Another college visit

We took Catherine on another college visit today.  We drove south to visit NKU.  I didn't know much about it and didn't really know what to expect.  Overall, I think she liked it, but it isn't at the top of her list.  It is only a ten minute drive from Cinci, and I'm not sure she really wants to be that close to a major city.  She liked the fact that it was a more traditional four-year school, but just thought it was too big overall.  It's hard to believe we are just two weeks away from beginning her senior year.  It's all gone so quickly, and I know the next ten months are going to fly by!

Trade deadline

I've been a baseball fan my entire life, and there have been many times in my adult life that this date, the MLB trade deadline, has made me unhappy.  That's the hard part of rooting for a team that often is no longer competing for anything by this time of year.  We had some hope heading into the All-Star break, but when we came out losing more than we were winning, I knew we were going to be "sellers" rather than "buyers" as this deadline approached.  Sure enough, the Reds traded Puig, Roark, & Gennett.  I wasn't surprised by the Puig trade, although I did enjoy watching him play.  Gennett was one I really liked, but this is life in the baseball world!

A quiet Sunday afternoon

Catherine is at work today, and Andrew and Thomas have taken the afternoon to spend playing frisbee golf and taking a bike ride.  I love that they are doing that together, and I love that Thomas wants to spend that time with his dad.  It really means a lot to us.

I really needed this quiet afternoon.  Starting last weekend, there have been lots of emotions happening in my family.  It was such a busy week that there were also a lot of distractions, but they were still there.  Additionally, my week was full of people.  Lots, and lots, of people filled my days.  I enjoy people, but I NEED quiet time sometimes, especially with as many people as I had in each day.  Yesterday I was just peopled out.  Of course, I still had to chaperone a band pool party last night, but I enjoyed getting to see all the students have so much fun.  Today though, I've definitely enjoyed my quiet afternoon.  There was a Reds victory, laundry folding, and a nap!  Only a couple of these glorious "I don't care that it is Sunday because it is summer break" kind of Sundays left!

I'm going to be an emotional mama

Yesterday, Catherine finished her final band camp.  I hadn't really thought too much about this being her year of "lasts", but I saw a picture of my tiny daughter with all the seniors, and it hit me.  It is so very different than it was with Robert.  With him, we needed to get him finished with school and into the military...for the sake of all of us.  With Catherine, oh goodness, I can't even imagine her not living here and waking up here everyday.  I had really thought she might attend a local school and commute each day, but it is looking like she might actually go away.  Not far, but far enough that she will live there.  I'm not sure I know where all the time has gone!  Andrew and I are being certain to soak up each day!

We survived another band camp week

I am always grateful when band camp week wraps up.  Honestly, there are few weeks as physically exhausting as band camp week.  I am incredibly grateful that I had so much help from Andrew this year.  Him not coaching football is wonderful!

I began preparing for band camp last week by doing some shopping, and things revved up Monday.  I reported to the high school just after Noon on Monday.  Andrew came up to help with some chores, and then I spent some time working on paperwork and running some band errands.  Andrew came back up to help get things ready for dinner, and a few others joined us for serving.  I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to be home around 6:30 that evening!  Our friends from Missouri came to town (they are visiting family) and we had dinner together.

Tuesday I was up on the road early for a doctor appointment.  The kids had swim practice first thing that morning.  Andrew and I left a little after Noon to head to the high school again.  We iced down drinks and prepared a couple of things for dinner, and I was very happy to be heading out the door after only being there an hour.  That is when a young lady passed out, and Andrew rushed to help.  This young lady has been having some health issues.  I contacted the mother, and an ambulance was called.  It was decided to transport her to an emergency room just to be on the safe side.  We were again out the door, although another hour had passed.  I needed to head to the church office to get a few things accomplished, and then I ran some more errands for band.  We were back at school to serve dinner and clean up, as well as get as much together as we could for the next day.

Wednesday our family was out the door by 6:30am for swim championships.  We got back home at 1, and Andrew and I were out the door forty-five minutes later to go ice down the drinks.  We got home by 3:30 and were out the door again around 4:15.  Andrew went to pick up the subs we were having for dinner, and I went to the high school to make sure everything else was ready.  Andrew let us know he found out that our subs weren't cut, which meant we had some serious work to do before we could serve!  The place had also not sent any condiments along, so we had to go get some.  It ended up being a long evening, and I was exhausted.  Thank goodness Thursday morning we could sleep in!

I woke up feeling absolutely lousy.  Thankfully, I didn't have to be anywhere until I needed to head to the school at 12:30.  It was a fairly easy day, and Andrew met me up there to ice the drinks.  I came home and did band paperwork most of the afternoon.  Dinner went off without a hitch, and I'm so grateful for the other parent volunteers who helped out.  We were able to clean up fairly quickly, and I got almost everything put back in place.  I was so happy to walk out this evening, and to know we had made it through band camp week!

Summer swim has come to an end for this year

Yesterday was the end of the season for summer swim.  The season was only seven weeks long, but because of the overlap with band at the end, I was ready for it to end.  Catherine didn't have great swims yesterday, and Thomas had a couple of personal bests, and a couple of not.  Neither one qualified for finals tonight (as we knew they wouldn't) and neither was assigned a relay (even as an alternate) so swim was officially over yesterday.  I can't say I was sad about it.  I'm grateful that the kids didn't just sit around this summer, but I just can't feel hugely to something during the summer.  Although band is underway, we do get to sleep in more right now!

There is literally nothing on our calendar

Today's little square on the calendar is completely BLANK.  I am not at all sure how we managed to make that happen, but once we got close and I realized it was happening, and I made sure to keep it that way!  I am so incredibly grateful for this day, even if it is going to be hotter than the blazes (heat index was 93 degrees before 11am)!

We had a busy week with band and Catherine's job and doctor/dental appointments and a college visit.  Yesterday we made a trip to visit our friends who moved away two years ago.  We arrived late afternoon to avoid the city rush hour, and our friend (husband) surprised us by leaving work early and coming home when we arrived.  We had a lovely visit, and I'm so glad we made the trip.  The drive home was a pain because the interstate was closed for a bit in a construction zone, but knowing we got to sleep in this morning made it bearable.

We have our craziest week of the summer coming up with band camp (I am in charge of all meals) and swim championships.  We also found out our friends from Kansas City are in town so we are squeezing in a quick visit with them.  Don't want to get too crazy about wishing away the time though because school will be oh so close when the week ends.

I am so grateful for this little life of ours!

College search

Yesterday we took Catherine on another college visit.  Honestly, I had thought this might be the one for her.  It is a regional campus of our university here in town, and I thought this might be a good fit for her.  It has a strong program in Catherine's current preferred field of study, and it is extremely affordable.  She would need to live at home as there are no dorms there, but I thought that was something she wanted because she doesn't want to leave our pets.

I thought it was pretty decent as we went through it, and I thought it did the best it could at creating a community considering all students are commuters from around the region.  However, while Catherine was "fine" with it, she wasn't thrilled.  It didn't beat out the visit she had taken last year, and while that place is not far and many students from here commute, it has a very nice residential option as well.  Because of the weather here in the winter and the fact that country roads have to be traveled, Andrew and I have told her that if she wants to go there we want her to live there.  So far, that seems to be the front runner.  We have another visit planned to another university in a couple of weeks, so we'll see where this all goes.  I really can't believe this time is here!

We've been pretty busy

It's been a busy week.  It is the first of two weeks where swim and band overlap, and the beginning of band is always the busiest for me.  Not only am I trying to get all of the paperwork in order, but I am trying to get things in line for band camp next week.  It's going well though, and I am enjoying seeing the students.

Sunday afternoon we had our family gathering at my aunt's house.  I used to refer to it as a reunion, but this year so few were there that it was more of a gathering.  Tuesday evening we all were at a swim meet rather than band.  Our commitment to summer swim hasn't been "all that", and it's showing with the kids' lack of improvement.  I refuse to feel guilty about that though.  They don't seem to mind, and we've been enjoying our family times together.  Yesterday we took Catherine on a college visit, but that is another post.  We've also had a dental appointment for Thomas this week, along with an orthodontist appointment for Catherine, and today Catherine has her own dental appointment and I have a doctor appointment as well.

We are down to just under four weeks until school begins, and really for Andrew we are right at three weeks.  I keep telling myself that is still plenty of time to enjoy, and to make some fun family memories!

So much for my quiet Sunday morning

This morning Catherine had to be at work at 8:00.  I was not remotely thrilled about being up at 7, but we don't have to be at church until 10 so I was looking forward to some very quiet time.  In fact, even the dog wanted to stay in bed when I got up this morning, so I'd have at least a half hour, and maybe a little more, all to myself.

Not exactly the way things went down this morning though.  Something is up with Catherine, and she was an absolutely monster this morning.  Honestly, she behaved more like a toddler than a teen, and it was unreal.  I won't go into details, but I refused to allow her to drive anywhere with that behavior, and ended up taking her to work, which caused her to begin calling me names.  Ugh.  By this time Andrew and the dog were up, and my morning was not the quiet solitude I had planned.

Hopefully I find church refreshing, and Catherine is off work early afternoon.  We have a family reunion at my aunt & uncle's house this afternoon.  I hadn't wanted to go before, and now I really don't feel it.  Hopefully though, it will be a fun afternoon which is what we all really need!

I am 'that mom' so I won't become the mom no one wants to be

Part of Thomas's advertising has been to take flyers around the neighborhood.  Yesterday he mentioned he was off to do this, and I saw him ride down the driveway on his bike...without a helmet.  I immediately opened the front door and he stopped to see what I wanted.  I told him he needed to wear a helmet, and he, without question, turned around and complied.  I double checked to make sure the next time he came down the driveway he had it on, and that was that.

Some might think I am crazy for insisting he wear it here in our fairly uneventful little neighborhood.  Reality though, is that anything can happen anywhere at anytime.  A car can still go too fast here, or Thomas could turn wrong or lose control in front of a vehicle...or just fall onto the road and hit his head.  All of these things are real possibilities that can happen, but can be prevented (although not completely) by wearing a helmet.

So yes, I was 'that mom' who made him go get a helmet.  Because I don't want to be the mom no one wants to be...the one who is grieving her son.  I am watching our friend go through that after losing her eight-year-old last week.  It is excruciating and heartbreaking.  It is a club that no one wants to join.  I am completely okay with being thought to be too over protective in an effort to avoid joining that club.  Please know I am not judging my friend and accusing her of being lax.  She was one of the most devoted and protective moms I know...fiercely so.  Some things are beyond our control, but I plan to be safe about the ones that we can do something about.

Potato & bacon pizza

When we were visiting the island last month, our cousin introduced us to the delicacy that is potato and bacon pizza.  It is awesome!  I know it sounds kind of odd, and given how picky Thomas can be I wasn't even sure he would try it, but who doesn't love potatoes and bacon???  The key is not putting the pizza sauce on too thick.  Thomas was eager to put the pizza together for us, and the pizza was pretty heavy on potato.  In fact, the pizza itself literally was very heavy!  I didn't realize it could weigh that much.  It was extremely filling, but there are NO leftovers!  It was a fun evening.

My son is an entrepreneur

For almost a year now, Thomas has been anxious to follow in the footsteps of a cousin and be a "teenaged scrap man".  His cousin Ryan, whom we visited last month, has been collecting scrap metal for years and has paid for his own golf cart.  Thomas was inspired, although Andrew and I thought nothing would really come of it.  Nothing did for months and months, but after the visit last month Thomas's enthusiasm was renewed.  He put together a website and made flyers that he printed and delivered around the neighborhood.  We were thrilled that he got several responses quickly, and today he was actually able to make his first trip to the scrap yard.  He came home $10 richer.  I think he was a little disappointed in the amount, but we pointed out there was still lots of big stuff here that we hadn't taken yet, and he learned a lot about what he needs to do differently the next time...and he had $10 more than he did this morning!  Andrew has been particularly impressed with the increase in confidence and some interpersonal skills that he has seen in Thomas.  I am very proud of Thomas for taking this on!

I remember six years ago

It was six years ago today that we made the offer and had a deal on this house.  I remember the night before, after we had decided to make an offer, that I was up crying most of the night.  Moving here was never something I had ever truly wanted to do.  I don't like change, and not only were we leaving our dear friends in our former town, we were moving further away from my family.  I was going to leave a subbing situation that I truly loved, and it all just made me sad.  I knew though, that it was best for our family.

I was so right!  I love this little 1/2 acre of land that we take care of.  There are still many days I can't believe we get to live on this beautiful little place.  These schools have been so much better for the kiddos than where we left, and I truly am aware of how many little memories we get to make each day because we are all in the same school.  I am so incredibly grateful that we made the move, regardless of how tough it was at the time!

The last week before band starts

Andrew and the kids arrived home last evening.  I always much prefer when we are all under the same roof.  Andrew was so pleased with how the kids had been on the trip.  He kept telling me how wonderful they had been and how much he enjoyed having them around.  They really are awesome.  And just as a reminder that they are growing and aren't little anymore, my "little" guy heaved a box I couldn't even budge an inch out of my vehicle and carried it to the garage.  I purchased a hammock as an early birthday gift for Andrew, and Thomas couldn't wait to begin putting that together today with his dad.

Catherine is baking brownies today for the church community dinner.  We can't go because of a meeting here at the house, but I had offered desserts.  I appreciate knowing that I can turn the task over to her, because she isn't little either.  Next week a college visit is scheduled, just in case I need a reminder that she isn't little.

We are also getting things ready to ship to Robert this week.  The military "owes" him a move, and it happens Friday.  We are sending much of his stuff to him since he now has his own apartment.  The stuff remaining here is really just going into storage in our garage.  He doesn't really live here anymore.

Band begins next week, and band camp is the week after that, then the next week is August.  Even though I am seeing school supply sales and I know our calendar is becoming more scheduled, I am soaking up lovely days with my family while I can!

Trips down memory lane

While Andrew and the kids are gone, I've been attempting to organize photos.  I like to label them and save them to a flash drive (used to be a CD).  I was wayyyyy behind.  I had them labeled through the middle of 2015, but hadn't backed them up since 2014.  I have finally got everything labeled through the end of 2016.  It's going to get a little more challenging starting with 2017, because that is when we got our smart phones and everyone has pictures on their phones.  I like my photos to be chronological so I'll need to organize all the phones AND the camera.  Anyway, I've really enjoyed my trip down memory lane while I've been doing this.  A lot of them I haven't looked at very much, and they are bringing a lot of smiles.  I'm so grateful for the memories!

I'm emotional about this trip

Andrew and the kids just left to go to Andrew's parents.  For a variety of reasons, I didn't go.  I'll be honest, I had really been looking forward to all of the quiet and alone time I am going to have this weekend.  However, I am much more emotional about this trip than I thought I would be.  For one thing, it's usually only a two day thing, but this time they won't be back until Tuesday.  That's a lot of hours alone.  For another thing, usually once they make the trip over, I get to relax from my anxiety over them traveling until they return.  That isn't the case this time though, as they will be leaving tomorrow to drive another four hours, return to his parents Monday, and then drive home Tuesday...so the entire trip is traveling.  Lastly, the death of Bryston makes me want my family right here at home with me.  Right now I don't want them out of my sight.  I know that isn't realistic, but it's my emotional state right now.  I am praying fervently for them all to return safe and sound on Tuesday!

Hall of Fame year continues

After visiting the football HOF in April and the baseball HOF last month, we made a visit to Cincinnati this afternoon.  The Reds have the largest team Hall of Fame in the country, and we had purchased a membership for the year.  We had last been there several years ago, and many things had changed since then.  We all enjoyed getting to see the memorabilia, and the kids especially enjoyed things that were recent enough they could remember.  Even Andrew who didn't grow up a Reds fan, enjoyed all the memories.  We were only there an hour, but with a membership we get to go back again anytime in the next year!

After the Hall, we visited our family's favorite restaurant on the river.  It's tough not to overeat at this place, but even more than my stomach, I came home with such a full heart.  We loved our afternoon together!

Independence Day '19

This is our first Independence Day as a military family.  As with all of the patriotic holidays, there is a new perspective.  My son is serving in our military to protect our country.  That is never lost on me, and it is amplified on these days.  I am so grateful for all of those who serve and have served.  It is also never lost on me that although his assignment is relatively safe, anything can happen.  Just a little over two months ago, high school classmates of my sister lost their son in an accident while he was serving.  Although it had absolutely nothing to do with the military, it had been months since they had seen him because of his assignment.  I know it could happen to us.  Nothing in life is guaranteed, and the tragedy of Bryston enforces that.

Having said all of that, I do still think today should be a celebration.  We ARE free, and for the most part we live in a wonderful country.  We should celebrate our freedoms, and we should celebrate life.

RIP Bryston

Our friends' son passed away this morning.  I can not even begin to imagine.  Our former community is amazing and is rallying around the family.  Hearts are broken.  Prayers.

We are half way through the summer of 2019

Six weeks from today school begins.  I'm not ready, but I suspect I will be in six weeks.  Even this week, there are times I think my family is having too much togetherness.  I'm not ready for the rigorous schedule, and I'm not ready for band to begin in just 12 days.

There have been some changes this summer.  Of course Robert isn't here.  While he is missed, the drama and chaos he brought to our lives is not missed.  We also don't have to worry about Andrew's football schedule this summer since he is no longer coaching.  The four of us have enjoyed so much family time and made so many amazing memories.  I am so grateful for this.  And we don't plan to stop yet!

I've been seeing school supplies stocking begin to happen in stores.  It's a little different when your kids are in high school, as basically all they need are folders, notebooks, and pencils/pens.  This school year will mark the last "first day" I'll get to have with Catherine, and only two more after that with Thomas.  It breaks my heart a little to think about it, but I am so grateful for these days, and I plan to be grateful for each day that comes.

I can't even imagine

I received a text this morning that just has me sick to my stomach.  There is a couple in our former town with whom we had mutual friends, and because of that we had hung out several times.  There was a horrible ATV accident last evening, and their eight-year-old child is brain dead.  I don't even have words for this, and I can't begin to imagine.

It's hot

July has arrived, and so have the hot temps.  I understand it is the lower midwest, and I should expect it to be warm in July.  That doesn't change the fact that I find it uncomfortable, even in air conditioning.  If money was no option, my thermostat would probably be set about eight degrees (more than 10%!) lower than it is.  Life goes on though, and if this is the worst problem in my life, I am immeasurably blessed.

Unfortunately, the kids have a swim meet this evening, which means being outdoors.  It is the largest (and therefore longest) meet of the season, and it is also supposed to storm...making it even later.  Not looking forward to that particularly, but again, small life problems.  This though, is why I love January weather better than July!