A snowy Halloween

We had very little "Halloween" in our house this evening.  Catherine had to work, and Thomas went to his "girlfriend's" house and spent the evening hanging out there.  It was a very wet day, and around the late morning/early afternoon, the winds picked up and the temps went down.  About 6:00 this evening, I realized there were actually white flakes falling from the sky.  Right now at 8:00, it is 33 but feels like 21.  Needless to say, our trick-or-treaters were limited!

Looks like we are going to have a Red Wolf

Catherine loved her college visit yesterday.  When she arrived home, the letter she had been waiting for came in the mail.  She has been accepted, and plans to attend IU East.  She was so excited.  She still has some decisions to make in terms of housing, but she is thrilled with her plan at this point.  She is so excited!

Last night when I went to bed she was in her bed reading, and I peeked my head in to say goodnight to her.  Of course the thought that she won't be living at home next year made my eyes fill with tears, although I didn't allow her to see that.  We've also learned that the place where she really wants to live is a 12-month lease, which means her moving to school next year might really be her "moving out".  This mama's heart isn't ready for that, but my job has always been to make her a functioning, productive member of society.  That seems to be where she is headed.

Mid-week at the end of October

It's been a crazy week.  But then again, I guess I could say that most weeks.  I don't love the crazy schedule our family has, and I don't feel being busy is a "badge" of which to be proud.  It just is what it is.  It's about doing what needs to be done, and doing it well.  That is life in my opinion.

School has been particularly interesting.  Monday there was increased police presence at our high school.  It was a little bit unnerving, but overall I knew we were safe.  We aren't exactly sure what happened in the area, but there had been a situation and the extra police were on hand just to be on the safe side.  Yesterday I got called in at the last minute for the morning (I was already scheduled for the afternoon).  It was a rush to get here, and then I ended up being in for a teacher who is in two different rooms...and not close together.  While I was in the office during the plan period, a student ran by followed by the school SRO who was chasing him.  Not something you see everyday!

We've also still had band and those responsibilities, plus we are at the end of the month nearing the end of the year so work at church is really gearing up.  I had a doctor appointment yesterday, and of course it is another full five-day work week for me.  I really need to get back to meal planning, but I just don't love that.

Andrew is taking Catherine on a college visit today.  This is the very first place she visited back in the summer of 2018.  She has loved it ever since.  Today is specifically for the nursing program, and they also have an appointment to visit the place where she would be living.  I'm anxious to hear all about it!

Just another crazy week in our lives, but I wouldn't change a thing!

My birthday weekend

Yesterday I celebrated another trip around the sun.  Originally my plan was to stay home and just enjoy the day.  Life happens though, and things had to get done.  There was a congregation meeting called at church, and as the Treasurer who could explain finances, it was necessary that I be there.  I had some errands that needed to happen, and while I didn't really feel like doing them, as I told Andrew, I didn't see additional enthusiasm on the horizon so I might as well just go.  And I'll be honest, it was a sunny fall day, and I'm glad I went.

Friday evening I started on laundry and also made a quick trip to the high school football game to watch the kids march at half-time.  After that I ran to the grocery.  Saturday was cleaning and more laundry then we had friends over to watch the Notre Dame debacle against Michigan.  Ugh.

Andrew made dinner and then I opened cards and gifts.  I really enjoyed my weekend.  It was truly very lovely!

The leaves are falling

It's a cold, wet October Saturday.  Just the kind of day I love for sitting around and doing nothing.  That isn't exactly how my day is going to play out, but it is a Saturday so there will be some of that!  There are some awesome college football games on today, and I'm enjoying the fall feeling all around me.

The last Friday of October

It seems so hard to believe that the last Friday of October has already arrived.  This month has flown compared to September.  I was reading a post from a previous year, and I had written the same thing.  Kind of funny how the years follow a pattern.

I really enjoyed my nap yesterday afternoon.  I slept solidly for an hour.  It was delightful!  It's a good thing too, because I was up way too late last evening doing laundry, and then overnight I had a nightmare that someone was trying to kill me.  It was awful.  I kept forcing myself to wake up in an effort to try to end the dream, and I kept forcing myself to try and stay awake to make sure the dream wouldn't continue when I fell back to sleep.  Not exactly conducive to a good night of sleep.

But today is indeed Friday, and I always say that makes everything better!  The football game is home this evening, so I am planning to try to make it for the halftime show.  I need to clean the house and hit the grocery as well, because we are having some people over tomorrow evening.  We get to sleep in tomorrow though, and that always helps to get us through the day!

I have been looking forward to this afternoon

We've had an extremely busy week.  Our afternoons and evenings have been far from "free".  Monday after school I had to run some errands for band, and the kids had practice that evening.  I also had a volunteer over to work on wreath sale items.  Tuesday afternoon Catherine had an orthodontist appointment.  Thankfully she could drive herself because Andrew and I had a meeting, then he had another work meeting.  I went to work at church and then went to the grocery.  Catherine had to work for a few hours.  Andrew took Thomas to get a Halloween costume and I had Catherine bring home McDonald's for dinner.  We VERY rarely do that, but it just seemed necessary.  I was supposed to attend a meeting that evening, but decided I needed to be working on band stuff instead.  Yesterday Andrew took Thomas for his temporary permit.  I had an appointment after school, then had a meeting at the bank.  The kids also had a band concert last evening for which I had several duties myself.  By the time we got home, it was 8:30, and I had to finalize the information for our band fundraiser.  It's just the way things have been this week.

Today?  The kids have band practice right after school.  I will have over 2 hours of quiet by myself.  They have a quick Halloween parade this evening, but we should all be home by 7:30 at the latest.  I am so looking forward to all of us actually being home and not having to stress about getting something done.  I am really looking forward to this...and hope to take a nap!

Our youngest is learning to drive

Yesterday Andrew took Thomas to get his learner's permit.  We weren't convinced he would pass the written test, but he did!  Andrew decided to allow him to drive in our neighborhood for a few minutes, and I was outside watching.  I also watched when Catherine received her permit, and I must admit Thomas did a much better job for his first time around then Catherine did.  In six months, if he has met all of the requirements, he will be able to try for his driver's license.  It seems impossible to believe.

He was so excited and shared the news with many friends and family via text.  I loved that he put in his saxophone section group chat, "I know no one really cares, but I got my permit!"  Of course, he also texted his brother to share the news.  My heart broke a little bit, when several hours later, Thomas's quiet little voice stated, "Robert didn't even read my text."  There is a notification system on the app they use to communicate.  Robert hasn't responded to Thomas in months, but Thomas was so sure he would get a response to such exciting news.  I hate seeing my kids be hurt and disappointed, but there is nothing I can do about it.

It's hard to believe it's time for the youngest to learn.  Wow, these parenting days are really flying by.  We are in such a changing (but mostly fun) phase right now, and I wouldn't change it for anything!

Fighting a migraine

About 4:00 this morning I woke up and looked at the clock.  I realized I still had over an hour to sleep, and I also realized I had a migraine.  While I knew it wouldn't go away if I didn't take something, there was no way I was getting out of bed at that point.  I would never be able to go back to sleep if I did.  When the alarm went off an hour later, my head hurt so badly I wanted to cry.  I took some medication, and that helped for about 45 minutes, but it came back.  I think it might be a day where I just need to be medicated.

It's funny how there are so many stressful band days where I have migraines.  I am beginning to think there is some strong correlation!

In spite of the headache, I am enjoying my day.  I at the high school in Math today, and the desk happens to look at the window which faces East.  It's a gloriously beautiful sunrise.  I am also grateful for the seat warmers in my vehicle.  It was a pretty chilly drive this morning, but I was nice and toasty.  And in spite of the band concert this evening, it is early day at school so we do have some extra time to get things handled!

The report card made me cry

I cried tears of joy over report cards today.  Catherine has struggled and there is a bit of senioritis setting in, but overall she is a fabulous young lady.  Even though her grades aren't the highest, I loved that all of her teachers report they enjoy having her in class and that she is a good worker.  I'll take it any day!

Thomas's report card was also really good.  He is being so much more conscientious about his work and staying on top of things himself.  I'm not necessarily convinced it will last all year, but I will certainly take what we can get!  And again, the comments were all about what a pleasure Thomas is in class.  It makes me so very happy to have things going so well for everyone this year!

I love fall, but I don't love Halloween

I think we all know that I loooooove fall.  I love the sights, the sounds, the smells.  I love the temps...I love fall.  I would say I love everything about fall, except...

I do NOT love Halloween.  In fact, I don't even like Halloween.  I very much dislike Halloween.  I don't like to decorate for Halloween, and I don't particularly enjoy the evening of the trick-or-treating.  Even when my kids were little and I could experience the holiday through their eyes, I didn't like it.  I felt it was more of a drag to have to come up with a costume.  Having a costume party?  There is a good chance I won't show up, and if I do, it will most likely be without a costume.  I am definitely the Bah Humbug of the holiday.

But everything else about the fall...oh, I am all in!  Yesterday Andrew and I even took a very long way home from our lunch plans so that we could see the sights.  Between visiting with our friends and enjoying the drive home, it was truly a lovely afternoon.

I suddenly make sense

I was reading one of my favorite blogs, and she mentioned that she was an HSP...a Highly Sensitive Person.  I was intrigued as to what that meant.  I looked it up, and I discovered that I am one!  Oh my goodness, it was so exciting to read.  I realize that may not make much sense, but honestly, I felt that I suddenly made more sense!  Approximately 15-20% of the population is this way.  It is enough that it is not considered a disorder, but it has to do with how our nervous system processes things.

I've always said I feel more passionately than others.  If I'm happy, I'm probably thrilled.  If I'm sad, I'm very sad.  I avoid political debates because of conflict, and conflict of any kind make me physically uncomfortable.  I've always been intuitive, and observant.  Even if I know that it is only a toy mouse, I jump a mile high.  My brain can literally be thinking, "It's a toy mouse," but my body has already reacted by jumping and screaming.  I detest going places where there are crowds and loud noises.  I often dread the thought of social plans, even though I am not an introvert.  Because of how my nervous system processes things, I have food aversions and a heightened sense of smell.  I am often physically exhausted by my emotional reactions.  I don't want to watch anything that will make me cry, and I prefer not to have surprises...I actually prefer watching TV and movies that I've seen before.  I prefer (almost demand) that my mornings do not involve music or TV.  I want quiet, and I certainly can't handle anything "heavy".  Vacations are awesome...except that everything is new and my nervous system "has" to process everything.  I am annoyed by things I can't tune out that most people don't even notice.  I've had vivid dreams that stay with me throughout the entire day.  I often can't shake the way I felt from a dream or worse yet, a nightmare.

And it turns out this is all perfectly normal!  Honestly, I always thought I was just wound too tightly, and that actually is true.  But it turns out it isn't my fault.  I literally can't just relax and let it go.  It may sound silly, but it is such a relief to know that I'm not the only out there that reacts this way to things!

I really enjoyed today

Today is the kind of Fall Saturday I really love, even though neither Notre Dame nor OSU played today.  The kids had to leave for the school by 9:30 for a band competition, and Andrew had to be at school by 9 to work an athletic event.  That meant no sleeping really late, but even getting up when we did was sleeping in a good amount.  I left shortly after the kids to go run a bunch of errands.  I didn't love my errands, but I did love the weather.  It was a beautiful fall day.  It was bright and sunny in the mid 60's.  I purposely took the long way home because it is a more rural drive   Andrew arrived home not long after I did, and the kids were another hour later.  I was really looking forward to an evening at home together.  Catherine was exhausted and really just wanted to relax, and I had a ton of band work to do...fall fundraiser time!  Andrew had made a batch of chili earlier this week for a school lunch, and doubled it for us.  We saved it to have today...perfect!  I had no time to cook, and it was perfect to just heat up on a Saturday.  This evening before Catherine went to bed we played a quick game as a family.  I love those moments.  I love how we laugh together, and I love how we share our lives together.  Life is so good.

This day is moving so slowwwwwwly

Overall, I feel like this week has flown by.  It's been busy, but not terribly overwhelming.  I am pleased today is Friday, but I don't feel like it took forever to get here.  I thought the week would feel longer because last week was only a four day week.

Today, however, is a different story.  Oh.  My.  Goodness.  I am pretty sure the clock is just standing still and not moving.  It feels ridiculous.  At the beginning of third period, I couldn't believe it was ONLY third period...and I didn't even have a class first period!  It's not that there is anything overly exciting about our weekend either.  Just a day that is moving very slowly!

Exciting plans for next year

There are lots of things on our family's horizon next year, and we are excited about all of them.  I know I keep saying that we are soaking up all we can of having Catherine and Thomas around before we are empty nesters, and it is true.  Hopefully our kids will always want to do fun things and hang out with us, but there is no guarantee.

We did similar things before Robert left.  The summer between his junior and senior year, we invited my parents, my sister, and my in-laws to join us for our summer vacation at the Outer Banks.  Only my mother joined us, and she mentioned that she would like to do something like that as each child graduated.  I'm not sure she is up to a week long vacation at the ocean anymore, but I still wanted to do something.  Since we had Andrew's parents join us on a small trip last year over spring break, we decided to ask my mom to do the same this coming year.  I tried to think of something that would be indoors (our break is in March) and not to far away, but something we would all enjoy.  When I suggested the Henry Ford Museum to her, she gasped and said she was going to suggest that to us.  It will only be a couple of days, but I know it will be a lot of fun.

We are also committed to going back to the Outer Banks.  Our plan is go early in June as we normally do, and we are planning to stay in the same community as last time.  It has the best amenities, and we are hoping to stay fairly close to the pool/ocean complex.  We haven't been to the ocean in three years, and I know we will enjoy it.

The other thing we have planned just kind of fell into our laps last evening.  My sister had asked if Catherine wanted her Christmas present to be a trip to Notre Dame for the Billy Joel concert.  She was fine with that, although Andrew immediately exclaimed that he wanted to go.  I suggested my sister want to take both kids, because while Catherine was fine going, Thomas LOVES Billy Joel.  My sister only had two tickets, but said she would see if she could get three together.  I jumped on the offer to use the two tickets she already had, and then she bought three together for herself and the kids.  Merry Christmas to all of us from Aunt K!  She got online this morning and made reservations for us at an airbnb just two blocks from campus.  The only downside is that this is just a couple of weeks after vacation, and we have to leave our sweet pup again.

I am NOT going to wish away these days, because they are too precious.  I also know that there will be many awesome things happen along the way.  It sure is exciting to have these things happening though!

Half way through October

I can't believe how quickly this month is flying by!  I should be accustomed by now, to the quick passage of time, but it feels like it keeps getting faster.  According to the news, we will have lots of leaf color change happening in the next week, and I look forward to that.  We are also expected to have lovely days to enjoy the leaves.  While that isn't good for our drought situation, it does make taking walks, etc, enjoyable.

Catherine commented last night that she doesn't want to wish away time.  I can't blame her.  She is starting to get a little emotional about this being her senior year.  She commented on how she only has two weeks left of marching band...ever.  Oh, tugging at the heart strings!  Things are starting to really get real about her applying to colleges.  She turned in her second application last weekend, and that school is very much her first choice.  Andrew is taking a day off school in a couple of weeks and taking her on a college visit for the day at that place so she can check out the nursing program specifically.  Where has the time gone?

In addition to band wrapping up in two weeks, swim begins at the end of next week.  The schedule is intense, but no more so than any other year.  In fact, having Catherine be able to drive is HUGE.  It can be tough to make sure that either Andrew or I are always available to transport, so we are very grateful she will be able to handle that.

Speaking of driving, Thomas will be getting his temporary permit very soon.  We are pleased, overall, with his grades, and he has earned the right to do so.  It doesn't seem possible that my baby has reached this stage, but that is reality.

September felt like a month that would never end, but October is rushing along!

Happy to be back where everyone can tie their own shoes and wipe their own noses

I am so incredibly happy to be back at the high school today.  My 3+ hours at the elementary is first grade yesterday was a lot to handle.  I especially noticed that there was a lot of thick, green snot coming out of noses, and one young man had skin below his nose so raw it hurt just to look at it.  I can't even remember how many times I had to bend down to tie shoes (and there was one young person that it was at least three times).  I also can't keep track of how many times I heard, "I caaaaan't."  Oh goodness, it was draining.  I've been averaging one day a week at the elementary, and I think it might just be time to take a break.

And that is exactly what is going to happen.  In the next month, I currently have only two days that aren't scheduled, and of the days that are scheduled, none of them are elementary.  Because I have only two days off, I am going to allow myself to decline if nothing comes up at the high school, so I should be "elementary free" for awhile.  I'm sure by the time a good opportunity presents itself, I'll be ready again.  Until then, I am going to enjoy being with the teenagers who can all tie their own shoes and wipe their own noses!

A cool, cloudy fall morning

Today I am only working 1/2 day at the elementary, which means I don't have to be there until Noon.  I loved having all morning off.  I allowed myself to go back to sleep, and even once I woke up, I loved snuggling with our dog.  I couldn't help but feel so grateful for those moments.

It's a very chilly and overcast day.  I love bright and vibrant fall days, but I also love these kinds of days...especially when I am able to be home all day.  I can't be today, but I sure have appreciated these extra hours this morning!

He isn't Chuck Cunningham

I have kind of joked a little bit that I haven't had any stories to share about Robert...it's almost like he is Chuck Cunningham from Happy Days.  Some have asked, "Who is Chuck Cunningham?", and my answer has been, "Exactly."  For those that don't know, he was Richie's older brother who left for college and was never heard from again...at least not on the show.

Robert is living on an island in the pacific.  Yes, I know where he is, but I won't share for various reasons.  For one thing, he is an adult and it is mostly just his story to share.  Secondly, while he is hardly doing major intelligence work, we just don't need to go there.

Robert has chosen to share very little of his life (and life stories) with us.  I could certainly speculate why that may be, but I won't.  Andrew and I accept this, and honestly, we aren't really surprised.  The part that breaks my heart is that he is missing so many awesome things with Catherine and Thomas, and I can't do anything about it.  They adore him and miss him, and he has no more contact with them then he does with us.  It is what it is.

I just kind of wanted to put this here, because I don't want people wondering "what happened to the older brother?"  We might see him in the next couple of years, we might not.  We do hear from him enough to know that he is safe.  We accept it for what it is, and we focus on our sweet little family of four.  We soak up these days of still having two at home, and are very grateful for it!

Guess where I am today???

I am at the high school today.  I got a phone call last evening about 6:30 from a teacher with a vomiting child wondering if I could go in for him today.  He is a friend, and teaches the same subject as Andrew, so I was happy to do so.  His classroom is only two doors down from Andrew, and I always enjoy days when I can see a little extra of my husband.  This is one of those days when I can't help but be amazed at how amazingly blessed I feel about getting to live this life!

It seems hard to believe I might be off tomorrow

My last day of school where I didn't work was on September 9.  That was the day of Aunt Cathy's funeral, and that was the only reason I didn't work that day.  I actually had a job scheduled for the day but had to cancel.  I actually had a job scheduled for tomorrow as well, but that ended being cancelled due to a scheduling miscommunication by the teacher.  Over the weekend, Andrew had asked about my schedule for the week, and I mentioned that I didn't have a job for tomorrow.  He told me he didn't think that would last.  And yet, here we are, just 67 minutes until the end of today, and I don't have a job for tomorrow.  I would be thrilled if something came up and I could be at the high school, but I also can't feel too terribly sad about the thought of having an entire day off as well.  Wednesday I don't have to work until Noon so that will be nice as well.  Maybe a little bit of catching up time this week!

An afternoon drive in the country

Yesterday was another bright and gorgeous day, but still with fall temps.  I decided to head west and visit a candle outlet.  I had visited last year in early November on a Friday when I was off work.  While I would much prefer to go during the week, and usually I only allow myself to have "fun shopping days" on a Friday, I am scheduled every Friday possible from now until December 20.  I also felt the need to be out in the open country and enjoy the scenery.  I find it so peaceful and comforting.  It's less than an hour drive each way, but it didn't feel like it took even that long.  There is a route that will take the interstate, but I didn't want any part of that.  I only have to go through two very small towns on the drive, and it's just such a lovely trip.  I would've preferred Andrew come along with me, but he had responsibilities that couldn't be done later.  I'm so very, very grateful I took the time to make the quick trip.  We all need to take time for ourselves!

Homecoming 2019

The kids are off to Homecoming this evening.  Catherine is going with her best friend, Austin, and Thomas has a date.  It is a girl he met from swim this summer.  She seems like a nice young lady.  She lives 20 minutes away, which really isn't that bad.  We picked her up and will take her home later this evening.  Catherine drove them to dinner and then the dance.  I'm sure they will have a lot of fun, and hopefully they are hanging out with some friends.  It sure is quiet around here this evening, and I hate to think about how soon it will always be like this!

Pretty much my favorite kind of day

Today is definitely the kind of day I absolutely love.  First of all, it is a Saturday...and that alone makes things awesome!  I didn't get to sleep in until whenever I wanted, but I did get to sleep in three hours later than a normal school/work day.  The weather is down right chilly.  It is already after Noon, but hasn't yet reached 50 degrees.  Not a cloud in the sky though, so the fall colors are bright and vibrant.  I went to the league cross country meet being held at our high school this morning.  Our girls dominated, although we were disappointed that our #5 runner finished 6th and not 5th.  Yeah, they are THAT good.  Our boys also won the league title.  After the race, I allowed myself a specialty coffee drink, and then picked up flowers for the Homecoming dance this evening.  Now, we have most of the afternoon to just hang out and enjoy some college football.  Tonight is Notre Dame playing USC.  This is just my dream kind of day.

The only "down" is that the kids have a dance this evening.  Not really a bad thing at all, but it does keep me from just closing my eyes and not caring what time it is all day!

Christmas lists have changed

I loved when the kids were little and would make their Christmas lists.  Robert and Catherine always had pretty straight-forward lists, but with Thomas you never knew what you would get.  He always had very specific, and at times comical. requests.  A couple of hours ago, I was thoroughly amused to receive an email stating that Thomas had shared a google doc with me..."Christmas List 2019".  My goodness, times have changed.  I have so many wonderful memories of the kids and their lists.  In fact, there are still many that I have kept over the years.  I loved the years we had to put the lists in the window, or many other fun ways they had to be "delivered".  There were the years where Thomas got a little older and wanted to know how we knew Santa's address.  It's hard to believe how quickly the years have gone by!

I really enjoyed our family evening

Our family had a lot of fun last evening.  The kids were in the Homecoming parade, and because of that there was no band practice last evening.  Everyone was home before 7:00.  It was awesome!  I had stayed home from the parade because Andrew wanted to take the dog, and I just wasn't up for that.  Anyway, it was so nice that not only were we all home so early, we all got to sleep in this morning!  Only Catherine had to be anywhere, and that wasn't until 10.  Our family sat together and binged some TV.  I love laughing together with my family!  We were also so tired.  Thomas was sitting there fighting yawns, and at 9:30 we all went to bed.  Even our teens, on a non-school night, went to bed at 9:30.  Our family needed last evening!

Finally get to use the seat warmers

I love, love, love the vehicle we purchased this summer.  I think Andrew really does too, although he doesn't want to admit it.  I had stopped driving the van when we purchased the little (although very much older) Civic for the kids to drive.  The gas mileage on the Civic was so much better, and we needed the van to last until Robert left for the military (and our need for a van was over), so we were trying to keep the miles off of it.  Since I bought my current vehicle though, I almost never drive the Civic.  One of the things I am loving is the fact that my vehicle has seat warmers!  Andrew has them on his car, and I thought it was a little spoiled of him (haha).  I am finding though, that it sure is awesome on these chilly mornings we are having.  I wouldn't be surprised, as it gets colder, if the child who has to sit in the back seat of Andrew's car (with no seat warmers) decides he or she wants to ride in the front with me instead!

Today is our Friday

Because there is no school tomorrow, today is our Friday!  We need this day off!  Catherine has to work for several hours tomorrow, and there is the Homecoming football game tomorrow evening, but we all get to SLEEP IN!  That is the best part of the day as far as I am concerned.

This evening is the parade, and Saturday night is the dance.  Saturday morning is the league cross country meet, and this year it is held at our school.  I love watching this sport, and our females could dominate the meet.  I want to be there to support the students.  Sunday Catherine has to work, but overall we will be sleeping in most of the weekend.  This break is much needed!

Her first official acceptance

Yesterday the mail brought Catherine's first acceptance letter.  We were all so excited!  It doesn't mean she is going to attend there, but we are super excited that this is an option.  Unfortunately, she doesn't meet the requirements to enter the pre-nursing program, so she will need to see what she can do in that regard.  I just can't believe that these days are upon us.  Monday was such a rough day for her in terms of her attitude and decisions she was making, so it terrifies me that someday she is going to be completely on her own.  At the same time, I know she is a lovely young lady, truly, and she is going to be fine.  Oh goodness, these years have gone by so quickly.  I am so excited to see what next year brings, but sure don't want to wish away this year!

Today is the exact opposite of yesterday

Yesterday I was in kindergarten.  I appreciate that I get to sleep in on the days I am at the elementary, but little ones are soooo exhausting.  I enjoy them for the day, but I was very grateful to be returning to teenagers at the high school today.

And this could not be more opposite than yesterday.  Yesterday, I barely had time to sit down at any point.  I had recess duty, it was only a half our specials day, and overall it was just a physically tiring day.  Today, this teacher wanted to teach her first period class, then she left for a field trip.  She didn't have a second period class, so I didn't start having students until third period.  Her fourth period class is with her on her field trip, and she doesn't have a fifth period class either.  I will have students for 6th period, but she expects to be back for the last class of the day.  It really doesn't get much easier than this.  I almost feel guilty about being paid for this, but I also know that there are many things I am willing to do that most normal subs wouldn't do, so it all evens out.  It's a nice quiet day for me today!

An extra little spring in my step

As I came to school this morning, I couldn't help but feel a little extra spring in my step.  Not only is it Friday, but the weather is absolutely AWESOME!  It felt chilly this morning, and that felt wonderful.  In fact, our high temperature today is lower than any of the lows we've had this week.  It really helped to put an extra spring my step this morning.

And of course it actually is Friday.  With the heat, it's been an incredibly long week.  I just don't seem to have the energy that I used to, and I find I need to go to bed around 9 or 9:30 these days.  Staying up until 10 isn't a good idea.  Knowing, however, that I get to sleep past 8:00 both tomorrow and Sunday does help a little bit with my perspective...and I am hoping for a nap after school as well!

The classroom I'm primarily in today (although I have to visit elsewhere during a couple of periods) is a second floor classroom that overlooks the back field at the school.  It was lovely this morning as the sun came up.  The trees look like fall, although they aren't full of color.  But things aren't the vibrant green of summer either, and it's a lovely reminder that my favorite season has arrived...and not just on the calendar!

Time to get some shopping done

Once the calendar hits October 1, I am a firm believer that "all things holiday" kick in.  I'm not a fan of Halloween (at all), but I do love to decorate for the fall, and I have some cute decorations that are even Halloween specific.  Then I love my Thanksgiving decorations even more, and of course the best is the Christmas decorations.  It all makes my heart happy.

However, Christmas is also busy, so I try to knock out as much of the Christmas shopping as possible this year.  I'll be honest, I'm finding it a little tougher this year.  I don't expect Robert to be around, and we don't really know what would be helpful so I'm sure we will just send a check.  For Catherine, I would love to get a jump on things she might need for college, but not only do we not know for sure where she will be attending, we aren't completely certain she will be going away.  There are many options that would allow her to remain at home and save money.  Then there are my grandmothers and my in-laws.  My grandmothers are 90 and 88.  What do you get for them?  I love to give them pictures, but honestly, how many of those do they need of my family/kids sitting around their house?  After all, they have other family members as well!  I'll probably do some gift cards, but I'm just feeling at a bit of a loss.  The same is pretty much true of my in-laws.  When I was at their house over Labor Day weekend, I found myself looking around and wondering how things would end up.  Some of the things I can easily picture in my own home, but most will not.  Everything there has to be handled at some point though, and with my father-in-law's declining health I can't help but feel that time is sooner rather than later.  Gift cards are again safe, but even then their world is getting smaller so the options are fewer.

Ultimately, these are blessings...so many loved ones to buy for, and especially those who have been with us for so long.  I absolutely love this time of year!

Fall is almost here

I understand that by the calendar date standard, it has been fall for ten days now.  However, our area set record high temperatures in the low 90's Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Today is supposed to be near 90, but the cold front comes through this afternoon.  Tonight into tomorrow, it becomes absolutely glorious!  In fact tomorrow, it isn't supposed to get out of the 60's.  I am thrilled beyond words.  Checking the extended forecast, there is nothing higher than the upper 70's to be seen.  It's my kind of weather!

I am looking forward to the first real fall weekend of the year.  It's been a busy week, and our weekend has plenty of plans, but I always feel the cooler weather makes things better.  Tomorrow evening the kids have a football commitment, and Andrew and I are hoping to grill some steaks for dinner as a celebration of the anniversary of our first date.  Catherine is planning to attend an amusement park with her best friend on Saturday.  Because of the distance, I will be driving them there and back.  Andrew has to work Saturday morning.  Sunday is church and a youth pancake breakfast following, and Catherine will work most of the day.  It's certainly a weekend with a schedule, but on the upside, the weather will be delightful while doing so.

It sure doesn't feel like October

October 1 has arrived!  I love this month.  At least, I love what is supposed to happen this month, although it isn't happening yet!  Today when I first turned on the TV at 6AM, it was 70 degrees!  Now, I am fine with that being the high for the day, but that was before dawn!!!!  Our highs today are to be in the lower 90's, just like yesterday, and we are to reach 90 again tomorrow.  Yuck!!!  This does not feel like my favorite season!  Thankfully, a cold front comes through on Thursday, and on Friday we won't even reach 70 at any point during the day.  Now that's what I'm talking about!

It looks a little like fall around here, but not because of the bright, vibrant colors.  Sadly, because we have actually gone into drought conditions, things are simply dying and the leaves are falling off in a brown color.  It's disappointing, but hopefully with some cooler temps we can still salvage a little bit of color.

I love this season, and I love this month!  Seriously, last night I was so giddy about October arriving I was having trouble sleeping.  I love the midwest in the fall!