I returned home from a 3 week trip-of-a-lifetime vacation to Europe. I'll tell you all more about that, believe me!, but I want to purge my mind of the thoughts I have had since I returned home Thursday night. I'm not sure it isn't just the jet lag taking over me, but I have a heavy heart from what I learned happened at home while I was gone.
You know those little winky comments people make when they wish you "a child just like you"? Well, I always thought that child was The Girl for me. We are both fairly stubborn, strong willed, and head strong. Of course, this was the child I "deserved". Well, apparently I have two I deserved.
While I was away on my trip, Genius Golfer dealt with The Boy's choices that, I'm sorry to say, are not what we would have him choose. I know that kids--of all ages and persuasions--come to enjoy to choose for themselves things that parents may not like. And this is part of the purpose of life--to figure things out and grow from them. But regardless of our choices, we cannot choose our consequences. Or the people that are affected by our choices. That isn't up for negotiation either. But people are affected by our choices. And we are affected by the choices of our children.
The Boy isn't doing anything that is illegal or even life-threatening. His choices are leaning more in the moral facet of life. And his morals, at the moment at least, are not ours as his parents. The truth of this realization is heart breaking to me. And I realized further that what hurts the most is that my dream for my son is different than his own. My dreams for his character have shattered, though it isn't a permanent situation. Hope is there for redemption, but he will have to earn back his mother's trust.
An honorable character and a virtuous life is something you work on consistently, day in and day out. Honor and virtue are gathered in droplets over time. The loss of these is like spilling a pitcher of water. Once it is out, you are really on clean up rather than repair. It doesn't mean the pitcher can never be filled again--but this batch is spoiled.
I always knew that I loved my children. But that love turns disappointment into heartache when things go wrong. It is a tough lesson to learn. And I'm well into the lesson.
Showing posts with label The Boy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Boy. Show all posts
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
I'm Not Dead, Yet
Again, I'm way over due to get a post here. I do have a good excuse fro March, however I have nothing for you for February. Apologies, only, I guess.
March found us welcoming The Girl home from her mission. It was a great day that turned into a great weekend as we whisked her away to St. George to see The Boy, who had midterms so he couldn't come north for the airport arrival of his sister. We spent the weekend together as a family, just playing games and relaxing in the little bit of sunshine that we could find.
The follow Monday we headed home where Genius Golfer and I had to head back to work. While The Boy got some roadtripping in for his spring break before finding his way home on Thursday. The rest of hte extended family began rolling in that evening. We enjoyed a great with my parents,my aunt, uncle, cousins and bonus cousins and my aunt and uncle from Idaho. Friends and other local family came over Sunday to hear The Girl speak in our sacrament meeting. She rocked her talk! I was impressed--and I am pretty impressed with her anyway.
As the Sunday afternoon gathering began to disperse, The Boy went back to the southlands for school and a bunch of us took a quick nap. The next morning my parents packed up and headed home. I headed back to work, GG had work things to take care of and The Girl was left home alone. She quickly made housework her own and set out to find a job for the summer. She got a LOT done around here for me while she was looking for work. I kind of missed all that she can get done while I'm at work.
Thursday that week I came down suddenly with the worst kind of cold/flu I have had for years and years! I felt like a truck had hit me and then back up to run me over again and again. YUCK!! Even now, I am still struggling with a cough that won't let go and a raspy voice because of it. I had some kind of viral bronchitis plus a sinus infection for good measure. A week of antibiotics, lots of rest, cold meds, cough syrup and a humidifier did the best they could, and I made it back to work in almost a week. Yikes!! I do NOT recommend it for anyone!
March found us welcoming The Girl home from her mission. It was a great day that turned into a great weekend as we whisked her away to St. George to see The Boy, who had midterms so he couldn't come north for the airport arrival of his sister. We spent the weekend together as a family, just playing games and relaxing in the little bit of sunshine that we could find.
The follow Monday we headed home where Genius Golfer and I had to head back to work. While The Boy got some roadtripping in for his spring break before finding his way home on Thursday. The rest of hte extended family began rolling in that evening. We enjoyed a great with my parents,my aunt, uncle, cousins and bonus cousins and my aunt and uncle from Idaho. Friends and other local family came over Sunday to hear The Girl speak in our sacrament meeting. She rocked her talk! I was impressed--and I am pretty impressed with her anyway.
As the Sunday afternoon gathering began to disperse, The Boy went back to the southlands for school and a bunch of us took a quick nap. The next morning my parents packed up and headed home. I headed back to work, GG had work things to take care of and The Girl was left home alone. She quickly made housework her own and set out to find a job for the summer. She got a LOT done around here for me while she was looking for work. I kind of missed all that she can get done while I'm at work.
Thursday that week I came down suddenly with the worst kind of cold/flu I have had for years and years! I felt like a truck had hit me and then back up to run me over again and again. YUCK!! Even now, I am still struggling with a cough that won't let go and a raspy voice because of it. I had some kind of viral bronchitis plus a sinus infection for good measure. A week of antibiotics, lots of rest, cold meds, cough syrup and a humidifier did the best they could, and I made it back to work in almost a week. Yikes!! I do NOT recommend it for anyone!
Thursday, July 9, 2015
The Struggles Are Real, People
It's July already. My last entry was May. That is no okay, people. I feel like my life gets sucked away as fast as I get it some days.
I want to believe that life is getting better as I age--you know, like aged beef, or cheese. But what I know is that my eyesight is fading--though, thank you glasses--who EVER thought I'd say that?!? I know that my mind finally feels like its my own again and that very moment my body revolts and I feel decades older than I am chronologically. Then, I make some changes to my diet, sleep, vitamins, you name it, and my mind is instantly scrambled.
I know that parenting never ends. Even when I think I'm through the wicked wood of preschool years, the fluster of elementary school, the torment of junior high and the angsty kerfulffle of high school, I'm now the parent of two young adults. and they behave--some days--like they did as preschoolers, at least their thought process. The only thing that is keeping my parenting head above water is knowing their frontal lobes aren't fully developed until about 25. Luckily for me, they seem to be taking turns in this relm. But the fight inside me is real. Life lessons are hard to watch fromteh sidelines, knowing fullwell what is waiting around the corner that they cannot see. I had no idea that becoming a life-longparent is equal parts heart breaking and awe insiring.
I know that things will get better. Some day. One of these days. But the days and nights until that happens give my mind timet o worry, imagine the worst and blame myself for mistakes--honest, didn't-know-any-better, parenting goofs. I also know I am not a perfect parent--but I know I am doing the best I can. It doesn't make it easier.
I know that my faces shows me new wrinkles when I start to discover I am still fighting pimples. What?!? That makes me understand the confusion is as real to me as I feel it is for everyone else. Skin care and parenting--who knew they were so interrelated?! Argh.
But I also know, undoubtably, that parenting the two children I was blessed to have in my life, is the greatest worthwhile challenge I will ever have. I know that God loved these two kids before I ever thought of them. And He loves them now. Still. When I am dropped to my knees, not knowing what to do or how to help them, I know I can pray and have a loving perfect, Heavenly Father guide me as I try to parent His children, albeit imperfectly, on earth.
When I stop and think about who these two kids of mine are really, and Whose they are, I'm humbled and grateful and ready to give it all another go--no matter how my heart is aching (because of them, or for them). I'm grateful I'm not doing this by myself but that I have a partner who will share the burden and celebrate the joy. Together. That is what this whole struggle is--an attempt to be together forever.
It is the hardest, sweetest, most frustrating, most exhilerating experience of my mortal life. That is what it was meant to be. Knowing what I know, why does these bumps and dips surprise me so much? You expect the big drop as you ascend on a clickety roller coaster. Family life is no different. Except the clickety sounds aren't always there in the trials and struggles to help you anticipate the joys and thrill of the descent.
And the thrills and joys are as real, and luckily, more everlasting than the struggles. If that wasn't true every child would be an only child. Who would do this again without a little payout once in a while? The trouble comes when the struggles and trials and challenges cloud your memory and you loose sight of those blessed moments of wonder and thrill and exhileration.
At least I know the ride-loading drill: "Keep your hand and arms inside the ride until it comes to a full and complete stop". If I'm still moving, the ride isn't over yet. And that gives me the hope to wait out the cloudy bits and the tear filled view of what is coming. It will be OK. It will BE okay. It WILL be okay.
That much I know.
I want to believe that life is getting better as I age--you know, like aged beef, or cheese. But what I know is that my eyesight is fading--though, thank you glasses--who EVER thought I'd say that?!? I know that my mind finally feels like its my own again and that very moment my body revolts and I feel decades older than I am chronologically. Then, I make some changes to my diet, sleep, vitamins, you name it, and my mind is instantly scrambled.
I know that parenting never ends. Even when I think I'm through the wicked wood of preschool years, the fluster of elementary school, the torment of junior high and the angsty kerfulffle of high school, I'm now the parent of two young adults. and they behave--some days--like they did as preschoolers, at least their thought process. The only thing that is keeping my parenting head above water is knowing their frontal lobes aren't fully developed until about 25. Luckily for me, they seem to be taking turns in this relm. But the fight inside me is real. Life lessons are hard to watch fromteh sidelines, knowing fullwell what is waiting around the corner that they cannot see. I had no idea that becoming a life-longparent is equal parts heart breaking and awe insiring.
I know that things will get better. Some day. One of these days. But the days and nights until that happens give my mind timet o worry, imagine the worst and blame myself for mistakes--honest, didn't-know-any-better, parenting goofs. I also know I am not a perfect parent--but I know I am doing the best I can. It doesn't make it easier.
I know that my faces shows me new wrinkles when I start to discover I am still fighting pimples. What?!? That makes me understand the confusion is as real to me as I feel it is for everyone else. Skin care and parenting--who knew they were so interrelated?! Argh.
But I also know, undoubtably, that parenting the two children I was blessed to have in my life, is the greatest worthwhile challenge I will ever have. I know that God loved these two kids before I ever thought of them. And He loves them now. Still. When I am dropped to my knees, not knowing what to do or how to help them, I know I can pray and have a loving perfect, Heavenly Father guide me as I try to parent His children, albeit imperfectly, on earth.
When I stop and think about who these two kids of mine are really, and Whose they are, I'm humbled and grateful and ready to give it all another go--no matter how my heart is aching (because of them, or for them). I'm grateful I'm not doing this by myself but that I have a partner who will share the burden and celebrate the joy. Together. That is what this whole struggle is--an attempt to be together forever.
It is the hardest, sweetest, most frustrating, most exhilerating experience of my mortal life. That is what it was meant to be. Knowing what I know, why does these bumps and dips surprise me so much? You expect the big drop as you ascend on a clickety roller coaster. Family life is no different. Except the clickety sounds aren't always there in the trials and struggles to help you anticipate the joys and thrill of the descent.
And the thrills and joys are as real, and luckily, more everlasting than the struggles. If that wasn't true every child would be an only child. Who would do this again without a little payout once in a while? The trouble comes when the struggles and trials and challenges cloud your memory and you loose sight of those blessed moments of wonder and thrill and exhileration.
At least I know the ride-loading drill: "Keep your hand and arms inside the ride until it comes to a full and complete stop". If I'm still moving, the ride isn't over yet. And that gives me the hope to wait out the cloudy bits and the tear filled view of what is coming. It will be OK. It will BE okay. It WILL be okay.
That much I know.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Celebrating The Boy
The Boy took his final ACT test on October 25th. Today the results came in. It wasn't a new personal record, but it did match his highest score to date. And for that, I was really proud of him.
A couple more points would have made a big difference in moving him to a full-ride situation next year. But as it is, and depending on where he goes, he is already qualified for half and even a three-quarters tuition scholarship. His GPA and the ACT score are combined by some universities to determine the scholarship a student can qualify for at admission. He is well on his way to a college education. And I couldn't be prouder of him.
He's paid close attention to his GPA and has worked very hard to keep it up and to do well in his classes--even the hard ones, like Calculus. He's even studied for the ACT and took practice tests. It is all good enough for me.
Tonight, The Boy and Genius Golfer and I went to dinner at our favorite Mexican place to celebrate the end of the testing and the start of the applications. Where has the time gone!?
Sunday, October 26, 2014
The End of an Era
I had a surprise find its way into my schedule and my heart last week. Tuesday The Boy was back to school after a long fall break weekend of golf in St George. It had been his final tournament for the season and the first he allowed me to come watch. But that is another story.
Following the season closure of golf, he was prepared to segue into the next sport, swimming. He had spoken with our swim coach, Coach Lisa, prior to the swim season beginning and asked if he could join the team as soon as golf was over. He had rearranged his school schedule to the point that he has no A4 class assigned making it a seamless transition to the pool once his commitment to golf was over. I had a very firm talk with him about only doing on sport at a time, but doing it 100%. He agreed that last year his heart wasn't really into the swim season and was really there only for the friends and social aspect. I told him that his team and his coach deserved more from him. So this year's schedule and level of commitment was prepared to make that happen.
Tuesday last week he headed to school with a swim bag in his truck and a willing and ready hear to get into the new season with the swim team. About 2:30 or so that afternoon I got a text from him asking if I wanted him to bring me a drink at work. I texted back "Aren't you supposed to be at practice?"
The next thin I knew was The Boy arrived at my office with a diet coke in hand. When I asked him about practice, he said that he'd been uninvited from the team. I asked what happened and he said he didn't really know. Coach Lisa asked to speak with him before he got into the water. He complied. She told him that since he wasn't there for the 2-a-days "hell week" of practices he couldn't join the team this season.
His teammates, when asked what was going on and The Boy told them he was off the team, began to demand a team vote. The other two high school teams that share the pool jokingly asked their coaches if they could "adopt" him to their teams. At least he knew his friends wanted him there.
I'm still not completely sure what happened to make this the outcome fro a senior who, while not a state qualifying swimmer, one who still has swam since he was about 7 years old with this coach. She knows him, and she knows our family.
It stings a little when I think that my participation as a parent wasn't wanted enough to let him stay on the team. It stings even more that even though he spoke with the coach before the season began, the coach can hold a grudge over something as simplistic as his choice to play another sport before hers. No student athlete should be penalized because they give their all to another sport, during another season.
I don't understand, really.
The Boy didn't expect to be a team captain, as a senior this year. He didn't expect to be a member of the A relay team. He has been happy to do his little part with the team, for the team. He just wanted to be a member of this team he has been with since he was a sophomore. He wanted to hang out with his friends, go to meets with them, and enjoy his final year of high school with good friends. That is exactly what I hoped for him too.
But just like that, we are no longer a swim family. And that is what hurts the most.
Following the season closure of golf, he was prepared to segue into the next sport, swimming. He had spoken with our swim coach, Coach Lisa, prior to the swim season beginning and asked if he could join the team as soon as golf was over. He had rearranged his school schedule to the point that he has no A4 class assigned making it a seamless transition to the pool once his commitment to golf was over. I had a very firm talk with him about only doing on sport at a time, but doing it 100%. He agreed that last year his heart wasn't really into the swim season and was really there only for the friends and social aspect. I told him that his team and his coach deserved more from him. So this year's schedule and level of commitment was prepared to make that happen.
Tuesday last week he headed to school with a swim bag in his truck and a willing and ready hear to get into the new season with the swim team. About 2:30 or so that afternoon I got a text from him asking if I wanted him to bring me a drink at work. I texted back "Aren't you supposed to be at practice?"
The next thin I knew was The Boy arrived at my office with a diet coke in hand. When I asked him about practice, he said that he'd been uninvited from the team. I asked what happened and he said he didn't really know. Coach Lisa asked to speak with him before he got into the water. He complied. She told him that since he wasn't there for the 2-a-days "hell week" of practices he couldn't join the team this season.
His teammates, when asked what was going on and The Boy told them he was off the team, began to demand a team vote. The other two high school teams that share the pool jokingly asked their coaches if they could "adopt" him to their teams. At least he knew his friends wanted him there.
I'm still not completely sure what happened to make this the outcome fro a senior who, while not a state qualifying swimmer, one who still has swam since he was about 7 years old with this coach. She knows him, and she knows our family.
It stings a little when I think that my participation as a parent wasn't wanted enough to let him stay on the team. It stings even more that even though he spoke with the coach before the season began, the coach can hold a grudge over something as simplistic as his choice to play another sport before hers. No student athlete should be penalized because they give their all to another sport, during another season.
I don't understand, really.
The Boy didn't expect to be a team captain, as a senior this year. He didn't expect to be a member of the A relay team. He has been happy to do his little part with the team, for the team. He just wanted to be a member of this team he has been with since he was a sophomore. He wanted to hang out with his friends, go to meets with them, and enjoy his final year of high school with good friends. That is exactly what I hoped for him too.
But just like that, we are no longer a swim family. And that is what hurts the most.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Snap Out of That!
Holy Smokes. Note to self: do not blog when you are hungry, tired, having a pity party, or homesick.
Moving on....
It is Monday, and we are sending The Boy back to school one last time, tomorrow. He is a senior. He believes he will have a marvelous time as a senior. I believe, with that hair, he just might.
David Cassidy: eat your heart out. Oh, and Boy, put a shirt on already!
Moving on....
It is Monday, and we are sending The Boy back to school one last time, tomorrow. He is a senior. He believes he will have a marvelous time as a senior. I believe, with that hair, he just might.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
There is NO Photo Because I Promised
Earlier this week, The Boy asked me about the 80s. Specifically, 80s Big Hair. I told him that he had more hair on his head than I did at his age...though mine at the time might have been slightly longer. He seemed intrigued.
I asked him if I could blow dry his hair and show him the "big 80's hair" potential he has. He was game.
He had just come home from golfing, so he took a shower--this is a regular post-golf-in-July activity for him. Once he was done in the shower and put pants on, he came downstairs where I grabbed the blower dryer and my faithful, and vintage, vented hair brush, from circa 1985. Yes, it is my original.
After a few minutes and a little bit of drying with his hair flipped over his head, turned upside down, I had him flip it right side up and gently styled it into place. VERY Shaun Cassidy, only more brunette.
I giggled all the way through the conversation that followed:
Me: Hey, you have to let me get a picture of this.
Him: Mom, if I let you take a picture, you CANNOT put this on Facebook. *makes a grab for my phone* Or your blog. *snatches at the phone some more* Or anywhere people might see it.
Me: *scrambling to get the phone into place to take a picture without any type of promise*
Him: MOM! I mean it!
Me: *completely overtaken by his man-length arms* OK, fine! Now just let me take this picture.
So, just imagine the photo of him with his feathered back, side parted, waves of brunette motion hair.
Crazy, kid. But I'm noting that he never said I can't share it on a wedding video or missionary farewell announcement.
I might not be able to out maneuver him, but he has yet to out smart the MOM!
I asked him if I could blow dry his hair and show him the "big 80's hair" potential he has. He was game.
He had just come home from golfing, so he took a shower--this is a regular post-golf-in-July activity for him. Once he was done in the shower and put pants on, he came downstairs where I grabbed the blower dryer and my faithful, and vintage, vented hair brush, from circa 1985. Yes, it is my original.
After a few minutes and a little bit of drying with his hair flipped over his head, turned upside down, I had him flip it right side up and gently styled it into place. VERY Shaun Cassidy, only more brunette.
I giggled all the way through the conversation that followed:
Me: Hey, you have to let me get a picture of this.
Him: Mom, if I let you take a picture, you CANNOT put this on Facebook. *makes a grab for my phone* Or your blog. *snatches at the phone some more* Or anywhere people might see it.
Me: *scrambling to get the phone into place to take a picture without any type of promise*
Him: MOM! I mean it!
Me: *completely overtaken by his man-length arms* OK, fine! Now just let me take this picture.
So, just imagine the photo of him with his feathered back, side parted, waves of brunette motion hair.
Crazy, kid. But I'm noting that he never said I can't share it on a wedding video or missionary farewell announcement.
I might not be able to out maneuver him, but he has yet to out smart the MOM!
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Kids Say The Darnedest Things
Last night at dinner one of the kids asked if I ever wrote down things they said as a very little child. I told them, yes, and asked "Do you want to hear some?"
I think this answer surprised them. But I ran upstairs to get the book of kid-isms I had kep of them.
The first thing The Boy noticed was that he must not have spoken for some time, since he wasn't included with his own quotations until about half way through.
The Girl mentioned that while she spoke more--or at least got written down--her quotes weren't nearly as funny as The Boy's.
We had some that were so funny, that I couldn't get through them as I read them. For example:
One day The Boy (who almost only ate hot dogs) asked for a "hot on a pork chop". I didn't know what he meant, so I asked him again what he wanted for lunch. "I want a hot dog on a chapstick!" Finally we figured out he wanted to have a hot dog on a chopstick, so he didn't have to touch it but it was easy to eat.
Writing that now, not too much trouble getting through it. But as I read that last night, I was laughing so hard, I was snorting.
Good times.
I'm glad I wrote some of the funny things they said. Sadly, I don't remember as much of their early years as I would like to. I hope that is included in the promise given to us when we are resurrected and all things will be restored to us. I really hope memory is part of that.
I think this answer surprised them. But I ran upstairs to get the book of kid-isms I had kep of them.
The first thing The Boy noticed was that he must not have spoken for some time, since he wasn't included with his own quotations until about half way through.
The Girl mentioned that while she spoke more--or at least got written down--her quotes weren't nearly as funny as The Boy's.
We had some that were so funny, that I couldn't get through them as I read them. For example:
One day The Boy (who almost only ate hot dogs) asked for a "hot on a pork chop". I didn't know what he meant, so I asked him again what he wanted for lunch. "I want a hot dog on a chapstick!" Finally we figured out he wanted to have a hot dog on a chopstick, so he didn't have to touch it but it was easy to eat.
Writing that now, not too much trouble getting through it. But as I read that last night, I was laughing so hard, I was snorting.
Good times.
I'm glad I wrote some of the funny things they said. Sadly, I don't remember as much of their early years as I would like to. I hope that is included in the promise given to us when we are resurrected and all things will be restored to us. I really hope memory is part of that.
Friday, May 2, 2014
May, Finals and All The Family's Together
I missed yesterday, but don't know why. Too busy again, I guess.
Well, it is May. Finally. We had a near white out--meaning snow flakes so fat and falling so heavy I couldn't see past the parking lot at work--on Monday here. Crazy. today I am wearing capris and sandals. Springtime in the Rockies, they keep saying.
The Girl has her last final this morning. I think she said it went until noon. I'm leaving work early (about 2) to drive up and help her move out. She has a cleaning check--to officially get out of her dorm--about 5 PM so she has to have all of her things moved completely out before that. It's about a two hour drive to get there. I'm not sure how much cleaning I'll have to help her do, or if I just need to be there to pack all her stuff in the Durango. Either way, she is coming home tonight. And that makes me happy.
In order to get out of work at 2PM today, I stayed last night at work until just after 8 PM. I had a big embroidery order to work on. They need it done by the end of work Monday, but I was hoping to get it to them earlier, if at all possible. I love the days when I have enough embroidery to do--and have someone else there that can answer the phone--so that I can put my ear buds in and turn on Jim Dale reading the Harry Potter books. I mentally loose myself in that story and can listen to it over and over again. Pl;us, I have heard it so many time, it is very familiar and comfortable. Easily to do other things while I am listening--so a perfect factor to concentrating on the work at hand.
The Boy has joined Genius Golfer in the local golf course's Mens' Association and they play every Thursday night. (Which makes Thursday a good night to work late for me, when I need to.) The Boy has played on the winning team for the last three Thursdays. I'm not sure how it works, but they play for "skins" which equated to a dollar--and those add up depending on how many are playing (and putting into the pot of dollars). After three weeks of winnings, The Boy is starting to feel like a junior PGA player. Hopefully he won't start acting like it. ;)
It is The Girl's welcome home tonight. I need to figure out some kind of dinner plan, I suppose. Or maybe not, depending on how long it takes me to get her home tonight. Wish me luck to stay awake while I drive in the sunshine and springtime warmth. Life is good. I need to enjoy it more.
Well, it is May. Finally. We had a near white out--meaning snow flakes so fat and falling so heavy I couldn't see past the parking lot at work--on Monday here. Crazy. today I am wearing capris and sandals. Springtime in the Rockies, they keep saying.
The Girl has her last final this morning. I think she said it went until noon. I'm leaving work early (about 2) to drive up and help her move out. She has a cleaning check--to officially get out of her dorm--about 5 PM so she has to have all of her things moved completely out before that. It's about a two hour drive to get there. I'm not sure how much cleaning I'll have to help her do, or if I just need to be there to pack all her stuff in the Durango. Either way, she is coming home tonight. And that makes me happy.
In order to get out of work at 2PM today, I stayed last night at work until just after 8 PM. I had a big embroidery order to work on. They need it done by the end of work Monday, but I was hoping to get it to them earlier, if at all possible. I love the days when I have enough embroidery to do--and have someone else there that can answer the phone--so that I can put my ear buds in and turn on Jim Dale reading the Harry Potter books. I mentally loose myself in that story and can listen to it over and over again. Pl;us, I have heard it so many time, it is very familiar and comfortable. Easily to do other things while I am listening--so a perfect factor to concentrating on the work at hand.
The Boy has joined Genius Golfer in the local golf course's Mens' Association and they play every Thursday night. (Which makes Thursday a good night to work late for me, when I need to.) The Boy has played on the winning team for the last three Thursdays. I'm not sure how it works, but they play for "skins" which equated to a dollar--and those add up depending on how many are playing (and putting into the pot of dollars). After three weeks of winnings, The Boy is starting to feel like a junior PGA player. Hopefully he won't start acting like it. ;)
It is The Girl's welcome home tonight. I need to figure out some kind of dinner plan, I suppose. Or maybe not, depending on how long it takes me to get her home tonight. Wish me luck to stay awake while I drive in the sunshine and springtime warmth. Life is good. I need to enjoy it more.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
How Did 17 Happen?!
Yesterday was The Boy's seventeenth birthday. How is this possible?!?
He wasn't feeling great the day before and woke up to a stuffy head and scratchy throat on his birthday. While he's not a kid who asks for medicine, I talked him into taking some multi-symptom cold meds before heading off to school. He told me he'd sit it out in his fitness class first period, but could make up the participation points by bringing in a scorecard from a round of golf. That's easy.
Still, it felt like a big let down for a teenage birthday boy. Maybe I'm grasping at the final straws of his childhood, but I felt bad that I didn't make a bigger deal out of his special day. So, on an impulse, I decided to run by the local Daylight Donuts--one of his favorites--and pickup enough donuts for his 2nd period class. He had math second period and his math teacher is a really pretty good guy. I bought three dozen donuts, made a big sign saying Happy Birthday, taped it all together and ran it over to the front office of the high school. I left it there for the office aides to deliver to the math classroom at the beginning of second period and got myself off to work.
About a half hour later I got a little text from The Boy that said "Donuts? Really?" At first my heart sank. Maybe he didn't like the surprise. Maybe his teacher wasn't as cool as I suspected. Maybe treats in class for a birthday had been outgrown. So I texted back, "What?! You didn't like them?" His response was "They were great. Thx".
Relief. I felt like a better mom after that little exchange. I was happy he got to be celebrated a little bit more than usual. It's his birthday after all. and he assured me there were plenty of donuts for anyone who wanted one in his class--with plenty left for he and his friends to chow down.
Genius Golfer took a sick day--though I didn't know that at the time--and fixed The Boy's truck. What we thought was a ring gear going bad on the torque converter, ended up being a loose bolt on the starter they replaced a few months ago. So that was a big relief! And it ended up a great surprise for The Boy that evening. GG had just helped The Boy change the oil in the truck yesterday afternoon/evening and the poor kid was stressing how he could help pay for the ring gear job in time to have his truck back so The Girl could drive her little Escort--that he's been driving while the truck wasn't starting correctly. So that was a GREAT BIG surprise to him.
We took him to dinner (win for me!) and we had cake and ice cream. It was low key, and just the three of us. I feel a little spoiled by the parent/child time we get with him having no issue of sharing him with friends. I know it won't last, but I sure relish it while he's here. During dinner I was just so grateful he enjoys hanging out with us and isn't embarrassed to do that. After dinner, we watched a silly half hour of TV and then he went to bed early hoping to wake up feeling a little better.
It was one of those days as a Mom that was like a payday. I love days like that.
He wasn't feeling great the day before and woke up to a stuffy head and scratchy throat on his birthday. While he's not a kid who asks for medicine, I talked him into taking some multi-symptom cold meds before heading off to school. He told me he'd sit it out in his fitness class first period, but could make up the participation points by bringing in a scorecard from a round of golf. That's easy.
Still, it felt like a big let down for a teenage birthday boy. Maybe I'm grasping at the final straws of his childhood, but I felt bad that I didn't make a bigger deal out of his special day. So, on an impulse, I decided to run by the local Daylight Donuts--one of his favorites--and pickup enough donuts for his 2nd period class. He had math second period and his math teacher is a really pretty good guy. I bought three dozen donuts, made a big sign saying Happy Birthday, taped it all together and ran it over to the front office of the high school. I left it there for the office aides to deliver to the math classroom at the beginning of second period and got myself off to work.
About a half hour later I got a little text from The Boy that said "Donuts? Really?" At first my heart sank. Maybe he didn't like the surprise. Maybe his teacher wasn't as cool as I suspected. Maybe treats in class for a birthday had been outgrown. So I texted back, "What?! You didn't like them?" His response was "They were great. Thx".
Relief. I felt like a better mom after that little exchange. I was happy he got to be celebrated a little bit more than usual. It's his birthday after all. and he assured me there were plenty of donuts for anyone who wanted one in his class--with plenty left for he and his friends to chow down.
Genius Golfer took a sick day--though I didn't know that at the time--and fixed The Boy's truck. What we thought was a ring gear going bad on the torque converter, ended up being a loose bolt on the starter they replaced a few months ago. So that was a big relief! And it ended up a great surprise for The Boy that evening. GG had just helped The Boy change the oil in the truck yesterday afternoon/evening and the poor kid was stressing how he could help pay for the ring gear job in time to have his truck back so The Girl could drive her little Escort--that he's been driving while the truck wasn't starting correctly. So that was a GREAT BIG surprise to him.
We took him to dinner (win for me!) and we had cake and ice cream. It was low key, and just the three of us. I feel a little spoiled by the parent/child time we get with him having no issue of sharing him with friends. I know it won't last, but I sure relish it while he's here. During dinner I was just so grateful he enjoys hanging out with us and isn't embarrassed to do that. After dinner, we watched a silly half hour of TV and then he went to bed early hoping to wake up feeling a little better.
It was one of those days as a Mom that was like a payday. I love days like that.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Under The Knife
The Boy went into the operatory feeling only hungry. No nerves. Big teenage boy arm veins made the anesthesia easy. The oral surgeon is friendly and capable. The office staffers are enjoyable.
I'm still the mom though, and I was a little worried when the monitors started up and little beeps and blips began. Twenty minutes of surgery seems much longer in the waiting room.
The Boy, having seen several friends' home videos of post oral surgery, had joked that he's going to be swearing like a sailor as he comes out of the drugs. We'll see about that. If anything is worth sharing, I'll post for you later.
In the meantime, I wish there was some anti-anxiety medication for the moms.
Monday, March 17, 2014
We Must be Getting Old
Remember when a cute guy was someone with tight jeans or a cool car or both? I must be showing my age because HERE is what a cute guy looks like now:
Yep. You can't see it, but Genius Golfer was vacuuming the stairs for me Friday. Actually it was for The Boy, whose job that is each week and who also traded his dad that job for a vacuuming of the cars instead. I think GG won that deal.
But I won in the end, since I didn't have to vacuum the stairs!
Even if he didn't like the picture taking of his in action!
But I won in the end, since I didn't have to vacuum the stairs!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Sometimes You Just Feel It More
Yesterday The Boy registered for his classes for his SENIOR year! How is that possible?! Wasn't he a little toddler running naked in the backyard just two weeks ago? I can't believe how fast the time has gone.
There are sure lots of things I wish I'd done differently with my kids when they were little. Not that I think I ruined them, but I think I missed too much of them. I wasn't there in the moment with them. I was worried about all the "other things" I should be doing.
Those times are long gone and I 'll never get them back. But when I look at either of them, I know they are good people, even if they won't snuggle up to me and read a picture book anymore.
But it doesn't keep me from wishing they would.
There are sure lots of things I wish I'd done differently with my kids when they were little. Not that I think I ruined them, but I think I missed too much of them. I wasn't there in the moment with them. I was worried about all the "other things" I should be doing.
Those times are long gone and I 'll never get them back. But when I look at either of them, I know they are good people, even if they won't snuggle up to me and read a picture book anymore.
But it doesn't keep me from wishing they would.
Monday, March 10, 2014
DST, Spring Break, & Professional Development
It's the perfect storm. Daylight Savings Time began and screwed up our sleep schedules. The Girl this home for spring break. The Boy is off school today for a teacher professional development day. I don't have to go into work until 1 p.m.. Genius Golfer is already gone to work. Today is one of those days that makes it really hard to feel like I want to go to work. I'd rather be home with my kids.
At least I will be for the morning, but due to the switch to DST, they will both sleep in extra long today. The Girl has a dental appointment. It's part of her mission-prep. She also had a medical check up on Wednesday, for the same mission-prep. She'll use some of her time off go get a new passport too. Plus I have a few things around here for her to try to get done while she is home.
The Boy, on the other hand, only has one day off this week. His spring break comes in April. And he fills his time with golf. But that won't stop me from giving him chores today. He does have to go to the dentist, while The Girl is there today, for a panoramic x-ray prior to having his wisdom teeth extracted just as his spring break begins.
Never a dull moment.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
They're Heeere
Genius Golfer and The Boy got in very late Monday night. apparently--and in contract to The boy's tests he sent me on their sojourn home, GG said they went to a golf course that was a little further outside St. George than the maps made it look--30 miles west into Nevada and about 30 miles south. So it was on the outskirts of Las Vegas somewhere and based on the road they had taken, they made an educated--but hopeful--guess they could make it back to St. George for fuel before heading north and home.
GG wasn't even concerned--he said once he was snuggled into bed last night having woken me up when they got in. I wonder if The Boy's concern was as serious as I took it. Maybe he was just pulling my leg. They both think I over-react anyway. I could see them doing that.
I'm trying to be grateful they are both home safely and that we can all get back to normal and into the routine again. But my clean house I have enjoyed for three days by myself is now splattered with travel debris and dirty boy stuff. Yuck.
GG wasn't even concerned--he said once he was snuggled into bed last night having woken me up when they got in. I wonder if The Boy's concern was as serious as I took it. Maybe he was just pulling my leg. They both think I over-react anyway. I could see them doing that.
I'm trying to be grateful they are both home safely and that we can all get back to normal and into the routine again. But my clean house I have enjoyed for three days by myself is now splattered with travel debris and dirty boy stuff. Yuck.
Monday, January 20, 2014
A Long and Winding Road
The Boy and Genius Golfer went to St. George for some get-away-golfing, and I suspect, some Mom-Free Guy time. So when I got home from work today I texted them both to see when I should expect them and whether they'd want to eat dinner. I didn't hear from either of them for a while.
Just a few minutes ago, The Boy texted back "Pray for us. We might make it home by 11 tonight, or we could run out of gas." (They took the Honda--our CNG car--for this trip becasue it was going to be cheaper to drive.) When I asked him "What's wrong? Where are you?" he texted back they were in Nevada somewhere and if they needed to they'd call a tow truck. I asked what they were doing in Nevada, and his answer was golfing.
Well.
If they got themselves into a mess because they just couldn't quit golfing?!?! I don't really feel sorry for them. And more over, if this "tow truck" solution they came up with ends up being the option they use, I'm only guessing here, but I know it will be more money than a big week of groceries. And I won't feel bad about that either.
Golfing cannot be this important!
Just a few minutes ago, The Boy texted back "Pray for us. We might make it home by 11 tonight, or we could run out of gas." (They took the Honda--our CNG car--for this trip becasue it was going to be cheaper to drive.) When I asked him "What's wrong? Where are you?" he texted back they were in Nevada somewhere and if they needed to they'd call a tow truck. I asked what they were doing in Nevada, and his answer was golfing.
Well.
If they got themselves into a mess because they just couldn't quit golfing?!?! I don't really feel sorry for them. And more over, if this "tow truck" solution they came up with ends up being the option they use, I'm only guessing here, but I know it will be more money than a big week of groceries. And I won't feel bad about that either.
Golfing cannot be this important!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Braggin' Time!
The end of the semester fro the high school was Monday. The Boy has really been focused to keep his grades up for over a year now. At first I think he was hoping to just keep making the honor roll and getting the candy the PTA doles out after each term, but lately that is changing.
He is sincerely focused on getting good grades, and improving his ACT scores to help himself get a college scholarship. His ACT scores have increased from a 20 the first time he took it to a 21, and on December's test he scored a 23!
His first semester GPA, he just reported to me, was a 3.95. His cumulative GPA for all of high school--as he is now half way through it-- was a 3.8. He has been doing this on his own. I have very rarely even mentioned grades to him. I only remind him that he will get out of his classes what he puts in to them. He is pushing himself to do well, and keep it up.
As the semester got closer to the end, and his newest ACT scores arrived, we got online and looked at the "admission index" fro a variety of schools in our state that he could apply for--and we could afford. He is already in the range of academic scholarships for many. Another point or two on his ACT score and he'd be eligible for renewable scholarships--or larger amounts of scholarship money. I don't think he had believed he could do that--because he wasn't taking classes like his sister.
He may not be taking every AP class offered at the school, but he is taking the classes at his level and doing really well. I'm proud of his efforts and look froward to another year to see his growth and confidence in his achievements grow too.
He is sincerely focused on getting good grades, and improving his ACT scores to help himself get a college scholarship. His ACT scores have increased from a 20 the first time he took it to a 21, and on December's test he scored a 23!
His first semester GPA, he just reported to me, was a 3.95. His cumulative GPA for all of high school--as he is now half way through it-- was a 3.8. He has been doing this on his own. I have very rarely even mentioned grades to him. I only remind him that he will get out of his classes what he puts in to them. He is pushing himself to do well, and keep it up.
As the semester got closer to the end, and his newest ACT scores arrived, we got online and looked at the "admission index" fro a variety of schools in our state that he could apply for--and we could afford. He is already in the range of academic scholarships for many. Another point or two on his ACT score and he'd be eligible for renewable scholarships--or larger amounts of scholarship money. I don't think he had believed he could do that--because he wasn't taking classes like his sister.
He may not be taking every AP class offered at the school, but he is taking the classes at his level and doing really well. I'm proud of his efforts and look froward to another year to see his growth and confidence in his achievements grow too.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Does this REALLY Count?
You know the old saying that goes "You want for your kids better than you had it"? When I was a kid, there was a very popular brand of shoe called Vans. They had quite a few design options, but thanks to the movies Fast Times at Ridgemont High these were THE ones to get:
I never had a pair. Now I think I survived just fine NOT ever having these shoes. I mean, look at them! But, they were a brand name item and they were pricey and I never had any. Boo hoo.
Fast forward 25 plus years. Well, like my mom wisely says "Everything old becomes new again": and over the holiday break, The Boy went to the mall with a friend and came home with a new pair of Vans. His are caramel brown suede that lace up, but he loves them and they still have that most important feature of all:
They are REAL "Off the Wall" Vans. And he loves them. Se la vie.
Fast forward 25 plus years. Well, like my mom wisely says "Everything old becomes new again": and over the holiday break, The Boy went to the mall with a friend and came home with a new pair of Vans. His are caramel brown suede that lace up, but he loves them and they still have that most important feature of all:
Friday, December 6, 2013
Photo Struggles
The kids met at 4 PM to put together the little kids' goodie bags Santa will give them. Then Santa arrived about 6 PM. Usually families line up and the Youth Court kids are there to help keep some line-order going and to lift the spirits of the little people who "can't wait ANY more!"
I guess this year wasn't quite as busy as usual. I'm not sure why, but there just weren't as many kids there--maybe because it was technically Thanksgiving weekend still. But the Youth Court kids were bored, apparently.
I had texted The Boy and asked him to please have someone take a picture of him doing the Youth Court thing for Santa, as I never get picture of him with YC, as I'm not there with them like I was at school. He laughed back at my text but sent me no picture. I mockingly asked if I needed to come down there and do it myself. He responded back with a text that they weren't doing anything, so what was he supposed to get a picture of anyway.
Finally I told him, via a text, that he just needs to take a "selfie" with Santa and whatever kids were there in the background. Then he said he couldn't do that because his phone camera is only one-directional. The next thing I knew, he was home and the whole Santa thing was over.
I showed him that he could take a "selfie" even if his camera was not reversible. I even showed him how to do it.
I even tried to get a snapshot of him while he poured and tried to drink his post-Santa-helping-Egg Nog, but that was pretty much futile too:
Anyhoo, The Boy mocked me and protested the whole idea of selfie-photos and I just decided to drop it. I didn't want to cause contention--no photo is worth that--so I dropped it too.
But a little later, I heard him in the kitchen. At the time I wondered what is up, but then got distracted and didn't go see until later. This is what I found on MY phone's camera:
Do the words "Cheeky Monkey" comes to anyone else's mind here?
.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Better Late Than, Well, You Know
Like the proverbial cobbler's children with no shoes, I was having a spot of bother with some software this morning, and consequently, I am just getting this posted.
Last night, The Boy came home from a swim meet and--feeling tired as he does after swimming--jumped into the shower before I had much chance to talk with him.
After a shower and little food, The Boy stood in the kitchen with me and I noticed his hair was combed a little oddly. Not that is ever "normal" and I realize he needs a haircut--even right after he gets a haircut, but that is not likely to change until a mission comes. I just thought it was funny how his hair, parted on the side and combed around the front of his head, reminded me a teen idol from years ago.
Of course, he had no idea who I meant when I mentioned the name, but when Genius Golfer got home, I asked him if he thought there was a similarity, he agreed with me.
What do you think?
This is the closest I'll ever get to having Shaun Cassidy (circa 1978) at my house.
Last night, The Boy came home from a swim meet and--feeling tired as he does after swimming--jumped into the shower before I had much chance to talk with him.
After a shower and little food, The Boy stood in the kitchen with me and I noticed his hair was combed a little oddly. Not that is ever "normal" and I realize he needs a haircut--even right after he gets a haircut, but that is not likely to change until a mission comes. I just thought it was funny how his hair, parted on the side and combed around the front of his head, reminded me a teen idol from years ago.
Of course, he had no idea who I meant when I mentioned the name, but when Genius Golfer got home, I asked him if he thought there was a similarity, he agreed with me.
What do you think?
This is the closest I'll ever get to having Shaun Cassidy (circa 1978) at my house.
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