He is officially unemployed

Two weeks ago, Robert put in his notice to resign his job.  We had talked about it with him at the beginning of the month.  He only works on weekends, and with so many things happening this month it was going to be tough for him to work at all.  And of course, since it is his last summer with us, I wanted to be able to take off and go away on the weekends if we wanted to do so.  We have managed to establish a decent savings account for him, and since he is joining the Navy he won't be spending it on college expenses, and will even have an income.  This weekend was his last scheduled weekend, but they ended up telling him not to come in.  I wasn't surprised and told him this might happen.  In food service, they most likely already have his replacement and since Robert can't do the training, they don't need to be paying both of them.  It is nice to have one last thing to put on our calendar!

The last relaxing weekend for a while

This weekend should be generally relaxing.  Robert has a track meet this evening that I am attending (third Friday in a row...ugh), and the he works tomorrow evening.  We have a church decorating commitment in the morning and Robert has a guitar lesson early afternoon.  Sunday is church and an event after the service, and there is a free concert we might attend in the afternoon.  That evening Robert will work again.  For the most part, with the exception of Robert, our family has a fairly uneventful weekend.  It will be the last one for a while.

Next weekend will start with Andrew and Robert volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity build here in town, then Robert will have his guitar lesson.  My cousin's daughter has a soccer game here in town so those of us that are available will attend that.  That evening is Prom.  He and his date are doing dinner before, and Andrew and I are also planning to attend the event to see students.  Andrew will be volunteering at the After-prom, and I'll drive Robert's girlfriend home when that is over (literally in the middle of the night).  I have done my best to clear our calendar for that Sunday.

The weekend after that is a wedding for us to attend.  The kids are spending the night at my mom's house.  That Sunday will be Mother's Day, and I suspect I will be busy cleaning the house...which I don't mind at all.  I will be grateful to have the time to work on it.

The following weekend is another crazy one.  Friday evening we will drive to my hometown to attend the graduation ceremony for a cousin.  Saturday morning Thomas should be returning from his school's D.C. trip around 6:00, and he has his first tennis lesson that morning.  We will have to get him early from there so that he can attend his Confirmation rehearsal, and the ceremony will take place the next morning.  We will be hosting a lunch at our house following that.

That is just four days before Robert graduates...and lots more craziness will happen.  I am grateful though, for these days and all our opportunities.  I've been blessed to parent these crazy kids, and although I can't believe how fast it has gone and how stressful some of the days have been, it has been wonderful.

We made it through the testing

I am so glad that we made it through the testing!  Four days this week, I spent 2-1/2 hours helping to supervise a study hall.  It wasn't hard, but it certainly wasn't much fun either.  And let's be honest, if I'm not a fan of sitting at a table in the cafeteria for 150 minutes, the students probably aren't either.  We were able to have a gym teacher open up the gym this morning to get some of the students in there, but there were many students who needed to come in at regular time but weren't testing.  Our schedule is also wacky, but today is it.  Looking forward to our weekend!

Front porch sitting

Last evening Andrew and I were finally able to enjoy a glass of wine on our front porch.  That is one of the things I love most about our house.  At our old house, the house literally sat right up at the sidewalk.  We had a lovely screened in porch, but I didn't enjoy sitting where everyone could just see us when they walked by.  It was pleasant for entertaining though, if others were over and wanted to be outside.  Although our current front porch doesn't work at all for entertaining, we now have a patio out back that works just fine for that.  And our front porch works perfectly for Andrew and I to sit next to each other and enjoy a beverage.  We sit rather far back from the road so if someone is walking by and doesn't want to acknowledge us, it isn't awkward, but not so far that we can't wave and hollar "hello" if someone does.  An evening drink on our front porch is pretty much the #1 thing I look forward to each spring.  Last evening was really ideal for it.  Often in the summer it begins to get too warm for it, but last night, with a sweatshirt, it was just perfect!  We even noticed that the buds are really starting to come out on the trees, and things are really beginning to come to life.  Although it is six weeks later than the spring equinox, it seems as though spring might really be here!

My Dad's birthday

Another year has rolled around, and today is my dad's birthday.  In some regards, it is my least favorite day of the year.  As much as I miss him, and anyone who has ever lost a parent knows how much that is, I can't even imagine the thought and feelings of my grandmother on this date.  I don't care that he was 59 years old when he passed away. no one should EVER have to outlive their child.  Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful that Grandma is still with us today, but I hate that she had to experience that lost.

Other than the memories, today is pretty much like any other day.  I am working, and will head to my church job and other errands after school.  Robert has practice after school, and tonight Thomas has youth group.  I am the parent volunteer, and this is all how it should be.  Life goes on after a loss, and Dad would love hearing all about it.

Daylight

Here we are, very near the end of April.  Last evening, Andrew commented on how much he enjoyed the fact that it was 8:30, and not yet pitch black outside.  It doesn't seem that long ago that we would be sitting in absolute darkness at 5:30!  And of course, it is also getting lighter earlier in the morning.  The other day when I went out to feed the outdoor cats, I realized it was beginning to be daybreak, and this morning when I left for work just after 6:30 A.M., it wasn't dark at all!  I very much appreciate this extra daylight in our lives!

Our family's current entertainment

Our family has never budgeted a great deal for entertainment.  Part of that is because I'm a person who just likes being at home.  Part of it is that one of my favorite things is listening to my children laugh, so I don't need to spend a lot of money...hopefully they are happy kids!  When the kids were really young, we would gather together as a family and watch The Cosby Show.  It was even funnier as parents!  Next it was all ten seasons of Friends.  I love that my kids still choose to watch that show and can actually quote some of the lines along with the episode!  We never binged with Big Bang Theory, but the kids did watch the later seasons with us.  Right now, it is Modern Family.  We never really watched that show until a few months ago.  I decided I wanted to watch it in order from the very beginning, and our family is loving it!  Even though we may have seen an episode here or there, seeing it in its entirety, or in context with the rest of the season makes it even funnier!  I love those evenings with our family!

Things I've learned since I committed to listening

Yesterday I went straight to my church job right after school.  It was raining, and I had a bit of a deadline as I wanted to get home so that I could dinner and then to the grocery.  As I pulled into the parking lot, I was annoyed to see that every space was full.  This meant parking out on the street with the meters, and since we are adjacent to campus...who knew where???  Not only did I not feel I had time for that, who wants to walk in the rain?

But I thought about some of the things that I've learned from students since I really committed to being here, physically and mentally.  I've learned about the young lady who no longer lives with her parents, and is working quite a bit in order to try to pay her own bills.  I listened as she was hurting last week because a teacher made fun of her job.  I've learned about the young lady who is living with her grandparents because her stepdad keeps kicking her out, and this weekend he kicked her mom out as well because the girls are visiting their biological dad.  I've learned about the young lady who was late to school yesterday because her boyfriend fell asleep and didn't pick her up.  She couldn't even call the boyfriend because her stepdad hadn't paid the phone bill and so there was no phone to use.  Her boyfriend fell asleep because he is so tired from working two jobs.  Even though his college is paid for through scholarships, he hasn't been to class in a month because of the jobs.  His mother is disabled, and she had a pretty serious hospitalization last year.  He is trying to pay those bills, and just doesn't seem to be able to get ahead.

Although it isn't because I listen, I've also learned about the fourth grade student who, on the last day of school before spring break, climbed under his desk and refused to come out.  He didn't want to go home.  How awful must his home life be that here he was, staring at a week at home, and he didn't want to leave school and be there?  I also learned yesterday about some students I know who lost their older brother because he was beaten to death in a drug deal.  As I read the obituary, I noticed his father is also deceased.  Andrew mentioned it was an overdose.  I know these siblings and they aren't bad kids...but I find myself wondering what kind of a chance do they have?

Suddenly, walking in the rain seemed nothing.  I shared this with my kids at dinner.  Catherine and Thomas both seemed empathetic, but Robert was clearly trying to figure out how quickly he could get away from the table.  I know it can be hard to remember how blessed we are, and even at my age I don't always feel that way.  I hope though, that my kids can learn how much caring and kindness can matter.

Testing week

This week is the school's testing week for the various state tests that are required for graduation.  There are seven tests given during the week, so the "real" classes don't begin until 10:00 each day.  Only the students who are testing are required to report at normal time.  The rest of the students don't come until classes begin, although if there is no other transportation available, they can come in and be in study hall.

Last year when I worked this week, I didn't have to come in until the regular classes began also.  I loved the week!  I vividly remember being able to go back to sleep for a couple of hours until I needed to go into school.  I was so excited that I managed to get a job for every day this week.  However, they decided that since I am a part of the school and can be helpful, I could come in at regular time and monitor study hall.  Not exactly how I planned to spend my morning hours!!!  I am flattered that they consider me part of the school, but I'm a little disappointed I'm not getting any extra sleep!

Mom's 65th birthday

Today my mom turns 65.  Because of other things happening over the years, we hadn't had a big celebration of a milestone birthday since she turned 40.  I had asked a couple of months ago about doing something, and we decided to do a pizza lunch.  Yesterday was one of the few open dates I had on my calendar, and since it was so close to her birthday, we decided to go for it!  We invited all of her family and my dad's sister and family (although most couldn't make it), as well as a few friends.  It was a lovely afternoon and we all enjoyed visiting.  Even one of her best friends drove in from Wisconsin!  It was wonderful to celebrate mom!

Tuesday's track meet

The track meet four days ago was a home meet, and it was our big invitational.  It is always my favorite meet of the year because our former school district is always there as well.  Andrew was disappointed he had to work that evening at his night class.  Thomas volunteered in the concession stand, but I was free to roam around.  I was able to see so many familiar faces, although some of the faces have changed so much in the years I didn't recognize them!  I was able to get some hugs and even meet up with the mom of Thomas's best friend.  We watched her daughter win the pole vault and tie the meet record before coming home.  As I was telling Andrew about it, he also became nostalgic.  Neither of us have ever regretted this move, and I have always known this is the best place for our family...there are so many good things that came from this move and I am proud to be in school where Andrew teaches.  At the same time, even after 4-1/2 years, this place doesn't feel like "home", and the place that does will always hold a special place in our heart.

Maybe I can make a difference

I've mentioned many times before how much I love my job.  I am so grateful for the flexibility, and I'm grateful for the extra income.  And I'm surprisingly grateful for the teenagers.  I'll be honest, I never looked forward to this phase of parenting, and it's still been worse than I thought in many regards.  However, and maybe my children will never really understand or realize this (although I sure hope they are aware of the world around them), my kids are in a stable home with a stable family surrounded by love.  We don't have to worry about paying our mortgage or putting food on the table.  They have no idea how much security they have in life, whether they choose to acknowledge it or not.

It's the reason I've decided to really focus on being at the high school for my sub jobs.  It makes the most sense for our family schedules anyway, and starting next year that will be even more the case.  I hope to occasionally take a day here and there with little ones at the elementary I like so much, but honestly, I can feel that I have a purpose here at the high school.  It never, ever hurts to let a person know that you care...and I'm here to be someone who cares.  I've begun to make an effort to let the kids know I saw them perform in the musical or was at a sporting event.  I've even chatted with some kids about how things are at home, and how the grades are going.  I plan to be one more person available who could have a relationship.  The three most important teenagers in the world to me live in my house, and I've always said it takes a village.  I'm always grateful for others who care, and I've decided I might be able to be that to someone.  It's amazing what a little kindness and caring can do!

Our newest relative

Nolan Andrew arrived yesterday at 5:51 P.M.  His parents are my first cousin's children, and he joins his sister Bella.  All is well, and we are very grateful.  I was a little disappointed though.  He was scheduled to arrive via induction on Monday, and that is my mom's birthday.  Oh well!  I am looking forward to meeting him!

It's been a week

I guess there are a couple of ways this could be read.  It could be that it's been a week since I've written, which is true, or it could be that "it's been a heck of a week", which in many ways is also true!  It's Friday though, and that is nearly always a good thing.

Last Friday I enjoyed attending Robert's track meet, and that was the end of the decent weather.  It rained all weekend, and then we had snow flurries again all day Monday.  Tuesday was cold, Wednesday wasn't much warmer, but it did begin to warm a little yesterday.  Today is better still, and it should be a decent weekend.

I worked Monday, yesterday, today.  Robert had a track meet Tuesday evening while Andrew taught his weekly class.  Wednesday we took Robert and his girlfriend to dinner, and last evening Andrew and I attended the school musical.  Tonight Robert has an away track meet, but tomorrow is mostly free.  Sunday we will be at my mom's house for her birthday lunch.  I am especially excited about being able to sleep in tomorrow.

We have also been dealing with drama in our house, but as the parents of three teens that is nothing new.  Thomas is struggling with his responsibilities, and I am struggling to know how to help him.  I am seeing so many similarities between his behavior and they way Robert behaved at this age, and I just can't go through all of that again.  I hope and pray for guidance, and that Andrew and I are the parents each needs us to be.

We've also learned that Robert has purchased a "promise ring" for his girlfriend.  He claims it isn't an engagement ring, but to be honest, it cost twice what my engagement ring did.  He claims the jewelry store told him it was a promise ring, but let's be honest...they will tell him anything they can to sell him something and take his money.  Of course Robert didn't tell us anything about it upfront...I found out when the jeweler called to tell us the ring was ready.  Honestly, I'm so tired of him cutting us out of his life that I can't even put it into words.  It was the reason we wanted to have dinner with them on Wednesday evening.  We had never really had a conversation with her.  She is a lovely young lady and I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know her.  However, they have only been dating four months, and my son is an 18-years-old who often makes extremely poor choices and is leaving for the Navy in just over 90 days.  It seems unlikely to last, but he is 18 and can make his own choices.

After today,  Robert has 20 days of school, and the others have 22 days of school remaining.  This school year has absolutely flown by!

Sometimes spring brings out too much

We are all very happy that warmer spring weather has arrived.  March came in like a lion, and never managed to find that lamb at the end of the month.  Even earlier this week, we had snow.  It's just been cold and wet and not easy to want to be outside.  Starting Wednesday though, it really began to feel nice outside, and we will take these three days while we can get it.  Tomorrow will still be somewhat pleasant, but a cold front is coming through bringing cooler temps and rain.

There are a few things I don't love about the warmer weather though.  The first is the college students.  When the weather warms, they are everywhere!  I understand they all have cabin fever and want to be outside like the rest of us, but it seems like they all need to cross the street right in front of me!  The other thing I don't care for is the way teenage girls think they need to dress.  I am a little appalled that I am sitting here in 4th period and there are some students who have not been sent to the office yet for dress code violations!  If they haven't been turned in yet by teachers who are here everyday and better know the rules, then I don't feel like I should turn them in either.  But it makes me very grateful my sweet daughter has no desire to dress like this!

Less than 30

After today (which is almost half over) we are down to 28 days of school remaining (and only 25 for Robert).  Getting under 30 is the first time of the year that I really feel that we are getting there.  I hate to wish, so fervently, for time to move quickly, but the end of the year is always so busy and challenging.

It was, in some ways, a longer week than I even expected.  Robert had a tough week, and just can't be trusted.  We need school to end for him and get him graduated.  Then we need to get him off to the Navy.  I have some serious concerns he isn't going to figure out how to make better choices quickly enough, but I also have some optimism that he won't have enough free time in the Navy to find himself into too much trouble.  Because of his choices, I couldn't attend the Confirmation of my best friend's daughter.  I was not happy.  If I'm being totally honest, I very seriously regret his choices interfering with the lives of the rest of our family.  That might be a terrible thing for a mother to think, but he is 18, and there should be some freedoms...for all of us.

Andrew also had a cold this week.  I really hate when he is sick.  He is NOT a good patient, and frankly, he whines like you would not believe.  Unless of course, he has heard me complain about his whining in which case he constantly points out that he isn't whining...although it kind of feels like he is!  Fortunately, (knock on wood) no one else in the house seems to have caught his cold.

The weekend is here!  Because there are so many teachers without subs today, I don't get any plan time.  I don't mind because it is literally just sitting in one class or another...not a big deal.  The only down side is that the teacher I am in for has 7th period plan but because I have to cover a class I don't get to leave early.  Not a big deal, I am happy to do my part to help out.  Robert has a track meet this evening that I am planning to attend.  The weather has finally turned nice out (although today is the last of that for a few days) and I am looking forward to being out and watching Robert run.

There is a lot going on this weekend, and we need to be up before 8:00 both days.  It is still sleeping in a great deal though!

My mom got a dog

My mom finally admitted to herself that she was miserable without a dog.  Since 1977, she had only been without a dog for two months in that entire time...and that was while I was graduating high school so clearly there were other things (and people) to think about.  Now, she lives alone and really, really wanted a dog.  She had started looking online and had found one she thought would be a good match.  He was adopted before anything could happen though.  Through her vet, another dog was found, but it wasn't my mom's preferred breed.  However, the foster family of the dog said that the dog was good with other dogs, kids, and other family pets.  Mom decided to meet her, and now "Peaches" has a new home.  I can't wait to meet her!  Mom still wants to get another dog of her preferred breed later in the year, but now she and Peaches will make the decision together.  I am so happy for my mom!

I regret I can't be there

This evening Robert has a track meet.  I love going to his track meets, and this is one of my favorite meets of the year.  He even gets to participate in the Steeplechase race for the first time, and that is always fun to watch.  It isn't meant to be though.  Thomas needs picked up from track practice at 5 and Catherine needs to be at driving school at 6.  By the time I would be able to get to the meet it would be about 6:30, and there is just too much to do at home.  It is what it is, and my kids understand sometimes this is how things work out.  I try to make myself feel better by telling myself that it helps to keep them in check to remind them life isn't all about them!  Seriously though, I suspect I am beating myself up about it more than Robert is!

This weather is ridiculous

We woke up to snow this morning.  Nothing major, but probably close to an inch.  It is way too late in the season for this!  It was a very, very pretty snow, but it is hard to see that at 6:30 in the morning.  It is still pretty dark at that point!  Last Monday when we were in PA, we woke up to snow that morning as well.  I'll be honest, it made the drive out of town through the mountains absolutely gorgeous.  I really wanted to sleep, but at the same time I didn't want to miss the opportunity to admire and appreciate the beautiful land all around us.  None of the days have been particularly warm since then, although last Wednesday was absolutely ridiculous.  There was a slight coating of snow Saturday morning, and the temps were nearly 20 degrees below average.

I am cautiously optimistic winter might let go of its grip though, and spring might actually be able to begin to appear.  Our furnace could certainly use the break!  By Friday the high is supposed to be in the 70's, and I think we will all be happy to see that!

It is a crazy phase of life

With three teenagers, our lives are ridiculously busy.  In terms of our life with children, this is about as busy as it is going to get.  With Robert scheduled to graduate in May and then begin his military service in July, our house is going to be somewhat quieter and less busy.  But right now, we are still in the midst of all the craziness.  I can not even imagine how family's function with two full time working parents.  I am more grateful than I can put into words that I have the opportunity to not be a full time employee!

I know that no one really cares, but I am writing this here so that someday when I think I am busy, I can look back and realize that might not really be the case.  This is a quick run-down of what we have going on this week.  I work today, and Robert has a Navy commitment right after school.  he will most likely miss all of his trac practice, but will need to go anyway because the middle school has a home meet and high school athletes are expected to help.  Andrew is also volunteering at the meet, even though we found out yesterday that due to limited entries, Thomas is not participating.  That leaves me off the hook for attending which is fabulous, because I painted all weekend and didn't do any laundry at all.  I will also need to be getting Catherine to her driving class this evening.

Tomorrow I work again, and will probably need to hit my church job after school.  Andrew has a meeting right after school, and then will go straight to his evening class he is teaching.  Thomas needs to be picked up from track practice, and Catherine will need to get to her driving class.  I desperately wanted to attend Robert's track meet tomorrow evening.  Not only is it one of my favorite meets, he is doing the steeplechase event which is run at very few meets.  I can't be in two places at once though, and I have been unable to find anyone who might be able to transport the other kids. 

Wednesday morning I am taking the day off because I can't make it work otherwise.  I have a haircut in the morning.  That afternoon the daughter of my best friend is being confirmed, and I am happy to make the hour drive to be able to be there.  Robert has track practice after school, Thomas has an away track meet, and Catherine will have her driving class.  I am not attending my monthly band meeting.

I am working again on Thursday.  The boys have track practice after school, Andrew has an appointment, Catherine has driving school and Thomas will have youth group.

Friday I will work again.  Thomas will have track practice and Robert has an away track meet I plan to attend.  On Saturday Robert has a Navy commitment in the morning, and then works that evening.

On Sunday, I am the Sunday School volunteer before church and then the nursery volunteer during church.  Thomas will acolyte during church, and then he and Catherine have a youth meeting after church, while Andrew and I are attending the Christian Ed meeting.  Robert will most likely try to see his girlfriend that day.

Next week I am already scheduled three days, and I will be happy to work all five if I can get the jobs!  We are getting down to the end of the school year, and my opportunities to earn additional money are dwindling.  But on the upside, when that happens, summer will be here and we will hopefully have some time to relax!

An afternoon spent with friends is always an afternoon well spent

Yesterday we spent some time with some very dear lifelong friends.  Our friend Larry turned 50 last month, and a surprise party was planned for yesterday.  He was truly surprised and honestly had no idea!  It was so sweet to see.  It was a room full of people close to him, and I was touched when he said, "I know this many people?"

There were so many people in that room who are so very dear to us.  All three of our children have Godparents who were in there, and these people have been our friends for nearly 20 years.  In the case of Stephanie, we have been friends for well over 25 years!  Because we moved farther away, and the lives of our teens are crazy busy, we don't get to see them nearly as often as we would like.  I am so, so, so grateful that we were able to take the time to get together yesterday afternoon and visit, even if just for a short time!

I'm going to miss the ocean

I'm not going to lie, I am really going to miss going to the ocean this year.  We've gone the last two years, and I would absolutely love to go again.  That isn't the plan though, and we've known for a long time.  Last year was our last "big" family vacation with all three of our kids.  We weren't sure when Robert would be leaving, and we had the money saved to really splurge on it.  However, we splurged last year, we bought a car, and we re-did the bathroom...after buying a cheap used car and getting Catherine braces at the end of 2016.  It is not in the budget this year, and we completely accept that.

Every once in a while though, I get online just to look at the pictures.  I see the ocean views, and my heart actually begins to yearn for the ocean.  I'm not an outdoorsy person, and the sun and water aren't really my thing at all, but I almost begin to ache for the ocean.  Maybe it is just because I associate it with vacation and the relaxation of getting away.  We are visiting friends this year for vacation and I know it won't be the same thing, but we will have fun.  Regardless, I am looking forward to a few more months of memories!

It. Is. Friday.

Here we are at the end of another week.  It was only a four day week, but have long maintained those sometimes feel the longest!  Wednesday was my only day "off", and really, it wasn't.  Robert and I were up even earlier than normal to get him to a Navy commitment.  It was a 75 minute drive, and he had to be there by 6:30.  It was in the same town as my afternoon doctor appointment, and I refused to make the trip twice.  He was able to get a ride back to school, and I ran a whole bunch of errands after having breakfast with my mother.  I was able to be productive and it was a nice day, but not at all relaxing.  I was very, very grateful that Thomas's track meet was cancelled that evening (although not overly grateful for the frigid temps that caused it to be cancelled).

While Tuesday and today I am at the high school, yesterday I was in kindergarten.  I love the little ones, and the day goes by so quickly.  It is such a physically exhausting job though, and in some ways mentally draining as well.  That age can not tie their own shoes or zip their own jackets, and we try to do that all while making sure no one leaves the room or is causing harm to another child.  And, oh goodness, they never stop making sounds!  I am actually looking forward to they eyerolls of teens today...at least those are quiet!

Our evenings have been crazy as well.  Andrew teaches a class on Tuesday evening, and last evening Robert had a track meet.  Andrew was in charge of the concession stand, and since Robert runs in the first and last event we are pretty much there for the duration.  Catherine started her driver's ed classes, which is 3-1/2 hours an evening for two weeks.  It made the Wednesday cancellation of the track meet even better!

Tomorrow I have all day to finish the paining of our hall way that I began two weeks ago.  I am planning to get it ALL done.  It will be a good day to do it because there is snow in the forecast.  We are really getting tired of this weather around here!  Sunday we will be traveling for a 50th birthday party for a friend.  And then Monday will roll around and we get to have another crazy week!

RIP June

Yesterday, I learned about the passing of someone I have known for a very long time.  She was aged 82, and I don't remember there ever being a time when I didn't know her.  She was a staunch member of the church I attended as a child.  Her children graduated with my parents, and her grandchildren graduated shortly after me.  When Andrew and I went through the required pre-marital advising, June and her husband agreed to be our mentors.  We had two or three sessions (I don't remember the details), and Andrew was convinced we could have them finished in significantly less time if she and I wouldn't spend so much time visiting.  Our families had known each other for a couple of generations by that time, so it seemed unlikely that was going to happen!

So many things she talked to us about during those sessions stuck with me.  I remember her mentioning that you think things are always going to be perfect in the beginning, and they never are.  Everyone has rough times, but life is full of so many blessings.  They had a granddaughter born with Down's Syndrome who passed away after just a few months.  That was probably the biggest (and most public) challenge in their marriage, but I am sure there were others.

June and her first husband had three children.  That marriage ended in divorce, and she and her second husband had another daughter.  Some of those children have married and remarried, and of course by now grandchildren have families of their own as well.  However, one thing about this family...no one was ever a "step" relative.  Regardless of how you came to be a part of the family, that is exactly what you were...family.  June's love for her family was second-to-none, as was her modeling of her faith.  She came from a family that was well off, and married into one even wealthier.  But you wouldn't know it to look at her.  She was modest, and generous, and loved our Lord.

I'm very grateful to have known June, and very sad that she has passed away.  I send prayers to all who loved and knew her!

Back to reality for seven weeks

We are down to just over seven weeks of school remaining.  I'll be honest, I've been dreading this stretch a bit.  We are soooo close to the end of the school year, and and yet so far.  I hate wishing away months of my children's lives, but I need Robert to graduate.  After today, he has 33 days of school he still needs to do.  We need this to happen.

This is also the longest stretch of the school year without a day off.  Granted, the reward at the end is the expanse of summer, but I still feel like it is going to feel as though the month takes forever.

The weather isn't helping either.  We had some sun on Easter, but woke up yesterday (both in PA and here) to snow.  It was a gorgeous drive home, but cold.  Today we have had monsoon rains (it's been unbelievable), and severe storms are forecasted for the afternoon and evening.  Tomorrow the temps plummet again.

I am working today after being pretty much off for the last 2-1/2 weeks.  I've loved every minute of being home, but car problems continue to remind us that working this job is a good thing.  I expect April to be a busy month, and for that I am very grateful.

Here's to the next seven weeks!