We left early this morning for Westview as we had a seventh and eighth grade tournament. The weather forecasted was ominous, but we were excited to play as we have had so many games cancelled. The games were very physical and the girls held their own. Meg was proud of her role as Queen of the Bruisers and I was impressed that they did not fold. We have definitely been scoring more than we ever did last year and although we lost the first game we could hold our heads up high as we gave it our all.
The second game was close and once again I saw a lot of improvement in my team. Meg's passing and strength has increased a lot this year. Several teammates have stepped up so it does not all have to fall on her shoulders now. Everyone was happy with our play today, but by the end of the second game worry about the weather greatly increased.
Around 12:30 we got word that there were two different accidents due to white out conditions. Both blocked our path on the way home and involved a dozen or more vehicles. The head of transportation called Sharon to tell her that they would pay for us to stay overnight if needed. She talked with the Hapners and they said they would lead us home if she wanted to try it. Another parent followed behind and we left the school around 2 p.m.
The first part of the trip was not as bad as I thought it would be. There was definitely a lot of blowing snow, but in the bus we could still see pretty well. Once we got to Ligonier, however, it became more treacherous. US 6 was closed due to the accidents, so we had to take a county road. It was difficult to see. That slowed us down considerably. We came upon a semi that had slid off the road and blocked our path. Luckily, we were able to go around him, but had to detour once again.
The trip to State Road 15 was slow, but we were able to move along. Sharon and I wanted to take the side roads and avoid the overpass, but Karyl thought it would be best to stay on the main road. Once we got to the top of the overpass we came to a standstill. It was a complete white out and neither of us could see. We talked to Karyl and she suggested we inch a long, watch the guardrail and she would tell us what color and how many vehicles were coming in the Northbound lane.
I was extremely nervous, but the girls handled it well. Meg started talking about a Bible story involving Jesus and the winds. Before we knew it we were at the bottom of the hill and creeped along the path to school. We were in our home by 4 p.m. It took me quite awhile to let go of the anxiety that trip produced. Sharon did a great job driving and the parents were extremely helpful. I don't ever want to be involved in a trip like that again, but it gave Sharon and I a story that Jayce and Cal will never be able to top!
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Friday, February 13, 2015
Two Decades Old
Today is Brett's 20th birthday and he had an awesome day. He left last night with IU's Young Americans for Liberty for a conference in DC. Tonight they attended several seminars and Brett was able to take photos with several politicians and authors that he was excited to meet for the first time and several that he met last year.
It was so much fun today to read all of his Facebook posts and see the pictures. I loved that at the end of the night he met several new friends at the restaurant in the hotel that were from different countries. They invited him to sit with him and once he explained that it was his birthday they bought him dinner. I just love Brett's enthusiasm for life and his ability to make friends wherever he goes. He is a dedicated student, son and brother. Can't wait to see where life takes him in the next decade.
It was so much fun today to read all of his Facebook posts and see the pictures. I loved that at the end of the night he met several new friends at the restaurant in the hotel that were from different countries. They invited him to sit with him and once he explained that it was his birthday they bought him dinner. I just love Brett's enthusiasm for life and his ability to make friends wherever he goes. He is a dedicated student, son and brother. Can't wait to see where life takes him in the next decade.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
CT Scan
I have been struggling with shortness of breath since last Saturday. It is most prevalent when I am trying to sleep and several times I woke up last night gasping for breath. I have tried increasing my Nexium as I thought it could be acid reflux. I do not cough, just feel as though someone is squeezing my throat from the inside while sitting on my chest.
Today I called Dr. Mulry as last night made me nervous. It must have made him nervous as well as he sent me immediately to the hospital for a CT Scan. He was concerned that I had a blood clot in my lungs. That scared me, so I had Dad take me there as soon as I left the doctor's office. They were very attentive got me in immediately. The scan was done fairly quickly. We waited almost an hour for the results and fortunately there was no clot. Dr. Mulry called and said that I have pleurisy and need to take anti-inflammatories and ulcer medication. If it is not better by Monday I will have to return to him for a cortisone shot.
I was instantly relieved. By the time we got the results Doug was at the hospital as well. He took me back to school so I could coach Meg's team. I couldn't yell and I felt terrible, but I made it through. We played very well for three quarters. At halftime it was 18-10 Lakeview. Meg had made a phenomenal pass to one of her teammates as time was about to expire and we scored as the buzzer rang. The third quarter was disastrous, but overall I was thrilled with how well they did. It has been great to see them improve.
Today I called Dr. Mulry as last night made me nervous. It must have made him nervous as well as he sent me immediately to the hospital for a CT Scan. He was concerned that I had a blood clot in my lungs. That scared me, so I had Dad take me there as soon as I left the doctor's office. They were very attentive got me in immediately. The scan was done fairly quickly. We waited almost an hour for the results and fortunately there was no clot. Dr. Mulry called and said that I have pleurisy and need to take anti-inflammatories and ulcer medication. If it is not better by Monday I will have to return to him for a cortisone shot.
I was instantly relieved. By the time we got the results Doug was at the hospital as well. He took me back to school so I could coach Meg's team. I couldn't yell and I felt terrible, but I made it through. We played very well for three quarters. At halftime it was 18-10 Lakeview. Meg had made a phenomenal pass to one of her teammates as time was about to expire and we scored as the buzzer rang. The third quarter was disastrous, but overall I was thrilled with how well they did. It has been great to see them improve.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
"B" Practice
Tonight we had the dreaded B practice for basketball. We have had a lot less of those than we had last year and I am very thankful for that. The girls stay after school and work on homework. I usually use the time grading papers or making lesson plans. It makes for a long evening, however, and the girls struggle to focus once we get started. The new 11 man drill that we have had been using a lot at practice has helped to re energize our team. It's challenging to stay intense when we only have had three games. For now we'll keep on trying to come up with new drills and games to keep it more interesting.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Soccer Open Gym
Once Cal quit basketball he decided to spend his Tuesday and Thursday nights at soccer open gym. It is held at the middle school and from what Doug and I have heard there are close to 35 boys that are attending. Cal has really enjoyed reconnecting with his freshmen soccer team. There are 16 juniors that play and they have a great time trash talking each other.
One night he did come home and tell us that he shoved one of the players into the bleachers when they were going for the ball and the other player cut his eye open. Cal told us not to worry, however, as the custodian was there and said that it looked like it would be fine. For now we are thrilled that he has found a positive outlet for his energy. We know that he will return to tennis in the fall, but it is wonderful that he has a group of friends that enjoy competing just as much as he does. It is nice to know also that the custodian is looking out for them!
One night he did come home and tell us that he shoved one of the players into the bleachers when they were going for the ball and the other player cut his eye open. Cal told us not to worry, however, as the custodian was there and said that it looked like it would be fine. For now we are thrilled that he has found a positive outlet for his energy. We know that he will return to tennis in the fall, but it is wonderful that he has a group of friends that enjoy competing just as much as he does. It is nice to know also that the custodian is looking out for them!
Monday, February 9, 2015
Wii
Cam and I have played Wii several times over the past few days. I have to admit that I do enjoy playing it. I am not always the best, but it is fun to try all of the different games. One that we discovered several years ago that we still enjoy is Balance Boat.
The first time we played it was on a warm spring day. Cameron had had a terrible asthma attack, so we could not let him go outside. He didn't want to lay around anymore, so he asked me to try this new game he had on Wii Party. There was a boat and Miis that we had to balance on a mast. There were mini games to win so that our Miis would be the same size. We tried the first few times and watched our Miis slide off into the ocean. We laughed and were ever amazed by our inability to conquer this game.
Before we knew it two hours had passed by and at the end we finally balanced the boat with all 20 Miis cheering us on. At the end there was a congratulations banner. It was at this time that we realized that we had only beaten the beginner level. To this day we still laugh every time we start a new round and one of us yells out "Congratulations, you took two hours to beat beginner!"
Tonight we actually made it to the 14th Mii on expert level before we slid off into the ocean. Although the game is fun, it isn't the challenge of the game that keeps me coming back. It is the fun we have had and the memories that Cameron and I have made together watching those Miis swing their legs and arms wildly hoping to stay on for one more round.
The first time we played it was on a warm spring day. Cameron had had a terrible asthma attack, so we could not let him go outside. He didn't want to lay around anymore, so he asked me to try this new game he had on Wii Party. There was a boat and Miis that we had to balance on a mast. There were mini games to win so that our Miis would be the same size. We tried the first few times and watched our Miis slide off into the ocean. We laughed and were ever amazed by our inability to conquer this game.
Before we knew it two hours had passed by and at the end we finally balanced the boat with all 20 Miis cheering us on. At the end there was a congratulations banner. It was at this time that we realized that we had only beaten the beginner level. To this day we still laugh every time we start a new round and one of us yells out "Congratulations, you took two hours to beat beginner!"
Tonight we actually made it to the 14th Mii on expert level before we slid off into the ocean. Although the game is fun, it isn't the challenge of the game that keeps me coming back. It is the fun we have had and the memories that Cameron and I have made together watching those Miis swing their legs and arms wildly hoping to stay on for one more round.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
I Like Being Overcommitted
A couple of weeks ago I talked to Meg about being overcommitted. In a short period of time she was to compete in the ISMAA piano and clarinet competition as well as the county spelling bee. This along with her school work, basketball and social commitments seemed like a lot to me. She listened as I talked, but then finally said, "Mom, I like being overcommitted."
I realized when she said that that she gets that honestly. I have definitely found myself overcommitted this past year and Doug has always liked to be involved in as much as possible. Meg handled her obligations well. She earned a silver in both the piano and clarinet solos, practiced hard at basketball, received an A on her Geometry quiz and had time left to hang out with her friends at Bittersweet and even tobogganing with Kaitlin's youth group this afternoon.
At first Meg was a little disappointed yesterday when she was given a silver rating. Once we started the drive home, however, she said, "I've been thinking. Some of the students today have made music their life. They have practiced for weeks and months, and that is great for them. I know I could have done that as well and maybe earned a gold. I am happy, though. I really only practiced my piece for four days plus did so much more. A silver is good enough for me." What a great attitude to have!
I realized when she said that that she gets that honestly. I have definitely found myself overcommitted this past year and Doug has always liked to be involved in as much as possible. Meg handled her obligations well. She earned a silver in both the piano and clarinet solos, practiced hard at basketball, received an A on her Geometry quiz and had time left to hang out with her friends at Bittersweet and even tobogganing with Kaitlin's youth group this afternoon.
At first Meg was a little disappointed yesterday when she was given a silver rating. Once we started the drive home, however, she said, "I've been thinking. Some of the students today have made music their life. They have practiced for weeks and months, and that is great for them. I know I could have done that as well and maybe earned a gold. I am happy, though. I really only practiced my piece for four days plus did so much more. A silver is good enough for me." What a great attitude to have!
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