I am linking with: http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/ at the lovely blog Simple as That and sharing September memories. School and soccer and fall ball and a reunion in Newport, a case of impetigo??, and much more heartache and drama that continues to roll us through the months. You can click over to see how others have been keeping busy. Enjoy.
I refuse to call these beauties early Fall sunflowers even though the calendar says otherwise. Yesterday was one of those "heavenly days" weather wise. The kind of day when you can hear Patty Griffin singing in your ear as you step outside to snatch an odd soccer cleat off your front lawn. This week as been especially grueling, exhausting and eye-opening for us in the arena of raising kids. I am grateful and god thanking that I am not a single parent this week. And, even more thankful that God gave me the wisdom to marry someone who can handle life's "little" crises. And, I am thankful for warm Fall days when sunflowers still thrive, and a patient 12 year old that stays in our minivan on the side of the road as I take pictures of aging flowers in the afternoon sun. "Enough Mom! Get back in the van!" he eventually calls.
This is the main street that runs through town, although not Main Street. About a half mile down it goes all commercial and is littered with every fast food imaginable. It is a literal mecca. I dream of a burrito shop opening in town one day, a healthy alternative to the Taco Bell my family craves weekly. So far this has not happened.
I am putting together a series of photographs highlighting the beauty in my otherwise unremarkable home town. I have been down on this place for awhile, and more so recently, having lived here my whole life. At nearly 46 I am questioning how I ever chose not to leave. Why did I settle here? Our taxes are high, very high, over $6000 a year for a house that is under 2400 square feet. That's high, right?? The poverty level continues to rise which will only add to declining property values. I don't feel safe here. I have a list why, but try to keep it to myself. And then, last week a troubled teen wandered in our garage and stole my son's bike. A relatively minor event, but more than one neighbor has had their car stolen. Seriously? 
I have four children and one middle child. Yesterday was a heart breaking day when he was the only one who did not make the soccer team at his school. It is a tough time for my 12 year old son, trying to navigate his way through life in our home, sandwiched between two alpha males that emulate their father. We are trying to better understand his ADHD and decide how to treat. He is scatter brained to an extreme, kind and empathetic beyond his years, and prone to emotional angry outbursts. Yesterday between sobs over not being picked for the school soccer team he told me that he thought it was better not to give him more medication because his tics had been worse all day. Oh my aching heart. I hugged and consoled him and wanted to tuck him back in, Aubrie with her 17 years of wisdom and similar life experiences gave him a quick to the point pep talk which he took in wide eyed and silent (love). Daddy came home and chose to ignore his defeat and instead focused on how well he did on his district wide state tests. Advanced in every area, my sweet gifted boy. He smiled.
I wish. I took these photos this weekend in New Port Rhode Island. It was two days of heavenly weather. I was so surprised at the gorgeous beaches. And with hurricanes passing off shore the waves were rolling in. It was beautiful!!
I took this photo not far from our home. I was returning from an overnight in Boston to visit colleges with my daughter. This whole college and financial aid/need is like a code that I am trying to decipher. I know we definitely have the need for the aid, but it's just a matter of how much we will actually qualify for. And what about our EFC? Why is that so high? There is early admission, there is kind of early admission and then there is just plain old apply in a timely manner. And of course there are SAT's and ACT's to consider. You must remember to sign up and then you must remember to wake up early that morning and go, and then you must remember your calculator. My daughter forgot her calculator. I was reminded of this the day her scores for her first round of SATS came in over the computer. Not my best parenting moment. 
I am linking with Mary and Mosaic Mondayhttp://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/ , and the Creative Exchange. 
As we await the impending hurricane that will soon invade Connecticut along with most of the Eastern seaboard, the turkeys march on. A flock of them! 27 to be exact have been patrolling ours and nearby yards throughout the day looking a little dazed and confused. This morning half of them flew up and sat on our neighbor's roof for a better vantage point. It was surreal and really comical. And haven't they heard of weather.com? That's where my anxious little Gabe gets the latest weather updates. But still they march on, in circles their instincts apparently on over load.
I am just beginning to scratch the surface of what can be accomplished with my phone. It is an htc something or other with an 8 mega pixel camera. It was purchased with my upgrade for around 50 dollars, but some people pay 400 plus for it. I am in love with it! I essentially wanted a new phone that had the highest quality camera I could purchase for little or nothing. Yeah for me!
I took this photo last night as my daughter's soccer game was ending. Tie score, 0-0. Her Dad did not attend, but gave her a pep talk before we walked out the door about stepping up and being aggressive. After all, she is a senior this year. Honestly it's not in her nature. She was born polite and patient. True story. Her uneffectedness is remarkable, as is her ability to handle life's stress. Anyways, she plays defense and did a good job last night since the opposing team was unable to score as the sun began to set in the western sky. I ran up to the top of the bleachers and turned and snapped a few photographs and the game came to and end.
