Indecision

So the thing with having a teenager is that they just don't know what they want to do with their life.

In the past 10 months, the Boy has changed his mind numerous times about his post-high school life...

• Prior to graduating, he had enrolled into the local university for Business Management 
• Then a couple of weeks before graduation, he decided he wanted to go into the Marine Corps (OOH RAH!)  He was put on a "Med Hold", and after a few weeks decided to not join the Marines
• Enrolled in the local community college for Law Enforcement 
• A couple weeks later, he decided to stick it out with the Marines after all
• After a 7 month long, drawn out "med hold" at MEPS, he again decided to not join the Marine Corps
• Re-enrolled in the local community college for Law Enforcement
• NOW he has decided to go back and re-enroll with the local university for Business Management

To say we are a little frustrated with this kid is an understatement.  My patience has been stretched to the limit.  He continues to work at the local burger joint, usually getting 35-40 hours a week, and has just been promoted to Supervisor.  When he's not at work, he's usually in his room playing video games.  If we don't push him, I can see him being 35 yrs old, still living at home with mom and dad, still flipping burgers and playing video games.  Somebody help me light a fire under this kid's butt.

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Life Keeps Rolling On

1.  My first born, my baby boy, is now a high school graduate.  I blinked, and he grew up.  The day after graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps.  His tentative ship date is Nov 4th.  I am so, so proud of the young man he has become.  We did something right in 18 years of parenting...  I'm not sure what or how, but we managed to raise a respectful, intelligent, funny, productive, honest, caring young man.

2.  My second born, my baby girl, will be a high school Junior in the fall.  This year she joined Special Olympics and competed in Basket Ball and in Swimming.  She had fun during practices, but would panic and freeze when it came time for competition.  She'd have a rough start each time, but would rally and come back full force during competition.  She enjoyed it and was proud of herself at the end of the day.  As were we.

3.  Megan was also diagnosed with PCOS last fall.  (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)  She was prescribed a couple of meds, and it seems to have corrected the issue.  Now if we can figure out a way to fix her "teenage hormonal" attitude.  *snort*

4.  My mom, who is fighting breast cancer, is doing really well.  For the past 18 months she's been taking one pill a day, and it keeps the tumors from growing.

5.  My dad was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer.  He started chemo last week, and is feeling good so far.  After his chemo, he will have surgery to remove his bladder and prostate, and will learn to live life with a "bag".  It's been a bit overwhelming learning that BOTH parents have cancer at the same time.  I thank God every single day that I'm here and able to support them as they fight their battles.

6.  Megan will be having oral surgery next week to remove two baby teeth that have fused to her jaw and three adult teeth that are impacted and growing in wonky directions.  All five teeth will be removed, and she will then get a partial denture.

7.  Dave and I are looking forward to going out to San Diego for Christopher's Boot Camp Graduation early next year.  Tentatively, it looks like it will be in February.  I think we'll take a few extra days and spend some time in the SoCal area... maybe go to the San Diego Zoo or DisneyLand.

8.  My beloved van died.  ....so sad....  But I downsized to a car, and now have a 5-speed Hyundai Elantra.... and it gets GREAT gas mileage!  What a nice change.  And it's a super fun little car to drive.

Happy Summer!!

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I Did Not Fall Off the Edge of the World

I guess I haven't posted in a while.  Life has kind of gotten away from me.  
Here are some pictures of what we've been doing:

A little yard work:

Dave got a job:  

(My own personal Coke Dealer  *snort*)

We hung out outside:

We danced to live music on the deck at the Tiki Bar:

We made some improvements in the bathroom:

The "Before"

Almost done!

The "After"

New light fixture, new mirror, new sink fixtures, and fresh paint

We hung out at my brother's on the Lake:

Fishing off the dock

Dave & Megan kayaking

Dave contemplating retirement

We went to the MHS Homecoming Football game:

We got a new puppy:

She chewed up two pillows

We installed laminate flooring in kitchen & dining room

We also removed the wall paper and gave it fresh coat of paint.

Abby-dawg tried to help

Finished!

We went to Pleasant Valley Tree Farm 

We picked out pumpkins, walked through the haunted forest, 

made it through the corn maze, and went on a hayride

Christopher got a job at Culver's

I went to Boston to visit a friend:

Old North Church

(One if by land, two if by sea...)

Berklee Music School  :)

We stopped by Cheers for a drink

JFK Presidential Library and Museum

Dave put up a clothesline for me!

I've wanted one for 20 years!!

We painted.
A lot.

The living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, hallway, and two bedrooms:

Megan now has a  PINK  bedroom, which is something she has *always* wanted!

Megan got a haircut:

Something new for her: a shag

We Celebrated Halloween:

Abby puppy also:

Chewed up a cell phone charger, some Barbie shoes, the couch, an extension cord, a couple
pairs of socks, our Green Bay Packer blanket, a computer power cord, one right shoe.
It's a good thing she's cute!

It's been a good summer.  :)

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Nov 9

(This is a monthly challenge:  I am posting EACH DAY for things that I am thankful for during the month of November.)




I am thankful for quiet time with my 15 year old son.  


It usually happens after his sister goes to bed...


 And we sit quietly and just talk...  


And hang out...  


And re-connect.








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Nov 3

I'm thankful that I'm a stay at home mom... especially when one of my kids is home sick from school.

At least he's not totally bored... He's texting with a friend who is also sick at home.




















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Growth

I took the son tonight to buy him some jeans as he had none.  It's getting a little cool'ish here, and it's time to move on from shorts to long pants. 


I sent him in to try on a pair of 32x30... he comes out and says "too small and too short".  


I send him in with a 34x32... they fit him perfectly.  But he's still growing and I know they won't fit him by Christmas.  


So for kicks and giggles, I sent him in with a 36x34, thinking they'd be way too big for him...  THEY. FIT.  *shocked*  That is the same size his father wears.  


My 15 yr old son and my husband can now share their pants/trousers.     

My child is almost no longer a child...    ***sigh***

"Train up a child in the way he should go:

And when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6






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Here I am

Sooooo... we're a military family, facing the transition into civilian life. After nearly 25 years of service, Hubby is preparing to retire.

I'm so blessed to have been able to stay at home for the past 16 years. Although, it has required many sacrifices. It has meant used cars, trips to the thrift store, no fabulous home theater system, no vacations to exotic destinations... but it has been so completely worth it.

Child #1 will be 16 soon, and he is in drivers ed. (Be *very* scared!)

Child #2 is a Freshman in high school.  And she has Down syndrome.

We are your typical Catholic family (minus about 11 kids! *snort*), and I speak of our faith often. It is a part of our daily lives, not just a one-hour time commitment on Sunday morning. If I tell you I am praying for you, you can count on it. I keep you in my daily prayers.

Hubby and I are both originally from Wisconsin (I like COWS!), and we miss it terribly. We used to think we'd be retiring back to the Motherland, but now I'm not so sure. It's true what they say, "You can never go home again". :(

Because I'm totally lazy, this is copied directly from my facebook page:

My husband is my best friend.  I love books & bookstores.  I treat myself to a vanilla latte from Starbucks every once in awhile. I like to play games... Scrabble, Pictionary, Clue, and Trivial Pursuit are a few of my favorites.  Clowns scare me.  I am Irish & German. I enjoy hanging out with friends... especially catching up with those that I haven't seen in a while. My faith is an important part of my life.  Mexican food is my weakness.  I love Sudoku.  I miss Wisconsin terribly.  Sometimes I *snort* when I laugh. I hope to own a couple of horses someday.  I love spending as much time with my family as possible.  Guinness makes me *happy*.  I play the flute... and I'm not too bad.  I'd kill for my kids.  I bleed Green & Gold (Go Packers!).  I enjoy hunting, although haven't done it in YEARS.  Cinderella is my favorite Disney Princess.  We are a MAC family.  I LOVE bacon. (Love it. That can not be overstated!)  Hubby and I met in the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps.  Lilacs are my favorite flower.  I get along great with my parents.  I am a night owl, and hate getting up in the morning. When I grow up I want to be a NICU/PICU nurse.  I hate spiders. *full body shudder*  I want to visit Ireland.  As long as I'm in Ireland, I might as well visit Scotland, too.  Belgium, Germany, Austria, & Switzerland are also on my list.  My parents have been married for over 50 years.  I can hold a grudge for a very LONG time.  I think peanut butter & pickle sandwiches are yummy.  Green is my favorite color.  I was a cheerleader in high school.  I grew up on a farm.  Wonder Woman is my favorite superhero.  I am child #4 out of 5.  I love the snow, and everything involved with snow.  There's nothing better than a blizzard...  ....except maybe a big, 'ole thunderstorm. I am very blessed. "The LORD bless and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

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