Today we learn the results

In about five hours, we will be learning the results of the my Mom's scans.  I've been feeling fairly confidant about them, but not knowing is a bit tough.  I'll be very glad when we know, and of course our prayers are for a completely clear scan.

I'm also praying for peace in my heart today.  My sister continues to be challenging and while it often makes me sad, I have to work very hard at not being angry either because part of what makes her challenging is her lack of caring and compassion towards others, specifically those in my family.  She is joining us at Mom's appointment today and I pray that although emotions and tensions will be high, that it can be a peaceful appointment.

I'll post the results when I can!

One of my most fun days as a parent

Yesterday will go down as one of my most fun days as a parent.  It was very busy and definitely exhausting, but I really enjoyed every minute of it.  It began early with a cross country meet for both Robert & Catherine.  It was in the same town that we ventured to on Tuesday, and I also knew that because our former school district was there again, and this time our good friend Jen would be there.  We thought that Robert wasn't running until the "open" race at the end, but Kyle was running an earlier race so we got there to watch him.  Thank goodness we did...it turns out Robert did run in that race as well!  As is typical for a fifteen-year-old, communication isn't his strong suit!  It was such a cold and damp morning, but we enjoyed it.  Robert's race had a fabulous ending.  While he still finished in the last 1/3 of the racers, he was involved in a photo finish.  As he and another runner rounded the corner, the Dunbar runner (a school known for its sprinting speed) began to sprint.  Robert kicked it up as well, and a sprint to the finish was on!  Knowing the reputation of Dunbar's speed, I didn't think there was anyway Robert could out sprint the kid for the distance they had left.  He kept just a step ahead though, and as they passed I really started screaming for him.  I then began jumping up and down (my enthusiasm has always been part of my charm, lol) and Robert managed to finish 0.2 seconds ahead of the other kid.  Our friend Jen managed to catch in on video, but because I don't have a smart phone we don't know how to get it off and save it.  Catherine ran her race (and she is no longer walking, so we are pleased) and we came home to warm up before our crazy evening.

We were able to watch some college football and hang out for a bit until Andrew left to meet up with some friends from Florida who were in town.  I was helping Robert get ready for Homecoming, and then we left for group pictures.  It was just so amazing to watch my son all dressed up and be "adult-like".  The other kids and their parents all seemed very nice (although I had to wonder about the folks wearing Alabama t-shirts...hmph) and they were off.  Andrew and I went back to hang out with his friends from Florida a bit more, and by the time we were home near 8:00, I was ready for an early bedtime.  Dream on though, because Robert needed to be picked up from the dance at Midnight, and we had agreed he could attend a bonfire afterwards.  We all (minus the younger two) tumbled into bed at 3:00 this morning and to be honest, we are ALL feeling it today.  I absolutely loved though, hearing him tell us about all of the fun he had last night.  Parenting a social high school student is definitely a new phase, but right now it's a lot of fun!

An unsual encounter

On the mornings when I walk, I walk around the neighborhood.  Our neighborhood is "closed off" in the sense that there is only one way into and out of the community.  Inside the community there is a loop and several cul-de-sacs off the loop, so when I walk I usually walk the perimeter of the loop and a few of the cul-de-sacs.  Yesterday, I was coming out of one of the cul-de-sacs and turned to continue walking the loop, and there stood two beautiful deer.  I stopped in my tracks, and they immediately looked at me and froze.  I wasn't really sure what to do next, but finally I just started walking again.  Both deer turned and ran back into the woods.  I can honestly say it was the first time in my life I've ever been that close to a deer without being in a vehicle.  It was quite an experience...and another unexpected blessing of living here!

A wet and windy Friday

I've really been looking forward to this cold front that is coming through.  I know, I'm "not right", but I just love cool autumn weekends...and for those of you wishing me bad karma don't worry, I got caught in a downpour!

After running hours worth of errands this morning, I am home for the day with my only need to go being to the corner to get Thomas off the bus.  Unfortunately both Andrew and Robert have to spend the evening at the (wet) football game, but I will be home...warm and toasty.  Tomorrow's cross country meet could be wet as well, but we'll keep our fingers crossed.  By the time we gather for Robert's Homecoming pictures tomorrow evening the skies should be clear.  Sunday is a fairly unscheduled day and I suspect we will be using it to rest up!

His first date

Robert has his first official date this weekend...wow, how is that even possible???  It is his first high school homecoming, and he is taking a young lady.  They were set up as mutual friends, and I think initially there was some interest in something more, but clearly at this point they are just going as friends.  Robert also wants to attend a bon fire after the dance at Midnight, and while it's late, I'm inclined to let him go.  I was talking to my best friend Stephanie this evening and we just don't understand.  We remember our high school days so clearly, and we just can't fathom that we are now parenting teens and pre-teens.  Wow, just wow.

Visiting with old friends

Catherine had a cross country meet in a "neighboring" community (I use quotes because it is still 30 minutes away...we live close to very little out here).  Andrew had conferences so I left Robert and Thomas here and made the drive myself.  She set a new PR, and we are very pleased that she is no longer walking during the races.  We will take what we can get when it comes to her.

As I pulled into the park where the meet was being held, I was delighted to see some decals from our former community.  I whipped out my cell when I realized some friends would be there and was able to not only locate them, but visit with so many other friendly faces as well.  I was grateful that many of them (who have sons) stayed to watch the girls race as well and Catherine had quite a cheering section when she finished.  Catherine was also very excited to be able to visit with former classmates and they were all genuinely pleased to see her.

I am so grateful for all of the relationships we had in our former community, and I am even more grateful for the opportunity to reconnect!

Falling leaves

Living in a wooded neighborhood in the fall is absolutely gorgeous.  Andrew and I often talk about how we feel we have the perfect lot.  We have a few mature trees, our back yard backs up against some woods, but we actually have a yard that the kids can play in, and plenty of it!  Not only do we have a yard, but by not living "in" the woods we are less likely to get poison ivy and Andrew and I are both VERY allergic.

This morning after I got Thomas on the bus I took off for a walk.  It was very peaceful with all the colors (although it is cloudy today, so the colors aren't as vibrant), and I love hearing the crunch of the leaves under my feet.  It was a great start to my day!