It kind of stinks that it has to end that way

Last evening was the very final track meet ever for Robert.  I had planned to attend, but it was raining and I wasn't feeling great so I decided to stay home.  The price of gas soaring also made it less appealing to make the trip.

Robert made it home a little before 11:00 last night.  Because we are down to two vehicles, I had to pick him up.  I could tell he was tired, and even more, I know he was disappointed.  We are a school, that due to the number of students, competes in Division I.  Unfortunately, we have at best, Division II athletes.  Robert ran on three relays, and they came in last in each and every one of them.  I hate that not only his season, but his entire track career has to end that way.

One of the nice things about track was Robert's willingness to run in any event where they placed him.  His coach wrote a nice note that he was very grateful for that.  I am grateful for the three seasons of track that I was able to enjoy with Robert.

It's getting real

Last evening was the league track meet.  Overall, Robert did well, although we knew none of his relays would be competitive.  There were some really fun faces to watch, and David, the son of some friends, won both the 1-mile and 2-mile race.  Our school also swept the 1-mile and 2-mile girls' races.  Sprinting though, is not our thing, although the girls were able to win the overall league title.  We were glad our boys did not finish last.

Prior to the race, the seniors from our school were recognized.  I was so proud as Robert's name was announced, and it included that his future plans are to serve our country in the Navy.  I am so very proud of Robert for this.

This was the final senior recognition of his senior year.  As he got on the bus this morning, I was thinking about how he has eight days remaining in his formal education.  Just eight days.  It really seems so, so hard to believe.  As I was watching him be the leadoff runner for his final relay (and the final race of the night), I wanted him to just lay it out there...leave everything else on the track.  While he will compete at the district level next week, there is virtually no chance of being competitive or having the race mean anything.  That last race last evening was the last chance he truly had to race with meaning.  Although they were in second to last place when he handed off, he ran a split of about 0:58, and that is about as good as he is going to run.  He had done it his best.

I will miss track meets next year, sharing these moments of watching him run.  It's really getting real...this might actually happen!

Less than 30

After today (which is almost half over) we are down to 28 days of school remaining (and only 25 for Robert).  Getting under 30 is the first time of the year that I really feel that we are getting there.  I hate to wish, so fervently, for time to move quickly, but the end of the year is always so busy and challenging.

It was, in some ways, a longer week than I even expected.  Robert had a tough week, and just can't be trusted.  We need school to end for him and get him graduated.  Then we need to get him off to the Navy.  I have some serious concerns he isn't going to figure out how to make better choices quickly enough, but I also have some optimism that he won't have enough free time in the Navy to find himself into too much trouble.  Because of his choices, I couldn't attend the Confirmation of my best friend's daughter.  I was not happy.  If I'm being totally honest, I very seriously regret his choices interfering with the lives of the rest of our family.  That might be a terrible thing for a mother to think, but he is 18, and there should be some freedoms...for all of us.

Andrew also had a cold this week.  I really hate when he is sick.  He is NOT a good patient, and frankly, he whines like you would not believe.  Unless of course, he has heard me complain about his whining in which case he constantly points out that he isn't whining...although it kind of feels like he is!  Fortunately, (knock on wood) no one else in the house seems to have caught his cold.

The weekend is here!  Because there are so many teachers without subs today, I don't get any plan time.  I don't mind because it is literally just sitting in one class or another...not a big deal.  The only down side is that the teacher I am in for has 7th period plan but because I have to cover a class I don't get to leave early.  Not a big deal, I am happy to do my part to help out.  Robert has a track meet this evening that I am planning to attend.  The weather has finally turned nice out (although today is the last of that for a few days) and I am looking forward to being out and watching Robert run.

There is a lot going on this weekend, and we need to be up before 8:00 both days.  It is still sleeping in a great deal though!

I regret I can't be there

This evening Robert has a track meet.  I love going to his track meets, and this is one of my favorite meets of the year.  He even gets to participate in the Steeplechase race for the first time, and that is always fun to watch.  It isn't meant to be though.  Thomas needs picked up from track practice at 5 and Catherine needs to be at driving school at 6.  By the time I would be able to get to the meet it would be about 6:30, and there is just too much to do at home.  It is what it is, and my kids understand sometimes this is how things work out.  I try to make myself feel better by telling myself that it helps to keep them in check to remind them life isn't all about them!  Seriously though, I suspect I am beating myself up about it more than Robert is!

Track season is underway

Both Thomas and Robert had their first track meets of the season this week.  Thomas was on Monday, and although it was chilly, it was sunny.  Thomas ran the 100m dash, and also did the discus throw.  He threw a PR, and was very pleased.  Yesterday was Robert's first meet.  It rained literally ALL DAY, but they still had the meet.  It was windy, and only in the upper 40's even when the meet began.  Robert ran the 4x800m relay and the 1600m run, before they decided to cancel the rest of the meet.  I went because there was no way I was going to miss his first meet of his senior year.  He ran well, and we were all pleased.

I was a little more emotional about this then I thought I would be.  I haven't been particularly emotional about either cross country or swim, but track is making me more emotional.  Maybe it is because it really is the end...there are no more high school sport seasons for Robert after this.  It really seems hard to believe how quickly this time arrived!

I don't regret my decision, but I still feel guilty about it

This evening, Robert has the finals of the league track meet.  Tuesday's prelims didn't go particularly well.  He didn't qualify for finals in the 300m hurdles.  We knew there was about a 50/50 chance he'd get in.  He didn't run his fastest race of the season, and he needed to do that in order to guarantee getting to the finals.  His 4X800m relay was run as a final, and it was pretty much a disaster.  Our first runner was very strong, and he handed off in third place.  Another mom and I were concerned because we knew our third leg runner is not particularly strong.  Our second leg handed off in fourth place, and after the third leg we were about 200m out of being competitive.  Robert ran anchor, and we realized the only team behind them had been disqualified.  Because he had no chance of catching anyone in front of him, he was advised to just jog his 800m so he could save his strength for the hurdles.  It was very disappointing to watch.

Tonight, he is scheduled to run in two more relay finals.  One of them could be competitive, one of them most likely won't even be.  I hate the thought of not being there, but I won't be.  Neither will Andrew.  He and Thomas are attending a football meeting this evening (I will write later about Thomas's horrific decision to play football this fall), and I am having dinner with friends.  Normally I would never choose that over being there for my son, but this is different.  This is our lifelong group of friends, and we are having a girls' dinner.  We haven't done this since April of last year, and I haven't seen most of these friends since October.  It's been entirely too long!  I know that being there for my kids is important, but I also know how important it is to maintain friendships.  I don't regret my decision and I know that Robert understands, but I still feel really guilty about it!

How track is going...

We are several meets into the track season for both boys.  For Thomas, it's a bit of a challenge.  Okay, it's a REALLY big challenge.  He has yet to clear anything in high jump, and our friend who is a former track coach is a little appalled that he is competing in that event.  Honestly, he really has no business doing so.  He is remaining consistent at between 25-30 feet in discus and is disappointed that he isn't improving.  Honestly, it's just not a super fabulous experience so far.  He just isn't our athlete, and that is totally okay.

Robert on the other hand, is having a great deal of success.  We never would've guessed all those years ago watching him NOT run around the base paths that he would have speed.  Of course, one of the things that we know about our school district is that we just aren't athletically competitive.  Robert is competing in the 4x200m relay, and usually in the 4x400m relay.  He is also running the 300m hurdles.  He is on the upper mid part of average in many races, and even better in some others.  I so enjoy hanging out at his meets, and since he does four events at just about every meet, it keeps me busy watching.  He is really enjoying the season!

The drama of young love

Robert had a track meet last evening.  He was pretty excited about it as he was going to get to throw disc which he hadn't done since his successful 8th grade year.  He had a fabulous relay to start the evening, and then another decent relay that probably would've led to a first place finish if not for a really bad hand off in the final exchange.  After that, I ventured out to the discus area.  He was standing in a corner by himself and I had a feeling...which was right.  He had just received a text from his girlfriend that she was ending it.  We weren't overly surprised as there had been lots of young love drama occurring, but that doesn't make the timing of it any better.  He was so upset, and was completely unfocused during his throwing...which just added to all of his emotions.  Andrew and I both feel that after seven months, he deserved better than a text breakup, but we have tried to stay out of it overall.  As a mom, it's so hard to see my son hurt so much, but I also know that there really isn't anything I can say or do to make it better.  At this point, we are just praying that Robert remembers all the other good things happening in life and that we don't have any regression in his behaviors!

A wet beginning to his track career

Yesterday was Thomas's debut in the world of track.  It was a wet mess.  We were soaked by the end, and Thomas had some wet tears as well.  He didn't even come close to clearing in the high jump, and his longest disc throw was only 32 ft.  On the upside, that is the longest he's ever thrown, but many kids were throwing in the 60 - 80 ft range.  His reality came crashing down around him, and it was heartbreaking to watch.  We so appreciate that he is willing to try all of these different things.  We just wish he wasn't quite so unrealistic about his abilities.  Overall, it was just a miserable evening for him.  Hoping that he can figure out how to have fun, even if he isn't competitive.

A great beginning to track season

Yesterday was the first high school track meet of the season.  I'll be honest, I was really looking forward to it.  Robert didn't do track last year for a variety of reasons, and I was looking forward to him getting back out there.  It was also an absolutely gorgeous day.  In fact, I overdressed for the temperature.  On the upside, it kept my sunburn (and yes, there was some) to a minimal since I had things so well covered, but it was warm.

Robert's coach had been touting his 800m relay team (we called it 4x200m back in the day).  When I saw who he was running with, I was impressed.  There are some pretty quick boys, and I thought maybe they had a shot.  They ended up running in the JV heat though, so I didn't give it much thought as to how good it might be able to be.  It turns out, the team that finished in front of them in their heat was DQ'd, and Robert's group finished fourth overall.  Impressive!  He also debuted as a 300m hurdler yesterday.  Again, I thought he looked pretty good, and finished third in his heat and 6th overall out of 21 runners.  In spite of how gorgeous the weather was, I decided after 4 hours that I was done watching and headed home with Catherine (who I forced to attend with me) since we were having company last evening.  Robert was running the very last event, and I just couldn't handle the thought of staying (what would have turned out to be) another two hours.  It turns out their relay came in 6th overall as well.  It was a great way to begin the season!

Life around here

It's so hard to believe that counting today there are 16 days of school left.  Three years from now we will be planning graduation for Robert...oh my goodness!  I often forget how crazy May can be each year as each activity wants to have a "wrap up" activity, but this year it's made somewhat easier by not working...and I have no idea how I did it when I did!

My mom is recovery fabulously well from her surgery.  Her friend texted me yesterday that she just couldn't believe how well mom is doing.  I was grateful to know she wasn't just putting on an act when she spoke with me each time.  She has a tremendous pain tolerance and I'm sure that helps, but she's a pretty amazing woman as well!

Catherine has officially finished with the track season.  I'm not even really sure what to say about it.  She loved it, although I'm not exactly sure what it is that she loved about it.  I'll try not to judge her lack of competitive spirit, and just be grateful that she enjoyed herself.  Robert still has a couple of weeks left in his season.

Looking forward to a gorgeous day!

It's always a little bittersweet

Last evening our middle school team had a track meet.  Catherine wasn't participating as they could only have two entries per event, but it was the only ms track meet all this season where our former school could be there.  I decided Catherine and I would go and support both of the teams.

It's such a bittersweet experience for me though.  I know very, very few of the names of Catherine's classmates, and while she does have some friends on the team, most of them weren't participating either so she didn't really know the names either.  In the meantime, I watched Aiden win the 100m dash.  I've known Aiden since she was in Kindergarten and she and her eight brothers (yes, eight!) are nine of my most favorite people in the world.  I was so happy to see and hug her parents at the meet.  I was able to see Clara win the 1600m run and Ryan win the boys' side of the same race.  I love Clara and Ryan...they are great kids!  Our very good friend Amanda is one of the coaches, and I was just so happy to see so many friendly faces.  It always makes me so happy.

And yet, it puts a hole in my heart as well.  I was in the middle of watching the kids grow up, and I knew their siblings and parents (and in some cases grandparents!).  We were such a part of the community there, and that isn't happening there.  As I told Aiden's parents last night, sometimes I think Andrew is counting down until Thomas graduates so that we can move back.

At the same time, Andrew and I both agree that we wouldn't change this move for anything.  THIS is where the kids need to be for school.  We have absolute certainty about that.  As far as an educational environment, this can't be beat.  And the kids all really love being here.  Thomas misses his friends at times, but we do what we can to get them together.  Overall, the kids have handled this move tremendously well and never looked back.  I am so grateful for that...and I truly am grateful that we are in this house and the kids are in these schools.  But sometimes, I get a little teary eyed about our friends and community we left behind.

The beginning of track season

I am enjoying watching my kids participate in track.  Robert is picking up where he left off in the discus.  It's a pound heavier than the middle school discus, but he's doing just fine for a freshman and is already.  We discussed yesterday that he has a lot of potential in that particular event.  He was asked to pole vault, and he's learning the ropes on that as well.  Unfortunately with the schedules, I haven't been able to see him in that event.  I also think pole vaulting might help him with his diving.  He's also participating in a few running events, specifically relays, and he's just really enjoying the season.

Catherine is participating as well.  She jogged her 200m sprint at her first meet.  I'd never seen anything like it!  She's also doing some field events, but her coaches have commented that mostly she seems to just be there for the social aspect...and I'm okay with that.  She is a fabulous teammate in terms of support and cheering, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Since the high school and middle school have separate schedules, we are staying very busy!

They needed the sleep

Last evening I decided we weren't going to church today.  Call me a horrible human being, but I could tell this family just needed to sleep for a variety of reasons.  I must've been correct too, as it is 10:30 and all three children are still sound asleep.

I knew Robert would sleep well.  He had a six hour track meet yesterday in 30 degree temps.  It was a bright, sunny day, but your body still works hard to stay warm.  He is throwing discus again this year, and has also been drafted to pole vault.  He wants to run, but the coach is not encouraging of that.  I'm not entirely certain why, although this coach is not my most favorite person in the world.  I don't question his knowledge, but I do worry about the way he interacts with the children.  High school or not, they are still kids and I prefer the supportive method rather than militant.  There was a mass exodus from the track team this year so perhaps I am not the only person who feels that way.

Thomas had something of a dramatic day.  His good friend came over to spend the afternoon, and they had a blast.  Later in the day he was carving some wood and his hand slipped.  He knicked his hand, and you would've thought a finger had been amputated.  The screams were awful.  He wouldn't even let me run it under cold water and kept fighting against me.  It was such a small injury but certainly involved a lot of drama!  He was pretty wiped out from that as well.

Catherine has been fighting a cold all week.  It's nothing serious and she hasn't felt awful, but I knew that some extra sleep wouldn't hurt her either.  She enjoyed spending the day yesterday in her pajamas, and I don't blame her.

It's still chilly here and supposed to rain later today, but for right now the sun is shining.  Happy Sunday to everyone!

This past week

I am enjoying life in early/mid March.  Although we awoke last Friday to temps in the single digits, yesterday was over 60 degrees!  It was gorgeous!

This past weekend we were able to spend time with some very dear friends.  My husband and Thomas's Godfather have birthdays only two days apart in January.  We finally were able to schedule dinner out and celebrate with friends...only 60 days late!  It doesn't matter when though, just that we take the time to make it happen.  Altogether, there were 15 of us at dinner, and we had such a blast.  These people are so very important to us, and I'm grateful so many could be there.  It was the kind of evening that is truly good for the soul.

Track practice started Monday.  Robert is really feeling it this year because it is high school now, not just the middle school "do the best you can" training.  The high school coaches have high expectations and expect you to step up and get it done.  He is really looking forward to throwing discus after last year's success, and they've asked him to try pole vaulting...not sure I can watch that!  He is really wanting to run as well, and I can't blame him for that.  Apparently, that is a very rare combination of people who want to do both field and track events so they aren't sure how they can work it out.  I'll be honest, I'm slightly irritated by that.  I mean, the kid is 15, why wouldn't he want to try different things...how is that NOT common?  Anyway, I'm sure it will work out.  And Catherine is enjoying her practices as well, although she doesn't say much about it.

This weekend we have a fairly busy schedule, but hopefully we can enjoy some nice weather!

League meet

Last evening was the jr. high track league meet.  I was really looking forward to this...I knew that Robert had a legitimate shot to do really well in discus.  Unfortunately, the wind was not working in his favor last night.  The best throw of the night was 112', and even only reaching 100' would've placed him in third.  It wasn't to be though, but he still came in fifth place.  I was very proud of him for doing so well in his very first year!

He also ran the 4x100m relay.  He was the third leg, and when he received the baton, they were in last place.  By the time he handed off the baton just 100m later, they were in fifth place which is where they finished.  No shame in bringing home two fifth place ribbons in a league meet, especially when it's the first go-round with it!

It's another Friday!!!

Another Friday has arrived.  I am so looking forward to the weekend, although it's a busy one...but I enjoy life with three kids and wouldn't want it any other way!

Our busy weekend is coming at the end of a busy track week.  Robert had two track meets this week and we are so proud of how he is doing!  He has really, really improved in throwing the discus, and is getting better at each meet.  He threw 102', 8" last night.  I am a proud mom!  His running events are more "hit and miss".  He is enjoying the hurdles, although the 110m isn't going so well.  He ran the anchor leg of the 4x200m relay on Tuesday.  We thought his coach was CRAZY for putting him in at anchor at such an event, but clearly coach knows best!  We had never seen him run like that before.  Andrew and I were discussing how he never ran like that on the base paths...apparently had he been racing from one base to another he'd have done much better.  Who knew???!!  It has been so much fun to watch him, and I'm also grateful it has given me a chance to meet other parents while watching the meets.

Thomas finished up his art classes this week.  This kid absolutely loves art and seems to have a talent in that area.  It has been such a joy to watch him have so much fun each week and was absolutely worth every single penny.

Mom learned yesterday that her first chemo session will be Wednesday.  I am so grateful to be getting this started.  I have told her that I want to be the one to get her from chemo on Wednesday and take her home.  I am trying to be strong, but there is a part of me that is angry...angry that I have to deal with a sick parent again.  I'm counting my blessings though, in that I have the flexibility to be able to do so.

Lots going on, but after today there are only 26 more school days!

The beginning of our break

Spring break has officially arrived in our house!  I'm not too sure about the weather next week, but this weekend is going to be absolutely gorgeous!

Our break began in rather busy fashion last evening.  Robert had a track meet in a nearby community.  I had it all planned out so that I could see him throw and run one of his two hurdle races.  Of course, they do things differently than the other meets I'd been to so I only got to see him run the 110 hurdles...and it wasn't pretty.  He did improve his discus throw distance and received a ribbon for 7th in 200 hurdles, so he was happy overall, although I'm disappointed I didn't get to see it.

Thomas also had an art exhibit last night from the after school art classes he's been taking.  He even had his own little section set up because his teacher has been so impressed with his sketching.  His godfather, who is Thomas's idol, was able to come down and it was so nice to be able to spend the evening with him.  Thomas received his Christmas present which was a drawing of his favorite Doggy...he is so excited and can't wait to get it hung up!

This morning Andrew has taken Robert to our old town for a scout meeting, then we plan to work around the house.  This evening we are visiting with friends we haven't seen since before Christmas, and can't wait to see them now!  I think the thing I am looking most forward to is tomorrow evening when it will be a Sunday evening, but there will be no "gotta get ready for school" mindset happening.  Yeh!

Track

Yesterday was Robert's second track meet of the season.  It was such a blast because our old school district was there, so I was able to catch up with some good friends, and I got to cheer on some great kids as well.  Robert enjoyed getting to see some old acquaintances and catching up with a few people as well.  I was also so proud of how he did overall!  He won his heat in the 200m hurdles!  We were stunned...he looked really fabulous out there.  In fact, one of the coaches of our old school talked to me at the end said he was really impressed with Robert's stride and form.  It was so great to see Robert succeed.  Even though he didn't win the overall event, it was still so great to have him be able to finish in front of the rest of his pack.  Everyone deserves to feel some success!

The meet brought out a few other emotions as well.  It was so wonderful to be able to see some friends and visit with people I've missed a great deal.  It's hard knowing we (but especially I) left all of that behind to make this move.  And yet, it was another example of knowing that this move was the best thing that we could've done.  Our old school district dominated the meet yesterday and both boys and girls teams won in a landslide.  Now, I suppose some could say that why wouldn't I want Robert to be a part of that success?  But he would never have the opportunities to participate as he is now if he had to compete against those other athletes for time.  He isn't going to be a stellar athlete, and none of us care about that.  But he's getting to participate and he's having FUN.  I am so grateful we made the decision we made!

The beginning of the season

Yesterday was the Reds' opening day...a legitimate holiday in the Cincinnati area!  Unfortunately, we didn't really get to experience much because the first pitch was at 4:10 and Robert's track meet began at 4:30.  We were home in time to catch the end though...hoping for better things tomorrow!

And yes, yesterday was also the beginning of track and field season...a first for us!  Robert is throwing the discus and he really likes that.  He had two fouls yesterday and his third throw went less than 50 feet (the winner threw over 100ft) but I'm sure we will see much improvement as the season continues.  He also ran the 100m hurdles (great form but oh my goodness slow) and then was involved in the 4x100 relay.  We have no idea why the coach thought that was a good fit for him since he is much better at distances than sprints, but he kept them competitive out of the blocks.  His next meet is Thursday and we'll see what happens there!