The Month of May - An Indianapolis Favorite

For those of us born and raised in Indianapolis, the entire month of May has a special excitement because of The Indianapolis 500, "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." This is true for the entire community, not just those die hard race fans. Indianapolis plays host to thousands of visitors, starting with the Mini Marathon and its thirty-thousand participants, Qualification weekends, Pole Day, Carb Day, the 500 Festival Parade,  and finally the race itself Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.  It truly is a great time to visit the city, with the trees and flowers in full bloom, the fields freshly plowed, and the grass thick and green.

     These days additional anticipation is felt in our house because May brings our children home from college.  With their return comes many loads of laundry to be washed, the refrigerator to be filled, cars to be juggled between drivers, but best of all, conversation and laughter to fill these sometimes too quiet walls. 

     This May had us heading east for Tufts University 2013 Graduation.  Tufts proved to us over the last four years that it is a class act and for graduation weekend they did not disappoint.  While it seems hard to believe that Sarah has completed her undergraduate studies, we are thrilled with the education and  experience afforded to her by the Tufts community.  We have enjoyed watching her stretch her limits both academically and athletically and transform into the incredibly accomplished independent young woman that she is today.  We rest easy knowing she has a great foundation for what this world has in store for her.  Yes, we are proud parents, but she has earned that distinction with hard work and dedication.  She is blessed that not only her parents were there to cheer her on, but also her grandparents.

Proud Papa (even color coordinated for the ceremony!)

Some of the many flags representing students from around the world

   

Thanks for the memories Tufts University!

Prior to the festivities in Boston, we found ourselves on the banks of the Schuylkill River in the great city of Philadelphia watching Eric compete in the Florida Tech Men's Novice Eight boat at the Dad Vail Regatta.  Seeing Eric in action working hard with his teammates really made us admire all the effort he has applied to learn this sport and excel.  The atmosphere having 125 schools and their colorful fan support really made the weekend delightful.  We look forward to attending Eric's competitions for the next few years.

Hope your May brings you lots of laughter and enjoyment!  Now we are ready to enjoy Race Weekend 2013!

"Rowed" Trip

Leaving Kevin in charge of the "farm," I headed south for Oak Ridge, TN, the home the the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association's Regatta where the Florida Institute of Technology Crew team would be for the weekend.  Since I hadn't seen my boy since early March, I decided a six hour car ride to watch him row was in order, especially since I had not yet seen him compete.  When I did see him, I had to do a double-take.  He now dons a full red beard even though he has dark brown hair.  It's hard for my brain to process that one!

If you ever get the chance to attend a rowing competition, I highly recommend it.  My friend described it as "Majestically Nordic" as teams propel their boats head to head from the start line 2000 meters to the finish, as fast and smoothly as they can manage. Watching the boats from a distance, it seems like they are just gliding along without a care in the world, but in reality it is an athletic and engineering feat to have the entire crew in sync.  It is quite exciting to watch, even though the boat color and oar blade design are really all the details you can make out from the sidelines.   These athletes are so powerful, and fun to watch!

The sunshine was fabulous, and another bonus to the weekend was seeing Sarah's bff Barbara who rows for my alma mater, PURDUE, who was the loudest and proudest team there.  Their "Boiler Up!" resonated through out the valley anytime one of the Purdue boats was in a race.

Barbara in stroke seat for Purdue

The one disappointment of the weekend for Eric was that his beloved dog Derby did not ride along to TN with us.  I decided it would be too much, especially since I was a newby to the whole rowing competition thing.  Good thing we didn't have her to worry about as we ran from the 1000m to the  2000m finish and then back to the starting line, several times over!  Needless to say, we got our exercise.  When I returned home, Derby started "crying" out loud.  I realized then that she could smell Eric on my clothing since I had given him a great big hug before heading home.  Here is the funny video I shot of Derby:

The next competition is Dad Vail in Philadelphia Mother's Day weekend.  Good Luck!

Graduation Reflections

2009 High School Graduation

     Four short years ago for a few crazy months in the spring I felt our family was living a sitcom scenario. With the conclusion of my first born's senior year of high school came a Senior Spring Break trip, the college decision, the final high school prom complete with a million pictures, a slew of AP exams, senior track season, senior awards and appreciation banquets, final exams, graduation gifts to make and purchase, parties to host and attend, and at long last, Graduation - all jam packed into just a few insane weeks. Let me digress...the previous fall, my husband had the brilliant idea of hosting a Kentucky Derby Day theme party for a few hundred of our closest friends. We had months to brainstorm invitation, decoration, food, and music ideas and we came up with a spectacular plan. The ONE factor we neglected to consider, mainly because we were totally naive of "The Senior Crunch," was that the Derby is always run on the first Saturday in May. 

Derby Party with Sarah, Tom, and Tom's mom

That's right, smack in the middle of The Senior Crunch. Just to throw a further twist in the sitcom scenario, just a week prior the Derby party, my HORSE (of course) accidentally rearranged my face with his metal shoe....on prom day just a few hours before a dozen seniors and their parents arrived at our house for their ever important prom photo shoot. Somehow we all survived and have great the memories stored away in our minds.

Sarah representing Tufts University in the Heptathlon

      What seems like a really fast forward we have arrived at college graduation. While this time around we are further removed from the daily stress of The Senior Crunch, we know it is still present complete with another senior track season, law school decision, senior honors thesis to write and defend, final papers and exams, cap and gown orders to complete, apartment to pack up and sublet, and finally the graduation ceremony itself.
Once again, we support our eldest with these life transitions the best we can. Just as four years ago the excitement of high school graduation and becoming a college coed was lessened with knowing her closest friends would no longer be a part of her daily life, she faces the same excitement for her next adventure, but again is saddened to say farewell to the dear friends, and educators from her years at school.

Joey driving the "Boilermaker Special" in  Purdue's Reamer Club

Lauren in India

     Four years ago we adults were certain this wonderful group of seniors would excel in the undergraduate environment. It's hard to grasp what this group has accomplished in four short years by embracing their education and opportunities.  They have soared!

Joey with the World's Largest Drum in
Dublin' St Patricks Day Parade

 Not only have they followed their passions, participated in athletics and music, been leaders on their campuses, graduated with honors, and been positive role models for the younger students, but they have done so much more.  They have started their own businesses, worked on fundraisers, touched lives of many children both here at home and in countries all over the globe,  started a non profit organization to benefit schools in Tanzania, won awards at an international business competition, harvested thousands of acres of crops, stretched themselves outside their comfort zones and reaped the benefits.

Barbara in Tanzania

Kellie with her Camp T kids

Barbara on Purdue Crew

Tom Harvesting Hay

The one who can only be referred to as "Purdue Pete"
while in costume!

 As they begin their graduate programs, or careers in business and teaching, they will begin to leave their marks on "the real world" with which really they already have a great start!

 With graduation this time around, this group knows that their special friendships do last the test of time and distance.  I hope that makes this transition that much easier.  Our seat belts are fastened for the ride the next few years will bring. We are so very proud of each and every one of you.
Good luck seniors, we love you!

Tom -West Lafayette Snow Removal, Inc.

Claire in Honduras

The Group of Forever Friends

A Boy and His Dog

     He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)     When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself.     He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.     His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever—in case I need him. And I expect I will—as I always have. He is just my dog.  -Gene Hill

 While Kevin was working and attending the Big Ten tourney with buddies, I jumped on a plane and headed south for some "son time" in the sunshine.  Even just a few days of sunshine is really good for the  soul.  After spending the weekend with Eric, I realized the ONE thing he misses the most from home is....his dog.  Hence, the poem and the photos from years past.  Just looking through all the pet photos brought me joy.

Back to the weekend.  While Eric continued his hectic college schedule I watched from the sidelines as he rowed, and rowed, and then rowed some more.  While he was busy with class assignments and fraternity requirements I had time to attend a Florida Tech Athletic fundraiser called Chopper Dropper, where I saw 2000 golf balls dropped from a helicopter onto the golf course.
Unfortunately for me, my number was not on one of the closest eighteen balls, so I won zip.  It was nice being outside on a lovely evening though.  We were able to get several beach walks in, but missed the opportunity to get the boy a much needed haircut.  (He promises that Friday is the day...)  The best mom moment of the weekend was being with my son in the fresh ocean breeze on the beach at night with a million stars above us and the vast ocean before us.  I felt pure happiness, love, and peace.  It will be one of those moments I cherish forever.
Blessing abound.  Give your loved ones a hug today!

One Week Later....

With blue skies and mild temps bright little crocuses greeted me today hinting of spring!  Always makes for happy people and animals. 

Gotta love Purdue Pete!

If you have not heard the news (only if you've been living under a rock)...Indiana University Men's Basketball won the Big Ten for the first time in twenty years.  Hmmm - funny to think that my Boilermakers of Purdue have won it seven times in that time, but the local media seems to think that THIS year, it is extra special.  Oh well, I'm happy for my IU buddies, all the same.  While IU was winning the Big Ten, Kevie and I enjoyed the last home game of the year in Mackey Arena.  Senior day is always heart warming, and this year our dear family friend, Andrew, was honored during half-time for his contribution as an amazing Purdue student.  He even gave his mom roses - sweet.  It is great being a Boilermaker!
 Before arriving at Purdue, I had spent the day at the NCAA Div 3 Indoor Track and Field National Championships watching Sarah's Tufts teammates compete.  Our Jumbo Pentathlete pictured here was an All-American for the third time in her career - Congrats Jana!

As I sign off this entry, the weather has changed yet again....to snow.  Those poor little crocuses may have shown their bright colors a little too soon.