It's Been Busy

Well, February is almost over and I must admit that the past month and a half have been extraordinarily busy and challenging. After Christmas, my mother suffered what the doctors believed to be a TIA or mini-stroke. Thankfully, she was in my car when this happened and my youngest sister, who is a physician's assistant, was able to make sure she was stable. My mother lost her speech for a couple of hours. While at the ER, the tests at the time confirmed that nothing was wrong and perhaps she was dehydrated. I was quite upset when the ER released her and didn't admit her for overnight observation. The hospital didn't even provide us with a wheelchair; she had to walk out herself. (So much for our nation's healthcare reform!) Two weeks later, my mother fainted while working at my dad's office. Thankfully, again, she was sitting down when this happened. This time, they admitted her (different hospital) and kept her for several days. Apparently, they believe she needs to be put back on a medication that she was taken off of a few years ago when she had a second benign brain tumor removed. Currently, she is doing alright. The past few weeks have been busy for me taking her to and from her doctor's appointments. I am glad that I am available to help out in any way. My mother has always been a source and example of strength for me.

In other news...all three kids have been keeping us busy during the week and on the weekends. Alex is starting up futsal (indoor soccer) this week. He is looking forward to playing indoors for the first time. He is doing well at Hampton High School. He was exempt from 4 of his 8 exams last month and recently made the honor roll.

Both Alex and Sophia joined the Church Youth Group this year. They meet a couple times a month. For both of them, it has been a positive experience. They both get to see their friends as well. For Alex, besides scouting, this is another way for him to keep in touch with his old classmates.

For not having swam since last summer (due to being on the school's cross country team in the fall), Sophia really surprised us last month when she took 1st Place in all four swimming events that she competed in...50 M Breaststroke, 50M Backstroke, 50M Freestyle and 100M Medley Relay. She just had another swim meet yesterday, and took 1st Place in 50M Breaststroke (it was a very tight race), 3rd Place in the Freestyle Relay, and 4th Place for both 50M Backstroke and 100M  IM. Sophia was inducted into the NJHS recently. In the past, the NJHS membership was just based on grades alone. She had to go through a rigorous application process in which she had to get two letters of recommendation (outside of school), as well as documenting that she had completed 10 hours of volunteer service. In order to remain in the NJHS, she has to volunteer another 10 hours by the end of the school year. We are so proud of her accomplishments!!

A very tight race, but Sophia manages to get 1st Place in the 50M Breaststroke.

Matthew has been having a great time playing basketball for the church league. He is one of the youngest and shortest boys on his team (3rd-5th graders). Because this is his first year playing, he doesn't get a lot of playing time. He did an awesome job last week, where he stole the ball from the point guard and dribbled all the way down, with no one in his way, and made his very first basket!! The smile on his face was priceless and all his teammates were giving him high fives!!

Matthew (right) and two of his best friends competed recently in a 3v3 basketball tournament at school. They made it to the second round where they were beaten by an older team who also had a height advantage.



Ted and I have both been busy with the kids' activities, work, and daily life. I feel like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders since the Cub Scouts Blue & Gold Banquet is done and over with. I know this sounds awful, but I'm glad our Cubmaster is out of the picture. His son crossed over to Boy Scouts, so, unfortunately, Ted gets to deal with him now. I have never worked with someone who was so self centered and egotistical. This man ran the Pack like it was his platoon...giving orders and waiting until last minute to get everything done and telling folks what to do. Well, enough said. We now have a new Cubmaster whom I like and is in it for the boys, not for himself.

To end in a more positive note...we've been really enjoying a very mild winter (although it has been really cold this week) and are looking forward to spring and being outdoors more.

Daffodil in bloom in the beginning of February.