College Material?

I had one of those anxious "empty nest" moments today when Carter received his first recruitment letter from a college.

And I use the word recruitment loosely.

Under the guise of a "Congratulations on your confirmation" letter, a Lutheran college in southern Wisconsin made themselves known to us. A private school? Wow we must have cleaned up good for our family confirmation picture!

While templated, it was still a nice letter "celebrating the person you are becoming"... then pointing out their mission statement and promising to be in touch "from time to time" over the next few years.

I would call it a pretty soft recruitment. I mean they sent him a key chain -- not the car to go with it.

Still, it gave me pause and I realized I am not ready for this by any stretch of the imagination.

The ironic thing is, Carter quickly proved that he isn't either. Among his homework assignments tonight he has to read 100 pages in a book... he forgot in his locker at school. Uhm...Is this kid college material? Not yet. Whew.

I'm OK with that. He gave the situation a reality check -- which this mom (who dies a little inside each time I think about my baby leaving) needed.

We'll keep the key chain, though. If nothing else, it's a reminder of what he needs to strive for and what Mom needs to be prepared for.

But let's not rush things... 100 pages down.... lots to go.

Freshman Fifteen

Typically, the "Freshman Fifteen" refers to how much weight a new college students puts on her first year. From experience, I can say it's somewhat close to the truth! In Carter's case, his "Freshman Fifteen" refers to the fact he seems to be going 15 different directions this first year of high school.

And, miraculously, keeping his sanity. (Not so sure about Dad and Mom, though!)

Cross Country had no more than wrapped up on Monday, when we had Parent-Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, followed by Confirmation rehearsal tonight! The only reason we can keep up with him is because we are the ones driving!

We were pleased to discover his first grading period went well and that his teachers find him a "pleasure to have in class." Most said he was very good about class participation, not afraid to speak (hmm, whose child is that?) and ask or answer questions. This is important to hear. Knowing our child is respectful of his teachers and classmates is just as important as good grades. We are blessed he has accomplished both. So far.

Just as his high school career begins, Carter's christian education at church wraps up with Confirmation this coming Sunday. I should clarify -- his Lutheran christian education -- since he continues to have a Religion class at Assumption every year as one of his "core" classes.

We had a quick rehearsal tonight and class photo. There will be 9 students getting confirmed Sunday. Basically we had to run through what they had to do up front, what us parents had to do and the role of the mentor and godparents. Of course, the pastor also reminded the kids not to stand and "lock their knees" so they won't faint. That's what we need is THAT idea in Carter's head! Too late. He's already thinking about it.

I hope he can put that behind him, too!

So let's see, that's 3 different directions so far.... Tomorrow we'll need to give him a ride to school since the public school is off and there is no busing. On Friday he has no school and is invited to a bonfire party. On Saturday, he has a surprise costume/birthday party and then Sunday is confirmation.

When does he have time to eat and sleep??

Not sure. But at this rate, he has no chance of gaining that freshman fifteen. Let's hope no one else in the house does either!

Off Season

The day after the Superbowl should really just be a national holiday. Because no matter who plays in it, we all stay up to watch the whole thing -- plus post-game this and that -- and stumble into work on Monday very tired. It's officially off season for everybody.

When Carter still had his stomach issues this morning, it certainly was tempting to shut the alarm clock off and stay home with him. But we went to work and told him to go back to bed. He slept until 10 and felt better. Than ate some breakfast and felt even better. So we had Grandpa Austin drive out to pick him up and take him to school.

Hopefully this means that this nasty flu bug Carter and I keep re-gifting to each other is gone!

I feel a bit better, too. Was feeling under the weather all weekend -- but put on a brave face and fought through it in the name of scrapbooking. I felt well enough to go ride a bike at noon (a stationary one indoors at the fitness center). And now just want to go to bed early -- as I have said the last 10 nights -- and really do it this time.

We only had two things on the agenda tonight: 1) Watch The Voice, a great show, and 2) officially register Carter for his 9th-grade classes, a bit of a fight since he claims only one, yes one, 8th-grader is going out for band next year so now he doesn't want to. This is where I use the parenting logic and say, "Dad and I say you are playing in band. You aren't old enough to make smart decisions." .... especially when it revolves around what all the girls are doing or not doing. I didn't say that part, but we know what motivates a 13-year-old boy!

So with those two things accomplished -- one far easier than the other -- it's bed time! Let the healing begin.

Survivor

Earlier in the day, I figured the toughest thing I'd have to survive was the drive -- by myself -- to and from work. While that was a 100-mile challenge I'd prefer not to repeat, the biggest test came later.

High school orientation.

Who? What? Huh?

Yup, there was a meeting for upcoming 9th-graders and their parents at the school tonight. Yup, that's us. Uff da.

I sat there half listening, half wondering where the time went. I'm looking at his class requirements for the next 4 years and can't get past the number 4. What? Only 4 years left with my baby?? Oh boy. And I thought driving was stressful these days!

As a side note, I did drive into town for the meeting since Jim wasn't back from his trip yet. At one point halfway through, I glanced at the back of the room and saw my knight in shining armour, back early from this trip, with a slight sunburn on this face. My hero. And my ride home since his travel companion dropped him off at the school. Yay.

Carter had basketball practice and is getting a ride home with the neighbors so Jim and I could come home. And unpack.

Oh, and look at Carter's schedule.

Since he has high school-level Math and German this year, and part-time computer apps, he will earn 2.75 of his required 26 credits by the end of this school year already. That's cool. Looks like he'll keep taking Math for infinity. For his prospective career, he put down math teacher or architect. I've seen his "optical illusions." I don't think I'd want to live in a house like that.

Then again, to Carter, that might seem more normal.

Ahhhh, we'll survive. Right?