Meg, Cam, Doug and I drove to Merrillville to meet Carl and his friend Marina for lunch. Doug chose a place called Aladdin's Pita which featured Middle Eastern food. We all tried several different types of humus with pita bread. They were delicious. Cam and Meg decided on grilled chicken kabobs for their entree and seemed to enjoy them. Neither would touch the grilled half onion, however. It was a great restaurant to try and we had a nice visit. We did some shopping in the grocery store afterward and they each found chocolates to buy for the way home.
Next on our stop was Valparaiso. I wanted to go to Barnes and Noble and everyone else agreed. I found several Blu Rays that I liked. After that we did some shopping at Yankee Candle. It was the last day of their big sale and I loved the fragrances we picked out. I was down to my last candle in storage, so I appreciated being able to stop there. Our last stop of the afternoon was Dick's. Meg needed shoes for tennis and we found ones that she liked in her size. I even had a $10 reward certificate to use.
We made it home around 6:30. Cal arrived shortly after we did. He went with HM, Aubrey and Stephen to Bittersweet to try his hand at skiing. He definitely was sore when he got home, but he was glad that he tried it. He had never been before. Brett left around 12:45 today. He picked Alex up in Milford and was home in plenty of time to unpack and get breadsticks before mass. We were glad to have him here and he seemed to enjoy his time with us. He took Cam and his friend from Bethany Christian, Caleb, to see Kung Fu Panda 3 on Friday night. Meg was supposed to be at a birthday party for Kaitlin in Fort Wayne Saturday, but Kaitlin ended up with the stomach flu. Thus, Brett got to visit with Meg more than we thought he would when he got here Thursday night. Besides the visiting and his meeting with the RNC, Brett even managed to write, edit and submit a five page paper for one of his classes. All in all I believe that everyone had a fantastic weekend. Doug even reneged on his promise of waiting a year to start another puzzle and began the Darth Vader one tonight. We will see how long that one takes.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Spring Cannot Be Too Far Off
Today and yesterday were absolutely beautiful. It felt close to 60 degrees and the sun was out all day. Doug took advantage of the weather in the morning to cut up the pine tree left from the December ice storm that knocked out a power line. After Cam's tennis match we took a walk around the neighborhood. It was gorgeous.
Cal and his friends spent the afternoon at the LYC playing basketball. Meg walked over to Tess' for awhile. Cam and Doug played basketball and before Meg left they kicked around the soccer ball. Doug grilled steaks and pork chops once Brett got home. Brett did not spend the day outside as he had to drive to Grand Rapids to meet with Republican National Committee. Michigan's Republican party is interested in hiring him, but he has to pass their tests first. He was thankful for the beautiful weather as well as it made the drive a lot easier.
The wonderful day was capped off by a great night. IU beat Purdue in Assembly Hall to stay on top of the Big Ten standings. It was a good game and made for a fun evening.
Cal and his friends spent the afternoon at the LYC playing basketball. Meg walked over to Tess' for awhile. Cam and Doug played basketball and before Meg left they kicked around the soccer ball. Doug grilled steaks and pork chops once Brett got home. Brett did not spend the day outside as he had to drive to Grand Rapids to meet with Republican National Committee. Michigan's Republican party is interested in hiring him, but he has to pass their tests first. He was thankful for the beautiful weather as well as it made the drive a lot easier.
The wonderful day was capped off by a great night. IU beat Purdue in Assembly Hall to stay on top of the Big Ten standings. It was a good game and made for a fun evening.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Could You Step Out of the Car?
Last night was an adventure for Brett. He left to come back home for the weekend around 5:15. Alex decided to come back as well and asked for a ride. I was worried about them coordinating their schedules, but all seemed well at 6 when they called. They had stopped by the winery so that Brett could purchase some cider to bring home. At that point I suggested to Brett that he let Alex drive as he is more seasoned in bigger cities and they could come through Indy that way. I had also suggested that they put the wine in the trunk. That way if a police officer stopped them, he would know that they weren't drinking. Never did I think.
All seemed well until 9 p.m. when I got a text from Brett stating, "We just got pulled over." I was surprised, but not concerned until I texted him several more times and did not hear anything for about 20 minutes. Brett finally texted back and said, "Alex was speeding and the dogs could smell drugs." What? Alex and Brett and drugs? No way! By this time everyone in the house caught on to what was going on and we waited to hear back from them.
Finally Brett called and much to our relief there were no drugs in the car. I was not concerned about the boys, but thought maybe someone had put something in the vehicle to hide out for later. Brett said that it was quite the experience. He definitely never needs to be patted down again. The police officers thoroughly searched the car and even went through both of their laundry baskets. From the conversation Brett had while they were waiting the cops said that it could have been Brett's laundry that the dogs smelled as someone in his dorm smokes marijuana and it could have lingered. It also could have been a dollar bill that they got at a local fast food stop. Someone could have used it to snort cocaine and there would traces of that still on the money. Either way the boys were relieved and even the speeding ticket that Alex received didn't dampen the mood. They also learned that no one under 21 can transport alcohol in a vehicle unless a parent is with them, so Brett drove the rest of the way home.
We were all thankful when Brett arrived safely around 10 p.m. By then Alex had posted the following on Twitter. Cal's response made Doug and I laugh the rest of the evening.
All seemed well until 9 p.m. when I got a text from Brett stating, "We just got pulled over." I was surprised, but not concerned until I texted him several more times and did not hear anything for about 20 minutes. Brett finally texted back and said, "Alex was speeding and the dogs could smell drugs." What? Alex and Brett and drugs? No way! By this time everyone in the house caught on to what was going on and we waited to hear back from them.
Finally Brett called and much to our relief there were no drugs in the car. I was not concerned about the boys, but thought maybe someone had put something in the vehicle to hide out for later. Brett said that it was quite the experience. He definitely never needs to be patted down again. The police officers thoroughly searched the car and even went through both of their laundry baskets. From the conversation Brett had while they were waiting the cops said that it could have been Brett's laundry that the dogs smelled as someone in his dorm smokes marijuana and it could have lingered. It also could have been a dollar bill that they got at a local fast food stop. Someone could have used it to snort cocaine and there would traces of that still on the money. Either way the boys were relieved and even the speeding ticket that Alex received didn't dampen the mood. They also learned that no one under 21 can transport alcohol in a vehicle unless a parent is with them, so Brett drove the rest of the way home.
We were all thankful when Brett arrived safely around 10 p.m. By then Alex had posted the following on Twitter. Cal's response made Doug and I laugh the rest of the evening.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
A Great Day!
Today we found out why my vision is distorted and blurry at times. I have dry eyes for sure, but I also have small cataracts on both lens. They are not enough for surgery yet, but they are distorting my lens and have changed my vision. They also cast a shadow which makes it harder to see at night. The good news is that these are manageable. I will use medication for dry eyes and have my vision tested in two weeks. The ophthalmologist also looked at my optic nerves. Since they are not inflamed I do not have MS which was the first fear. He also does not believe that I have a brain tumor, but will check my field of vision at the next appointment. If I pass that test I do not have to have an MRI!! I was very glad to hear that.
In addition to this great news I was also able to attend Cameron's field trip today. The fifth grade has been studying matter and molecules and decided to explore Science Central for some hands on activities. I thought it was a wonderful adventure. They learned about the stages of matter and "walked on the moon." Cameron rode a bike that was perched at least two stories in the air. There were fun mirrors and several exhibits to try. I believe his favorite was the slanted room. It made for some great pictures as it was hard to travel up and down without falling. I was thrilled to spend time with him. He has made great friends at Bethany and they have fostered his learning in a way that I had hoped for. It was an awesome day for both of us and thankfully Cam's asthma is finally a little better.
In addition to this great news I was also able to attend Cameron's field trip today. The fifth grade has been studying matter and molecules and decided to explore Science Central for some hands on activities. I thought it was a wonderful adventure. They learned about the stages of matter and "walked on the moon." Cameron rode a bike that was perched at least two stories in the air. There were fun mirrors and several exhibits to try. I believe his favorite was the slanted room. It made for some great pictures as it was hard to travel up and down without falling. I was thrilled to spend time with him. He has made great friends at Bethany and they have fostered his learning in a way that I had hoped for. It was an awesome day for both of us and thankfully Cam's asthma is finally a little better.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Can You Pick Up Cameron?
Cameron headed to school today packed full of medicines for a sinus infection. It all was a little too much for him, however, as they called me by 8;30 to have Grandma come and get him. Once he got to class his chest was tight and the inhaler wouldn't help. After he threw up they decided it was best for him to go home.
Mom had no problem going to get him. He was back at her house by 9:30 with a page of math to work on and a book to read. They said that he could come back for chess if he wanted to as they have their regional tournament next Saturday, but he just wasn't up for it. He spent a lot of time resting, doing card tricks, watching TV and reading. I hope tomorrow is better for him. I know the antibiotic they gave him is strong, but if he can keep it down, it should really make a difference.
Mom had no problem going to get him. He was back at her house by 9:30 with a page of math to work on and a book to read. They said that he could come back for chess if he wanted to as they have their regional tournament next Saturday, but he just wasn't up for it. He spent a lot of time resting, doing card tricks, watching TV and reading. I hope tomorrow is better for him. I know the antibiotic they gave him is strong, but if he can keep it down, it should really make a difference.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
We did it!!
It took Doug and I almost six weeks, but we finally finished the "Two Girls at the Piano" puzzle tonight. It was by far the most difficult puzzle I have ever worked on. Doug showed the most patience as when it became extremely challenging he kept at it. I absolutely love Renoir as a painter and this is one of his best. In saying that I do not believe that I will trying another one of his artworks as a puzzle for quite some time. Brett said that it was fitting that the puzzle was difficult to complete as it he had a horrible time finding it for me for Christmas. I do appreciate him giving it to me, however, and I enjoyed the time I spent with Doug working on it. Cal and Cam said that we could start the Darth Vader puzzle next as they found that one to be even more difficult. Luckily, my Dad gave us a slightly simpler one. I'd start tomorrow night on that one, but Doug said he is waiting awhile before getting another out. Maybe he will change his mind by the weekend or Meg will suggest another family movie night. That's when we made the most progress.
Monday, February 15, 2016
President's Day
Wawasee was off for President's Day today. Cam still had school, but at least I was able to take him. Meg spent the night at Kaitlin's, so it was just Cal and I here in the morning. I spent the time picking up the house, folding laundry and catching up on some computer work. I even had time to grade all of my math papers from school.
Once I picked Meg up we decided to go to Maria's for lunch/brunch. Meg had her usual - hamburger and fries - and I tried scrambled eggs and bacon. It was nice to catch up with her after such a busy weekend. I changed piano to this afternoon so that Meg could easily make it before I picked up Cameron. He had a good day, although, his asthma is still bothering him. He said that having visit day on President's Day was a great idea. They were packed with 5th and 6th graders interested in Bethany next year!
Piano went well and we timed our trip to arrive at home just as Doug pulled in. There was no soccer tonight because of the day off from school, so Doug made spaghetti. Cam and Meg wanted to watch Prisoner of Azkaban. Doug and I used the time to almost finish the Renoir puzzle.
Once I picked Meg up we decided to go to Maria's for lunch/brunch. Meg had her usual - hamburger and fries - and I tried scrambled eggs and bacon. It was nice to catch up with her after such a busy weekend. I changed piano to this afternoon so that Meg could easily make it before I picked up Cameron. He had a good day, although, his asthma is still bothering him. He said that having visit day on President's Day was a great idea. They were packed with 5th and 6th graders interested in Bethany next year!
Piano went well and we timed our trip to arrive at home just as Doug pulled in. There was no soccer tonight because of the day off from school, so Doug made spaghetti. Cam and Meg wanted to watch Prisoner of Azkaban. Doug and I used the time to almost finish the Renoir puzzle.
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