Life should be colorfully fun

This morning I am subbing in an English/Language Arts classroom.  I really love being at the high school and had been looking forward to this day.  I really enjoy the teacher, as a person, for whom I am subbing.  I was looking in her desk drawer for a pen, and she has so many different colors of ink.  I chose purple as the pen I would use for the day.  During second period, I decided to work on my grocery list, and I found myself feeling happy about using the purple pen.  I think I am going to buy some when I'm out and about soon.  It is a fairly inexpensive purchase, and if it can make me happy just by being around the colors, why not?  It made me think...life should be full of fun colors!

It's always good to visit with friends

This past weekend we had made plans to visit with our friends who recently moved out of town.  With college football not yet having started, we knew this would be the best time to head over their way, and the rest of life just isn't too crazy yet.  We left late afternoon and Jodi made us dinner.  We had such a lovely visit and truly enjoyed ourselves.  We were there about four hours and still made it home before it was awfully late.  It was tough to say good-bye because we aren't entirely sure when we'll get to see them again, but it was absolutely wonderful to be able to spend the time together that we did.  I love how Jodi put it later, "Old-town friends sharing dinner in our new-town backyard makes our hearts (and bellies) full."  And as someone who not too long ago was the the new-town person, I totally get it.

Time to run again

I've changed my blog to show runners again.  It is that time of year...cross country season!  Andrew and I have both talked about the things we are going to miss about Robert graduating, and not being at cross country meets is pretty much at the top of the list.  Saturday was the first meet of the season.  Robert has been blowing everyone away in the little races and challenges that they have been having at practice, and to be honest was being not-too-humble about it.  I kept reminding him that he had to sustain for three miles and not just run as far as you can for six minutes...doesn't work that way in a meet.  To be honest, he didn't look particularly good at the half way point, although he claimed he was running six minute miles.  He ended up finishing over 20 minutes because he apparently developed blisters, and pretty severe ones, on his feet.  In fact, no matter what shoes he put on the rest of the weekend he limped a bit.  On the upside, it brings him back to earth a bit, and hopefully will provide motivation to help him have significant improvement this season!

It still makes me emotional a year later

A year ago today was the day Robert collapsed and Thomas ran his first ever cross country meet and finished last, but to the cheers and applause of his teammates and so many others.  That morning is seared into my brain.  I experienced so many different emotions, and such dramatic emotions in such a short period of time.  As I was re-reading my post from one year ago today, I'll be honest...tears began again.  I'm so grateful for that memory, even as emotional as it made me.  They were truly special moments.

In the classroom with my youngest

Today I was able to be Thomas's social studies teacher.  To be honest, I loved it!  I try to avoid middle school and am successful for the most part, but I always told Thomas I would take jobs if I could have him.  This particular teacher is also a friend, and I love American History.  I also feel that any days worked this early in the year are a bonus, as it usually doesn't happen that way.  Thomas was looking forward to having me.  I asked if I should act like I had never seen him before.  He said I shouldn't, but I kind of did anyway.  It's just so cute.  I love seeing him interact with his classmates, and overall things seem to be good for him this year.  I'm so grateful for this day!

The first full week always feels rough

The first full week of school always feels the roughest I think, especially when it isn't the week in which you start.  There is no excitement or adrenaline...just the mundane and already routine.  There is homework and the feeling of sleep deprivation is fresh.  Our bodies still want to be on summer time, but we are up at 5AM.  It's just a little tough.

We've made it though!  It is still a rather full day as I am working, and Robert not only has cross country practice but also has to work this evening.  Catherine has to attend the away football game for band, and I'm not sure if Andrew is going along to stat or not.  Thomas and I, however, have no where we have to be once Thomas is home from football practice at 6.  I am soooo looking forward to the evening of nothingness for he and I.  He had a rough late night last night, and I think we both could use some extra sleep with an early bedtime!

Student move-in day

Today is the day that the local college students return.  I enjoyed the 14 weeks without them, but it is that time again.  The mini-vans and the large SUV are all parading into town.

I know a few of the students this year.  Some are from this school, some from our former town.  I am distinctly aware of the parents this year.  I am trying to imagine what is going through the minds of those parents.  After all, I myself have a senior.  Next year though, there is no dropping him off at college.  We will instead be taking him to the state capital and he will be gone for eight weeks.  It won't be terribly long after that when he could literally be anywhere in the world.  I am sure I will be emotional when the time comes, but this has been something he has always wanted to do and I am so happy it is happening for him.

The other thing I can't believe is that is has been 25 years since I was one of these students!  How did an entire quarter century go by so fast?  I can not even imagine what the next 25 years are going to bring, but I hope and pray it is full of as many blessings as these have been!