Go Katie

I called to check on a church friend Thursday evening. Before we hung up she said "Congratulations on Katie's good news." I was a little stumped but she went on to explain she had seen Kate's name in the paper announcing that she had been named on the Fall 2008 Merit list at Brenau.

The college (or paper) spelled her name wrong, which is a little upsetting. But is nice to see that the college makes a point of sending out notice of these achievements. My friend saved her copy of the paper and let me bring it home. I thought I would share.

I hope Katie can have another successful semester. She is working so hard and I'm very proud of her.

Winter Funk

It happens to me every year, but this winter I can see it in my children as well. All I really want to do is stay home and be still. I would love to be able to just sleep and eat. I don't seem to have much energy for anything else. There isn't a sport or activity that I need to run children around for or be a spectator at. It is that time of year where we are between activities and EVERYTHING seems to be slow.

And yet, this month has been busy. So why are we all struggling so? I've been kept fairly busy at work, church, volunteering for the band and trying to keep up with EJ's college application processes. EJ has been busy writing essays, taking physical fitness tests, attending interviews, getting teacher recommendations, sending emails to admissions officers and staying on top of his school work. Chloe has been busy with school, band, driver's ed, and socializing with friends. But we all seem to be dragging ourselves through the motions. I think we would all be very happy to be able to hibernate; for just a little while.

EJ is in college application limbo. He's done everything necessary on his end. Now he waits. Limbo land is my least favorite place to be.

Chloe is trying not to think about the college application process and taking SAT's and ACT's. She is also 'over' band. I'm very disappointed by this. As of yesterday, she wasn't sure she wanted to march her senior year. I have very strong opinions about that, but I'm trying to let her sort things out in her head. I'm really hoping it is all just part of our winter blues.

Katie started her field experience in a differnt county and school yesterday. She will be with third graders this semester. Apparently, Hall County schools are not as technologically advanced as the Forsyth County schools. That was the first observation she shared with me.

Every year is a little different, but I would like nothing more than to shake this year's funk early. I'm ready for longer days, more sunshine and being able to get outside more.

Here We Go Again

Today is my last day of my Christmas vacation. I am not looking forward to returning to work. I really enjoyed my time off and would like just a few more days to enjoy no agenda. But a few more probably wouldn't be enough. At the end of those days I would be begging for just a few more, so I guess I'd better just suck it up and get on with it.

I left Cumming on December 23 and drove to Spartanburg to spend Christmas with Debbie, Michael, Garrett, Mom and Dad. I had a wonderful Christmas. Debbie made prime rib for dinner - OH MY! Garrett was so much fun to spend the day with.

Kate, EJ and Chloe arrived at Debbie's on Sunday, December 28. We had a nice evening together watching movies and playing games and just catching up. Monday morning the four of us loaded the van and headed for Manassas, VA and the Duvall's. We had a wonderful time just being together. We were treated to a steak dinner on the night of our arrival complete with cheesecake. Steve - Kate is still talking about that steak. YUM! We managed to make the trip north and return without having any weather issues. Yeah.

So today will be spent unpacking, putting away Christmas, a trip to the grocery store and savorying the last day of no agenda. I believe EJ has several essays to write and college applications to complete. (His back up plan in case a Letter of Appointment does not come through for Annapolis or West Point.) Chloe has some homework to complete. I think Kate is the only one that does not return to her 'regular' life until Wednesday and so she can spend the next couple of days doing nothing. We're all very envious!

Happy New Year.

My how Time Flies!

My time flies when you're busy. Thanksgiving has come and gone and it's almost Christmas! I'm not ready; and I'm not sure I'll be ready when it gets here.

We had a great Thanksgiving. The four of us went to Myrtle Beach. We went in two cars. That was a first. At midnight on Thanksgiving night, the four of us hit the outlets! That was also a first. I still can't believe how many people were doing the same thing. I truly thought we'd wander around almost empty stores and try and keep the help awake for a few minutes while we were in their store. The place was mobbed, parking was at a premium and the sales made it worth the trip. EJ was the first to make a purchase!

Around 1:30 AM we headed back to Mom and Daddy's. Chloe and I dropped of EJ and Kate and took the other car and headed out to the second outlet mall. I lucked out and was able to take the spot of someone leaving for the day so I didn't need to cirlce the parking lot looking for a place to park. Still can't believe how busy it was. Chloe and I went to bed about 4:50 AM Friday. I don't know that I need to make an annual event out of it, but it was fun.

Kate is wrapping up her semester. She was able to take two finals early. This weekend she is babysitting for her nanny family. Chloe is preparing for her District Honor band audition (12/13) and her Winter Concert (12/11). EJ is completing a Physics project, working at his senior project in AP Lit and getting ready for his interview with Representative Nathan Deal's Academy Selection Committee on 12/12. EJ and Chloe will also have mid-terms before the school holiday break. If we can all stay healthy, it will be a miracle. I think we are all ready for an extended break and looking forward to some down time.