School shadowing

Yesterday, Chris got to shadow at the private school, I was leaning towards. The work day dragged, especially since I took a late lunch to pick him up. I have to say, their pick up method...is not orchestrated very well. It's almost chaiotic. It could be done sooo much better.

Anyway, while we are walking back to the car, I ask him, "So how was it?"

His response? "I'll tell you in the car." Uh-oh. "It was okay. The kids are mean though."

"The kids are mean? How so?"

"At recess kids were throwing balls at other kids. They weren't nice."

"Did they throw them at you?"

"No, but they were throwing them at other kids they didn't know."

"How do you know that, Chris? You have to realize these kids have been together since pre-school. Just like you in your present school, you know 8th graders AND you know kindergartners. I'm sure they all know each other."

"They are mean; and they didn't know each other."

Obviously, I'm not getting through to him.

"Was anyone mean to you?"

"Not really. I tried to talk to one kid, but he didn't answer."

Now, Chris isn't the loudest kid in the world - thanks to being shy. So I gently point out, "Maybe he didn't hear you."

"No, he ignored me. My "buddy" for the day even said, 'don't talk to him he's mean.'

His other friend Abbey also shadowed at the other private school, that we wrote off of our list.

"What did Abbey say about St. Joe's?"

"She said they are the same there - mean."

Sigh.

So, what was hopefully going to seal this up and I'd have my decision by TODAY - has now made matters worse.

I called my husband and he suggested calling the public school and see if he can shadow there. He said this will also show me if they CAN call me back at a reasonable amount of time, unlike last time where it took them a week to do it. You see, if I have an issue at the school, I NEED A PHONE CALL BACK!

I thought that was a brilliant idea. So, I called the guidance counselor who gave us the tour last week, and left a message on his voice mail that I had a question and to please call me back. As of 11am the next day I still do NOT have a phone call back.

So, the way I am looking at it, he needs to reconsider St. Joe's, or just deal with where he shadowed yesterday, because the majority of his school is going there - and he WILL know kids there.

Over the past few days, I have also noticed that Chris is in a horrible mood. Knowing this is unlike him, I have to toss it up to the fact that he is incredibly stressed over this as well.

Again, the whole situation sucks!

I've prayed for guidance and am back at square one.

What is a mother to do?

Okay, I admit it....I'm a sap

Okay, I embarassing admit that this Royal Wedding has me excited. Why? I'm not really sure. All I can think of is I remember being in 7th grade and watching Princess Di's wedding. Being mesmerized by it all. Wanting to be that princess and have that happily ever after, some day.

I didn't know just how much that wedding affected me until I was planning my own wedding. I remember looking at the dresses and recalling that wedding. So, I got the big dress, with the looong train, with the crystal headpiece and even the pearl drop earrings. And as I walked down the looong aisle, to meet MY prince Charming, I felt it...I felt like a princess.

So, maybe that is why I am all wrapped up in seeing her son getting married. After all, his bride has no royalty in her bloodline, and she is just a commoner who is literally going to become a princess right in front of us.

It's the stuff that fairytales are made of, and in today's world with terrorists, the economy, and schools closing out of blue - I want to feel the way I did when I was 12 years old watching Diana marry Charles. I want to forget about everything for a few hours and be mesmerized by the whole idea of it, and remember that dreams still do come true.

Cheerio!

Turning on God

Yesterday, Christopher's class, along with the 4th graders, had a field trip. I volunteered to be a chaperone and we were going to the State Capital and the museum. We got on the school bus and about an hour and a half later we were sitting along side the Capital, and sitting, and sitting and sitting.

Eventually, the teachers got up and said, "Well, there seems to be a water main break in the capital and the museum, so the building is closed." They got on the phone with the principal and tried to come up with other ideas, but nothing worked for what their current school curriculum was. So, we went back to school.

My vacation day from work was now wasted, being used for a 4 hour school bus ride, that they plan to reschedule. And if that wasn't bad enough, there was a saddness enveloped over all the parents the whole entire time, knowing this was to be the last school trip for St. Vincent's de Paul EVER!

I did get to talk to several other parents, get their feel on other schools in the area, and came away with mixed feelings. No one really seems to agree on any of them.

A father of a 4th grader, who I do not know, but who looked very familar, was on the trip as well. I know he is involved with the church, somehow, but I don't know the exact manner. He went on to inform us....the school was NOT in debt; the church however, IS. The diocese plans on closing the church, but the only way to do that was to shut down the school first.

Even though I took his words lightly, and he could be waaaay off track here, my heart still sunk. FIRST they take away our school, and now they are going to take away our church? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON???????!!!!!

I know people are angry. They are upset over this whole thing and how unfair it is to the students, staff, and parents. The timing could NOT be worse and the diocese really doesn't seem to care - AT ALL! In fact, they contacted all the private schools in the area forbidding them to accept any enrollments until they receive the formal letter from our priest, requesting the closure of the school.

Ummm, excuse me...but YOU'RE THE ONES THAT FORCED HIM TO DO IT!!! Why do the parents have to wait? Why do we have to continue to be in limbo? Why can't we at least START to move forward? Do you honestly think once you get the letter in hand, you'll reconsider? OF COURSE YOU WON'T - you basically blackmailed the poor man to close the school stating if he didn't, you would not financially support the church any longer.

My fear throughout all this is that people are going to leave the faith. I can understand why they could think that,in the heat of the moment, but why let Satan win? This is what he wants, after all. He wants us to turn away from God, but I hope and I pray that the people of our great parish have a strong enough faith to not stray.

The world is in complete disarray - I seriously wonder how much more God is going to put up with it. And with the Hollywood hype of 2012, I'm sure tinsel town is thinking the same thing.

I just pray people don't loose faith because our diocese has acquired a few crooked, players in the organization.

With Easter right around the corner, let's not forget what He did for us. He died to save us - Don't turn your backs on him now.

Happy Birthday and farewell

Today is my little one's 11th birthday. I can't believe 11 years ago today I was giving birth to him. I remember every little detail as if it was just yesterday. I remember my mom coming in afterwards and hearing how quiet he cried said, "How in the world are you ever going to hear him???" The volume of his cry wasn't much louder then a whisper - he was just so quiet.

Nothing has changed much with him through the years. He's my quiet and shy one. It takes him a while to warm up to people, but once he decides he likes you, it'll be hard to get him to be quiet. He is EXACTLY like me in that respect....but part of me wishes he could break out of that. Personally, at times, I find it a disability on being so shy, but should I really try to change who he is?

The answer came to me on Sunday afternoon, when the principal of his private school called me with the heartbreaking, and shocking news, that they are closing his school. Turns out the diocese of Harrisburg had a meeting with them Thursday night, and said their deficit outweighed their enrollment, so this would be their last year. Just like that! "Ummm, let's see....no money? Goodbye!"

I started to cry - it was just so sad. That school has been around since around the 30's and just like that, without any thought to the kids, teachers etc they are gone.

So, my fear of Chris being so shy returned. Now we have to uproot him to a brand new school, with new kids, teachers, etc. Where do I go from here? Michael adamately explained he does not think Chris is ready for public school. #1 its too different from where he came from, and given his personality, and being so small for his age, he'd be a prime target for being bullied. My mother also offered to home school him, but Michael also thinks that would be a huge mistake and not helping the situation.

I called another private school about 5 minutes down the road from his present school. I was touched by their compassion of the situation and their willingness to accept ALL of the St. Vincent's students if need be. That would mean he'd know at least some of the kids at the new school. I asked several questions, but with this being all new to them too, she didn't have many answers. They are probably going to have an Open House for us so we can ask questions as a group and tour the school.

As I sit here overwhelmed, I think everything happens for a reason. His class is so small in St Vincent's, and now, he will finally get the opportunity to meet new kids, maybe start hanging out with more boys (since the class he's is now is predominantly girls). Maybe this transition, now, will help him when he changes schools for High School. Maybe....

But, all this seems even more fair because today is his birthday. Timing is everything and this just sucks all around.

:(

Ummm....what?

I feel like I've used that title countless times, but sometimes it's well deserved.

I am really close with a member of my family. I consider them one of my best friends and know I can always count on them. When I am hurting, I know they are too; and when they are hurting, they KNOW I am hurting right along with them as well.

I understand in any type of relationship there are going to be differences of opinions and disagreements, but what do you do when the difference of opinions seem to be outweighing the things you agree on anymore.

This person, as much as I love them, can be very...firm in their beliefs. It's their way, and no matter what you say, they are not going to waiver and not only that, at times they expect ME to waiver to their beliefs - regardless to what they are, whether it be religion, politics, food,...it doesn't matter. They know they are correct and that's just the way it is, and anyone who doesn't live they way they do, or believe in what they do, are nothing more than idiots, blinded by today's society.

So, I knew I had limits with this person. I was clearly aware NOT to bring up religion or politics with this person. I knew if I missed the gym for a week straight, not to mention it because I'd hear how terrible it is, especially since my cholestrol numbers are elevated and I'm trying NOT to get on medication for it. I knew not to talk about my cooking habits because not cooking organically, or from scratch is UNHEARD of and totally unacceptable - I'm poisoning my children and family with all that premade crap I buy!!! (by now I know some of you know exactly who I'm talking about - but that's between you and me, okay? ;) )

So, I called this person on the phone yesterday to catch up and when they asked about the kids I told them about Nicks girlfriends...cutting dilema. Shock, was their first reaction.

"What!? Why?"

When I went on to explain how her parents were overly strict and even punished her for bringing home a B, his reaction was nothing less than appalling.

"So? She SHOULD get punished for bringing home a B. There is no reason why she can't bring home straight A's."

After my mouth hit the floor, I copped my defensive attitude. "Yeah, okay. Anyway....." as I quickly changed the subject.

So, I'm left in this situation....what the hell do I have left to talk about with this person? *sigh*

Cruising right along....

Okay, I've caved. One thing I always said is I will NEVER EVER take a cruise. Why? Because I can't swim, germs and horror stories you hear about illnesses, motion sickness, what if I hate it and I'm stuck on the damn ship for 10 days!

All these thoughts and more have run through my head for years but now, after several of my friends have gone and rave about how great they are, I have finally - caved.

Why the change of heart? All I can think of is tomorrow my kids and husband are going for their passports and suddenly it seems to have opened up sooo many more travel possiblities. I know my husband wants to see Europe REALLY badly, so I thought, on a limited budget, how is that going to be possible? A cruise was inevitably the answer.

So, I've researched this online for the past week. Different cruiselines, where to go, prices, whats included, shore excursions....everything. My initial thought was going on one for our 20th wedding anniversary next summer-just Michael and I, but now I'm not sure. I think I may feel guilty leaving my kids for 10 days. But then I worry about them. What if they are bored? What if Chris won't eat the food since he's soooo picky? What if Chris won't do the kids events? So then I go back to the initial just Michael and I.

Then I think....maybe for a FIRST cruise a 10 day European cruise is too long. Maybe we should do a cruise to nowhere, or a carribean one for 3 days instead.

I'm getting super excited when I think about it, but I'm also getting slightly overwhelmed.

So, I ask for your help. I know KEren has been on at least one cruise and loved it. Has anyone else? Feedback, advice is MUCH appreciated.....