This is the date on which we became a family, and we celebrate every year. Sometimes it takes a while to actually get the celebration in, but we never fail to acknowledge this day. It is THE most important date in our family's lives.
The years have flown by faster than I ever imagined, even though everyone warned me they would. I vividly remember Catherine's last day of preschool, and how I couldn't imagine facing Thomas's last day...it was two whole years away. And his last day came and went nearly eleven years ago. Oh my goodness.
We really have amazing kids. We are very proud of Robert's decision to join the Navy and to serve our country. He is a productive, tax-paying member of society, and is doing what he wants to be doing. I am grateful for that.
Catherine is a fabulous young lady, although we are seeing that "I-am-old-enough-to-be-on-my-own-and-you-can't-tell-me-what-to-do" attitude. I am a firm believer that God provides that attitude in our lives to make it a little easier when the time comes for them to actually be on their own. She has her best friend Austin, and isn't really interested in other friends if drama is involved. She loves her books, and more than anything in the world loves her pets.
Thomas is my sweet and sensitive kiddo. He is somewhat immature for a sixteen-year-old, but there are days when he seems so grown-up, and we get a glimpse into that side of him. He loves taking things apart and putting things together, and he loves anything involving his Dad. He struggles with school, but has come so very far in the last year in terms of being organized and handling things. We are so proud of him for that growth.
Many days I feel like the luckiest person in the world that I get to be the parent. Last week, when things were so rough for Thomas and we were learning about how tough things had been that we didn't know about, Andrew actually cried. We love our kids so much, and it is the worst feeling to see them hurting in any way. We know we can't fix everything for them, but oh goodness, it hurts to watch them hurt. We are more blessed that I can put into words!
Friday, January 31, 2020
A Friday off
I am really and truly off work today! Other than the very first Friday of the year, and the very last day before the semester break, I've only been off one other Friday the entire year. I honestly don't mind working on Fridays at all, but I am also appreciative of a day off. Last evening when I really accepted that I was going to be home, my body began to allow itself to relax. We have a crazy busy weekend, but I have some down time today and I'm always grateful for that!
Our house is currently full of table and chairs, as we are hosting over 40 people tonight for a swim team dinner. Thank goodness I don't have to do the cooking, but getting the house set up took a lot of time! Poor Andrew, he is really tired and there is so much on the horizon for him. We need a snow day in this house, but there are definitely none in the forecast. He is looking forward to having the kids here though, and so am I!
Our house is currently full of table and chairs, as we are hosting over 40 people tonight for a swim team dinner. Thank goodness I don't have to do the cooking, but getting the house set up took a lot of time! Poor Andrew, he is really tired and there is so much on the horizon for him. We need a snow day in this house, but there are definitely none in the forecast. He is looking forward to having the kids here though, and so am I!
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Am I going to have a Friday off tomorrow??
It really doesn't seem possible that I could have tomorrow off. Other than the very last day before the end of the semester that was a Friday when I was off, the last Friday there was school and I was off was September 6. However, the only job available tomorrow is half day phys ed job, and I'm not taking that one. I'll be honest, a Friday off would be awesome, but I'm currently only scheduled two days next week so I don't love the thought of that kind of paycheck.
The upside about this, though, is that we are supposed to host 40 students tomorrow evening for a swim team meal. If I am off tomorrow, that would give me all day to relax and get ready. Realistically though, we are going to get ready this evening because I'm not going to take a chance. We might be watching TV from our bedrooms when all is said and done, but that is the way it will be tonight.
Saturday will be full of the swim league meet, and Sunday there is a church fundraiser before Andrew and Thomas head out to take care of some metal scrapping jobs for Thomas. This time of year isn't very much fun, or terribly relaxing, but the time sure is flying by!
The upside about this, though, is that we are supposed to host 40 students tomorrow evening for a swim team meal. If I am off tomorrow, that would give me all day to relax and get ready. Realistically though, we are going to get ready this evening because I'm not going to take a chance. We might be watching TV from our bedrooms when all is said and done, but that is the way it will be tonight.
Saturday will be full of the swim league meet, and Sunday there is a church fundraiser before Andrew and Thomas head out to take care of some metal scrapping jobs for Thomas. This time of year isn't very much fun, or terribly relaxing, but the time sure is flying by!
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Parenting is not for the weak
Even before I became a parent, I knew that parenting was not for someone who wasn't willing to make sacrifices or become inconvenienced. Parenting is inconvenient...there is never a great time for your child to vomit in the middle of the night! 😁
Beyond that though, parenting will hurt in more ways than anyone could ever imagine...until it is happening. It is rarely a physical pain, although most parents would take that on for their children without even thinking about it. Mostly, it is an emotional pain. Yesterday, I can't even express my feelings in the morning when I worried about Thomas. There were a couple of times when it took everything I had not to sit and cry, and when we finally got the word that it was all okay, I wanted to cry even more, although that would've been tears of relief.
This morning, Catherine behaved in a way that I can't even describe because she broke a rule involving her cell phone, so I relieved her of possession of said phone. One would think I had told her I was cutting off her arm...to her it apparently was the same thing. Andrew and I both worked very hard at reining in our patience during her slamming, throwing, and just general tirade. Oh goodness.
Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful every day to be the mother of these kiddos...but anyone who thinks it is "easy" isn't being honest. I also completely acknowledge that these two situations are NOTHING compared to what some parents have to deal with, especially those parents who may have a child who struggles with health issues. Parenting at every level is tough, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Beyond that though, parenting will hurt in more ways than anyone could ever imagine...until it is happening. It is rarely a physical pain, although most parents would take that on for their children without even thinking about it. Mostly, it is an emotional pain. Yesterday, I can't even express my feelings in the morning when I worried about Thomas. There were a couple of times when it took everything I had not to sit and cry, and when we finally got the word that it was all okay, I wanted to cry even more, although that would've been tears of relief.
This morning, Catherine behaved in a way that I can't even describe because she broke a rule involving her cell phone, so I relieved her of possession of said phone. One would think I had told her I was cutting off her arm...to her it apparently was the same thing. Andrew and I both worked very hard at reining in our patience during her slamming, throwing, and just general tirade. Oh goodness.
Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful every day to be the mother of these kiddos...but anyone who thinks it is "easy" isn't being honest. I also completely acknowledge that these two situations are NOTHING compared to what some parents have to deal with, especially those parents who may have a child who struggles with health issues. Parenting at every level is tough, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Monday, January 27, 2020
Another "shout out" to my senior swimmer
Instead of announcements read by principals or counselors each day, we actually have a digital productions class that creates a daily news segment every day. I was a little surprised that Catherine received a "shout out" from the swim coach on the news. Over this weekend, Catherine swam both the 100m fly and 100m back races. This means that for the second consecutive year, at some point during the swim season, Catherine has participated in every event possible. That's my girl! They are physically difficult for her, but she tries everything, she gives it her best shot, and she usually finishes with a smile. I LOVE her attitude, and I appreciate that she has been recognized for it!
Lots of emotions this past weekend
Now that things are resolved, I can write a little more about the emotions of our weekend. Obviously, we were dealing with the emotions of recognizing our senior at her final school athletic senior recognition. Our young lady is amazing, and I'm so thankful for her everyday.
Friday after school, we also received a call from a Principal that an accusation had been made against Thomas. We knew without a doubt that it wasn't true, but we also knew there would be an investigation and he would be questioned by principals. The police even contacted us about the situation. Of course we know all these people, and they know us so it was as best as it could be, but it loomed large over our entire weekend. Things looked like they were really falling apart for him this morning, but finally video evidence proved what I knew all along. My sixteen-year-old son who needed a hug from his mom because his best friend's dog died last week wouldn't hurt anyone. In the meantime, my heart is broken that kids can be so incredibly mean to others. It was an eye opening experience, but it also reaffirmed what I have known all alone...I have a good kid, and others know it as well. After an unbelievably stressful morning, I feel like I can breathe again.
We also had a major church meeting yesterday morning. It was my first year preparing the budget entirely by myself and presenting it to the congregation. It went really well, and I was thrilled that I had the answers in my head to questions that were asked. When I sat down, Andrew said he sometimes forget what a great accountant I am. It was really sweet. The previous treasurer had handled the duties for 30 years (yes, 30 years!) and before her was a man who I had as an accounting professor in my college days. I had a woman tell me that she knew he was good, she knew the one before me was good, and she'd find out whether or not I was any good yesterday. Talk about some pressure! Fortunately, that part went well, although there were other items of the agenda with contention. Two hours after it began, we were finally finished.
And of course upon arriving home in the afternoon, we learned about the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter. As a parent, I can't imagine what was most likely a realization that not only are you going to die, but your child is going to die with you. I suppose the fact that she was with her dad is of some comfort, but not enough. My heart breaks for the family. It is unimaginable.
And "yay", today is Monday! We have an incredibly busy week this week this week. We really need a snow day, but there is definitely not one on the horizon!
Friday after school, we also received a call from a Principal that an accusation had been made against Thomas. We knew without a doubt that it wasn't true, but we also knew there would be an investigation and he would be questioned by principals. The police even contacted us about the situation. Of course we know all these people, and they know us so it was as best as it could be, but it loomed large over our entire weekend. Things looked like they were really falling apart for him this morning, but finally video evidence proved what I knew all along. My sixteen-year-old son who needed a hug from his mom because his best friend's dog died last week wouldn't hurt anyone. In the meantime, my heart is broken that kids can be so incredibly mean to others. It was an eye opening experience, but it also reaffirmed what I have known all alone...I have a good kid, and others know it as well. After an unbelievably stressful morning, I feel like I can breathe again.
We also had a major church meeting yesterday morning. It was my first year preparing the budget entirely by myself and presenting it to the congregation. It went really well, and I was thrilled that I had the answers in my head to questions that were asked. When I sat down, Andrew said he sometimes forget what a great accountant I am. It was really sweet. The previous treasurer had handled the duties for 30 years (yes, 30 years!) and before her was a man who I had as an accounting professor in my college days. I had a woman tell me that she knew he was good, she knew the one before me was good, and she'd find out whether or not I was any good yesterday. Talk about some pressure! Fortunately, that part went well, although there were other items of the agenda with contention. Two hours after it began, we were finally finished.
And of course upon arriving home in the afternoon, we learned about the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter. As a parent, I can't imagine what was most likely a realization that not only are you going to die, but your child is going to die with you. I suppose the fact that she was with her dad is of some comfort, but not enough. My heart breaks for the family. It is unimaginable.
And "yay", today is Monday! We have an incredibly busy week this week this week. We really need a snow day, but there is definitely not one on the horizon!
Friday, January 24, 2020
Senior night at the pool
Tonight was Catherine's senior night for swim. I had dreaded this and was afraid I would be very emotional. As it was though, there were way too many distractions, not the least of which is that the narrow pool deck terrifies me and I'm afraid of falling in. Catherine chose her friend Max to present her senior gift. I wondered why she didn't choose Thomas, but he was asked by two others, both special needs young men, to present them with their senior gifts.
Each student is allowed to offer thanks to loved ones, but each of my kids received a special "shout out" from a senior. Matt, a special needs young man specifically thanked Catherine, and Eli, another special needs young man specifically thanked Thomas. Others mentioned to us how cool it was that each of our kids were the only ones that received individual thanks like that. I was so proud of my kids. Of course they each have their flaws and they aren't perfect, but they are nice people. I am eternally grateful for that.
This time has all gone so quickly!
Each student is allowed to offer thanks to loved ones, but each of my kids received a special "shout out" from a senior. Matt, a special needs young man specifically thanked Catherine, and Eli, another special needs young man specifically thanked Thomas. Others mentioned to us how cool it was that each of our kids were the only ones that received individual thanks like that. I was so proud of my kids. Of course they each have their flaws and they aren't perfect, but they are nice people. I am eternally grateful for that.
This time has all gone so quickly!
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