It's really hard to believe that school ended a week ago. Tomorrow we are leaving for our "vacation", which is a long weekend with friends visiting other friends. While it doesn't necessarily seem to be the most relaxing, it honestly is good timing. We couldn't handle anything more major at this point.
Catherine was sick most of last weekend and still isn't 100%. I think she'll be fine though, as she seems recovered except for her appetite. I've had a bit of a bigger health scare. Monday afternoon I realized I had glands swollen all over my neck and back. My doctor pointed out it could be something as simple as a dental infection, but it could also be something pretty serious and terrifying. On the upside, after 24 hours of antibiotics I am feeling much better, and since the doctor didn't call with any dire news I am hoping all is okay.
As strange as it is, I am looking forward to the time together this weekend. I know it will be a lot of time in a vehicle, but sometimes those are the best memories!
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Monday, May 28, 2018
The weather around here
We skipped spring entirely, and I don't care for it! I believe we had about 48 hours between furnace and a/c this year. Today is completely miserable. It feels much more like July 4th weekend then Memorial Day weekend. In fact, just walking outside to hang out laundry was unpleasant.
It looks like it is going to be this way for a couple of days. Summer is definitely here.
It looks like it is going to be this way for a couple of days. Summer is definitely here.
Another day
I am sorry for my pity party rant of yesterday. I'm just completely exhausted, and in spite of going to bed before 10:00 last night, still didn't sleep well at all. I have been on prednisone since early last week because of my poison ivy. I had forgotten that it can affect sleep in over 50% of the people who take it, and I am definitely one of them. The good news is that yesterday was my last dose so hopefully things will start to normalize again soon. Unfortunately swim begins in the morning so there is no more sleeping in (although still much later than school days), but maybe I can get a decent night of sleep this evening. Lots to do today, but looking forward to a schedule free day and enjoying my family!
Sunday, May 27, 2018
I'm ready for a break from adulting
This is my favorite Sunday of the year...the first Sunday of the summer! It's wonderful. And the fact that tomorrow is Memorial Day means that there really is nothing going on. I can't put into words how much our house needs that.
Honestly, the last couple of weeks have been crazier than I even imagined it would be. The hassles have been a little on the astounding side. Our computer died about seven weeks ago, and to be honest, we still aren't up and running from that. Two weeks ago, we were headed to take the kids to my mom's house before a wedding. That was when we discovered that our van wasn't working. Thankfully, we hadn't even made it out of our neighborhood yet, but it meant that not only did we all have to squeeze into the car, we were going to be running way behind schedule from unpacking and reloading. We might still have been able to make it to the wedding on time, but it turned out when we arrived that the university where the wedding chapel was located was graduating, so parking and access was limited. Of course it was.
Two days later Robert stayed home from school. For the most part his classes were over and he had a Navy commitment that day to complete a monthly commitment. As we were headed out the door, the Navy texted to let him know that the event had been cancelled. The problem of course, is that if he didn't get in to be tested that week, he would be out of compliance and lose his contract. When he pointed it out to them, they wanted to know why he hadn't attended the test just a couple of weeks earlier. He had not because he had been to one earlier in April...the later one would again have made him out of compliance. I was so frustrated and frankly, peeved. He has had to miss school repeatedly in order to complete these tests, and school/graduation should be a priority for the Navy...not just his parents! We had planned our entire week around getting him to the test on that Monday. They finally agreed to schedule one on Thursday. Of course we had to replan things on our end because we were down to two cars, and I had to work on Thursday. I couldn't take him to my mom Wednesday evening because it was his district track meet. Again, everything would work out, but it just felt like one hassel after another. As this was getting settled, Robert and I went to the garden center in town where we have purchased the flowers and mulch for our front yard every year we've lived here. For no explainable reason, they didn't have any this year. There had been a problem with their mulch delivery and the flower selection was very poor. This meant we had to drive over 30 minutes to another place to buy what I wanted. Again, just another hassel.
The next day Robert went to school and I got an early start on the planting. I had to finish by a certain time because I had to take Thomas to the dentist to repair the tooth that had broken a week earlier. To be honest, no one will ever understand how stressed I was about Thomas leaving that evening. Andrew had to teach a class that evening, but I'm grateful he was home in time to take Thomas to check in and departure. Because he had to get out of school earlier, he never received his trip tshirt we paid for (a ridiculous price, I might add). We are still working on trying to find that.
We still haven't had the van fixed. Why you might ask? Well, of course it isn't that simple. There is a chance that it might be covered under warranty from the March repair of over $1500.00. Of course, they can't determine that until they see it, and that was fixed in my hometown due to the timing of things then. To have it towed there will be nearly $300, and there is no guarantee that it will be covered. We could also increase our tow coverage, but that is going to require dealing with it and we just haven't had an opportunity. In the meantime, I have lost complete confidence in the van and have decided that we need to purchase a different vehicle. We want to trade in the van, but can't until it is fixed, so we can't purchase another vehicle until we fix the van.
We have planned for months to take our "vacation" next weekend. We are going with friends to visit some other friends. The timing stinks for the other family as well, but because the friends we are visiting cancelled another trip they had planned in order for us to visit, we HAVE to make this trip. We can't travel with five of us well in the car, so we are looking at renting a vehicle. The best deal Andrew can find will require us traveling nearly an hour to pick up the vehicle. We can make it work, but it just feels like it is one more things to handle.
In addition to everything else, I have of course watched my youngest child being confirmed and my oldest child graduate. I have attended two other graduations for family and friends, and attended several graduation parties. I have driven to my in laws' house to bring them back for graduation, and then had Andrew and Robert take them back. I was probably a lousy hostess while they were here because I wasn't cooking or entertaining much. I was mostly trying to figure out how to get things handled. And did I mention the poison ivy? I was miserable last weekend and had to visit the doctor before we left Tuesday. The drive over was miserable because of the weather, but we made it! My father-in-law was not pleased with the arrangements, and there was a point in time when we weren't even sure he was going to get in the car and come back with me. It all worked out eventually.
I also feel like I haven't slept well in over a month. Our weekends have been crazy, and our weekdays crazier. With the weather getting warmer, it has been more challenging for me to sleep comfortably, and this week I've barely slept at all. The last time I really felt like I knew I would get a decent sleep, we had a major confrontation with Robert and to say I slept poorly was an understatement. I don't remember the last time I felt like I got a decent night of sleep. I am stressing about this trip this week, I am stressing about the vehicle, I am stressing about the computer and the band data that needs to be recreated. I am overwhelmed, and living in a house with people who are equally exhausted.
I know this post is long, and whiny, and full of first world problems. There are so, so, so many people dealing with problems far greater. I am surrounded by a family who loves me, and we have the money to pay our bills. The end of this school year has just been full of a great deal of emotion, and unexpected events. We are at summer though, and I am praying that I can change my perspective enough to appreciate and enjoy my daily blessings!
Honestly, the last couple of weeks have been crazier than I even imagined it would be. The hassles have been a little on the astounding side. Our computer died about seven weeks ago, and to be honest, we still aren't up and running from that. Two weeks ago, we were headed to take the kids to my mom's house before a wedding. That was when we discovered that our van wasn't working. Thankfully, we hadn't even made it out of our neighborhood yet, but it meant that not only did we all have to squeeze into the car, we were going to be running way behind schedule from unpacking and reloading. We might still have been able to make it to the wedding on time, but it turned out when we arrived that the university where the wedding chapel was located was graduating, so parking and access was limited. Of course it was.
Two days later Robert stayed home from school. For the most part his classes were over and he had a Navy commitment that day to complete a monthly commitment. As we were headed out the door, the Navy texted to let him know that the event had been cancelled. The problem of course, is that if he didn't get in to be tested that week, he would be out of compliance and lose his contract. When he pointed it out to them, they wanted to know why he hadn't attended the test just a couple of weeks earlier. He had not because he had been to one earlier in April...the later one would again have made him out of compliance. I was so frustrated and frankly, peeved. He has had to miss school repeatedly in order to complete these tests, and school/graduation should be a priority for the Navy...not just his parents! We had planned our entire week around getting him to the test on that Monday. They finally agreed to schedule one on Thursday. Of course we had to replan things on our end because we were down to two cars, and I had to work on Thursday. I couldn't take him to my mom Wednesday evening because it was his district track meet. Again, everything would work out, but it just felt like one hassel after another. As this was getting settled, Robert and I went to the garden center in town where we have purchased the flowers and mulch for our front yard every year we've lived here. For no explainable reason, they didn't have any this year. There had been a problem with their mulch delivery and the flower selection was very poor. This meant we had to drive over 30 minutes to another place to buy what I wanted. Again, just another hassel.
The next day Robert went to school and I got an early start on the planting. I had to finish by a certain time because I had to take Thomas to the dentist to repair the tooth that had broken a week earlier. To be honest, no one will ever understand how stressed I was about Thomas leaving that evening. Andrew had to teach a class that evening, but I'm grateful he was home in time to take Thomas to check in and departure. Because he had to get out of school earlier, he never received his trip tshirt we paid for (a ridiculous price, I might add). We are still working on trying to find that.
We still haven't had the van fixed. Why you might ask? Well, of course it isn't that simple. There is a chance that it might be covered under warranty from the March repair of over $1500.00. Of course, they can't determine that until they see it, and that was fixed in my hometown due to the timing of things then. To have it towed there will be nearly $300, and there is no guarantee that it will be covered. We could also increase our tow coverage, but that is going to require dealing with it and we just haven't had an opportunity. In the meantime, I have lost complete confidence in the van and have decided that we need to purchase a different vehicle. We want to trade in the van, but can't until it is fixed, so we can't purchase another vehicle until we fix the van.
We have planned for months to take our "vacation" next weekend. We are going with friends to visit some other friends. The timing stinks for the other family as well, but because the friends we are visiting cancelled another trip they had planned in order for us to visit, we HAVE to make this trip. We can't travel with five of us well in the car, so we are looking at renting a vehicle. The best deal Andrew can find will require us traveling nearly an hour to pick up the vehicle. We can make it work, but it just feels like it is one more things to handle.
In addition to everything else, I have of course watched my youngest child being confirmed and my oldest child graduate. I have attended two other graduations for family and friends, and attended several graduation parties. I have driven to my in laws' house to bring them back for graduation, and then had Andrew and Robert take them back. I was probably a lousy hostess while they were here because I wasn't cooking or entertaining much. I was mostly trying to figure out how to get things handled. And did I mention the poison ivy? I was miserable last weekend and had to visit the doctor before we left Tuesday. The drive over was miserable because of the weather, but we made it! My father-in-law was not pleased with the arrangements, and there was a point in time when we weren't even sure he was going to get in the car and come back with me. It all worked out eventually.
I also feel like I haven't slept well in over a month. Our weekends have been crazy, and our weekdays crazier. With the weather getting warmer, it has been more challenging for me to sleep comfortably, and this week I've barely slept at all. The last time I really felt like I knew I would get a decent sleep, we had a major confrontation with Robert and to say I slept poorly was an understatement. I don't remember the last time I felt like I got a decent night of sleep. I am stressing about this trip this week, I am stressing about the vehicle, I am stressing about the computer and the band data that needs to be recreated. I am overwhelmed, and living in a house with people who are equally exhausted.
I know this post is long, and whiny, and full of first world problems. There are so, so, so many people dealing with problems far greater. I am surrounded by a family who loves me, and we have the money to pay our bills. The end of this school year has just been full of a great deal of emotion, and unexpected events. We are at summer though, and I am praying that I can change my perspective enough to appreciate and enjoy my daily blessings!
Friday, May 25, 2018
Robert graduated
Last night Robert walked across the stage and graduated. I am so relieved that this day came and that everything worked out. I am so grateful for the people that came to support Robert in this accomplishment. My mom and sister came down, and my aunt from here in town was also there, although we didn't get to see any of them. My in-laws were here, Robert's Godparents, my cousin and daughter, and a very dear friend drove clear across the country. That meant more to Robert than anything else. I was proud when the principal asked the military enlistees to stand, and I loved the fact that Andrew was able to give Robert his diploma. I was also touched that Robert specifically chose a tie that had belonged to my dad. I appreciated that Robert thought about Dad on his special day and wanted him to be a part of it. I thought of many loved ones yesterday, and know they were watching down on us.
Overall I enjoyed the ceremony. Robert's class was tame and there was absolutely nothing raucous about the event. The principal loves the students, and they love him, and it showed last night as well. I was so happy to cheer for so many students I've been able to meet over the last two years, and especially the Ag students. I appreciated how happy they were to see me as well, and I was grateful I was able to see Jackson and give him a hug after the ceremony. He is enlisting in the Marines and I can only hope he is successful in all of that.
There have been so many things happening around here lately and I hope to be able to get on here and really record them for posterity. Regardless, I'm grateful to have a few moments to record this really big moment in life!
Overall I enjoyed the ceremony. Robert's class was tame and there was absolutely nothing raucous about the event. The principal loves the students, and they love him, and it showed last night as well. I was so happy to cheer for so many students I've been able to meet over the last two years, and especially the Ag students. I appreciated how happy they were to see me as well, and I was grateful I was able to see Jackson and give him a hug after the ceremony. He is enlisting in the Marines and I can only hope he is successful in all of that.
There have been so many things happening around here lately and I hope to be able to get on here and really record them for posterity. Regardless, I'm grateful to have a few moments to record this really big moment in life!
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Last day of middle school parenting
There has been so much going on here, and it is a busyness of a lot of fun and good memories. It doesn't give much time to get on here and record it though.
One thing I don't want to go by thought, is that today is the very last day of middle school parenting! Thomas officially ended eighth grade today and there is no more middle school in our house! I wasn't here this morning because I was in PA picking up my in laws to bring them to town for Robert's graduation, but because of the way scheduling and events worked out Andrew was able to take him to school. It's sweet that they were able to share that this morning.
It's a week with so many big milestones and things happening here. Definitely some challenges, but so many good things and I'm looking forward to it all!
One thing I don't want to go by thought, is that today is the very last day of middle school parenting! Thomas officially ended eighth grade today and there is no more middle school in our house! I wasn't here this morning because I was in PA picking up my in laws to bring them to town for Robert's graduation, but because of the way scheduling and events worked out Andrew was able to take him to school. It's sweet that they were able to share that this morning.
It's a week with so many big milestones and things happening here. Definitely some challenges, but so many good things and I'm looking forward to it all!
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Confirmation Sunday
Today was the final Confirmation Sunday for our family. Thomas was officially confirmed in the Lutheran Church today. As the third child with his Confirmation squeezed between his D.C. trip and his brother's graduation, we didn't necessarily make as big a deal about it as the others. Thomas's Godfather and wife came to church, and Thomas asked that they join Andrew and myself to stand at the altar with him. My best friend, her husband and daughter also joined us at church but couldn't stay afterwards. My mom, grandmothers, sister and aunt joined us at the house for lunch. No one stayed long, and that was okay as well.
It was a special morning with five other students, and they are five fine young people. There was one in particular that made us all emotional as Mary has suffered a great deal of health problems since she was a baby. Seeing her participate, and her mother give her a kiss as she was assisted made me extremely emotional. I am so grateful to be able to parent these kiddos, and for all the blessings we receive from them!
It was a special morning with five other students, and they are five fine young people. There was one in particular that made us all emotional as Mary has suffered a great deal of health problems since she was a baby. Seeing her participate, and her mother give her a kiss as she was assisted made me extremely emotional. I am so grateful to be able to parent these kiddos, and for all the blessings we receive from them!
Friday, May 18, 2018
It all began a year ago today
A year ago today was the first day after the end of Robert's junior year...so technically it was the first day he was a senior. I vividly remember the day. I took Robert to the Navy recruiter and it was the beginning of the process. Here we are, a year later. Wow, did that go really, really fast. I'm grateful, because we needed to get to this point. However, I don't want time to keep moving at this warp speed.
One of the things I remember the recruiter asking me, and many others have along the way, was how I felt about this whole thing. I've always completely supported Robert in this decision. It isn't about me at all. I love my son, and this is his dream. And it has been his dream since middle school. Honestly, I can't imagine another path that would be better for him. Of all the incredibly dumb choices he has made, this is the best decision ever. I am so proud of him!
One of the things I remember the recruiter asking me, and many others have along the way, was how I felt about this whole thing. I've always completely supported Robert in this decision. It isn't about me at all. I love my son, and this is his dream. And it has been his dream since middle school. Honestly, I can't imagine another path that would be better for him. Of all the incredibly dumb choices he has made, this is the best decision ever. I am so proud of him!
Thursday, May 17, 2018
My last day for the year and my heart is full
Today is the last day I will be working this school year. I love this job. Honestly, I almost never think that I don't want to be here, and some days I even look forward to it. I am so blessed to enjoy this job so very much. However, with schedules and our family life being what it is, I finished today. And that is okay, because right now there is nothing but review happening and the kids aren't exactly into studying. It is nothing but monitoring behaviors at this point until finals actually begin. I have worked 114 days this year (out of 170), and I'm so lucky.
I am ready to be finished with the year though, and for my kiddos we are ending well. Between Robert doing what needed to be done to finish, and Thomas enjoying his time in D.C., I am just overwhelmed with joy for my family. I love seeing how much fun Thomas is having on his trip, and it melts my heart in ways I can't even explain that he wants to share it with us. There are just so many blessings!
I am ready to be finished with the year though, and for my kiddos we are ending well. Between Robert doing what needed to be done to finish, and Thomas enjoying his time in D.C., I am just overwhelmed with joy for my family. I love seeing how much fun Thomas is having on his trip, and it melts my heart in ways I can't even explain that he wants to share it with us. There are just so many blessings!
I think it is actually going to happen
Robert just sent me a text of the certificate he is receiving for completing the course of study at his career school. I really can't put into words how grateful I am that he shared that picture with me. Even knowing he had passed all of his classes last week, there was a part of me that wondered if this was all really going to happen. It really does seem as though he is going to receive his high school diploma. I know it sounds very dramatic, but when you live with a child who makes some of the poor choices that Robert makes, getting that diploma isn't guaranteed. I hate that I have wished away an entire school year, but it was never lost on me that each day that passed was one day closer to getting Robert through school. Now though, all the sports seasons are finished, exams have been taken, classes are done, and I am almost allowing myself to believe that I will get to see Robert walk across that stage. Even now, I am hoping I don't jinx the situation by writing that. As a school employee, Andrew is permitted to hand Robert his diploma. I am excited about that, because I feel that many days we worked as hard for it as he did. Robert even admitted he probably wouldn't be graduating if we didn't have our foot up his rumpus like we did. That is a mature (and realistic) perspective! I am almost feeling like I can really exhale.
It kind of stinks that it has to end that way
Last evening was the very final track meet ever for Robert. I had planned to attend, but it was raining and I wasn't feeling great so I decided to stay home. The price of gas soaring also made it less appealing to make the trip.
Robert made it home a little before 11:00 last night. Because we are down to two vehicles, I had to pick him up. I could tell he was tired, and even more, I know he was disappointed. We are a school, that due to the number of students, competes in Division I. Unfortunately, we have at best, Division II athletes. Robert ran on three relays, and they came in last in each and every one of them. I hate that not only his season, but his entire track career has to end that way.
One of the nice things about track was Robert's willingness to run in any event where they placed him. His coach wrote a nice note that he was very grateful for that. I am grateful for the three seasons of track that I was able to enjoy with Robert.
Robert made it home a little before 11:00 last night. Because we are down to two vehicles, I had to pick him up. I could tell he was tired, and even more, I know he was disappointed. We are a school, that due to the number of students, competes in Division I. Unfortunately, we have at best, Division II athletes. Robert ran on three relays, and they came in last in each and every one of them. I hate that not only his season, but his entire track career has to end that way.
One of the nice things about track was Robert's willingness to run in any event where they placed him. His coach wrote a nice note that he was very grateful for that. I am grateful for the three seasons of track that I was able to enjoy with Robert.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
My heart is in D.C.
About twelve hours ago Andrew took Thomas to school to leave for his D.C. trip. In many ways I had been dreading this all year. Lately though, life has been too stressful to really focus on it. I was amazed (and proud) of how well Thomas had managed to focus on it himself and get himself ready to go. As soon as they pulled out of the driveway, I began counting down the hours until he would return. I think things are always toughest when it is the youngest because he'll always be the "baby" of the family. Even Andrew mentioned that he had a really tough time leaving him there, but he did leave before the students loaded the buses. I know that he will have a wonderful time and it was be a wonderful experience for him. At the same time, I will be so glad when he is sleeping under our roof again!
Friday, May 11, 2018
This day really had a wide range of emotions
Today was an incredibly emotional day. I am wiped out!
My day began with horrible news from our former town. On the news, I learned a man from our former town had been arrested for sexual battery. This man was Catherine's very first soccer coach, and his daughter was a very good friend of Thomas. In fact, they were a "couple" in Kindergarten! This man and his wife had our boys at their house one afternoon when Catherine was in the hospital. I've been to their house several times for things...it just didn't seem real. I kept hoping as more information came out that it wouldn't be as bad as it first seemed. Unfortunately, it does seem to be that bad. Apparently there are texts and evidence of a relationship with a female under the age of 16. I am just sick about the whole thing.
I was also very emotional about Mother's Day this weekend. I know what it is like to want to be a mother so badly and to wonder if it will ever happen. I am so grateful for these three amazing blessings in my life. I'm not going to lie though, it has been a really tough year, and more days than not I wonder how many mistakes I make as a parent each day.
After school, Thomas and I went to run errands. As I was out and about, I received word that Thomas was in a great deal of trouble at school today. He had an altercation with another boy, and according to the principal who viewed the video, it was evident that Thomas was the aggressor. I was livid because there is no doubt that he knows better. There were also some things he said that reminded me of times with Robert, and I just don't think I can go through all of that again.
On the upside, we did learn that Robert has passed all of his classes. He even did it with no grade lower than a "C"! I am thrilled, and relieved beyond words. I wouldn't wish this parenting experience upon anyone. I know that I have been guarding my emotions in relation to Robert's graduation for years, but especially this year. I almost feel like I can breath again, but I know that I probably won't feel complete relief until the diploma is in his hand.
We also had quite a chat with Thomas about everything. Andrew had also had a conversation with the principal who handled the situation, and it seems as though there is more to it than Thomas going a little wild. Apparently, Thomas is currently being targeted by a few classmates. They are calling him a "Nazi", a "Jew" (obviously these people are the idiots that they appear to be as I don't understand how being called Jewish is offensive, and you certainly can't be both a Nazi and a Jew!), as well as questioning his sexural orientation and many other things. I hate middle school. I know this can happen anywhere, but these things seem so much more prevalent in those middle school years. This particular young man involved in the altercation is also very targeted, and is "passing the bullying" along to Thomas. Knowing all of this broke my heart. I know that I can't protect my kids from everything, but I sure do wish they didn't have to hurt because others are mean. It's just awful.
I'm feeling drained and I know I will sleep well tonight. I'm sending up so many prayers for our friends, and for each other!
My day began with horrible news from our former town. On the news, I learned a man from our former town had been arrested for sexual battery. This man was Catherine's very first soccer coach, and his daughter was a very good friend of Thomas. In fact, they were a "couple" in Kindergarten! This man and his wife had our boys at their house one afternoon when Catherine was in the hospital. I've been to their house several times for things...it just didn't seem real. I kept hoping as more information came out that it wouldn't be as bad as it first seemed. Unfortunately, it does seem to be that bad. Apparently there are texts and evidence of a relationship with a female under the age of 16. I am just sick about the whole thing.
I was also very emotional about Mother's Day this weekend. I know what it is like to want to be a mother so badly and to wonder if it will ever happen. I am so grateful for these three amazing blessings in my life. I'm not going to lie though, it has been a really tough year, and more days than not I wonder how many mistakes I make as a parent each day.
After school, Thomas and I went to run errands. As I was out and about, I received word that Thomas was in a great deal of trouble at school today. He had an altercation with another boy, and according to the principal who viewed the video, it was evident that Thomas was the aggressor. I was livid because there is no doubt that he knows better. There were also some things he said that reminded me of times with Robert, and I just don't think I can go through all of that again.
On the upside, we did learn that Robert has passed all of his classes. He even did it with no grade lower than a "C"! I am thrilled, and relieved beyond words. I wouldn't wish this parenting experience upon anyone. I know that I have been guarding my emotions in relation to Robert's graduation for years, but especially this year. I almost feel like I can breath again, but I know that I probably won't feel complete relief until the diploma is in his hand.
We also had quite a chat with Thomas about everything. Andrew had also had a conversation with the principal who handled the situation, and it seems as though there is more to it than Thomas going a little wild. Apparently, Thomas is currently being targeted by a few classmates. They are calling him a "Nazi", a "Jew" (obviously these people are the idiots that they appear to be as I don't understand how being called Jewish is offensive, and you certainly can't be both a Nazi and a Jew!), as well as questioning his sexural orientation and many other things. I hate middle school. I know this can happen anywhere, but these things seem so much more prevalent in those middle school years. This particular young man involved in the altercation is also very targeted, and is "passing the bullying" along to Thomas. Knowing all of this broke my heart. I know that I can't protect my kids from everything, but I sure do wish they didn't have to hurt because others are mean. It's just awful.
I'm feeling drained and I know I will sleep well tonight. I'm sending up so many prayers for our friends, and for each other!
The last day of solitude
Quiet days home alone have come to an end for this school year. Not that I had very many anyway! Most days that I was off there was a reason I needed to be due to another commitment, or if that wasn't the case and it just happened to work out, I was catching up on errands or something like that. Yesterday I needed to be off for Catherine's award ceremony, and it was definitely an errand running day. Today though, I could sleep in after the kids went back to school, and I could spend the day doing my own thing. Of course that "thing" was trying to catch up on everything I haven't been able to do without a computer, but it was on my own pace. It's a lovely day outside, and of course it is a Friday that leads into the weekend. It's another pretty crazy weekend, but that is our life right now. My life is an amazing blessing!
So proud of her Biology award
A couple of weeks ago we learned that Catherine was being recognized at the undergraduate awards ceremony. We were so very proud of her, and assumed she was being honored for her work in her American History class. Her grade has been really high all year, although the criteria for awards is set by each individual teacher or department. Earlier this week I was talking to her History teacher, and mentioned that I assumed we had her to thank for honoring Catherine. She informed me that it actually wasn't her. I didn't tell Catherine this, but Andrew and I discussed it. We thought perhaps English was a possibility, but we knew we could definitely eliminate Geometry, Personal Finance, and Spanish. As it turned out, Catherine received an "Excellence in Biology" award. She was a little confused, because sometimes she has had a "B" during the year. I pointed out though, that her teacher knew that she was always working hard and trying her best, and that she was being recognized for that. We are so very proud of her.
Honestly, I can't put into words how amazing Catherine is. She was definitely the toughest of the three kids when she was little, but I can't imagine what I would do without her these days. This girl, this young lady, she is so good about taking care of herself. She really wants to take care of her younger brother too, but that doesn't work out so well. 😄 She is my girl, and I love her more than I can put into words. Being proud of her for the Biology award is just the tip of the iceberg!
Honestly, I can't put into words how amazing Catherine is. She was definitely the toughest of the three kids when she was little, but I can't imagine what I would do without her these days. This girl, this young lady, she is so good about taking care of herself. She really wants to take care of her younger brother too, but that doesn't work out so well. 😄 She is my girl, and I love her more than I can put into words. Being proud of her for the Biology award is just the tip of the iceberg!
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
It's getting real
Last evening was the league track meet. Overall, Robert did well, although we knew none of his relays would be competitive. There were some really fun faces to watch, and David, the son of some friends, won both the 1-mile and 2-mile race. Our school also swept the 1-mile and 2-mile girls' races. Sprinting though, is not our thing, although the girls were able to win the overall league title. We were glad our boys did not finish last.
Prior to the race, the seniors from our school were recognized. I was so proud as Robert's name was announced, and it included that his future plans are to serve our country in the Navy. I am so very proud of Robert for this.
This was the final senior recognition of his senior year. As he got on the bus this morning, I was thinking about how he has eight days remaining in his formal education. Just eight days. It really seems so, so hard to believe. As I was watching him be the leadoff runner for his final relay (and the final race of the night), I wanted him to just lay it out there...leave everything else on the track. While he will compete at the district level next week, there is virtually no chance of being competitive or having the race mean anything. That last race last evening was the last chance he truly had to race with meaning. Although they were in second to last place when he handed off, he ran a split of about 0:58, and that is about as good as he is going to run. He had done it his best.
I will miss track meets next year, sharing these moments of watching him run. It's really getting real...this might actually happen!
Prior to the race, the seniors from our school were recognized. I was so proud as Robert's name was announced, and it included that his future plans are to serve our country in the Navy. I am so very proud of Robert for this.
This was the final senior recognition of his senior year. As he got on the bus this morning, I was thinking about how he has eight days remaining in his formal education. Just eight days. It really seems so, so hard to believe. As I was watching him be the leadoff runner for his final relay (and the final race of the night), I wanted him to just lay it out there...leave everything else on the track. While he will compete at the district level next week, there is virtually no chance of being competitive or having the race mean anything. That last race last evening was the last chance he truly had to race with meaning. Although they were in second to last place when he handed off, he ran a split of about 0:58, and that is about as good as he is going to run. He had done it his best.
I will miss track meets next year, sharing these moments of watching him run. It's really getting real...this might actually happen!
Monday, May 7, 2018
The weekend had some ups and downs
Prom was definitely the fun part of the weekend. Our Friday evening was also very enjoyable with our family making pizza and watching some TV shows together. I love hearing my kids laugh! Unfortunately, there were also some not fun times to our weekend.
Friday evening I was trying to get some things done. The kids just weren't having it and I'll be honest, I was irritated. Catherine broke a glass that evening, and that just kind of symbolized how things have gone lately. Of course it shattered everywhere, and three of us were standing in the kitchen in our bare feet and I was afraid for us to move. Andrew and Thomas came running to help. Shortly after, Thomas is standing in our kitchen in tears holding part of his tooth. The tooth that he chipped five years with a jump rope handle had cracked again. Obviously the repair had just weakened because it cracked in the exact same spot...and it was just from Thomas clenching his teeth as he tried to pry some Legos apart. Fortunately, there wasn't any blood and he didn't have much pain.
Saturday morning Andrew and Robert volunteered with building houses with Habitat for Humanity, and then they had several errands to run to prepare for Prom. Unfortunately, in the process, Robert backed Andrew's car into a pole. There is significant damage to the rear bumper. More money spent! There were also a few issues with him at prom involving a young lady who accused him of bringing in alcohol to after Prom. He pointed out he had arrived with his Dad and his bag (a small string bag) had been searched. They gave him a breathalizer to confirm he hadn't been drinking, and the young lady eventually confessed that not only had she lied, but she had stolen the alcohol she had brought in. She won't be in school for a few days. This was one of those times when I knew that Robert hadn't made that choice. For all the poor choices he has made, they are never anything like that.
Yesterday we all slept in! Even then, since we hadn't gone to bed until after 4:30 it didn't feel like a "full" night's sleep. I had lots of things I wanted to get done, and the kids did not. They don't seem to understand that I am working nearly full time these days, and I need help!
There have been lots of other hassles and craziness lately, but that is another post!
Friday evening I was trying to get some things done. The kids just weren't having it and I'll be honest, I was irritated. Catherine broke a glass that evening, and that just kind of symbolized how things have gone lately. Of course it shattered everywhere, and three of us were standing in the kitchen in our bare feet and I was afraid for us to move. Andrew and Thomas came running to help. Shortly after, Thomas is standing in our kitchen in tears holding part of his tooth. The tooth that he chipped five years with a jump rope handle had cracked again. Obviously the repair had just weakened because it cracked in the exact same spot...and it was just from Thomas clenching his teeth as he tried to pry some Legos apart. Fortunately, there wasn't any blood and he didn't have much pain.
Saturday morning Andrew and Robert volunteered with building houses with Habitat for Humanity, and then they had several errands to run to prepare for Prom. Unfortunately, in the process, Robert backed Andrew's car into a pole. There is significant damage to the rear bumper. More money spent! There were also a few issues with him at prom involving a young lady who accused him of bringing in alcohol to after Prom. He pointed out he had arrived with his Dad and his bag (a small string bag) had been searched. They gave him a breathalizer to confirm he hadn't been drinking, and the young lady eventually confessed that not only had she lied, but she had stolen the alcohol she had brought in. She won't be in school for a few days. This was one of those times when I knew that Robert hadn't made that choice. For all the poor choices he has made, they are never anything like that.
Yesterday we all slept in! Even then, since we hadn't gone to bed until after 4:30 it didn't feel like a "full" night's sleep. I had lots of things I wanted to get done, and the kids did not. They don't seem to understand that I am working nearly full time these days, and I need help!
There have been lots of other hassles and craziness lately, but that is another post!
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Prom 2018
Tonight was Robert's senior prom. Unfortunately, it wasn't a very sunny day, but Robert and Hailey still look very nice in their pictures. They went out and had a nice dinner, while Andrew and I came on home. He mowed the yard, we picked Thomas up from his band trip, and then we changed into our clothes. I had found a fabulous bargain on a red dress and red matching shoes. We weren't planning to stay terribly long, but I wanted to see the kids. I'm so glad we went! So many kids were pleased to see us, and I was so impressed with how tasteful the dresses were. One young man in particular, Jackson, was so happy to see me and gave me a big hug. I'm not entirely sure that is professional, but he is a senior with six days of school remaining. These teens have really won a place in my heart over the last two years. I'm so grateful I could share a little of this evening with them!
Friday, May 4, 2018
Having trouble keeping my eyes open
I'll be honest, I am having a tough time keeping my eyes open this afternoon. Even with having some Mountain Dew at lunch, I'm really having to fight it. It's been such a long week, and I'm just super tired. I have taken a quick 15-30 minute nap each afternoon this week. I think part of it is the fact that I haven't been in bed before 10 at this week. That doesn't sound bad, but usually I can squeeze in a night or two closer to 8:30. This past Sunday I didn't get to sleep in much as we had to be up shortly after 7:00 in order to get to our church commitments. Friday night was also a really tough night in our house, and I didn't sleep at all like I had hoped. And of course, this is the second straight week where I have had to go to work every morning, so no naps in the morning either.
Tomorrow is definitely not the day to catch up. I have to be up at 5:30 to take Thomas to school for a trip, and then tomorrow evening is Prom. My cousin is also in town for a soccer game tomorrow afternoon, and Robert and Andrew are volunteering in the morning at a Habitat for Humanity build. I will be taking Robert's girlfriend home in the 3:30 range Saturday night/Sunday morning, and we have decided that we are just allowing ourselves to sleep Sunday. Andrew has an early afternoon meeting that day, but otherwise, we have time to relax.
Our plans this evening include homemade pizza and binge watching "Modern Family". I am so looking forward to a little down time before some craziness. We are so close to being finished with the school year. Robert has ten days left, Catherine and Thomas have twelve, and Andrew has thirteen. We are almost there!
Tomorrow is definitely not the day to catch up. I have to be up at 5:30 to take Thomas to school for a trip, and then tomorrow evening is Prom. My cousin is also in town for a soccer game tomorrow afternoon, and Robert and Andrew are volunteering in the morning at a Habitat for Humanity build. I will be taking Robert's girlfriend home in the 3:30 range Saturday night/Sunday morning, and we have decided that we are just allowing ourselves to sleep Sunday. Andrew has an early afternoon meeting that day, but otherwise, we have time to relax.
Our plans this evening include homemade pizza and binge watching "Modern Family". I am so looking forward to a little down time before some craziness. We are so close to being finished with the school year. Robert has ten days left, Catherine and Thomas have twelve, and Andrew has thirteen. We are almost there!
My "baby" is touring the high school
I can't believe Thomas is touring the high school today. In some ways, I've looked forward to this all year. I am so ready to be finished with middle school and everything that goes with it. I am so very ready for him to be at the high school where there are so many more options to help a kid find his/her niche, and, to be perfectly honest, where Andrew and I are just a little more able to keep tabs on him. He has struggled this year, and while I know we won't "fix" everything with high school, I do feel we will have a little more of a hold on things.
I had marked this day on my calendar at the beginning of the year. I wanted to make sure I didn't take a job elsewhere. If I was going to work today, I wanted it to be in this building. I had told him what classroom I was in, although I was sent to cover a different class during second period. His group never came by, although I did know several students that did. As I was walking back to my classroom between classes, I caught a glimpse of Thomas. I called his name and he began walking toward me. He was happy to see me, and I was so thrilled! They had come by my empty classroom and I obviously wasn't there. He told me he had already seen his dad, but I don't think he got to see Catherine. To be honest, she is going to be really disappointed if she doesn't get to see him. I know those two fight like cats and dogs most days, but in so many ways they are still so close. I am so looking forward to having all four of us here at the high school together next year!
I had marked this day on my calendar at the beginning of the year. I wanted to make sure I didn't take a job elsewhere. If I was going to work today, I wanted it to be in this building. I had told him what classroom I was in, although I was sent to cover a different class during second period. His group never came by, although I did know several students that did. As I was walking back to my classroom between classes, I caught a glimpse of Thomas. I called his name and he began walking toward me. He was happy to see me, and I was so thrilled! They had come by my empty classroom and I obviously wasn't there. He told me he had already seen his dad, but I don't think he got to see Catherine. To be honest, she is going to be really disappointed if she doesn't get to see him. I know those two fight like cats and dogs most days, but in so many ways they are still so close. I am so looking forward to having all four of us here at the high school together next year!
Thursday, May 3, 2018
I've been reading
My last day off school was two weeks ago yesterday. It has all been at the high school, which gives me plenty of time to catch up on my reading. This was especially true last week when I was helping to supervise study hall during the state testing...a total of ten hours! A couple of weeks ago I had started reading the Lucy Stone mystery series after I saw that another blogger was reading it. I didn't want "heavy" or dark mystery dramas, and this sounded more like a set of "Murder, She Wrote" books. I loved the first one, and was delighted to return it and begin the next one. Our local library is part of the county system, and sometimes in order to read a book we need to request it from another branch. That happened last week, and after study hall last Monday I was in need and the next one wasn't ready. I went to the school library and checked out The Help. I really enjoyed reading it, but the next book in the mystery series was ready and I couldn't want to get to it. I finished The Help, returned it to the library, and was anxious to get started. Sadly, it was a little disappointing as it took her out of her quaint little Maine town. I went ahead and requested the next one, and began it after finishing the disappointing one. I was frustrated to learn it also takes her out of her town. Ugh! Hopefully I can find another one that I will enjoy more...although with school winding down my days of sitting in a classroom looking for something to do are coming to an end!
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
We've moved into May
The last month of the school year has arrived. The last several years, May has been a crazy month. Somehow, with adding graduation and another Confirmation to the mix, I don't think this year is going to be any different. There is so much to do, and yet there seems to be so very little time in which to get things done. Our house is a disaster, but I refuse to stress about it. I allow myself to take a nap after school because I need to take a nap. We are all so tired, but in three weeks from today, it will be the last day of school!
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