One of the things the students had been disappointed about when the band no longer went away to camp was the loss of their senior reflection/new member welcome ceremony. Last year they did it after the last full day of camp, but the seniors weren't happy about the time constraints, and the parents weren't happy with having to pick their child up at 11 on a weeknight. Andrew and I made the proposition of us being in charge of an overnight, and since Andrew is a school employee, the directors didn't have to be involved...and they didn't want to be. We took lots of ideas from other overnighter done at the school, and I thought we had a pretty good plan.
We were super clear about our expectations both to the students and the parents. We searched bags, and even searched the room the bags had been in. We made it clear that there would be supervision throughout the night. We made it clear students were to be picked up at 7AM (send them home just as things might begin to unravel)...we had plans and more plans. We had eight chaperones to keep an eye on things. The weather became a problem but we had backup plans. We were prepared.
I, of course, missed the beginning of the evening by being at the swim meet. When I made it back to the school, the students were already 2-1/2 hours into the "ceremony", and our patience was beginning to wain a bit. The adults were beginning to comment that this isn't what we had expected. We were outdoors at this point, and it was beginning to get chilly. Students were beginning to get cold and needed to use the restroom. About 1:30 Andrew was beginning to get irritated, and that was when a student decided to sneak away. He left the group and went down the side of the building in the shadows. Two chaperones followed, and by the time they turned the corner he was no where to be seen. Chaperones took off with flashlights, but we still had 80 other students we had to keep an eye on. We ended up calling the police and his parents, and after 2-1/2 hours the young man was found. It turns out one of the senior "reflections" had called him out pretty strongly (without naming him, but everyone knew!) on their previous relationship.
Needless to say, it made the experience very stressful! As much as I had enjoyed the kids all week, that was not what I had planned on! All the chaperones agreed that the format of things needed to change next year. No one really slept, and it wasn't the overall positive experience we had hoped it would be. Fortunately, the young man's parents thought we all handled the situation very well and weren't upset with the adults. Very stressful though!
Monday, July 30, 2018
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Swim championships
This week was the end of the swim season, which means we had swim championships. It was our pool's turn to host this year. Being during band camp made it really challenging, but Andrew and I did what we could to help out. He helped set up bleachers Tuesday evening and did some timing Wednesday morning. I worked at concessions Wednesday afternoon. And of course, our kids swam!
Robert was disappointed that the change in departure date meant he wouldn't be swimming at champs. He would've been useful in many ways, but on our end it was nice to have one less person to worry about. He is my strongest swimmer, and I was convinced this year we wouldn't have to worry about Finals swims on Thursday evening. When the lineup came out on Monday, I was a little stunned to see that Thomas was an alternate in three relays...including one in the 15-18 group! Shortly after, we received a text from the coach that there had already been a scratch and Thomas would indeed be swimming in that particular relay. Of course that meant missing band Thursday evening and extra practices for swim throughout the week as well!
When we got to the pool Wednesday morning it was actually almost chilly. Catherine swam in the very first event which was the 200m free. She hadn't had to swim it all season, and band camp week probably wasn't the best time for her to give it a go. I could tell about half way through that she was really struggling. Her body was just so tired from the week, but she finished. She mentioned how much she was hurting and that was hard to see. In fact, Catherine struggled in most of her races, but ended on a high note. The breast stroke was last, and Catherine is pretty good at that one. In fact, she just missed coming in first in her heat. I was so proud of the way she finished her season, and she was thrilled as well.
Thomas swam two events Wednesday morning and Andrew and I both noticed that his freestyle stroke is looking much better. I dropped him off for his Thursday night relay, and then returned after getting students checked in for the band overnight. By that time Finals had gone into a lightning delay, and there was a lot of standing around. Of course, Thomas's relay was the very last event (so yes, my kids swam in the very first event of the entire experience, and the very last), which is why he hadn't reported with the rest of the kids. As he stood there I couldn't believe my little guy was swimming with 15-18 year olds! I knew he was nervous, but he just needed to touch and swim cleanly, which I knew he could do. We knew our guys would probably come in last in this event, but even that would earn points. Thomas was the second leg, and we were already nearly an entire pool length behind when he jumped in. He did just fine though, and I was so proud of him.
Because of the weather delay, Thomas wanted to leave right away and get back to the school for the band activity. We missed finding out that our time had won the league championship for the first time in seven years! We didn't even attend the banquet last night. I feel a little guilty about it because I know the kids would've enjoyed celebrating the win, but we were just all way too wiped out. Robert had already received his senior award, and I didn't expect Catherine or Thomas to win anything special, so we allowed ourselves to stay home and just crash for the day. When I write my post about the band overnighter, you will understand why that was so important!
Robert was disappointed that the change in departure date meant he wouldn't be swimming at champs. He would've been useful in many ways, but on our end it was nice to have one less person to worry about. He is my strongest swimmer, and I was convinced this year we wouldn't have to worry about Finals swims on Thursday evening. When the lineup came out on Monday, I was a little stunned to see that Thomas was an alternate in three relays...including one in the 15-18 group! Shortly after, we received a text from the coach that there had already been a scratch and Thomas would indeed be swimming in that particular relay. Of course that meant missing band Thursday evening and extra practices for swim throughout the week as well!
When we got to the pool Wednesday morning it was actually almost chilly. Catherine swam in the very first event which was the 200m free. She hadn't had to swim it all season, and band camp week probably wasn't the best time for her to give it a go. I could tell about half way through that she was really struggling. Her body was just so tired from the week, but she finished. She mentioned how much she was hurting and that was hard to see. In fact, Catherine struggled in most of her races, but ended on a high note. The breast stroke was last, and Catherine is pretty good at that one. In fact, she just missed coming in first in her heat. I was so proud of the way she finished her season, and she was thrilled as well.
Thomas swam two events Wednesday morning and Andrew and I both noticed that his freestyle stroke is looking much better. I dropped him off for his Thursday night relay, and then returned after getting students checked in for the band overnight. By that time Finals had gone into a lightning delay, and there was a lot of standing around. Of course, Thomas's relay was the very last event (so yes, my kids swam in the very first event of the entire experience, and the very last), which is why he hadn't reported with the rest of the kids. As he stood there I couldn't believe my little guy was swimming with 15-18 year olds! I knew he was nervous, but he just needed to touch and swim cleanly, which I knew he could do. We knew our guys would probably come in last in this event, but even that would earn points. Thomas was the second leg, and we were already nearly an entire pool length behind when he jumped in. He did just fine though, and I was so proud of him.
Because of the weather delay, Thomas wanted to leave right away and get back to the school for the band activity. We missed finding out that our time had won the league championship for the first time in seven years! We didn't even attend the banquet last night. I feel a little guilty about it because I know the kids would've enjoyed celebrating the win, but we were just all way too wiped out. Robert had already received his senior award, and I didn't expect Catherine or Thomas to win anything special, so we allowed ourselves to stay home and just crash for the day. When I write my post about the band overnighter, you will understand why that was so important!
Wow! What a week!
This past week was sooooooo long. I'll be honest, as we were just an hour away from the band overnighter ending yesterday morning, I felt this huge sense of accomplishment, although the overnighter deserves (no, actually needs) its own post. As does the swim championships from this week, which involved much more time than originally expected. I promise these posts will be forthcoming!
Band camp was every bit as crazy as we expected it to be, but I sure do enjoy those kids. We have a tremendous group this year, and I especially enjoy the freshmen group. The down side of the week is that when I wasn't at band camp or at the pool, I was still home doing band paperwork. It was pretty much all-consuming. But we made it!
We also received Robert's personal items earlier in the week. Everything on him had to be returned, with the exception of his wallet. Yesterday we finally received the paperwork with his address. I sent him a quick note because it was already getting late in the day and I wanted it to go out in yesterday's mail. I promised I would write more soon.
School begins in 18 days. This has definitely been the fastest summer yet. I look back on how quickly the high school years went with Robert (although with some of his decisions it felt like they lasted forever) and I know in a blink of an eye Thomas will be finished as well. Catherine is already half way done with her high school career. Wow, just wow. It's so true that the days may be long but the years are so very short!
Band camp was every bit as crazy as we expected it to be, but I sure do enjoy those kids. We have a tremendous group this year, and I especially enjoy the freshmen group. The down side of the week is that when I wasn't at band camp or at the pool, I was still home doing band paperwork. It was pretty much all-consuming. But we made it!
We also received Robert's personal items earlier in the week. Everything on him had to be returned, with the exception of his wallet. Yesterday we finally received the paperwork with his address. I sent him a quick note because it was already getting late in the day and I wanted it to go out in yesterday's mail. I promised I would write more soon.
School begins in 18 days. This has definitely been the fastest summer yet. I look back on how quickly the high school years went with Robert (although with some of his decisions it felt like they lasted forever) and I know in a blink of an eye Thomas will be finished as well. Catherine is already half way done with her high school career. Wow, just wow. It's so true that the days may be long but the years are so very short!
Monday, July 23, 2018
My son is in the Navy
Robert was officially sworn in this morning. In spite of the fact that we were told sweating in would begin at 11:30, and Andrew had left early enough that he would arrive by 9:30, he missed it. We have learned though, that this is military life and there is nothing we can do about it. I'm just grateful that Andrew was able to see him and say goodbye one last time.
Please know that my writings about Robert will be very limited in terms of his military experiences. It is a safety thing, and I'm not allowed to write about most things...he can't even tell us about most things! However, I plan to be even more limited, and things will be mostly limited to when we are actually with him.
I am very proud of my son for this choice he has made, and I'm excited for him to begin this new adventure. As Andrew said, the four of us is now our "new normal", and with time we will find our routine.
Please know that my writings about Robert will be very limited in terms of his military experiences. It is a safety thing, and I'm not allowed to write about most things...he can't even tell us about most things! However, I plan to be even more limited, and things will be mostly limited to when we are actually with him.
I am very proud of my son for this choice he has made, and I'm excited for him to begin this new adventure. As Andrew said, the four of us is now our "new normal", and with time we will find our routine.
Saturday, July 21, 2018
The calm before the storm
Today and yesterday kind of feel like the calm before the storm. We had a meeting yesterday and my mom and sister came down today to say goodbye to Robert. Other than that, we had no plans at all. I am so grateful for these two days.
Tomorrow it begins with us taking the day to take Robert to Columbus. We will check him in to the hotel, take him out to dinner, and then make the 2+ hour drive back home. Andrew will get up Monday and head back over, while I take the younger two to swim. Band camp begins that afternoon, and I'll be at the school for about seven hours or so. Andrew will come up and help after he gets back from Robert's swearing in. Tuesday morning will be swim practice again, and another full day of band camp. That evening Andrew will need to be at the community pool to set up for the swim championships. Wednesday morning we will have to be at the pool, I am guessing by 6:30. We will spend all morning there, and Andrew will be helping out with timing. He will take the kids to band camp, and I will do my afternoon shift at swim championships before we both head to band camp to help with dinner. Thursday the kids will have their full day of band camp, and we won't have to go until dinner. That night, Andrew and I are in charge of the overnighter for the students. Friday will be a day of REST!!!
It's going to be crazy, but I am grateful to be the parents of these kids...even the one flying the nest!
Tomorrow it begins with us taking the day to take Robert to Columbus. We will check him in to the hotel, take him out to dinner, and then make the 2+ hour drive back home. Andrew will get up Monday and head back over, while I take the younger two to swim. Band camp begins that afternoon, and I'll be at the school for about seven hours or so. Andrew will come up and help after he gets back from Robert's swearing in. Tuesday morning will be swim practice again, and another full day of band camp. That evening Andrew will need to be at the community pool to set up for the swim championships. Wednesday morning we will have to be at the pool, I am guessing by 6:30. We will spend all morning there, and Andrew will be helping out with timing. He will take the kids to band camp, and I will do my afternoon shift at swim championships before we both head to band camp to help with dinner. Thursday the kids will have their full day of band camp, and we won't have to go until dinner. That night, Andrew and I are in charge of the overnighter for the students. Friday will be a day of REST!!!
It's going to be crazy, but I am grateful to be the parents of these kids...even the one flying the nest!
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
I have an interview
I had applied for a job at the local university nearly a month ago. Honestly, I don't want the job, and I'm blessed in that there is a chance that Andrew is able to pick up a supplemental that will keep me from needing to have a job beyond subbing. I honestly thought it was over and done with, but the university just called and I have an interview in two weeks. Even though I'm not overly interested, it is worth considering and it is definitely worth the interview process and experience. It feels like a lot is changing and I'm not a fan of change!
Appreciating some quiet moments
With three teenagers and two adults home all day every day right now, there are rarely moments of quiet. In all honestly, we are rarely ALL home at the same time, but that just kind of adds to the chaos. Right now Robert is at swim practice for about another ten minutes. Andrew has taken the younger two on a college visit to a local university. The weather is actually comfortable enough that the windows are open, and I enjoy hearing the birds chirp. I am soaking up the peacefulness of my surroundings!
Monday, July 16, 2018
He began his high school activities tonight
Tonight was the beginning of band. I enjoyed seeing all of the kids and their families. It was also hard to believe that my youngest was sitting there among the students. My little guy, who definitely is not so little, officially began his high school activities tonight. Where has the time go? This week is definitely a reminder that life is changing...and very quickly!
Half way through July
A month from yesterday is the first day of school. It's hard to believe that it is coming so quickly. Band begins this evening...it's all happening. I don't mind the thought of fall weather, and with both kids doing marching band (no cross country schedule, and even though Andrew is coaching I don't have to attend middle school games) my time will be less spread out. I am definitely looking forward to having the opportunity for additional income. Overall though, I am not looking for the next four weeks to go to quickly!
Sunday, July 15, 2018
The good-byes are getting to me
Today was the annual pool party at my aunt's house. I enjoyed hanging out with the family, although that side is full of way too much drama. Regardless, it is fun to get together. My mom and grandmother came down, and for my grandmother, it was her last chance to see Robert. Just like my mother-in-law (which I managed to avoid), my grandmother cried when said good-bye. That really gets to me. Everyone made a point to say goodbye to him, and my aunt became emotional as well. Next week my mom & sister are coming down again to see him. I can do all right until someone else gets emotional..and they are.
We've learned that we are actually supposed to take him to Columbus next weekend, and we have the opportunity to see him sworn in that Monday morning. Unfortunately, I can't make that happen on a week's notice because that is band camp. We've decided we will all take him over and get him checked in, and that will be the time for goodbye for Catherine, Thomas, and myself. Andrew will drive back over early Monday morning. I have a feeling this next week is going to be pretty draining.
We've learned that we are actually supposed to take him to Columbus next weekend, and we have the opportunity to see him sworn in that Monday morning. Unfortunately, I can't make that happen on a week's notice because that is band camp. We've decided we will all take him over and get him checked in, and that will be the time for goodbye for Catherine, Thomas, and myself. Andrew will drive back over early Monday morning. I have a feeling this next week is going to be pretty draining.
Some tears in church
I hadn't meant to go so long between writing posts. There has just been a lot going on, and I've been emotional about a lot of things. I don't want to sound as though I'm complaining or to be a downer, so I just haven't written...and I've been busy.
Honestly, although I've been emotional, I fight against being so. I don't want to sit around being weepy about the thought of my son leaving, because it really is a good thing. Sometimes I've thought that I am not emotional enough because there has never once been the thought that I wish he wouldn't leave. Joining the Navy is exactly what he needs to do for so many reasons.
This is the last Sunday Robert will be in church, and we asked our Pastor if he would include him in the weekly prayers. Knowing Pastor as we do, we knew that he would want to do so, and I suspected he would even bring him to the altar for a bit of recognition. I wasn't prepared however, for Pastor to begin crying and then ask us all to join him. I was weeping as Pastor prayed over us all, and was pretty weepy through the rest of the service. To be honest, it is the first time I have openly cried about Robert leaving, and I just wasn't prepared.
I'm so grateful for our church family. I found a great deal of comfort in knowing that they are all praying not only for Robert's safety, but for our peace and comfort as well!
Honestly, although I've been emotional, I fight against being so. I don't want to sit around being weepy about the thought of my son leaving, because it really is a good thing. Sometimes I've thought that I am not emotional enough because there has never once been the thought that I wish he wouldn't leave. Joining the Navy is exactly what he needs to do for so many reasons.
This is the last Sunday Robert will be in church, and we asked our Pastor if he would include him in the weekly prayers. Knowing Pastor as we do, we knew that he would want to do so, and I suspected he would even bring him to the altar for a bit of recognition. I wasn't prepared however, for Pastor to begin crying and then ask us all to join him. I was weeping as Pastor prayed over us all, and was pretty weepy through the rest of the service. To be honest, it is the first time I have openly cried about Robert leaving, and I just wasn't prepared.
I'm so grateful for our church family. I found a great deal of comfort in knowing that they are all praying not only for Robert's safety, but for our peace and comfort as well!
Sunday, July 8, 2018
We celebrated Robert
Yesterday was the graduation party/Bon Voyage party for Robert. It's why I didn't write much last week. We were working our little rear ends off and it was crazy. The weather was dangerously oppressive, and that didn't help either. It really zapped our energy.
Things worked out fabulously though. Our house was extremely clean, and we even had things pretty well set up by noon yesterday. My aunt and uncle had spent the week smoking pork and chicken wings, and they arrived to help get that all ready. My best friend Steph also arrived at that time to help with final details.
We were blessed with absolutely gorgeous weather for the afternoon. Highs in the low 80's and low humidity. It was fabulous. Over 70 guests came to visit, and I regret that I didn't get to visit with each one more. A couple of them who came from our former town brought tears to my eyes, and a life long friend flew in from New York to be here. It was a wonderful afternoon!
While I was starting to wind down and be ready to begin my evening of relaxation, my friends Jen & Amanda were inside washing all of our dishes. I was grateful beyond words! I was able to spend the evening visiting instead of cleaning.
I don't know that there has ever been a day when I have felt as much gratitude and full of as many blessings as I did yesterday. It really showed us who our friends were, and even one of my mom's friends mentioned I was so lucky to have friends like family. I was grateful that Robert was able to be celebrated, and to say good bye to so many friends and family. It was a day where my home was full, but my heart was even more full!
Things worked out fabulously though. Our house was extremely clean, and we even had things pretty well set up by noon yesterday. My aunt and uncle had spent the week smoking pork and chicken wings, and they arrived to help get that all ready. My best friend Steph also arrived at that time to help with final details.
We were blessed with absolutely gorgeous weather for the afternoon. Highs in the low 80's and low humidity. It was fabulous. Over 70 guests came to visit, and I regret that I didn't get to visit with each one more. A couple of them who came from our former town brought tears to my eyes, and a life long friend flew in from New York to be here. It was a wonderful afternoon!
While I was starting to wind down and be ready to begin my evening of relaxation, my friends Jen & Amanda were inside washing all of our dishes. I was grateful beyond words! I was able to spend the evening visiting instead of cleaning.
I don't know that there has ever been a day when I have felt as much gratitude and full of as many blessings as I did yesterday. It really showed us who our friends were, and even one of my mom's friends mentioned I was so lucky to have friends like family. I was grateful that Robert was able to be celebrated, and to say good bye to so many friends and family. It was a day where my home was full, but my heart was even more full!
Monday, July 2, 2018
Everyone is home
Andrew and Robert arrived home about 6:00 last evening, and Catherine and Thomas arrived home nearly seven hours later. It was so fabulous having everyone under the same roof, and I was so grateful. I had decided weeks ago that no one was going to swim practice this morning and we would sleep in.
Andrew and Robert were able to accomplish a great deal while at Andrew's parents. My mother-in-law became very emotional when it was time for them to leave since Robert leaves for the Navy in three weeks. There is part of her that is convinced Robert will never see his grandfather again. I'm glad I wasn't there to see her be so emotional.
Catherine and Thomas had a an amazing experience in Houston for their church trip. I loved hearing their stories and I am more grateful than I can put into words that they were able to make this trip. The next ELCA youth gathering is in three years in Minneapolis, and while Catherine will be too old, Thomas is already making plans to attend.
This summer continues to fly by!
Andrew and Robert were able to accomplish a great deal while at Andrew's parents. My mother-in-law became very emotional when it was time for them to leave since Robert leaves for the Navy in three weeks. There is part of her that is convinced Robert will never see his grandfather again. I'm glad I wasn't there to see her be so emotional.
Catherine and Thomas had a an amazing experience in Houston for their church trip. I loved hearing their stories and I am more grateful than I can put into words that they were able to make this trip. The next ELCA youth gathering is in three years in Minneapolis, and while Catherine will be too old, Thomas is already making plans to attend.
This summer continues to fly by!
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