Week 8

Monday, Feb. 15th

C4 had a game in Rhode Island, 20 minutes from Tim's house, so most of the fan met us at the game and then Tim and Elizabeth hosted us for dinner.  It'd been too long since we were all together, so what a treat!  East Catholic won AND C4 scored, so YAY!!!

The Oh-Sixers

The Oh-Niners

Tuesday, February 16th

I wouldn't bother posting this picture except it's the only one I took that day and a good, little lesson in not jumping to conclusions.  We thought that our substitute plow guy made this mess.  So we called our regular plow guy to let him know not to have the substitute come anymore.  Well, two weeks later, an acquaintance from church called Colombo, "Hey, man!  Sorry about your yard.  I was in your area after the storm and was trying to bless you."

Colombo had to call the regular guy back and apologize for his wrongful accusation.  Just a little repair work to do in the spring.

Wednesday, Feb. 17th

A day in NYC with Lisa.  Three month check = cLeAr ScAnS!!!  ...and I finally exhaled!  That news was quickly pushed aside as we had the inevitable and difficult discussion about the next surgery to repair the wound from the first surgery back in July.  It was a long day of waiting and waiting and holding our breath and wanting happier news and getting happiest news and waiting and all.of.it!  And through it all, we managed to have a really great day together.  I wanted to text her the next morning, "Thanks for a wonderful day!" but it seemed inappropriate given all the content.  But then she texted me the same!  <3 nbsp="" s="">

The 'Lipstick Building'

Meanwhile... Conveniently, Maddy and C4 were on February break so Madison generously babysat for me and because she's thoughtful and giving, she offered to Andrea to take Sienna just to give Andrea a break as she's been a hockey widow for weeks now.

The timing was perfect for Lisa to drop me at C4's rink on the way by and I was able to watch his game and ride home with the fam.  Long day.  Then as I stepped into my closet to get changed, I found this.

Then I dropped to my knees in my bedroom, thanking God for clear scans.  An answer to prayer.  I'm so grateful that she is cancer-free.  Even though there is more work to be done, my fervent prayer for 18 months was for her body to be eradicated of cancer.  He answered my prayer and I'm rejoicing in that.

Thursday, Feb. 18th
BIG DAY!  A family first.  We took C4 on his first college visit!  I know, it's cRaZy!  All of it- how is he old enough, how am I old enough, where'd the time go, will he really leave my nest someday???

It's all new, unchartered territory.  (and a tad terrifying- such big decisions to be made!)  My husband never went on a college visit because he never wanted to go to college.  I have no explanation why, but somehow I got very little support in my higher education.  What I did do, I was on my own for including applying, choosing, paying for.  I went to an itty bitty high school with one [mostly certifiable] guidance counselor and being the first college grad in my family, I just didn't have the support or encouragement from home either.  So I never went on a college visit.  Fourth in my class- I would've made a great doctor, but it wasn't meant to be I guess.

I suppose we could have the same philosophy with C.  I suppose we could just sit back and let whatever happens happen.  Let him find his own way.  Rely on the school and guidance department to push him through all the right avenues.  Nowadays, though, there is a lot of pressure on the parents to do the 'right' thing and give your kid as many opportunities and experiences in figuring out who they are and what they want to be.  There is also a TON of help from the school- college fairs, timelines, evening meetings, panel discussions.  And he's our son.  We WANT the very best for him.

According to the timeline, February break was a good time to start visiting, so we took in the experience altogether.  All 8 of us!  (Imagine how thrilled C4 was with this plan!)  We started in our own backyard.  We were impressed with UConn.  It's a GREAT option 25 minutes down the road.  The student guides were, of course, the best of the best.  They kept the tour manageable making the massiveness of the campus seem very navigable.  However, it's very competitive.  36,000 applicants, and only 3,800 will be accepted!

Would it surprise you that the most questions from the group came when talking about the dining halls?  America!

Girls volleyball was practicing in Gampel.

Please pray for us and this monumental process and decision.  It's a lot for a 17 year old boy.

Friday, Feb. 19th
We were scheduled to go to Providence College for a visit, but C4 had a makeup game.

They won and C4 scored.  Game highlights were in the Courant and two different news programs.  Here is Fox 61.

WFSB, Channel 3's Friday Frenzy.  This one caught a little bit more of the celebration at the bench.  It was the sweetest thing.  The guys whackin' his helmet and giving him props.

Saturday, Feb. 20th

Nathanael played at C4's rink.

***please note the temperature***

Sunday, Feb. 21st

Cousins had slept over after church, so we had a lazy morning with pancakes and legos.  After rehearsal all afternoon, Daddy made dinner and then we went to LeBlanc's to watch the Disney 60th Anniversary special on their tv.  

Week 7

Monday, Feb. 8th

SNOW DAY, which made for a 4-day weekend.

Tuesday, Feb. 9th
At the Apple Store, I thought the huge back wall picture looked like my sweet Rocco.

Colombo had meetings in Boston and an invitation to a skybox at the Bruins game, so he took this kid along.  I asked C4 how he liked sitting in on the meetings?  Did it get your juices flowing?  "I had trouble staying awake while they were talking."

Wednesday, Feb. 10th

 On the way to C's game.

Not sure who all was part of the production team, but I ended up with a mini Trevor movie of pictures in my phone.  He starts with arms down.

 And LOTS of pictures later, arms up!

Friday, Feb. 12th

Pop and Kiki stopped by quick to say goodbye before their 3 week adventure to Florida.  The girls did tea. 

We also got a sitter and went out for dinner since it was our best chance to celebrate Valentine's Day.

 Saturday, Feb. 13th

 Snagged a couple cousins for a sleepover.  We had no problem setting up our own little restaurant in the cafe in between periods.

Sunday, February 14th

Aiden and I got up early and braved the subzero temps to watch Rocco play.

I'm amazed that 2 months ago he could not even stand on the skates on the ice.  Now he skates proficiently forwards, can stick handle a puck, skates backwards, and can stop.

  

I went home and made a nice, big, hot breakfast and then shuffled 7 kids to church, then call-backs, then rehearsal.  The kids had their first one.

 The adults made it onto the stage this week.

 Then more call-backs.  And finally, Madison wanted to audition, just simply as an exercise.  Just to practice singing in front of people and to stretch herself.

 Once home, Daddy made Sunday dinner and gave his girls flowers for Valentine's Day.