Lloyd on his way to NSSSAA
Wolverine's Badminton team on their way to NSSSAA
13h30 this afternoon Emeraude and I drove Lloyd to the school as they were scheduled to leave at 14h on their way to Geraldton for NSSSAA Badminton. I had made 2 dozen each of blueberry muffins; honey bran muffins and banana muffins as well as about 90 chocolate dipped cherry cream ‘Easter’ eggs, and boxed it with a case of juice cans and a case of water as well (had bought a ton of bananas that I somehow forgot to stick in there *sheesh*) to give to Mr.Pittman for the trip. The hotel were the kids are staying doesn’t have a restaurant and so I thought these could be good in the mornings as they head out or maybe snacks at night – I’m sure Mr.Pittman will figure out what to do with them. In the fall for one of Lloyd’s basketball trips I had made bag lunches (had gotten ‘menu lists’ to the Jr.Boys team about a week prior on which they chose which sandwiches/drinks/snacks/etc they wanted) for the trip and the kids had really appreciated them, unfortunately I didn’t know this team (and it’s much larger and jr + sr) as well as my health deteriorated significantly after november ’08 (if you’re curious it’s all in the blog here if you use the calendar or archives search mostly jan-march ’09) and I haven’t been upto doing that sort of thing so much and was happy to be able to provide them with something for this trip. I probably would’ve been content just packing Lloyd some heavy duty snacks/sandwiches and stuff but knew that if he was the only one with that sort of thing he’d probably leave it behind in his locker to rot not wanting to stand out or being embarrassed (I was never on many sports teams but my freinds and I always loved extra food, as I mentioned so have his friends when I’ve done stuff, so I don’t really understand his view on this but still try to respect it somehow) SO, I thought doing it this way, he’s still be sure to have stuff to eat but it would be Mr.Pittman offering it to everyone and he wouldn’t stand out :). I know he’ll at least eat the choc. eggs, usually he’s pretty good about healthy eating but those are one treat that he loves (all three of us are hooked on them lol).
He has been so excited about this trip for the past week (their qualifying was actually weeks ago in Wawa) and so pretty distracted so we have argued quite a bit which is a bummer. It’s not nice to have him gone after things being stressful here and many arguments about him not being on top of his chores and stuff. Somehow I didn’t even get to hug him today (well, maybe once at lunch but it was too quick and I didn’t get to squeeze him back as I was up to my elbows in muffins) and although he scooped up his sister for a big hug and kiss at the school before going to join his friends loading up on the bus (good boy) I knew better than to try their with everybody out in the school lobby lol. At least I got to take the group photo, he wasn’t too happy about it but that’s okay, Mr. Pittman asked them all to line up for it so it wasn’t really like “Lloyd’s Mom’ taking it, besides, I took it for the Chronicle in case I have trouble getting photos of them with their medals when they get back so that I have it for an article. I’ll be looking at that pic often in the next couple days. He’s gone until Thursday. I had hoped he’d call sometime tonight to let me know how the drive went (6 hours in a school bus – EEK) but no luck. He’s great about calling when in town so it’s always hard when he’s gone and doesn’t call much. He’ll probably call his little sister tomorrow and I’ll chat him up a little then.
Lloyd’s competing in doubles at this tournament with Matt. That’s pretty neat. They’ve travelled together alot (speed skating competitions in SSMarie and Toronto, Matt’s come camping with us at White Lake and out to the camp, and other trips too… they don’t hang out together so much anymore but are still good friends) and have been on teams together quite often so I think they probably compliment each other well as badminton partners.
His girlfriend (really sweet, friendly girl… Even gave Emeraude a stuffed bunny for Easter although we don’t see her too often which was super-thoughtful!) is also on the badminton team and qualified for NSSSAA so that’s cool for him as well. Should be a really great trip for him, definetely one to remember among his high school adventures and I’m really happy for him to have the opportunity.
As soon as we came home from seeing him off and Emeraude walked in the house, the 1st words out of her mouth were “I miss brother!” and she started to cry. I brought her to the calendar and showed her how he’d be back in just 2 nightime sleeps which helped. He is the main man in her life and her best friend and an amazing brother (much more than a brother really) so it is no surprise that she reacts this way. Last night she was asking him if she could go with him, again today at the school she asked him, too sweet.
I am looking forward to some ‘girl time’ just the two of us. Today was pretty fun, we went and picked up Grandmaman for a walk, will explain that one in another post as there are some interesting pics of a little problem when Emeraude had her boot stuck in some deep snow lol. She and I are so busy in the next couple days (starting with the ‘early intervention screening’, a pre-school thing at the rec centre auditorium, will be albe to elaborate on that after attending tomorrow morning at 9h30) and so won’t have a ton of time to miss him (although I know we will both be thinking of him every minute!)
Prayers for tons of fun, successful competition (good sportsmanship also) and safe return much welcome.
Good luck Lloyd (and Matt, Tessa and the other wolverines) have a great time full of new experiences, new friends, new challenges. I love you Lloyd!
GO WOLVERINES!!!
