We'll remember this school day

This has been another less than spectacular week at school.  There are two students who are continuing to cause trouble in the middle school classroom, and their behavior is astonishing.

Today though.  Wow, today takes the cake.  Shortly before Noon I was in my office and was called to an outdoor classroom over the Walkie.  My boss and I both took off because I NEVER get called to this classroom.  They had been doing a science unit that had turned into an archaeology unit.  They had been digging a hole to study soil levels, then found some broken plates, etc, and kept digging.  The hole had become about three feet deep.  The student jumped in feet first, and the hole managed to collapse around him.  We ended up having to call the fire department to extricate him from the hole.  As I told my boss, any day that we have to call 9-1-1, I think it is fair to say that isn't the best day.  The student was upset at first, but calmed down quickly, and the FD did a great job of getting him out.  Quite a day at work, and the end of a crazy week.  In fact, it's been crazy for almost three full months, and we are ready for things to settle!

Another weekend in September

It is definitely beginning to look like fall around here.  Sadly, it isn't colorful, nor is it cool, but because of the draught things are brown and yellow and beginning to fall from the trees.  And although our a/c is running, because of the lower humidity, the heat isn't oppressive.

Andrew and I both had long weeks.  Andrew had something every evening, and Thursday I even attended a meeting for him.  We've decided to "tag-team" a committee seat that is about serving our neighbors in need.  It is an honor to be able to be involved.  That should be the last really, really hard week for Andrew.  It's a little unfortunate that it happens at the beginning of the school year, especially when the school year beginning has been so rough for us.

He even had to work yesterday, but our evening was really lovely.  One of my high school friends was in town and we always have a blast visiting for a couple of hours.  It's always such a gift to be included in his plans!

Today, I went to work at my mom's house.  It's a daunting task to get things under control, but we are working on it.  It's hard to see a positive step forward for my mom with all of her mobility issues.  We are doing what we can though, and my sister is amazing about those things.

There are definitely a few stresses in life, but I am constantly reminding myself that we are basically safe and healthy, and we can work around the other things.

A lot has happened in two weeks

After I wrote on Labor Day, I received a phone call from Lyndi and she was crying.  They'd been in a car accident.  They were okay, but it was Lyndi's fault and I could hear Thomas screaming.  He's had a bit of PTSD since his accident five years ago.  We were over an hour away, but we made some phone calls, and some dear friends rushed to be with them.  Complicating life was the fact that the care was not drivable, leaving them with only the old 2001 that we don't trust for many distances.  It needs some work.  So after a week of that, we traded them so they could use Andrew's car and we are living with the Civic.

In the meantime, Lyndi took her driving test and we were so excited when she passed!  She really is a great driver.  However, because she is married she couldn't be on her parent's car insurance, and when our insurance found out they were married they had to go on their own policy.  So she isn't covered, which means she can't drive.  It's not overly convenient for them right now, but things will work out.

Last week was also crazy in that Andrew had to work almost every evening, and we were trying to get ready for the kids' party.  I am so grateful my MIL was here.  She made sure we had meals and helped with laundry.  We couldn't have made it through the week without her.

Work has been more insane than I can even explain.  These parents have lost their minds.  Their behavior has been astounding.  Today, a set of parents showed up swearing and yelling and making demands.  What is even happening with these people?  I have been spending literally HOURS in admin meetings trying to make backup plans for backup plans in case some teachers decide to leave because the parents are so awful.

There are also things going on at church and in other aspects of life, but overall we are hanging in there.  It won't last forever, and we are all healthy and hanging in there.  But wowza, life can settle in anytime now!

I will always remember

Yesterday, we had an open house to celebrate Thomas and Lyndi's wedding.  It was nothing formal, just come by when you can.  I will always remember how my kids felt loved by the people who came to celebrate them.  I will always remember how my son shared with me that he shed tears when he opened the gift from his Godfather, who created a unique piece of art personal to them, just as my son had done for them when they married ten years ago.  I'll never forget my son calling me last evening after they got home to thank us for all we had done.  I'll never forget how much love I felt in that room, or the gratitude I felt for those that were able to make it, and also for those who couldn't be there but let us know.  I am so grateful.

But I know a person can hold two feelings at the same time.  When Thomas and Lyndi first talked about getting married, I remember thinking how I couldn't imagine having a wedding that didn't include our big extended family.  I was so grateful to have been included in grad parties, weddings, baby showers, etc., and I wanted all of them to share this day with us.  The kids agreed a format like yesterday was a perfect way to include all of them.  And I will always remember how it felt, when I looked out over everyone, and not a single one of them was there.  Not. A. Single. One.  My mom was there, and my sister was there.  None of my first cousins and their kids, none of my second cousins or their kids.  No aunts and uncles. Absolutely none of that big extended family was there.  And the worst part?  With the exception of my aunts and two cousins, NO ONE even bothered to RSVP that they weren't coming.  I'm not asking for a gift, but at least acknowledge the celebration and politely decline.  And here's the thing, you want to do this to me?  Okay.  But this was about celebrating my kiddo, who is working really hard to be a decent young person in a really hard world.  I couldn't help but think back to all of the graduations, weddings, grad parties, showers, soccer games, baseball games, football games, plays, etc. I had attended, nearly all of which were at least an hour's drive.  And I was happy to do it and so grateful to be included in most cases.  And even times when I couldn't attend a specific milestone event, I ALWAYS sent a gift.  I was important to me to cultivate those family ties.  

Don't get me wrong, I am not claiming some huge family conspiracy against us.  Not at all.  It just is what it is.  And what it is, hurts.  I'm sure Thomas didn't think much about it.  Friends were there.  And those friends who are always there and have become our "framily"?  Absolutely.  One of our dear friends drove home from a college performance in Detroit and arrived in the middle of the night, then was driving back last night.  So many dear, dear friends were there and made my kiddos feel so special.  As did my coworkers, whom I adore.  And I still love my family, but I also need to guard my heart a little.  And I need to guard my energy.  This September has been REALLY hard (a post for another time).  If this is how my extended family feels about events, then it's okay for me to send a gift and save my energy for the people who will truly appreciate it.  This Mama Bear is so grateful for the people who love my kiddos, and they are all truly a gift.

It's a beautiful start to September

Today is an absolutely gorgeous beginning to September.  Upper 70's, no humidity, not a cloud in the sky.  AND, a Monday off.  I don't think it gets any better.

August didn't end the way we would have like, with the Irish losing their first game of the season, and to the 'Canes.  But, Thomas was in the emergency room, which was far more relevant in life.  I'm happy to report he was discharged with severe dehydration, although I think it would be best if he kept an eye on things.  His system has always been a bit fragile.  I'm grateful for Lyndi, who takes such good care of him.  And I'm so grateful for my MIL and our relationship, as I have an amazing model for how to have a good relationship with Lyndi.  Nothing pulls at the heart strings though, like a kiddo not feeling well.

September is going to be a BUSY month, but I'm grateful for the opportunities in our life.  I won't lie, I've been a bit emotional about some things, but overall, life is good.

A quiet Labor Day Saturday

Today has been a very quiet Labor Day Saturday.  Andrew had to be at work at school at 9am, and we are cautiously optimistic he'll be home around 9pm tonight.  It's a long day for him.  I've been enjoying the beginning of college football and watching the Buckeyes continue their dominant ways over Texas!  It ended up being close at the end, but it was mostly a fabulous OSU performance.  With Andrew gone, it isn't as much fun to watch the games so I had it on, but was also picking up the house.

It's also been incredibly quiet in our neighborhood today.  It's an incredibly gorgeous Saturday, in the 70's, no humidity, not a cloud in the sky.  It's a wonderful day to be outside, but that sure isn't happening around here!  None of the kids and families who live close to us are out, and honestly, no one is out walking or working.  I took Bettis out for a walk, and it's oddly quiet for a normal day, let alone a Saturday of a holiday weekend!  

Tomorrow I am headed up to my mom's house for a weekly cleaning session.  Tomorrow evening our Fighting Irish play, and I'm so grateful Andrew and I will have an evening at home together.  And then we still have Monday...woohoo.  It's a little daunting to realize it will be six weeks before we have another long weekend.  This is one of the hardest stretches of the school year, especially in our house where Andrew stats for football and usually works another 2-3 days a week at athletic events.  I'm trying not to think about that though, and just be so grateful for this moment in time, which for today is all college football!

It's been a humdinger

This has been, by far, the most challenging beginning to a school year I have ever experienced...even more so than COVID in 2020.  We have three new staff members who are amazing, but still need some additional assistance, understandably.  We have some new students who have exhibited unexpected challenges requiring me to spend a significant amount of time in classrooms to offer support, and we have some parents who have lost their minds and have required an unbelievable amount of time to deal with them and try to resolve "issues".   It's been more exhausting than I can describe.

And it was HOT.  Oh my goodness, it was so miserable.  Thankfully, an amazing front came through late last week, and right, now it's beyond gorgeous.  Tonight will be down in the 40's!

This weekend is Labor Day weekend and college football begins.  I love this time of year, and I'm ready for school to settle down as well!