Closing a chapter

This is Henderson State's 2010-2011 College Swim Team. Aaron is in the back row. On the left of him is a really bond swimmer. And one of the white large pillers is right behind Aaron.

Newton High School Boys Swim Team, 2010-2011. Andrew is in the back row, first swimmer on the right.

This is Andrew swimming at the NHS pool during a meet. He was swimming the 500 Free (that is 18 laps in the pool--I think). This picture was published in the Newton paper.



Roger and I leave tomorrow for what chould be the last swim meet of our lives--at least the last one that a Jost in High School swims in. Amazing how many hundreds and hundreds of hours we spent at those meets. Wierd to think it is coming to a close.

Our family became involved in swimming through one of Claire's friends. She invited Claire to come along to a swim practice, Claire did and she was hooked! That was 15 years ago--really?

Fourteen years ago, Aaron told me, "Okay mom I am bored at these things, put me in swimming, but I want to wear a speedo!" Aaron was 6 years old and is still swimming in college. He hopes to be a PE teacher and swim coach some day.

When Andrew was 5, he told, "I want to swim too. But I want long pants." (jammer style--not a speedo).

Roger and I dutifully drove to these meets at all hours of the morning, armed with water, water bottles, energy drinks, cooler of snacks and lunch/dinner, chair, books to read, knitting to knit, and TONS of patience.

And you know...we loved every minute of it. It is amazing to watch your child participate in a sport that they love--especially a sport that they will participate in--one way or another--for the rest of their lives. We are blessed...

Aaron's famous quote--and Andrew's quick slam

Okay, Rog and I have the kids each cook one day a week. This week on Aaron's night, he will be gone, so he is supposed to cook in advance. This is his thought about that...



"I don't know why you guys think it is so important for me to learn to cook--you say it is because someday I will be living on my own and need to learn how..."



Andrew's quick slam...



to my brother!



Ron: "I get paid $8.00/hour to refill cups and drinks at Chick-Filet" (bragging about how simple his job is and how much he gets paid).



Andrew: (being so fast--it was shocking!) "I get paid less than that for saving people's lives!"



Love these kids!

April Fools Day

If I can figure out how to post a picture, I will start doing that. I think that would make me more interested in blogging. I think it would be fun to have pictures of my teenager, and 2 young adults!

My first picture will be my family, the next will be Roger's 2010 April Fools Joke he played on me. Hint: He froze my toothbrush.

Update on the kids:

Claire-will be done with school in July. She will "walk" on May 14. Party and pinning will be the end of July.

Aaron-decided to keep his major as biology. I am relived. It gives him so many more options. Not sure if he will return to school, or finish at WSU. Roger and I are waiting to hear more.

Andrew-going to prom. Big group of kids. He and his date are friends.

Car-died, using mom's van right now.

Jan-she died March 3 (Mom and dad's wedding anniversary). Ron is doing well.

Pictures on my blog will be the summer project!

GB

A quick update

It's has been a while...

Claire-Doing well in school. Really anxious to be done. She looks like a young woman in her nursing scrubs. I ask myself...is this really my baby girl?

Aaron-Changed majors to Physical Education. I am going to encourage him to look into Adaptive Physical Education. I think jobs would come easier rather than just PE. Doing well in swimming. He has qualified for NCAA-II Nationals in 2 relays. He is working hard to make it in 2 individual events as well.

Andrew-Grades are great. Swimming well. Symphony going well, and jazz is always fun.

Christmas was wonderful. But my pantry sure took a hit, as well as my milk budget. They ate tons, and just kept eating.

It was great to have them home.

Worry

Aaron called Sunday night pondering many things...

Currently he is failing his Botany class. He already informed his coach. And Aaron is now thinking that Biology is not for him.

Roger and I both said, don't determine your entire hopes/dreams on one class!

He hates his job and is planning to quite at semester.

Roger and I both said, "So what is your new job at?" And, "Your gonna miss your private room!"

I just don't want him to make such drastic decisions when he is in such an emotional state!

AHHHHHHHHHHH.

Roger told me not to panic. We will talk about it with him at Thanksgiving.

I hope Aaron waits until then...

The Kids Called...

The best part of any evening is when either Claire or Aaron calls home! I love that. Roger and I just smile, we are so proud of each of them...but right now especially Claire and Aaron. They are negotiating life so well, struggling so hard, and trust God. What more could Roger and I ask for?

Aaron was first to call home last night. Funny, because I was packing up the last bit of his care package to send to him. I baked all afternoon. I packed, 3 drag suits that I just finished making, cookies, brownies, popcorn, hot cocoa mix, mac and cheese, and then suckers.

He is doing well. Friday night the swim team had a camping "Welcome to the Team Party". Aaron said that this year, being an upperclassman made it much more fun! He didn't have too much fun last year...hummm.

He also shared that he hates the RA job, but loves having his own room, and gets a free room, so it is hard to beat that deal. He also text ed that the swim coach is thinking about having him be the team captain either his Junior year or his Senior year. He was thrilled.

Claire called next. She had just gotten home from a Christian Challenge retreat in Salina. She had a great time. This included all of the CC chapters at all the Kansas schools. So she ran into Luke Jost, and hung out with him. One of the girls in her group accepted Christ, so Claire was excited about that. She loves living on her own! Next weekend she goes to Oklahoma to visit a friend. Her van cannot make that big of a trip, so another friend is driving.

AJ of course is home and still plugging away. His schedule is beginning to heat up, so he is going to be very busy...he wants to add swimming also. He really wants to make it to state this year and swim an individual event. It could happen this year, the KAHSA is splitting up the schools according to size. So he could have a chance.

Roger and I are fine...Roger is very sick! Yuk!

GB

Dating

I remember several months ago Aaron casually asked me if I thought Claire was gay? What? Are you serious? But mom she doesn't date anyone. She doesn't date anyone because she is picky, and not interested. That does not mean she is gay.

Several weeks ago:
Me: Claire, have you met any cute guys in your class or at the hospital?
Claire: Yea, a really cute resident.
Me: Did you meet him?
Claire: No, I went down a different hallway to avoid him.

Last night:
Aaron: Sorry I didn't call you last night.
Me: What were you doing?
Aaron: Hanging out at Smith.
Me: What is Smith?
Aaron: The girls dorm.
Me: Any cute girls?
Aaron: Yea, I was hanging out with Ashley.
Me: Is Ashley cute?
Aaron: Yea, she is cute.

I could tell he was getting ready to put up a wall, so I changed the subject...

I don't mind that my kids have not rushed into dating or that they are not in a heavy relationship. And I admit, it is fun to watch them enter this world...

I just miss them...