I was almost in an accident this morning. I was waiting to make a right turn onto the highway splitting our city. Traffic is already busy; it had taken nearly 5 minutes to turn left off of the highway just a short while earlier. I'm normally a very cautious driver to the point that I wonder how the drivers behind me must be cursing my hesitation. This morning though, I wasn't as cautious as I normally am. I saw a car approaching with his signal light blinking for a turn...I would have time to enter the highway. Or so I thought. It seems that he wasn't turning after all...just was oblivious to his blinker. I realized my predicament and applied the brake, but I was still jutting into his lane. He heaved on his brakes and came to a stop only inches from my door and then proceeded to shake his fist at me. His face was a mask of fury and hate. I pointed downward to his fender beneath me and said, "You are blinking to turn." I don't know whether he got my message or not...well, he probably didn't, since his signal continued to blink until he finally turned off the highway about 5 intersections later!
Needless to say, I was slightly upset after this happened. My hands were shaking and I needed a minute to calm myself after arriving at my destination. I am a cautious driver. I would rather go out of my way than try to pull off a driving feat for convenience's sake. I'd rather walk from the far end of the parking lot than squeeze into a tight spot near the storefront. I'd rather drive an extra block or two than try to make a left turn at certain intersections. I wait longer to make turns than many drivers. I'd rather be certain and safe than cutting ahead of a car traveling faster than it should be. I always signal my turns. I always shoulder check. Bad drivers frustrate me.
I realize that if I had been in an accident this morning, I might have been at fault, even if I really don't think it was my fault. In essence, the fault was his, but I should have exercised more caution, knowing that many drivers are just too stupid to be on the road. More than anything, I think what upsets me the most was this man's reaction. My description of his face was very accurate. This was an older man, somewhere between 50 and 60, I think. He looked livid and I was glad that I was safely in my vehicle and he was in his. I was doubly glad that I had no need to stop, get out of my vehicle and talk to him. His fist shaking at me was violent and humiliating. He didn't need to say a word or lay a finger on me to hurt me; his expression and motion did it all. I bear my responsibility, but what has happened to our society that responsibility is so easily cast off and ignored? This man gave no thought to how his own actions played a part in this situation. Had his signal light not been blinking, I would never have moved to enter the lane. Plain and simple. It had even appeared that his vehicle was slowing down to make the turn...but what does it matter? It is easier to blame someone else.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Time Warp
What is going on in my head? All week long, I have been stuck on Thursday. Every day, I felt like it was Thursday. Yesterday in an email to a friend, I commented that my dad was leaving for holidays the next morning (today). Later last night, I realized that he was leaving on Friday, and my internal calendar was messed up again.
The insurance for my van was to expire on the 28th. I knew it. I told my husband. The only thing was that I told him it was on Wednesday...until he came home from work yesterday and took a look at the insurance papers. The 28th was Tuesday. Oops! It is a good thing that I had only driven to the school two blocks away.
This past Monday seems to have happened such a long time ago. It was the night of Abby's team wind-up party, but yesterday, I would have said it had happened on a Wednesday.
Have I been that tired? That busy? I could easily answer 'yes' to both those questions, but is either of those enough to put me into this mental fog? Maybe. I don't know. Today is Thursday though. Perhaps, my internal calendar will snap back into its' proper timing now that I've reached the day I have been living all week. Of course, I didn't need to set the alarm this morning and slept in until quarter after nine. I feel more alert now than I have, at this time of day, since baseball season began.
The insurance for my van was to expire on the 28th. I knew it. I told my husband. The only thing was that I told him it was on Wednesday...until he came home from work yesterday and took a look at the insurance papers. The 28th was Tuesday. Oops! It is a good thing that I had only driven to the school two blocks away.
This past Monday seems to have happened such a long time ago. It was the night of Abby's team wind-up party, but yesterday, I would have said it had happened on a Wednesday.
Have I been that tired? That busy? I could easily answer 'yes' to both those questions, but is either of those enough to put me into this mental fog? Maybe. I don't know. Today is Thursday though. Perhaps, my internal calendar will snap back into its' proper timing now that I've reached the day I have been living all week. Of course, I didn't need to set the alarm this morning and slept in until quarter after nine. I feel more alert now than I have, at this time of day, since baseball season began.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Last Day of School
Today is the last day of school. I did manage to get the cupcakes iced, this morning, without too much stress and strain. I seem to work better with a time crunch, but I'm typically not a morning person.
I took the boys to school this morning. I don't like to drive the two long blocks to school, but it was easier than lugging a container of brownies and two containers of cupcakes. From the moment we entered the school, there was a feeling in the air, intangible and elusive. Maybe, I am just sentimental. I don't know what the feeling was, but it was wafting throughout the school.
This school year was full of firsts and memorable experiences for my boys and our family. Casey's first experience with public school, learning guitar, and being a part of a school body. Sam's trip to Vancouver and Victoria. Homework, tests, projects, and school fun. Great teachers! We have an awesome school.
Sam's teacher stopped me in the hall this morning to thank me for the thank-you card I sent him yesterday. It was my pleasure. I knew that putting the boys in school was the right decision at the right time, but that didn't prevent me from having a mother's heart full of fear and anxiety. The first day of school had been so overwhelming, and for Casey, it was likely too much. In fact, Casey wavered between love and hatred of school for the first couple of weeks. I'm sure that this was because that first day was loud, big, overwhelming and scary for someone new to the school and the whole school process. But, we got through it; we survived. Despite the tears at bedtime, Casey was excited with what was going on in the classroom. Eventually, the tears stopped and his outlook brightened. There's no doubt in my mind that Casey has developed a special place in his heart for his teacher, and he is very excited to know that he will have the same teacher next year. Sam will be moving on to middle school, but Abby will be attending elementary school with Casey. The future brings newness once again, but the transition should be a little smoother.
Only one hour left until the last bell. How long will it be until I am eagerly awaiting the first bell in September?
I took the boys to school this morning. I don't like to drive the two long blocks to school, but it was easier than lugging a container of brownies and two containers of cupcakes. From the moment we entered the school, there was a feeling in the air, intangible and elusive. Maybe, I am just sentimental. I don't know what the feeling was, but it was wafting throughout the school.
This school year was full of firsts and memorable experiences for my boys and our family. Casey's first experience with public school, learning guitar, and being a part of a school body. Sam's trip to Vancouver and Victoria. Homework, tests, projects, and school fun. Great teachers! We have an awesome school.
Sam's teacher stopped me in the hall this morning to thank me for the thank-you card I sent him yesterday. It was my pleasure. I knew that putting the boys in school was the right decision at the right time, but that didn't prevent me from having a mother's heart full of fear and anxiety. The first day of school had been so overwhelming, and for Casey, it was likely too much. In fact, Casey wavered between love and hatred of school for the first couple of weeks. I'm sure that this was because that first day was loud, big, overwhelming and scary for someone new to the school and the whole school process. But, we got through it; we survived. Despite the tears at bedtime, Casey was excited with what was going on in the classroom. Eventually, the tears stopped and his outlook brightened. There's no doubt in my mind that Casey has developed a special place in his heart for his teacher, and he is very excited to know that he will have the same teacher next year. Sam will be moving on to middle school, but Abby will be attending elementary school with Casey. The future brings newness once again, but the transition should be a little smoother.
Only one hour left until the last bell. How long will it be until I am eagerly awaiting the first bell in September?
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
I have been stuck in the kitchen for hours. Five hours to be exact. I'm hot, I'm tired, and I just want to sit in the living room and read. Maybe watch some TV. We were supposed to watch a video that we rented the other day...The Sandlot 2. Tonight was our night, our free night to do that. Instead, I am in the kitchen slaving away, while Kane and the kids are off at the ballpark. Not that they need to be there...they just are.
Since we did not have any commitments tonight, I made supper. When I say that I made supper, I mean that I cooked a proper, sit-down meal. Those types of meals are rare during the two to three months of our baseball season. Instead, we eat on the run. Leftovers, sandwiches, fast food, or whatever you can find to eat. There isn't the time or the energy to make a proper, balanced meal. So today, I made linguini, creamed corn, and chicken parmigiana. It was delicious!
Of course, it was also a lot of work. Abby helped with preparing the chicken. She pounded it and helped me dredge the chicken in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. She also grated Parmesan cheese for me before losing interest in cooking. The playful call of the next door neighbour was much more interesting.
When the boys arrived home from school, I was informed of class parties tomorrow on the last day of school. Food could be brought, and what could they bring. Great! It is 3:00pm and I need to prepare snacks for two classes by 8:00am the next morning. Could you just feel my excitement? The decision was made to make cupcakes for one class and brownies for the other. Even that decision was not as simple as it sounded. I happened to have a couple of cake mixes in the pantry, but one box only makes 24 cupcakes. Class sizes haven't been that small for ages; I would need to make two batches. Trouble is, I only have two muffin tins...24 cupcakes.
I ran into similar difficulties with the brownies. The brownie recipe was much too small for an entire class; it would need to be doubled. Only I didn't have enough baking chocolate to double the recipe. Rats! So, I made two different types of brownies: chocolate and butterscotch. Thankfully, I could make both types at the same time, thus saving me some time in the kitchen.
The cupcakes are cooling, as are the butterscotch brownies. I just pulled the chocolate brownies from the oven, so they are cooling as well. The house smells divine, and I hear only the hum of the refrigerator and the chirp of birds through the window. The quiet is nice, but it won't last. Soon, the front door will burst open assailing the house with a cacophony of sounds. Children will need snacks and repeated warnings to brush teeth and prepare for bed. Just one more day of school; one more setting of the alarm. The cupcakes will need to be iced...I haven't yet decided if I'll do them now or wait until morning. My body is screaming, "Wait for morning. I'm exhausted." But, my mind is equally loud, "I won't want to do it in the morning. I'll be groggy and resentful of the added stress in the morning rush."
The door has opened. The kids are home. Time to go.
Since we did not have any commitments tonight, I made supper. When I say that I made supper, I mean that I cooked a proper, sit-down meal. Those types of meals are rare during the two to three months of our baseball season. Instead, we eat on the run. Leftovers, sandwiches, fast food, or whatever you can find to eat. There isn't the time or the energy to make a proper, balanced meal. So today, I made linguini, creamed corn, and chicken parmigiana. It was delicious!
Of course, it was also a lot of work. Abby helped with preparing the chicken. She pounded it and helped me dredge the chicken in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. She also grated Parmesan cheese for me before losing interest in cooking. The playful call of the next door neighbour was much more interesting.
When the boys arrived home from school, I was informed of class parties tomorrow on the last day of school. Food could be brought, and what could they bring. Great! It is 3:00pm and I need to prepare snacks for two classes by 8:00am the next morning. Could you just feel my excitement? The decision was made to make cupcakes for one class and brownies for the other. Even that decision was not as simple as it sounded. I happened to have a couple of cake mixes in the pantry, but one box only makes 24 cupcakes. Class sizes haven't been that small for ages; I would need to make two batches. Trouble is, I only have two muffin tins...24 cupcakes.
I ran into similar difficulties with the brownies. The brownie recipe was much too small for an entire class; it would need to be doubled. Only I didn't have enough baking chocolate to double the recipe. Rats! So, I made two different types of brownies: chocolate and butterscotch. Thankfully, I could make both types at the same time, thus saving me some time in the kitchen.
The cupcakes are cooling, as are the butterscotch brownies. I just pulled the chocolate brownies from the oven, so they are cooling as well. The house smells divine, and I hear only the hum of the refrigerator and the chirp of birds through the window. The quiet is nice, but it won't last. Soon, the front door will burst open assailing the house with a cacophony of sounds. Children will need snacks and repeated warnings to brush teeth and prepare for bed. Just one more day of school; one more setting of the alarm. The cupcakes will need to be iced...I haven't yet decided if I'll do them now or wait until morning. My body is screaming, "Wait for morning. I'm exhausted." But, my mind is equally loud, "I won't want to do it in the morning. I'll be groggy and resentful of the added stress in the morning rush."
The door has opened. The kids are home. Time to go.
Waterslides and Baseball
So, the waterslides were not the big highlight one would have expected. My boys had fun, but didn't go down a single slide. Instead, they spent their time in the hot tub, eating, buying candy, and in the hot tub. Casey's lips were still blue when he arrived home after school! He even said that he couldn't feel his feet at one point-they were that cold.
We witnessed our second broken nose in our children's baseball careers. Thankfully, neither nose belonged to one of our children! The first occurred three years ago. A boy on Sam's team was attempting to field the ball but misjudged its' approach. The ball bounced up into his face. We could hear the crack from left field to where we sat behind the plate. Last night, a boy on the opposing team was also attempting to field the ball. Apparently, the ball either deflected off of his glove, or he took his eyes off the ball. Regardless, he spent the rest of the game with ice and paper towel applied to his nose. Ouch! I am so thankful that our kids have been spared injury so far in their sporting lives.
Sam chose not to play All-Star baseball this year. Actually, while he was not wanting to play anyway, the choice really belonged to Kane and I. This was Casey's year to shine and receive all the sporting focus for our family. After all, Sam has his hockey. Still, we've had many kids and parents ask after Sam. "Will he do All-Stars?" "He has to do All-Stars!" It is quite flattering, but the decision has been made. And, it is the right one, I think. The Peewee 'A' team is having some difficulty fielding a full team. The coach asked for Sam to join them at practice the other night, because they were going to be short on players and could use the extra body. Sam chose to help out, and Kane reiterated that this was not an indication that Sam would play the season. So, we got home last night to find a message on our machine asking for a $100 uniform deposit for Sam's uniform. Um...yeah. What didn't you understand about Sam not playing?!
We've got that cleared up now. I think. I hope.
We witnessed our second broken nose in our children's baseball careers. Thankfully, neither nose belonged to one of our children! The first occurred three years ago. A boy on Sam's team was attempting to field the ball but misjudged its' approach. The ball bounced up into his face. We could hear the crack from left field to where we sat behind the plate. Last night, a boy on the opposing team was also attempting to field the ball. Apparently, the ball either deflected off of his glove, or he took his eyes off the ball. Regardless, he spent the rest of the game with ice and paper towel applied to his nose. Ouch! I am so thankful that our kids have been spared injury so far in their sporting lives.
Sam chose not to play All-Star baseball this year. Actually, while he was not wanting to play anyway, the choice really belonged to Kane and I. This was Casey's year to shine and receive all the sporting focus for our family. After all, Sam has his hockey. Still, we've had many kids and parents ask after Sam. "Will he do All-Stars?" "He has to do All-Stars!" It is quite flattering, but the decision has been made. And, it is the right one, I think. The Peewee 'A' team is having some difficulty fielding a full team. The coach asked for Sam to join them at practice the other night, because they were going to be short on players and could use the extra body. Sam chose to help out, and Kane reiterated that this was not an indication that Sam would play the season. So, we got home last night to find a message on our machine asking for a $100 uniform deposit for Sam's uniform. Um...yeah. What didn't you understand about Sam not playing?!
We've got that cleared up now. I think. I hope.
Ceremonial Soup
Ceremonial Soup: "Do you blog for yourself or for other people to read your blog?"
Ultimately, I blog for myself. It is a journal of my thoughts, my life, my reactions. These are the words that I may not say out loud in the real world. However, I do know that others may read my blog, and I think I do tend to write with that knowledge.
Ultimately, I blog for myself. It is a journal of my thoughts, my life, my reactions. These are the words that I may not say out loud in the real world. However, I do know that others may read my blog, and I think I do tend to write with that knowledge.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Rainy Days and Mondays
It is Monday. It is raining. Somehow, the two just seem to go together. I don't mind the rain; we need it and it saves on my summer water bill. However, today is the day that nine classes from my sons' school are going to the waterslide park, including both my boys'. Perhaps kids won't mind the rain as much as an adult might, especially since they'll be wet anyway. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I'd rather enjoy waterslides in warmer, dryer weather. I'd like to soak up the warmth of the sun and dry off a little during those times when I would want a break from sliding. But, that's just me. I'm sure they will still have fun.
Since it is Monday, it is a day for laundry and some housework. I am not motivated. I actually considered putting laundry off until tomorrow, but people need clean clothes and my disposition might not change by tomorrow. So, the first load is in the washer. How much housework can I do today? I need to weigh my options and peruse my mental timetable...there is so much to do beyond the dusting and tidying. I need to take books back to the library and pick up books on hold. Casey and Abby can also register for the summer reading program. Abby has her baseball wind-up tonight. Casey has a ballgame and Sam is umping. The carpet needs vacuuming. The kitchen needs attention. The dust bunnies are taking over the house, and my bed hasn't been made in weeks.
My eyes are glazed over, staring straight ahead without blinking. I went to bed early last night, but I am still groggy. Waking up is hard to do, especially on Mondays.
Time to get to work!
Since it is Monday, it is a day for laundry and some housework. I am not motivated. I actually considered putting laundry off until tomorrow, but people need clean clothes and my disposition might not change by tomorrow. So, the first load is in the washer. How much housework can I do today? I need to weigh my options and peruse my mental timetable...there is so much to do beyond the dusting and tidying. I need to take books back to the library and pick up books on hold. Casey and Abby can also register for the summer reading program. Abby has her baseball wind-up tonight. Casey has a ballgame and Sam is umping. The carpet needs vacuuming. The kitchen needs attention. The dust bunnies are taking over the house, and my bed hasn't been made in weeks.
My eyes are glazed over, staring straight ahead without blinking. I went to bed early last night, but I am still groggy. Waking up is hard to do, especially on Mondays.
Time to get to work!
Sunday, June 26, 2005
This, That, and Another Thing
Abby has now finished her baseball season. Her team won only one game out of the four they played, but they played well. In the last game, Abby saw quite a bit of action, and to my surprise, she faced the ball head on without backing away in fear.
It is good to see the last of the house league baseball season...it is a very hectic and crazy two months for us. Three kids in three different divisions. Now, we just have one playing for another month and one umping. I think we can handle that easily enough.
Kane has been officially asked to help coach Casey's all-star team. Of course, he needs to be "official" because of the caliber of baseball which means purchasing cleats and uniform pants. Sports are an expensive hobby. Most hobbies can be, I guess.
Only three more days of school for my boys! Tomorrow will be spent at the waterslide park. Wednesday is the last day, taken up by assemblies. I really do not know what they'll be doing on Tuesday, but I'm sure it won't be learning. Both boys' classes have already begun bringing home notebooks and duo-tangs and pencils. In fact, Sam's class had tossed much of their classwork into the recycling before I was ever aware of what they were doing. I freaked a little. I want a chance to look through all their work before it gets tossed. Thank you very much.
Three more days of waking with the alarm clock. I'm eagerly awaiting summer vacation: sleeping in, lazy days, trips to the beach. It will be nice, very nice. Except for this Thursday. Casey will have a root canal.
It is good to see the last of the house league baseball season...it is a very hectic and crazy two months for us. Three kids in three different divisions. Now, we just have one playing for another month and one umping. I think we can handle that easily enough.
Kane has been officially asked to help coach Casey's all-star team. Of course, he needs to be "official" because of the caliber of baseball which means purchasing cleats and uniform pants. Sports are an expensive hobby. Most hobbies can be, I guess.
Only three more days of school for my boys! Tomorrow will be spent at the waterslide park. Wednesday is the last day, taken up by assemblies. I really do not know what they'll be doing on Tuesday, but I'm sure it won't be learning. Both boys' classes have already begun bringing home notebooks and duo-tangs and pencils. In fact, Sam's class had tossed much of their classwork into the recycling before I was ever aware of what they were doing. I freaked a little. I want a chance to look through all their work before it gets tossed. Thank you very much.
Three more days of waking with the alarm clock. I'm eagerly awaiting summer vacation: sleeping in, lazy days, trips to the beach. It will be nice, very nice. Except for this Thursday. Casey will have a root canal.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Small Talk
Why is it that some people can make you feel so small and stupid just by talking to you? Is it their tone? Their phrasing? Or, the attitude with which the words are said? I don't get it, and I don't like it.
Although Abby was homeschooled this year, she did attend school one day a week with other homeschooled children. Her teacher...hmmm, I want to say that she is a wonderful person, but the words tend to stick in my throat. She is nice enough. Abby enjoyed having her as her teacher every Friday. I, on the other hand, am quite glad to have reached the end of my contact with her. She is one of those people who succeeds in making me feel stupid and chastised every time she talks to me.
She just called me, and yes, I am left feeling spoken down to again because I asked for a paper copy of Abby's report card. Forgive me for wanting something I can put my hands on, touch, show off, or tuck away in a scrapbook. My reasons for wanting a hard copy are irrelevant. I am within my rights to request a paper copy of a report card.
Abby's school year is over, as is her short homeschooling life. When she enters public school in the fall, I will receive a paper report card without even having to ask for it!
Although Abby was homeschooled this year, she did attend school one day a week with other homeschooled children. Her teacher...hmmm, I want to say that she is a wonderful person, but the words tend to stick in my throat. She is nice enough. Abby enjoyed having her as her teacher every Friday. I, on the other hand, am quite glad to have reached the end of my contact with her. She is one of those people who succeeds in making me feel stupid and chastised every time she talks to me.
She just called me, and yes, I am left feeling spoken down to again because I asked for a paper copy of Abby's report card. Forgive me for wanting something I can put my hands on, touch, show off, or tuck away in a scrapbook. My reasons for wanting a hard copy are irrelevant. I am within my rights to request a paper copy of a report card.
Abby's school year is over, as is her short homeschooling life. When she enters public school in the fall, I will receive a paper report card without even having to ask for it!
My Grandpa
My heart is weighted with worry, sadness, and grief. My grandpa is dying. He's been dying a little more each day since he was diagnosed with cancer last year. I did well avoiding the reality of the situation for many months, but truth has a pesky way of making itself known. Almost two weeks ago, my grandpa was placed in an extended care facility for a one month respite stay while my mom went on holidays. He had barely settled in when he fell and shattered his left humerus. Surgery was the only way to repair the bone, but surgery was out of the question. The cancer has invaded his bones, making them weak and brittle. And then yesterday, he fell again, breaking a bone in his left forearm.
This is not my grandpa. He is not weak and frail and small. Not in my memories. Not before this disease staked its' claim on his body. I miss him already.
This is not my grandpa. He is not weak and frail and small. Not in my memories. Not before this disease staked its' claim on his body. I miss him already.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Phone lines, potato salad, and cake
I made potato salad this afternoon. Yes, I did. My kids will groan, but my husband will be thrilled! Potato salad is just one of those things that requires a lot of time and work to prepare; the kind of recipe that busy, tired moms avoid like the plague. I am a tired, busy mom and making potato salad would normally not even be on the bottom of my to-do list. Today, whimsy struck and I succumbed. You know, a time-consuming recipe is much easier to dive into when the rest of the house is in some semblance of order. Had my house been in its' usual state of chaos, the whimsy would have been carried away by the slightest breeze.
On the subject of food...I absolutely love McCain's Deep 'n Delicious cakes! McCain's Truly, I could eat the entire cake. Let's be clear on this...I said "could" not "have eaten". It was a special treat to have one of these cakes for dessert when I was growing up. Today, it is still a special treat; a guilty pleasure.
We've been having trouble with our phone line. Static. Crackling. Humming. At times, the noise is steady but not too over-powering. Other times, I cannot hear the person speaking on the other end through all the noise. I called our phone company today. I get a kick out of the automated answering system that responds to your verbal commands. It makes me wonder how well the system works for people with strong ethnic accents? I have difficulty understanding 'flesh and blood' customer service representatives when English is obviously not their native language. I had to say "agent" four times before the automated system recognized my command! At any rate, I've tried the self-help measures recommended to me, but there is still noise on the line. A service technician will be dropping in sometime tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, the problem is outside the house, or it will cost us.
On the subject of food...I absolutely love McCain's Deep 'n Delicious cakes! McCain's Truly, I could eat the entire cake. Let's be clear on this...I said "could" not "have eaten". It was a special treat to have one of these cakes for dessert when I was growing up. Today, it is still a special treat; a guilty pleasure.
We've been having trouble with our phone line. Static. Crackling. Humming. At times, the noise is steady but not too over-powering. Other times, I cannot hear the person speaking on the other end through all the noise. I called our phone company today. I get a kick out of the automated answering system that responds to your verbal commands. It makes me wonder how well the system works for people with strong ethnic accents? I have difficulty understanding 'flesh and blood' customer service representatives when English is obviously not their native language. I had to say "agent" four times before the automated system recognized my command! At any rate, I've tried the self-help measures recommended to me, but there is still noise on the line. A service technician will be dropping in sometime tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, the problem is outside the house, or it will cost us.
Graduation
Yesterday, I sat in the school gymnasium and watched as nearly a hundred grade six students graduated from elementary school. I'm proud of myself for keeping the tears at bay, and I'm proud of my son. Awards were handed out for the best grade six students in several categories: citizenship, visual & performing arts, athletics, and math. Back when I was in school, only one student received an award. For these awards, ten to seventeen students received a medal in each category.
As a parent, you always want your child to do well. I am no different. As I looked over the award categories, I knew that Sam's hopes of earning an award were slim to none. He has worked hard in school and improved tremendously, but he will never be a top academic student. He enjoys the fine arts, but hasn't been involved beyond the classroom expectations. Math...well, he hates math! Citizenship is an awesome award, but it belongs to those who put themselves 'out there'. Sam isn't that kind of person. His only shot was an athletic award.
As much as I hoped Sam would receive an athletic award, I honestly didn't expect him to get one. He was involved in the running club and played floor hockey after school on Fridays, but he didn't join any extra-curricular sports teams at the school. Still, I had a sliver of hope. Just enough. Every time I would talk to Sam's teachers, they would boast on Sam's athleticism. But, there were still doubts. After all, there are many athletes in the school, and athletes in the school more celebrated. So, I was mildly surprised when Sam's name was called as one of the winner's for athletics!
Way to go, Sam!
As a parent, you always want your child to do well. I am no different. As I looked over the award categories, I knew that Sam's hopes of earning an award were slim to none. He has worked hard in school and improved tremendously, but he will never be a top academic student. He enjoys the fine arts, but hasn't been involved beyond the classroom expectations. Math...well, he hates math! Citizenship is an awesome award, but it belongs to those who put themselves 'out there'. Sam isn't that kind of person. His only shot was an athletic award.
As much as I hoped Sam would receive an athletic award, I honestly didn't expect him to get one. He was involved in the running club and played floor hockey after school on Fridays, but he didn't join any extra-curricular sports teams at the school. Still, I had a sliver of hope. Just enough. Every time I would talk to Sam's teachers, they would boast on Sam's athleticism. But, there were still doubts. After all, there are many athletes in the school, and athletes in the school more celebrated. So, I was mildly surprised when Sam's name was called as one of the winner's for athletics!
Way to go, Sam!
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Grrr!
I love him to bits, but he can push every button I have. He is my middle child; my youngest son. Casey. He's nine going on thirteen. One minute, he is as cuddly as a teddy bear. The next, he is as ornery as a grizzly. Hot and cold. Off and on. Like flipping a switch, he alternates between the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.
He's lying down on his bed right now. It is 3:15pm. Casey is grouchy, cantankerous, and I have had enough. Apparently, Sam has had enough, too. I was trying to send the kids out to deliver their newspapers when this kerfuffle broke out. Sam, in an unexpected display of maturity, asked me to let Casey stay home.
Sam said, "I'd rather do the papers myself than have Casey help when he's acting like this."
Wow. Okay then.
He's lying down on his bed right now. It is 3:15pm. Casey is grouchy, cantankerous, and I have had enough. Apparently, Sam has had enough, too. I was trying to send the kids out to deliver their newspapers when this kerfuffle broke out. Sam, in an unexpected display of maturity, asked me to let Casey stay home.
Sam said, "I'd rather do the papers myself than have Casey help when he's acting like this."
Wow. Okay then.
Hey now, you're an all-star...
Casey made the Mosquito 'A' All-Star team! He's excited. We're excited. It should be another crazy, busy month of baseball. Thankfully, we only have one child playing and one umping. Our schedule shouldn't be too bad. Right?
Our association is hosting this year's provincial championships at the end of July. It is quite possible that I am more excited about provincials than Casey. Regardless of whether our team walks away with any hardware, they will reap an amazing crop of experience and memories. I'm sure they'll have lots of fun, too. What good is winning (or losing) if you aren't having fun in the process?
Our association is hosting this year's provincial championships at the end of July. It is quite possible that I am more excited about provincials than Casey. Regardless of whether our team walks away with any hardware, they will reap an amazing crop of experience and memories. I'm sure they'll have lots of fun, too. What good is winning (or losing) if you aren't having fun in the process?
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Putting Down Roots
Sometimes, I get weird ideas into my head. Sometimes, I allow those tiny seeds to put down roots and push up tender shoots. Eventually, those fledgling ideas are singed beneath the scorching rays of reality and lost amidst the weeds of busyness, procrastination, and uncertainty.
One of those ideas snuck into my head today, while I was attending an appreciation luncheon for parent volunteers at my sons' school. I could be more involved in the school in the fall. Maybe even be a part of the Parent Advisory Council, rather than simply providing cakes for bake sales and raffles. I could do it. Right?
I'd like to think that I could, but I know my strengths and weaknesses. Planning and organizing, I can handle. Knowing what to do, maybe not so well. My kids are finishing grades 6, 4, and 1, yet I am still new to the whole public school system having homeschooled since my oldest began grade 1. This was the first year my boys were in public school. Every activity, every procedure, every step of the year was unfamiliar. Really, there should be more support for people like me, new to a school and all the quirks that go with it. I've learned as the year has progressed, but I still feel like a fish out of water.
I want to be involved in my children's education; that is a major reason why we chose to homeschool. As much as I might envision myself serving as a committee head, I know I don't have what it takes. I am not out-going. I don't know very many people in the school; I don't even know all the teachers. What it all boils down to is my lack of a voice. Oh, I have one and I will use it when necessary. I just don't lead with my voice. I'm a background person; the kind of person who bakes cakes for bake sales and raffles.
With Abby entering the public school for grade two in the fall, I have an opportunity to grow up in the school. Finally. I hope. Being involved and active in my children's school is not a seed so easily crushed, but it will take more time to grow and develop than some.
One of those ideas snuck into my head today, while I was attending an appreciation luncheon for parent volunteers at my sons' school. I could be more involved in the school in the fall. Maybe even be a part of the Parent Advisory Council, rather than simply providing cakes for bake sales and raffles. I could do it. Right?
I'd like to think that I could, but I know my strengths and weaknesses. Planning and organizing, I can handle. Knowing what to do, maybe not so well. My kids are finishing grades 6, 4, and 1, yet I am still new to the whole public school system having homeschooled since my oldest began grade 1. This was the first year my boys were in public school. Every activity, every procedure, every step of the year was unfamiliar. Really, there should be more support for people like me, new to a school and all the quirks that go with it. I've learned as the year has progressed, but I still feel like a fish out of water.
I want to be involved in my children's education; that is a major reason why we chose to homeschool. As much as I might envision myself serving as a committee head, I know I don't have what it takes. I am not out-going. I don't know very many people in the school; I don't even know all the teachers. What it all boils down to is my lack of a voice. Oh, I have one and I will use it when necessary. I just don't lead with my voice. I'm a background person; the kind of person who bakes cakes for bake sales and raffles.
With Abby entering the public school for grade two in the fall, I have an opportunity to grow up in the school. Finally. I hope. Being involved and active in my children's school is not a seed so easily crushed, but it will take more time to grow and develop than some.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Root Canal
Bad news from the dentist. It would appear that the nerves in Casey's tooth are losing their vitality. (That's a gentle way of saying they're on their deathbed!)
Sigh.
Casey needs to take amoxycillin to clear up infection. Next week, we get to visit the dentist again. I think this time will be for the actual root canal. Of course, nothing can ever be cut and dried simple. Because of his age, Casey's tooth poses special problems. The very end of the root hasn't closed up yet like an adult's root would be. So, special stuff (don't ask me to remember the big fancy scientific name) will be filled into the cavity. This stuff has a high pH which will prevent bacteria from invading the tooth until enough time has elapsed for the root to close. At that time, the cavity will be filled with the proper material.
The procedure itself is not too difficult. Certainly, it won't be much different than the process taken to fix Casey's broken tooth in the first place. The biggest challenge will be freezing Casey's tooth. He didn't like it the first time. He definitely won't be the most compliant patient for that procedure again.
Don't fool around on bleachers!
Sigh.
Casey needs to take amoxycillin to clear up infection. Next week, we get to visit the dentist again. I think this time will be for the actual root canal. Of course, nothing can ever be cut and dried simple. Because of his age, Casey's tooth poses special problems. The very end of the root hasn't closed up yet like an adult's root would be. So, special stuff (don't ask me to remember the big fancy scientific name) will be filled into the cavity. This stuff has a high pH which will prevent bacteria from invading the tooth until enough time has elapsed for the root to close. At that time, the cavity will be filled with the proper material.
The procedure itself is not too difficult. Certainly, it won't be much different than the process taken to fix Casey's broken tooth in the first place. The biggest challenge will be freezing Casey's tooth. He didn't like it the first time. He definitely won't be the most compliant patient for that procedure again.
Don't fool around on bleachers!
Adventures in Dentistry
Mother's Day 2005
Casey broke this tooth on Mother's Day, falling on metal bleachers at Abby's baseball game. The dentist fixed the tooth the very next day, and everything was fine. Or, so we thought. Twice since then, Casey has visited the dentist to check on the vitality of his tooth. Is it still alive? So far, it has been doing okay.
The most recent check was last Tuesday. Almost immediately after the visit, Casey began to complain about pain in his tooth. He's been complaining every day since then. Sometimes, the pain isn't too bad. Other times, it brings him to tears. As his mom, I know Casey very well. I know how his emotions work and how he responds to various situations. This one is somewhat unfamiliar. I don't know what to expect with a broken tooth.
I phoned the dentist this morning, and I'll be bringing Casey in shortly after noon. I don't know what the dentist can do about this pain. I don't know if we'll get any answers or information that will ease concerns, but maybe we will. If nothing else, at least we'll have done something.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Casey at the Bat
Casey 2005
Casey's team placed 4th in the year end tournament. While we may not have been the best team, we were certainly the most improved. Just a month ago, we finished last in a tournament. Great work!
Sam's team is also finished, having lost their second game of their play-offs. His team made it farther than we had expected, so we're happy. Again, this team has progressed well through the short season. Good job!
Abby's final tournament is this coming weekend. Hopefully, we'll have good weather. I know we'll have lots of fun.
Casey's hoping to make the Mosquito 'A' All-Star team this year. Try-outs are tomorrow night. If he makes the team, it will mean another month of baseball. At least it would only be one child!
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Soggy Bottom Boys
Baseball in the rain...seems to be a common occurrence.
Casey had an 8am game to open his year-end tournament this morning. It was cold and damp, but the rain held off until mid-way through the game. Sam played at 10:30, and the rain continued. Casey played again at 1pm. More rain.
Casey's team lost the first game but won the second. Both games were good games and close. I don't know who feels the pressure more: the kids or the parents. Casey was on third base with two out at the bottom of the last inning. He stole on a passed ball and scored! Yeah! Of course, he was a mess; wet and muddy. Sam, in comparison, was quite clean and dry.
We have games tomorrow. Two for sure; a slim chance for more. Rain is in the forecast. I feel like a duck.
Quack!
Casey had an 8am game to open his year-end tournament this morning. It was cold and damp, but the rain held off until mid-way through the game. Sam played at 10:30, and the rain continued. Casey played again at 1pm. More rain.
Casey's team lost the first game but won the second. Both games were good games and close. I don't know who feels the pressure more: the kids or the parents. Casey was on third base with two out at the bottom of the last inning. He stole on a passed ball and scored! Yeah! Of course, he was a mess; wet and muddy. Sam, in comparison, was quite clean and dry.
We have games tomorrow. Two for sure; a slim chance for more. Rain is in the forecast. I feel like a duck.
Quack!
Friday, June 17, 2005
Homecoming
Matthew 14:30 "But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, 'Lord, save me!'"
My eldest son is coming home today. The grade 6 students from his school have been in Vancouver and Victoria since Wednesday. Sam has been away from home before and for longer periods of time than this; however, this particular trip was the hardest on me emotionally. At least in the beginning.
The trip itself is not the issue. I know that Sam is having a great time. He's been able to visit a lot of cool places: Science World, the Aquarium, Wax Museum, Naval Base, to name a few. He's been excited about this trip since first learning of it way back in September. Except for one thing-the ferry ride.
Sam hates water. He finally passed level one in swimming lessons after 4 years of lessons. After we purchased one of those big inflatable pools last summer, he reached a level of comfort in the water, but he knows his limits. Those limits do not extend very far. He needs time and space to work up his confidence and courage. Peer pressure cannot entice him into the water. Bribes won't do the trick either. It has to be on his terms. So, the ferry was a serious concern for Sam. He'd never been on a ferry before, and ferries travel over big bodies of water. However, as the trip drew closer, his anxieties diminished though not completely.
Still, I wasn't concerned about the ferry. I made sure his teachers were aware of his phobia, and they promised to keep that in mind. Fear began to nibble on my heart last week after a tour bus was involved in a nasty accident on the Coquihalla Highway. My son's class would be traveling on two tour buses. On the same highway. Then, Tuesday night as I was going over last minute details with Sam, we heard a news report of a tsunami watch for Vancouver Island. Sam's eyes widened and his mouth opened as if to say, "Uh oh." My eyes widened and my heart skipped a beat. My son would be on Vancouver Island on Thursday. Admittedly, I've never been to the Island and am not familiar with the geography of the area, but I'm sure that a tsunami on the west coast of the island would still affect Victoria. We were greatly relieved to hear the tsunami watch being cancelled a short time later, but the seeds of fear had already taken root.
It was difficult to see my son off on Wednesday morning; not that I would have kept him home or made a scene in front of his classmates. I didn't even allow Sam to see just how hard this good-bye was for me, although I always let him know how much I love him. Even if it makes him scrunch up his face into a grimace. I chose to walk Sam to school at 5:45 that morning rather than driving the two blocks to get there. I knew I would appreciate the extra time on the way home to pray and compose myself.
When our children were babies, we dedicated them to the Lord. We gave them back to Him, knowing that they really do belong to Him. What I have come to realize is that this giving our children back to the Lord is a regular occurrence and not just a one time deal. I may not consciously offer my kids up to God every day, but I certainly am faced with that every time the kids face a "big" situation. Like this one. Accidents, tsunamis, and phobias are big enough to create fear within me. I can't lock my child in a room for the rest of his life, but I can place him firmly into the hands of the One who loves him far more than I ever could. The One who gave me Sam is the very one who created Sam and has a purpose and plan for his life. A wonderful plan. A hope and a future.
My eldest son is coming home today. The grade 6 students from his school have been in Vancouver and Victoria since Wednesday. Sam has been away from home before and for longer periods of time than this; however, this particular trip was the hardest on me emotionally. At least in the beginning.
The trip itself is not the issue. I know that Sam is having a great time. He's been able to visit a lot of cool places: Science World, the Aquarium, Wax Museum, Naval Base, to name a few. He's been excited about this trip since first learning of it way back in September. Except for one thing-the ferry ride.
Sam hates water. He finally passed level one in swimming lessons after 4 years of lessons. After we purchased one of those big inflatable pools last summer, he reached a level of comfort in the water, but he knows his limits. Those limits do not extend very far. He needs time and space to work up his confidence and courage. Peer pressure cannot entice him into the water. Bribes won't do the trick either. It has to be on his terms. So, the ferry was a serious concern for Sam. He'd never been on a ferry before, and ferries travel over big bodies of water. However, as the trip drew closer, his anxieties diminished though not completely.
Still, I wasn't concerned about the ferry. I made sure his teachers were aware of his phobia, and they promised to keep that in mind. Fear began to nibble on my heart last week after a tour bus was involved in a nasty accident on the Coquihalla Highway. My son's class would be traveling on two tour buses. On the same highway. Then, Tuesday night as I was going over last minute details with Sam, we heard a news report of a tsunami watch for Vancouver Island. Sam's eyes widened and his mouth opened as if to say, "Uh oh." My eyes widened and my heart skipped a beat. My son would be on Vancouver Island on Thursday. Admittedly, I've never been to the Island and am not familiar with the geography of the area, but I'm sure that a tsunami on the west coast of the island would still affect Victoria. We were greatly relieved to hear the tsunami watch being cancelled a short time later, but the seeds of fear had already taken root.
It was difficult to see my son off on Wednesday morning; not that I would have kept him home or made a scene in front of his classmates. I didn't even allow Sam to see just how hard this good-bye was for me, although I always let him know how much I love him. Even if it makes him scrunch up his face into a grimace. I chose to walk Sam to school at 5:45 that morning rather than driving the two blocks to get there. I knew I would appreciate the extra time on the way home to pray and compose myself.
When our children were babies, we dedicated them to the Lord. We gave them back to Him, knowing that they really do belong to Him. What I have come to realize is that this giving our children back to the Lord is a regular occurrence and not just a one time deal. I may not consciously offer my kids up to God every day, but I certainly am faced with that every time the kids face a "big" situation. Like this one. Accidents, tsunamis, and phobias are big enough to create fear within me. I can't lock my child in a room for the rest of his life, but I can place him firmly into the hands of the One who loves him far more than I ever could. The One who gave me Sam is the very one who created Sam and has a purpose and plan for his life. A wonderful plan. A hope and a future.
Here I Am
I have been blogging elsewhere for a time, but stumbled across blogger.com recently. Yesterday, I set up a blog here for my creative writing endeavors. While I haven't actually posted any writing there yet, I was quite pleased with the set up and ease of using blogger. I was tempted to start up an everyday kind of blog...and here I am. Whether or not I continue with two blogs, or downsize back to one, will be determined at a later date.
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