Make it all better

My oldest daughter went back to college yesterday after the holiday break. Today she called crying; she wants to come home. A month ago she seemed to be loving college life. I don't get it. She wanted me to tell her to come home and everything will be okay. I didn't. I really think she needs to stick it out and at least finish the year, doesn't she?! Am I the meanest mother in the world (something I've been accused of more than once?) I would love to have her home and go to school locally, but I can't let her just give up. Never mind the big bucks my husband and I have forked out for tutition, room and board, books, sorority initiation, etc! Help! Am I doing the right thing??!!
Camille

Back in the Saddle

So....I've been at my new job for a little over two months now. I am training to be the clerk of Rice Lake Township. It has been an interesting two months; I've learned lots of new things and I am appreciative of that. Sometimes I wonder if this is the job for me, but in this economy I try to remind myself that I am lucky to have found any job. This is a good position with good benefits and flexibility, which really means alot.

Whitney has been home from college for the holidays. It has been so nice to have her home. She has been volunteering in Greta's classroom while she's been here and that has been great for the two of them.

Claudia was quoted in today's Duluth News Tribune: "It's crazy!" was her quote (in response to the reporter's question about the size of this weekend's girls hockey tournament.) She really has a way with words, doesn't she?!
Peace, Camille

a day in the life.....

It's been a long time since I've blogged - shame on me. Summer is over and the kids are back to school (thank God - I'm not used to being with my kids 24/7!!!) Whitney has settled in at UND after a rough first week. She seems to be in the groove of college life now and has even joined a sorority: Pi Beta Phi. Now I just have to figure out how to pay for it :) We will manage somehow. Claudia is loving 8th grade at HORO. The 8th graders are the top dogs at her school and she thinks that is pretty cool. Greta is a big 1st grader and has her first spelling test on Friday. She is very proud to be a big kid and studying for a test (she'll get over that in a quick hurry, I'm sure!) I'm still not working although I'm searching constantly. I must admit I'm getting really worried. Peace out, Camille

After the holiday

Here I am back home after a beautiful 4th of July weekend. The weather was really nice, especially yesterday. We all spent lots of time in the lake and on the pontoon boat. The kids, especially, had a blast.

Last week my oldest had her freshman orientation at UND (University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.) It was very exciting to go and visit the campus and get her all registered for her fall classes. I don't think it has sunk in to me yet that she will be off to college in a little over a month. I am very happy for her but at the same time very sad. I suppose that is normal for most parents.

Have a wonderful week!
Cammy

Soccer mom

I never thought I would be a soccer mom, but here I am. Today (for the second time this season) I get to haul a load of boisterous 13 year old girls to the Twin Cities area for a game. Last time I did this the weather was terrible. The game was delayed for 30 minutes because of lightening and it poured the entire game. I sat in the comfort of my warm, dry vehicle peeking between the steering wheel and the fenceposts on the field to watch the game. I never said I was a GOOD soccer mom. You would think that the girls would have been cold and tired and have slept all the way home, but NOOOOO! I listened to literal shrieking for two and half hours, not to mention the absolute stench of five pairs of smelly, wet soccer shoes, pads and socks. Ugh. I'm bringing some Bounce dryer sheets with me today to at least mask the stench slightly.

Here's to hoping the girls conk out on the way home tonight!
Camille

Weekend adventures

What a weekend! Friday night the little one had her dressed rehearsal for Saturday's recital. Ugh - like three hours worth. Saturday during the day I planted the rest of my flowers, finally! And it was a beautiful day so it was so nice to be outside and enjoying some sun. I even noticed that Greta got a little bit of sunburn on her shoulders. Saturday night was the recital which was darling, but again a late night. After the recital we celebrated by going to Cold Stone for ice cream. Yummmmm is all I can say to that. I haven't had Cold Stone for so long. I had to kind of perform an Intervention on myself in the Cold Stone department awhile back. The summer before last I was going there on my lunch hour for my daily fix of the Founder's Favorite. Let me tell you this: the Founder's Favorite is BAD for the hips! I had to break myself of the habit before I looked like a blimp!

Today we went to a graduation party, then to Target (Greta starts tennis lessons tomorrow so we needed to get a racket.) Here's how the Target trip goes: I, of course, first hit the dollar section ( I LOVE THE DOLLAR SECTION) - I only found a pair of flip flops for CJ; how disappointing. Then the usual: laundry detergent, kleenex, etc. Then on to the purpose of the trip: the tennis racket. Husband is in charge of the sports stuff, so I step back and watch the show. The choices are this: Dora or Sponge Bob. Isn't it obvious that Dora wins - the Dora racket is pink, after all. But no, it cannot be that easy. All of a sudden, Greta doesn't like Dora anymore (since when????!!!) After a few minutes of drama, it's decided that the Dora racket is to be purchased. So, we check out, get to the gas hog and CJ (middle daughter) says, "Mom, this racket says for age 4 and under." Well, little one will be six next month, so that obviously doesn't work. So much for husband being in charge. Back into Target we go. Return racket, search for next size racket, no dice. On to Dunhams. Thankfully, they have a Barbie racket in her size (Barbie is MUCH better than Dora and gee, only $15.00 MORE! ridiculous!!!!! Then, on to the grocery store for more fun and games. I love the weekend, but I'm glad this one is over!
Peace out,
Camille

Graduation Day

So, here she is -my oldest daughter on her last day of high school. The first photo is of all three girls and the second photo is the graduate, fresh out of the shower and looking soooo happy! Isn't she gorgeous? Tonight is her commencement ceremony and the all-night grad party. I'm so glad they do that supervised party now. I think back to the night of my own commencement and I wince at the thought of the things we did! I remember that my dad bought me a six pack of Michelob and I thought I was so cool! Now I wouldn't DREAM of buying alcohol for my daughter - funny how the times have changed! I'm so lucky that she is such a good kid!!!