being closed for paving, I think we are just going to have to find a way to have fun in little spurts here at home!

We visited my grandmother

This evening we went and visited my grandmother.  We saw her three weeks ago at my aunt's house but didn't really get to visit.  In fact, it had been nearly three months since we had truly visited, and this is the last weekend where Andrew doesn't have to work the next morning, so we made the trip up.  I so enjoy visiting with her, and I could tell that she really enjoyed it as well.  She fixed us a simple dinner of hot dogs, beans, fruit, and chips.  It was such a very lovely visit.  I'm so grateful that at my age I am still blessed with my grandmother!

New calendars

I am definitely a "Type-A" neurotic personality.  I have pretty much known this as long as I can remember.  And that is why filling out my new calendar is one of my favorite things to do!  Just about a month ago I purchased my portable calendar that is based on the academic year, and loved filling it out.  Late last week, my wall calendar arrived, and I couldn't wait to fill it out either!  I know that it is really bizarre, but I am such a planner.

And of course, I'm sure many are wondering why I even fill out a calendar.  After all, our phones clearly have calendars on them and my husband tries to be good about using it.  For me though, there is nothing like the feeling of the paper calendar.  I know I'm a dinosaur in so many ways, but it makes me happy!

It made me smile and cry all at the same time

Saturday afternoon we drove to my in-laws.  For a variety of reasons (not the least of which was being tired), I was very emotional.  Andrew and I had disagreed most of the trip, and I tried to sleep a bit, especially knowing I never sleep well at his parent's house (this trip was no exception).  Anyway, we were nearly there and were listening to a local radio station in their area.  There was some radio commercial declaring it "chicken wing day" somewhere near their town and there was an ad for discounted chicken wings.  Thomas grinned and mentioned that Grandpa sure would've like that day!  I love that even though Thomas was only almost ten when my dad passed away that he still has memories of him and things he associates with him.  I sure do miss him!

Another August has rolled around

We made a quick trip to visit my in-laws this past weekend.  It is nice to visit, and it makes my mother-in-law so emotional when we leave.  I know it has a lot to do with the fact that they can't really come to visit us anymore.

And now August has arrived.  Football (Thomas playing, Andrew coaching) and cross country are all going on.  Catherine has been involved in band for a few weeks now.  Andrew is taking a class this week, and school begins two weeks from tomorrow.  I can't believe the last ten weeks have flown by as quickly as they have.  I really feel like our summer didn't go at all like I had anticipated, but I should be used to that by now.

My biggest hope is that when my kids remember their childhoods, they look back and enjoy time we all spent together.  I hope enough of it has occurred.  I think every parent worries about that, and I try to remind myself that we have had good times!