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I don't know what I'll do if Kate ever decides to go camping for a week. I can barely handle Jack going and when she is ready to go.....they will have to commit me.

I missed him terribly this time. He was really mad at me and hardly said good-bye. I practically crushed him when he walked in the house, made some of his favorite foods and bought his choice of chips.

I feel like crying right now, mostly from relief that he is back and safe and in one piece and he doesn't hate me, I think.

Kate is following him around telling him everything. She is even talking to him as he takes his shower.

I missed that boy.

Pray for me.

Scouting

Jack was not too happy with me this morning at 6:30am when I got him up for a canoe trip with scouts. We couldn't find his hat, he took forever in the shower and was just plain mad at me for signing him up for this canoe trip.

I always worry about him when he goes and now its worse. Chris, Matt, ....I should have had him call you guys. You always make him feel better about going.

The trip should be fun, but he was in such a bad mood....and he is never in a bad mood (it's usually the girl)

Think of me this weekend but more importantly, think if Jack. I guess this will be one of those things he tells his therapist about.

plus, the air conditioning in my car isn't working

If work were supposed to be fun, it would be called going to "fun" but its called going to work-"exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something; labor; toil." not fun - "something that provides mirth or amusement"

I had to conduct an inservice today with some of our aides today and I had to read this to them. They had been using their cell phones at work. "everyone else does". I said I have to be the parent then "I don;t care what everyone else does, I care what you d0" Interesting meeting. Needed to be said and I said it, for better or for worse.

ENJOYING LIFE & A BEAUTIFUL SPRING DAY

After Kate's game, I did my usual Saturday thing - food shopping, washing dishes and cooking. I made sloppy jo's for lunch & homemade mac and cheese, and macaroni salad with the noodles I didn't use for the m&C. I marinated a London broil and cut up some red new potatoes and seasoned them for the grill. Of course when I cook, there are more dishes and then laundry but I felt a little guilty as I did not cook 3 nights this past week.

Kate napped after getting up so early for soccer and when she woke up we washed the car together. Then I pulled Jack off the computer (which he was mad about) and we went for 1/2 or longer hour bike ride.

We stopped by his friend David's house and started chatting and the kids jumped on the trampoline. The next thing I knew it was almost 9pm and we had not eaten dinner. I told them all that stuff I had ready to go at home and brought it to their house and we cooked out.

What a great night. It was so fun to chat and hear the kids laughing and playing and getting dirty. They have a chimney/fireplace outside and we sat around it and enjoyed the beautiful night sky. Not a cloud, beautiful stars, 1/2 moon shining. AND best of all, GREAT COMPANY. I still have the wood fire smell in my clothes and hair. I love that smell. I had so much fun, I don't want to go to bed (its 12:35am right now)

Around 11pm, Kate wanted to come home and David got his mom to ask me if Jack could sleep over. It's so funny how they do it. whisper to each other and then ask his mom first and then they wear me down. SO funny.

I tell you, I am so much better about things like this, the first time he slept over a friend's house, I cried. Then he started camping with scouts and I not only cry, I don't sleep. That has not gotten better. Something bad always happens on a camping trip from a fight, to a "friend" ditching him, to up all night with leg cramps and getting dehydrated, Oh let's not forget the first campout when he came home with bruised arms from that stupid shotgun shooting.

Anyway, they go to our church and we will have Jack back with us by 10am tomorrow. Hope for another beautiful, fun-filled, sunny day.

Oh, I need to get to a book store. I finished the first book in the Mitford series. It was wonderful. Such a great escape.

Ceremony

Kate was inducted into our chapter of National Junior Honor Society. It was a beautiful, candle ceremony. Some of the 8th grade girls sang. It was nice to see how far Kate has come over the last 6 years. She is a hardworking, smart little girl and I am very proud of her.

Above, Kate waiting before the ceremony and below, Kate and Jack outside our house before we left and then Kate getting her certificate.

FEELING BLAH

We had an OK weekend and I don't anticipate this week being so great. Lots to do before the kids leave and I am barely treading water. I need to think of my summer plans to get out of this mood...the weather doesn't help!

Plan 1: Plan Jack's birthday party: Swimming at the Somerset Pool

Plan 2: Go to DC and see the Zoo, Air & Space and American History Museums

Plan 3: Get Summer School Off the ground so I can spend the next 4-5 weeks in NY (I may stretch it to 6)... While there we are visiting Annie in CT...yes Annie!!! long over due. Then to Boston, and up to Maine to "camp" at the Tuthill cabin. (hey there is running water!) Also some day trips to NYC.

Plan 4: Get to Hershey Park this summer !!! I keep saying it but never do it.

Plan 5: Get to Fireworks on the 4th AND hopefully at a baseball game.

Plan 6: Maybe a weekend trip to Philly to see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

Oh, did I tell you I am making my kids do the Home Latin class this summer too. Our language department is weak and they need that background for High school and college. (I know I am a mean mom)

NEW BIKE!!!!!

Got Jack a new bike today!! It was on sale at...Wal-mart...I know, I know...but what a nice bike and we all went bike riding down the street and then up to the school and back. I may have a shot at losing some weight yet. Next purchase: Bike rack for the top of the car.

It will be fun to take the bikes to NY and then Maine this summer.

I saw our dear friend Cathy while we were getting the bike. As I stood there talking to her, I could not help but think, "How lucky I am that this incredibly nice, sweet, kind, fun, wonderful person is friends with me." Of all the people she knows, she wants to do the bike trail with us!

Dear Cathy,

I know we said we would do DC but I may have to start out slow, my butt (and hips, and knees, and feet) are sore from one hour of riding and I only rode around Berlin. I'd like to try the Meyersdale trail first, then Confluence to Ohiopyle, before I get up the stamina for DC. Will you come with us and show us the different trails? It would be so fun.

Your friend,

Maria

PS. Fr. Tim invited Cynthia over for dinner!