17 Again

Chloe turned 17 today, for the first and only time! But this is my 3rd teenager to hit this mark.

We had breakfast at IHOP at 6:30 AM. I think Chloe would have asked for a birthday breakfast anyway, but as it turns out she has a very busy day planned. Breakfast, school, work for 3 hours, dinner and then off to the football game - first time as a paid, non-marching guest! I may see her again around 11 PM!

Chloe mentioned at breakfast that the seniors were told this week graduation will be June 3, 2010 at 3 PM at the Gwinnett Civic Center. The countdown has begun.

Tidbits

We've had another busy week. I think we are finally settling into routines. I do like controlled chaos much better than pandemonium.

EJ texted me from his doctor appointment on Tuesday as they were administering the novacaine in preparation for removing his two big toe nails. He was quite happy they had finally made this decision. He was put on a no-run profile Tuesday, August 18. The doctor told him to keep taking the antibiotic, coated the nails in silver something and told him to come back 8/25. When I talked to him yesterday, he told me that he hoped to find out today how long he will remain out of PT and when he can start wearing shoes again.

He isn't at ALL excited about having to walk around campus in his ACU's (camo uniform) and flip-flops with bandages on his toes! His bootless feet have made him the object of attention for EVERY officer on campus! They all come 'marching' over to him to find out why he thinks he doesn't need to wear the standard footwear. Then they look down at his feet, ask to see his profile and say, "Carry On". I think he is ready to blend in a little more.

Katie started her field experience this week. She is in a 4th grade classroom and told me that she thinks this supervising teacher is her favorite so far. She even knows one of the children in her class. The school is very close and she has worked her class schedule so she will not need to drive to Gainesville on Wednesdays when she goes to the elementary school. She is playing soccer, attending classes and working at the libary. Busy girl. I'm enjoying having her home again.

Chloe is SO BUSY with school work. I was hoping things would calm down for her a little once we got going. But she is up doing homework until midnight most evenings. And she isn't slacking off when she gets home and starting late. The reading is a big part of her workload. But, as usual, she isn't complaining. She just keeps smiling and plugging along . As much as I think I miss marching band, I'm really glad we aren't trying to manage that in the schedule as well. She continues to work about 10 hours a week at Brusters. Those evening hours cut into homework time, but the paycheck is a great reward.

Cadet Recruit Sloth

We had a busy, busy weekend.

Friday was a furlough day. I accomplished more in that one day than I feel like I've done in months. The biggest achievment was cleaning out the garage. Katie was the motivator for that project. We made a lot of progress. We took one FULL mini-van load to Goodwill! We have some things that need to go to recycling and are anxiously awaiting the garbage pick up this week. But the garage looks great. I was SO tired and sore Friday night. Chloe went to dinner with friends before going to work and Kate and I did the drive-thru in our PJ's for dinner!

Saturday was a lot of running around. I cooked ahead for Sunday, did laundry, Chloe met with a classmate for about 3 hours and worked on a project and the girls and I went to see "Julie & Julia" after dinner. I love that movie.

Sunday started early. We left the house around 7 AM so that we could be in place for the start of FROG graduation at 8 AM. As we were making our way to the drill field, we saw EJ's Company process in front of us on their way to the drill field. EJ was carrying a blue flag. After the 3+ mile run there were awards made. Turns out each person carrying the flag for their company was the chosen company Gideon. (...presentation of the company Gideon. It will be given to the most outstanding individual in the F.R.O.G. class for that company...) It was difficult to hear and understand everything being said on the P.A. system so I missed ALL the indivduals involved in making the decision for this award, but it was more than just EJ's company leaders.

The Gideon is a year long 'thing' (for lack of a better term) and it will be EJ's job to guard and keep the flag safe from being stolen by other companies the entire freshman year. EJ also mentioned that he is guaranteed a leadership role next year. We were/are very proud.

EJ seems to have had a good week. He was in great spirits even though he was clearly exhausted. He had foot issues all week. He called me Thursday morning from the clinic. Turns out those hangnails are actually ingrown toenails and he was put on antibiotics and prescription strength Motrin. He has an appointment with the doctor that comes on campus Tuesday. Surgery was mentioned. However, even with sore/sick feet, he had the fastest run time in his company!

Katie is working at the Brenau library almost every day this week and Chloe is already working on projects and presentations for school. I believe Chloe's youth group activities will start this week and my choir, ladies and hand bell groups are already discussing Christmas music and performance dates!

HERE WE GO!!!!

Not So Crazy Afterall

Chloe has decided AP Chemistry is too much! (The biggest issue is the teacher. She is concerned he will not 'teach', but just hand them things to do.) She called me yesterday afternoon after school to discuss dropping this one class. I don't have a problem with it if it doesn't mess up the rest of her schedule. I asked that she talk to her Guidance Counselor to see how it will affect her schedule before completing the form I needed to sign. She went in early this morning to try and catch Ms. Suarez. :-) I really hope this makes enough of a difference in her workload to keep her sane.



I received an email today with some cute cartoons about dogs. This one just reminds me so much of Bandit I had to share.


I'm sure if he thought a sign would help, he'd find one.