Normally, Labor Day weekend is fairly unscheduled and overall rather relaxing. Of course there were many years when school began the Tuesday following and I was always a little sad about that, but it was still relatively relaxing. This weekend is NOT one of those weekends.
Tonight is the first high school football game and it's a home contest. I should be there both as the band boosters treasurer, and as the mother of a marcher, but that isn't going to happen. Thomas is back at school today, but does not need to be out running around at the game and up late. I am expecting that Andrew (who stats for the games) and Robert will be home in the 10-10:30 range.
Tomorrow morning one of us has to be OUT THE DOOR at 6:30AM in order for Robert to catch the cross country bus. The rest of us need to be out by 8AM in order to make it to his meet. We are leaving directly from his meet to travel east to visit my in-laws as Tuesday is my mother-in-law's 75th birthday. We are first making a quick stop at my grandmother's house so that Robert can shower. We will arrive sometime around dinner Saturday evening.
Sunday morning is church at 8:30AM, and having all of us ready to be out the door at 8 again is going to be no small task. That evening will be dinner with family. Monday we have to be on the road absolutely no later than 10AM so that we can make sure we are back in plenty of time for Robert's marching band practice.
I'll be honest, we are tired. Andrew has picked up extra hours (and a few extra dollars) by being a site manager for extra-curricular events at the school. Last evening he didn't get home until 9:30, and since Robert had band practice until 8:30, he was there with him. Robert is beginning to understand why we have not been gung ho for him to join all of these activities that interest him...he needs to get a better grasp on what high school is really like first.
So, all-in-all, it's going to be a busy weekend, but hopefully a happy one. More than anything I pray for safe travels!
Friday, August 29, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Sick kid already
Thomas is home today. Sick kids and neurotic moms are just not a good mix. I hate the fact that my kids can't "not feel well" without me going to worst case scenario in my head. I am not at all surprised that Thomas is miserable. My allergies are the worst they've been in years. I am a horrible mom and I haven't been good about making sure he takes his once daily dose to make sure he isn't miserable. I also know that he was up late last evening because of Catherine's meet (even though he didn't attend, he wasn't in bed) and the heat isn't helping either. I can't help but flashback to 50 weeks ago when he went to school feeling lousy on a super hot day and ended up passing out. So when I saw that same lethargic/I feel lousy behavior this morning. I didn't push to get him to school. I've given him an allergy med dose, as well as a decongestant/cough syrup, and he's gone back to sleep. His school goes so late in the date that I'm hoping I can take him in later and he doesn't have to miss the entire day.
I hate the fact that when any of my kids, but especially Thomas (I think because he was so sick as a little one) get sick, I immediately get my own sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and start praying. It is a complete overreaction, and I need to stop borrowing worry when there isn't a reason to worry. Here's to hoping he is up and about sooner rather than later!
I hate the fact that when any of my kids, but especially Thomas (I think because he was so sick as a little one) get sick, I immediately get my own sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and start praying. It is a complete overreaction, and I need to stop borrowing worry when there isn't a reason to worry. Here's to hoping he is up and about sooner rather than later!
Cross country round 2
Yesterday Catherine had her second meet of the season. This was only a middle school meet, so we left Thomas and Robert here at the house. It was miserable and there was no need for all of us to experience it.
If you read my post on seasons, you probably got the idea that it's pretty hot here right now. At race time, the heat index was over 90, although I am not certain of the exact degree. I can tell you that while I was standing in the SHADE doing absolutely NOTHING, sweat was dripping down my back. I was certain this did not bode well for Catherine's performance. This was a very, very large meet with well over a hundred runners (I checked official results, 140 runners to be exact). I thought perhaps this would motivate Catherine, and reminded her that with last week's time of 27:10, there was plenty of room for improvement.
Or not. Andrew positioned himself about half way through the course, and I was at the homestretch. Catherine reached the halfway point just a minute or so before the first runner finished. As she was finishing the race, no amount of cajoling, pleading, or even me trying to run with her could get her to run. Walking was it...until the last 100 yards where she flat out sprinted to a posted time of 27:14. So this week was four seconds slower than last week...not the direction we had hoped to take.
She has told us her strategy is to save something so she can sprint to the end. We understand, but there is so much walking happening during her race. Andrew has encouraged her to perhaps slow down at the start with the thought that perhaps she could push herself to jog more of the race instead of walking. Regardless, she is finishing the races and we are pleased with that...and not once has she asked to quit the sport. She is enjoying something about it, even if it isn't the running (which is kind of the point of cross country, right?). I am grateful that she is participating and that she is active, and I am grateful for supportive teammates!
If you read my post on seasons, you probably got the idea that it's pretty hot here right now. At race time, the heat index was over 90, although I am not certain of the exact degree. I can tell you that while I was standing in the SHADE doing absolutely NOTHING, sweat was dripping down my back. I was certain this did not bode well for Catherine's performance. This was a very, very large meet with well over a hundred runners (I checked official results, 140 runners to be exact). I thought perhaps this would motivate Catherine, and reminded her that with last week's time of 27:10, there was plenty of room for improvement.
Or not. Andrew positioned himself about half way through the course, and I was at the homestretch. Catherine reached the halfway point just a minute or so before the first runner finished. As she was finishing the race, no amount of cajoling, pleading, or even me trying to run with her could get her to run. Walking was it...until the last 100 yards where she flat out sprinted to a posted time of 27:14. So this week was four seconds slower than last week...not the direction we had hoped to take.
She has told us her strategy is to save something so she can sprint to the end. We understand, but there is so much walking happening during her race. Andrew has encouraged her to perhaps slow down at the start with the thought that perhaps she could push herself to jog more of the race instead of walking. Regardless, she is finishing the races and we are pleased with that...and not once has she asked to quit the sport. She is enjoying something about it, even if it isn't the running (which is kind of the point of cross country, right?). I am grateful that she is participating and that she is active, and I am grateful for supportive teammates!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Ohio seasons
I am fairly certain there are very few places outside of Ohio that I could live...and pretty much none of those are outside of the midwest. I am a midwest girl through and through. One of the things that I love so very much about where I live is that we have seasons. Not cold, frigid, less cold, summer...not tolerable, comfortable, you-know-what's coming, and Holy Moses it's HOT...no, Ohio has seasons and I don't think I could live without them.
As we head back to school, I get so antsy to put out the fall decorations (heat indexes of 90+ remind me however, that it is, in spite of the school calendar, still summer). I love the scents of fall...the smell of a fire in a fire place on a cool night, and the beginning of apples and pumpkins season...either cooking or in candles. I love the feeling of fall...the need for a jacket or that cozy sweatshirt...maybe even a blanket while watching TV. I love being able to walk outside and be active without dehydrating from sweat in five minutes (it's really hot here right now). And there is my favorite...the sights and colors of fall. I love football returning and the festivals every weekend (take your pick!)...and of course the colors. The beauty of the leaves changing is just astounding. And of course, fall leads into the holidays and...
...winter! I, of course, love Christmas and all that goes with it. I love the "clean slate" of the new year and the opportunity to reflect on the last 365 days. I love seeing the untouched snow and all the pureness and beauty that it symbolizes. I love those days when we are snowed in and there is no where to go, for it is on those days that laziness is not only acceptable, it is nearly expected. I love not only the opportunity, but the excuse, to stay home and just hang out with those here. I love snuggling down under the flannel sheets, and I love the coziness of the fire in the fireplace. Winter can last a while though (like last year), and that is when we are ready for spring!
Spring...ah the days are growing longer and there is more sunshine. Color returns to our lives as the grass and trees turn green and flowers bloom. I love the return of baseball season and I love being able to venture outside without a jacket. I love those days when we might actually be able to open the windows throughout the house and feel the breeze. Spring is definitely nature's reward for the long winter months we endure each year. And the end of spring leads to the end of school, and...
...summer. Strangely enough, this is probably, in many ways, my least favorite season because I HATE hot weather. There are still so many things to love about summer though...the fresh produce so readily available, and the "need" to consume ice cream and Popsicles in such warm temps. I love the decorations of red, white, & blue, and I love that the summer is often filled with so many family gatherings. And I love that in our house, summer is filled with so many fewer responsibilities and so much fun. Laundry is certainly easier in the summer in that our clothing is certainly less big and bulky. At the end though, it's fun to look forward to that nip in the air and knowing that fall is just around the corner.
I am so grateful to live in a climate where, when you think you just about can't stand the weather anymore, it changes. Each season has something so special to look forward to and something to appreciate. I am so grateful for seasons...and to have seen so many of them. I look forward to many, many more.
As we head back to school, I get so antsy to put out the fall decorations (heat indexes of 90+ remind me however, that it is, in spite of the school calendar, still summer). I love the scents of fall...the smell of a fire in a fire place on a cool night, and the beginning of apples and pumpkins season...either cooking or in candles. I love the feeling of fall...the need for a jacket or that cozy sweatshirt...maybe even a blanket while watching TV. I love being able to walk outside and be active without dehydrating from sweat in five minutes (it's really hot here right now). And there is my favorite...the sights and colors of fall. I love football returning and the festivals every weekend (take your pick!)...and of course the colors. The beauty of the leaves changing is just astounding. And of course, fall leads into the holidays and...
...winter! I, of course, love Christmas and all that goes with it. I love the "clean slate" of the new year and the opportunity to reflect on the last 365 days. I love seeing the untouched snow and all the pureness and beauty that it symbolizes. I love those days when we are snowed in and there is no where to go, for it is on those days that laziness is not only acceptable, it is nearly expected. I love not only the opportunity, but the excuse, to stay home and just hang out with those here. I love snuggling down under the flannel sheets, and I love the coziness of the fire in the fireplace. Winter can last a while though (like last year), and that is when we are ready for spring!
Spring...ah the days are growing longer and there is more sunshine. Color returns to our lives as the grass and trees turn green and flowers bloom. I love the return of baseball season and I love being able to venture outside without a jacket. I love those days when we might actually be able to open the windows throughout the house and feel the breeze. Spring is definitely nature's reward for the long winter months we endure each year. And the end of spring leads to the end of school, and...
...summer. Strangely enough, this is probably, in many ways, my least favorite season because I HATE hot weather. There are still so many things to love about summer though...the fresh produce so readily available, and the "need" to consume ice cream and Popsicles in such warm temps. I love the decorations of red, white, & blue, and I love that the summer is often filled with so many family gatherings. And I love that in our house, summer is filled with so many fewer responsibilities and so much fun. Laundry is certainly easier in the summer in that our clothing is certainly less big and bulky. At the end though, it's fun to look forward to that nip in the air and knowing that fall is just around the corner.
I am so grateful to live in a climate where, when you think you just about can't stand the weather anymore, it changes. Each season has something so special to look forward to and something to appreciate. I am so grateful for seasons...and to have seen so many of them. I look forward to many, many more.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Summer lake songs
It's hard to believe an entire month has passed since we spent a few days at the lake with our cousins. We had so much fun! While we were all "stuck" on the one boat because the other had broken down, my cousin Dillon was our group DJ. Although I love country music, I had never really thought about how many great country songs are related to being on the water. Dillon seemed to have them all on his iPod though, and it helped to make the afternoon even more fun as we all sang along.
Now that we've been home a month, I can't tell you how many times we've heard some of those songs, and we almost always laugh and smile when we hear them. My cousin Sean changed some of the words to the songs and sometimes we will sing those instead of the real words. For just a few minutes when those songs come on, we all get to feel like we are at the lake again! We love hearing those songs...and know those feelings get to stay with us.
Now that we've been home a month, I can't tell you how many times we've heard some of those songs, and we almost always laugh and smile when we hear them. My cousin Sean changed some of the words to the songs and sometimes we will sing those instead of the real words. For just a few minutes when those songs come on, we all get to feel like we are at the lake again! We love hearing those songs...and know those feelings get to stay with us.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
A quiet and lazy Sunday afternoon
Last night I took an allergy pill...very much needed. I literally kind of just fell into bed after my husband arrived home from an evening with some friends (and it wasn't late at all). Never thought to set my alarm. By the time we woke up this morning, church wasn't really an option (our church has only one service). Andrew pointed out Sunday School hasn't started yet, so staying home is what we did.
And I must admit, I am looking forward to this completely unscheduled day. I am sure we will watch some baseball (although with the Reds season being what it is, some football would be better) and there will of course be preparing for school tomorrow, but no one has to leave the house if no one wants to!
Yesterday was also a day of sleeping in so we are transitioning slowly into what is our "back to school" grind. Andrew had dinner and attempted to watch the Reds game with friends last evening (they left because of weather) and I took Thomas to a scouts pool party. Catherine and Robert were thrilled with the hours upon hours of freedom here at the house, and I was pleased that we are able to do that again...trust is slowly returning.
Hope everyone has a quiet and blessed day!
And I must admit, I am looking forward to this completely unscheduled day. I am sure we will watch some baseball (although with the Reds season being what it is, some football would be better) and there will of course be preparing for school tomorrow, but no one has to leave the house if no one wants to!
Yesterday was also a day of sleeping in so we are transitioning slowly into what is our "back to school" grind. Andrew had dinner and attempted to watch the Reds game with friends last evening (they left because of weather) and I took Thomas to a scouts pool party. Catherine and Robert were thrilled with the hours upon hours of freedom here at the house, and I was pleased that we are able to do that again...trust is slowly returning.
Hope everyone has a quiet and blessed day!
Saturday, August 23, 2014
First complete week a success
Everyone made it through the first week, and we managed to find a way to have everybody where they needed to be at the time they needed to be there. I was a little astounded that we managed to make it work, but it did!
Robert is really enjoying high school. After all of the trust issues from last year, I am struggling with giving him the freedoms that I think high school students should have. It helps tremendously that Andrew is at school with him everyday. The other teachers have reported to him that they have enjoyed having Robert in class...hopefully that continues throughout the year!
Catherine is definitely entering the middle school years. Ugh. She hasn't pulled any major stunts yet and I'm grateful, but that the same time I just can't stand the attitude. I know that this is just the beginning, but I also know she's a good kid at heart.
Thomas has so far managed to show more responsibility than last year. He seems so grown up at age ten. Having him on the elementary schedule is such a pain, so I've tried to make a deal with him that he can move to sixth grade, but that is as old as he is allowed to be. He is not on board with this plan.
The weekends just feel so short during the school year. We are grateful that this weekend is relatively unscheduled with just a few fun activities because Monday morning will roll around again very quickly!
Robert is really enjoying high school. After all of the trust issues from last year, I am struggling with giving him the freedoms that I think high school students should have. It helps tremendously that Andrew is at school with him everyday. The other teachers have reported to him that they have enjoyed having Robert in class...hopefully that continues throughout the year!
Catherine is definitely entering the middle school years. Ugh. She hasn't pulled any major stunts yet and I'm grateful, but that the same time I just can't stand the attitude. I know that this is just the beginning, but I also know she's a good kid at heart.
Thomas has so far managed to show more responsibility than last year. He seems so grown up at age ten. Having him on the elementary schedule is such a pain, so I've tried to make a deal with him that he can move to sixth grade, but that is as old as he is allowed to be. He is not on board with this plan.
The weekends just feel so short during the school year. We are grateful that this weekend is relatively unscheduled with just a few fun activities because Monday morning will roll around again very quickly!
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