TGIF: Trifle Gathering In Friend's (house)

Considering what a hot mess things are at in my life (mainly work life) right now, it was a very welcome distraction to get a call on my Trifle Hotline this morning.

OK. It's not a real thing. But now I'm wondering if it should be. Ha.

A friend was inquiring if I had a recipe for trifle that includes XYZ, her father-in-law's favorite candy bar. I told her I always make these things up on the fly, but recommended how she could make it work into the (what I consider required) trifle layers.

Side note: I can't go into specifics because I do not want to spoil the surprise... the image above is not what we worked on – it's just to get you trifle fans a reason to read this!

I also asked if she even had a trifle bowl. And when she said no she was just going to buy one, I had wicked flashbacks to Christmastime and my focus to find just one bowl! Now that I have 3 of them and one was fresh out of the dishwasher, I said, "Let me loan you a trifle bowl, stop by your house over lunch and give you a Trifle 101 tutorial."

So that's what I did.

I gave her the Trifle 101 basics. Cake-like layer on bottom, then pudding layer, then crunchy layer, repeat all 3, and add a whipped cream topping and "fancy/decorative" cover.

I saw the final result later today and think some birthday boy is going to be pretty happy tomorrow.

Of course this also got me thinking, since no less than a dozen people have urged me to hold a workshop/tutorial of some sort, should I do that? Would you come? Would I need to just pick the flavors, charge for the ingredients and the bowl so you can take that home and understand the basics of building a trifle... and the etiquette of serving/eating it? There really is a lot involved.

Or should I just do a video (very amateur quality) demonstrating it?

For those who have asked me or wondered, I welcome the feedback. I can either do a Trifle on Demand type Hotline to make them, or I could empower you to do them and keep your family and co-workers happy for life. Ha.

I appreciate feedback since trifles can appear intimidating. 

At the same time, I'm a nice and honest lady. They are NOT that hard to do. Y'all can handle this.

Thankfulness to a T

 

Alphabetical gratitude month continues today with the letter T which leads to Thanksgiving, which is what started this whole gratitude month to begin with! It's terrific!

A = Autumn, Austins, Assumption
B = Ballots, Books, Book Club, Bible
C = Casey, Clay, Carter, Church, Creativity, Camera
D = Dad, Daughters, Deck Chair, Dar, Design
E = Eggs, Election, Energy, Empty Nest
F = Family, Friends, Faith, Flu Shot, FastForward
G = Games, Golf, Guilty pleasures
H = Hugs, Hurricanes, Humor
I = Ice cream, Impromptu Invitations
J = Jim, Jokes, Job, Java
K = Kindness, King Cone, Knock on Wood, Karma
L = Laughters, Love
M = Mom, Masters, Musicals
N = Nieces, Nephews, Neighbors, Norse Force
O = Outage
P = Pigging Out, Passport, Phone
Q = Quiet
R = R People
S = Scandi-hoovian-ism, Sisters, Sylvester

Thanksgiving: I love Christmas, but I really appreciate Thanksgiving and what it stands for, too. It's what this gratitude month is all about. Our acts of thanksgiving. Not lamenting what we don't have or can't do in 2020, but appreciating the blessings we do have and things we can still do – even in a pandemic. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. It's a 365-day action of thankfulness. An attitude that goes a long way to positive, healthy thinking!

Tree: What tree? Oh, my family tree. I am grateful for my hubby for spurring my interest in family tree work. He started in high school and I started after Carter was born. So I missed out on a lot of time with living relatives who were the brain trust of our family history. My active interest and work on it goes in spurts. Usually more attention in winter months when there's not much else going on. Or in a pandemic year. My mysteries are many. And I continue to welcome clues. Jim could write a book on his but still, he was overjoyed tonight to learn two more names on his tree – grandparents that I think are 4 or 5 generations back. Totally awesome! I'm also thankful for technology, which has enabled me to search and find many answers and ancestors. Our history is at our finger tips. Just need to set aside time to tap into it.

Teachers: Just a shout out to teachers today, too. I can't imagine how you do what you in normal circumstances. Throw in social distancing, a virus, and virtual learning (and teaching), and it's crazy amazing. I know a lot of you are teaching to two audiences at once – half class in school and half class online – plus still trying to get to know your students, who've been hiding behind masks or a computer monitor. Bless you and all you do to keep our future on track.

Turkey: As excitement goes, I suppose turkeys are the lefse of meat. But I'm grateful to cook and deliver some turkey meals for isolated family on Thanksgiving. Plus thankful that tomorrow is my Friday so I have time to get things done. Thank you, Tuesday!

#gratitudemonth #gratitudealphabet

Finish on a High Note

It's not easy for a low brass instrument to finish on a high note. But a low brass player can.

Tonight was Carter's last Spring Band Concert. Ever.

Yeah, I know. Another last. At least he has a few more performances – if seniors are required (and most likely they are) to participate in Memorial Day Weekend ceremonies. Tonight, though, it was about great performances from all grades, with special emphasis on those 11 seniors leaving on a high note.

Yes, they ARE kind of a big deal! Quite a bit of talent going out the door. I created this collage and framed it for the band director as a gift from the seniors. She knows they are kind of a big deal but may need reminders down the road!

Miss Thomas opening her gift. Think she's going to miss these kids!

Who's leaving? One baritone player (Carter), one sax, three trumpet, five percussion and one violinist, our foreign exchange student on the right. Will be an interesting transition.

For giggles, I figure we better get our picture taken with our favorite band geek. At only one point in the concert was I going to cry. The last number was a medley of songs from The Lion King, including The Circle of Life.

This whole year of "lasts" really has been the Circle of Life! I think tonight was the last of the lasts. Next up, graduation!

Now that I will finish on a cry note!

Senior Moments :: Shenanigans

Since senior class pranks are frowned upon, the senior class decided to participate in some "shenanigans" last night instead. Apparently, that is one step down from a "prank" and therefore, shouldn't get anyone in trouble.

Or something.

Not to get anyone in trouble, but these shenanigans may or may not have been in the works since Christmas. I personally did not catch wind of it until around 6 p.m. yesterday from a senior who may or may not have participated.

Snapshots of shenanigans...

The Assumption principal was greeted with this "package" this morning, which the graduating class clearly took credit for.

 
 What could be hiding under there?

 It looks like a car, but how did that get inside the school?

 
 "Are you kidding me?" he says, but laughing, not yelling.

Upon unwrapping, he finds it indeed is a car... that may or may not have been wheeled into the lobby and then jacked up and tires removed. Where are the wheels? Open the clearly marked hood and find your first clue, Mr. Klinkhammer. 

He thoroughly enjoyed a creative scavenger hunt and found all 4 wheels!

Then wanted a picture of all the seniors – not to book 'em – but because he considered it the greatest senior prank in school history!

The danger, of course, is some future senior class trying to top that and doing it in an illegal, prank style versus a shenanigan with cerebral challenges!

The kids are lucky they don't have to do a remake of The Breakfast Club, 2016 version. And they are lucky their parents may or may not be proud of their creativity!

(Photos courtesy the mother of another senior who may or may not have been involved.)

Immersion Excursion

Our Euro-Travelers got some publicity in the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune today, complete with a a photo! "Frau" Bobbette Timmermann, Carter's German teacher, contributed a nice story summarizing their immersion excursion this summer. Enjoy... Someday Carter might get his own photos and "story" uploaded for you!


Students participate in German immersion program


WISCONSIN RAPIDS – A group of 14 Assumption High School German students experienced an unforgettable month during an educational and cultural German immersion program in Landshut, Germany. As part of the German-American Partnership Program (GAPP), these students stayed at the homes of the German students who had visited them in Wisconsin Rapids during April 2014.

Assumption German students attended classes June 15 to July 9 at the Hans-Leinberger Gymnasium (university prep high school), toured local industries (BMW and the Wittmann Brewery), visited an elementary school and took field trips to sites of historical, cultural and religious significance, such as Regensburg, the Bavarian Forest, Dachau, Berchtesgaden, and Füssen among others. The group also attended Mass at the famous Rococo Wieskirche at which two of the trip participants were honored with the request to serve Mass that day.

Besides gaining first-hand knowledge of a typical German school day and German family life, Assumption students also gave presentations about the city of Wisconsin Rapids, the American school system, hunting, Wisconsin sites, products of Wisconsin, as well as peoples of Wisconsin (e.g. German immigrants, Native Americans, Amish and Hmong) in our state. Eating new foods, dealing with the highs and lows of public transportation, and learning a different way of school and home life had a positive impact on both the students and families involved in the exchange.

The GAPP exchange between Assumption High School and the Hans-Leinberger Gymnasium has existed since 1994. Assumption students receive academic credit for their international experience. In April 2016, Assumption will host another group of students and their teachers from Landshut.

This summer’s participants were Carter Austin, Leah Becker, Shania Beenken, Ashley Bohn, Nathaniel Clark, Tyler Erdmann, Maria Gudelis, Jasmine Hunn, Trevor Newton, Mason Oertli, Megan Pawelski, Ashley Rustad, Hannah Stetz and McKenna Tiernan. Chaperones were AHS German teacher Bobbette Leu-Timmermann and Gerald Osowski.

Contributed by Bobbette Timmermann, Assumption Catholic Schools, Wisconsin Rapids.

All Over But The Cryin'

It's officially Carter's last night in Germany. He is sad to be leaving but so grateful for everything he got to experience! Here is our final "update" we received from his German teacher...


It has been a short fourth week here. On Monday we had a joint trip to a Greek style monument (Wallhalla) on the Danube, then it was on to the Liberty Hall. From there we walked nearly 4 km. through the woods, before crossing over the Danube to the famous Weltenburg monastery and brewery. We returned to our faithful bus driver, Erich, via a boat which took us from Weltenburg to the dock in Kehlheim. We then made another stop in Abensberg to see some famous Hundertwasser architecture.

Tonight was our farewell dinner at the school. It was a beautiful and very emotional time. Because the entire administrative team was at a state mandated 3-day school improvement workshop, I presented Mr Renoth with his cheesehead, bottle of Landshut wine and cranberries yesterday. His administrative assistant gave a wonderful speech and I presented her with cranberries as well. The students did a wonderful job of giving their speeches and singing a song that I re-did in German to the the tune of This Land is Your Land. They took great initiative and also made their own song to the tune of song in the musical Rent. Ashley R. and Nathaniel did an outstanding job of giving a speech in German as well.

Tomorrow is going to be a very difficult day for all of us. It will be very hard to say good bye. I will have to make sure no one tries to stow away in a school broom closet so that they can stay here.

 It has been a pleasure and an honor being with your sons and daughters these past four weeks. They were truly a joy to be with. Tonight I said that I would gladly take them all again on the trip.

Carter must have taken that offer seriously. He texted me: "We're coming back in 2017. No questions." Hey, I won't question it if I can go, too!

For now, though, this lonely momma says let's just get you home, safe and sound!

Vader's Day

Vader: German word for father.

It seems weird to have our son across the waters, so far from father – or as they say in Germany, vader – on Father's Day. I definitely made sure Jim survived the weekend OK without him!

Had a great time golfing. In fact there's still more golfing – made it home in time to catch the end of the US Open and need to get back to it. I will post some photos (the one above is Whitefish Bay on Lake Michigan at dusk last night) and more tomorrow, but tonight I will share an update about our world traveler.

On Friday afternoon, we got an update from his German teacher, Frau T, who also is serving as one of the GAPP (German-American Partnership Program) chaperones, along with Mr. O. Here's what she shared after Week One was in the books...


Greetings to everyone back home,

Please send warm, sunny weather. It has been cool and rainy almost every day. Supposedly, the weather is supposed to improve next week.

I have to say that I have had one of the smoothest first weeks ever here in Landshut. Everyone appears to have settled nicely into their host families. Jet lag did not seem to be a major problem this time and as far as Mr. O. and I can tell no one is pining to come home. Other than a couple with slight sore throats (teacher included) there have been no complaints. I have had many compliments from the host families, the teachers and my GAPP partner about how wonderful a group we have with us this time. One of the host fathers specifically sought me out to say how impressed he was with the effort the American partner was making to speak German and to learn more. During our city hall tour, we were also complimented by how polite and interested the group is.

We had a very nice welcome dinner on Tuesday evening with the parents bringing a variety of potluck items. At school, we have already begun to give presentations in several classrooms and are booked for several more. The principal gave a short history about the school and showed off the marble sculpture near the offices. The school is undergoing renovations to update the science labs and other classrooms as well. These will continue until 2021. Students have also started working on the short assignments I have for them to help make them more attentive and engaged in the classrooms as well as to keep them learning when they cannot attend a class due to a testing situation.

Today we were at the glass factory. We had a wonderful demonstration in glass making and the birthday girl, Megan, was selected randomly to blow a glass ball, which she then got to keep. After that we helped support the local economy with our purchases. The selection there is outstanding and the prices very reasonable. Even our German partners indulged and bought several gift items. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate to allow us to speed down the summer luge run. For safety reasons, they close the run down when it rains. They then need at least 30 minutes after the rain has stopped for the track to dry. We decided not to wait for an eventual rain let up and instead returned to Landshut a bit earlier than scheduled. ...

Next week is another full one. On Monday, we are going to Regensburg and on Tuesday we are visiting the local grade school. On Wednesday, we head out on our Alpen tour. The students will  not have access to the internet in either of the youth hostels,so please do not expect to hear from them (or me) until next Sunday evening.
Was so glad the week was going well for all, especially since we had so few updates from Carter. But I guess he's been busy.

Imagine my surprise and joy today when I heard his ring tone on my phone, alerting me he had just sent me a message. I didn't care that we were in the middle of golfing a hole, this was the first time in a week we'd been able to chat back and forth "live."

He wanted to wish Dad a happy Father's Day. He is having a great time doing all that stuff that Frau mentioned above, plus Lukas' family took him to Austria this weekend! (That's like a 90-minute drive or less, I think, from their home.) How cool!

Our chat was short because they were headed out to a pizzeria for dinner. I have to tell you, just hearing from him after a few days of nothing, made it seem like Mother's Day!

So we both had a special day... with no kids in sight. Just our kitty, who was happy to have us back home.

It's Just A Game

We road-tripped down to Wisconsin Dells today for double-header hoops action between Assumption and Barneveld.

This non-conference match-up is a huge rivalry for the girls especially, since Barneveld beat us by 4 points for the state championship in 2014 and we beat them by 4 points for the state championship in 2013. Always intense.

Now hubby and I had never been to the JustAgame Fieldhouse. (Cool name, eh?) Quite an impressive facility in downtown Dells. Depending on the event, it accommodates 6 full-length basketball courts or 10 full-length volleyball courts. Plus it has 4 locker rooms, a handful of concession stands, a sporting goods store and a Hall of History. They must haul in people (and cash) all year. Wow.

The Wisconsin basketball historic displays were pretty cool. They highlighted everything from last year's championship teams and all-state players, to Wisconsin high school kids who went onto college careers and overall lists of successful players and coaches.

In one of the hallways, Jim noticed this board, which included coaches with the most wins.

Upon closer inspection, you see why it is special? My old science and biology teacher – oh, and girls basketball coach – Mr. Messar made the board! He's been coaching since I was in high school so, yeah, that's a lot of years.

Not to age myself.

Back to hoops action...

As expected, the girls game was a close one with constant lead changes between the Royals and the Golden Eagles. Pretty darn nerve-wracking. But, Assumption came away with the win by 1 point! Awesome.

The boys game followed immediately after. The Royals jumped out to a quick lead but Barneveld closed the gap quickly in the second half. That became another nail-biter. Again, Assumption was victorious though!

Good times.

We had ridden with friends with a daughter on the team. On the way home we stopped somewhere south of Rome and north of Adams at a bar called Mo's. Excellent food! Pretty sure none of us needed supper tonight.

I felt like taking a nap but instead got motivated to get some scrapping stuff in order. Camp Crop-A-Lot is only 2 weeks away!

Time to get MY game face on!

Little Victories

I decided I should probably blog now while the Vikings haven't completely blown the Monday Night Football game.

Yet.

If they lose yet again, it probably won't be the worst thing in the world, just the worst part of the day.

Had a pretty good Monday at work, followed by a stop at home to pick up hubby and go to parent-teacher conferences at the high school. Pretty much no surprises there. He is pretty much getting all A's except for that darn English!

On the positive side, we heard he's a pleasure to have in class, chatty at times but always respectful. The new principal, who also teaches Carter's religion class, said he wouldn't expect anything different if he has the same sarcasm and sense of humor as his dad (who had this guy as a teacher way back when on his first day of high school. Wow, someone is getting old.)

Other than that, it was super conference. Got home in time to send Carter downstairs to do homework and me to grab the couch for some MNF... That's Monday Night Football... not MN Football.

Dang.

Tuesday Tidbits

Web M.D.: What's the difference between a migraine, a sinus infection and an abscessed tooth? There is no punchline here. I really need to know! One of the great things about the Internet is you can plug in your symptoms and discover what is potentially wrong with you. One of the bad things about the Internet is that is you can plug in your symptoms and discover what is potentially wrong with you. Do I have an earache or am I having a stroke? I guess I'll find out tomorrow why the pain by my ear Sunday has traveled around to shooting pain on my right side of my head. First stop is the dentist. If it is not tooth-related, I am heading straight for the walk-in clinic. I don't even want to find any more symptoms. I mean I could have picked up malaria but I don't think mosquitoes are snow birds.(By the way, Carter gave Daddy his devastating head cold. So we may be under quarantine here one way or the other!)

Chatter Box: We had parent-teacher conferences this evening. We weren't anticipating any major news, we just wanted to see how the teen was acclimating to high school. Apparently, pretty well. In fact, he's so "comfortable," he doesn't mind talking in class. Even when he's not supposed to! Other than the occasional chatter comments, the teachers enjoy him and he shows them respect. We value that!

Baseball Buzz: Baseball practice is in full swing and the first game is allegedly just over a week away. I'm pretty sure the only way it will happen is if someone builds a dome here. And quickly. Even if the first game doesn't come for a few weeks, Carter insisted it was time for me to trim the locks. So it's goodbye Justin Bieber, hello Baseball Buzz. Nope, no pictures. He may look nice, but he's still all Teen. And you fellow teen parents know what I am talking about!

Bathroom Buzz: OK, I'll keep the details to a minimum. Let's just say we are so close to having our bathroom re-do done, that this morning, for the first time since November, I rolled out of bed, got to use my own toilet and walk across the new heated tile floor to our fabulous shower! At least something is almost back to normal around here! I still had to curl my hair using the dining room mirror, but we're getting there.

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!

A Fresh Man

Today was the first day of school -- HIGH SCHOOL -- for Carter. Now I know why they call them freshman. This is the age they get fresh with the girls and talk fresh to their parents... which means we could be in for a long year!

It started out OK, though. Today was a shortened day so Carter didn't have to start until 8:30 instead of 7:30. So, of course, that left plenty of time for the obligatory scrapbook photos!

A second-generation Austin is now at Assumption High School. Here Dad and Carter represent the classes of '81 and '16!

 No tippy toes! See that smirk on his face? He doesn't need to stand on tippy toes to be taller than Mom. Sigh.

There he goes, entering the halls of high school, getting a fresh start on a new year and new demands.

Tonight he was feeling pretty positive about the first day. There are several new teachers in the school -- well all the high school ones are new to him -- and he had good things to say about most of them. Ha. Probably all but I think he's reserving judgment on a few.

Otherwise it was good to get that first day over with and get back into the groove of seeing friends, I mean studying.

Did I cry? Nope. Came awfully close when we were driving away after dropping him off and hubby says, "I wonder where we'll be driving him 4 years from now when we take him to college."

Oh boy. One day at a time.

Full Already

We only had a half day at work today so did not bother with the hour commute. I got done what I needed to and filled the rest of the day. And I mean it was full.

Since we had basketball last night, we missed Parent-Teacher Conferences for Carter. But since there was no school today, they held them again from 9-noon. That worked out even better. No lines and it took just over an hour -- versus a 3-hour evening with much standing. (We'll lock this discovery away for next year.)

So what can we learn about our son in 70 minutes that we didn't already know? Not much. But it's always good to hear it again. While his report card has some areas in need of improvement, he certainly didn't lack for positive reports from his teachers. I will never get tired of hearing he is a "good kid," respectful, reliable and "a pleasure to have in class."

We certainly aren't ones to take that for granted. So when we got home, we decided we'd take Carter out for lunch -- his choice. While I finished up some work, he mulled over his options. I'm so glad he didn't pick fast food! We ended up going to Hong Kong Buffet, where you eat too much then need a nap. Luckily, this was one of those days we could take one!

But I didn't.

I baked up some more Amish Friendship Bread. This time I made muffins, too. Then I whipped together some grape salads for Thanksgiving and the Cookie Bake Potluck. By then it was 4 o'clock already and getting dark. I donned my reflective vest, my blaze orange hat and running shoes, and headed down the road. I did a 2-mile route again of running for one song, walking for one, running again and so on. That seems to do the trick. I still have the discomfort in my "only time will heal" hip, but it's not as bad as it was a week ago and not nearly as bad as a month ago. Patience.

After I showered, I got ready for church. Didn't have to make supper since we were all still full from lunch! Carter and I went to church at 6:30. Had a nice Thanksgiving Eve service. Carter and the confirmation students did all the worship readings, prayers, etc. Afterwards, we had a pie social because a person can never have too much pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving week.

Got home and I really could have just gone to bed after such a full day. But I had this wise idea to play cards with hubby. I must be tired because he beat me and beat me bad. And I didn't even put up a fight.

I better rest up. Tomorrow is going to be just as full. And so will my tummy!

Worth that Wait

There's a reason they set aside 4 hours for parent-teacher conferences. It can take almost all of that to see 9 different teachers! Actually, we got it done in 3 hours but some of those moments of standing in line sure made it seem like 4.

Of course, it was all worth the wait.

We knew going into this that we didn't have any concerns. Carter already got his first report card and proudly boasted A's in 9 out of 10 classes. Still, we wanted to get to know these new teachers at this new school of ours. (Well most know hubby because he knows everybody, but I wanted to meet them, too!)

Parent-teacher conferences are different these days. When I was a kid, we stayed home and crossed our fingers that our parents would hear good things and come home in a good mood. These days the kids are invited to go along and hear it at the same time as us. Of course, if they have nothing to fear, why not go along? I'm pretty sure if Carter had known it would take 3 hours to see everyone, he would have opted to stay home, though.

Really, it never gets old to hear positive things about your child. Of course, we are pleased he's doing well academically. We love that teachers see he is a student who wants to do his best and won't settle for anything less. But we are even more pleased when we hear how polite and respectful he is in class. "Can you clone him?" one teacher asked. Now that's a high compliment.

Carter did get worried when his favorite teacher told him to "go away" so he couldn't hear our conversation. I think Carter was freaking out that the teacher had concerns or something. But no, the teacher explained, "Carter's awesome! I just don't want him getting a big head!"

We don't either. But we did tell him we are really pleased with everything we heard... and he better keep it up, or else...

I personally felt reassured that many of the teachers wanted to make sure Carter was feeling good about transitioning to a new school and making friends. They really care that he is feeling a part of the "family." That's so cool. I just love that!

I think this is going to be good. Really good.

For the Sake of Comparison...

You can't really judge something effectively unless you have something to compare it to. Sometimes it works in your favor. But not always.

Hubby had an excellent day today. Sure, he had to do some laundry and put dishes away. But while he was off, he also got to meet up with friends at the saloon for an entertaining lunch hour.

I had a great day at work. Sure, it was productive and interesting. But before I got there, I had my annual visit/exam with Dr. Fun, so considering how my day started, work sounds wonderful, doesn't it?

This evening we had parent-teacher conferences for Carter. Sure, he's a good kid with a few self-control issues. But compared to a "high energy" class of 20 other energized folks, he's a pretty good kid. (He got lucky on that one.)

Seriously, his teacher had nothing but good to say about him and pointed out, like we often do to him, that if he didn't rush through things -- or at least went back and checked his work -- he could be a straight-A student. He's got that potential.

And, in this case, we say, "Who cares what other kids are doing or not doing? We're not comparing you to them. This all about you and what you can do. And we know you can do it."

Former school-loving honor-student Mommy has to keep saying that so she doesn't start comparing either!

Tax Day

I shall never use profanity except in discussing house rent and taxes. -- Mark Twain

If you make any money, the government shoves you in the creek once a year with it in your pockets, and all that don't get wet you can keep. -- Will Rogers

In this world nothing can be said to be certain but death and taxes. -- Benjamin Franklin

Since today is the deadline for filing income taxes -- or Tax Day -- I thought I'd look up a few quotes about taxes. Pretty entertaining. From the looks of it, we've been complaining about them for hundreds of years. And they're still here!

We did get a refund from the state this year, which has already been received and spent, and had to pay into federal. In typical taxpayer fashion, we got the refund as quickly as possible and held off as long as possible paying in. I mailed that yesterday, the 14th, just to be safe.

So today really wasn't any different than any other day, except for a few things...

One, we have a lot more windows open -- plus the front door -- because temps reached 60! Tomorrow is supposed to be even nicer!

Hubby took advantage of the nice weather and raked some leaves and crap (for lack of a better word) up in the back yard. He's burning them now. I love that smell! I should say Carter helped, too, until the neighbor girl flashed her dimples and took him away from the drudgery of manual labor! I was busy pricing the last of my garage sale stuff and folding laundry, so I have an honest free pass.

Secondly, we have a better understanding of the alternative high school stepson #2 is attending. There was an open house and teacher conferences this afternoon (postponed from last week). It was interesting. I'm trying to stay focused on the positive. He's well-liked, his grades are pretty good and he's got potential.

There are some issues that need to be addressed and they will be. It's just frustrating that some things never change. But then, just like our tax refund, we cashed our reality check on this subject a long time ago.

I just hope the struggles we've had to do what's best for this kid won't always be as certain as death and taxes!

Mr. Fix-It

When Carter asked me after school if I had ever heard of a "Fix-it Plan," I assumed he was referring to the federal bail-outs since, you know, he seems so attuned to domestic affairs these days. I was way off track.

It was something far simpler. He got in trouble. Now he has to "fix it."

Apparently, in gym class, while they were not in the gym but outside snowshoeing, he threw a snowball at someone... and got caught. His teacher pulled him aside and gave Carter a worksheet for a Fix-it Plan. Basically, he has to state how he misbehaved, why it was inappropriate behavior, how he plans to fix it (i.e. apologize) and what consequences he's willing to pay for his actions (sit out one gym class). Then the student, parent and teacher have to sign it.

What a great idea. It certainly makes a child think twice about his actions. We adults could learn a lesson from that.

Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all were on a Fix-it Plan? It can be as simple as this: Take continuous stock of your thoughts and actions. When you are wrong, promptly admit it. Learn from your mistake and move on.

Now when I say it is simple, that doesn't mean it's easy.

First, it's not that easy to admit we are doing something wrong if no one calls us on it. "Where did that snowball come from? I didn't see who threw it, did you?"

Secondly, it's really tough to admit that our opinion, sometimes a deep conviction, could be wrong. We have to examine our line of thinking and determine if we are really all that smart or just plain stubborn. Ugh. That's a tough one.

Finally, it's not easy to tell someone (especially a close friend or family member) we did or said something intentionally that could have hurt them -- emotionally or physically. Trust me, if we don't own up to it, resentments will fester and cause far more long-term damage to the relationship. Just man up and move on!

When you think about it, the official "fix-it" document just reflects what we all should have learned as children anyway. "Do unto others as you would have done unto you." In other words, no matter what your age, "Play nice in the sandbox!"

The Thinker

As much as I miss having my hubby around, I don't mind the single-mom routine occasionally. ... As long as blizzards are held at bay.

I'm at the point I am pouncing on any one-on-one time with our baby, knowing that at any moment, his pre-teen attitude could kick in and he'll want nothing to do with either one of us. So for now, I'll take advantage of every opportunity.

On Monday and Tuesday nights we had the same routine: supper, homework, then a game. We had a nail-biting game of Bustola on Monday (I barely beat him). And last night, well, we ran out of time, but I'm pretty sure I would have won the UNO game.

Although Daddy sometimes ribs me about hanging on every word Carter says, each day he says something I just find entertaining or even thought-provoking.

On Monday, he was thinking it might be a wise career move to be a government employee so he could get all the holidays off. Then, after further thought, he said a teacher would be even better. Three months off! "Can you imagine how different it will be when I'm a teacher?" he said. "We didn't even have SmartBoards (computerized chalkboard/wipe board) back when I was in first grade and now we do!"

Last night, after I picked him up, he talked about watching the inauguration and its historic value. "I just don't understand what the big deal is if someone is black or white," he said. "What's the difference? I mean we're all the same. Why do some people hate black people? We have a black president today but like 40 years ago they were killing each other. How did this even start?"

I think I prefer the simpler questions like how many planets are there? But even that changes.

When I tried to explain about the Civil Rights Movement, the Civil War and slavery, I got a sick feeling in my stomach just saying out loud, "We owned them." What kind of people were we? Are we?

I'm encouraged that Carter is growing up an environment where people are treated fairly and equally. Where he questions why it shouldn't be that way with everyone. I have faith this truly is a new era. And I'm grateful to be a part of it.

Reflections

One of my sisters has a pillow that says, "Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, I've become my mother after all." Next year, during our annual sisters weekend, that pillow will be "willed" to someone else. Instead of the "If the shoe fits, wear it" concept it, it's "If the pillow fits, take it home."

To a person, we all have traits -- both good and bad -- that mirror those of our parents. Just like we don't want to give our parents credit for all of our successes, we certainly can't blame them for all our failures either. There comes a time when we have to hold ourselves accountable for who we are, who we've become, how we've shaped ourselves into (hopefully) loving, giving members of society.

As parents, we must do the same. We have to let our children shine in their own spotlight and bite our tongues when we want to say, "He gets that from me!" That's the hard part. The easy part is being so proud we could burst our buttons... but we still have to bite our tongues when we want to say, "Look at our amazing kid!"

So I'm doing my best to hold my braggart tongue in check today. But I'm letting out a little peep that may sound like, "Look at our amazing kid!" but is really, "We love how our kid continues to amaze us!"

Last night we had parent-teacher conferences for Carter. His report card was quite satisfactory, but we all know that doesn't tell the whole story.

We were not surprised to learn that he is a bit of a "personality," that he does well speaking in front of the class and can hold his audience captive during a presentation (even when he's making up facts). This is where we say he probably gets that from both of us (a mix of charm and B.S.)... along with the writing and editing skills the teacher mentioned.

We were surprised to learn, though, that he's a bit of a math whiz and may be called upon to help some sixth-graders. His teacher said Carter likes to challenge himself (especially in math) and set his goals high. So while he may get his number-crunching abilities from Daddy, Carter's goal-setting style comes from his own inner drive to do well.

Of course we are proud, but this is also a scary milestone. We see that he is exerting his independence. He is beginning to shape himself into the person he wants to be and we have to let him do that ... no matter what may transform.

Who said parenting is easy? You're right. No one has ever said that. Even the days we want to wear a T-shirt that says "Proud Parent of a Fifth-Grader" are tough because it means our baby is growing up. At least for today (and just for today) I can find a little comfort in knowing it may be in the right direction.

Game Night

Between our Vikings and Carter's classmates, we saw some pretty good games last night!

Let's start with those fun fifth-graders. All of the parents of fifth-graders at Grant were invited to a meeting disguised as a volleyball game. First, we listened to the three teachers explain their teaching philosophy, rules on homework, how the letter grade system works, etc. Then we got to the fun.

Sitting there in the lunchroom and seeing all the kids and parents, I was wondering how we were going to set up the game, sub people in, etc. Turns out, it wasn't that complicated. They had all the kids on one side of the net and all the parents on the other. All of them! That's like at least 50 on a side! Then we played with a beach ball and there were very few rules. You could hit as many times as you wanted. There were no boundaries. Just don't let it touch the floor on your side or the other team gets a point.

I was standing right in the middle on our side, visiting with one of the other moms, and the ball never came near me. (I'm so glad I bothered with tennis shoes and a sports bra. Thank god I didn't bring my kneepads.) After calling the kids-parents duel a tie, they had all the "boys" versus all the "girls." I am sure we lost by a ton but the male teacher wisely said the girls won no matter what. Smart guy.

We got home in time for a quick supper and then Monday Night Football :: Saints hosting the Vikings.

We told Carter he could stay up until halftime and that's it. Honestly, the game went past my bedtime, too! At some point in the third or fourth quarter I fell asleep on the couch for a little bit. But then stayed up for the rest of the fourth quarter. It was worth it! All the work and tension just to go 2-3! Crazy, isn't it?

I am dragging a bit today but smiling. And relieved that Carter broke the curse. Just because his team lost on Saturday, doesn't mean the Vikings did, too. This weekend, though, I'd rather they both win!