"Please Contribute"

Working at home, I avoid the added expense created by group gifts for other employees. I would definitely call this a perk. Seems like everyone is reaching for your dollars in an office environment.

Of course, I am not free of requests. I still have the Group Gifts and Wishlists requests from parent groups. Mostly, looking for appreciation gifts for teachers and coaches. It generally comes with a "we are collecting ??? amount from everyone". They don't seem to care if it is in your budget or not. And at least in my area they purchase some really extravagant gifts. Just crazy.

Why or why do I need to contribute for a $100 a plate meal, when we (my family) would not splurge for such a huge tap?

If your in charge of these kinds of things:

• Try it online
• Don't set a minimum
• Don't judge the giver

Best Entertainment for the money

I, as you can probably tell from my Walgreens purchases, have been grabbed by the bug running through my family. This past week is a blur. At first, I thought it was just exhaustion from our trip. I was wrong.

Prior to leaving for the best entertainment around, I made myself a pot of chicken noodle soup. I don't care what anyone says, it truly makes me feel better. Being under the weather and not daring to miss the football game, I needed all the help I could get.

My sweet hubby stopped for iced coffees on the way. He said, because I wasn't talking. It isn't often I'm quiet, so he knew I was feeling great. He, luckily was feeling better. I have been filling him up with Hot Tea and Theraflu and rubbing him down with Vicks. Which until this illness, he always told me was a waste and that it doesn't work. Funny, last night he is bragging about its powers to everyone. Feeling much better.

I felt like someone blasted me into the moment and out of my cloud at the foot ball game. Where we once again beat the enemy. Yea! We are now 5 wins and 0 losses.

Plus, for some unknown reason the coach is playing my DS2 more. Which had me standing in my seat. My little man is only 100 pounds wet, with clothes on. This other team had guys that weight over 300 pounds. I was so scared, I was sure I would pee my pants.

All I can say is my son is fast!

There is definitely something in the air around here. Our school is winning and this is something we are not used too. Believe me. We have been to so many games since DD1 began school and we have never seen this level of accomplishment across the board - in all sports.

So, much more fun to win. And this has to be the best entertainment for my money.

Can you stay up till midnight?

If you can check out Heavenly Couture, where every evening at midnight they post a new item for $9.99. This site is a clothing site for juniors and mom's that look fab....well, for some of the stuff. :-)

They offer, what they call Discount Clothing. All items are supposedly 85% off of Retail Prices. Which may be the case. Depends where you shop. Although, the quality may be higher then some of my local brick and mortars. Catching the midnight deal would be sweet though.

Most of the items here seem to be high quality. And some even resemble Cheap Clothing. I'm referring to $14.95 for the P.J.'s. When not on clearance this price would beat Kohl's, who have a tendency to price each peace separate to make it appear cheaper.

I wish free shipping kicked in prior to $75 though. At that rate, you would need to select a lot of your back to school clothes at this site. Unless.....you could find a buddy or two in the market at the same time.

Currently Heavenly Couture is also running a special Back to School sale where you can save an extra 10%. Plus, they ship worldwide.

The next test - the daughter test.

Missing the oddest things

School starts next week around here. Of course, except for the last week, it never did feel like summer. This is the life when you have kids in football. These boys do conditioning and endurance training all summer. Now they are officially back in for "football" practice. We call them 2-a-days.

Which means go all day with a lunch break.

I'm sitting here with my favorite label maker and just realized, I have nothing to label this year.


I use my label maker for everything from File folders to the pantry. The most common use in the pantry is on dry items that I put into air tight containers. I never forget what is in the container this way. I love the speed and look of a nice clean label. I even use labels on my Ziploc bags and containers in the freezer.

The kids and I, used to pull out all of their school supplies and separate them by kid. Then I would begin printing labels. This was important when they were in grade school. We labeled everything from Crayons & Glue to Notebooks & Folders. Not only did it help in school, but it also helped stream line homework.

I'm tempted to go to my neighbors and see if they have a label maker or if they need my help. My DH thinks that, that is label pushing. I asked if it was worse or better then my coupon pushing. He just gave me a blank stare.

Why didn't I go to beauty school?

There was a time when I was younger, that I actually dreamed of the Beauty School route for my life. I spent so much time doing everyones hair around me. Not to mention make-up and nails.

Unfortunately, I do not have the best skills, in my eyes - for myself. Not even close. It is so much easier to look at another and see their beauty as a blank pallet for perfection. Why do I look at myself and just get confused and lost in the pallet.

A couple of days ago, when I had my hair done at that very cost effective salon - I was in love with my new look. Even my DH had such a positive response.

The problem came the next morning. After my treadmill run and shower, I lost her magic. I spent a bit of time trying to blow dry my hair down and straight and I felt helpless. I have a lot of hair with a lot of body. So even this short cut is a ton of work. Needless to say, I could not tame my wild beast of hair.

I had that early appointment for waxing and was almost embarrassed walking into the salon with my hair the way it was. My styling was no where even close to her's.

I guess the blow dryer is not enough to straighten my hair. And I am not about to go looking like I did yesterday. So, last night I invested in a straightener. Hope to goodness I can do this.

Had I went to Beauty School, would I even be having these concerns and worries?

$85 for Cleats

Ah, back to school brings in a ton of spending. The price for free education goes up every year in our area. I have 2 envelopes on my desk now for the 08-09' school year registration. I just am not brave enough to peek inside yet.

So, instead I am spending in other needed ways. All of which are needed for my kids to attend the local high school.

• Sports Physicals - ~$170 for 2. Why do I have to pay so much? Well, my beautiful children are in Football & Cheerleading - both of which have camps prior to the $20 physical days. Both Camps require a physical.
• Eye Doctor Exams - I have no idea - Last year was over $400, but I'm hoping to save on frames this year - you know this if you are reading my blog. ;-)
• Clothing - if only they would stop growing. Doesn't seem likely.
• Shoes - oh the shoes we go through.
• Specialty items - CLEATS $85 and don't forget those replacement parts that wear out. Cheerleading "required" clothing about $250. In all fairness, I purchased football apparel for DS2 too. Of course, that $56 seems minimal.

Maybe I should stop here and relish in the fact that I got 8 Free 2-Pocket Folders from Walgreens yesterday. It was a good day!

08-09' School Year Begins Today!

Summer vacation is over already. Time sure does fly! LOL.

No, classes have not started yet. That happens at the end of August. The culprit, putting me Mom Taxi back in business is football. Starting today my youngest will be required to meet at the school 3 days a week from 7am - 10am for lifting and strength training.

With being on the smaller side, I am worried and yet excited that he is getting back into football and the bonding with a team again. All his friends are in sports and I think it is good to "belong". Will see though. With kids you never know. He could come home today and say - "no more".

I hope he gets to play though. As a parent, nothing more exciting then seeing your child on the sports field.

On the other end of the spectrum, DD3 called yesterday afternoon from the FFA Convention. She is having a blast.

On the way down, they worked a food bank. I just love that the head cheese makes them give back to the world. Just another reason to love the FFA!

Also, the big news, she was nominated and selected as a Delegate for our chapter. Yippee! That just means she has to work while at convention. She must represent our areas FFA Chapter. And she gets a free T-shirt. :-)

A.C.T. Scores In

DD3 received her test scores yesterday. She did fabulous, I think. From what I can tell by speaking with all the kids in her class that I know, she did score the highest.

She is convinced that the score was not good enough. She said she was too nervous to focus on the task at hand.

I sometimes feel she pushes too hard to be perfect. Point in hand her 4.0 GPA. She has never received a grade under that number. I don't interfere, because I find her to be a well-balanced individual. With working and many, many school activities and involvements. Not to mention a friend base that is so large, it sometimes irritates her friends closest to us. Making for what I consider to be, a well-rounded, full of promise individual.

Her ACT Score = 32

To me, this means any college. She is the package that a college would be crazy to let slip by. She will always give the college her 110% and smile while doing it!

Why every school year begins in review?

I believe our school district wastes at least a month review prior year lessons, each time school resumes. This, as when I was younger is common practice. As an adult, it makes me feel that year round schooling may be a better option. Throwing in smaller breaks through out the year. Just seems wasteful, to spend so many of our 178 school days in review.



Imagine where the youth could be without this.



This is why, I think it is important for parents to step up to the plate during the summer. Bringing education through life lessons. Take the time to tour a museum, walk a lake shore discussing water creatures or even taking picnics to forest preserves to learn about the life around us.



Same logic - NEVER STOP LEARNING!



If you have the funds and a reason for travel, try to squeeze in an educational something on your trip. It doesn't take long and even when you think they aren't into this or learning, they are. Those little sponges can recall much wild, wild west history after seeing the Stark Museum of Art in Orange, Texas.



The important thing is, don't just throw the kids into the unknown. Take a little time and check out the places website. Learn about things you are going to see and try to fit them into your conversation along the journey leading up to the visit.

I used to make myself index cards with notes of interesting facts. Creating a story and asking them their thoughts. For instance, asking why they thought Crazy Horse was called Crazy? Was he offended?

The object was to make them realize these were real people like you and me.

I just thought this was appropriate with schools letting out for the summer now. And kids working their hardest to forget all they learned. The world is a classroom, let it help.

Parents wait to receive recognition

Raising kids, it seems like most of the time we are taught humility. Something we all need I guess, so it is okay. A parent is put through many embarrassing moments, even with the best of children.

The kids can't help it, they are just kids. The burdens of life, thankfully, have not effected their person yet. They haven't experienced the moments in shame that make you withdraw.

Today, is not that day.

Today is a day of great pride for me. Regardless of my son's not so well planned, speech, I will have a moment of such pride, that I will probably carry with me to the grave. I think days like this are a pat on the back to the parents, that sometimes wonder if they made the right choices. Or if their parenting was up to par. A par that no one really knows where it is set.

Much like promotions and graduations - they show achievement and success.

My son, that is graduating high school this year, is being honored at an Honors Luncheon. Another, school district tradition. He, and the others that are in the top of the class, must prepare and give a speech sharing with the parents, "who" their greatest influences were from to set them on this path of success.

We also get a FREE Lunch - SWEET!

Free Dinner!

I've mentioned before how DD3 is a member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America). I highly doubt she will become a farmer, unless she marries one. :-) Although, I could see her working in agriculture - possibly internationally helping other nations.

Last night, was the annual FFA Banquet. Which is as much an appreciation dinner as a reminder of the past year of accomplishments for the members.

That meant a free meal for us! And delicious too - no one eats like farmers. Dare I say "Fresh". We were totally stuffed when we left. I question my term of free though, because believe me to have a child in the FFA it costs a couple bucks.

That is not to say, that I feel it isn't worth it. In reality, I believe the FFA is perfect for every child. It is an awesome foundation. One that instill responsibility and pride of accomplishment, right along side leadership. Everyone is commended for their achievements and pushed to move forward.

We have an amazing teacher, for this program in our area. He has been leading this group for 29 years now. He is wonderful with the kids. I have yet to see a year where a graduating senior didn't stop everything to give this man a hug when saying good-bye. He is often heard saying something that includes "friends for life". This is a teacher, leader and roll model that is changing lives. He is the one they will remember.

Last night was even more exciting for me, because of DD3's achievements this year. She has really thrown herself into this program, like I would have never imagined. Especially considering all her other activities. Amazes me she can do it all.

This year was her first Land & Soil Use competition. She tied for 1st place - which is amazing. Since she tied with a Senior from our group, he won the $500 scholarship. Although, I was told by the teacher last night - that he suspects she will win the next contest scholarship. SWEET!

She was also awarded for her 4.0 GPA. Which is always a huge accomplishment in my eyes. I looked like a tourist snapping pictures. Good thing she is a camera hog! Posing is so natural for her - even if the world is watching.

The last big item was when she won a seat as an officer. This is a huge undertaking that will consume much of her time. And a great honor, in which you are voted in by your peers.

I can't wait to see what is to come of next year.

A Night Full of Pride

My hubby and I were the only parents, from our school, that took the long ride to the Conference Scholastic Bowl Meet. We didn't even hesitate this decision. We both really enjoy watching all these young people compete with their brains instead of the more common physical choice.

Plus, my son is the captain and he is a senior, we will never get this time back.

There were a ton of high points for us. Heck, just arriving and having the whole team from our school come to greet us was neat. These kids were so happy to have us there to watch. I wonder if the other parents understand that it means so much to these kids - that aren't athletes, but are competing just the same.

I personally, think this is of greater importance in the school then sports.

We did a fabulous job last night. Only one team beat us. Not bad for a little town. The team that beat us, also took out every other team without letting them score high. Where as we were hot on their tails. They were just on the ball. A bunch of smart kids.

During our match with conference champions - they asked for a 1 minute time out and told my son, in front of all that he was "amazing at math." They had not beat him in one problem, for speed or accuracy. I was so proud of my son.

What was also really cool is when these champions came to our team after the meet. Their captain led the way, and they all told our kids, "your team was the only competition we had here."

We may not have one top dog seat, but we did fabulous. My son and one other boy on our team earned All-Conference.

It's been a good year. On to State for the Math Competition now. Like a mini-break to the University of Illinois.

NIU Threat Echo's Virginia Tech

We have just been alerted that NIU Campus will be closed today. They have found a threat in a housing bathroom that resembles threats at Virginia Tech. NIU officials have decided it is better to take cautious steps from here, then to have results repeated.

One more worry and concern placed on my shoulders. I text'd DD2 she is well, but frustrated. Today was Exam Day #1. All Monday exam's are being rescheduled for Friday. Of course, she is not happy with this interference to her plans.

What is going on around here? Everything seems to be going 52 directions from Sunday.

Secretly excited

My oldest child, that I brought into the world, received an acceptance letter from NIU this weekend. Not that it is a surprise, but still a relief. I have no idea why I worry about things like this, but I do.

This is where he wants to go and where I want him to go to. He will be close enough to home, for regular visits. :-) Just like DD2. These 2 get along beautifully and I think it will be nice having them out there together. Just makes me feel like they are both safer.

I know it is silly, but this is how my brain works. He still has more applications out there, but I don't think he will really care either way, he seems committed to the Huskies already.

Anyway, I'm secretly excited about his choice and the location to our house. I don't know how crazy I would be if he moved too far away. Like I am sure DD3 will do. She is most likely counting the days till freedom from us. :-(

A teacher reaching out

Yesterday was a mixed up day for me. I started the day in my office for a few hours of work, then headed to the bank. After making the deposits, that I neglected to complete on Tuesday, due to all tasks on my list at the moment.

Then I made a stop at the laundry to reconcile out the cash drawer, make sure change was plentiful and tend to a few minor repairs.

What followed was .... a moment of panic, due to the knowledge that I was headed to the high school to meet with my little man's teacher. My internal voice is screaming "why?" Why can't my son just do the right things? Why is this teacher asking for a parent teacher conference? What am I going to say to this teacher? Why Me? Humility is taught to us by our children. We are not born with it, they force it on us.

Of course, as always, I was early for our meeting. I hate being late, but it was also something else. I just wanted this over with. Yes, this baby of mine is my test. I had it way to easy with the rest. He is the one that will ensure that I learn humility and a bit of shame.

The thing is, I was also a bit afraid of myself. You see, no matter how you look at this, he is my baby. And like a crazed mama bear I will protect and defend at any cost. My hubby says that I am a bit over protective. He believes it is enabling my son to be "immature". This may be true, but he is still my baby and this is all I truly know how to do.

The teacher was not in his classroom when I arrived. So, I stood in the hall, like a child waiting for the principal. I have never met this particular teacher and had no idea what he looked like or was like. I was a bit taken back with his bushy eye brows and thick hair, I instantly thought of Groucho Marx - not something good to be thinking about when I am heading in for war.

Then he did that thing I hate. The thing that tells you, better have those guns loaded cause he's coming after you with a huge hit. He asked me to take a seat. :-)

He started his meeting with me on a positive note. Relating how he saw great potential in my baby. (no he didn't call him a baby) He wanted to know if he could push him to excel. To load him with more and see if he could create a spark in my sons hidden talent. The whole time, I'm waiting.......like in a job review, you know the old sandwich technique "good, bad, good".

He never did slide to a bad side. He seems to believe my son has hidden talent. Yet, it is hidden due to his physical issues. You see my son is small. I don't talk about this a lot, it is one of my largest concerns. I know a male has much more success when he is of normal or above normal size. (Not fat). My son has been small since he was born pre-mature. He was healthy, just tiny 6lbs, compared to the 8.7lbs & 9.12lbs of the other two.

I pray every day for him. I know I am more protective, because of this. I also know, I don't think I can change. Life just seems so much more for him. I know this is why he is such a comedian in school. (think bare butt)

Even with all my worries, I have never felt my mama heart break like it did yesterday, when this teacher told me that kids are picking on my son. I mean, I'm not stupid, I assumed it happened, I just wasn't prepared to have it smacked in my face. My oldest son, who just took 1st place in the lifting contests at the school, has been running interference for my baby. Which I would expect him to do. Evidently, a kid had my baby in a strong hold and my son, freed his little brother and lifted this other kid above the lockers and into a wall. It wasn't pretty, but because a teacher witnessed the whole thing, it was overlooked - so to speak.

When I spoke with my oldest son about this, he told me he didn't want me to worry. He said he and all his friends are taking care of anyone who bothers his little brother. He has friends in every hall passing period with his brother, if he can't be there and his best friend has incorporated his little brother into his lunch table. Virtually, never leaving him alone.

I'm very grateful. And another side is terrified - what will happen when DS1 leaves for college?

This teacher thinks he can help lead my youngest into a place of more self-confidence. One where he can learn that size is not important, that it is the man that is important. I'm now thanking my God for this teacher and for what he sees in my baby. I hope that we, together can show my baby that anything is possible and these kids are nothing. There will always be bullies....but they don't run the world, at least not yours if you don't let them.

It is taking every strength in my body, not to go to that school and raise the living dead. I do understand that the mere action of this would make my sons life harder. No one wants mommy coming in and kicking butt. Which I could do.

Since, I'm left with only my self-control - I am praying for strength for my son and for me. I'm praying for a miracle growth spurt - one I have prayed for since his birth. I'm praying that what I know happens to people that are bullied like this (suicide), does not come to be entertained by this boy that I love.

I just don't understand how this happens to a kid, that ....he can't go anywhere without people knowing him. Everyone of my son's friends, everyone of my daughters friends, everyone.....that we come across tells me how much they love this kid. How can so few, create such a mess?

Questions

I spent a couple hours with my youngest last night after getting one of those calls, that always rocks my world. I don't know why, but when things come up with my kids, it is like a panic attack - my heart starts racing. I guess this is "being a parent". Even as they are getting older, I still can't explain the power behind having a life in your hands. Not to mention the overwhelming need and want to do everything and anything to ensure they have the most out of life. It is truly "loving one more than yourself" thing. And in my case "loving my army more" :).

My hubby got home first, because we had the meeting scheduled to meet with the "potential" buyers. As I suspected, he was not happy about going alone. I got a few grunts and I completely understand. After all, I run the business, I handle the employees, I do the taxes, I do the a/p and a/r ...... in fact I do everything and only call on him, when the issue is with a repair that is above my expertise. In all honesty, there is much above my head when looking at mechanical things, but it is amazing how much I can do when I try.

As he stomped off my little man came in. Not just with his English work, but with homework for 2 other classes. Now let me just stop and say...today was not the first day he came home with homework this year, but this year is the first time in his life he brought home homework. He has appeared to be trying and wanting to do well. This change came from that college visit, he shared with me that he wants to go. YEAH! Now that is progress. I believe if you want it, you can have it, but you have to work for it.

We started with English and I have no idea where he is lacking. We read through the last 2 assignments and he knew and understood the concepts. I even took the book away and questioned him and he knew the breakdowns and not after thinking about it, I'm talking on the top of his head. So, my thoughts are he did learn something.

Little man shared that they are looking at a chapter, noting important parts and then quizzing. Evidently, she believes this stuff can be skimmed in one day, processed and move on to the next subject.

I looked at his notes and they look good to me - things I would have written to remind myself of important steps. So, I am not sure what is happening on the tail end.

My suggestion - Questions.

I told him a story, that just happened the night before. While taking my daughter and her girlfriend to Geneva Commons, the girls were discussing teachers and work. The friend then said to my daughter - "I'm so glad you are in my class. If you weren't asking questions, I wouldn't be able to figure the work out."

So, I told him to ask questions. I shared with him, that everyone is afraid to ask questions, except his sister. We fear being wrong or made fun of. Then I told him that even if that happens, I guarantee there is someone in the class with the same question - just afraid to ask, like his sisters friend.

He is starting today's class with this particular question "Mrs. J, last night my mom and I went over the classwork and she doesn't see where I am "not getting it. Could you show me more so I can tell her and we can work on it." As I explained to my son, this will accomplish a couple things. First it will tell the teacher - this kid is trying, which can mean a lot going forward. Then it will help to point out "the issue" so we can correct it and bring home the gold.

I also helped him devise a plan to get answers to questions, with my steps:

• Raise your hand, if the situation permits and ask right away.
• Write the question down as soon as you see you don't know something - could be as simple as a word - to look up in the dictionary later or a chapter that needs to be discussed with the teacher or someone else.
• If extra teacher help is needed, when the opportunity presents itself or at the end of class - ask the teacher for some extra help. Tell them your study hall period - which led me to explain how he would need a pass from this teacher for his study hall teacher, or tell them you can meet after school - I will pick him up, anytime for good grades!

He is a sharp kid, more hands on then books - but last night, he knew and was right on top of all 3 of the classes work. I believe he is shy, do to fear of failure, but hopefully we can bust him out of this.

I guess, we will just see how he does today.

School calling already

Today is only the 5th day of school and I have received a call from a teacher already. My youngest will the death of me yet.

No, he didn't pull his drawers down. That's a plus.

No, he isn't in trouble for doing something wrong. Again a plus.

Today's call came from his English teacher. He has only had 2 quizzes and he has failed them both.

This is where I become a helpless parent. I don't know how to help him. I was a good student, all my other children are excellent students and I am just at a loss. How do I find out where he is lacking and build it up?

I am VERY grateful that the teacher called right away to nip this in the butt. I have to say, she may be an asset to this plight. I asked if she could get to him, before school is out, and tell him to bring home his book and notes for this class.

Tonight, I will go over this with him and try to assess where he is. But it isn't going to be easy. English was my hardest class in school. If it seems hopeless, which I'm hoping it isn't, I'm going to walk across the street and talk to my young neighbor who is a teacher in the next town. He (which should be a plus to work with son) said he was good at tutoring math, I have to see if he can stretch over to other subjects. I just feel my son would learn more from an outsider. He is too much attitude with me.

This is going to be a long 4 years. I was really hoping for "more" good and "less" bad. I'm just not good with this. He must have got his brains from the sperm donor, cause I was never like this.

Sorry, excuse my nasty talk. Just chalk it up to another very expensive bill to take our money.

Back to school

$900 later and today marks the first day of high school for the 3 youngest in our clan. Yea!! Time to get those lazy kids up before noon and back in bed before dawn. I know, I'm a party pooper.

The actual out of pocket dollars to send them back to school with clothes, shoes and supplies, so far - the $900 above to the school + $1121.03 for the rest = $2021.03. Of course, I did cover the rest of the fees for sports and such and year books in these numbers. Hopefully, keeping school dollars down for the next nine months.

I didn't want to pay fees while I'm forking out cash, every other day, for hungry kids while in activities.

And to think, I have my receipt for Kindergarten when I was young and my mom paid $6. Yep, I'm that old.

Chief Illini

We stopped in Champaign on Tuesday, to book a room, so we could keep our appointment to tour the University of Illinois. With time running short I didn't want my son to miss anything he wanted to see - regarding his future.

This did mean that we left, the same day as the funeral but, we needed to get home for the businesses anyway. What the funeral did, was involve the whole family in the college tour. The diva will be leaving for college in 2009 and I wanted her to participate. Although, she didn't want to and complained like a 2 year old - she quickly changed her tune when going through the experience.

I think h.e.ll is somewhere near the lower portions of Illinois into the belt of our country (Ky,Tenn, etc.). We were in 105 degree weather all week. Although, it was most noticeable during our hour walking tour at Illini. I ended up with blistered feet, because I forgot my tennis shoes and the tour was fast paced for my sandals. Add that to my dehydration and heat exhaustion and I was grateful hubby was there for the 2nd part - which involved touring the Engineering Department - I just wouldn't have made it. Since the 2 youngest are not interested in engineering - we left and went to Olive Garden to drink plenty of fluids, lessen the swelling and eat.

I am personally pulling for this school. It keeps my son in state, is slightly cheaper at about $26k and is one of the highest rated state colleges in our country. My son is also a huge sports fan. He can retain and share stats on any major team or college team - being apart of the Orange Krush would only help to involve him in his college.

I'm sure that this school will be a definite "apply for", right along Marquette. Although, we are touring other schools and options - I do believe, in the end one of those 2 will be the winner of our college dollars (debt) :)

Marquette University

Before the bad news, we had scheduled a visit to learn more about Marquette University. Marquette is in Milwaukee Wisconsin and is on my son's "A" list. Life doesn't stand still and neither did we. Besides sitting home waiting for the times of the final arrangements, is just silly.

So, we did take the trip and my son is even more interested in Marquette. I can't blame him, they offer so much to create a well rounded education. And the diversification of people is awesome. Diversification may be more important to me, then other folks, because I am from a very mixed area and enjoyed growing up learning and sharing - best education comes from life, and my kids have been raised in a boring very little mixture area. This drives me crazy, so college is going to help to show them the world and all the colors and textures of the world.

He has been working on his application and essay and he is going to apply. It won't be his only application submitted. Marquette is very expensive and I am not sure that we can swing the $34k or so a year. Marquette does offer scholarships to 90% of their students, so we will have to wait and see what the package looks like and compare it to our other options.

Marquette does have a huge work/study program with more work then students. Internships are huge and can be accomplished near the school or the students home or anywhere. There are perks, like at most schools - mass transit pass etc. I especially liked and son was huge on the $50 annual fee to access all activities for the year.

We are hoping to have his selections by October and applications ready, so that we can send them off and he can enjoy his senior year. Then we will apply for FASFA as soon as 2008 begins. Finally, we will wait to hear.

We will be touring U of I Thursday. We had set-up this visit prior to the bad news, and instead of driving all the way back up after the funeral Wednesday, we are just going to head to Champaign and stay in a hotel, for a mini-vacation (which we all need). Swim and relax. Then make our tour and head home Thursday afternoon or early evening.

Although I love Marquette, the price scares me and U of I seems so much more affordable. But as I have read on other blogs, private colleges offer so much more in the line of scholarships. I do believe Marquette offers more than a books education and how do you place a value on that?? They are both a little cruise from my home, so I won't be coming for dinner while he is there - don't like that part.

Stay Tuned as our hunt for the correct college continues. :-)