I don't know how to do this.

Ok...here it is. I haven't told anyone yet (especially my parents)....no real reason, other than that I'm not sure how to do it. Ben is not in school anymore. There. I said it. I'm sorry, Mom and Dad, that you have read it here. Really. I'm sorry.
I'm having a hard time adjusting to being Mom to an adult child....because really, that's what he is now....an adult. He will get a better job and earn some more money and the 'plan' is to figure a few things out and go back to school. But...we all know how 'plans' sometimes end up. I'm not mad, really....but I am disappointed.....in addition to lots of other emotions. I don't want to talk about it, either. I feel like somehow I have failed...I tease Wyatt all the time that I have failed him as a mother....always over silly stuff...like getting the wrong thing at the grocery store, or forgetting that he has to wear khaki pants on game day. But this feeling is more than that. I find myself wondering what I could have done better or differently. Ben has learned some very hard life lessons in the past 5 or so years. He has learned things and been through things that I never have. Anyway, the bottom line is...he is not in school. And, at this point, I don't know if he will go back....and there's not much that I can do about it. He has made an adult decision and will have to live with it. I hope that the reality of it all will sink in and make him want to go back to school.
*Mom and Dad...I really am sorry that you're reading this here. I'm not ready to talk about it yet, either...so please respect that. I have told Ben that it's not my job to tell anyone about this...it's his.... but I know you will ask me about it...so here it is. I know that I will talk about it, in time...just not now. There are lots of other things to talk about. I know that you know the feelings that I'm having....you had them to 20+ years ago. I'm sorry for that, too.

Today I'm thankful for: an awesome basketball game yesterday, this blog, and coupons.

The teacher from hell

It seems that there are a few in every school. I realize now that we have been extremely lucky over the past 14 years and haven't really had the teacher from hell....until this year. Ben never had one....he managed to end up with pretty good teachers the whole time he was in the public school system. Sure, there were bumps along the way, but nothing that a note or a phone call to the teacher didn't resolve. (Yes, I am intentionally forgetting about his kindergarten teacher....I have blocked it from my memory.) Now, Wyatt has the teacher from hell for Language Arts. I have been told that she is a 'good English teacher'. If embarrassing students and making them feel stupid makes her a 'good English teacher', then she sure has my vote. I won't go into any more detail about the ordeal here because if you know me or Wyatt, then you know the rest of the story.....but...
What really worries me, is when things like this come along the path of my life, I always ask myself....in the big picture of my life (or the lives of my children, I wish I felt the same way about this little ordeal). While it should not affect Wyatt in the future, the potential for it to do so is very real....and that really bothers me. Not only is he learning some very valuable life lessons about how to be a decent human being, he is also learning how NOT to be a decent, respectful human being, thanks to this teacher. It has been a very long two months since this started, and I expect it will be a very long 5 months before it is over. I'm sure that Wyatt will be fine because that's just the kind of kid he is....and that makes me very proud. Please keep your fingers crossed for us in the meantime....it's gonna be a bumpy road!

Today I'm thankful for: Good teachers, my dishwasher, and my boys.

It's only Tuesday?

It feels like it should be Thursday. Only Tuesday though, and it's already been a long week. Nothing in particular...and everything in general....the funk has jumped all over me and I need to shake it off....I WILL shake it off. Today. I hope. There is a sweet, three day weekend coming up...that should help. A little three day weekend usually will cure what ails ya...I hope I'm cured before then! OK....enough poor me....I'm done whining for the day....time to get up, get dressed and make the most of the day that is ahead of me. That's what I would tell my kids and my friends....not quite the same effect when I tell it to me though. Anyway....get up, get dressed, and make the most of YOUR day, too! xoxox

Today I'm thankful for: The hot shower I just took and good friends

It snowed!

Finally, late Thursday morning, it started to snow. It's Saturday morning now...and it's still snowing. Yes, it has stopped at times, but right now, there are light, fluffy snowflakes falling outside the window. To most seasoned snow people....it's nothing more than flurries. But, it's SNOW! And it's pretty....and it's still falling. I will enjoy it while it is here. High temperatures will be in the 40's this week...high enough to melt all of the pretty, sparkly snow. So, all of my snow dancing, inside out pajama wearing, spoon under my pillow sleeping has paid off. I should be inside the house cleaning and doing laundry today....but I don't think so. Zoey and I will take a walk later and try to get some of the flakes to stick together. Where ever you are, no matter what your weather...enjoy your weekend! xoxox

Today I'm thankful for: Sparkly snowflakes, hot coffee, and mittens.

S N O W

Finally, it looks like we have a better than average chance to get some snow. According to the weather gurus, the snow will start falling sometime Wednesday afternoon/evening. They're predicting 3-6 inches....maybe we'll get it this time. The last good snow we had was in 2003. We're due! Wyatt goes back to school tomorrow....just in time for a couple of snow days...perfect timing! So, we're officially on 'snow watch' for the next day or so...I'll keep y'all posted! xox

Two Thousand Ten or Twenty Ten?

So, which is it? It's a little awkward to me. Seems that the year part of the date should be more than one syllable. What do you think?
What's even awkward-er than that....is blogging again. It's been awhile and I've missed sharing my thoughts and stories with you. (YES, you!) I would say that not much has been happening, but that's not true. Lots has been happening. Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Years. Not to mention all of the everyday 'life' things that happen in between. Basketball. School. Work.
We made it through another holiday season without creating any new, unresolved family issues. The holidays were good. We were all glad to see the school semester come to an end. I hope I don't have to make that voodoo doll....but I'm ready should the need arise. Some of you will know that that means, and some won't....that's OK though.
Not only did we make it through the holidays and the semester, we have also made it through another year. I can't say that 2009 will go down as one of my favorite years, although, some good things happened....I finished my first half marathon, helped plan another successful Graden Gaines Foundation Softball Tournament, and reconnected with some great, old friends.
I'm not one to make a lot of resolutions in the new year....in fact, I don't usually make any resolutions. This year though, I resolve to be here more often....I promise.
Happy New Year, Friends. xoxox