Sad News-Hectic Week

P/T conferences were Monday. Zane and I had both stayed home the previous Friday since we both were not feeling well. I think we needed some down time to recouperate. Darin took Zane to Pam's for tutoring and I called to check and see how things went. He told me Paul Cousino had left a message on the answering machine. I immediately thought that something had happened to Theresa, but could only wait until I got home after the long day and evening. After doing some more school work, it dawned on me that I could look up Theresa and her phone number on the internet which I proceeded to do. At the same moment that Theresa's obitutary came up, Darin called back saying that he just got off the phone with Paul. Paul had called back and let Darin know some of the details of Theresa's passing. It has been a complete SHOCK.

I called Susan when I got home and let her know and she said that she had bad news as well. Ric had bladder cancer. On Tuesday, I called Paul back after dinner and talked with him myself. It was complications from the liver cancer, as toxins were emitting from her liver into her kidneys. She died of kidney failure on Thursday, October 21, 2010. I called Doug that evening to let him know too. Although it was sad news, we were able to catch up a little and he said he would pass along the news to Terri and maybe Boyd.

Called Susan back after school on Wednesday and even though they didn't get an actual diagnosis of which stage Ric is in, they were able to blast the kidney stones he had been having difficulty with, which led to the finding of his bladder tumor, which was already taken out during the first hospital visit in October.

Thursday, Zane's school called just as I was getting my first class saying he was ill, but no fever. Called the teacher to let her know what was going on, called Darin and said for him to see what Zane wanted to do, and Darin went and got him for the day. It was also Gary's big bash, so I really didn't believe Zane, but he laid down for several hours and really didn't eat much. I had a student who threw up after lunch all over my carpet, and then we had a lockdown on top of everything else. At least I didn't have to stay for P/T conferences that night.

Friday, Zane went to school, but Grant didn't. We rushed to get him to Pam's for an evening of pizza and fun while Darin and I went to the Lane Family Oncology Center in Hilliard in honor of Karen and John. I was so pleased to see Jennifer who is expecting a boy next week. Dan was so proud! I felt like I put my foot in my mouth as MaryJo looked so nice when I asked her if she was dating yet. Three years is not enough for some and I think I offended her. I feel terrible, but she is always so gracious and just overlooked it. Zane woke up at 3AM with a terrible nightmare about werewolves. Darin put him back to sleep, but I stayed up and worked on some KSU stuff and saw that Karen's second marriage is a nice step for her again. She has moved back to Dublin and built a house in Murfield so her husband can golf and has also played with her son. It was a beautiful building that I am sure will assist many ill women who have cancer. Such a nice evening in general even though it was hectic.

Have managed to submit my paper and post one discussion, with one to go. Been cleaning in between and working on the annotated bibliography. I think I am about halfway through. I might actually get done before it is due tomorrow night! Went through Zane's bookbag and dug out his homework papers and found a 90% on his recent reading unit test!!! Sent Pam and email and told Zane what a good job he did. He suggested going out for pizza with his coupon he got for doing all his reading minutes last month. Looks like we are having Pizza Hut tonight! Darin and Carolyn were pleased as well.

It's a Brand New Day

School has been in session for three weeks! It is incredible that time goes by so fast the older you get. . . . Between work and homework, it is all I can do to stay on top of things. The house is still somewhat kept, the dishes are done, the laundry isn't too high, but I must get to work on my paper. I would like to have the rough draft done by Sunday night if at all possible!!!

I am hoping Zane's pictures came out OK and still need to get mine, hopefully at West. The band night went well and seems to be a nice turnout. We had a couple of move-ins, and they seem interested too.

Need to drain the pool this weekend and get it put away. Hard to believe that the summer is over. I am glad that the pool did well and maybe will last another summer or too. It certainly was nice when it was hot and the chemicals did fairly well. It was the filter that drove me crazy. It seemed like it was always needing replaced because it would get dirty so fast.

And so it goes . . . .

Well, two weeks until school is in session. I have been accepted to KSU for my masters and have been trying the get the hang of the online issues. Everyone has been very helpful and I am excited to actually begin.

Zane has an ear infection and we went to the doctor yesterday to get the meds. It is not swimmers ear, but an inner ear infection as usual. He can't swim for two days and will need to continue wearing the ear band in the future.

Going to see Wicked tonight and eat dinner for our anniversary. Looking forward to it as the reviews have been very positive. Muriel and Tom got us the tickets so we will be sitting with about twenty other BV folks. Fun!

Trying to keep cleaning out stuff in preparation for a hectic school year. Also, trying to get lesson plans dones in advance. Have been to North with Cathy, so it is fairly ready, but need to get to West and get situated there.

Sue Hurt passed away on our anniversary. She held BV together and quite frankly, I don't know how anyone could replace her. Lovely woman of great love and loyalty. Going to the calling hours on Saturday. So sad.

The Water is Warm

Slowly things have been getting done. I have gone to Once Upon a Child and received more than $100 for the baby items and things that are child related that we needed to get rid of, including the bike trailer. It is so difficult to part with some of these thinngs, but I am finally working through the sentimentalism and emotions. The basement looks better and I have EMPTY plastic bins!

Kent State University sent an email this summer about their online masters of music program. After little discussion, I have applied for enrollment beginning this fall. I am excited that this seems like a doable option that won't take forever. I have all the forms and items into their hands and am waiting to hear if I made the cut. The best part is that there isn't any performing, jury, or thesis required. The last class is a summary or capstone of my experiences, exploration, and discovery during the masters program. I should be graduating in Spring 2012!

The pool has been a welcome addition this year, although the kids can't quit fighting when they are in it. The water is warm enough to jump in without too much hesitancy and is clear. I found a sweeper for the crud on the bottom that works by attaching the water hose. A definite necessity! The boys want their birthday party to include the pool, so we are having a combined gathering with kids from their class at school, plus the usual family friends. Connie is having the grandparents over the night before so the older generation doesn't have to deal with the heat or rowdiness. I am hoping that it will go well and that maybe we can do it again, just not every year:)

Looking forward to time away at the Outer Banks. All the hotels are booked and I am working on cleaning the house and getting the car and luggage ready. Connie said she would have Grant get the mail and newspaper and feed the cat. Don't forget to change the litter box, just in case!

School's Out for Summer! Well, sort of. . . .

Last day of school for the kids . . . . Monday is the last day for me! Zane brought home a perfect attendance certificate for the fourth nine weeks. He is dead tired and cranky even though Darin is sure he is just fine. I know my boy . . . . when he cries at the drop of a hat, he is TIRED! I think all the excitement and extra activities at school are too much, but he can sleep in tomorrow!

Darin is turning FORTY on Tuesday. We are having people over Sunday for dinner and dessert. Looks like it might cool down a little and be nice. Maybe all the rain will be done by then. June has been a lovely month albeit HOT and HUMID! Need to do the following:

• pick up the cake at 11AM Sunday
• CLEAN HOUSE INSIDE AND OUT
• pull up irises by mailbox and transplant to garden
• put pavers and geraniums out at mailbox instead
• weed garden
• make food and chill drinks
• NEED to finalize PO's for school before Monday!

After Monday is over, Zane, Darin, and I will be talking DOGS!

How to Play in May

Spring planting finished Saturday, May 1st. A world record for this family! We were all thrilled and the cleaning has begun. The groundhogs and the frost has caused a little bit of replanting to commense soon, but other than that, this spring is about perfect!

I took a personal day and went with the boy on his field trip. It was a wonderful time and I am glad that he didn't mind me going and even wanted me to attend. Since there won't be any field trips next year, this was my only chance. Even though the weather wasn't great, it didn't rain until we were getting on the bus to come back to school. A successful venture in my book!

Life is hectic in both worlds. Home and work continue to be harried during this time of year. I am also trying to schedule our summer vacation and Darin's birthday party. I have ordered the cake so that is going to spur me on, I hope!

Zane is growing and changing so fast. He lost another tooth last week and he is definitely going through another phase, but it seems to be one that is more open to communication and figuring more out about himself and his place in the world. Interesting questions and thoughtful items are going through his head.

I am truly blessed to be in this family and where I am in my own world.

So far so good!

April has turned out to be the month of hope.

• My skin infections are clearing up and my headache is subsiding, although slowly. I think the nasal spray has helped.
• We had our specials reward day today and all went extremely well, plus we were all able to get some extra planning time! I was able to get caught up on lesson plans for next week, the field trip forms done and ready to hand out, and a small bit of cleaning up of my room at West.
• I am excited to be helping in the multimedia part of the service at Heritage and the toddler nursery went well on Easter.
• Things are slowly getting done at home, but again there is hope!

Zane did well on his third nine week grade card and continues to do well on his spelling tests. Maybe he will get an E the last nine weeks if he doesn't miss any words. Darin has been working late and leaving early as the fields and ditches are calling:)

It has been a good start to spring. God is so abundant everywhere I look!