Wanted to try to go to the gym today, already dressed and everything, but I have a 'to do' list a mile long. One of the biggest adjustments to working full time: all the shopping, decorating, and even things like pedicures and hair coloring become true luxuries. My grays are showing, my toes look worse than ever, I haven't read a book for fun since summer, and I have no idea how I'm going to get all of my Christmas shopping done in time. Not to mention the three Dec birthdays in my house....I'm thinking that sitting right here at my kitchen table on a computer is where most, if not all, of my shopping will occur this year.
I have decided not to do much for my big 40th this year. Something small and intimate sounds just right for this old lady who's tired of throwing parties. Luke has decided that more expensive birthday presents wins out over spending money on both a party and a gift. Jacob is easy: a few fun gifts and a steak restaurant with some friends & family, topped off with chocolate cake.
Anyway, the big things going on in our house these days, are everyone deciding which activities they'd like to continue, and which they no longer want to do. I have to say, if those are the big decisions we have on our plate right now, I'm down. Just regular old decisions, nothing major.
Luke is taking a break from golf lessons, but I think his real motivation is taking lessons with a friend from school. He keeps bringing up how "Brianna" is at the same place as this friend, but acts as if that is a problem.... I'm not sure "Brianna" is actually a "problem"... ;-) He is already talking about not playing the trombone next year, and going back to guitar. Which is fine with me, my parents bought him a really nice guitar a couple of years ago, and I'd love nothing more than for him to learn to play it. Soccer is still on the list for him too.
With Ryan, the sports stuff becomes a little more complicated, but like I said, if these are the 'big' decisions, bring it on. He still plays rec soccer, and absolutely loves his team. He also plays on a competitive soccer team, and we recently changed to a new one this past season after several seasons with the old one. We needed a change, and there were certain philosophies on the other team that just didn't jive with ours. Ryan had gotten to where he wasn't enjoying it, didn't even really want to play, and he started to pull way back. Truthfully, as parents, it was hard to watch. He was struggling and we knew it, but weren't sure what the answer was. The new team was a perfect switch, and his coach was wonderful. I say 'was' wonderful, because he has since decided to take a break from coaching. Then, the US Soccer people made some big changes that have now put Ryan on the 'fast track' to 'select' soccer. This jump makes things just a bit more demanding, as well as expensive, so we weren't in a rush to get there. It also makes it that much more difficult to play more than one sport, unfortunately, and he also plays baseball. He was able to pitch a few times this past season, and really enjoyed that. He wants to pursue both soccer and baseball, and these days, at least in our area, you have to become pretty darn good in order to even make the high school teams. The pressure starts early, and makes kids and parents feel like they have to specialize in one sport early, or else they will fall behind. Youth sports has become this crazy world to navigate, but we think (and hope) that we are making the right decisions for him. But who knows? All of that being said, we think we have a plan for next season at least, so it gives us a path to follow for now. He does like his new school, and has made some great new friends, which was a big deal for him. He's a quiet guy, and seems to have found some sweet boys to hang with.
Jacob played his first season of Miracle League in several years, and we really enjoyed it. Plus, a truly wonderful thing happened. Although Jacob (& I) enjoyed it, Luke seemed to learn the most. Going into the season unsure of whether he wanted to be Jacob's buddy, he came out learning how to appreciate his brother again. They were such buds when they were little, but over the years had grown apart due to Luke's getting older, and Jacob's behavior becoming an issue for him. But, watching other siblings of all of those players with disabilities, and how they treated them and the relationships they had with them, I think really opened Luke's eyes to the fact that it is ok for him to like his brother. I think he saw, and learned, acceptance of his brother's differences, and realized that he is not alone in having a sibling with disabilities. Especially one with behaviors that can be embarrassing for siblings. I just happened to have my camera there and ready to capture this shot that truly warms my heart. There's still room for progress in their relationship, but how wonderful is it that life just gave Luke that time with his brother to learn that lesson, and he was paying attention? Really does remind me of what truly matters in life. :-) The last two games of the season were rained out, but we are looking forward to next season!
My job is moving right along, and I finally feel like I kinda know what I am doing. Sort of. It's definitely a lot, and there's way more to do and to learn than I think most people realize, but it's so worth it. Although I am having to adjust to the things I mentioned before, teaching again, and getting to work with the kids I get to teach, make me feel happy and whole again. All four of my boys have adjusted just fine to me working, we are able to balance things pretty well (not to say that there aren't days where I am just exhausted), and everyone is happy. Couldn't ask for anything more, right?
Heading to Rockport, TX this week for Thanksgiving with my sis, her fam, and my parents. Maybe I'll get some good pics to post! Happy Turkey Day!
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