Monday, September 26, 2016

Home Alone

The boys were tested this weekend.  They likely scored a C-.  They didn't even scrape by.
     Demi and I left the boys home alone this past weekend, for the first time.  It was likely the last time.  Demi had a high school reunion on the Island.  We didn't set many rules.  No one else left in the house.  Take care of the dog.  We didn't ask them to do much.  Clean up after yourselves.  They failed the latter.  They did nothing.  I was livid.  When I walked in, it was like a junk yard.  There were cups, plates, used napkins, and empty wrappers everywhere.  Every flat surface, floor, counter, tables, were covered.  Every room was unlivable, the kitchen, den and living room.  I couldn't even unpack the car.  I grabbed the dog and went for a long walk.  I didn't say hello.  I didn't yell.  I couldn't unpack the car.  I just walked down the street with Gizmo in tow.  
     No, they didn't throw a party.  They didn't touch the beer.  But they didn't take their medications.  They didn't give the dog her medication. The dog had filthy water.  
     It will be a long time before they are left again.  If ever......

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Another Hurdle Conquered

Today is a milestone day.  Coco should be very proud of himself.  He ran his first XC race today.  An away meet at that.  He had to ride the bus.  He went to and from with his teammates.  He tried hard.  And he finished.  This was his first contest in years.  I hope this is the first of many.  Coco keeps taking his steps in the right direction.  We are so happy for him.

Monday, September 19, 2016

RAK - Brotherly Interaction

It is imperative that I note Caz's random act of kindness for today.  Today was the first day that Caz trained Coco during XC practice.  They came to an agreement to treat each other appropriately.  They agreed to be respectful with each other.  Caz would instruct and inspire.  Coco would learn and give his best effort.  Caz had to leave practice early to babysit his cousins.  He told Coco that he did a great job and the first day was great.  When Coco and Demi came home, they found a present waiting as they walked through the door.  Caz left a tray with a note of encouragement for Coco, water and a power bar.  Well, done Caz, well done.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

College Buddies

Well, today is another milestone marker.  Caz jumped into a car with two other high school friends to go into the city and visit their recently graduated buddy.  They are off to spend the day at Wentworth. Demi thinks we will get a call later to stay over.  We will see.
     Tex told me as he was waiting for Caz to get dressed, that it was a day trip.  It wouldn't be the first time a teenage crew changed plans.  Of course, we will see if Roth wants his high school crew to stay up there.  It might cramp his style a bit.  You never know.  I am glad Caz is getting to see the campus though.  He had Wentworth on his college list for a while.  I don't think he wants to be in a big city though.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Open House 2016

The annual event took place tonight.  The night the school locks parents into the building and sends them through "a day in the life" of the students.  Open House.  I will say that this event is much better in the new school.  But the air conditioning still stinks.  If that is what it is like for the kids in school, then I truly pity them.
     This year was a bit of a reality check.  This was the last run through Caz's classes.  The first of many last this year.  Our oldest son is a senior.  Lasts will abound.  How did it get here so fast? We need to stop and savor each one.  I certainly hope he does.

Monday, September 5, 2016

The Concert Pianist

Coco has a new class this year.  Apparently, he is taking piano.  He has never taken a mucks class.  Senior year seems an odd choice of when to start.
    He actually tried getting out of it.  The problem is that he has already taken the other electives during that block.  He seems a little excited about it.  He wants to learn the song he has chosen.  The syllabus is just pain odd.  Learn a song I two weeks.  No prerequisites for this class.  Are you kidding?  What kind of method is that.  Caz cannot read sheet music.  However, he found either a YouTube instructional video or app to teach hi by ear.  He wants to learn "Behind Blue Eyes."  I will give him credit, it's not "Mary Had A Little Lamb."

Week 1 in the Books

3 consecutive days of school & XC are complete.  The boys are getting back into the groove.  Coco seems to have taken it in stride.
     Coco is challenging himself to do more too.  He needs to take a foreign language.  This means dropping a Learning Center.  Coco didn't hesitate in making the decision.  That was so nice to see.
     Caz showed a caring side to hi as well.  Demi asked about practice.  Caz laid out his sprint practice.  When asked if Coco participated, Caz answered that Coco did regular XC practice.  He also offered earnestly that he felt Coco should stick with XC and run the distance.  Caz said it taught hi to push himself and he feels Coco needs that.  I think Caz is right.  What a great family/Sibling moment.