Day by Day

Happy Birthday to me....Happy 45th birthday mom...happy birthday to me..... Woke up this morning to the brightest sunshine coming through our bedroom windows-brighter than it has been in at least a week.  My first thought...thank you God for giving me another year and one filled with so many good things! I like the feel of 45, so far.......

Am I Nuts?  I go to take the GRE's on Friday because it is required to apply to SCSU ED.d program.  I did not study at all and I am not crazy about even getting back into the process of taking a test and answering to professionals, but in the end, I will learn and that is the challenge I am looking for. So-here I go.

Connor has been accepted to University of New Haven and granted half of the tuition paid for (very expensive college); he is waiting for UCONN, Central CT State U.; Northeastern and Cornell.  I feel so bad for kids today because they take on such huge debt for college education.  I think the best route is to go to community college for two years, transfer over to state school and then do grad school at a really good named school, but I know that path is not viewed as good enough to some colleges, so I guess I understand the route of wanting to go to a private school from the start.  It does appear that it will be equal in state school amount and what private college will give for money, so it will be totally his decision.  I do not want to see either Katie or Connor walk out with a lot of debt. I lived my life; time for them to decide on theirs. On the bright side, I am very proud that he was accepted at UNH.  It is considered to be a good school.  We sha...

Katie had the annual friend grab bag over here a few nights ago.  We had about 14 girls 16-17 years old and about 8 slept over.  About a year ago when she had girls sleep over two girls were goofing around and one pushed the other into the wall and of course there was a hole in the wall (for almost a year).  They had videotaped it too, so it resurfaces now and then-yeah, real funny.  Just glad no one got hurt. Anyway, they can be loud, which is scary and then they get quiet, which is also scary.  You only hope all goes well and the next morning everything gets back to normal...which it did. The funny thing is that I think both Bob and I like to have the activity, the noise, the socializing in the house.  All the time would be too much, but with all three older kids out and about more than they are in, having them around it pretty cool. I vocalize that I am starting to feel a little lonely with all three out or in their rooms all of the time.  But...

Midnight mass does not exist at our church anymore, but 9:00 Christmas Eve mass does.  I sent out a text to everyone in the family saying I want that to be my Christmas present-us all going as a family.  I think all are going, not sure on Connor.  I try to balance not ever making them go but on Mother's day and now I made/am making the request.  I do not think that is too much to ask. I do not think you can force religion on anyone; I know in my life there have been times when I have been ready for it and times when I have not.  I embrace it whole heartily now and wish that during the busiest years of my life (I would say from Connor being born through Keera being five, so 13 or so years), I did not partake for a few reasons.  I am so glad that I have returned.  I just feel as though I can see the good in the world more and I can partake in being the good in the world more by finding that sense of peace that comes from singing (no matter whether I know...

The gig is up.  For the first time in 20 years, we are no longer Santa.  A few months ago Keera declared there was no Easter bunny.  There was really no question in her mind, and for a little bit, she kept Santa alive too, but then I thought that was over too...not so much. She has an elf on the shelf and it moved beginning of December, but then mom fell asleep a few nights without moving it or writing a note to Keera.  Then Keera stopped mentioning how Elfie was not moving, so I did not move it on purpose.  Two weeks ago she said kids at school were telling her Elfie wasn't real, so I am thinking she is 9 (youngest in her grade), in fourth grade and she is going to start being teased if she continues to express herself.  Now, most kids will still believe, but Keera is very expressive-if she is thinking it, you will know it-so I am sure she talks a lot at school about stuff.  If she didn't, it would be one thing, but putting yourself out there contri...

I think I am starting to get caught up on my sleep and everything around the house.  It is amazing how you just go along, barely keeping up, because things are so busy.  Before you know it, you are run down and nothing is feeling "stabilized". In the last few days off (long holiday vacation this year, which is great!), Keera and I managed to wrap all presents.  I was able to clean a lot of stuff out and get it out of the house. It builds up so quickly here.  I am working toward getting back into an exercise routine, but for now, I am just content to be sleeping and not rushing around everywhere.  I think Keera is too.  School got out on Friday and on Saturday she wanted to stay in her pajamas all day (and did until 6:30 at night when we went to Connor's basketball game).  Keera is NOT one to lay low, so this was definitely a cleansing experience for her. Thank goodness for "catching up".

I cannot believe Connor turned 18.  I still remember the day that he was born.  It was a Sunday and Bob had to work in Middletown.  Lucky for me that is where the hospital was that I had to go to.  I was three days over due.  I felt the labor start around noon and called Tracey to see if she could Brendan for me.  I drove myself to Middletown and was joined by Bob within the hour.  I settled in and let labor take its course.  He was not born until around 10 p.m.  There was a tv in the birthing room, so Bob was able to watch Sunday night football while I pushed away.  I do not know how I delivered 3 children without meds (kind of wimped out with Keera - had an epideral). Connor was especially interesting since he was a 9 pound baby.  When he was born he hardly made a noise.  He was shaking so they checked his sugar level.  My sugar level was slightly elevated when I was pregnant with him.  He was fine.  I do not r...

Katie has decided not to play on the high school basketball team-along with at least six other girls-too bad....not good vibes with how the team is handled. BUT....she didn't let that get to her.....nor did a few other girls.  Here is the recreation department team-they are all friends and Bob and another Dad are coaches. This is after a practice one night....obviously it is more about fun than basketball - as it should be. All friends (and cousin Nicki).

Connor is thoroughly enjoying his senior year....here he is painted up in his colors for a football game and he is also a powder puff cheerleader.  Their school was voted as having one of the best cheering sections in the state (for their school size).

Here is Brendan at work.  He bought a Santa suit with his own money and dressed up at the resident Christmas party.  He is with his friends, who also work there and then dancing with residents.  He may have a lot of tattoos and he may not have a college education, but I am so proud of who he is!!!!  He is making people happy at the end of their lives-if that isn't being a light of life, then I don't know what is.