The last meet of high school swim

Tonight Thomas is in Cincinnati at his very last ever high school swim.  That means in just a few hours, high school swim will be a thing of the past in this house after eight season (first two were dive only).  Technically, we still have next week to fulfill additional responsibilities, but otherwise we are completely finished.  Another "last" in this house.  I'm so grateful for so many positives that came from swimming for all three of my kids!

Another league title

Last night the league championship for swim was held.  It is not my favorite meet, although this one only required I be at the pool for 4-1/2 hours.  We've definitely had some that took longer and went later!  There was a lot of drama though, and that wasn't fun at all.  Unfortunately, because Andrew is an assistant athletic director, we can't avoid the drama.  It was memorable, but not for good reasons.

At the end though, our school won both the boys and girls titles!  For the boys, it was their 16th consecutive, and for the girls, they were able to reclaim after losing last year, and that makes it 15 out of 16.  Thomas's two relays both came in 5th place and he had an individual finish of 8th place, all of which earned points for the team.  I was particularly grateful that in the last event, his relay didn't finish last.  I didn't want that for his last swim at home.  He'll still have sectionals in a couple of weeks, but those are just about improving time.  We know there is no advancing, and that is okay.  I'm so grateful that my kids have been able to be a part of such a winning tradition, and I appreciate that they always felt they were a part of the team, no matter how much (or how little) they are able to contribute.  I'm so grateful it all ended with another league title! 

Last senior night at the pool

Last evening was the last senior swim night for our family (high school, anyway).  Catherine was home for the weekend because she is working, and since she was off at 5:00 she was able to be there as well.  I'm so glad this was able to happen!  Thomas only swam in three events, but he cut time off of all of them.  Swim has been a great activity for my kiddos!

Check another one off the list

With our youngest child going through his senior year, there are many "lasts" that are coming our way.  I know for some parents, that can bring sadness, and I am not immune to that.  However, there are things I an NOT going to miss, and yesterday's activity was one of them!  Each MLK, Jr. weekend, there has been a HUGE swim meet where our team parents had to work.  It's the only fundraiser our team has to do because it brings in so much money.  It is packed with people (which I don't love) and I usually have to be at the pool at an obscene time (which I also don't love).  I was assigned the early shift again this year, and I practically did a jig when I walked out of there at 11:30 yesterday.  I felt the same way when band camp ended this year.  I am grateful those responsibilities are behind us!

Very full days

It's been a very busy first week of break, but a lovely busy.  Thomas and Andrew left Saturday to go get Andrew's mom and bring her back for the week.  But first, Steelers game on Sunday with a victory!  Meanwhile, Catherine was home "helping" me get things ready for the week.  I used quotes because her enthusiasm was lacking, but her attitude was not.  We've definitely reached the phase where she is accustomed to being on her own and doing very, very little (as evidenced by the status of her apartment often).  The travelers arrived back mid-afternoon Monday so Thomas could attend swim practice, and our week together was beginning!

Tuesday our family spent literally all day at our team's swim invitational...as in we arrived by 10:30 and the last of us finally arrived home at 6PM. Pizza for dinner.  Our former school was there, and that is always a treat to see old familiar faces, especially for Thomas.  We also have friends who have a swimmer son, and we enjoy the opportunity to catch up.  Thomas didn't have his best swims and was frustrated, but we pointed out that was going to happen given that he isn't practicing as much this year.

Yesterday I had to take my grandmother to another appointment.  Her wound from surgery is finally completely healing, now that it is being correctly dressed.  It's making life much better for her.  I was able to do some shopping on the way home, as well as help deal with the fact that Thomas ran out of gas on his way to a doctor appointment.  Ugh!  After the appointment and his swim workout, our family ventured over to see some gorgeous Christmas lights.  We enjoyed the time together.

Unfortunately as we were walking back into the house, Andrew's mother took a nasty fall.  Her wrist is pretty swollen today.  We'll definitely need to keep an eye on it, but today they are venturing out to do some shopping.  Fortunately it is her left wrist, but oh dear!

Our evenings have been quiet and have been full of binge watching the 'Big Bang Theory' on DVD.  Even though we see these episodes frequently, hearing his mother laugh so heartily at them makes us laugh as well!  It's truly delightful having her here.  I am especially grateful we still have another week of break to go, and of course we still have Christmas itself!

The last first meet of the season

This evening was the first swim meet of the high school season.  Swim has been a challenge for Thomas this year for a variety of reasons, and in fact we weren't sure he was going to want to swim this season.  We were okay with that, but the coach talked him back in doing swim.  Thomas decided to add dive, but he isn't successful enough to actually compete as a diver yet.  He swam in four events, and did not come in last in his individual events, so that is progress.

This is our eighth season of winter swim/dive, and this is the last season in this house.  Hard to believe!

Watching the hometown Olympian win gold!

Our family has always loved the Olympics.  Catherine was disappointed to realize that she had to work Friday and would miss the parade of nations, but we were recording it and will watch it with her later.  Sunday we had the TV on pretty much the entire day watching whatever happened to be on.  Swimming is a particular favorite in our house because our kids swim!  We had watched prelims that afternoon, and had been able to catch Zach Apple swim.  He is from the next town over and attended the rival high school.  He held the league record until this past year when it was broken my Thomas's teammate.  It was excited to watch him swim in the prelims, but even more exciting to watch him anchor the mens 4x100 relay that brought home a Gold Medal!  We were so excited!  My favorite part was getting to share that with my kids!

Second early morning this week

This is the second time this week that not only have I had to be awake earlier than going to work, but it's been even earlier than I get up to go to work during the school year!  Wednesday we were out the door about the time I normally get up during the school year thanks to the joy of swim championships.  Thomas cut time off of all of his events.  We weren't overly committed this season due to work and life, but we are all pleased that he did show improvement as the season went along.  Although Thomas didn't swim in the finals last night, we did wake up to news that the team had won the overall championship!

This morning, Andrew had taken him to a university about 70 minutes away.  We are a little behind in this whole college thing, and I really just can't believe this is happening.  These years have flown more quickly than I even imagined possible, but I am so proud of the young man my son is becoming!

An evening home alone

Catherine will be leaving shortly to go to work.  Andrew took Thomas to his swim meet.  Normally I would never even consider missing a summer swim meet, even when they were away.  However, this meet always starts later because of the diving afterwards, and it's the biggest team, so the coaches always do all the optional events.  I work tomorrow, so I don't get to just sleep in.  Not only do I hate to miss Thomas swimming, but I hate for Andrew to have to be alone.  However, they put out a plea for timers this morning, and Andrew doesn't mind timing, and that would solve him being alone...so home is where I am.

I've had a tremendously productive week, both at work and at home.  I'm so grateful for working fewer hours.  I'm only working about 5-1/2 hours each day and trying to leave between 2 & 2:30.  It's working out very well, and the house is even picked up (although that is also another post).

I'm grateful for the quiet time, and the time to reflect.  We are getting ready to enter Thomas's senior year.  We are becoming very close to being on the edge of empty nesting.  Honestly, I don't understand how it happened so fast.  I couldn't help but remember a moment that occurred fifteen years ago yesterday.  We had taken the kids to a church festival, and the younger two rode a little roller coaster.  Each time Thomas's little car passed us, he was becoming more and more concerned about the situation until it was just all out tears.  I'll never forget how comical it was (since we knew he was truly okay), and I vividly remember how Catherine was trying to comfort him from her seat.  I love that she is still such a good sister to him, he's so good to her, and they are friends.  I'm so, so grateful for that.

Which of course brings up thoughts of my oldest.  Last weekend at the closing ceremonies for Thomas's week, there was a lot of military fan fare.  To be honest, I feel guilt in terms of the fact that Robert was so awful in the military. I know it isn't my fault, but listing to things just hurt and made me sad.  It is what it is though.

I don't want to fail to mention that we have had absolutely gorgeous weather here for the last couple of days.  Tuesday it was actually chilly in the evening, and even though it is much warmer now, the humidity is still low.  Love these summer days with beautiful sunshine and awesome temps! 

A day date on our staycation, and some good news

I am going to start with the good news.  Thomas passed his lifeguarding classes!  We are so excited for him.  He applied to work at the university pool and the community pool and country club pool will also be open this summer so he should be able to find a job.  He even passed the "extra test" that will allow him to work at the university pool.  It was required because they have a dive well that is more deep than normal.  Definitely a good day for him!

Andrew and I have kind of been considering this week a "staycation" and haven't worried too terribly much about home responsibilities.  Andrew still had baseball and assistant athletic director responsibilities, but we have allowed ourselves to do other things.  We ate out Tuesday evening and last night, and Andrew and I treated ourselves to lunch at our favorite restaurant today.  It is soooo good!  We also spent the day doing some shopping, and even buying a new recliner (that may or may not be delivered by the end of the year...good grief)!  We really enjoyed our day together.

As always, I am a little sad that this week is coming to a close.  Catherine is coming home tomorrow though, and probably will stay for an entire week.  Looking forward to more family time!

Super Bowl weekend

We are watching the big game, and are rooting hard for the Chiefs.  I can respect and acknowledge that Tom Brady may be the best ever, but I'm not going to root for him.  Unfortunately, Andrew has baseball practice and isn't home right now.  He'll be home in about another hour.

Thomas's swim season ended Friday.  Although we knew that would be the case, three relay teams advanced to districts, which consist of eight different boy swimmers.  Because there are only eleven boys on the team, that means only three don't get to keep swimming.  Thomas took that hard, and it was hard on my heart to see him hurt.

On the upside, we had plans with our best friends last evening.  I can't begin to explain how grateful I am that our kids all get along so well.  They are all inseparable these days, and have been more of a blessing during COVID than I can even explain.

I have been so grateful again to have Catherine around this weekend.  Life just feels more peaceful and complete when she is here.  I hate that I've had to work a lot this weekend, but I made it as little as possible while still meeting deadlines.  

No school this coming Friday, and there could be a LOT of snow this week.  We are officially finished with our swim responsibilities, so it could be a very peaceful next week!

Celebrating our family today

These are the kinds of weekends that are just absolutely wonderful...and it isn't over yet!  Catherine came home Thursday.  After Thomas's swim practice on Friday, our family sat together and watched a Hallmark movie.  I know they are a little goofy and cheesy and often have predictable plots, but our family enjoys watching them together at times.  It was really a fun way to kick off the weekend.

Yesterday was Thomas's swim meet, where he set several PRs.  He looks stronger and his definitely swimming better, although he is still swimming in the "JV" heat.  Hopefully next year he will be stronger and more competitive.  The boys won their 15th straight league title, but the girls lost after a 14-year winning streak.  It was close, and they only lost by nine points.  There are no senior girls though, so Andrew pointed out they have the opportunity to begin a new streak as seniors.

Thomas had been invited to stay over at his best friend's house who lives in our former town.  The buddy usually works Saturday, so when he got an evening off he wanted to spend it with Thomas.  Normally the league meet would've been in the evening, so having it in the afternoon was such a blessing!  It was meant to be.  Since Catherine was home and we had to make the trip to our former town anyway, we picked up the daughters of our best friends and had them with us overnight.  I can't speak for the boys (although I can guess), but the girls filled our home with laughter.  It is so awesome that these friendships are still so strong after all of these years.

We made the swap back this afternoon, and this evening is when we celebrate our family!  I'm so grateful that it was important to Catherine to come home for the weekend, and although it will be dinner brought in, Andrew ordered a cake and we have some gifts.  So very, very excited to celebrate our little family! 

The end of January

Life has been pretty unexciting lately...at least with our family.  My job at school has been CRAZY, but I love the craziness!

Andrew was happy to be back in the classroom.  The part we hate the most is having to put our sweet pup in the crate each morning.  She is still in there less time each day though, because I am putting her in an hour later than last year, and Andrew and Thomas are getting home only about 25 minutes later.  Plus, Thomas doesn't have in-person classes on Wednesday, and as an added bonus when Catherine is around she doesn't have to go in either.

Speaking of, Catherine is home for this weekend and will be back again next weekend.  She has no classes at all in person, so she is enjoying the opportunity to actually be around other humans.  And of course, we absolutely love having her around!  This past week, I kind of nonchalantly bribed her with dinner to come home Thursday and not Friday.  I asked about her plans, and told her either was fine, I just needed to know how many tacos to plan for on Thursday...knowing very well that tacos are her favorite meal!!  She admitted it swayed her to go ahead and come on Thursday.

Today is the league swim meet.  Our school is attempting to win 15 championships in a row for both boys and girls.  The boys should have no problem, but the girls could be close.  It's all so different this year, although different isn't always bad.

Life is moving along!

A "swim meet"

Last evening Thomas got to swim in a "meet".  It was only our local team, and even then only 1/2 of the team (the rest swim this evening).  They divided it by age group.  As an aside, thank goodness it isn't this evening while I am watching the Reds game.  Although it was no where near "normal" (we weren't allowed inside the fence, and many other differences, it was still nice to see my kiddo in the pool.  He has got to learn to KICK!!!!  Ugh!  Anyway, we enjoyed having an evening to almost feel like things in the world aren't overwhelming.

When we got home last evening though, my emotions took a hit.  Thomas mentioned when he got in the vehicle that his 50m free time was faster than the best that Robert has posted.  I wasn't aware, but apparently Thomas had texted Robert to let him know in hopes that Robert would be proud of him.  Of course, Robert didn't respond.  We don't even know if Robert still has the phone number.  I suspect he does not.  It hurts to see my kids disappointed when it comes to their brother.

Overall though, it was fun to watch some kids in the water last night!

I could NOT be more proud

Andrew received an email today that made me cry.  I could NOT be more proud of my kids.  If ever there was a time we needed this, it is right now.

A neighbor forwarded an article from this past weekend's newspaper.  It was about a special needs young man and his participation on the high school swim team.  The article interviewed the young man's mother.  She mentioned that the entire team had been supportive of her son, but that two in particular really made it possible for her son to participate.  She goes on to explain how devoted Catherine was to her son.  It then goes on to mention that the second person who was instrumental in helping her son was Thomas!  Oh my goodness!  As I told my kids, rarely in life do you get to know how much you touch a person's life to this extent, and yet this woman made sure everyone ready knew.  I am so grateful, and so incredibly proud of my kids!  They are good people!

Our "brave" daughter

Tonight the swim team held the awards ceremony.  We were so proud that Thomas received a special mention recognizing how much time he cut off in his 500m from the beginning til the end of the season.  The coach even mentioned he wasn't sure he would ever see anything like it again.

When it was time for the seniors to go up, twelve fabulous young people went to the front of the room.  Catherine and her friend Matt, a special needs young man, were standing together at the end.  The coach went through and talked about ten of the awesome seniors, and I was intrigued as to why Catherine and Matt were at the end.  The coach had not gone in the order they were standing, and Matt and Catherine might be the only two people on the team who never actually scored a point all season.  It turns out, Catherine had been chosen to be a co-recipient of the Brave Award.  This award recognizes the individual whom the coach feels strives to be the best regardless of actual talent or ability, and in the case of Catherine, who is dedicated to her teammates.  We are so incredibly proud of our girl!  As we told Catherine this evening, a lot of awards are given for those who are talented, and those who work hard, and those are great awards to receive.  This award though, is for being a good person.  Our daughter won an award for being a good person!  The mother of the special needs young man came over to us at the end of the evening and thanked both of our kids for being such good friends to her son, and especially to Catherine for all she did.  We are so proud, and our hearts are so full!

Swim team dinner and league titles #14

Yesterday, we hosted 25 swimmers, the coach, and his family all here for dinner.  The coach's wife did all the cooking, we just needed to provide chairs and tables for everyone.  It was a little tight, but we really enjoyed it.  Swim kids are good kids!

Tonight was the conference meet.  We were all pretty certain that the boys team was going to win conference title #14...all in a row!  The girls had matched the boys each year for 13 years, but this year was much, much more in doubt.  If everyone placed according to the seeds based on their times, we would win, but only by nine points.  Way, way too close to even think it was a sure thing.  The first race though, the girls raced much faster than the seeded time and we began to beat the team that was going to be close competition.  It was a fun evening.

While our kids are no where near competitive swimmers, our kids cut seconds off all of their times.  In fact, Thomas cut over a minute off his 500m time!  We are so proud of our kiddos.  I'm so grateful my kiddos have the opportunity to be part of these fabulous teams!

A Friday off

I am really and truly off work today!  Other than the very first Friday of the year, and the very last day before the semester break, I've only been off one other Friday the entire year.  I honestly don't mind working on Fridays at all, but I am also appreciative of a day off.  Last evening when I really accepted that I was going to be home, my body began to allow itself to relax.  We have a crazy busy weekend, but I have some down time today and I'm always grateful for that!

Our house is currently full of table and chairs, as we are hosting over 40 people tonight for a swim team dinner.  Thank goodness I don't have to do the cooking, but getting the house set up took a lot of time!  Poor Andrew, he is really tired and there is so much on the horizon for him.  We need a snow day in this house, but there are definitely none in the forecast.  He is looking forward to having the kids here though, and so am I!

Another "shout out" to my senior swimmer

Instead of announcements read by principals or counselors each day, we actually have a digital productions class that creates a daily news segment every day.  I was a little surprised that Catherine received a "shout out" from the swim coach on the news.  Over this weekend, Catherine swam both the 100m fly and 100m back races.  This means that for the second consecutive year, at some point during the swim season, Catherine has participated in every event possible.  That's my girl!  They are physically difficult for her, but she tries everything, she gives it her best shot, and she usually finishes with a smile.  I LOVE her attitude, and I appreciate that she has been recognized for it!

Senior night at the pool

Tonight was Catherine's senior night for swim.  I had dreaded this and was afraid I would be very emotional.  As it was though, there were way too many distractions, not the least of which is that the narrow pool deck terrifies me and I'm afraid of falling in.  Catherine chose her friend Max to present her senior gift.  I wondered why she didn't choose Thomas, but he was asked by two others, both special needs young men, to present them with their senior gifts.

Each student is allowed to offer thanks to loved ones, but each of my kids received a special "shout out" from a senior.  Matt, a special needs young man specifically thanked Catherine, and Eli, another special needs young man specifically thanked Thomas.  Others mentioned to us how cool it was that each of our kids were the only ones that received individual thanks like that.  I was so proud of my kids.  Of course they each have their flaws and they aren't perfect, but they are nice people.  I am eternally grateful for that.

This time has all gone so quickly!