Another One Off To College

Pleased as punch with his dorm room.  It is about a five floor walkup, thank goodness they had other students helping us move him in.

First School Function

VIP tour of Warner Brothers Studios, not a bad start.

One Off To College

 When we used to drive to Arizona, I would look back, after hours of driving, and Isaac would be under his blanket, just a big blob in his seat. Apparently some things never change.

Our destination!  It seemed like a short trip, compared to an Arizona drive. Isaac's apartment is five miles from the college, in an interesting neighborhood. Everyone drives like a maniac and he is going to be on a bike in that traffic. I am afraid he will be malnourished when he comes home, because I think he is planning on living on ramen.

Pilgrims To World Youth Day

Jack left with the Cathedral group, and the Archdiocese group, to World Youth Day yesterday.  They have already had mass in the airport in Frankfurt and are now touring the Castle district of Prague.  This is an amazing opportunity for Jackie, we are so happy for him and for all the pilgrims.

Jackie Is Eighteen

Avocado Toast made by Dad

The birthday boy

Jack turned eighteen, and then promptly left for World Youth Day.  Shelle is in town to help me through my current difficulties. She helped us fete Jackie, and now we don't have anymore children in the house, at least not chronologically.

The Event

Grandpa playing thumb war with Ali

Andrew with his nino Jake, in the after party crush.

The cousins.  Faith, Isaac, Jake, Laura, Andrew and Nicci.

The graduation had the Cathedral packed and it was quite warm, there were 122 O'Dea gentlemen matriculating.  We got in early and had great seats (thanks to our elderlies), even so, we had to get there at 4:30 for a 7 pm start.  It was so fun and beautiful but a long night for the grand parents.  The boys were then whisked away for an all night extravaganza, and we had to be back at the school at 5:30 am to pick them up.  We had NINE family members staying at our house, it was like a party every day, and my house looks it.  It was fun, fun, fun, and now I want to sleep, sleep, sleep.

The Twins

Ted took the boys out for some good senior pictures for graduation announcements. The impending commencement does not seem possible.  A slightly emptier nest seems even worse to contemplate.

Jack Talks

 The delightful Joanna giving words of encouragement.

And then, the talk.  Short, sweet, and to the point. Well done Jack.

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie....

Those mouse books should be adapted for DIY projects.  If you are having your floors replaced, you will want to attempt to redo your countertops.  If you are going to redo your countertops, you will need to tear down the tile backsplash.  If you tear down the tile backsplash, you will destroy the wall and have to buy new tile for a new backsplash.  If your old faucet is leaking water all over the old countertops, you will need to replace it so that the water doesn't wreck the new countertops.  If your cabinet is broken and will possibly fall and damage your new countertops, you will need to have it repaired.  If you have the cabinet removed for repair, you might as well paint, since standing on the countertops is easier with the cabinet gone.  If you are going to have nice new concrete countertops you are going to want new, prettier appliances.  And finally, if you a are a slob, and slopping wet concrete all over your floors, your dog of very little brain, will think it looks delicious and eat it all up before you can clean, which will involve a panicked call to the vet.  I started all of this exactly one month ago, and should be finished this week.  Ted was "finished" with all of this weeks ago. 

Missing cabinet, ready for paint.

I had to move the stove away from the wall, several times a day, good thing it is light.

First coat.

O'Dea Gentleman

The dress code at O'Dea, is collared shirts and khaki style pants. No mention is made if the pants MUST  have a crotch, therefore technically, these pants are dress code compliant, and worn daily of course.

Christmas At Home

Before with all the beautiful wrappingness

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full!

Frosty loves to get all around in the wrapping and presents.

Jack got a beautiful ornament from this Ninos, which is perfectly camouflaged by his ugly sweater.

After.