In Brief: Our son left for boot camp one short week ago, and this mom's gonna do what this mom's gotta do to survive 13 long weeks of basic! First of all, some background for those of you that don't know me. I'm a 50-year-old stay-at-home mom of seven—yes, seven—although as of last Monday, we've only got five kids at home. As of last Monday! … [Read more...]
Gearing up to Say Goodbye
He leaves for the hotel tomorrow and then... There's the swearing-in & departure for Boot Camp on Monday. This Marine Mom's being super strong and hasn't shed a single tear! (Do you believe me? I've got a bridge to sell you.) … [Read more...]
Getting the Pin: An Inaugural Reflection
You guys. I started out January thinking, "Okay, I'm going to schedule ALL THE THINGS and like that, I'll get the important things done. My poor forsaken blogging habit! Do I not think it's important? No excuses, though, 'cause I am having a pretty good year so far. Note that I didn't say "perfect" year, because I don't want you getting all … [Read more...]
Conference Preview
The weekend was busy and frenetic and FUN. Here is a sneak preview; I am posting it for Sarah: Andrew Kern and an Obnoxious Adoring Fan The full (or fullish) post is on deck. For now though, I'm eating cherry pie à la mode with my freshly minted 15-year-old. He was 7 when I first started blogging. I can't--cannot!--believe it. … [Read more...]
Our Second Confirmand
Subtitled: Two Down, Five to Go! (The goal being a big ol' reunion in heaven.) Son Number Two was confirmed on Saturday. Yes, there was snow on the ground on this sunny April morning, but there wasn't pouring rain and high winds like last time, so we'll take it. I love sacramental Masses. I despise getting everyone out the door, but I … [Read more...]
Tempted…
...on low-comment days to think this blog is all stuff and nonsense. There is more to me than a ghoulish green face, I promise! Today is the anniversary of finding out about our Jem. Fifteen years ago & there you go...a positive pregnancy test on the Feast of St. Francis that filled this momma's heart with joy. We spent the day (it was a … [Read more...]
Yet Another Birthday Cake Post!
Not to worry, though—this one comes to you angst-free. Yay, right? That river of insecurity is more of a gentle…stream this morning. Must be the good night of sleep, the sun that is shining, and that chirp-chirpy bird in the tree I’m hearing. Oh, and that cup of French Roast didn’t hurt. So. The cake. Jem had a couple of friends spend the … [Read more...]
Given the Slip
Jem’s doing well at school, I’m pleased to report, though as his former teacher—for the past seven years, no less!—I wouldn’t mind if he’d complain a bit. I wouldn’t mind, for example, if he’d say something to the effect of “You know, Mom, Mr. So & So’s a good teacher and all, but he really doesn’t hold a candle to you.”Or “Mrs. Such & Such … [Read more...]
Shark (Tooth) !
Alternately Titled: Let the blood-letting begin.This is Jem.This is Jem and his mom’s messy desk.This is Jem and his mom’s messy desk and the mouth full of metal that he got just yesterday.(Thus the subtitle of today’s post. Hey, we didn’t need that money anyway! But, apparently, our orthodontist does!)Jem has a shark tooth—has had it for well over … [Read more...]
Auditioning for Anne
[Or: And in the role of Jimmy Glover’s Naughty Little Sister…]There are many things that Jem loves about his sister.Sneaking into his room and snitching his costume is not one of them.How do I break it to Angela that the call-backs have already happened? … [Read more...]
