Back to the grind...for some

Vacation has came to an end.... I am a little bummed. Yesterday, I did a marathon drive and took Nathan back to school. The car was loaded with plenty of water, pretzels, a new microwave (courtesy of grandma and grandpa), foot locker and plenty of pain meds, and whatever else he needed.
The drive down was pleasant. We saw a man and his kid riding a horse in the hospital district of Houston {weird}. Enjoyed a dinner together and made sure the kiddo was settled in. And somehow, I made it back without any new issue arriving.

Today, the house was again far too quiet...and...even Thumper was pouty all day. I started to rearrange/reorganize the house to keep distracted. It is definitely time to make it back to work. Hopefully, the foot continues to heal and a new job comes my way.

2 Days Post Fall

Yay! It is not my foot. Bummer! That Nathaniel decided to join me in the foot injury department. Yesterday, Nathan was seen by the surgical podiatrist...and I have to say thank goodness that we did not listen to the ER doctor like it was not a big deal. He has a crush fracture to the tip of the pinkie toe...will easily heal. He also has a crush fracture to the metatarsal joint...a little bit of a bigger deal. Since it is shattered into too many tiny pieces, there is nothing that can be done. Tape, ice and elevate at this time...time frame for some kind of healing is around 8 weeks...and expected arthritis later in life. The doctor wants to see him in about three weeks for some repeat xrays. I guess that is an expensive way to win a trip home from school for a weekend.

Nathan also has a very sore tailbone so we are guessing that he either fractured it or bruised it pretty good. Again...this is an injury that just takes time to heal. Yesterday, he felt like he was hit by a freight train...today he is feeling a bit better...as he is able to resume his computer gaming. The pain medications are a must.

All in all....the injuries are far better than what could have occurred. He will be sore for quite a while...but it will be a lot easier to take him back to school without having too many extra worries.

Nathans 12-15ft Fall



taken right after they removed the c-collar



The hole in the attic and the concrete where he landed



Today my heart just sank as I watched my son fall through the sheet rock of the attic and land flat on his back onto the concrete floor of the garage. His story is a tad different as he said he landed on his foot first....the story of how it happens does not really matter though. All I know is that he is 6 ft and 200lbs and hit hard.

Fortunately, after he landed the nurse side of me kicked in, and I was able to remain pretty calm while holding his neck and calling 911 and my dad for help. I knew he wasn't paralyzed as he could wiggle his fingers and toes. At this point, I thought for sure that his back had to be broke. The paramedics came and took over....then I cried...so that I could have it together when I arrived at the hospital.

Nathan was a trooper in the hospital...more annoyed that they removed his clothes. Then relieved that they removed the cervical collar after his head/neck CT was negative . Hours later, the xray of his back was negative and the xray of his foot showed a fracture. The doctor told us it was his pinky toe...but then when he went to get up...he could not put any pressure on his foot. The hospital was not concerned which really irked me as both a nurse and a mom. Fortunately, I was able to get him an appointment with my foot doctor tomorrow morning.

Today was Nathaniel's lucky day. So much bad could have occurred today. He should have broke his back and he didn't. I know that the Lord played apart of this miracle. Hopefully the foot turns out to not be a big deal as he is supposed to return to school late next week.

UH Move

It has been 19 days since we drove Nathan to the University of Houston.....who says I am counting. Eventually...it will be too long and hard to remember how long my baby has been gone. I miss Nathan terribly and still find myself with tears in my eyes at times. The house is far too lonely. Even when I think about how he drove me utterly crazy at times his last few weeks at home.

Poor Nathan was crammed in the back of the blazer with all of his stuff. At least the drive is only around 5 hours.

I helped Nathan arrange his room while Steve unloaded most of his stuff. This is how Nathans half of the room looked when we left. I am curious to see what the place will look like when I go down for family week in October. I do know that I will have to get these boys some stuff decor for the walls if they are still this bare.

I have actually talked with Nathan more than I thought I would have. But it is me calling him....he has sent me a few texts...usually telling me he needs something. I would feel horrible about my son never calling me, if it wasn't for a few of my coworkers who also have boys away, and they too have the same sad story.

The kiddo is ready for UH

who would have thought the boy scout foot locker would come in use again

  It did not look like much once we started packing everything up

The past two weeks have been spent collecting STUFF for Nathaniel and his dorm. Thanks to graduation gift cards and money...many much needed items were easily purchased. It was pretty impressive, as the items started piling up on the dining room table and floor. I meant to take a picture of that and of course forgot. I can only imagine how it is to get a girl ready to leave the nest with the amount of supplies, clothing and anything else they can think of would be. Nathan was a little too easy and unconcerned with packing. I am sure that once we get to the college and leave our son to his dorm...that one of us will remember something that was forgotten. And hopefully, that will not be the only reason he decides to call his mom.

So renters insurance is taken care of and first payment of the semester made today. The blazer is packed and ready to go.It is about a five hour drive to Houston. Early check-in (for those going to Honors Retreat) is tomorrow from 10-7. The meal cards will not work until the weekend, therefore, the kiddo has asked that we feed him dinner before we leave.

I can not believe that my son is of age to embark on this new adventure. I know that he is ready...too bad his mom is not quite sure that she is. No choice though...as UH awaits him.

Check Nate out in the Star Telegram

Nathan hard at work

Nathan is working this summer at the Grapevine Farmers Market thanks to a friend. This is kind of funny for those who know him....as he has a fear of fruits and vegetables and has yet to try any in his life. Not that I haven't tried for years (but that is another story). Anyways, this past Saturday, Nathan came home and told us that he was interviewed by a local reporter. We thought that he might be in their community paper. Little did we expect to get a text from his grandma this morning alerting us that he was on the front page of the Fort Worth Star Telegram. Pretty cool....and his picture looks good too for being as hot as it has been.

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A Birthday Weekend

FRIDAY

I had Nathan to myself for the first part of the day on his birthday. We started the morning off by going to breakfast at Our Place where Nathan enjoyed a chocolate chip waffle in the shape of Texas. We then went to the movies and watched the Green Lantern....which for all the comic book movies was just okay. I then attempted to get him some slip on Vans and none of the local stores had any (will have to get these another day). 

We attempted a self portrait...not so well

In the evening, Nathan and the gang hung out at the house eating Costco pizza and a five layer chocolate cake. Yes...they sang happy birthday to him too.

They then spent a few hours playing Dungeons and Dragons.

SUNDAY

After missing this musical the past three years...we went to the matinee of Monty Pythons Spamalot. Nathan did like this musical, but informed me that he like Avenue Q better....{YUCK}. I found the musical to be very entertaining. And I keep thinking of the lyrics "Always look on the bright side of life" and how profound those words really are. 

Why or why is it so hard to smile at times?

Afterwards, we enjoyed dinner at Salt Grass Steakhouse for this carnivore. This was actually Nathans choice for dinner even if the picture doesn't give him justice. I would say that he was one spoiled kid this weekend. And really...all eighteen means is that he can now legally vote...move out...and well...is on his way to being a full fledged adult.

18 years ago today

Eighteen years ago today, I gave birth to a wonderful little baby boy. I remember how happy I was to find out that we were expecting....and after nine months of a somewhat hard pregnancy to hold him in my arms. How beautiful my little Nathaniel J. was. 

Oh the lessons that I would soon learn. The life experiences that were gained and lost all over this period of time.

Little did I know back then that Nathan would be my one and only. The things that I would have done differently. I am guessing that is why we don't know what the future holds. 

For most of this young mans life, I struggled with the demon of trying to expand our family. Focusing on this and probably missing many little things. Not realizing that for a span....we didn't even have a camera. The years of juggling motherhood and a job....and then later school in this mix. 

My joys and regrets were so ingrained in me, that I spent as much time with him and his activities the past 4-5 years, that I am now feeling lost. Very reflective. Often full of What Ifs. Hoping that as Nathaniel grows older, he will later understand everything that I did....forgive me for my flaws...and most importantly know the love that I have for him.

Happy 18th birthday my son!

Nate the Graduate

Graduation came and went...then a few days later I realized that I did not have a single picture of Nathaniel alone in his cap and gown. I did not worry initially, as I decided that I would buy and overpriced school one from the ceremony. Then I saw the proofs.....not that good (all of my friends have said the same about theirs).  So kindly, Nathan agreed to put on all of the garb again last night so his mommy could get her picture. With the reminder that this would be the last time until his next graduation.

Gotta love when the kid has an extra sweet moment!

It's official...he graduated

Procession into the convention center

Today was the big day for Central High School's class of 2011. It was definitely bittersweet as the day lead  up to the graduation ceremony. Since our grad time was 6pm, we had a luncheon with family and friends and then dessert to end the day.

wanting me to snap the picture so we could enjoy the Mexican feast

mom and I made cake balls for dessert

Nathaniel crossing the stage

Had to kick off the shoes after a long day

Matt, Isaac, Mark and Nate in the back
...well...being themselves
Nathaniel worked pretty hard in his high school years. He earned the gold stole for participating in the  Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP), red/gold cord for varsity sports and a metal for being a Advancement Placement Scholar. DAP and the Scholar program required quite a bit of extra classes, language and excelling on tests. However, his laziness/procrastination at times, kept him from being in the top 10 percent...as he wound up 7 slots away....bummer. I am not disappointed though. Nathaniel is my pride and joy!

It was a fun day and the high school years have been quite the experience with Nathan and his group of friends. They participated in the festivities...humored me with a few pictures to finish off the photo albums that I made each of them....and then they were off to "the Arcade" for what this group of guys do best....computer/video gaming.

Senior Year Flew by in a Flash

It is six days away from Nathaniel's high school graduation. I am filled with all sorts of emotions, but have contained them well thus far. I am amazed at how fast this year went by (and almost 18 years for that matter). Far too fast for this mother, as I reflect on the trials and great memories that the year provided. 

The challenges of a young man wanting independence....horrible physics projects....a first girlfriend....choosing a college...finishing a fourth year of swim...prom...and soon graduation. Of course there are many events that I have left out....too many car accidents...earning Eagle Scout Rank....good grades...etc.

I do know that I did a good job as a mother, as Nathan is prepared to go off to college and start a whole new adventure. He has proven (even with many of his opinions, views and political statements) that he has good morals and a decent work ethic thus far. My son has made me rise up to be a better person. He has taught me what unconditional love and learning is all about. And I hope that he has learned and seen these traits from me.

Some pictures throughout the year

 The guys painting their senior parking spots

 

 One of my favorite senior pictures

 Yes...my way too serious son does act goofy once in awhile

 Nathan and Pam at Transiberian Orchestra (Christmas time)

 

 A hooky day at the Fossil Rim Animal Park

 First two acceptance letters...and then he ended up choosing a state school

Mom twisted his arm to play in the snow with me

Prom with long time friend Isaac (and girlfriends)

And soon a whole new journey will begin for a very doting mom and a great young man!

Time Capsule Opened

Mr Ketchum and the time capsule (or trunk)

the kids that showed up 

Nathan and Mr Ketchum
Nathan is about 6 ft. It doesn't show here

During Nathans 8th grade year, he had Mr Ketchum for his history class. Mr Ketchum was a first year teacher with a unique teaching style. During this school term, the kids went on a scavenger hunt, helped the teacher propose to his wife, made music cassette tapes.....and filled a time capsule (along with many other assignments) . This capsule was to be opened before graduation their senior year.

This weekend, about 50 or so kids showed up to open the time capsule and claim their belongings. Nathan let me tag along and actually get a picture of two.

They filled out a survey and here is a sample of the questions with the then and now:

Shoes you wore today:  then-black vans  now-black flip flops
where and why do you want to go to college: then- Cambridge, the highest rated school in the world
now- University of Houston (never gave us the reason for decision).
What will be your first car: then-something cheap   now-76 Chevy Nova
Biggest argument with your parents and over what: then-video game limits    now-curfew and computer limits

Prom Time

Senior Prom  

Tonight was Central High Schools prom, which was held at the Gaylord hotel in Grapevine. I was so excited to see the kids get dressed up. Neither Nathan or Pam wanted to drive (and the party bus was full), so originally, Steve and I were going to drive them. Then last night, they decided to ride with their friends Isaac and Brittani. I was a bit bummed, as I was looking forward to sneaking a peek of all the kids in prom dress. Sappy...I know...but its the truth. Tonight will be the first time that Nathan has never really had a curfew....and I am totally not sure how I feel about this. The plan...prom and then Main Event for laser tag. I so wish that I was there to sneak a picture of them all running around with guns in their fancy attire. 

Tonight was Central High Schools prom, which was held at the Gaylord hotel in Grapevine. I was so excited to see the kids get dressed up. Neither Nathan or Pam wanted to drive (and the party bus was full), so originally, Steve and I were going to drive them. Then last night, they decided to ride with their friends Isaac and Brittani. I was a bit bummed, as I was looking forward to sneaking a peek of all the kids in prom dress. Sappy...I know...but its the truth. Tonight will be the first time that Nathan has never really had a curfew....and I am totally not sure how I feel about this. The plan...prom and then Main Event for laser tag. I so wish that I was there to sneak a picture of them all running around with guns in their fancy attire.

A typical Nathan look....but oh so handsome tonight

Pam was girlie and pretty
Nathan's talented grandma made the dress that Pam picked out

Great picture!
The girls may come and go...but these two have been friends for 7 or 8 years