The floodgates opened

After I wrote Saturday about car shopping and my Dad, the floodgates of my emotions kind of opened.  I was so emotional about everything, and Robert was unprepared to walk into the living room and see me sitting there crying.  In all honesty though, it was probably overdue.  Nothing at all is major, but there have been several little things that are causing me stress and as little things add up, sometimes it just needs to come on out.  I firmly believe, and have faith, that everything is going to work out, and there honestly is no reason to think that it won't.  At the same time, it's okay to spend a little bit of time allowing a good cry.

Way, way too close to home

Today I made plans to head north for a visit with some friends, and had a ton of errands to run along the way.  I called Andrew while he was at lunch to confirm a few things he was handling for me after school, and then he told me about a school shooting that happened, right here in our county.  I immediately wanted to get home because not only is it right here, but it is actually geographically very close to our former school district.  I kept my plans though, and listened as much as I could to information coming out.  I learned this afternoon that two teens were shot and two others injured, either by debris or by attempting to escape.  I know one of the latter.  He was previously a student at our former school district, and I knew him not only as a substitute teacher, but because he was in class with Catherine.  To be honest, I kind of wanted to throw up a little bit at that point.  Fortunately, none of the injuries are life threatening, but oh goodness.  The nerves of this parent just skyrocketed.  Prayers to all.

It's just not funny

Today there was a general threat made against every high school in the county.  I learned about it by a one call our school made just before 8:00 this morning.  Even though it was a call letting us know that everything seemed to be fine, it made me absolutely sick to my stomach.  Not only is my oldest at the high school, but so is my husband.  Later I had some errands to run and was passing the high school in the next community over.  My cousin has a child at this high school, and seemed apparent to me that the complex had been evacuated.  I couldn't wait to get home and sure enough, the news confirmed my suspicions.  What is wrong with these people???  There is absolutely NOTHING funny or amusing about this.  We are dealing with people's lives here.  There has been a rash of these recently and I just don't understand.  I hope these people are caught, although frankly I can't even think of a suitable punishment for them.

Kayaking

This morning the boys' scout troop went kayaking.  Because of a wedding reception we were attending last evening our crew wasn't able to do the camping last night, but they were up before the sun this morning heading to our former town to join them for the kayaking this morning.  I'll be honest, I was a little apprehensive about Catherine and Thomas, but I was assured they were going through a company and not just throwing kayaks in the river.  It sounds as though everyone had a really good time, and they certainly came home wet and dirty enough to indicate that they did!   Thomas thinks it is something that we should all do together as a family sometime and while that might be fun, the cost is something that will make it a while before it happens.  I'm glad they had so much fun this morning though!

A rainy, icky Monday

It started raining last evening and doesn't seem to have stopped much.  The humidity is unreal...and my mood is somewhat reflective of the weather.  It doesn't help that Andrew and Thomas are at scout camp.  This mama just prefers everyone sleeping happily under one roof, even though I have complete confidence that they are both perfectly fine...although perhaps a bit damp at this point.

We are heading north later today for a doctor appointment for Mom.  I don't expect anything major at this particular appointment.  The older kids will be with my grandmother who is happy to have them in spite of her hip pain.  We will also take care of some business in town before heading back to spend (what I hope will be) a quiet evening at home!

Basketball champs!

Yesterday was a long day in this house.  It began with Andrew taking Robert to our former town for a two-hour scouting function.  Shortly after they returned, we were off for our afternoon of basketball tournaments.  Five games and five victories later, we had two league champions living in our home!

I was so excited for the kids...so excited I couldn't sleep last night!  I was so happy for them.  My kids were by no means the best players on their teams, but they were blessed enough to be along for the ride.  We hit the jack pot with the coaches and teammates, and it was just an absolutely great season.  I loved watching Thomas jump into the air when his team won the final game!  He even told me later, "Mom, I was so excited when we won that I cried a little."  Oh my goodness, I love these children!

Another busy weekend

Our weekends are jam packed right now, but I know things will settle.  Last week I spent every day at our old house (that's probably a post in itself) so after Catherine got off the bus we were off to the grocery.  Two rather unpleasant hours later (thanks to unhelpful staff at particular grocery) we made it home.  Andrew had to work at the football game, and the kids understood I was beyond exhausted so everyone was happy with cereal or whatever they could find for dinner.  Honestly, they were actually thrilled with it that way, and it made me glad we had picked up a couple of treats that I don't normally purchase.  Anyway, Thomas and Andrew were going camping with scouts bright and early Saturday so we (let's be serious, mostly "I') got things together and ready to go.  First thing Saturday I dropped Robert off at school to catch the cross country bus and when I returned the others were off to scouts.  It's only 8AM on Saturday folks!

Catherine and I pack clothes and coolers because the cross country meet is near our old house and we are planning to spend the day working there after the meet.  We ended up spending several hours at the cross country meet (another post as well!) and finally made it to the house around lunch.  I chowed down on some food and got to work!  We had taken a small TV and DVD player and Robert and Catherine were able to entertain themselves with electronics for the afternoon...and they loved it of course!  After MANY hours of painting we headed back to our new house and after a much needed shower I settled in to watch the Notre Dame game.  Didn't go as I had hoped, but it was a nice way to spend the evening.

Yesterday I was able to sleep in for a bit...so grateful!  I spent the day unpacking and organizing some more.  It just feels some days like I'm getting no where...just moving things from box to box.  My in-laws arrive on Friday though, so I better get my act together.  I'm staying away from the old house just for today so I can have another full day working here.

Time to get Thomas up for school...here we go again!

Best news I've had all day

I'm having a bit of a rough day here.  It's due mostly to the fact that at 3AM I was still wide awake.  There seemed to be absolutely nothing I could do to sleep last night.  I tried all my normal "sleep" techniques, but to no avail.  I was all set to allow myself to sleep in this morning because we have nothing scheduled, but when I woke up this morning I couldn't go back to sleep.  Ugh!!!!!

I also suspect it has to do with the date.  Seventeen years ago today (also on a Tuesday) my father went to the doctor and was diagnosed with pneumonia...although that was just the beginning of the journey he's been on for the last seventeen years.  The last year has been a year of tremendous decline for him...more so perhaps than any other.  He has had two lengthy hospitalizations and they've taken quite a toll on him.  On the upside, he still talks a great deal about the future and he always talks about next year.  I, on the other hand, find myself not as optimistic about the future with him, and prefer to focus on him in the now.  It doesn't help that I have a friend here in town who's father was diagnosed with the same disease this past winter, and he passed away Saturday.

I'm also finding myself completely overwhelmed by the impending move, and the fact that we are leaving for vacation in four days!  I know it certainly isn't the best of timing, but we weren't planning on moving!  When I think about the amount of work that needs to be accomplished, along with having two house payments, AND I won't be working, I actually sometimes find it takes my breath away and I can't breathe.  I know it's all going to work out, but yikes!

And of course there is the fact that Andrew and Thomas are at scout camp.  I've really, really missed them, although I got to speak to them Sunday evening and again this morning.  They are having a blast and I think Thomas has grown up a great deal in these couple of days.  And they are part of the best news I've had all day...they've decided that instead of coming home tomorrow morning, they are coming home tonight!  Apparently camp officially ends at 10:00 this evening and there is literally nothing, not even breakfast, tomorrow morning.  Because most groups travel a distance many will leave in the morning, but since our group is less than 30 minutes away from home, the adults all decided that sleeping in their own beds sounded like a better idea and they will pack today and come home tonight.  It will be so great to give them hugs!!!!

On my own

Andrew and Thomas have just left for scout camp.  I'll be honest, I almost cried!  When Robert leaves, I have complete confidence that everything is going to be great and I know that he is going to have a wonderful time.  The "baby" leaves though, and I feel like I can't breathe!  Totally overreacting, I know!  Thomas has been so excited about this.  The first question he asked when he got up this morning was "What time do I leave for camp?"  I'm so grateful my husband is able to go with him...I'm not sure I could handle this if he wasn't going to be there.  I'm completely ridiculous and I accept that.  Praying they have good weather, are safe, and have lots of fun!

JC's new scouting opportunity

We are starting JC's third year in scouts.  I've been less than enamored with her scouting experience.  They've pretty much done nothing but a few crafts, and on the very rare occasion that they actually went somewhere and did something because we were given such short notice she usually wasn't able to go.  I was also particularly displeased with some of the girls in her troop.  The girls that the teachers dread having in class?  Yep, in her troop.  Some of them were downright mean and two of them had even bullied JC two years ago in school.  But, she enjoyed being a part of something, and I hated for her to give it up, especially since she's pretty much done with sports, and at her age there just doesn't seem to be much else offered.

Which brings us to last Friday.  I was helping out some acquaintances who are in charge of our school's levy campaign.  I was mentioning to one that JC doesn't have a lot of friends, but her best friend is Belle and they are absolutely angelic together.  Belle happens to be in this woman's girl scout troop, and she asked if JC would like to join them.  I was ecstatic!  Belle is a year younger so we wanted to make sure that JC was okay being with girls that are all fourth graders.  Without hesitation JC said "YES!"  Last night was the first meeting.  They are planning badges and activities and outings...oh my!  JC was so excited when she got home last evening and can't wait to go again in two weeks.  I'm so happy for her!!!!

Scouting weekend

This is a big scouting weekend in our family.  Yesterday, HT and his dad spent the day at a local pond fishing.  HT has never been nearly as into fishing as JR, and I know JR would've love to have gone, but poor choices meant he wasn't able to do so.  HT had a blast though.  He baited his own hook and learned important safety laws, and at the end of the day he had earned his own fishing rod!  He had lots of stories to share with me about his day.

And this evening is the Court of Honor for JR's Boy Scout troop.  He has been able to advance in rank and will be be presented that this evening.  We are so grateful that he made the decision to switch to this troop.  Not only does it have some really good boys in it, they've been able to do in four months what his previous troop couldn't accomplish in a year.

We are so proud of our scouts!

What's going on

It was another busy week in our lives, but I guess I don't really want to think of the alternative...the day when my kids are grown and the house is quiet again.  Last week was more work, and although I have another half day scheduled the day after Memorial Day, I'm hoping we've pretty much reached the end.  And by the way, I'll write my feelings about our school year in another post!

JR's baseball team continues to roll right along.  He had a really great hit yesterday, and almost was able to get someone out at third from the catcher position.  It was a hot day, but the team still played really well.  JR also had a collision at first base and my husband is still convinced he should have been awarded first base.  It is what it is though, and I'm just glad that he wasn't hurt in the collision.  We've come to the conclusion that while JR is by no means a baseball star, he's a good solid player and we are willing to invest some money in this aspect of his life.  We are looking into joining a fall baseball league for him, and if we can get enough players interested, my husband will sign up to coach as a team.

Friday night JR officially completed his requirements to move up to the Tenderfoot rank in scouting.  I truly don't understand how all of this works, but I'm so grateful for the leaders that guide us through the process.  We took the opportunity to get some other errands and things done while JR was gone.  He'll have the Court of Honor review Monday evening (which they've assured us he can go first so we can dash to his baseball game!) and then in two weeks he'll have the actual Court of Honor ceremony.  I certainly hope it's cooler than it is today (it's in the upper 80's and I had to break down and turn on the a/c)!

After JR's game yesterday, my wonderful husband took our kids, and a wonderful surprise visitor from out of town to lunch, and another family joined them all for lunch.  I headed north to watch my cousin's eight year old play in his baseball game.  It was one of the few where there were no conflicts with my own kids' games, and since the weather was cooperative I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to see him play.  In spite of two applications of sun block, my skin is still showing the effects of so much sunshine!  Last evening my friend and I had plans to attend a "31" party and our husbands gathered the kids together for movie night, and we joined in after our gathering.  It was a very late evening for everyone again, and I'm seeing it a little bit in everyone's behaviors today.  Only 11 more days of school though, and I'm very grateful!

Random Friday tidbits

It's been a very long week around here. I worked three days this week, and none of them were under ideal conditions. Monday I was called at 9:50 saying that a teacher needed to leave ASAP. It's always stressful trying to get there quickly under those conditions, although I really enjoyed the third grade class I got to teach. They were a really good group of kids. Yesterday I was called at 6:30 AM to go in for kindergarten. There must have been something in the air yesterday, because this group behaved like NO OTHER group of little ones I'd ever had before. They managed to find a way to break EVERY single playground rule in the 25 minutes they were outside, and that doesn't even begin to discuss their indoor behavior! Today I had really, really hoped I would be home because my wonderful husband had the day off for fall break. We had agreed though, that since the sub calling policy has changed, it was important that I take a job if offered today. I thought we were out of the woods, but at 7:00 the phone rang and I was to be in 6th grade today. Because of the way 6th grade is done, I knew I wouldn't be having JR, but I knew that I would know many of the kids. It was the WORST SUBBING DAY EVER. I have no idea how parents allow their children to behave the way they do, but it was absolutely astounding, appalling, and just downright disrespectful. I had a headache by 9:15 (school begins at 8:50) and sadly, that was the "best" class of the day. I haven't been able to stop talking to my husband about what a wretched day it was.

Last evening I took HT to our local fire department with his cub scouts. I am astounded and amazed that out of all the second grade boys in our town, the three boys that have decided to join scouts are, without a doubt, the three worst behaved boys in the second grade. It is so frustrating for me, because HT is such a follower. He rarely causes trouble by instigating something, but he always manages to find trouble and jump in. Needless to say, the addition of these new scouts is not making cub scouts the positive experience we had hoped it would be.

Speaking of scouts, more drama ensued in JR's group. My husband and I are getting a little tired of the fact that there has been more drama the last three months (2 episodes) than there have been meetings (that would be none). We did some research and found another scout troop that we think would be great for JR, and as a bonus, JR had mentioned that he would really prefer to be with this group because he knows both the boys and the adults better. The only downside is that they aren't going to be "official" until early in 2012, so we just have to bide our time until that can happen. We are excited about this opportunity though, so good things do happen out of frustrating/less than pleasant things!

JC also got back into the routine of scout meetings this week. Her leader resigned so the asst. leader (who was the one doing all the work anyway) has taken over. Unfortunately, no one has stepped up to be the new asst. leader so they are in danger of having to disband. I told my husband that while JC talks about enjoying girl scouts, I don't understand how that can be. I've witnessed the girls from scouts being mean to her (and others) and I just don't understand how she can enjoy being around such mean people. I know that she enjoys the activities, and I really think that might be more the case than actually enjoying the troop. I feel a little badly for not stepping up to help out as an asst, but it's really, really not something I enjoy (and I didn't enjoy it as a child) and I'm also convinced that again, if this falls apart, it means that she will have the opportunity to try something even better for her.

There is officially one week of football left, but unofficially we know that it will probably be at least two more weeks, and possibly three. There is about a 95% chance that JR's team is going to make the playoffs. I'm excited for the boys, and grateful that JR is enjoying the experience of being part of a successful team, but my husband and I are starting to grow weary of waving to each other when one of us is leaving as the other is arriving home.

On the upside after all of my complaining, the kids are enjoying school and doing fairly well. JC and JR have both had some adjustments to how things are being done this year, but they have mostly worked through them and we are pleased. They've made new friends, and we are happy with their teachers and how the school year is going. And as always, even though we are crazy busy, we are grateful for the opportunities and blessings!

Reunited

JR got home from scout camp about 9:00 last night. I hadn't been able to attend the family night dinner because of the heat warning and my asthma and allergies. Just not a good combination. I was really disappointed because I really wanted to see him. My husband had called at one point and said that it might be 10:30 or later before he got home and I just started crying. I had my heart set on seeing him and had been fine, but when I thought it was going to be another couple of extra hours my resolve broke. I never let JR know of course, but I begged my husband to go ahead and bring him home. He was filthy, exhausted, hot, thirsty, and apparently hadn't used much sun block, but to me he'd never looked better. He had so many great stories to share and I know that I still haven't heard all of them. More than anything, I was just glad he was home. It reminds me to cherish these days when he enjoys being here as well!

Mid-week

We are half way through JR being off to scout camp. It really feels as though this week is dragging! We just aren't used to only have two kids, and we miss him. There have also been some issues that have developed at camp that don't involve the boys. Parents can be such a joy to deal with! There was some chaos and drama on the adult end yesterday, but fortunately the boys don't really know about it. From everything we've heard, JR is doing great.

The one down side about this week of camp is that it is HOT. The temps have been in the 90's all week, and at night it's only "cooling" down into the mid 70's. Poor guys! The heat indexes have been over 105, and at one point I saw it reached 112 degrees. They are mostly in the shade though, and drinking lots, and lots, and lots of water, so I'm confidant he'll be safe. I'll still be glad when he's home though!

End of the week

We made it through all of our frustrations of last week. Thursday was a really crazy day, but JR was a huge help in getting things moved out of Dad's cottage. While we are sad, Dad seems at peace and for that I'm extremely grateful. We are now looking at a garage sale to try to get rid of so many things that have accumulated here, there and everywhere.

We also spent the end of the week getting JR ready for scout camp. He leaves in a couple of hours and will be gone until Friday night. I really, really can't believe I'm going to go five entire days without seeing him. I am completely confident that he'll be safe, although the heat is going to be borderline dangerous this week. I just know that I'm going to miss him, and I'm looking forward to seeing him again at the end of next week!

Quiet Saturday afternoon

We are having a wonderfully quiet Saturday afternoon. The kids have really been awesome at finding their own ways to entertain themselves, and are doing so nicely and without arguing...this is amazing! My wonderful husband has developed a barking cough and he was at the doctor first thing this morning. the doctor thinks it is an upper respiratory infection instead of just a cold and he's on an antibiotic and heavy duty cough medicine. He's pretty much slept the entire time since he took it, which is exactly what he needs. We've also been watching the NCAA women's basketball tourney, and our Irish are in good shape this game!

We've been enjoying lots of basketball recently. Not so pleased that OSU lost last night, but very happy that VCU knocked off Florida State. I always enjoy seeing the power conferences lose, but it seems it is a power conference that wins the championship every year.

No trophies in the derby last night. HT was disappointed but had a blast just being able to participate. I love the fact that it worked out that his first year in scouts was the first year he was able to participate. He had a great time. JR was very disappointed as well. I think for him part of it was that it was his last chance.

Time to watch more basketball!

Derby time

Tomorrow evening is the annual cub scout pine wood derby. HT is participating for the very first time, and since JR just crossed over a month ago, his group was invited back to participate for one last year. This is the first (and probably only) time that all three have been involved. Since the derby is on a Friday evening this year, they decided to start the weigh ins this evening. Everyone is eagerly anticipating the big race tomorrow evening!

Blue and Gold

Our boys' cub scout troop held their annual blue & gold banquet this past weekend. This particular year it was supposed to be a big deal for our family. First, my youngest is in scouts this year, but his den has gotten off to a very, very slow start. Before they can earn their tiger badge and advance, they must first earn their bobcat badge. Out of all of the boys in the den, HT is the only one to earn that so far. He also earned a belt loop and a patch for his red vest, and he was very proud to show it off to anyone and everyone! And at the other end of the cub scout spectrum, JR had completed all of his cub scout requirements and was crossing over to boy scouts. The pack made a really big deal about it, and JR had been so excited about it for weeks. He was one of six (out of nine) boys who completed all 20 areas at the Webelo level, and all nine boys completed the requirements for Arrow of Light. The pack made these wonderful plaques where the boys can display their achievements from cub scouts. It was truly a wonderful evening, and I'm proud of all the boys!

Scout Camp

JR returned this morning from three days at scout camp. He absolutely loved it! Just as I suspected, he came home very tired. He told me that he got to do lots of swimming, some bb shooting, and made a key chain. These are just a few of the things he's had a chance to mention to me. On the downside, he was also stung by a wasp the first day he was there. By yesterday, the swelling had become pretty bad so they took him to the nearest town and he saw a doctor. He's on an eight day steroid to help with the inflammation. He tells me that it looks much better today, and my thought was, "Yikes!" I think it still looks pretty swollen so I can only imagine what it looked like at its worst. He got along really well with his tent mate and overall it was just a great experience for him.

While he was gone, we enjoyed our family reunion on Sunday, and then headed to my dad's place at the lake for just one night. There are some chores we need to accomplish up there and we just haven't been around much to get them done. We are about to hit the road for a week and a half, so today is all about laundry and packing!