Wednesday, May 28, 2008

In lieu of a title...

Hi everyone!

The month of May, as well as the 2007-08 school year is quickly coming to a close. I can hardly believe how quickly time has passed by. I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend. We certainly did, spending some family time at the lake and on the water.

Zack’s national debate tournament (in Wisconsin) was this past weekend. It was a looong weekend – the six students and three chaperones left at 8:30 Thursday morning, and didn’t make it back home til after midnight Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, none of the team members placed in the tournament, which means that the Vegas tournament for Zack (and his dad getting to chaperone the trip) won’t happen. Honestly though, I think it is a blessing in disguise, because at the tail end of the long trip to Wisconsin, Zack is heading to Niagara Falls, Canada with the youth choir next week. They are going to be gone for eight days, and are blessed to do some mission work while they are there. They will be working on and repairing homes of seniors with fixed incomes. They will also perform a couple of concerts at different churches while they are there. I thought that maybe we could make this into a family vacation when I first learned of this trip. I thought Michael would be long-settled into a job again by now, alas, it is not meant to be. To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement.

Speaking of Michael’s job – he is just beginning the job hunt. He’s at a time in his life that he knows he can’t go back to being on the road like he used to. But by the same token, he’s just unsure what his career goals should be. The doctor told him that he could give him the go ahead – to seek employment – at any time by giving him the official medical release, but wanted to let him do some therapy on his own first (non-ordered) to see if his progress would regress, impede, or continue to improve. Ironically, his knee has begun to bother him a bit more in recent days – and he’s trying to decide if he should call the orthopedist to examine him. The knee was injured in the accident when the bottom of his thigh bone actually came through the kneecap. Up to now, he’s made good progress where his knee is concerned. I’m thinking he’ll be making an appt. in the next few days if it doesn’t improve.

My trip to Colorado was wonderful. The bonding my sister and I were able to do while I was visiting is irreplaceable. We had a fantastic time. I was honored to be able to watch my nephew graduate from high school. I want to post some pictures, but haven’t had the time (or energy, lately) to download them to my laptop. I’ll attempt to post some soon – but can’t promise when that might be!

We had parents’ night for orientation to middle school a couple of weeks ago, and it made me sad to think that my baby is heading toward adulthood so fast. He is excited about this new venture, and can’t wait to be in Band, so he can play music. He’s done hand bells at church for two years now, but now wants to spread his wings and learn a new instrument. Zack’s girlfriend has volunteered to tutor him this summer in a couple of instruments to see which he may be interested in.

Friday is the last day of school for the boys. Zack exempted all but one of his semester finals and is finished except to take that exam tomorrow afternoon. We all have a busy weekend ahead – two graduation barbecues as well as a graduation ceremony. Arrie, Zack’s girlfriend, is graduating, and her parents have invited us over in the afternoon on Saturday for a cookout. The ceremony begins at 7:00.

I guess that’s it for now, with the exception of having to buy a new grill. On our old one the burners finally burned through, so we had to put it out by the street. I guess Michael will be getting his Father’s Day gift a little early. We got to be able to do the summer cookouts, right?

Until next time!

Friday, May 02, 2008

Miscellaneous

I guess I’m slipping back into my old ways…and that being I’m neglecting my blog. This part of the year is so very busy for us, as we begin to wrap up the school year; i.e., final exams, AP exams, cramming, award ceremonies, etc. The sports and hand bell practices continue for Aaron – so our schedules begin to get crunched, thus the reason for abandoning this website.

I figured I owed my blog (and the few readers I have left) an update.

After my doctor ordered a CT scan of the head following four sinus infections in as many months, everything turned out “normal” – good? Yes, but now we still can’t figure out why I continue to get them. At the moment, things have settled down – I don’t feel bad. The regimen of meds I’m currently on are and have been helping now for over two weeks (fingers crossed). Let’s hope that trend continues.

Prom night turned out great. Everyone had a good time. Arrie’s parents didn’t have to send anyone home for getting out of hand. NO ONE got more than an hour of sleep. I believe Zack is still attempting to catch up on his. I think Zack’s respect grew immensely for us letting him be allowed to be part of that night away.

Aaron’s middle school orientation is next week – OMG – I don’t think I’m ready for this. Middle school? Where has my baby gone? He is looking forward to having a bit more freedom educationally – and having multiple class changes (as well as teachers) during the day. He is also looking forward to riding the bus. We’ve always lived too close to school for him to be allowed to ride, so he’s always been dropped off and picked up by us.

He said he was also very interested in being a part of the drama club – which I think is great. Aaron is a part of the cast in a musical at our church this evening. I take this latest statement to mean that he’s taking this gig more serious than first thought. It’s his first real “part” in acting and he is responsible for 8 or 9 lines. I think I’m more nervous than he is.

Zack is scheduled for the Scholastic Aptitude Testing (SAT) exam tomorrow morning. He is required to be there at 7:45. That should be interesting to say the least. He is SO not a morning person that boy. He’ll just need to go to bed by 10:00 tonight to ensure he gets a good night’s rest.

Our belated anniversary trip to Savannah will begin about the time Zack gets out of the bed in the morning. Our plan is to be out of the house and gone by 6:30. His girlfriend will be taking him (along with her sister, who is also taking the exam) to the testing site. Zack will be taken somewhere else to spend the night away, while Aaron will be with Arrie overnight. I’m looking forward to this trip in so many ways. The wedding we’re attending is at 4:00, so we’ll have some time to just hang out and sight see before the ceremony. We’ll be home on Sunday evening.

I still owe an entry on Zack’s college search. I promise it will still be written.

Until next time.