What a Week!

 Rob has been having a quite of a week. Earlier he learned of his acceptance into the Leadership Academy and yesterday he was featured on his music school's Facebook page. He spent the day strutting around the house, acting like a minor celebrity.

Today he and I are heading to Maryland for a military relic auction. Although the items being sold would be enough draw, Robby is particularly excited by the source of the artifacts. Originally listed as the collection from a "local historian," I did some calling and it turns out the items being sold belonged to his favorite history teacher.

Robby was fortunately enough to have Mr. G for a course during the throws of the pandemic and it is safe to say that Mr. G changed Robby's life. He opened up a passion for history and relic collecting that was previously untapped. Robby and Scott ended up in Europe last year because he was taught about Sainte Mere Eglise in Mr. G's history class. Robby still returns to his lecture notes when he wants to verify information or when he is ready to explore another wormhole in military history. We were all sad when we learned about Mr. G's passing, but Robby felt his loss profoundly. Adding something that was one treasured by his beloved teacher to his growing collecting is the goal of today's auction. 

While Robby and I are at the auction, Scott will be spending the evening with Timmy. Hamlet is particularly excited about getting fries at McDonald's. (He is still a cheap date.) Fingers crossed the fries are hot and the bids are low!

 

Explorers

 Yesterday was spent on Cloud 9 as Robby basked in his acceptance to the Leadership Academy. He grinned from ear-to-ear all day and spent all of his free time reviewing the materials and planning his adventure. There isn't much for us to do right now except to wait, but the lack of details never stopped our planning before and I don't see it impeding us now. Lists are already being drafted (with the full understanding that they will be amended and edited as more information becomes available.) 

Robby has been fretting and worrying over his acceptance to the Academy. He is anxious about his future and has pinned so much on this experience. It was hard waiting for a response, knowing that I could do absolutely nothing to help him. He earned this on his own, and he deserves to enjoy his moment. Last night we went out for Hibachi to celebrate. Hibachi has become one of our go-to family celebrations and the experience did not disappoint. 

Today we are supposed to be greeted with Spring like temperatures, which will delight both Timmy and Friend. I imagine that we will be spending a lot of time in the woods and exploring this afternoon. Thankfully the sore on my leg has completely healed and I'll be able to keep up with my explorers.

Robby's BIG News!

Several months ago Robby applied to the Student Leadership Academy at the WWII Museum in New Orleans. The application process was rather involved, requiring an essay and a detailed resume, but he tackled the project as soon as it was open. He successfully submitted his application in October and has been anxiously waiting for news.  Last night Robby opened an email to receive a shocking update.

Robby has been invited to attend the academy, and has been provided with a full scholarship! He was gobsmacked and left speechless. I dissolved into a pile of tears, overwhelmed with pride. Scott paced with excitement and immediately began to Google family activities in New Orleans. Timmy jumped up and down cheering, not certain the reason but happy to participate in the celebration.

Over the past year Robby has been putting more thought into his future plans. He has a strong draw towards military history and curation. When he learned about this Leadership Academy, he set his sights on going because it offers diverse experiences with a variety of careers within his interest niche. It is almost as if this Academy was designed for him!

My heart is so happy this morning. He has worked so hard and he deserves this honor. I can't wait to watch him grow through this amazing experience.

Weekend Wrap-Up

 This past weekend the boys and I (minus Scott) headed to PA to spend a few days with my Mom. While waiting for a necessary knee surgery she had a little mishap and hurt her sound side ankle. Hobbling around and in a lot of pain I was eager to give her a hug and see what I could to do to help out. Living several hours away makes these situations difficult, especially when I am more tethered at home due to Timmy's school obligations.

We were happy to be able to spend time with my nephew Jared over the weekend. Typically my sister's kids have at their dad's over all weekends, but a school dance provided an opportunity to stay. Robby and Jared had a great time hanging out and helping their Nana around the house. It was fun watching them taking down and installing doors and trying to hone their organizational skills by purging a closet.

We did take a break from working to have some fun. My mom would be furious if we did nothing but work and clean during our visit. Saturday afternoon Robby, Timmy, my sister and I went rollerskating. Timmy was ecstatic to have his big brother skating with him. Robby, who has never been rollerskating, was such a good sport. We thought that his ice skating skills would translate to rollerskating. On some level we were correct, but he was not nearly as comfortable as I had imagined. 

Saturday night I was able to take Jared to his school dance. I had a lot of fun watching him get dressed up and delivering him to his waiting date. While Jared was at the dance Robby and I launched a plan for his upcoming auction and Timmy worked on his art projects.

After finishing a few loose ends in the morning we packed up and headed home on Sunday afternoon. I am always sad leaving, but this departure was hard because it is difficult seeing my Mom in pain. I hate leaving her while she is still hurting, although I know that I can't really do anything to help. Hopefully a few days off her foot and ankle will provide enough rest for healing to begin.