some things

I wonder, how long until we as a society can no longer refer to Fat Tuesday as Fat?

And on that note...

It's been awhile since I've been here so I'm gonna do a bit of catching up on what's been going on in my little world and will undoubtedly throw in a few perspectives here and there.

Kathryn is continuing to meet with Dr.'s to try to determine why her Thyroid is enlarged and why the high level of calcitonin was in the pathology of her gallbladder.  She had a series of blood work done and result after result brought about good news and a more optimistic outlook!  PTL.  I attribute it all to God and the amazing prayer warriors in our lives.  She'll meet with a geneticist in March and an Endocrinologist at Riley.  As I think back on the whole process I can clearly see Gods hand in every aspect of what she's gone through.  From the Dr.'s, Lab personnel, timely service and diligent service.  He knows me well and that I am not patient when it comes to service from a hospital and He knows I fail at asking the necessary questions.  As a result, Kate received, at each visit, prompt service, and the consultations with the doctors were quite informative!  And get this, not once but twice the Endocrinologist from Dukes, Dr. Collie called me personally to relate Kathryn's lab results to me.  Yes indeed there are Dr.'s who still do that.  Who knew!  :)
As of now we are in a holding pattern.  Soon we will have the answers we were in search of.  In the mean time continued prayers would be greatly appreciated. Oh, I almost forgot, she had her Valentines formal and she looked beautiful.

Matt is doing well with his homeschooling.  Deciding to withdraw him from Oak Hill Jr. High school was one of the easiest and scariest decisions I've ever made.  Easiest because it was in my son's best interest.  Scariest because I don't want to fail him.  I have been reminded, daily how blessed I am to have been able to make such a decision.  God allowed me to work in that building for 4 years.  Not as a sub as I had been doing but rather as a permanent employee.  He opened my eyes to a myriad of situations, personalities, behaviors that ultimately solidified many questions I had swirling around in my head.  My eyes were opened to situations that were whispered about within this community and consequently a part of my heart was saddened.
Being at the Junior High and having sat in every class/subject in the 8th grade I was familiar, with what I needed to get across.  I didn't become a professional educator during that time but looking back I realize now the time spent there and my purpose were defined.
In the first week working with Matthew I came to realize he has incredible!!! recall.  This explains his boredom with homework and time spent with other students as the subject matter was hammered home.  I've learned that he doesn't like processes, writing out a critical thought, and he likes things to "flow" if you will.  He enjoys creative writing, is a sponge when it comes to reading, and is an excellent test taker.  I've realized that he needs to work on finding a way to 1) deal with the 'process' of learning that takes place in the classroom setting and not lose his focus.  2) rise above the ignorance of others.
The primary reason behind my withdrawing him wasn't due to an academic issue, rather bullying.  Bullying at all levels.  While Oak Hill Jr. High may not have a zero tolerance policy, I do.  And as I signed out my son on that Tuesday in January, I was half way through the double doors when I stopped, walked back into the school to see if the large banner that hangs across that hall that houses the classrooms, still hung and it did.  And for your information that banner states this "stand up for what is right even if you stand alone".  Upon seeing that, the confidence that I had in my decision grew leaps and bounds.

*side note:  I find it concerning as a parent, taxpayer, and at the core of it all a person - no matter how you choose to define me, that NOT ONE inquiry has been made from any Administrator as to WHY my son was withdrawn.  A young man who was involved with athletics, was solid academically, wasn't a disciplinary issue, who was well liked, and whose parents didn't move out of the system, was just removed.  I've heard for over 7 years that Oak Hill schools are experiencing a decline in enrollment.  I've seen promotional videos and read pamphlets designed to entice new students into the system, yet when one of their own leaves not an eye is batted, no concern registered, not to his parents.  Can the system afford this?  I know for fact Matthew was not the only jr. high student withdrawn, for my phone rang off the hook for the first 2 weeks after our decision to withdraw him. As a parent, community member, a person - this is concerning to me and should be to you also.  Oak Hill is a fine system academically, and has that data to back up such a claim, kudos to those teachers who get the job done...academically. But to the administration...I am saddened, deeply saddened.   **this is an opinion based on my personal experience. 

This month on Valentines day to be exact my brother and his wife celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.  Not sure when exactly I realized it was to be their silver celebration, but when I did all I could think about was that mom would insist on some sort of recognition.  Because operating in a timely manner and my inability to adhere to deadlines, I knew getting something in the paper so that it would run at the appropriate time was out of the question.  So, I planned (kinda) in my spontaneous manner a rather impromptu gathering of family and friends.  In the process....as the proverbial ball was in motion, it was brought to my attention that my sis-in-law isn't a fan of surprises.  OOPS!  :/  So, I changed up a bit of the plan, cut back the guest list and threw an anniversary party for my brother!  lol  : )  Problem solved, crisis averted!  Kim and Eric were surprised, and appreciative.  However, not nearly as appreciative as I am to have them as Sis & Brother.  Words, parties, surprises, etc...cannot express how thankful I am for the two of them.  I'd be a fart in the wind through this entire process if it weren't for them.  Thanks, Kim & Eric....I love you both!

As it is with the first of the year, Andy has been gone a lot.  January always brings about a national sales meeting somewhere and like clockwork it falls on his 'home' week.  Therefore it's safe to say communication is strained, tensions are high, and  factor in the number of potential problems winter can have in store, and being a one man do-it-all-yourself kinda guy, January & February have been nuts.  The up side, is I have a sense of humor!  Am laid back enough for the two of us and F.R.O.G.

Kathryn's cheer-leading wraps up tonight (i think) as we play our last regular season game tonight against Northwestern.  I got my boobs squished today, first time since 2003.  And in a week and a day my least favorite month will be over!  March madness is around the corner, as are birthdays and spring breaks!  And I'm holding out hope that in typical March fashion we'll get PUMMELED with a snow storm!  :)  That would make me happy and send this winter out with a bang!

And now for the tidbits....
Have a sense of humor     Practice tolerance/acceptance     Take a stand      Have a voice 
Make a difference    Have some Faith     Feel     Cry when you feel like it     Be NICE! 
And last but not least, Don't argue with a fool....someone may overhear and not be able to tell who's who!

HAPPY FAT TUESDAY!
Loving my BIG BIG God today & always!