Roots and Wings

Matt sent this out to the staff at South Warren last Thursday (grab some tissues)...

AUGUST 20, 2021

Tonight is a big night at my house. It’s the last night our eldest little bird will spend in the nest before she flies away and becomes a Louisville Cardinal. We are moving her into her dorm early tomorrow morning. There are a handful of days in our lives that change everything, and August 20th, 2021 is going to be one of those days for my family.

Thinking about that reminds me of something important that we need to keep in mind about our students: our Spartans are in a quick, four-year transition phase to their adult lives. Every SWHS student that left us last year is doing the next thing right now. College. Career. Trade School. Military. And this year’s seniors will be getting to their next chapter soon, followed by the next class, and so on. The process happens fast.

What do they really need from us? Along with learning math, history, English, science, etc., they need to learn the soft skills that will help them be successful in whatever they do next. Here are some of those:

-Showing up on time

-Treating others with respect

-Communicating effectively

-Thinking critically and creatively

-Developing problem solving skills

I can say, as the Dad of a Spartan Alum, that the collective group of adults in this building does a great job teaching both academic content and soft skills. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that each of you did for Karson in her four years here. That Spartan is ready to become a Cardinal. Your work matters so much.

Our little girl, Karson Ann Deaton, has officially flown from the nest. I wish I could report that Friday morning, her move in date, went smooth; however, it was bumpy. I am sort of a procrastinator when it comes to packing. It's like, let's cram it all in at once. For weeks, we did prepare for dorm room needs, decor, bedding, school supplies, cleaning/laundry supplies, etc. The BIG stuff like storage containers, clothes, and toiletries had to wait. Meme took her shopping for some last minute supplies Thursday. It was DONE. With a massive mound of stuff, we thought it would be easier to take Matt's parents giant Yukon XL which he picked up Thursday night. We loaded and loaded. I knew it was going to be a sleepless night. Karson had scheduled an early move-in time - 8 AM (EST). We needed to leave by 5AM if we wanted to arrive on time. The last couple of loads went out, and when Matt tried to start the truck, it was DEAD. Lovely. We have a jump box but no cables, and it was EARLY. I did what any helpless daughter would do, texted my dad and asked him to come over and give us a jump. Who sleeps past 5AM anyway =)?!? 10 minutes later he was at our house jump starting the truck. We got on the road later than we wanted when the tire pressure light came on which meant another kink in the travel plans. After a quick detour to the Smiths Grove Shell station, all tires were inflated, and we were ready.

I knew that the time frame for move-in was probably lenient but made a quick call to UL Housing to make sure they knew we'd be very late. I honestly have no idea what time we got to Louisville, but we got her checked in, grabbed a large bin and started unloading. The whole process sort of felt like a blur (probably because we were super tired).

 

We sorted, unpacked, hung, organized, and decided to make a quick run to Kroger for some room snacks/drinks, etc. She's on the meal plan but everyone needs snacks. Around noon, she was ready for us to move along...so we left without her! Our hearts hurt, but we're happy she's happy. She's had a strong foundation and such supportive family and friends. We know this next chapter is going to be amazing for her.

First day of school picture! I know this week will be a busy one for her!

First Week Frenzy

The start of school came and went.  For Isaac, it meant driving to school alone for the first time as a junior.  I was sort of hoping he and friends would go out to breakfast, but I'm thinking that might be more of a girl thing.  The boys want to sleep in and roll out as late as possible.  First day of school pics with friends, ehhh whatever.  He's got a full schedule including two AP courses, drivers education, advanced physics and WKU dual credit (4th block).  I'm not sure how long the students will get to enjoy in-person school as this COVID delta variant blazes through.  However, I feel confident that Isaac, Matt and Miles will be fine.  Both Isaac and Matt both had the virus in December and have had the vaccine.  Miles is also vaccinated, so fingers and toes crossed for no illness.  Isaac already has a plan in place to continue working at Waterworks after school, on weekends or in the event or virtual learning.  The week he got his license, he began working at the car wash with his sister.  He loves it and has worked a lot of hours, getting paid well and lots of tips.  We're so proud of Isaac and how hard he works!!!

Miles, our little freshie, has a full schedule as well but mainly with golf matches.  He had seven tournaments spanning from July 30-August 7 which meant he missed the first and third days of school.  He was able to attend open house and get a feel for where his classes would be since his first day was on Thursday instead of Wednesday.  I honestly don't know what we'd do without supportive grandparents.  Both Colvin (Pap) and Debbie (Nana) were rockstars last week and took him to all of his tournaments.  It was super helpful for us.  The first day of school tournament was at A.J. Jolly Golf Course in Alexandria, KY (about 3+ hours from Bowling Green).

Things won't slow down for him until late September.  I'm hopeful that he'll be able to keep up the pace of in-person school, homework and all of these matches.

 

 

 

He's been doing well with golf.  His last two tournaments, he's done very well scoring an 80 at Western Hills Golf Course (in Hopkinsville) and his personal best on Saturday at Hidden Hills County Club (in Tompkinsville) where he scored a 76 and tied for a 7th place finish. The Spartans won the Monroe County Invitational by two strokes beating a tough Franklin Simpson team.

I've watched Isaac play lacrosse, and I have watched Karson play basketball since 1st grade, volleyball since 7th grade, and run track since her Sophomore year, and I can easily tell you that golf gives me WAY more anxiety than all four of these activities combined.  Golf is hard y'all!!!  It teaches you so much, and my heart hurts when Miles (in his mind) doesn't perform as well as he'd like to. He has such passion for the game not only for himself but for others playing.  He's the biggest champion - expresses excitement when others, even opponents, do well, and wants the best for all his teammates. Miles is such a special young man. 

Matt begins year 11 in education.  I wish this could be a normal year for him and not COVID-filled.  The virus adds such a difficult element to an already stressful mix.  Please be mindful of him and all the other educators out there making hard decisions each day.

Put Your Best Face On....Let's Go Out With a BANG!!!

 That's exactly what happened yesterday for both of the Deaton boys.  As summer closes, both sons had a noteworthy day!  This summer has thrown Isaac a total curveball.  He'd planned to play club lacrosse which was quickly thwarted by a collarbone injury after his first tournament.  It also hindered his ability to drive for a pocket of time.  He got his learner's permit in January and has been driving/logging hours for the last six months.  With COVID and all the restrictions, it takes an act of congress to get a road test appointment these days.  I started getting on the KSP website two weeks to prior to his testing day and checking it religiously every morning until appointments finally popped up.  This week ALSO happens to be the week that students can secure their school parking passes for the year.  He, Matt and Karson went over to South the night before his test to select the "perfect" spot in the junior lot.  Karson is a spot picking pro since having her actual license since her sophomore year.  His car started smoking.  Ugh.  His car is solid black and extremely hot.  This blistering weather has not been easy.  The car started overheating and smoking.  NO!?!?  With his appointment the next day, we had to come up with a new plan.  He'd have to drive my car or Matt's.  I really hated that for him because when you're used to your own vehicle, performing well in another one is a little tricky.  Cars turn different.  They brake different.  Just frustrating.  Our sweet Pap came to the rescue and got his car fixed first thing that morning.  It was a leaky hose.  

 

My best since forever, Jennie was there at the Justice Center with her daughter Mia. Isaac and Mia are two days apart and have grown up together as neighbors and practically family.  They took their permit test in January at the same time, and both teens had their road test at the same time.  It was an exciting day for both of them as they were awarded their restricted license.

The youngest Deaton finished up with his 6th round of tryouts for the South Warren Spartans golf team yesterday.  Y'all...this weather!!!  Those guys walk 18 holes.  This heat is unbearable, and I don't know how anyone can stand to be out in it.  It's instant sweat.  Playing golf for 4+ hours and performing well has to be a challenge.  Good thing he loves it!

 

Yesterday the SW team was announced.  We're super excited for him and the boys golf team and looking forward to a successful season ahead.

Karson had a big week as well.  She went to Louisville over the weekend and did some nurse shadowing at the University of Louisville hospital on Monday.

Our teenagers make us proud!  Both Karson and Isaac got passing scores on their AP exams as well.  

Let's get it started!!!

Summer Don't Go

 Schools supplies are out and summer seems to be winding down.  We'll have TWO kids in high school and ONE in college.  Miles will be in the same building, just a different area as he enters in his freshman year at South Warren.  I'm going to be honest, I'm thankful he will be on block scheduling and only have four (4) classes compared to seven (7) in middle school.  In one week, Isaac will take his road test for his drivers license and begins his junior year shortly after.  Karson has selected her University of Louisville move in date for August 20th.  She will leave for Louisville over the weekend and plans to do nursing observations next Monday.

 

The kids had fun at Franklin CC's 4th of July festival!

Our weekdays and weekends seem to be filling up quickly.  Tournament golf has occupied most of Miles's time.  He played in multiple Go Golf and Bluegrass Tours and did well.  He's been practicing a lot at my parents house.  My dad has mowed down a nice area for him to practice his swing.  He's also been working hard at Franklin Country Club.  We joined the club about two months ago and love it.

 

SWHS boys golf tryouts are currently underway.  He's been working hard and performing well.

Isaac's summer came to abrupt halt after his first club lacrosse tournament.  He took a hit to the collarbone in pool play and turns out it was actually cracked.  He was in a sling for about two weeks trying to keep it stable.  It put a huge damper on fun, and he had to quit the Vandals!!!  

 

He's about six weeks post injury and feeling good.  He, Karson, Evan and Samuel went to Holiday World yesterday.  I was a bit worried he might be in pain because some of those coasters beat you to death, but he was fine.  He plans to go white water rafting with Greenwood Park's youth group this weekend.  He's making the most of the last few days of freedom.

Karson competed in the state track meet earlier this summer and was selected to represent the SWHS girls basketball team at Kentucky Super Preps at the Hot Rods stadium.  Both events culminated her sports chapters at South.

 

She's been putting in a lot of hours at Waterworks and saving money for college.  Her pile of dorm stuff grows by the minute.  It's a rare occasion for her to get a weekend-day off, but she was off last Saturday.  We scooped up Elizabeth and had a girls day in Nashville.  We ate at Big Bad Breakfast and did some shopping at Lululemon in the Gulch.  

Fun at Flealand while the girls are in Nashville!

Matt and his brothers were able to get away to the lake a few weeks ago.  They had a good time on Andrew's boat and attempting to wake surf.