The Great Update!

It's been over a year since blogging. So long the program didn't know me any more. lol

 

Life has been quite busy and I've been more caught up living it than blogging about it but for the sake of finishing what I started I will try to continue to document the exploits of my children's education since that is what the whole blog was about in the first place.

 

First I must update the happenings of my oldest boy.  When last I wrote we were in the process of visiting colleges and preparing for the application process.  Fox and I went to New York City to visit New York University which was his reach school.  We had a good time other than a long miserable bus ride and our car being stolen while we were gone.

 

 

We did a lot of walking and exploring and went to see a movie of the play Of Mice and Men starring James Franco on campus one night.  It was actually pretty cool.

 

Fox did early applications to NYU and Northwood University.  He was accepted at Northwood into the BA/MBA program, an accelerated study that will yield him both degrees in four years, his field is finance.  Because he applied early he was lucky enough to be awarded the Presidential Scholarship which is $10K a year renewable for 4 years.  In addition to that he competed for the DeVos Entrepreneurial Scholarship in which you had to present a business idea in writing and then a few were invited to the next step which was to do a 5-minute presentation to a panel of judges.  He made it through the entire process and was given an $11K scholarship renewable for 4 years.  In addition to these, he also received the full amount from FAFSA and signed up as a National Guard Reserve. 

 

In February of his Senior year he started attending drill weekends and did his Basic Training at Fort Jackson immediately upon graduating.  Yes, it was quite a whirlwind for a few months as he put everything together but I'm excited and proud over how he made it all happen.

 

 

 

Benjamin finish his freshman year of high school in the top 15 of his class.  He played JV Soccer but I was unable to get him to try any other clubs or activities.  Last summer he attended a camp at Ferris State University - Grand Rapids about Digital Media Software which he enjoyed.  Truth be told I think he more enjoyed staying with his uncle and having some independence away from his siblings and parents. (wink)  I'm still trying to steer him to some future plans.  He really just does not know what he wants to do yet.  I find it interesting that the child who has been in public school the most is the one that seems to have the least direction.  Time will tell. He and Ethan volunteered as 4H camp counselors over the summer as well.  E helped in day camp and B did his first stint as an overnight counselor and rocked it!

 

 

Ben is now almost done with his Sophomore year and he did a double sport for Fall, Soccer and Cross-Country (which he received his first Varsity letter).  Since his time with uncle last summer and going to the gym and rock climbing wall and watching American Ninja Warrior non-stop for months he has become quite the body-building enthusiast.  He has completely changed the way he eats concentrating mainly on veggies, proteins, nuts, and fiber.  Plus he has developed a regular weight lifting routine, finding a good balance (in my opinion) between pushing himself and taking days off.  He also joined the Bowling team this year and received a Varsity letter and Most Improved Bowler award.

 

 

 

 

 

Ethan my youngest had a pretty uneventful end to 8th grade other than competing in a few Forensic tournaments.  He and his friend Noah did a really funny Duo but didn't really get the kudos for it but they did a great job and had a blast working together.  Ethan ran 8th grade cross country but did not do track.  He did join a rec baseball team but I don't think his heart was really in it.

 

I will refrain from expounding on my disdain of our home district at this time since I never intended this blog to become a slam book but there have been many things that have eroded over time.  Since my daughter first entered the high school back in 2006 up to when my second graduated in 2015 it has lost a lot of programs, classes, and good leadership.  Bottom line is the students are suffering for it.  Thankfully Fox has always been an independent seeker of knowledge and rounded out his schooling with many online classes.  My answer to this decline is school of choice.  I really wanted to move both Ben and Ethan to a new school for 2015-16.  However Ben is not one who deals with change well and  insisted he wants to finish at NBHS.  Ethan however, is much like his sister in that he leans toward the creative artistic end of the scale of which NB has nothing much to offer.  So he agreed to a brave move.

 

Ethan started his freshman year of high school at Oxford Community Schools.  There were two focuses in the beginning, one their Biomedical program since he always had an interest in medical research as a career, and two, Men's Choir.  I won't tell you it was all roses and sunshine.  The first couple months were a bit of a struggle trying to fit in and make new friends but he persevered and made a lot of great friends through choir and theater.  He participated in cross country, had a small part in the fall production "It's a Wonderful Life," went to choir "Boot Camp," worked on the crew for the spring production "Mary Poppins," and got to be part an amazing concert of Dan Forrest's "Requiem for the Living" with the Oxford Choirs, Rochester College choirs and guest conductor Dr. Hugh Floyd.  In fact his musical experiences were so incredible that he has declared that as his career path.  He started taking private voice lessons and will be attending Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp this summer to which he received scholarships to cover nearly half of the cost.  He has been teaching himself piano and guitar but will get to have some formal training next year in his Piano class at Oxford.  This thrills me to no end.  I've always wished one of my kids would pursue a career in music. Although I'll not get my hopes up to high....

 

 

 

 

So that's just a few things that have been going on in Parton World.  I'll try to keep better updates for the next few years.  Have a great day Wildcats!  or Broncos!  or Timberwolves!



iWasn't Ready for Snow

Outside my Window:  Orange, yellow and brown leaves all over the ground, lots of wind, and today rain expected to turn to snow later in the day.....and now as I finish this post it is officially snowing.  Love Michigan!

What's on my Mind:  Grace.  How to guide teenage boys with authority and love from a mother's perspective.

Thankful for:  Rob having more time to deal with projects around the house due to his unemployment.  One deer in the freezer, hoping for another.  4 new tires on my van.

Creative Endeavors:  Putting together the marking materials for LCCC's December concert.  I think it turned out pretty awesome.  Now I'm working with the typesetter on the program.  Lots of work but always worthwhile in the end.

My Latest Project:  I am TRYING to do National Novel Writing Month  (NaNoWriMo) again but it is not going very well.  My word count is not where it should be but I'm not giving up yet. 

My 3 Sons: The cross country season has come to a close.  It was a rough go for a moment with Fox, he and the coach got into over some things at one point and he actually quit the team in haste and frustration.  After a cooling down period they made ammends, Fox had a week of suspension but then came back and finished with the team with a fabulous new personal record of 20:19.  Our Senior girl and Fox's CC buddy made it to State Competition this year at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, MI so just about the entire team made the trek to cheer her on.  Now Fox is shifting into Model U.N. mode and is also participating in off season sessions twice a week after school.  Congrats also, he was inducted into the National Honor Society this month.

Benjamin's S.T.E.M. class is working on a robotics unit and will be going to Hartland in a couple weeks for a competition.  I am planning to go along and help as a team manager as well as just being there to support the middle school science teacher in this endeavor.

Ethan was awarded "Rookie of the Year" for middle school which I totally wasn't expecting.  Coach also gave all the ms kids an engraved medal for their amazing efforts.  Now Ethan is working on his piece for Forensics.  The kids stay after school as a group on Mondays then come in for individual practice one other day.  He is working on a group of Jack Pruletsky poems about wizards.  Their first tournament will be in a couple weeks in Hartland also.

The First Born:  Working like a dog but loving her two new work families.  She is also going to be helping with the local forensic tournaments as a judge.

Employment News: Nothing to report.  Although Rob has been fielding many calls nothing concrete has developed and it looks like he may be returning to his self-employed status as traveling CNC tech.  My feelings are mixed about this but I'm trying to stay positive.

Hoping to Improve:  My running schedule.  Right now I'm only getting out twice a week, once on my own for a brisk 2-mile then on Saturdays with the small group I run with.  Did 4.4 with them last week, need to add another loop before the New Year's Resolution race since I've set a goal to run the 8K this year.

Food for Thought:  Enjoying the final spoils of the garden, finishing the lettuce that I planted late, and harvesting the herbs (thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and parsley).  Put together a few bottles of herb vinegar to use during the winter.  Got the big garden rototilled, moved the carpet that was preparing a new area, turned that over and extended the plot once more.  Hoping to double my yield next year.

Last Words:

iGet Sticky

Outside my Window: Morning darkness with a lines of fog as the sun begins to lift into the sky while the moon still glows. At least it was when I started to write this post.  Now, the sun is shining and the birds are singing but the air remains slightly chilly.

What's on my Mind: Simplicity.  Back to basics.  Cash Only.  We've been working towards this for many years and it has started to become second nature.  I'm glad.

Thankful for: A great place to work.  I've really been enjoying my days at Honeyflow Farm, meeting people from different countries, talking with people from the U.S. that are nutritionally and environmentally aware, being in the good outdoors, learning a new skill, working with my oldest son.

Creative Endeavors: I've been bringing a composition notebook to work, and write for a second when there's a lull.  Started to brainstorm ideas for this year's NaNoWriMo story.  Might cheat a bit and pull out an idea I started a couple years ago but stalled on and go for a finish.  But I have a couple fresh ideas that intrigue me as well..... oh, the possibilities!

Latest Project: DECLUTTERING Still.......

My 3 Sons: Enjoying their school routine, classes, and sports.  Right now they are keeping it all As, have been checking their own status and reporting to me before I've even gone and checked!  Wink, smile, nudge.  What's up with that?  Hope it sticks.

Ethan is in Drama class 6th hour and goes over to the high school building for it, interested to see what their final production will be.

Ben has started soccer practices, so far it has worked out with cross country, no problem.  Haven't gotten the game schedule yet.

Fox is having a decent running season coming through pain free at the end of races.  He also is working Sundays with me at Honeyflow. 

Sunny day at the Lapeer County Meet!  Fox just finished running and Ben and Ethan were waiting for the middle school race.  Ben medaled. They all had good times on a tough course.

The first Born: Workin, workin, workin' day and night!  I'm guaranteed at least one check in a month when she makes her car insurance payment!

Employment News: Interview tomorrow.......

Hoping to Improve:  Continued fresh eating into winter.

Food for Thought:  The food you eat that is grown closer to you, locally, has more nutritional value than food produced farther away.  The farther away, and the more processing involved, the less nutrition it holds.

Last Words:  

iMade the Tealights

Outside my Window: The days have been overcast lately and the weather cooling.  Perfect yardwork temperatures, love those hoodies days!  Above is a snap from the cross-country course at Brown City High School and Nature Center.  It was a wonderful day for a run.

What's on my Mind: Getting my yoga practice back into the schedule.  Now that the boys will be in school I can get back to my morning routine of practicing while the house is quiet.  It's not the same when everyone is home and I just don't get up early enough to do it before the rest of the household awakes in the summer.

Thankful for: Another fun and educational outing with my choir ladies, this time to Port Huron to see the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse.  There is a 20 year restoration plan for the facility and things are looking wonderful so far.

Creative Endeavors: Still working with my perennials moving plants around and getting the colors and sizes arranged better around the house.  Rob also got the wood chipper going finally so hoping to mulch up all the branches he trimmed over the last few weeks and get a good covering down on the gardens.

Latest Project: Decluttering (an ongoing, neverending project, really) and setting things aside for our massive garage sale next summer.

My 3 Sons: First day back to school could not have come to soon.  The boys were so bored they couldn't wait to get back in the academic routine!  Me, too!  I forgot to explain in the last post that after a couple of regular football practices Fox realized there was too much he did not know about the sport and decided to go back to cross country with a new perspective, refreshed appreciation, and upgraded attitude.  Ben is also going to double sport this season with rec-soccer since he needs to get as much field time in as possible before high school try-outs next year.

The first Born: Loving her two new jobs closer to home, both still in food service but that's fine.  She opens for Tim Hortons and does evenings at Appleby's in different towns.

Employment News: Started this past weekend at the farm, pouring honey, making candles, helping customers.  It was a steady but slow opening but in another week or two when the prime grapes come in things are going to get wild!

Hoping to Improve: Working together on projects with my husband and making the tough choices to let items go that are useless, hold bad chi, or can bring some kind of profit.

Food for Thought: "I have been inspired by seeing folks tackle this challenge [eating fresh] head-on, in unique ways. For instance, the Edible Schoolyard project founded in California by Alice Waters, the head of the buy local, eat fresh movement, has had a tremendous impact on the children involved as well as on the local community in which the project was founded.  I was so impressed by this project that I have worked with Alice and some other folkds in order to bring an edible schoolyard to one of our schools in New Orleans.  As a result, children are eating better, more healthful meals, and have a genuine respect for Mother Earth and the hard work required to put food on the table.  They are learning about nutrition, gardening, and the impact of farming on our environment."  ~Emeril Lagasse - Farm to Fork: Cooking Local, Cooking Fresh

Last Words:

iHave no Expectations

Outside my Window:  We have been having the most wonderful weather lately, warm but not miserable, mixed with some cooler days that start you off with sweatshirts in the morning but by 11a it's t-shirt and shorts all the way.  The activity around the Buddliea bushes in the Gramma Garden has been crazy, very hard to capture these busy creatures on film.

What's on my Mind:  Mental health, forgiveness, family.  I just finished reading the book "Silver Linings Playbook" for our next book club meeting.  I had seen the movie in theaters but it had been enough time that I could forget what I saw and really get into the characters as written.  It really made me think more about the influence of family and relationships; when you need to forgive, let go and keep connection; and when you need to completely release any contact for the sake of your mental well-being.  It's a very fine line and a tricky road to cross. 

Thankful for:  A great first cross country meet at Croswell-Lexington High School this morning.  The weather was perfect, we had the biggest team since my boys have been involved, and Fox had his old mojo back, having fun with his running buddies and taking it all in stride.  Coach wasn't pushing anybody, this was an invitational meet and the goal was just to get a baseline time set to work off of for the rest of the season.

Creative Endeavors:  Putting together a Fundraising Packet for the Lapeer County Concert Choir 2013-14 campaign.  Rearranging perennials from various garden areas.

Latest Project:  Getting the donations to the 4H Feeds Families Committe delivered and/or stored until the organizations can use it.  Since there was so much meat donated I had to get resourceful and got a freezer donated from the Habitat for Humanity Restore.  We gave some to House of Hope which prepares hot meals weekly at various locations, some to North Branch Emergency Aid which distributes weekly food boxes, and some to the United Methodist Women for their shut-in meals that they prepare and deliver to the elderly in the community.

My 3 Sons:  Getting put to work around the property quite a bit, luggin tree limbs, raking grass clipping, push mowing, cleaning out and rearranging the back of the garage.  Still to come, closing down the piggie pen and making modifications for next time.  Went to Junior orientation with Fox this week and got his schedule. These his classes for the entire year:
AP Prep English, Pre-Calc, AP US Government, Economics, Physics, Drafting, 3D Design, Intro Stats, Current Events, You and the Law

Middle School open house is coming up this week for Ben and Ethan although they've already gone online and peeked at their classes.  E wanted to find out if he made it into PreAlgebra....he did!  He's also got Drama class for first trimester and Ben will be in the S.T.E.M. class again which he loved.

I've also asked all the boys to find a non-sport actvity or club to do during the winter months.  Ethan is going to try Forensics, Fox is thinking about Model U.N. and/or Legislative Debate, Ben is not sure what he'll do yet.  We talked about maybe trying F.F.A. (Future Farmer of America) but he's not that convinced.

The first Born:  Putting in applications EVERYWHERE, finally started getting calls for interviews.  Had a job offer today to start training next week.  Has another 2nd interview tomorrow and is hoping to be able to work at both places since they've been talking to her about different shifts.  Both are far closer to home so gas expenses will be extremely less plus no more BK drama.  You go girl!

Employment News:  Did my renewal tutorials for subbing but have also been putting in online applications looking for a regular secretarial or administrative assistant job in the area.  Also going to be working weekends at Honeyflow.

Hoping to Improve:  I've begun reading a very disconcerting book "Pandora's Lunchbox: How Processed Food Took Over the American Meal" by Melanie Warner.  My crusade to cut out processed food began awhile back, this information will certainly propel me to stay on track.  These food scientists are so proud of their preserving accomplishments but what has transpired in the meantime is not even close to real food any more, it's really just food representation.

Food for Thought:  Since our employment change we have been blessed with donations from neighbors' gardens and freezers plus our garden is coming in nicely.  It has been a joy to cook for my men regularly again with locally grown/raised produce/livestock. I've also been working on freezing zucchini, swiss chard, and apples.  From garden to bowl....quick and easy coleslaw!

Last Words: 

Life is 10% what you make it

and 90% how you take it.

~Irving Berlin



iCelebrate America

Outside my Window:  Blue skies, thin white clouds, and lots of sun!

What's on my Mind: How do you define happy?  Can you be happy in an imperfect situation?  Do the behavior and actions of others affect your happiness?  What are the ways that help contentment remain through all senarios?

Thankful for:  A beautiful day and an awesome 4th of July Parade!  Old time cars, Veterans, high school band, horses, motorcycles, tractors, dancers, civic groups, everything you need for a wonderful hometown celebration.  Fantastic firework display in the evening as well.  Nice job North Branch Days Committee!

Creative Endeavors:  Worked on a few more collages for my Fair entries.

Latest Project:  Started a major repair project.  There was once an old chimney for a wood stove on a platform at the entryway of the house.  Rob knocked out the top of the chimney long ago but the hole in the ceiling remained.  I finally took on the challenge with Fox's assistance and a quick consult from my father-in-law and neighbor.  Biggest pain was the styrofoam insulation balls that come cascading down from the attic!  Knocked out a wall to have easier access since I was working over the stairs.  Got the drywall up eventually.  Phase 2 complete for now.

My 3 Sons:  My baby boy is now one step away from teenagerness, turning 12 today! 

July is camp / camping month.  Ethan is doing the 4H Overnight Camp and assisting me during Day Camp, Fox is counselor-ing at both camps, during that same week Benjamin will head to Alabama for Space Academy.  Then Fox will be traveling to Grand Valley State University for a cross-country camp, the younger boys and I will probably do some enrichment activities in the area during drop and pick up.  And to top it off they will all spend the last week in Port Austin with gramma and grandpa as is tradition. 

The first Born:  Back on closings lately, still mumbling about wanting to get back in school but no major movement made to get it happening yet.

Employment News:  << cricket, cricket>>

Hoping to Improve:  My training schedule.  Doing the Freedom Run tomorrow with Fox and Ethan but don't feel very prepared....it will be what it will be, for me.  Hope the boys have a great run and get some good times.

Food for Thought: "To change the printout of the body, you must learn to rewrite the software of the mind."  ~Deepak Chopra, M.D., Perfect Health

Last Words:

iGo the Distance

Outside my Window:  Beautiful sunny day but lots of white fluff flying around still.  Been having itchy eyes and sneeze attacks as I work outside but hasn't been so awful I need to medicate.

What's on my Mind:  Can't believe it's time to register for Fair already!!

Thankful for:  Getting a couple more days in of subbing which means one more check coming next month!  Bringing another academic year to a close.  Making progress on the yard this past weekend.

Creative Endeavors:  Craft Day for 4H Camp is coming up, this is a project test time to make sure the activities work and we know how to modify things if we need to for various age levels.

Lastest Project:  Bringing some Feng Shui concepts into the boys' bedroom arrrangements, starting with Fox who needs the most positive change. First up will be a new paint color, next a change of bed and desk placement, and the finish some select representive items for success in education and general properity.  Ben is already in the correct color palet and doesn't need make rearranging, Ethan I need to do a little more research for his situtation.

My 3 Sons:

7th Grade - Honor Roll and Academic Honors (3.75 or above)

6th Grade - Honor Roll, Outstanding Attendance, Class Voted: Friendliest



Ethan and Fox just finished a week of Cross Country Camp
and got these awesome shirts!

The first Born:  Moving to a 2-bedroom apartment is not happening, renewing lease for the same unit.  Rumblings of wanting to get back in school.....but not sure where or to do what.

Employment News: Summer Vacation!!

Hoping to Improve:  Still on trash reduction and not buying as much processed foods.

Food for Thought: Allow yourself to get distracted by living. There is a lot to be learned when your weight stops being the focus of your life.  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words:

iAm Counting Down

Outside my Window: Nice and sunny but still on the cool side.

What's on my Mind: Taming the teenage boy.  All the boys have gotten a bit attitudal lately, everyone's a wiseguy, a commedian, a master negotiator, it can be a bit overwhelming when you're outnumbered.  I swear if I hear "yep, just a minute" again while 20 minutes goes by and you haven't done the chore I've so kindly reminded you of, or the dishes/wrappers/glasses sit there on the table that I've told you to clear off ....  My solution, the xBox360 has been put away, until I get a little more respect around here!

Thankful for: The end of school being near.  Hoping the final report cards are Aces and looking forward to a summer respit.  It's been a long year.  Below is a picture Ben took on his class trip to Lansing, it is the original Spartan statue that is now inside the stadium.  He thought it was pretty awesome.

Creative Endeavors: Aaaahhhh.

Latest Project: Still gardens and lawns.  Much to do.

My 3 Sons: Ethan and I went out to Midland this weekend with the North Branch Recreational Baseball group for a Youth Clinic and Great Lakes Loons game against the Lansing Lugnuts.  It was a fun day although very windy and chilly for the first weekend in June! 

Fox and Ethan are signed up to do the North Branch Cross Country Camp next week.  They will meet three days after school then the last two days in the morning.  Ben is refusing to go, in fact he is giving me grief about running cross next year.  I gave him a pass on the camp but am sticking to my guns on running the season.  It will be the one and only year that all three boys can run for school teams.  Both he and Ethan will be middle school, the next year when Ben goes into high school he will play soccer in the fall and won't be able to run.  That's all I ask is one season, one year, with only one sport to deal with!
The first Born: Getting ready to host a murder mystery party on the property....this ought to be interesting.

Employment News: Same ol'.

Hoping to Improve: My running schedule.  Since the 5K race the last weekend in April my miles have greatly diminished although I have gotten on the trail for a quick mile run at least once a week.  The Freedom Run in town is coming up the first weekend in July, I'd like to run it with the boys if I can get back in the groove.

Food for Thought: Focusing on the breaking of old habits gives them far more attention than they deserve. The only way to get rid of an old habit is to carefully construct a new one and never give the old one another thought!  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words: