Ready

 After another non-snow event it seems that we have another chance this weekend.  Fingers crossed we will get something playable! Timmy's sled has been sitting in the middle of our yard, readied on a hill, since the last non-snow event. It has become an odd symbol of our uneventful winter.

Today Robby has his enrichment classes which means that I will spend the majority of my day driving. On Monday he goes to Freshman orientation at Shepherd University. I'm determined to enjoy this forced time together in the car while we have it!

This weekend will be spent cleaning, recovering from a cold and preparing for the orientation. Robby will be getting his college ID photo on Monday and has requested a haircut. I can't believe that this is all happening! I know that I had 18 years to prepare, but I'm not ready. Fortunately, I know that he is.

The Valentine Boogie

We didn't have a lot of money growing up. A testament to my mother, I was unaware of our financial situation. While I knew that she worked several jobs after my Dad left, in my young mind it was simply because she was a dedicated teacher. In the day she taught high school students. At night she would teach adult GED classes. I thought she just really loved to teach.

Growing up, we didn't celebrate Valentine's Day with candy and treats on February 14th. Valentine's Day was for school parties and cards. We didn't get our Valentine's treats until the evening of February 15th, when the "Valentine Boogie" would come before dinner and leave the surprises on our plates. Throughout my childhood, I had no idea that the Valentine Boogie was invented so that candy could be secured at 50% off.  I simply accepted that Valentine's Day candy boxes were exchanged on the 15th.

I remember going to school and excitedly asking my teacher if the Valentine Boogie came to her house. I absolutely adored this teacher, so when she laughed in my face it really stung and has stayed with me 40+ years later. I still didn't know that it was unusual to exchange candy on the 15th. Instead, I assumed that the Valentine Boogie was selective and didn't visit every house. I never publicly mentioned him again although I eagerly anticipated his arrival every year.

Although it wasn't the 15th, I decided it was time to resurrect the Valentine Boogie. Last night I decorated the dinner table "Valentine Boogie style" with a basket of treats and cards arranged artfully at each place. The boys were ecstatic when they came out to dinner and discovered their surprises. 

Whether or not the Valentine Boogie came to your house, I hope you had a great day!

Proud Momom

 I am waking up this morning an incredibly proud Momom!

Yesterday Timmy received his report card and received stellar comments and marks. He has grown academically and socially compared to this time last year. His teachers describe him as kind, caring, empathetic and hardworking. His teachers also remarked on his interesting perspectives. "Timmy at times does not appear to be paying attention during lessons. However, when we ask him a clarifying question to check his understanding, he often offers insights that are accurate yet completely unique." 

A clear example occurred last week when Timmy's class was learning about cultural traditions in India, including funeral pyres and bathing in the rivers. After the presentations the class had a discussion about what they learned. Timmy's contribution was "Well, learned that I will never go fishing in India."  I had to chuckle when I read that line. His teacher, who is absolutely amazing, must have worked a long time on the wording in his report card as to not offend.

In the afternoon Robby received a letter awarding him a scholarship to help pay for college. He has been applying for every applicable scholarship since he was accepted back in September. I am so incredibly proud of him!

Flexy Friends at the Mall

This weekend was busy for FlexyFriends. We set up at the mall in Frederick on Saturday. We were uncertain about how successful or busy we would be considering that the holidays have been over for awhile. We were overwhelmed by the welcome back to the mall. So many repeat customers came back to visit, to chat, and to buy some new FlexyFriends. It was a great weekend!

We packed up and got home just in time for the Super Bowl. Scott and Timmy settled into our bed with a smorgasbord of junk food spread out before them. (The crumbs of which were embedded into my sheets and covers.) I tried to get into the game but I really didn't care about either team. I did enjoy the nachos and the commercials, so the evening wasn't a complete waste for this non-football momom.

Since we were selling all weekend, I am feeling a little overwhelmed this morning. Typically I'm able to spend Sunday afternoon getting things ready for the upcoming week. I lost that time, so now I feel like I'm scrambling. Wish me luck!

Have a great day!