Despite best efforts to keep this updated, I am failing miserably. Let's hope my memory will allow to get this updated before school starts. Marx graduated from 8th grade. As a parent, this grade was the "worst" when it came to keeping him motivated with good grades. Marx considered junior high as the 1/2 time period of a football game--doesn't really define the outcome of the game, you get a little break, and it "doesn't really matter". Ugh. Really! While his grades were ok--he wasn't even trying and it bugged me and his teachers. He was recommended for Advanced Placement for two classes, which I decided against. He has planned a heavy load for the next 4 years in order to be eligible to play sports in college and admission to a 4 year program, like at the U. It also didn't help during the end of the year when the teachers checked out either. I am glad that is over but I hope it isn't a prelude to the next 4 years or I will really begin to show signs of premature aging!
Marx is #36--He was not impressed with having to wear a purple helmet and purple/yellow stripped pants (yuck Sentinel Colors)--but at least he had an Ontario Jersey.Marx had a brief period of rest before Football camp at the U of M. There were over 700 high school football players at this camp from across the country. Marx went with his buddy Keon and they had a blast. Marx and Keon along with other football players who were there without their teams (renegades) were placed on teams. When we arrived to the dorm, I saw a bus from Ontario and jokingly told Marx that Canadians came to the camp. He was impressed with that thought--until he was placed with the team from Ontario Oregon--then he thought I was a little nutty but we had a good laugh. The Ontario coaches were really impressed with Marx and during camp tryouts he won a starting spot as fullback for the varsity offense (freshman and sophomores don't really frequent this camp as we found out later) and linebacker for defense. He was getting pretty banged up from playing with bigger and more experienced Juniors and Seniors so he asked if he could bounce back to the JV squad so he didn't get too hurt. I was impressed with his forethought on that. We were still thrilled that Marx was talented enough to knock off the seniors who normally held those positions. After camp, Marx started lifting weights and doing power workouts with a wrestling coach as well as open mat with the head wrestling coach. His summer was busy with that and an additional football camp and wrestling camp. In between that, he mowed lawns, went to the mall and hung out with friends. We did go camping and to the lake once, but with Marx starting a new job at Snowbowl after being laid off for a month, we haven't had the funds to do much else. I actually enjoyed puttering around home for my vacation in July. Football starts August 17 and school starts August 31 so our summer is coming to a close.
For Marx's 15th birthday, we had a number of his friends over for a UFC match and sleepover. I bought a ton of food for sub sandwiches, etc and ended up with a bunch of leftovers. I guess I hit in between growth spurts! His birthday had a bit of a damper because of our neighbor. All summer we noticed that she was inviting homeless people to her home. It became a little too much on July 11th when a nasty fight broke out with one man being critically wounded and Marx T. witnessed it all. After a month of disruptive behavior from her house, I finally lost my patience with the multitude of people, some of which were aggressive towards neighbors, and the countless number of times I had to call the police for fights and other behavior I care not to write down. I also lost my patience with the park that we lease the land from. It appears that she has been trouble for more than a decade per the neighbors and the cops and until she quit paying her lease payment, the park didn't really do much about her. Fortunately, her family now recognizes that her behavior is of concern and they are moving her and the trailer out. It is sad to watch someone self-distruct, but after having homeless people (that she invited in) using my yard as a bed and toilet, I have little sympathy. I have ran into several deputy sheriffs who knew Grandpa Lockridge and spoke fondly of him and his dedication to service.
We were planning on going to the lake for my second week of vacation until out kitty Noodles attempted to fly and had a hard landing (he climbs on everything). He unfortunately fractured his leg, resulting in amputation. Now, Marx D and I are home nursing the little guy who is actually doing very well on three legs. Boomer and Sarge aren't too sure what to think about Noodles hobbling around and not attacking them at every pass. Noodles likes to watch Animal Planet so here is a photo of him earlier this summer!
Work has been crazy and I have been feeling better although I do have period bad days. I describe it as having the flu almost every month. Extreme cold weather and hot weather don't help but I am learning to slow down a bit and relax. Well, at least until sports kick into full swing!
