The end of May

We've been out of our school routine for a week.  There have only been two days of swim so far, and the kids are enjoying it.  It's been a bit of a crazy week as we are getting ready to leave for vacation on Saturday, and I'm trying to get caught up from a computer failure that occurred in March at the church office.

Overall though, we've enjoyed the first week off.  The weather this week is exceptionally gorgeous.  We haven't had the a/c on since the middle of the weekend.  We've enjoyed some front-porch sitting and it's just been relaxing.  Looking forward to eleven more weeks of this!

I pretty much loved this entire weekend

I really, really loved this weekend.  It was truly a fabulous way to begin our summer.  Friday evening Andrew grilled for dinner, and then we had a family movie night.  We watched A Few Good Men.  With Robert's future plans, we knew he would like it, and the others did as well.  We were all able to sleep in Saturday, then late afternoon we attended a graduation party.  We ran an errand on our way home, and then we all just hung out again.  Andrew and I were able to enjoy a glass of wine on the porch and just soak in the scenery of the nature around us.

Sunday was a very early morning as we made the trek north to join the family for the annual cemetery tour.  Since it had been several years since we had done so, and since we didn't know what would be happening with Robert next year, we decided to do the cemetery portion in addition to the meal.  The tornado I wrote about last week did some serious damage to the restaurant where we always eat and we had to go to plan B.  Twenty-two members of my mom's family gathered together and we had a blast.  That afternoon Andrew and I made a quick appearance at another grad party, and that evening we ventured back to our former town for dinner with friends.

Yesterday Andrew ran a few errands and then we attended a cook out at a friend of Andrew's.  It was a nice afternoon, but we are leaving on vacation Saturday and I just couldn't help but think of everything we need to accomplish.  We were there several hours, but still got many things done at home.

And today is the beginning of our official summer routine with swim team!

The first full day of summer vacation

Today is the first day for this summer where no one had to go to work.  Technically that is not entirely true as I went into our church office for several hours, but I can set that around my own schedule.  In addition, Andrew had a football meeting this morning, and Robert had a "date".  They are friends who went out last summer, and she is in no rush to rush into things again.  I think that is actually a really good idea.  Anyway, our evening this evening will consist of grilling some dinner and then watching a movie together.  Tomorrow we have a grad party to attend, and that is the only thing on the calendar.  Sunday and Monday are going to be very busy, and so is next week, but it's still a more laid-back time of year...and I'm really looking forward to today and tomorrow!

Graduation #2

Last evening Andrew and I attended our second graduation of the week.  Robert had to work, Catherine played in the band, and Thomas wanted to stay home.  Andrew and I sat in the same spots we had sat for the last three years, and I love it because we can see the graduates walk in and out.  I loved being there last night.  I loved seeing the seniors walk across the stage and I was able to get hugs from many of the senior Ag kids who have a piece of my heart.  And of course, I couldn't ignore the fact that next year is our turn.  I am looking forward to seeing my own son walk across that stage!

There is a tornado on the ground

I have weather alerts on my phone not only for our own county, but for the county I grew up in where my family still lives.  Earlier today we were in the midst of deluge here in our town.  Our ditch flooded like I have not seen in our nearly four years here.  Once it passed though, we've just been hanging out watching a steady rain and watching some TV.  Andrew had a dinner with the superintendent and we were just enjoying some down time.

My phone alert went off though, and it listed my home county as being in a tornado warning.  The skycams that the news station have actually showed the tornado...it could be seen on live television.  Fortunately, that was not actually a tornado in my home town.  There is a pretty good chance that it is going to miss my hometown, but until I know for sure, I'm a little bit shaky.  As it is, there is much family directly in the path where it is hitting.  This is pretty scary!

I went to bed before dark last night

It has been crazy around here, but we wouldn't want it any other way!  Saturday Thomas was up and at 'em to paintball, and the rest of us spent our morning getting ready for Kyle's graduation party.  He is the son of our very dear friends and along with his brother is the closest we'll ever have to a nephew.  Their family has been experiencing a great deal of stress lately due to some health issues, so we were early afternoon to help in any way that we could.  We arrived in shifts and left in shifts, but we were there.  It was really nice to be able to see so many people we hadn't seen in years and visit.  We were tired people when we left, but we had so much fun.

Sunday was a day for catching up around the house, and then Monday was back to school for everyone except Robert.  He and I spent the day getting ready for the next phase of his life after next year's graduation, and we are very proud of him.  That evening we attended a ceremony where Thomas was recognized for his work in band, and then dashed to be at Kyle's graduation.  He was one of the valedictorians and I'm so pleased we were in our seats exactly as it began and we didn't miss a thing!

Yesterday I spent all day planting in the front of our house, and after everything I was just wiped out.  I fell asleep on the couch at 8, and when Andrew put Thomas to bed at 9 I woke up and went to bed myself.  I needed the sleep!  And as of 2:30 this afternoon, we are finished with school!

A heartwarming story

I saw a story online today.  It was about a high school senior.  He had, at one point in his high school years, been sleeping in a tent.  He then was able to sleep on the floor of his grandfather's trailer, but with no pillow or blanket.  A friend at school, who had been giving him her lunch so he would have something to eat at home, asked her mom if she could give him something to sleep on.  The mom invited him to stay a night at their house.  That night turned into a week, which turned into a month, and now that family is his legal guardian.  Last evening at the senior award presentations, this young man was awarded a four-year full scholarship to the college he is planning to attend by a high school alum who has gone on to become a famous comedian.  It's an amazing story.

And here is the point that brought me to tears.  I know the young man.  I've had him in Ag class this year.  He is a fabulous young man and I purchased strawberries from him.  Never in a million years would I have guessed his background was as it is.  I showed the article to Robert and it included a picture.  Robert recognized the young man.  I can't even imagine what that young man has been through.

I am so grateful for this story, and for the alum who is making a true difference in the life of a current young person.  I pray that my heart is open to God using me to make a difference in the lives of others as well.