When DId I Get This Old?

Oh...the alarm went off way too early.

No...that's the first day of school calling. The terrific news this year is that Jake is now in the middle school and leaves for the bus 45 minutes earlier than last year. I have the house to myself by 6:45 am! Jake was up, showered, and dressed by 6:15 and pulling on me to make breakfast.

I was at the store, along with most of my girlfriends, filling my cart with things to make lunches late last night when I should have been ushering children to bed. Even though I took Jake to the store with me, I managed to get home without Bisquick for the traditional First Day of School Pancakes. So we instead we had First Day of School French Toast.

Jake was so eagar to get moving that he took the liberty of putting syrup on his sister's breakfast for her. I suggested to him that people like to syrup their own breakfast and in fact, I didn't even like syrup on my French toast. I like powdered sugar. He was excited by this prospect and prompty retreived the powdered sugar to add to his already swimming breakfast. Before I could tell him how to use a fork to sprinkle a little over the top, most of the container was on his plate.

We pushed most of it into the trash before he settled in to eat the very sweet remains. Shortly after we finally got Danielle downstairs. Seems she over-slept. Shocking for a girl we haven't seen before noon all summer. She was sporting the newest fashion trend (oh so new...). Please note her zealous use of blue eye shadow. Oh, to be young and so fashion forward. Although on her, I'm sure mud would look good.

True to form, Brian called in the last five minutes of rushing to get out the door on-time for the buses that will run 15-20 minutes late all this week anyway. The first week of school is always like this for the buses. Brian, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be able to help himself. He will repeat this at least once or twice a week all year.

Brian was calling to let me know that thanks to an over-zealous RA, Kirk and his roommate will likely have to remove the lofts from their dorm room that we were told they could have. If you ask enough people, the answer is always no. No one wants to take the blame once someone makes it an issue. ARGH!!! I really don't want to have to go back down there and rearrange that room again. They need to be concentrating on school, not this kind of stuff.

So anyway, this morning I am the mother of a 10th grader, a 5th grader, and a college freshman. When did I get this old?

Centre Football's Spring Jamboree

What's not to love about leaving beautiful weather, driving in the rain for 2 1/2 hours, sitting around in the rain for several more, eating cold beans, and driving back in the dark for 2 1/2 hours...in the rain. What is it with me and Centre College and the rain? It rained miserably the last time I went there. The things we do for our kids. Weather aside, they did do their best to carry-on.

When we arrived, we watched a highlight reel with the other commited recruits and their families. Head Coach Frye talked about the program, about commitment and turned some time over to graduating seniors for their words of wisdom to the incoming class about academics. About this time the Football Alumni began their football game out in the rain. Brian took Dani and Jake out to watch while I stayed with Kirk through the analysis of the summer workout program.

The workout program was easy to understand but will demand a great deal from Kirk. On August 15th, we're allowed to move him into his dorm. It's two weeks ahead of the rest of the student body which is great. He'll be unpacked, have already bought his books, and be settled in long before the rest of the student body shows up. Here's the catch. At midnight on the 15th, after he's been moving his mini-fridge, boxes, set up his computer, and maybe the futon he thinks he's going to save up for, the football team will report to the field for their conditioning test. It's just such a college thing to do. I love that his first night away at school will be grunting and running. We'll have pizza in his honor.

After the workout rundown, we joined everyone else out in the rain to watch an offense vs. defense 7 on 7 game. It was cold and wet. Thank goodness the cafe was open and we could get some hot chocolate.

At least Danielle wasn't too loud about her boredom and not wanting her picture taken after rain had threatened to mess up her hair.

The best part of the running around going on down by the field (this was the first time we'd been in the stadium by the way) was the lineman challenge. They had a timed obstacle course.

And they ran a 4x100 relay with a football instead of a baton. That was hilarious. More forward and lateral passes there than traditional hand-offs.

While all this silliness was going on, the announcer offered a door prize for a triva question. The question was: What year did Centre win the national championship? We could hear several people around us, including Brian, muttering the answer, 1921. No one wanted to move from whatever space of dry warmth they were huddled in, however, to claim the prize. No one except Jacob, of course. He ran to the press box, pounded his way in a claimed his prize, a Centre hat. He was SO excited about having a Centre hat!

As soon as Jake had claimed his prize we heard over the PA system, The answer to our trivia question was 1921 and the prize has been claimed by Jacob Morra, little brother of Freshman Kirk Morra. Kirk was down on the track and turned to look up at us as soon as he heard his name. Brian looked at him and then over at me and said, "That's the first time we've heard his name over the speaker in this stadium." It was a little moment.

The entire time we were sitting there in the rain, we were smelling the pig that had been roasting southern style since 3:00 am. Finally, the events ended with a tug of war and group hug/huddle/cheer that included the new "freshmen." They grunted, clapped and sang the fight song. Kirk left the huddle and said, "Dang, now I have to actually learn the fight song."

We went indoors to eat the pulled pork sandwiches, bean, slaw, brownies. This was not a gourmet feast. The pork was awesome, but there was no extra sauce, the beans were cold, the slaw was runny and the lemonade watered down. They also ran out of food. The last 30 people in the door didn't get fed. Well, the brownies were good.

While we ate, we got a pep talk from the Centre's president and then Coach Frye paired all the freshmen up with their upperclassman "buddy." His name is Chase Porter, he'll be a senior in the fall, he's also a running back, and he looks like he could be Kirk's long lost older brother! They exchanged cell numbers and I think it will be a good friendship. Kirk said in his conversations with Chase that he's had a few injuries and really isn't any competition for Kirk. He's just there to finish his four years and enjoy being part of the team. Kirk is hungry to play.

Before we left, Kirk got to meet in person the other freshman he's been chattin with a lot on Facebook. He's also from Ohio, also a pre-med major, and is a wide-receiver. They've decided they're going to be roommates and I was glad we got a chance to meet his family.

Overall, it was a very productive, fun trip. Except for the rain. I'm looking forward to seeing the campus in the sun someday.

Official Invitation

We received the offical invitation in the mail today from the Athletic Director at Loveland High School for the spring signing. Centre College has sent Kirk his numbered jersey for the event. We'll be taking pictures on May 12th!

Easter in the Dark

This year the teens who have been there, done that, needed something new. Rising to the occasion the Easter Bunny came late Saturday night and doorbell ditched us about 10:30 pm. When the kids opened the front door, there were three flashlights on the doorstep. Using the flashlights, the kids had to search for their eggs in the dark, each searching for their own color. Danielle was pink, Jake was yellow, and Kirk was purple.

Inside one of the eggs was a clue to where their Easter basket was hidden. Everyone enjoyed checking out their loot and even more...sleeping in on Sunday morning!

We Have a Decision!

Centre College

Kirk called the coach last night to let him know about his choice. Kirk put him on speaker so we could hear the conversation. Coach Conley actually cheered and yelled. He was so happy it was funny. He's going to send Kirk a jersey and a media kit to Coach Marlatt so Loveland High School can do the whole letter signing thing and get it into the papers. He's joining over a century of football history at Centre and is really excited to help them win a conference title.

Before Kirk went to bed, in true Gilmore Girl's style, I cleaned his room and decorated it with Centre stuff like a t-shirt and penant. I ordered him a baseball hat as well, but he intercepted the box and opened it while I wasn't home. I'm still having mixed feelings, but it seems to be the best choice when all the variables are taken into consideration. I can only hope at this point that Kirk will do well and be happy. He seems happy with his choice. I guess it's just my job to worry about my first baby leaving home. I still can't believe he'll be graduating in just six weeks.

Go Kirk! Go Kirk!

Well, it seems the Centre College is playing every angle it can to entice Kirk to their school. He should be making a decision this weekend.

Time to Make Some Decisions

We finally have all the financial aid offers in hand and it's time to make a decision. UChicago was generous with $10,000 in grants and Centre with $13,800. The money will go a lot farther at Centre than Chicago, but this is Kirk's decision.

Dinner with an Old Friend

For Valentine's Day this year Brian bought me a plane ticket to visit my parents. I'm here in Utah now relaxing and enjoying NOT being responsible for anything. Ahhh... It's a welcome break before the craziness that is "May" in our house which this year will include Kirk's 18th birthday and graduation from high school.

Mom and Dad wanted to take me to dinner at Maddox Ranch tonight. When I realized that my friend of fifteen years, Vicci Mendez, lived not ten minutes from the restaurant, I had the audacity to call her with one hour's notice to see if she would come with us to eat. Like the true friend she is, she came running and joined us for dinner. We talked and laughed long after the food was gone. It SO fun to see her again!!

I'm at a Loss...

My father has long been the family poet. He especially enjoys Ogden Nash and Shel Silverstein. He's often called upon to take pen to paper when someone retires or graduates or has some significant event in their life. He has many favorite poems that he likes to recite from memory.

Kirk's Honor's Senior English class is studying Shakespear's sonnets. It was an assignment to write one of their own, being graded on meter, the right number of lines, emphasis, etc. Clearly my son is not moved to thoughts of love and longing by Shakespear's body of work. He put whatever creative juices he inherited to work and this is what he turned in:

Whene’re I am sitting upon my loo

That beautiful white ceramic latrine

I will most likely be taking a poo

The experience is all but serene.

And if you happen to be passing by

At the time I’m emptying my colon

The odor you’ll smell will probs make you cry

And your eyes will become very swollen.

But once the job’s done the relief is great

The Charmin is so quilted and cushy

From the toilet seat my cheeks separate

And I pull my pants back up o’er my tushy.

I turn off the light and I light a match

And with a flush my feces I dispatch.

Yes he turned it in. I just...what does a mother say to that?! Maybe instead of cardiology he should look into proctology.

Thank You P&G!

Kirk found out today that he was the recipient of a $2,500 scholarship from the Procter and Gamble Scholarship Fund! Every little bit helps!

Giddy, Stunned, and a Little Smug

March 25, 2009


Dear Kirk:


I am pleased to inform you that you have been admitted to the University of Chicago, Class of 2013. Congratulations! You should be proud of the accomplishments and promise that led to your selection.

We feel a particularly strong responsibility to admit students who are not only qualified but who are ready to continue the crucial business of educating themselves. You have been selected by our faculty and admissions counselors because you recognize the pleasure—the absolute joy—to be found in active, creative learning. Our decision was not based on numbers but on your achievements and your words, a difficult determination to make but one that gives proper honor to the University and to you.

You have the chance to be part of a school with a glorious history and an exciting present. We look to you to help us grow, to grow with us, and to be part of a tradition that elevates us all.

Yours truly,

Theodore A. O’Neill
Dean of Admissions

All Out Blitz

It's a wonderful thing to be loved. Centre College is working hard to let Kirk (and us) know how much they want him to attend school there. Today we received a personal phone call from the president of the university (at the request of the football coaches) letting us know how much they admire Kirk as a player and potential student. Specifically, President Roush wanted us to know as parents that this team of players were the kind of kids Kirk should be hangin' around with and the kind of academics of which he's not only capable, but will benefit him in his future. We can feel love...but will financial aid love us as much?

Options are a Good Thing

Kirk was accepted to Miami University today. They don't want him for football, but it's nice to have other options when it comes down to actually making a decision.

Another Top Choice!

Kirk received notice that he was accepted to Centre College yesterday. This is one of his top choices. We're waiting to hear on financial aid.

Kirk was also chosen as a Prom Fair model for his high school. Four formal wear stores are chosen to participate in this fair. There are twelve boys chosen from the upperclassmen who wear a tux from one of the four stores all day to school. They do a runway kind of fashion show during all three lunch periods. He's responsible to encourage students to rent from the store he's representing and he has to hand out coupons and brochures. For doing all this he gets a free tux rental for prom. Sounds like a good deal to me! Last night we took him down to the formal wear store to get measured. He was very pleased with himself for being fitted as an "athletic build."

He Will Leave Home...

Well we're thrilled that Kirk was accepted to Case Western University yesterday. The football coach has been sitting on admissions. As soon as he knew they had made a decision, he e-mailed Kirk to check and let him know if he was admitted. Kirk is scheduled for an overnight visit at the end of the month. It's up in Cleveland. Like Chicago, a little too far to go in one morning before check-in. Not sure if we're going to go with him or not. I'm afraid if he goes by himself he'll get lost either coming or going.

Prancing Peacocks

So we did another football recruiting reception tonight. It was downtown in the Taft Center. It's owned by an alum of Centre College. Floor to ceiling glass, aram sandwiches, soda, cookies, waters with custom lables, that kind of thing. We watched a recruiting/highlight video. Did the mingling thing. Listened to them tell us how great Kirk is. It's all a mating dance. We'll see who has the biggest tail feathers when the mail comes. The thing that cracked me up was that the "buzz" of the night was the bathrooms! Everyone was saying how great they are and telling each other to "go use the bathroom." As a woman who's traveled quite a bit, I've seen a lot of bathrooms. These were nice, very zen, but it must take a man to really get excited about a public bathroom. Kirk commented on how quiet the flush was. Who knew he paid attention to the flush volume? Each one was a little individual room, auto water and soap, well placed paper towels and pail, an actual growing plant and hand lotion was a nice touch. But if they really wanted to impress me, the seat would put itself down.

Bittersweet Acceptance

I'm excited to announced that Kirk was accepted to BYU. I'm sad that it was not the acceptance we were hoping for. Because of multiple snow days, the high school was delayed in sending off Kirk's official transcripts. BYU didn't receive them until after their deadline and apparently they don't make exceptions for weather. So Kirk has been accepted, but for Winter semester and not Fall. This will put BYU completely out of the running in Kirk's mind. I'm feeling very disappointed and let down by both BYU and the high school guidance office. Kirk did his part and is being penalized for things beyond his control.

Looks Like We Made It...Home!

As predicted, it snowed overnight and was still snowing when it was time to leave for the campus. Chicago does a great job of plowing and salting. Even though we left early (after checking out and securing Starbucks hot chocolate) the roads were very drivable for the eleven or so miles to the Bartlett Building where we were to be by 8:45 am.

Right next to the Bartlett Building are the freshmen dorms. There is a great deal of controversy over these bright orange, purple and pink buildings in contrast to the gothic and traditional archtecture of the rest of the campus. It was simply said that they wanted something cheery for the students to come home to on a snowy day...like today. It certainly is that. With Greek houses across the street, it actually reminds me a little bit of UCBerkeley.

We met with the coaches and did a question & answer session. That was followed by breakfast with the boys before leaving for home. Brian and Kirk wanted to get on the road but were tolerant when I delayed us to change into sweats for the long ride home. I also took a muscle relaxer for my back and crawled into the back seat where I could lie down and not think about the snowy roads. While I trusted Chicago and Cincinnati to plow the roads, I didn't have as much faith in Indiana and the 500 miles of nothingness between us and home. Brian and Kirk were less tolerant with me when I insisted on multiple potty stops in the first hour of the trip. They weren't so upset with me later when we were diverted off the I-65 north of Indianpolis. Most of the trip to this point I was trying very unsuccessfully to ignore the blowing winds and snow, to not think about the ice and being grateful it was Brian driving rather than me. I HATE driving in any kind of bad weather. I'm a true Californian in this. We later learned that had we been on the interstate earlier, we might have been involved in the accident that shut the freeway down.

Southbound lanes of Interstate 65 have reopened south of Lafayette, following a four-vehicle crash this morning that killed two people. According to State Trooper Nathaniel King, a northbound Ford Focus collided with a northbound U-Haul box truck about five miles south of Indiana 38 at 11:11 a.m., sending the truck across the median, where it struck a southbound passenger car in the driver's side of the car. The southbound car then struck the rear of a southbound semi, King said. The U-Haul truck landed on its side. All the other vehicles ended right side up. Two adult women in the southbound passenger car were killed in the crash, he said. One was driving the car; the other was in the backseat.Their identities were being withheld this afternoon pending notification of relatives, King said.Two adult men in the same car suffered minor injuries. An adult female passenger in the U-Haul was slightly injured. Nobody else was injured. Everyone in all the vehicles was wearing seat belts. Road conditions on the snowy morning could have been a factor in the crash, King said.

Still about an hour from home, it started actively snowing again. This plus large trucks kicking up snow on the two lanes we had access to made for very slow and frustrating driving. Still, thanks to Brian and answers to prayers we made it safely home. I was never so happy to pull into my funny shaped driveway! Kirk's got a lot to think about now.

Busy, Busy Day!

After breakfast at the hotel, we drove along Lake Michigan to the UChicago campus. The city was just as big and impressive in the daylight as it was last night upon our arrival. Our day started in the athletic center. The first thing you see when you walk through the doors is the first Heisman Trophy ever awarded. We learned a bit of trivia about this prestegious award. Apparently when college football coach John Heisman retired, he moved to New York and was the athletic director of the Downtown City Athletic Club. He created an award for the best college football player and awarded it for the first time to Paul McDonald of UChicago in 1935. (They were a division one team in their early years.) John Heisman died in 1936 and the award was re-named the Heisman Trophy in his honor. So techincially the first Heisman winner was Larry Kelley who received it in 1936. Paul McDonald won the Downtown Atheltic Club Trophy, but was the only player to receive it from John Heisman.

First on our agenda was watching the team's highlight video from last season. They do have a turf field, but it was evident from the films that they play in plenty of snow and the famous wind of the windy city. For this reason they are a strong running team. Good for Kirk. Not so good for Kirk is that this year's OAA Rookie of the Year was UChicago's running back. We went to lunch following the highlight film. I have to say, of all our campus visits, Chicago has the best food by far. I'm sure for Kirk that is it's own selling point. Following lunch we did our campus tour.

We began our tour by entering the gates that mark the "underclassmen" section of campus. These gates were also where the beginning scene of the movie "When Harry Met Sally" was filmed. I never paid attention, but they were students at UChicago and left on thier infamous road trip through these gates. That of course is strictly in the movies. Cars aren't actually allowed onto this part of campus.

Unlike other schools, our tour was conducted by the Offensive Coordinator. I probably shouldn't have worn heeled boots, but then I didn't know we'd be walking all the way around the one mile square campus. Our first stop was the Barlett Building. Long ago it was the athletic center of campus...well the men's center. I had to laugh at he midevil mural and inscription above the door as you enter the building.

To the advancement of Physical Education and the Glory of Manly Sports this gymnasium is dedicated to the memory of Frank Dickinson Bartlett. No offense to Mr. Bartlett *snort* but the glory of manly sports?!

Next we walked to to the Rockafeller Chapel.

It's currently undergoing a lot of rehabilitation. Rockafeller gave the inital 30 million grant to start the university. It is a universty rule that no building on campus can be taller than the bell tower of the chapel. At least one new building had to go six floors underground to accomdate this rule.

Inside the chapel is where they filmed "My Best Friend's Wedding" with Julia Roberts. The stained glass and wooden pipe gallery are stunning.

We toured more buildings, lirbaries, saw gargoyles and stained glass and were appropriately impressed. Then we returned to the athletic center for a presentation by the head coach. He is the university's biggest cheerleader. We heard a lot about the university, not so much about football. Still, it's evident that he loves what he does and will talk about it all day if you let him.

At that point, about 3:00 pm, Brian and I were "dismissed." Kirk was taken on a tour of the city and got to go down on the field of Soldier Stadium. Then he returned to campus for a one-on-one with the coach. Wish we had been invited to that. Then he had dinner, attended the basketball game and hung out with the players. We went back to the hotel to rest before dinner. I can't wait to hear about the dorms, the players and the rest of his day on the trip home.

We ended the day by having dinner at a little Italian place with my friend Rummanah Aasi. We met in an on-line book club for Twilight by Stephanie Meyer and have been chatting on-line about books for over a year. She brought her brother along and I dragged Brian with me. It was good food and good conversation. So fun to finally meet her in person!