Nothing to really enjoy about this game

Today, the Redhawks are playing at South Bend.  Honestly, there is nothing I am going to enjoy about this game.  As an underdog, I would love to see my alma mater knock off a big school, especially in their home.  However, as an Irish fan, there is no way I can root against them.  One way or another, one of "my" teams has to lose this game.  Ugh!

Yesterday was a real day off

I only worked 2-1/2 days this week, which is my minimum goal for the week.  I had to be off Tuesday because Thomas and Catherine both had a doctor appointment in the afternoon, and I had a meeting in the morning.  I also had parent/teacher conferences in the evening for Catherine, and because Andrew worked late I was the sole transportation for everyone.  It wasn't exactly a day "off".  I was willing to work yesterday, but the only jobs available were in phys ed and special ed.  Since I had worked such a great deal and have a good number of jobs scheduled, I allowed myself to be picky.  I didn't take a job.  I stayed home and I SLEPT.  I slept for several hours in the morning, then I went to the church office to complete payroll and a few other smaller items.  After finishing my job there, I came home and slept some more!  I had no idea I could sleep that much, but I definitely needed it.  I even still went to bed and fell fast asleep at my normal time.  Even with all of that sleeping, I still managed to get two loads of laundry finished, get dinner made, dishes done, and the house picked up.  Yesterday was much needed in many, many ways!

Sharing game moments with his dad

I watched with such mixed emotions at Thomas's game Wednesday evening.  Part of me couldn't wait for him to get in the game.  At the same time, as long as he was on the sidelines it seemed much safer for him.  He was basically his father's shadow as the game started.  I know part of it was that he heard his dad tell a story about how he wanted to put a player into the game last week, but that player was challenging to locate so he sent in someone else.  Thomas wasn't taking any chances on missing his opportunity!  He also knows that is a good way to learn things that are happening.  The game quickly turned into a blowout (not in our favor) and I know Thomas would have his chance.

My sister had come to watch the game, and Catherine was sitting with us also.  Robert was working on the chains and I'm not even sure if he got to see much of the action.  The very first play Thomas was in he lined up as a receiver (which means it was a running play...he probably isn't going to actually touch the ball this year).  As soon as the ball was snapped, the defender came across the line and absolutely planted Thomas.  I didn't actually see it happen, but I did see Thomas pop right back up and run down the field.  I was very proud that he made that decision.  He was in for an entire series in the second quarter and another minute at the end of the game.  No matter what happens from this point forward,  Thomas will be able to say he was a football player!

Weather Change

The cold front has come through!  It is an absolutely spectacular day.  I am sitting on the couch not only wearing a sweatshirt but with a blanket as well.  It is sunny, and just the perfect fall day.

It is also a fabulous day to be off.  I could've taken either a P.E. job or a special education job, but those aren't jobs that I really like.  I hate to turn down a job, but Andrew is amazing and understanding.  I had some really bad dreams last night and woke up feeling so unsettled, so I'm very grateful I've had this morning to myself.  I still need to head into the church today, so it isn't like I'm not earning any money at all.  I am so grateful for this life.

Game Day

Today, Thomas gets to play in his very first football game.  He needed a little longer than many to get through concussion protocol, and the time has come.  I'm very grateful that this evening also happens to be a home game.  I am going to be working in the concession stand during the 7th grade game, and then will be in the stands, along with Robert and Catherine (and most likely my sister) during the 8th grade game.  Thomas is so very excited about this game, and I am very excited for him.  We all know that he isn't going to be a star player, and we don't even expect him to play next year.  But for tonight, he gets to be a football player, and that is something he will always have in common with his dad, and he'll always get to say he played.  I am excited for him, and I am definitely glad it will be cooler by his game time (fall is kicking in).  I will also be very happy when the game is over and he is safe and sound!

Waiting for it to feel like fall

It has officially been fall for about 67.5 hours.  It has felt like fall for exactly zero of them.  The heat is still in the upper 80's, and many days have a heat index in the 90's.  Yesterday was pretty miserable at the church.  Only our sanctuary and office have air-conditioning.  The rest of the church, specifically the classrooms, do not.  That is a big reason we do not have Sunday School between Mother's Day and Labor Day.  Yesterday though, there was class, and it was hot.

It also feels ridiculous to put up the fall decorations.  I usually wait until October to put up Halloween anyway, but I like to try to put up fall by the middle of September.  There is nothing fall-like right now, although that should change by the middle of the week.  In fact, it will probably change just in time for me to attend Thomas's football game on Wednesday, but sitting in the rain as the cold front comes through.  It will be worth it though!

I Hate Bats

On the mornings that I have to work, Andrew gets up and takes Abby on a walk.  It is the only way we can make our mornings function well.  Andrew doesn't mind, he enjoys walking with Abby.  I don't mind walking with Abby, but I truly dislike walking with her when it is still dark.  I realize I live in a very safe neighborhood, but as a smaller woman, I'm just uncomfortable in the dark.  I know that I have Abby with me, but she is hardly a ferocious guard dog.  In fact, when she sees people she begins to cry and likes to roll over on her side because she wants love and attention...hardly intimidating!  I'm also marginally concerned about the wild animals that are in our neighborhood that haven't yet been scared away for the day.  And now, I find out a bat flew right in front of Andrew's face the other morning.  I. Hate. Bats.  I understand they have value in the ecosystem, but I hate bats.  Some people have an unreasonable phobia of spiders, mine is of bats.  I maintain though, that it isn't completely unreasonable, as bats can bite you (and you might not even realize it!) and they can have rabies.  So, in spite of the fact that Abby and I have been up since before dawn, she didn't get her walk that early!!!