Our new president?

Alison's school (a 4th and 5th grade center) voted yesterday and if they are right, later tonight we'll find out that Obama is our new president. 89% voted for him! Alison had made a poster for her choice of candidate: Braco Bama! How cute is that? All day I've been giggling about that.

The other day Rachel and I were commiserating about our eyes. She and I have the same extremely hooded eyes. Mine are much worse than hers, but she has the same issues w/ not being able to see eye shadow, top eyelid liner and smudging mascara if you don't keep your eye open, yet tilted until it's dry. I told her that she should just wait 'til she's 40 like me and then she'll really have something to complain about. Her response? "Wait!!! My eyes are going to look like that?" As if I'm some hideous monster! I have teased her mercilessly since.

Thornton and I have been attending a seminar at church called Financial Peace University. It's a Christian based financial and budgeting program by Dave Ramsey. We're not in financial trouble...we don't have any credit card debt at all. We have one car payment that we're going to pay off shortly after the first of the year, and our mortgage. That's it. So, in many ways, we're in good shape. But, we don't always know where our money goes, you know? Anyway, we've been budgeting better, spending only cash on groceries, gas, entertainment, clothes, etc. It's hard....and the kids don't always understand when we can't buy things they might want, but in the long run, it's going to be worth it.

Here's a picture of Millie on Halloween:



How cute is that??

Is it normal?

Ok...you can be honest w/ me, but is it normal to talk to your dog while you're on a walk? Millie and I walk 3-4 times a day. She needs some of her puppy energy walked out of her and I, well....I need the exercist. Anyway, while we're out, if I see a bird or a squirrel or anything, I point it out to her. It recently dawned on me that perhaps that's weird.

Also, since I work from home and am often home alone, I have realized that when I have to go to the bathroom, I will unbutton my pants and start to pull them down before I'm even in the bathroom. I figure that since no one's at home, why not? Of course, I live in fear of the time I forget and pull my pants down in front of one of the kid's friends.

Oh...and talking to complete strangers...is that normal? Like yesterday, Thornton and I were in Taco Bell (for the Fresco steak soft tacos..they are actually healthy!) and there was this dude who had like 12 tacos on his tray. We were both getting our sauce at the same time and I asked him if he was going to eat it all by himself. Like it's any of my business. Then, apparently I laughed my loud laugh. At least that's what Thornton told me. That's when it dawned on me that I must be a huge embarrassment to my family. Just think of when I get older and even less inhibited? I bet my kids already have a plan in place to put me in a home...LOL!

Long overdue update

I've been away for a long time. I keep meaning to type an update, but it just didn't happen. Lots has happened since my last post and our lives won't be the same because of it.

My dear mother in law passed away on July 10th quite unexpectedly. She was supposed to join Thornton, Alison and I as we went out to Virginia to pick up Rachel from her 3 week ballet summer intensive at the Virginia School of the Arts. Around 1:30 in the morning, my FIL called sobbing. He just kept repeating, "Mom's dead". I screamed. Thornton, who had fallen asleep on the couch downstairs, heard me. He rushed over to his Dad's house, just 2 blocks away. I was left in the house w/ a sleeping child and a broken heart. Everyone who knows me knows that my MIL was my mother figure. I have a mother and but we aren't close. We're polite, but I don't get from her what I need from a mother. Mom (my MIL) filled this role for me, and she was one of my confidantes.

Thornton returned home to tell me that his dad was trying to sleep. It was 5 in the morning and we knew we couldn't sleep. So we talked and waited w/ dread having to tell Alison that her grandma had died. All the kids were very close to grandma, but grandma "got" Ali in a way that sometimes none of us could, because she had raised a child like her in Thornton. When we told Alison, she didn't cry, she just put her head down and said nothing. We went over to Dad's and the next days were full of the busyness that accompanies a death. Thornton had to fly out to Oklahoma where Patrick's baseball team was playing to retrieve him. I ended up flying alone to Virginia to tell Rachel and bring her home.

Mom's memorial service was perfect. Over 350 people attended. There were people there that I just couldn't have expected to come, yet they came nonetheless. Patrick spoke about his love for his grandma and read what Rachel had written. I spoke about some of the lessons I had learned from Mom. Somehow I got through it w/out breaking down in tears.

Now, we are trying to adjust to life w/out her. Dad works 2-3 days a week out of town. He stays at the lake house that they own about an hour away from here. He returned to work after 2 weeks and said that it felt like the right thing to do. When he's gone, we keep their German Shepherd, Woofie, and their cat, Missy. I feel like I'm somehow being forced to grow up. That seems strange, because I'm not an immature person, but I've had to deal w/ things I didn't feel prepared to handle....and I handled them. Like I said, it's a whole different world now.

I have a strong faith, and that hasn't changed. I love God with all my heart and I don't question His ways. I miss Mom like crazy and long for the day when I'll see her again. But, in the mean time, I've got work to do here on earth. It's just that some days, it's easier to do that work than other days.

50 years

Tomorrow is my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. Thornton and I will be driving up to Chicago for a dinner in their honor tomorrow night, spending the night and attending church with them Sunday morning. I wish I could say that I'm looking forward to going. I love my parents...really I do...but they are so difficult. Most couples that celebrate the amazing milestone of being married for 50 years share a love story that's worth retelling. My parents, well, not so much. I mean, I can't even begin to recount the number of times my dad threatened divorce to my mom while I was growing up. They used to fight all the time. It got to the point growing up where I almost wished they'd get a divorce rather than fight all the time. My stomach used to be in knots constantly when they'd start to fight. Ugh...I just hated it.

Now, I guess they are happy. It's hard to tell, because they're not the kind of people to say "I Love You" ever. But, they are together all the time, so they must at least enjoy each other's company. And, I'm glad for that.

I'm worried that they are going to expect me to give a speech of some sort tomorrow night. I mean, what do I say? I always have trouble finding a Mother's Day card or Father's Day card that isn't all mushy with phrases like "You've meant the world to me" or "I'm the person I am today because of you", because quite frankly, they ring a little untrue.

But, again, 50 years...that's a long time. And, I know that they are looking forward to the party very much. I hope it's a wonderful evening for everyone.

Rachel and Alison left today to drive to Virginia w/ my in-laws. Rachel is due at the Virginia School of the Arts on Sunday to begin her 3 week ballet intensive on Monday. She's so excited!! She's going to have a great time and will love spending so much time with other girls that share her passion. She'll be living in a dorm, which will be a fun experience, too. I'll miss her like crazy, but at least she'll have a phone, so I can talk to her daily. We'll meet up w/ my in-law's and Alison on Thursday in Indianapolis for another of Patrick's baseball tournaments.

Patrick is in St. Louis this weekend for a tourney. It's only 90 miles away, but because of other commitments, and having to head up north tomorrow, we're not able to go. I know he likes hanging out w/ his team mates at the hotel and being "on his own", but it just makes me realize all the more that we only have him at home for 3 more years.

Human piggy bank?

Last night we were all hanging out at church and Alison came to me and said that she had swallowed a quarter and she felt it stuck just above her stomach. I quickly took her to a friend of ours who is a nurse and was also at church and she said we better take Ali to the hospital because quarters are big and it might be trouble. Thornton and I just assumed that it would pass, but thought we better heed the instructions we were given, especially since Alison was having pain.

On the way to the hospital, she started having lots of pain and really freaking out. It was all I could do to keep driving while trying to calm her breathing down. We got to the ER and it was packed. Seriously, we were like the 7-8th person in line for ONE registrar. And, not a person in front of us appeared to have any visible problem or was in distress in any way. Alison was really in pain by now, but we waited. I just didn't know if I should create a scene or not and no body seemed to think she ought to have their spot in line. Once we finally saw the registrar, we got sent back to a room immediately.

Everyone was so nice to us, but, as we all know, nothing moves quickly in a hospital. We finally got her x-rayed and eventually found out that the coin was indeed stuck in her esophagus and wouldn't pass on it's own. Thornton arrived just as they were putting the IV in. I'm so glad he did, because Alison is a Daddy's girl through and through and she needed her daddy there. And, I needed him there, because I was trying not to let her see that I was crying too.

A Pediatric GI doctor was paged and we were told that she would need surgery to remove the coin under general anethesia. They put a scope down her throat and remove the coin w/ a tiny pair of tweezer like things. Thankfully they gave Alison some medicine to help relax her before they took her back for surgery. And, did it ever work!! She was loopy! She thought it was hysterical that everyone had four eyes, two noses and two mouths.

The surgery itself took less than 10 minutes. She woke up in recovery very slowly, but was fine to be taken home. We got home around 1:30 a.m. She's still sleeping this morning.

Oh, and in case you care....it was an Iowa Quarter. :-)

1 heart - 3 locations

My heart is split right now between three locations. Alison has been at camp since Sunday and will be there until Friday. I miss her like crazy, but from the letters we've received, she's having a blast. She's such a strong little thing....I never could've gone away for 2 weeks at a camp 5 1/2 hours away when I didn't know a soul. And she'll only turn 9 in a couple of weeks!

Patrick and Thornton are in Indianapolis at a baseball tournament w/ Patrick's team. They got in one game yesterday and won. Patrick pitched a 2 hitter! I'm so proud of him...especially because they are playing big-time teams in this tournament that have National ball playing experience. They got rained out last night and it's raining there now. So, who knows when I'll get them home.

Rachel is here at home w/ me, but she's had a friend over since 9 a.m. yesterday morning. They are still sleeping, of course! So, I was kind of lonely yesterday. I am so proud of my kids to be such strong, independent kids, because that's how we want them to be. But, as a mom, who has spent 15 1/2 years raising kids so far, it's hard to not be needed quite so much as time goes by.

Thank goodness for the puppy!

A good day for Ali

Yesterday, I was armed for a fight w/ Alison, and it never happened! She got off the bus in a great mood. I matter of factly told her that she would be riding along w/ me to drop Rachel off at dance, and then she and I would go to the mall, get some dinner, and buy a few gifts for parties Rachel is going to. She started to get upset, but I just ignored her. I actually even walked out of the room. She decided, I guess to just accept the plans. Then Thornton offered for her to go w/ him to The Hitting Center of a few hours, then to church. She gladly accepted that option. Later in the evening, she and Thornton stopped by to see his parents and she apologized to Grandma w/out us having to ask her to.

Tonight she is going to my in-law's lake house w/ Thornton's brother and his family for the entire weekend. I know I'll miss the little bugger while she's gone, but maybe some time away will be good for all of us.

The terrible 8's?

Alison has been a real pill lately. She is just so disagreeable. She will get something set in her head and if what she wants isn't realized, she'll throw a fit. It really is hard to be around her sometimes. Yesterday, Patrick had a double header and I was going to go to that with Rachel. I had to leave his game 1/2 way through to take Rach to dance. I gave Ali the option of coming w/ me (although we wouldn't be home 'til 9 or so), going to church w/ Thornton, which is usually what she does and enjoys, or going to Grandma's house for the evening. She said that she wanted to go to the game, but wanted to take Millie, our puppy, with her. Well, that just wasn't going to work, because we'd be gone so long, and Millie is a puppy. Alison just couldn't understand that and threw a fit. I explained to her that I had tried very hard to give her 3 good options for the evening and it was very frustrating to me to have her upset when I was trying to make her happy. She finally decided to choose to go to Grandma's house.

After about an hour, I got a call from Grandma saying that Alison was being unreasonable and asking what she should do. Apparently, Grandma was wanting to take Ali to dinner, since she didn't have food to eat in the house and Alison didn't want to go. And, yes, of course, she threw a fit. I had Grandma take her to Thornton at church. Ugh! It's so frustrating.

When I picked Ali up at church I tried talking to her about how I understood that sometimes she gets shuffled around due to Patrick's baseball and Rachel's dance schedules, but that we really did try hard to have good things for her to do. I told her that it is never appropriate for her to be so disagreeable to adults, especially her grandparents. I have no idea if I got through to her...I'm guessing not.

I wish I knew the answer for what would work w/ this kid.

Back to "normal"

Thornton's parents returned home from their 6 weeks in Florida on Sunday. We have been keeping their German Shepherd and cat while they were gone. We did settle into a nice routine w/ Woofie (their dog) and Millie (our puppy), but it wasn't always easy. Woofie is, well...he's a big dog. He was always in the way. We live in a split level house and his favorite sleeping spot was right inside the front door or at the top of the steps. Neither place was especially convenient because he was always in the way. But, God bless him, he put up w/ Millie like a champ, so I really have little to complain about. Millie was constantly in his face or nipping at his heels. Now that Woofie is back home, my in-laws report that he is depressed and misses his little friend. Awww....

We signed Alison up for a 2 week camp this summer. She'll be going to Kanakuk, a Christian sports camp in the Ozarks near Branson, MO. She'll love it. She so needs things to do and she often gets a bit lost in the shuffle w/ Patrick's baseball and Rach's dance. The camp is at the beginning of the summer, so that should start her summer off great!

My parents were down this weekend for a short visit and to see Rachel in her Junior High musical. My parents look so old lately. Granted, the *are* old (80 and 78), but wow, lately...it just seems to be that they age so much every time I see them. My parents are, and always have been, very critical people. Poor Patrick has his driving learner's permit and is really proud and excited to drive. But, my dad had to cut him down and tell him that he didn't stop properly at a stop sign. It wasn't constructive criticism, it was mean-spirited "I know best" criticism. I explained to Patrick that that's just how Grandpa is, but I could tell it hurt him.

I have been trying to eat healthier and lose weight since September. Since then, I have lost 65 pounds. The big joke has been that my parents haven't noticed yet! When I was heavier, you better believe that Mom would ask me every time she saw me if I'd lost any weight, but now that I have....nothing! At church on Sunday, someone came up to me to tell me how great I was looking. My mom was standing right there, and she finally said, "have you lost some weight?" All I said was, "yeah"....and she didn't persue the conversation any more. Too much!

I always tell Thornton that he's darn lucky that I'm half as normal as I am after growing up w/ my parents!

Driving!

Patrick got his Learner's Permit on Friday! What shocks me is that while he is in Driver's Ed in school right now, he had absolutely no experience behind the wheel before he got his permit. In fact, he is only taking the classroom portion of Driver's Ed right now and won't take behind-the-wheel until he's about ready to turn 16. In the meantime, they turn these kids loose w/ their parents to start getting their 50 hours of required time spent behind the wheel!

I'm sure some kids are nervous about driving and don't want to start out driving right off the bat. Not our kid! He has already logged close to 2 hours of driving just since Friday evening. He's actually doing quite well. I am really proud of him. He's even driving through a drive through already.

I'm just wondering when the novelty of driving will wear off. When I think of the amount of time I spend driving the kids to and from their activities, believe me, the last thing I get excited about is driving!

Those were the days

I turned 40 a couple of weeks ago. Here's the thing...there was no trauma, no wringing of hands. I'm totally OK w/ it. I know that my 40's are going to be amazing. I like the person who I am, and I know that the person I'm going to become (at least I hope I continue to evolve and grow) will be even better. I'm finally becoming comfortable in my skin.

Alison was changing for dance in the van the other day and she was sitting there essentially fully unclothed while she put her tights on. My child is not shy! Rachel looked at Alison and said, "I sure miss those days." I asked her what she meant and she said, "you know...the days when I was completely flat on top and could just change anywhere". Mind you, Rachel has the equivalent of a small A-cup!

A little shameless bragging now: Rachel auditioned for and got accepted to a 3 week summer ballet intensive in Lynchburg, Virginia! She auditioned kind of as a fluke and more for the experience than anything else. But, she got in!! So, now we have to deal w/ sending her away for 3 weeks, which she'll love and we'll dread. I'm so proud of her!

Patrick finished up baseball tryouts for the high school team yesterday. They post the list today, but we know he made it. He's hoping to get to play JV or potentially a few Varsity games this year (he's a freshman). The fact that there's still snow on the ground makes it a little hard to imagine playing ball anytime soon, but hope springs eternal that the days will soon start warming up.

Wow...it's been forever!

It's really been a long time since I've blogged. No reason, 'cept for life. But, life is good! The whole family, save for Alison, are completely, whole-heartedly ready for winter to be over. Alison, is, as I type, out sledding w/ her friend. Ahhh....to be young! Granted, I'd be out with her, too, if I wasn't so tired of being cold.

We have a new addition to our family. She's an adorable 12 week old shih tzu named Millie. We weren't planning on getting another dog after we got rid of Mia, our Husky, but we were blessed w/ the offer of a free puppy and it just seemed right. And, it is! She's a sweetie and has stolen all of our hearts. Potty training is going well, but I've forgotten what it's like to be so invested in someone else's bodily functions! Heck, Alison was potty trained 6 years ago...so it's been a while! I'll post a picture when I have more time.

I'll type more later...I promise...but I've got to run now.

Trying not to stress

I had a big time panic moment the other evening when I realized all I had to get accomplished this weekend. Here's the schedule:

Saturday: 10 - 12 All 3 kids have practice at church for Christmas show
12 - 3 Rachel has Nutcracker practice
3 - 6 Shop for hosting Fellowship hour at church tomorrow, buy Patrick's b-day cake, wrap his presents, make cheeseball for Fellowship hour
6 Patrick's birthday party

Sunday: 8:15 church
9:30 Host Fellowship hour
11:00 Sing for 3rd service
12 - 3 Rachel has Nutcracker practice
3 - 6 Get ready for Jr. high Christmas party that we're in charge of
6-8 Christmas party

Then, next week is tech week for The Nutcracker, so Rach and I will be out at the Auditorium every night. I'm on the sewing committee. She gets to dance two parts this year, so she's in both acts, so it'll be long evening. Next weekend is the show.

It's all stuff I love, but sometimes it occurs to me that I volunteer for way too much!

Off to wrap presents!

Whoa....it's been a long time!

Wow...I didn't realize it had been so long since I'd blogged. I *think* about blogging a lot, I just don't seem to get around to it.

Last weekend we gave our Husky, Mia, away. We've known for a while that we needed to do it, but we just kept putting it off. She needed somewhere to run where she'd have more room. She was able to get out of our fenced backyard and our neighborhood has a very strict leash law, so it just didn't work. Anyway, she's now living in Indiana and we think she's probably very happy.

Our cat, Ozzie, actually seems to miss Mia. For the first few days Ozzie walked around whining (more than his usual!). He kept going into the downstairs bathroom (where Mia's bed was) and whining. It was so sad. I bet he was thinking, "wait a minute....am I next?"

Last night we took the girls to a Contemporary Christian concert (Patrick got a better offer!). We saw Mandisa (of American Idol fame) and Matthew West. It was so amazing to see the girls jumping up and praising Jesus w/ reckless abandon. They love Jesus!

It's been a frustrating week w/ the business. I had a shipment of containers go missing on their way to me from the factory. The company wanted to wait it out in hopes that they would arrive. I understand their stand, because I've been in the same boat myself before. But, I needed those containers! They are arriving 1/2 tomorrow, 1/2 Tuesday (they finally resent), so I'm going to be crazy busy getting sale orders out. It makes me mad when I have no control over the situation!

I'm waiting for Thornton and the kids to get home from church tonight so we can go "Boo'ing". If you've not had the pleasure of Boo'ing someone, you're really missing out. The kids dress in all black and we have bags of candy made up, along w/ a poem and a ghost cutout. Here's what the poem says:

The air is cool the season fall
Soon Halloween will come to all
The spooks are after things to do
In fact, a spook brought this to you
“BOO” is a shield from witching hour
Just hang it up and watch its power
On your front door is where it works
It wards off spooks and scary jerks
The treats that came with crypted note
Are yours to keep, enjoy them both
The power comes when friends like you
Will copy this and make it TWO
Then others here among our friends
Will give warm fuzzies that do not end
We’ll all have smiles upon our faces
No one will know who “BOO”ed whose places
Just one short day to work your spell
Or a big ZAP will strike your tail
And don’t forget a nifty treat,
Like something cute or something sweet
Please join fun, let’s really hear it
And spread some “BOO”s and Halloween spirit.

It's fun because the kids really get into it. They commando crawl up to the front door, ring the bell, drop the bag and fly back to the van. It's hysterical to watch people come out and wonder why no one is there, then see the bag of candy. Such fun!

Homecoming

Last night was Patrick's first Homecoming dance. He went w/ a friend that he's known forever from church. They are always flirting w/ each other, but swear it's just a friendship. Either way, I'm fine w/ it, because we love Maggie! Patrick was so cute, because he was kind of nervous. He asked me what he was supposed to do with the corsage. He didn't know if he gave it to her right away or at dinner or what. What's funny is that Maggie is a junior, so she drives already, so she picked Patrick up. I think he was just happy to drive away and be on their own.

It was strange for me to have him out so late (they went to dinner first, then we took pictures, then the dance, then they went to Steak and Shake, so they didn't get home 'til 12:30 a.m.) and not be with someone's parents. It's a brave new world we're entering! Here are some pictures(including one of the whole group he went with)

Finally, here's a picture of Alison following her haircut cutting 12 inches off. She donated her hair to Locks of Love. She's such a cutie:

Word of the Day

Alison got off the bus yesterday and came bounding into the house and yelled, "Hi Mom, I'm abode!" I asked her to repeat what she said and she replied, "I'm abode. We're learning a new word everyday at school and today's word was abode, which means home". Could my daughter be any cuter?

Alison and Rachel both auditioned for the Springfield Ballet Company's Nutcracker. We knew Rach would get a part, since she's a Trainee w/ the company and has been in the Nutcracker for the last 2 years, but Alison was just old enough to audition and they don't take but a couple of 8 year olds. Well, Alison didn't get in. She handled it so well, though. She already knew that Rach didn't get in when she was 8, so I think that helped a bit. Rachel was cast as a flower. It's not the waltz of the flowers flower (that's for Company girls), but it's at the beginning of the 2nd act before everyone comes in prior to the variations. It's her first part on pointe!! She's so excited! It's pretty cool, because she's going to be dancing w/ some company members and she's the youngest one doing this part. We're so proud of her!

Patrick has been having some troubles in school. His grades are decent, but not what he is capable of doing. It's so frustrating.....I just don't know if he's working hard enough. I want him to realize how important school is.

Feeling like an adult

I've always had this problem with feeling like I'm an adult. I have no idea why that is, but I always feel like I'm not quite up to the same level as other adults. I don't mean that I'm immature or anything...it's kind of hard to explain....I just don't usually feel all that grown up. The past few days have changed that a bit. Thornton and I have had to step up to the plate to convince his Dad to have his mom hospitalized to figure out her medication situation. She is on way too many meds and, in our opinion, can take them innappropriately so that she is often very sedated during waking hours. It's been going on for a long time and I have felt it coming to a head lately. It had to stop and now it hopefully will. All of her medications have been stopped and they're starting over from scratch. We just got all of the medications out of the house. I kept telling Thornton that I hoped we were wrong in some of our accusations, but it doesn't appear that that is the case. She is going to have a difficult time coming up. It's going to be equally hard on my father in law, who recently retired and is now home to see what we've seen for far too long. And, it's hard on Thornton, who is angry at his mom for doing this to herself. I have to look forward to a positive end result. It may be a bumpy road getting there, though.

Labor Day Weekend

We had a great Labor Day weekend. My in-laws own a house on a private lake about an hour from here, so we all headed out there. My brother in law, his wife and two kids (ages 4 and 3) and my MIL/FIL were there too. Granted, all those people in one house can be a bit hectic sometimes, but really, it all went well. The kids all love to swim in the lake, so we spent a lot of time doing that. Rachel and Patrick are great game players, so we played a lot of Scrabble and a game called Quiddler (a card game similar to scrabble and very fun!). I didn't win anything! Nothing. In fact, in one game of Scrabble, I didn't even break 100. I got whipped by my 11 year old. I guess I should feel proud that she's such a smartie, but seriously....I was pathetic. I got a nap in every day, which was sublime.

Now, we're back to the grind. School is back in full force. Dance has started back up. Rachel dances 11 hours a week now! Alison's taking a class too, so I will now be spending my evenings driving back and forth to town. I know I'll miss it when they're grown, so I won't complain.

Both girls are trying out for The Nutcracker a week from Sunday. Rachel has been in the last two productions, and since she's a Trainee w/ the Ballet Company, we feel pretty secure that she'll get a part. She'd love to be a Party Girl in the opening scene, but we'll just have to see. Alison is finally old enough to audition....you have to be at least 8. But, I've tried to ready her that there are a lot of little girls that audition and very few make it. Rachel didn't make it her first year auditioning. Alison tells us that she understands and won't be sad, but I'm not sure I believe her. I see this glint in her eye that thinks she can do anything. Good for her...but I would rather not have to deal w/ the fallout if she doesn't make it. Maybe I should just be as confident as she is, eh?

Being a parent

Sometimes being a parent just sucks. (I hate the word "sucks" and I don't let my kids use it...but after I typed "stinks" it just didn't seem to capture the mood...LOL!). Tonight I am going to have to tell Patrick that he can't do something that he wants to do and I can't really explain to him completely our reasons for making the decision. I know he's going to be mad, but there's nothing I can do about that. He has to realize that we have his best interest at heart and wouldn't do something to purposefully hurt him. It's a complicated situation and he's somewhat in the middle of it, which is exactly where we don't want him.

And besides, he'll now get to spend the entire weekend with us, his grandparents, his uncle, aunt and his cousins at the lake house. What could be more fun than that? Note to self....I've got to figure out a way of securing the little cabin for Thornton and me to sleep in so we don't have to be in the main house w/ all the noise!

When big boys cry...

Patrick was really upset about something last night....to the point of tears...lot of them. I know what he's upset about (and I am not going to discuss details here), but I couldn't get him to talk about specifics of his hurting. He promised me that he would talk with me tonight...that he just wanted to go to bed last night. Thornton and I have both already talked with him about this issue and we know that while it might seem like a big deal now, he will move on and grow from the situation in time. But, to a 14 year old boy, I'm sure it sounds a bit hollow. So, I just held him and let him cry....and thanked God that my big boy still comes to his Mommy when he's sad.