A Pretty Good Day...

It was a pretty good day yesterday. I got up on time, which is always nice. Got Val to school after one stop at Wal Mart for a long sleeve plain white tshirt that she needed to wear under her PE uniform, because they will go outside even if it is cold. Which, it still is, in 2nd hour.
Got to school. Messed up my brownies. I don't think I added enough cocoa. They were very light, but I used all I had, so I stirred some chocolate chips into them, and everyone raved about my "new creation".
Then, I went to see Paul. His 3 1/2 hour surgery on a 2 inch brain tumor, turned into a 7 hour surgery on a softball sized tumor, but he came out like a champ. His brain has started to shift back into place. He could open one eye and nod, he looked right at me, and squeezed my hand. What a blessing!!!!! God is good!!!
Val is going to a Halloween party tonight with Hunter. Yes, they are still together, it has been 6 weeks now, talk about long term!
Emi has a cold. She was invited to go roller skating tonight, but we will see how she feels.
Other than that, I have been getting up on time. Life is good again...

For Paul....

I just spoke to my friend Paul. He is a sophomre at BCCHS and has a brain tumor. He is going to have surgery tomorrow. Prayers are needed. ST. PEREGRINE, PRAY FOR HIM!
Prayer has worked before, and I know it will work now!
He and Val have always been close friends. Paul is the guy who started calling her Val Vito. He is also the sweetheart that gave us a bunch of Val's school books for this year. I have a lot of good memories of Paul, and I told him that they weren't over yet. Please pray for him!

What Else Can Go Wrong??????

The Suckiest Week. I have invented the word, and it goes with this week great!

Yesterday, Val and I got stopped on the way to school by a flat tire. My dad came and rescued us, and it all turned out well enough, but it got our day off to a horrible start! Val only had 2 minutes to get to her first class, and I was 6 minutes late to work. Not a huge deal, but I like to be early everwhere, everytime, so it really threw off my day!
Today, my alarm goes off, and I snooze. I figured I had plenty of time. I thought it was 5;45, and it was actually 6:45.Mark and EMily usually leave at 6:15, and Val and I leave at 10 till 7 every morning, so that messed me up too!!!!
Get to school, and the worst news of all hits me in the heart. One of our former students, who I am VERY close to has an Operable brain tumor. Still, a brain tumor, but they are confident that they can fix it. It is so depressing. I think I am going to pick up my kids. Hug them. Kiss them. Curl up and watch a movie with them.
I don't know if I even want to go to sleep tonight. I dread what is coming tomorrow.... it feels like Friday the 13th!
Enough Bitching! I am done.

Val's Night Out...

I got quite the eye-opener last night, as I was the Designated Driver of 8 teenagers going out to Haunted Houses.
Val and I left at 4:30 yesterday and made our very familiar trip out to the west side of town, where we picked up Hunter, then we got his friend Ronado, he lives basically in Northwest High School's "backyard", we drove to the outskirts of Maize to get their friend Dale, across from the Botanical Gardens, where their friend Kenny lives, who also brought along one of those heads that you put wigs on, then I went to another familiar house, and got Julie Nguyen, picked up Jack, then went to the east side to get their friend Brad.
The head, courtesy of Dale, kept getting stuck out the window at red lights, and would try to strike up conversations with people in the cars around them.
After everyone was set, we went to Udall. It is a long drive with that many kids! At one point, I convinced myself we were lost, and went back to a gas station, but the kids went in to get directions, and have a "gas station adventure", found out I just had not driven far enough, and we found it.
Val almost chickened out, but Hunter talked her into going, and they were gone about 45 minutes or so, then were back to me.
Next up, we drove to the Twin Lake Terror. Val, Brad, and Julie went there last week, but were happy to go back, because Val knows some of the kids working. I guess a guy in their class was working and ended up taking his mask off and talking to the kids for a while. How Scary!
Starvation hit about that time, so I took them to McDonald's, then they started begging not to go home. We ended up going to Wal Mart, where they may or may not have been asked to leave, depending on the story you listen to, I just waited in the car. Dale was again thrilled because he thinks he may have seen 3 prostitutes, he always wondered what they would look like. I told him not to tell his mother.
By this time, it was after midnight, so I started with Brad and drove the kids home. They were all so sad to leave, but I made it clear there would be no boy/girl sleepovers, and since there was nothing left, it was just time. I think Val and I got home by about 2, but it was well worth it, to make the kids so happy tonight!
Ronado asked me how I could stand to listen to the kids for so long, and I told him I have learned to filter out what they are saying,although some of it was just ridiculously funny! After all, I am a lunch lady.....I hear all, I know all....

Oh, and by the way,

I got the dance song wrong. Emily's class is dancing to AIN'T NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. It is very fast, and she is going to be doing some incredibly aggressive dance steps, I know she is up to it, she just needs to get it down a few times, and she will be fine. Anyway, you can type the song in on youtube, and there are even some options to watch different dance squads do routines to it.
Just thought you may like to know....

I Never Meant...

...to ignore you this week. It has been crazy busy! On Monday, Emi and Val were out of school and Emi had dance class, then on Tuesday, and Wednesday, life just got away from me, and last night, Mark had a sport meeting after working overtime, I had Val's parent teacher conferences, and that left Gram Cracker saving us by taking Emily to dance class.
What else, what else? My mom has been out all week because she had to go to the ER on Sunday night, with a bladder infection, kidney infection, and kidney stones. I asked her why she just didn't believe Val when she told her they were no fun, but I guess she had to see for herself. I think she is on the mend.
Tomorrow, I am taking 1 final vanload of kids (like 8) to the Forest of Fear in Udall. On Halloween, Val and Hunter are going to a small party one of her friends is having, from her Homecoming Pictures. Emily may do something with her friend Tarah, but I don't know yet. They are not good about making plans ahead of schedule.
I promise I will try to be more faithful to you this week!

Emi & Trinh-ee

Emily and Trinh. BFF. Last night, Trinh called Emily during dinner, wanting to go hang out at the mall. We were not going to the BC game (which they won 54-7) against West (BC U KNOW), because most of Val's friends were going to Field of Screams, which she was too scared to go to, so we were going to spend a quiet evening at home watching movies, then Trinh called.
Emily never asks to go anywhere. Her friends don't really go hang out places, so when she asked, it seemed reasonable to me,so Val and I walked around for a few hours while they terrorized the mall.
These were pictures they took in the photo hut thing outside JC Penney's. Didn't they turn out cute????? I think Emily is starting to get her dad's "syndrome", taking crazy looking pictures.

Will Fun Night Really Be Fun????

Tonight is Fun Night at St Margaret Mary. It is a school fundraiser. Each classroom has games and prizes in it, and the kids buy tickets and get to play, mess around, eat junk food, etc. etc.
It does not start until 5:30, but being the suckers that we are, we are going to get ready to go pretty quick.
I am in charge of the kitchen, tonight, and when I am done cleaning up, Val and I and her friend Jessica, are picking up Hunter, Dale, and Ronado, and going to the Twin Lakes Terror, another haunted house.
When Mark, Emily and Trinh are done cleaning up the booths, they are going to the Haunted Island at Watson Park.
That is their payback for spending the whole day at school, setting up.
Val and Jessica are going to work at the Fish Pond, and Mark is working the Duck Pond.Emily is walking around with Tarah and Trinh. They are going to wear slippers and cat or bunny ears. She is taking the camera, so if she remembers to take some pics I will post them tomorrow. I need to get some more pics up, but I never seem to have pictures to go with my stories anymore....

The Dance

Last night, I took Emi to dance class, and they started their routine. This year, they are dancing to a song by Ne-Yo, it is called "Closer".
I think it will be a difficult routine. Not only, are they "juniors" now, they are going to do this dance with the senior class they meet with on Monday, also, so each week, they will practice on Monday with everyone, and they will practice/learn more of it on Thursdays, when it is just the junior group.
They have learned the first 16 seconds of it so far. I know it doesn't seem like much, since they have over 3 minutes to get through, but, they will get there. They usually will know it all by about March, and then practice over and over and over and over again to work out the kinks.
Next month they will get to pick out a costume. The Senior Jazz group gets first pick of costumes, so that is a good reason to dance with them, they will get something really good!
Raeann thinks she will have to move the recital to May 9, which would be excellent, because Emily's last track meet is the weekend before that, and that is usually when she has it. Last year, she had to leave right after she jumped hurdles, and didn't get to compete in her other races, and we missed Val's relay but did get to see her final mile race.
Something else funny about the song. Emi has a friend in class, and his name is Nhan. He was singing this song over and over again last week, and Emily told me last night that she told him he should sing it in the talent show this winter. Well, then I told her that he could sing, Emi could dance and their friend Jesus could play the song on his drum kit. I think it would be so cute, but Emi was not amused. I think I will try talking Nhan and Jesus into it, then they could work on Emily.

Vacay!

Emily and I are on a 5 day vacation! Val is also off school on Monday, so she will have 3 days off. 3, not 5, as Emily has said more than once today. Mark doesn't get any days off. In fact, he has been away from home more than he has been here this week, with meetings, work, school and overtime.
So, I woke up this morning, and I thought of Gary's Vacation Song. I never actually heard him sing it, but, I have heard Mark sing and reference it many times. He has been on my mind a lot this week, since Monday would have been his birthday. I did go visit him on my way to pick Val up from school. Took him a little rubber duckie with a note on it, since it was so rainy outside. Val told me when she went to the car that day, that she spent some time in the chapel at school, she didn't know why she wanted to go there, but she just knew she needed to. When I told her I had been to Resthaven, she said, she must have needed to get some close time with her Papa. Sweet.
Back to vacation. Emily and I dropped Val off at school, then went to Walmart, and now we are home waiting to pick Val up. All of a sudden, I have time on my hands. I don't know what to do with myself. Good thing it's dance class tonight!

Shifting My Focus...

Andra's kidney has recovered so greatly, that now, I am asking everyone to pray to St. Bernadine of Siena, who is the patron saint of lung and respiratory problems. She is still in the hospital, with the blood clot in her lower right lung, and it is very uncomfortable for her.We all did such a great job last time, I think we should keep it up. The power of prayer!
Keep your chin up baby!!!!!Love you.

Updates

1. Andra has taken a turn for the better. Her kidney is functioning, she is responding to medication, and God willing, will get to see her sweet Alyssa hopefully today, when she is moved to a regular room. Shout outs to all that answered my Prayer Requests, she, Seth, and Alyssa have the sweetest family, and deserve the very best in life!!
2. Tim did wonderfully in his Lasik surgery. Nancy told me yesterday he could see. She had to take him, because Shelbie came down with a high fever, and Danelle couldn't leave her, but he was back home yesterday afternoon resting comfortably. Will have to think of a snarky comment for him the first time I see him, with no glasses....
3. BC U KNOW!!!! We won.
4. Tonight, after Church, I am taking a vanload of high school kids to Haunted Houses. I don't think Val will ever sleep again after tonight, but we will see....I will let you know and take some pics too. I have not been in a pic mood lately...Anyway, Emi and Mark are going to a haunted house next weekend.

Happy Anniversary To You

Happy Anniversary Tim and Danelle. 16 years! Sweet 16!!!!
I hope they are still as "sweet" on each other as they were when they first were married. I know they are!!!!

It is funny that Tim chose today to have his Lasik surgery. 16 years later, he can finally see clearly what he has gotten himself into.

I kid!!! I love you Danelle!!!!!!!!! You know I had to say something!

You guys are the best!
Here's to 16 more (at least).....

Carroll VS Kapaun

This is the week. Yesterday, I took Val and Hunter to the freshman BC VS KMC game, it was at Kapaun (yes Julie, that means you were the home team), and it was a little disappointing, as our freshman team lost, by over 20 points.
The high note, was I got to see Julie, Jack, Jennifer, Emilie Leivian-who I hadn't seen since Val was in Kindergarten, Kelly, who I will watch play at BC on Monday, in the JV game, Kim and Maria, who I have not seen in at least 4 years.

Tonight, it will be the other way around I predict. We are taking a vanload to see BC stomp KMC at WSU. I know it will happen. Did you see the Wichita Eagle article yesterday about Blake Bell, our QB?
And don't forget about Jake, my Cousin, and the Gang Green defensive line.
And Cody Mills, Nick Johansen, and all the JV guys on the sidelines, that I have fed through the years. I know my lunches had to have something to do with their skills now. HAHA!!!

On a football side note, Val is playing Flag Football in PE. Her team name is the Bulldozers. They have not won a game yet. She is a center. I don't know what that is.

Surgery

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to meet the sweetest little snuggle bunny baby, I have seen in a long time, Alyssa. Her mommy, Andra, took her over to Nancy's while she was doing Val's nails for her dance.
Andra has since, entered the hospital with a massive kidney infection, a blood clot in her lung, and I believe an absess in her uterus. She is having surgery today. ST.
BENEDICT PRAY FOR HER!!

My brother in law Tim is having surgery also, but his is Lasik. He has been looking forward to this a long time. ST CLARE OF ASSISI PRAY FOR HIM!!

I am thinking that today I will be a little on edge, I am planning to go to school a touch early so I can spend some time in the chapel. I hope all goes well. I love both of these people tremendously, and hope for safe recoveries.

Volleyball Tournament Game 2

Well, they lost. They are out of the tournament. Emily had a great game, of course, I always say that, I know.
She had 2 back sets over the net, dinked it,and didn't miss a serve all night.

It is sad it is over, but now we can move on to basketball.....

Volleyball Tournament Game 1

Well, they lost to Holy Cross, but at least they did it in style!!!!
It wasn't their best game. They were playing Holy Cross, which is like one of the best teams in the league, but they tried hard, and they play tonight at 5:30 against St Francis this time. If they lose, they are out of the tournament, if they win, they go on to play next week.
Victoria was funniest. She got hit in the throat with the ball, and yelled OH MY GOD, then grabbed herself around the throat with both hands, and yelled, I SAID GOSH.
She is so funny!!! You had to be there, I guess....

I Promised More

Some more random pix. Val got to see her Kapaun friends before the dance, so they took a picture together. The girl in the pic with Vinh and DJ is Nicole, DJ's date. Vinh's date met him later.
I especially like the pic of Mark and Hunter. He really does like him. They were just goofing!

2 Beauties, 5 Crazies, and 1 Lucky, Lucky Guy

Here is a sampling of pics. I will do more tomorrow, but my computer is SO SLOW tonight!!!!
You all know my Val and my Emi. Most of you can pick out Hunter. Spencer would be the other guy. Kaitlyn is his date. She has on the solid black dress. Jessica is the cutie in the black and white.
When we and Kaitlyn's mom Alice, picked the kids up from Applebee's, we had time to kill, so we took them to Blockbuster to walk around (weird!). Alice and I went to Hobby Lobby to get super glue to fix K's purse. I ended up gluing my finger to my hand, but all is well now.
Anyway, the kids were messing around, and they all piled in our car, then, we dropped them off, and took Emi to Braum's because she has been such a good sport through all this drama.

We also met Hunter's dad. He is a super nice guy!
More pics tomorrow. I promise!

Busy, Busy

Since Mark has become Athletic Director at school, he wants to go see all of "his" athletes in action, but it is also the time of the season that all the sports are starting to wrap up, so that basically leaves today to do it all.
9:00 am- St Peter Schulte for football. 2 of Emi's classmates play for the Eagles.
11:00 and 2:00 is 6th grade volleyball at St Anne's
12:30 is a cross country meet at Cessna.
That will leave him open to go to as much as he can next week, but if he can at least see the kids once, that is better than nothing, and Emi has her tournament starting on Monday at 7 at St Peter, cost is $2 per adult, students are free, if you want to come out and see her AWESOME skills.

Val and I are bailing out after football, because she has a hair appt. for her "big date" tonight, the Homecoming Dance-BC beat East by the way, hee hee Sharon!

After hair, Gram has offered to do Val's nails, then we are going west, to meet up with Hunter, and they are meeting friends for dinner, before the dance. They were going to go to church also, but they did not think they had enough time, in case the restaurant is busy, which it probably will be.

I will post some pics of her this afternoon.

Homecoming Week Day 5

Ultimate pride. Green and Gold forever. It goes by a couple different names. Today, the kids are challenged to wear as much green and gold as possible, no face paint allowed. I don't want Val to wear hair color either,what if it didn't come out tomorrow????? Yikes!!!!
Tonight is the Homecoming Game vs East Aces. I knew I should have gotten Val an East Shirt for last Tuesday, instead of Kapaun, I just did not think of calling Sharon in enough time.
After school, there is a Tailgate Party by Outback Steakhouse, then the game. My cousins are coming in from Wellington, to watch Jake play, so, we should have a really good time. Emi gets to take Lauren with her, and Val is going with all her friends.

Homecoming Week Day 4

Freshman Beanies.
It is a long standing BC tradition, for the freshmen class to wear beanies, to show that they are the Baby Eagles, in the Bishop Carroll family.
The Seniors and some Juniors go around and sign the caps and the freshmen wear them all day, and tomorrow too.
We are getting ready to leave and take Val to the Powderpuff Football game and Bonfire, then all that is left is the game and dance....Week is almost over!

Homecoming Week Day 3

Today was All School Mass Day. The kids wore their dress uniforms, which is their everyday uniform, with a sweater for the girls and a sweater and tie for the guys.
Each parish priest went to the Mass, and then talked to the kids from their parish about stewardship and things they can do, to make their parish better.
In 7th hour, each student was given candy from the Parent Club.