We made it through a week

We've made it through an entire week of the kids being home for the summer. For several reasons, it's felt as if they've already been off forever. I'm happy to report that the family drama that was rearing its ugly head over the weekend has resolved itself, at least generally speaking. The bank has FINALLY posted our house payment and everything worked out there. I've sent off the documentation that was required for HT's medical bills and hopefully that will also work itself out without too much more hassle. The IRS has also caused some delays with our tax refund. They've requested some additional information which I have already sent them, but I'll send it again. It's a hassle as well, but I'm sure it will work out at some point. I'm also completely covered with chigger bites. It's been pretty miserable, but Benadryl helps tremendously with the itching. Unfortunately, I pretty much can't function when I take Benadryl, so I've been a walking zombie most of the day. We were also sad that HT's godfather lost his dad last week. We spent Sunday at the visitation, and my wonderful husband spent Monday helping the family at the funeral. I'm told it was a very beautiful service. Our friend is holding up well

As far as the kids, they've done pretty well. Thursday was a pool party thrown by JC's teacher. The family was invited and we all had a great time. There's also been a few graduation parties, and on Sunday the kids got to spend all day at my parents and grandmother's house. After the visitation, we had a great day visiting with family. Monday the kids got to visit some friends (who happen to live in the woods, and even though I was only there five minutes it's how I got covered with the chigger bites). There have been a few ball games, and a couple of board games in between cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Overall, we are enjoying our laid back life!

Family drama

There has been enough family drama around here in the last 48 hours to last a lifetime. I am a little bit accustomed to this in my mother's family, and for the most part I'm able to experience it from afar and just kind of ignore it. I might get mad about some things, but it rarely affects me directly. This however, is occurring in my husband's family. Even though they are all over 250 miles away, this directly affects our household and I've been hopping mad for the last two days. My husband has always been the easy-going, laid-back, I'll-keep-my-mouth-shut-because-it's-the-right-thing-to-do member of his family. This particular incident however, he couldn't just sit by and let it happen. The lever of disrespect was just too much. He decided to speak up, and unfortunately there are a lot of hurt feelings in the family right now...ironically the person that started all of this is of course being "sheltered" from all of it. I know that this is all going to subside. I just don't want my kids suffering because of the actions and decisions of others. I hope they never have any idea all of this has happened!

Most funnest day

According to JR, today was the most funnest day. Apparently, he still has some learning to do!

The kids loved every minute of their last day of school. I was extremely concerned about the heat because the heat index is near 100 degrees here. Each kid had half a day of field day, and then spent the other half indoors. There isn't air conditioning at school, but they did make every attempt to keep everyone quiet, cool, and hydrated. The report cards also came home, and everyone did very well in that regard also.

My wonderful husband and I spent the day shopping. I'm not sure we've ever had a shopping day like we did today. We bought some clothes and shoes for ourselves, some clothes (and Christmas presents) for the kids, and some other things we wanted for the house. We also treated ourselves to lunch out. It was great having the entire day all to ourselves. We are taking the kids to a movie this evening as a reward for all of them having a great year. Looking forward to the popcorn myself!

What happened to spring?

I've got to wonder, what happened to spring around here? On May 27, we went to a friend's house for the evening. I literally was wearing a turtle neck sweater. Three days later it was in the 90's. That's pretty much been the pattern we've been having here. There have been a couple of days in the 70's and low 80's without humidity, but seriously, just one or two. It's only the beginning of June...I'm not ready for this oppressive heat!!!!!

Anxiety

Today I'm feeling a bit of anxiety...more than just a bit I suppose. This afternoon I'm having a meeting with the school principal to discuss HT's year. I've never written about it here, but this hasn't been a good year. His personality and the personality of his teacher were not a good match, and she flat out told me in October that there were times she couldn't stand to be around him. Some people I've told this to can't believe that I didn't request to have him moved, but at the time I was just too stunned, and looking back now, probably in denial. Anyway, as you can probably imagine, it wasn't a great year for him, and my meeting with the principal is to express our sincere concern that this NOT happen again next year. Because the principal is also my "boss" (after all, he makes the sub calls!) I feel a little anxious discussing this with him. I have no intentions of making demands or asking for promises, but when it comes to my kids I can get a little emotional.

We also know that the father of HT's Godfather is expected to pass anytime now. It's always tough waiting on the phone call. Our family will of course attend the services and be there for "Uncle Nick" however he needs us. I've been saying prayers that he not suffer and the family can find some peace and comfort.

It also seems as though our house payment has been lost in the mail. This is SO frustrating! It was mailed 12 days ago and still hasn't posted on our account. We just refinanced in March, so this is only the second payment I've made to this bank. I do not want to have to get on the phone and deal with this. I know it's not a big deal, I can always make another payment and either stop payment on the first, or just have them apply the "second" payment to our principal. We are very fortunate in that the money is in our savings account and this isn't a huge issue...but it is a hassle.

There are a few other odds and ends happening that when added up cause some anxiety, but mostly I'm just trying to turn it over to God and remember that I'm not supposed to sweat the small stuff!

Three more days!

The kids only have three more days of school. We are all so excited! My wonderful husband has to work Monday and Tuesday, and then everyone is done for the summer. We'll still be busy with ball games of course, but there won't really be a strict schedule to follow. And of course Mom gets to sleep in! That is my favorite part of summer. I've always been a good morning sleeper...not that I'm a night owl, but I'm most certainly NOT a morning person!

A beautiful morning

It is an absolutely gorgeous morning here. Starting Sunday afternoon, things got pretty miserable as far as the heat and humidity. We broke down and turned on the a/c Sunday, but we were able to to turn it off last night. Instead of the 90's that we've had all week, our temps are supposed to be a high of 80, and some places may not even get out of the70's. And there is very little humidity, so it's actually feeling like late spring instead of going straight from early spring (ie wet & cold) to late summer (hot & humid). I've been out planting a few flowers this morning, although HT has asked that I wait and finish when he gets home. Although it will be warmer then, I'm over half done now and he wants to help.

Today should be my last day of subbing for the year. I had a 1/2 day yesterday morning and then 1/2 day this afternoon. It's been so much fun and I've really enjoyed it, but like the kids I'm definitely ready for summer. It's going to be so nice to have us all home at a more relaxed pace. And of course I'm looking forward to sleeping in! My allergies have kicked in, and after the kids left Tuesday I went back to bed until noon. Those days are very rare! I enjoy my quiet time, but I'm still looking forward to our summer!