Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Sweet Baby Patch

I realized that I probably should post about Patch's junior-year activities before I begin thinking about his senior year.  As an added benefit, reliving his junior allows me to pretend I have more time before he heads to college!  So, this is the story of Patch's junior year.

Traditional back to school photo.  For the first time, it's only Patch in the picture.
 
Spirit Week and Homecoming
Patrick was Quail Man for charater day and Lord knows what for decade day!  We had some of his friends over for dinner before the dance.  We are blessed that our kids have such great friends.




In December, Patrick got his junior ring.  It was a wonderful celebration and they all had a great time at the dance!


Snowmageddon!




In February, Patrick was inducted into Tri-M, the National Music Honor Society.  All three of the kids are members of this honor society.




Patrick's junior year ended with their annual band trip.  See this for that story!

Life Happens

Life moves really fast. Just a short time ago Ryan finished her freshman year in college and was home for the summer; well, at least for a couple of days before her side trip to Greece.  While she was gone, Meghan finished her junior year in college and came home for the summer.  Shortly after, Patrick finished his junior year in high school.  Ryan came home from Greece and all five of us were finally together again.  Together and ready for a stress-free, relaxing summer; anxious for time to regroup as a family.

And, then life happened.  The kids had jobs, friends to visit, trips planned, a college search, concerts to attend, family to hang out with, and all with one car to share.  In a desparate attempt to keep track of their different work schedules and social calendars, and coordinate that within our schedules, I learned to parent via text message and bbm.  It worked.  They worked it out.  They made it to work and fun.  And, in the midst of the chaos, there was plenty of laughter, some tears, and tons of love. 

And, then, I woke up one day last week and realized it's over.  Time to book flights to Miami.  Time to plan a return to trip to Charleston.  Time to schedule Patrick's senior pictures and buy his books for senior year. Time to make sure his uniforms are in good shape (Lord knows I don't want to buy any of that for one year). 

Life is happening.  Our summer craziness has evolved into a chaotic frenzy of back-to-school activity.  The kids are stressed.  I'm stressed.  Life is happening.

And, deep down, I know the magic is in the journey.  So, I will stop, take a deep breath, and force myself to focus on the laughter and the love.  And, if that doesn't work, while the girls are gone, I have these to remind me how truly blessed I am!



Friday, July 30, 2010

Opportunities and Experiences

I will forwarn you ... there are a ton of pictures in this post.  Brian and Patrick are safely home from their mission trip to Gallup, New Mexico.  They helped some folks who needed it, bonded with people they might otherwise never have known, experienced different cultures, got a little spiritual enrichment, and came home changed for the better.  Enjoy the pictures.  And, thanks Dave, for being a better photographer!


The Great Southwest


Brian and Patrick outside of the mission where they stayed


The Catholic High School where they worked tiling the floors (see below), updating bathrooms, and setting up computers.


The Navajo reservation where they served food and helped the needy with the Sisters of Mercy, Mother Theresa's order.

Contemplating life ... love this shot!

These two pictures (above) are from a side trip to Red Rocks.


The Grand Canyon.  The Colorado River (above) seems small in this picture.  Below are some kids enjoying the view and I am sure making some of the adults a little nervous with how close they were to the edge.


Sweet Baby Patch!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Powerful


Brian and Patrick spent Sunday at the Grand Canyon.  After several days of mission work, they were ready for a break.  This is the photo Brian sent at the end of their day.  Amazing. 

Brian said this trip has been so powerful for him, more so than the mission trips to Mississippi the last two summers.  The damage from Katrina was every where.  It was clear what work needed to be done and there was a sense of accomplishment at the end of every day. 

In New Mexico, their work focuses on meeting the needs of the poor and the elderly.  The needs are equally as great, just subtle. 

Whether they are hanging drywall in Mississippi or setting up classrooms for a new school on an indian reservation, they have made a difference in the lives of those in need.  Pretty powerful experiences.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Away they go ...

Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 4:45 a.m. 

Me:  "What the ..."

Brian:  In a sweet, I want something voice.  "Here's some coffee.  I know it's early but we've really go to get moving."

Me:  "okay.  Okay.  OKAY."

Brian is off to get Patrick up and I'm downing the coffee like I'm in college again.

Patrick stumbles into the bathroom grunting responses to Brian's incessant questions.

Me:  "He's got everything.  I stayed up helping him finish his packing last night."

Brian:  Clearly iritated at my iritiation at his incessant questions.  "I am just checking.  I don't want him to forget anything."

Okay, time to regroup.   Check my iritability.  Forget that's its entirely too early in the morning after entirely too little sleep. Remember why were up and having these conversations.

Brian and Patrick and about 30 other people from our church left for Gallup, New Mexico for a week of service activities on an Indian Reservation and with the Little Sisters of the Poor.  As part of this trip, they will have mass at the Grand Canyon!

I am so excited for all the opportunities awaiting them.  Here's the safe arrival pic of Patch and his friend Rob.

Monday, June 7, 2010

One day and a wake up!

hey,
Everything is fine I saw the Parthenon today!!!! It was awesome. And I gave my report in the theatre of Dionysus which was equally incredible. I see you in two days!

Love you

R

Friday, June 4, 2010

Athens, Yikes!

Okay, so Ryan is in Athens and has been since Tuesday.  When she borrowed a girl's phone to call on my birthday, I asked her to try to let me know (fairly regularly) that she was okay!  And, this is the response I got yesterday.  Oh, how I love teenagers and their literal interpretations ...

Hey everything is fine here!
Love you

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The countdown begins ...

hey I went on the volcano tour yesterday and then went to dinner and a wine tasting for dr Morris's retirement. It was super fun and we danced and everyone wanted me to sing...embarrassing. Only 6 more days!!! Is it just you coming to pick me up or is everyone coming?


Miss and love you,

Ryan

Ahhh, Santorini!

Hey i'm in santorini now and it's beautiful. We may have two free days here instead of one which is awesome!!! i don't hate it. the volcano tour is monday and then we leave for athens two days later than that. I'm a little nervous about athens but i think it will be fine as long as everyone stays together. I miss you guys!! i'm trying to take lots of pictures but i feel like i'm slacking. but we're making a facebook group and everyone is putting their pictures up so we will have lots to look through. The pool here is freaking sweet...and the beach is black sand so it's cool but burns the shizz out of my feet. but i mean it's whatever.


love love love you guys

8 days :)

Santorini Bound ...

Hey,


I leave for santorini tomorrow!!! Can't wait. Today was another long day but tomorrow won't be and the volcano tour is on Monday so that will be cool. Can't wait to see you guys...tell meg not to be so greedy. Got patch a ronaldo jersey that I think he will like so that's good.

I'll be home in 9 days!!!

All my love and then some,

R

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Greek Update

I am not going to even try to top this one ... oh, how I miss my girl.  She makes me laugh and I love her so ...

Hey,


I'm in Gouves now...it's supposed to be our nicest hotel so that's pretty cool. we had a half day at the beach yesterday and will probably have one again tomorrow. I tried rabbit. It's not bad. I'm sure dad will be happy that i'm branching out...however, i saw a MacDonalds to day and about peed my pants. I tried to get some dog to lead me to the Big Mac but i don't think he understood...he probably only speaks Greek. There are dogs everywhere, but don't worry i've named all of them...Balto. It seems fitting, except for stupid Kujo who didn't understand Super Size my fries and chocolate shake today. I've gotten A's on both my test and report so far, but whether i really am a master of Mycennean Palaces, or whether it was because Dr. Morris took several shots of Ouzo at lunch no one will really ever be able to tell. I have come up with several nicknames for the people on the trip that i can not wait to divulge to you further, but to heighten your anticipation here are a few: Indian Jones, Old man River, pringles, and Balls. Just marinate on that for a while. I see you in less than two weeks and I can't wait to eat real good american food...like store bought pizza, chipotle, and china kitchen. YUM.

give everyone my love a hundred times over, r

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Guess who called!

Woo Hoo!  We got a phone call from Ryan this morning!  Brian and I were like little kids - we were so excited to hear her voice.

They are in Athens waiting to catch the Ferry over to Crete.  She has pretty regular wireless internet service in Athens and apparently has been trying to email since yesterday.  My inbox at work was full (way too busy at work) so the emails were getting returned.  Another girl on the trip has an iPhone and let her use to call since the emails were being returned.  So excited ... so grateful to this young lady.

Okay, so here's the update.  They were hiking in Delphi this morning and then headed to Athens to catch the ferry (overnight trip) to Crete.  They were sitting in a Starbucks when she called.  The trip has gotten soooo (Ryan speak) much better.  They are not spending as many long days back to back and they have a little bit more time off.  She gave her first oral report - on the Trojan War, and felt pretty good about it.  The students on the trip are all getting along well (no drama) and she's thrilled about that.  Still not thrilled about the food, but digging the exchange rate.

They went out to a club in Delphi and some of the local boys were enjoying the company of some of the girls on the trip.  So I asked.  "Were you one of those girls?"  "Me?  No.  I'm sorry, but I don't think Greek boys are very attractive."  I just sighed and privately thanked God.

While we were on the phone, I could hear some commotion in the background.  Ryan was so excited!  Some of the girls found a nail salon and they decided to all get manicures!  We said our goodbyes and our world traveler was off again.

We miss you, Ryan.  We are so thrilled that you have the opportunity to take this trip.  Be smart.  Be a leader.  Make good choices.  Love you bunches!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Delphi and on to Sitia

We have heard from our world traveler!  She is really enjoying the trip, even more so now that she's used to the long hours and found some food she likes.  She said the group is wonderful and really getting along well.  She will be in Delphi for two days.  Here they will see the Sanctuary of Athena and the Delphi Museum.  From there, they will travel by ferry to the island of Crete and the city of Sitia.  Amazing to think that these are the things our daughter is getting to experience - so awed by this!

This is her email ... she's a trip!

Hey,

I'm in Delphi now...the hotel is pretty lame but we're only here for two nights so it's fine :) I miss you guys but the trip is starting to get really fun and interesting. Apparently there are people who are very "skilled in the night" so I dont think I'm going out haha. I'll keep u posted...we go to Crete this weekend so that will be fun Talk to you soon R



Monday, May 17, 2010

Live from Olympia

Ryan just sent an email.  They have arrived in Olympia and she said the hotel is much nicer here.  I have posted some pictures (from the internet, not sent by Ryan) of the hotel they're staying in and some of the sites they'll visit.  She said she's really busy with the course work, but feels like she's handling it.  She is having a good time, but getting a little homesick!  Bless her heart.  I told her to close her eyes and feel a huge hug and big smooch from her momma.  Hopefully, that will tide her over, and this too shall pass!  Enjoy the photos.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Weekend Update ... from Greece

Ryan sent an email last night.  She is loving every minute of the trip and is absolutely capturing all her memories in her journal.  She said she plans to write a book about the trip ... we'll see about that.  She said she's a little surprised at how much she misses all of us.  I'm not.  In her heart, she's a family girl.  She did say she had some sad news.  Due to the issues in Athens, they may have to stay some extra days in Santorini rather than spending the last three days in Athens!  I'm having a tough time being sad about that one!

They are leaving Napflion and heading to Olympia tomorrow.  They'll spend two days in Olympia and then on to Delphi.  Can't wait to hear from her again and will be sure to post when I do! 

Thanks for all the well wishes - and I know Ryan thanks you, too! 

Friday, May 14, 2010

Greece Update ... Day 2

Hey,

Day two and I'm already in love. This place is like a dream. I miss you guys like crazy though, I keep grabbing for my phone at the end of the day to see if I have any texts...and then I remember that it's turned off.   I'm already a little tanner so I'm not hating that. Sorry it takes me so long to email you but the internet is ridiculous and we didn't get back until 8PM our time today :( I'll try and keep you as updated as I can though.

Everyone is getting along really well and it's really chill. I saw the temples of Zeus and Apollo today and swam in the Mediterranean Sea. Big ole NBD (no big deal). Miss and love you.

Talk to you soon

R

Thursday, May 13, 2010

The Percussion Section Prayer

Archbishop Spalding High School's music students competed in Virginia Beach this year.  We took 260 high school students who performed with six instrumental groups and six vocal groups to Virgina Beach April 22-24, 2010.

I realize I'm a kid fan, and not just of my own, but of kids in general.  So, my angle is that I believe in these kids and all the potential they have plus what they have yet to realize.   Each year, and I've been a part of band trips since Meghan was 10 years old, I am more and more amazed by these kids.  They represent all that is good in kids today.  They are committed, kind, compassionate, polite, fun-loving, wonderful kids.  This year's trip was no exception.

Well, except ... for one thing! 

So, let me set the stage.  My job on these trips is to make sure kids get where they're supposed to be on time, dressed appropriately and with all the stuff they need to perform.  Some might say t's a pretty tough job.  But, as noted above, these kids are awesome!

As I am walking back from the warm-up room after making sure the Wind Ensemble students were settled in and warming up with the director, I look over to the entrance to the hall and see this group (photo).  This is the percussion gang.  They are gathered in a group, much like football players before a game.  They are chanting and it's getting louder and louder.  I am kind of waiting for Ray Lewis to pop up and start asking about dogs.  At any rate, they rile themselves into quite a fury, break huddle with a yell and start moving equipment into the hall and onto the stage. 

I look at one of the dad's and ask what apparently is the most ridiculous question ever asked.  I say, "what was that?"  And, the answer, "oh, that's just the prayer."  I say, "the what?"  And the response is "the prayer."  Now, this didn't look like a prayer to me, so naturally I am intrigued.  Noticing the perplexed look, he goes on to explain.

"Your son started this freshman year.  Before every performance this percussion group gathers in a circle and says a prayer.  Some are somber and some are roudy, but still, its a prayer. Its what they do.  Didn't you know that?  Haven't you ever seen this before?"  I answer, "No, I had no idea.  But, that was one of the coolest things I have ever seen!"  The dad says, "I know."  Like a true mom, I say, "We should get this on video."  The dad, with a look of shock and exasperation on his face says, "absolutely not.  That would ruin it." 

Huh? 

Then, I get the real explanation, which is confirmed by the members of the percussion group later.  They tell me, "It's a guy thing. You wouldn't understand.  It's what we do, but it's only for us.  No girls and no video allowed!"

I feel completely put in my place.  At the same time, I am deeply proud of my son and his friends, and really grateful I got to see it!  

Safe Arrival Call

WHEW! I knew it would be a while until we heard from Ryan.  I knew they were going to have a tough time making the new connection in Rome to Athens.  And, this whole time change thing ... nuts! 

Okay, I'm not a stalker, but I am a mom.  And, given that I am a mom, I do have inalienable rights to worry, sometimes even obsessively.  I can feel the stress rising in my esophagus.  So, I found the time change converter on line and downloaded that.  Then, I found the Alitalia website and tracked her Alitalia flight from JFK into Rome.  The only way they made the connecting flight was if they were gold medal sprinters and someone held the plane for them. 

I take a deep breath.  Then, I take another one.  Okay, so we talked about this at JFK.  What happens if you miss the connection?  Who do you call?  Who do you talk to?  Thank God I am crazy busy at work and people keep interupting my obsession to get work done!

I incessently check email.  Please tell me this Ipod Touch thing works.  We bought the service so she could have access to email in the airports and other hotspots.  We went over how to work it.  I even gave her the "don't give up and don't accept NO speech!"  (If you know something should work, don't give up, keep fighting with it unitl you make it work)

Still no email.  I work late trying to keep my head above water there.  I hit the grocery store on my way home.  Patch is at a drum lesson.  Brian's at his mom's.  I put in a load of laundry.  I hear the phone ring.  Shoot, we still don't know how to work this digital voice thing with Comcast.  (#@%$#@).  I run upstairs and miss the call.  I check my cell phone - no calls and no email.  Phone rings again.  Don't recognize the number.  I answer it anyway and the sweetest, most delicate little voice is on the other end. 

"Mom?'  "Yes."  "It's me.  I'm here.  I did it.  We made it!"  Yes, I cried (please refer to mom rights noted above).  It turns out they did miss their connection in Rome and were delayed another five hours before catching their flight to Athens.  They got in at 1:00 in the morning their time and she borrowed a phone to call me at 3:00 a.m. their time. 

She sounded exhilirated.  It reminded me of when she was little.  She was the only kid in the crowd who couldn't swing by herself.  She didn't want to be pushed anymore.  She worked for hours and hours and finally she jumped off that swing mid-flight screaming, "Mom!  I did it.  I made it work!"

You go girl!

Oh, the places you'll go ...

Ryan is taking a two courses during a maymester program through school.  Six credits in Greek culture and civilization.  Now, if you're going to take six credits in Greek culture and civilization, doesn't it seems logical to take those courses in Greece!

On Tuesday, May 11, Brian and I drove Ryan to JFK in New York so she could begin what I hope will be the first of many amazing journeys.  The plan:  arrive at JFK in plenty of time to check in, get some money exchanged, go over some last minute advice and get her through security.  We thought we had it planned perfectly - no long goodbyes and no tears from me!

Right.  So, reality check.  Flight is delayed five hours, guaranteed to miss the connection in Rome to Athens and the ticket counter isn't opening for another two hours.  Yikes.  Regroup.  Gather with other C of C students going on the trip.  Their professor was not with the group as he went ahead to ensure all was safe in Athens prior to their arrival.  Not a bad idea, however it would be nice to have another representative from the school traveling with the students.  I know, they're not in high school anymore.  I know, they'll figure it out.  But, I'm also a huge fan of less stress for all involved.

Only one or two students in the group had ever flown internationally before, so they were all a little out of their element.  It's tough.  They're college students and supposed to be burgeoning adults.  However, they are still 19 year old kids.  So, I put my momma hat on and we guided them through check in with luggage all the way to Athens, rebooking connecting flights in Rome, and exchanging some money so they would have Euros in Rome. 

Everything happens for a reason.  I think Ryan and the other students were glad we were there to help and I was so preoccupied with helping them that I didn't have time to worry!  Mission accomplished.

We left after they made it through security.  Ryan called a little while later to say they all got something to eat and then took out their books to begin studying and preparing for the four exams and two oral reports each will have throughout the trip.

It has happened so fast.  My little girl has grown into quite a young woman.  I am filled with pride.  And, yes, there are some tears, too!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Ryan's GLEE Audition!

Ryan has decided to audition for GLEE! Please view her audition and vote for her!

http://www.myspace.com/gleeauditions?link=531787249

Monday, April 12, 2010

The Great College Road Trip - Round Up

Friday afternoon, about 1:00 p.m., I finally call the boys since I have not heard from them since Thursday afternoon.  Brian answers, "oh, hey.  sorry.  probably should have called you."  Right, story of my life.  So, I take a really big deep breath and decide to let it go, especially since he had sweet baby Patch with him and I was curious how the trip was going.

Apparently, the hottest girl ever was in the Blacksburg Elevator.  VA Tech does remind him of Hogwarts, just like Ryan said.  Loved the location and the campus.  However, he's concerned it may be a little too engineering oriented for him.  Still on the list, just not as high as USC and Wake.

We are greatful that now, Patrick is thinking about what he likes and what he doesn't like, how to translate that into a future with a potential career.  As much as he would love to get paid to sit around and drum all day long, the liklihood of that career is slim to none! 

At the end, the boys arrive home exhausted with a renewed bond between them.  They have tons of stories, great memories and some merchandise.  Brian still wants to be in college and Patrick is excited about the opportunites that await him.

What will I do when they're all gone ...

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Great College Road Trip - UPDATE

Sssh ... don't tell anyone I posted this picture of Patrick from Wake.  Oh, how I love this school.  And, woo hoo, he liked it to.  Even got some merchandise; and some for the momma, too!  I am trying as hard as I can not to get too excited.  I know.  I know.  He's the one that has to go to school and find his way in the world.  He has to go to a school that fits him.  But I'm the momma and momma's just know best!  Stay tuned ... they're in Blacksburg and will tour the hallowed halls of Virginia Tech tomorrow.  I am really curious to see his reaction to this one.  He was there when he was little, but now he has an entirely different perspective.  Ryan loved it.  What will Patrick think?  Stay tuned ...

p.s. don't forget, don't tell anyone about the picture.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Easter 2010

After a beautiful mass at Archbishop Spalding, we spent Easter Sunday with Nana and Papa.  It was great to see brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.  Here are some shots of Ezio and Luna - too cute for words.  Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

The Great College Road Trip - UPDATE

Just left Clemson.  Liked the campus.  Liked the tour.  Not enough information on academics, however the Brooks School of Performing Arts is really cool!  No merchandise ... didn't want to make a premature purchase.  Boys are way different than girls.  I think we have two items from every school each of the girls visited along with baseball hats for Dad and soccer t-shirts for Patch!  Probably should think about a yard sale.  Stay tuned ...

The Great College Road Trip

Monday morning, o'dark thirty, Patrick and Brian head south for the great college road trip.  No girls allowed.  Why, because clothes are optional on the great college road trip.  Goals: get a feel for schools you may be interested in; find the best southern barbeque.  In fact, since I was not invited on this trip, I could easily have the order of the goals mixed.

Monday afternoon, arrive in Charleston.  Surprise Ryan.  She screams.  Leaves the dining hall and heads to lunch with her father and her brother.  Ryan provides Patch some advise while looking at colleges and the boys are off.  Headed to Columbia and the University of South Carolina.  Neither of the girls were allowed to even look at this school (think mascot), but should the same be true for Patch?  Double standards are everywhere, we may as well embrace them.  Patch likes the school and leaves with new attire -what's not to like!  I received a picture of said attire, but was given strict instructions not to post the picture on the blog.  Boys are so different than girls!

Find some barbeque for lunch and head west to Clemson.  I get a text in the afternoon that they have arrived and are "milling" around the campus.  So far so good.  Tour tomorrow at o'dark thirty.  These are the schools selected for the great college road trip.  Stay tuned for more adventures from the boys!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Ryan is 19!

Today is Ryan's day.  Finally!  Patrick had his day and Meghan had her day. And, now, it's Ryan's turn.

I know it sounds cliche, but it really does seem like yesterday, Ryan, that you entered the world as quiet as a church mouse!  The nurses and the doctor kept trying to make you cry and I was so upset asking them to leave you alone!  You haven't changed since you were born.  You have always had a quiet, reserved nature.  That doesn't mean you weren't a typical child and a typical teenager - you definitely had your moments.  But, for the most part, you were the one to stand back and observe, take things in stride.  From an early age, you knew what was worth getting upset about and when it was best to let it go.  I think God made you this way because he knew you would need that quiet strength to get you through some really tough times.  And, that strength that served you so well when you were little, has also served you well into your young adult life.  If you let it, it will serve you well in your future.

Ryan, your future is full of opportunities. The greatest success is being able to recognize these opportunities and be willing to take advantage of them.  The story that is your life is well underway.  Be to sure to write each chapter well and to fully develop your characters!

We love you, our little jumping frog, Yibbit!  My little girl is a young woman, but these are the faces that stay in my mind every day! 

Thursday, March 25, 2010

It's been a while since ...

I blogged about the cutest little boy ever!  Ezio brings such joy to our lives.  He has started talking and it's hilarious.  He calls Brian, "B" so everything is "hey, B", "ready, B".  It's so cute.  And, of course, his favorite, RyRy.  He asks for her everytime he's at the house.  I hate having to tell him she's at school.  Often, while he and Luna are over, we'll Skype the girls.  Ezio loves seeing himself on the computer screen and makes the funniest faces.  His latest fascination is with magnets.  He's figured out that they stick together if you put them the right way.  And, that they "hide" between the doors on the refrigerator.  He loves to "hide" them and get you to help him find them.  His great-grandfather thinks he's a genious and says he is learning about magnetic fields.  I'm not sure about that, Dad.  I think he just thinks its fun to play with them.   At any rate, isn't he adorable!