Been a while ...

Since it's been a while since I've updated what's going on, thought I would before I take Ryan to work.  May brings Connor's lacrosse season to an end with his last game being Saturday.  Hard to believe it's over but I'm looking forward to less to do each afternoon.  Earlier this week Connor and Kelleigh had their Art Fair where some of their paintings and ceramic masks were displayed.  They both love art and it was fun to see the variety. 

Connor's team's chalk art from the movie "Despicable Me" ...

Kelleigh's painting ...

We received the approval for the boys to both attend Mt. Carmel next year.  Today is Ryan's Change of Placement meeting and his schedule will be determined for next year.  Both boys will play football and Ryan will attend Summer School.  The kids get out of school on June 9th and both football and summer school begin on the 13th.  So much for any breaks!  C and K are both going to church camp for a week in July so Mark and I will have a chance to get away for a few days.

The challenges with Ryan continue.  His behavior and choices continue to spiral downward and got to a point the beginning of May where I told him to leave.  He packed up his backpack, took his Xbox and left.  I am over being disrespected and told him not to return until he was ready to do things our way.  I knew where he would go but told him I wasn't going to come after him.  I took his phone and transfered the money from his checking account.  He quickly realized he wasn't a street kid, slept in his friend's car, bought and used drugs, did a lot of walking, was hungry and tired by the time 48 hours rolled around and he called from a pay phone asking to come home.  He slept in the backyard until we met with his drug counselor.  He agreed that he couldn't make good choices on his own and was ready for help.  That lasted about a week and we are quickly approaching the same point again.  Prior to being kicked out he was caught shoplifting but, despite my request, they refused to press charges.  So much for a lesson learned.  To make matters worse, he knew that Kelleigh had been doing drugs for several months and didn't tell us.  She is now being watched and knows she'll be put in a program if it happens again.  Frankly, it's exhausting.  At least he shows up and takes his job seriously.

I helped my dear friend, Jill, last Sunday when we had to take their dear cat to be put to sleep.  He had kidney failure and was so very sick we almost didn't make it there.  I got their family this sweet frame and put a picture of him in it to give them yesterday.  I felt honored to be the only other person he would let be near him besides his family!  He was a beautiful, and huge!, cat and I'll miss my visits with him.

Buddy decided to join Jake in his Bat Cave ...

 Other than that, just the usual day-to-day stuff.  Lots of driving, enjoying the warm weather, and trying to get some house projects done that I've been putting off.

Productive Weekend

This has truly been one of the most productive weekends in a LONG time! We got so many tasks inside and out completed and it feels so great. Two of my biggest jobs was finishing the new cabinet addition in my office and putting the new faucet on the kitchen sink. Both are done and I love them. The kids were great helping with outside trimming and the yard looks great. The weather all weekend was beautiful so that helped with the inspiration. Of course there were no shortage of trips to Home Depot!

Last week brought some new challenges with the kids between bad choices and unacceptable progress reports.  I am very proud of how Mark handled the most serious issue with Ryan and can only hope that Ryan will learn from it and realize the seriousness of what he did.  His regression since returning from New Life continues and will only lead to more bad choices until he realizes he needs to accept the help of those who continue to offer it. 

Off to stir the spaghetti sauce that is cooking for dinner but first, check out these cinnamon rolls that Ryan made yesterday for his Foods class ...  yummy!

Easter Visitors

Hope it was a beautiful Easter weekend for everyone.  Ours was a little cool and drizzly but today the sun is shining and hopefully temperatures will rise as Crystol and Jake are here visiting.  They arrived Thursday night and yesterday she went to the ship to work through tomorrow night.  Friday we went to a restaurant at the Oceanside Pier for lunch which was great.  Saturday was Connor's lacrosse game in which he did very well despite their team losing.  That night we made s'mores and pies.  The boys are staying busy playing basketball, lacrosse, and watching the basketball and hockey playoffs.  Once Ryan is finished with school this morning we will go do a little sightseeing before it's time to get the other kids. 

  

Catching up ...

As Mark so correctly posted on Facebook, I am indeed having trouble adjusting to life without a maid, butler, and driver!  Paying bills, buying faucets, and doing laundry just doesn't compare to the relaxing week I left! 

Today is my sweet husband's birthday. We celebrated last night as we have meetings and lacrosse tonight.

I am very grateful to Mark for giving me the opportunity to enjoy a week in the Dominican Republic at Casa de Campo Resort with my sister and later time with my parents. The trip was an experience of a lifetime and memories I will always cherish. Here are a few pictures from the trip. When I finish the memory book, I will share the link should you want to see more of our adventure.

The first evening there we enjoyed dinner at the Beach Club with this beautiful sunset.

Probably my favorite place at the resort was Altos de Chavon, an Italian-replica village that truly felt as if you were in the heart of Italy.  We had a private tour of the pottery workrooms and talking with the manager to learn about the continued practice of doing pottery, weaving, and handwork as it's been done for hundreds of years.  Sadly we missed the weekly performance at the ampitheater which holds 5,000.  The buildings were gorgeous and the items in the shops amazing.

Of course the highlight of the trip was celebrating my sister's birthday with a boat trip to a private island where we were served amazing food and wine.  It was an experience we will never forget.

These are the two birthday cakes from the day.  The white one was presented at the island.  The top lifted off and another cake was inside.  The chocolate one was brought at dinner.  It also lifted off and inside was another work of art.  Both were spectacular and delicious.

Here are a couple pictures of our villa.  I have too many to post but it gives you the idea.  It was 6,000sf and had 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths.  Truly a lovely and comfortable home.  Our favorite spot was the gazebo by the pool where we enjoyed breakfast each morning.

Two of the girlfriends who were able to join us are Kathy and Sue.  We were all rested from our island excursion and ready for the birthday dinner!

I was able to spend a day with my parents before flying home.  Their new home in Ft. Myers is gorgeous and we had a great dinner filled with lots of laughter as I got to meet relatives I've heard a lot about but never met.