Hurricane Sandy

I hope everyone is safe and sound. Boy, that was an interesting night. The kids invited friends over and had a big sleepover. As the winds picked up, we all snuggled in and ate comfort food, played some Call of Duty, and enjoyed each others company. 

I know there are many people out there with destroyed homes, no power and even some injuries. My heart goes out to them. I hope they all find some sense of peace, in the wake of this hurricane's wrath.

The waves breaking on the Statue of Liberty was amazing, and also a little scary. What she represents to us and the power of the waves, yet she still stands. That is a beautiful symbol. We can all learn from her example.

"Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way."

School Started Today

Well another school year has started.

Brandon started 12th grade, this is his last first day of school ever, unless he goes to college (but military first). He is playing varsity football, working and going to school. He is going to have a very busy, happy year. He is so excited to drive to school this year, and he even drops his sister off in the morning on his way. He is such an amazing kid, so loving and caring. I am very proud of him. But I hope this school year, goes nice and slow, because comes July 15th of 2013, he will be going to Parris Island and then to boot camp, for the Marines. I will be/am a nervous wreck, right now I am trying not to think about it, but as the time draws near, I am sure I will be a mess.

Vanessa started 9th grade, and is not very happy with her school. She really wanted to go to school with Brandon, his friends and her friends. She would have gone to Olympia with Brandon, if Odyssey didn't move from Hoover Drive to Maiden Lane, and because Odyssey is 1/4 mile closer, she is being sent there. I did request she go to Olympia anyway, but she was 3rd on the waiting list, and she moved to 1st on the waiting list during the summer and she still didn't get in. Every time I called the lady at the main office had an attitude and would not assist me with getting my daughter into Olympia, I understand her job and that they only have room for a certain amount of students, but that does not explain why a friend of Vanessa's, who was number 5 on the waiting list to Olympia, got in BEFORE my daughter. When I called and asked, I got the run around and no answer. I know I am probably not calling the correct person, or yelling enough. This is very frustrating as a parent, when you know your daughter is unhappy. Vanessa sat alone at lunch today, because she does not know any of the students in this school, most of her friends are at Olympia or Arcadia. I know I shouldn't care if she has friends there or not, but I do. I don't want her to be unhappy, high school is alot of fun, and you get so many memories from high school. I don't want her to spend it miserable. I am hoping that I can transfer her if things don't improve. I know it's going to be a battle to get her into another school, but I will fight for her, she is my little girl.

And of course, I cried this morning, but only after the kids got in the car and drove away. Being as it is Bran's last year and Ness is starting high school, they are just too old too soon. I love them so much and want them to grow but why did it have to happen in the blink of an eye? I remember Jay and I used to take the first day of school off and put the kids on the bus, then we would follow close behind in our car, to make sure they got to their school and off the bus okay. I would always cry of course, because school to me, not their birthdays, marks another year older for them.

I wish them all the best this year, lots of new friends, and lots of memories. I just hope that it goes by nice and slow.

It's April Already...

It's April already, and this weekend is Easter, can you believe it? I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter and hope that you enjoy your day with loved ones, if you are getting together.
We have some family parties to go to. We are joining Gram at her house, with the rest of the Smith family for Easter dinner. I am creating a surprise Easter dessert, that the kiddies will sure love, I hope.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everyone.
We hope you and yours are having a wonderful start to 2012.
Lots of love to all.

November 7th

Happy November!!!!

Soon Thanksgiving will be here. And then Christmas will be in full swing. I am NOT ready. Didn't we just do that? Where did 2011 go? Time moves at a much faster rate when you are older. All the days blend together and then before you know it, it's Christmas and a year change again. The kids get a little older, and have their foot even closer out the door, ready to run at the first sight of adulthood.

This makes me sad, but also brings me much joy. I know my children will be ready for anything and that they will bring the world their amazing gifts.

October 2011

It's Halloween, one of our favorite holidays, the kids are excited as we set up the decorations. I have to admit, we miss when they were young, even though we are enjoying this time with them being young adults, holidays are tough, it's just not the same. And for one, it makes me a little sad and removed from the holiday fun. I personally think I distance myself because I will soon miss when the kids are off doing their own thing, and not home to set up the decorations, or enjoy the festivities with us.
I mean seriously I know time flies when you are having fun but no one said years would pass with hardly a blink.

If you have time today, visit my other blog and be sure to have a safe and fun Halloween!!!!!

September 2011

It's September and school has started, football is underway. Brandon is playing varsity for the Olympia Spartans. So far they have lost 3 and won 1 game. Brandon plays on the line and special teams. We are having so much fun going to his games. We love to see how excited he is about it, and the sportsmanship that his team displays.
Vanessa was sick all last week, she is slowly getting better and will have a bunch of school work to make up, from having been out 4 days.
I was finally able to receive full time at my job, and am now waiting for medical insurance to start so we can cancel Jay's insurance at his work, it costs us over $210 a week with his employer and it will be $400 less a month with my employer.
My second job at Flower City Fast Care has begun again, I was off for the summer and missed it. I love working with Sarah and for Dr. Flaherty. It's a great environment to work in.
Jay is doing well, working hard as always. Loving that it is football season. We have football 7 days a week here. Friday thru Monday we are watching games.
Nothing really new, but the everyday here. I think that is a good thing.
Pretty soon Brandon will be taking his 5 hour course and then he can get his license. One thing I am not looking forward too. That means he is grown and the next step is graduating high school. Time goes by too fast, cherish each moment, for once it's gone, you can never get it back.