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.

Apparently we are skipping spring

Last week it was very chilly.  We broke down and had the heat on early in the week because it was getting down to the 30's overnight.  We had our really gorgeous weekend, and that lasted through Monday.  Yesterday, though, the heat and humidity began to really kick in.  Even Monday it began to get warm, but it was going to be cool enough overnight (and none of us were home yesterday anyway) that we didn't need the a/c on.  I turned in on yesterday when I got home though.

Turning the a/c on also helps with the allergies...and they are miserable this year.  The pollen count is apparently very high, and I believe it without question.  It has been a long time since I have been this miserable.  I'm not sure which is worse, the constant and continuous sneezing or the sneezes that feel as though they are building but don't actually happen, causing the nose to burn and the eyes to water.  Either way is not particularly pleasant.  And my nose is so stuffed I can't breath out of both nostrils at the same time.  It is not particularly fun.  We'll get through though!

I couldn't say no

Yesterday afternoon I received an email from one of the Ag teachers.  This isn't the one I'm in for most of the time that has challenging afternoon classes...this is the really fun one!  He needed a sub for today, and I let him know I couldn't do it.  However, at 9:30 last evening the job was still posted.  I talked to Andrew about letting Robert drive to school today.  He needs to leave school early because of the departure time for his track meet.  His academics are finished at 9:30 this morning, so leaving early wasn't an issue, but picking him up was really the only reason I couldn't work today.  We decided it would be okay and I took the job.  Honestly, it might be the easiest day of subbing I have all year.  Not only is it early release day, but in addition to his plan period he has a class that is all seniors and they are finished with school.  Three of his other classes are at least 1/2 seniors, so it's definitely an easy day!  I'm grateful I was able to work it out to be here!

Officially finished until August

Today I was in 3rd grade...and it is the last assignment of the year!  I am so excited to be done!  I've truly enjoyed the job this year, and I'm especially grateful for the extra income.  At the same time, I'm grateful that with only six days of school left, I'm finished for the year.  School begins in 92 days, and I plan to enjoy all of the time off until then!  We celebrated my last day with by ordering pizzas.  I had a gift card, AND tonight is a fundraiser for the Ag class I love so much.  It's a great Tuesday!