After a day of catching up on projects around the home, Doug and I were able to take some time out to go for a walk. The weather was perfect for it and I always enjoy Doug's company on these excursions. A lot of our neighbors had the same idea and we were able to catch up with several of them while we were out. I remember not to long ago that it was challenging for both of us to get away at the same time. Now that the Heinisch children are older, we have been able to spend more time together on walks or out to dinner and such. I appreciate this time as we are able to share the highlights of our week at work and school, plan our schedule for the next few days and just enjoy the quiet end of an evening.
The Heinisch children survived the hour without us quite well. When we arrived home Cal and Cam were trash talking each other over a game of NBA2K13, Brett was busy writing the next chapter in his new novel, and Meg was cleaning the basement (i.e. texting her friends about what they were wearing to school tomorrow.) I enjoyed each and everyone of them as a baby, toddler and preschooler, but this new phase is a lot of fun too. I am glad that I have Doug to share it with me. He is a great father and husband. We all rely on him greatly and probably do not tell him enough.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Senioritis
Today I went with Brett to order his tux for PROM. It was a lot less painful experience than either he or I expected. I thought we would have a lot of different books to look through and colors to pick from, but the man who waited on us was great. He showed us what he thought and with a few minor adjustements and some easy measurements we were finished. I should have know it would be that way as Brett is very low maintennance.
In saying that, however, these past few weeks Brett has been frustrated with his AP Calculus class and for lack of a better term has a huge case of senioritis. I am proud of him for making it this far. He has been ready to graduate since we went on college visits last Spring. I know his Dad and I were both done with high school by Christmas of our senior years.
So this afternoon when we read through his senior newsletter, I believe he was finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He has 31 days left of classes and after May 20th the days are filled with fun activities for the seniors and graduation practice. It should be a great time and I am looking forward to sharing it with him.
In saying that, however, these past few weeks Brett has been frustrated with his AP Calculus class and for lack of a better term has a huge case of senioritis. I am proud of him for making it this far. He has been ready to graduate since we went on college visits last Spring. I know his Dad and I were both done with high school by Christmas of our senior years.
So this afternoon when we read through his senior newsletter, I believe he was finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He has 31 days left of classes and after May 20th the days are filled with fun activities for the seniors and graduation practice. It should be a great time and I am looking forward to sharing it with him.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Cameron
Today we celebrated Cameron's achievements at his elementary awards program. He was honored for outstanding attendance and received a trophy for earning 100 points in Accelerated Reader. I am proud of him. Not so much for the hardware he received, but more so for his ability to carve his own way in life.
It is challenging to be the youngest in a family of achievers. Cameron, not only has to be successful in life, but he has to do it in his own way. By attending a different elementary than his siblings, participating in chess tournaments and learning to be a goalie in soccer, Cameron has been able to stand out from his brothers and sisters and to earn his own rewards. He has also learned to be a gracious loser, which is an extremely important life skill.
So as he held up his trophy today for me to take a picture, I celebrated with him. He has worked hard to earn his reward. I hope he continues to make his own way in life. He has five other Heinisch's cheering him on.
It is challenging to be the youngest in a family of achievers. Cameron, not only has to be successful in life, but he has to do it in his own way. By attending a different elementary than his siblings, participating in chess tournaments and learning to be a goalie in soccer, Cameron has been able to stand out from his brothers and sisters and to earn his own rewards. He has also learned to be a gracious loser, which is an extremely important life skill.
So as he held up his trophy today for me to take a picture, I celebrated with him. He has worked hard to earn his reward. I hope he continues to make his own way in life. He has five other Heinisch's cheering him on.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Rain, Rain, Go Away!!
I hate to complain, but I am tired of the weather this Spring. The downpours today cancelled not only the outside activities at school, but also the indoor ones. Tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings were texted to me all day from our local weather service. No sign of the sun and it feels as though we will never see it.
The rain is to supposed to subside tomorrow. We may even have sunshine on Saturday, although the temperature will probably remain in the 40s. I did have my white winter coat dry cleaned and put away for the season. No matter what, I will not bring it out until October!! Guess I will be watching soccer from my van again this weekend.
Cal is excited as he has never lived through a flood and the news can talk of nothing else. A teacher at school told me to be thankful for as soon as the weather turns more summerlike the students will lose all focus. Brett said last night that this is the first time he remembers a month when the weather was correct - "April Showers . . ." If I look at it through Brett's optimistic eyes, then May flowers cannot be far off. I will try and make it until then.
The rain is to supposed to subside tomorrow. We may even have sunshine on Saturday, although the temperature will probably remain in the 40s. I did have my white winter coat dry cleaned and put away for the season. No matter what, I will not bring it out until October!! Guess I will be watching soccer from my van again this weekend.
Cal is excited as he has never lived through a flood and the news can talk of nothing else. A teacher at school told me to be thankful for as soon as the weather turns more summerlike the students will lose all focus. Brett said last night that this is the first time he remembers a month when the weather was correct - "April Showers . . ." If I look at it through Brett's optimistic eyes, then May flowers cannot be far off. I will try and make it until then.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
4 in a Row
For the fourth year in a row, Brett's Social Studies Academic Superbowl Team qualified for the state tournament in West LaFayette. At last night's regional there were 55 teams from around the state competing for the coveted top five spots. I nervously checked the website for the results several times today before it was posted this afternoon. I was pleased to find out that they finished fourth. How wonderful for the young men dedicated to the commitment that this endeavor entails.
I have to admit that I wasn't sure if they would make it in, but I was hopeful. Last evening the boys started off slow, but then gained momentum answering twelve questions in a row. I thought they would fly through the rest of the questions, but they stalled during the last, most challenging five questions. A neighboring school was able to catch them in total as both teams answered 17 out of the 25 questions correctly. There is a complicated tie breaking scoring system and the boys fell short, finishing in 2nd place in their regional. The waiting game began as all regional scores have to be reported to Purdue University, and they then have to verify all results before the finalists are named.
Of course I was proud of them no matter how they placed. Ancient Greece is a difficult subject to study and I know they worked hard. Qualifying four years in a row is a great accomplishment and I am glad that Brett has been able to compete in a manner of which he enjoys. They have 2 second place finishes at state and were champions two years ago, but no matter how they finish on May 4th, I know that they are all winners already.
I have to admit that I wasn't sure if they would make it in, but I was hopeful. Last evening the boys started off slow, but then gained momentum answering twelve questions in a row. I thought they would fly through the rest of the questions, but they stalled during the last, most challenging five questions. A neighboring school was able to catch them in total as both teams answered 17 out of the 25 questions correctly. There is a complicated tie breaking scoring system and the boys fell short, finishing in 2nd place in their regional. The waiting game began as all regional scores have to be reported to Purdue University, and they then have to verify all results before the finalists are named.
Of course I was proud of them no matter how they placed. Ancient Greece is a difficult subject to study and I know they worked hard. Qualifying four years in a row is a great accomplishment and I am glad that Brett has been able to compete in a manner of which he enjoys. They have 2 second place finishes at state and were champions two years ago, but no matter how they finish on May 4th, I know that they are all winners already.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Pride
Sometimes in life, your children tell you that they are proud of themselves. As a parent, that is the best feeling in the world. I know that I am always proud of the Heinisch children. They do not always make the right choice, but at least they always learn from their mistakes and move on pretty quickly. It means so much more when they realize that they did something worth praise. I am so happy tonight that they were able to recognize that feeling of pride and to verbalize it with me.
Yes, both Brett and Cal told me they were proud of themselves tonight. They had set a goal and had reached it through hard work and perseverance. Of course, I am very proud of them. Tonight, however, I am most proud of a non-Heinisch child. One that chose to step up and let one of mine compete, even though it meant he would have to take a lesser role in a competition. As a teacher and mother, I know that we are always trying to teach our children and students to "do the right thing." Thank you to the young man who did! You made our whole night and we are all proud of you!
Yes, both Brett and Cal told me they were proud of themselves tonight. They had set a goal and had reached it through hard work and perseverance. Of course, I am very proud of them. Tonight, however, I am most proud of a non-Heinisch child. One that chose to step up and let one of mine compete, even though it meant he would have to take a lesser role in a competition. As a teacher and mother, I know that we are always trying to teach our children and students to "do the right thing." Thank you to the young man who did! You made our whole night and we are all proud of you!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Disbelief
I watch in disbelief tonight as the tragedy in Boston unfolds. Two weeks ago we were enjoying the sights of this historic city, and now it looks like a war zone. The Freedom Trail that we walked starts at Boston Common, a beautiful park established hundreds of years ago for the people of Boston to enjoy. Today it was being used as headquarters for the National Guard. I cannot imagine what it was like for those attending the Marathon. I think of the many visitors that must be there. Families like ours, who came to see the sights, but are now in the middle of this drama.
The news talks of the injured, many of whom who have lost one or more limbs. The hardest part for me to listen to is the fact that an 8 year old boy is among those who were killed. Cameron is eight. I can't imagine. I will pray for those who are in Boston tonight and for all who have been touched by this tragedy. For us it is a news event, for them it is a new reality.
The news talks of the injured, many of whom who have lost one or more limbs. The hardest part for me to listen to is the fact that an 8 year old boy is among those who were killed. Cameron is eight. I can't imagine. I will pray for those who are in Boston tonight and for all who have been touched by this tragedy. For us it is a news event, for them it is a new reality.
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