Way, way too close to home

Today I made plans to head north for a visit with some friends, and had a ton of errands to run along the way.  I called Andrew while he was at lunch to confirm a few things he was handling for me after school, and then he told me about a school shooting that happened, right here in our county.  I immediately wanted to get home because not only is it right here, but it is actually geographically very close to our former school district.  I kept my plans though, and listened as much as I could to information coming out.  I learned this afternoon that two teens were shot and two others injured, either by debris or by attempting to escape.  I know one of the latter.  He was previously a student at our former school district, and I knew him not only as a substitute teacher, but because he was in class with Catherine.  To be honest, I kind of wanted to throw up a little bit at that point.  Fortunately, none of the injuries are life threatening, but oh goodness.  The nerves of this parent just skyrocketed.  Prayers to all.

I wish there was email in Heaven

Last evening I was re-reading some emails from years and years ago that my dad and I sent to each other.  Because he couldn't be mobile much, he spent a great deal of time on the computer, and we communicated that way a great deal.  I am so grateful for those emails.  Not only did I relay cute stories about the kids that I am grateful are in writing, but I can almost hear his voice when I read them.  I'll be honest, it makes me a little emotional, but I am so incredibly grateful for them.  I sure wish there was email in Heaven...I miss him more than I can even express.

Leap Day

Here is the day that only comes along once every four years.  It truly amazes me how quickly each four years, or time in general passes.  I find myself being so acutely aware of the passage of time.  I find myself becoming emotional so quickly...especially watching movies or TV regarding kids growing and moving on.  I know that day is going to come, but I'm just now sure how I'm ever going to be ready for that.  In spite of attitudes, I've been truly enjoying this point of our lives.  We are having so much togetherness (maybe too much, on some days) but the kids seem to be really enjoying it as well.  Our family dinners are full of so much laughter, and I just can't imagine how quiet it's going to be someday.  I'm trying to soak it up while I can.


It's hard to imagine that the next time we have a Leap Day, Catherine will be a senior and Thomas a sophomore, and Robert will be doing his own thing.  My goodness...that just doesn't seem possible, and yet it will be hear before I can blink.

Hand update

Yesterday was another follow up with Robert's hand injury.  We are now seven weeks out from his surgery, and sadly, there just hasn't been that much healing.  The doctor said he's never seen anything not heal like Robert's hand.  We are going back in a month, and that's going to be a big deal.  If there isn't a significant amount of healing, there isn't going to be.  If that ends up being the case, he will be looking at surgery including a metal plate put in.  Prayers are being sent up that won't be necessary!

Newest family member

Our family has been blessed with a new bundle of joy this morning!  Isabella Lynn arrived early this morning weighing 9lbs and 14oz and is 21" long...a large baby!!!  We are so excited about this newest cousin...especially since she is here in town and easy to get to hug and love on!

A kid with the stomach flu

Last night about 12:30 I heard it beginning...the sound of coughing and vomiting.  Robert is home today with the stomach flu.  Andrew had it during our long weekend, and when I called the school this morning I was told he is definitely not the only one.  Hopefully the germs don't continue to be shared and the rest of us stay healthy!

Champs again!

Thomas's team played their final games of the season this past weekend in the year end tourney.  They were the #2 seed having won all of their games except the two they played against the undefeated #1 seed.  Both times they had played them in the regular season, it had been the second part of a double header so there was definitely some fatigue.  There was also some really lousy officiating as well, especially in the one the prior week.  Both teams won their first game and met in the championship game that evening.  After an intense 2-0 deficit in the first quarter, the boys really got rolling.  Our team ended up being victorious 28-16!  This is the second time in three seasons (both times with the same coach) that Thomas has been able to be a part of a championship team.  God love him, he is the worst player on the team (and possibly the league) but he loves the game and was so happy to be finishing the season on such a high note.  I am so grateful that while my children are far from star athletes, they have had opportunities to be a part of such fabulous experiences!