Happy Sunday! It seems that my summer is going to end up being just as busy as the school year. I don’t know how it happened, but I am actually a bit scared when I look at my calendar for the next month. I guess I am just one of those people who likes a full schedule since I keep doing this to myself.
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| Run, Connor, run! |
So where was I last week? Watching Connor run his first half-marathon with his dad! Ever since Connor started showing an interest in and talent for long-distance running, Jim has been very anxiously awaiting the day when Connor would be old enough to start running in long races with him. He has been searching for any half-marathon that would allow thirteen-year-olds to run. Tomahawk, Wisconsin had one last weekend that was small enough that it did not have an age restriction, so we hiked up there after work last Friday. Saturday morning was rainy and cold – thunder accompanied the runners as they started, and the rain and 50-degree temperatures kept them cool. Connor was the youngest runner in the race and ended up placing 15th among every runner in the half-marathon with a time of 1 hour 44 minutes. More importantly, he beat his dad by 15 minutes. This was after not having run in over three weeks. To say we are proud is an understatement. Is it too soon to start thinking college scholarships?
We put this school year to rest last week as well. They did really well considering they were still adjusting to our new house when school started and had to face life as the new kids in school. It was an interesting year with our school-issued iPad battles, balancing homework and extracurricular activities, bullies, and making new friends. They succeeded though and now have the summer to relax and rest before they both enter new schools again next year – high school for Connor and intermediate school for Holly. The kids have plenty of activities to keep them entertained this summer though. Marching band practices, running camps, summer dance classes, and band camp will still have to do our fair share of chauffeuring after work, but I cannot deny them the opportunity to continue to improve in their chosen hobbies. What can I say? We all like staying busy!
Speaking of dance classes, Holly performed in her ballet and variety show this weekend. She did SO well. She was a Lost Boy in this year’s production of Peter Pan. She was on stage quite a bit, and you could tell she was thoroughly enjoying herself – even if she said she felt sick to her stomach while there. She performed in two dances for the variety show, one for her tap class and one for her jazz class. I don’t know when she became so talented, but she blew me away with her poise and confidence. I can’t wait to see what she does next year!
Reviewed within the last two weeks:
- Astor Place Vintage by Stephanie Lehmann
- The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
- The Illusion of Separateness by Simon Van Booy
- The Keeper of Secrets by Julie Thomas
- Maya’s Notebook by Isabel Allende
- The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes
- The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls
- The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
I recently received a beautiful note from Gwenyfar from Old Books on Front Street, an independent bookstore in Wilmington, North Carolina. As the manager, she has been reaching out to book reviewers/bloggers who promote independent bookstores to thank them for doing so. I was touched by her note because it seems like such a little thing to promote indie bookstores, but it obviously means a great deal to those who own and/or manage such stores. They have been upping their Internet presence in recent months and are hoping that by connecting with book bloggers, they will drive interest in their store and help their customers as well. She recently unveiled a new series on the store’s website that features such bloggers, and I was honored that they chose me. My Q&A for their Tantalizing Tuesdays: Reviewer Spotlight feature went live this week. Please take a few moments to check out my answers and to take a look at this adorable bookstore. I know I will be finding a reason to visit Wilmington soon to check it out in real life!
Because I spent more hours than I want to admit at the theater for tech and dress rehearsals for Holly’s dances, I have had no time to sit down and relax (or answer email, doing paperwork, running laundry, cleaning, or cooking). I am now going to take advantage of a rare empty, nothing-scheduled day and tackle the list of things I couldn’t touch during the week. I hope everyone has a productive and relaxing Sunday. Happy reading!
This is such a wonderful post! I am so glad you and the kids are doing well. Congrats to Connor and no it's not too early to think about scholarships. And your daughter, she looks beautiful and so poised just standing there. In a ballet pose and not even trying, I'm sure.
Congrats to you as well, and there's something to be said for independent stores and hand written notes. Both are in danger of becoming extinct and we must protect them. Hope you had a fab week and see you around 🙂
Thanks, Susan! It's one of the few hobbies they can share, so it makes it doubly rewarding.
Wow congrats to your son for his amazing race! That's nice he can share in that hobby with your husband. Running is a rewarding sport too. cheers. http://www.thecuecard.com/
Well, I'm trying to convince myself that I like a busy schedule. Otherwise, I want to hide in a corner and cry! LOL!
I love watching them grow and bloom and show off their talents. I am definitely guilty of more than a few moments of proud momma bragging, but I can't help it. They impress me so much!
I was able to enjoy the day AND get caught up. A win-win all around!
Whew! I'm glad you like your schedule to be busy, or else you would be miserable. 🙂
Isn't it fun to watch our kids blossom into their gifts and talents? So cool about Connor's race and Holly's dance.
I hope you enjoyed your non-busy day and got some downtime amid all the catch-upl
I really want to visit the store now. She seems so gracious, enthusiastic, and just lovely. The time she took to reach out to bloggers really had an impact on me. It really is the small things.
We've already told him that he absolutely needs to find someone to drive him to band camp since it starts right in the middle of the day. If he could find rides to practices too? I'd be SO happy! I like the idea of pairing them up with seniors. Maybe I could suggest that to his teacher…
I received a note from Gwenyfar a while back, and I was so thrilled because I used to shop at Old Books on Front Street when they were in their old location! It's a very fond memory of living in North Carolina, and such a small world to hear from her years later through the blog. Amazing!
Thanks, Diane!
I know! He made it look a bit too easy too. Ah, to be that young again!
Whew, I'm tired just reading about all you're doing! When my son was a rising freshman and heading to band camp and band practice, he was paired with a senior who had to help him figure out the logistics of securing rides and getting where he needed to be on time.
big congratulations and such cute photos too.
Congratulations to your son – finishing a 1/2 is an accomplishment but at 13? Way to go!
Thanks, Juju!
Jim is perfectly okay with Connor beating him. In fact, if it had been the other way around, we would have cause for worry. He is just so proud of his son, and like I said, it was something he has been wanting to do with him for several years!
Have a good one!
I hope you enjoyed your day! And thanks for checking out the interview. Gwenyfar is great and so committed!
She is beautiful M! Cutie!
And a note of thanks. How lovely.
Way to go to both of your kiddos! How is dad feeling now that Jr beat him in a race? 😉 I love that!
How nice to receive a note from a bookstore! I'm off to read your interview.
Have a great Sunday Michelle!
I'm not working on the productive part, but the relaxing part, sure. 🙂 That's very cool about your being featured on the bookstore's site. I'm off to check it out.