7QT: Sweet Sixteen, A COVID Test, College Applications, and One More Birthday

1) 

Andrew turned SIXTEEN!  

He and his friend Caden went to the Seekonk Grand Prix a couple of weeks ago as his "party".  These are weird times, and Andrew is the type of kid who can't decide who not to invite to a party for fear of hurting their feelings, so he thought it would be easier to just go somewhere outside with one friend.  They had a blast and it was the right decision.

On his actual birthday, we were still awaiting results from a COVID test he had to take because he had left school with an upset stomach earlier that week.  Guys, every single ailment you could possibly have is a symptom for COVID and requires a test before you can come back to school.  So we got him tested on a Thursday and didn't find out it was negative until Sunday around 1pm.  The poor kid had to miss his first varsity soccer game of the year and Mass on his 16th birthday.  As soon as we found out it was negative, we gave him a gift...here he is practicing his gift opening face:

Here's his true reaction:

We gave him a Kohls gift card and I told him we were going shopping.  He was so happy because that kid loves buying new clothes and shoes.  I wonder where he gets that from? ;)  Before we left, we told him to go get his gift from Gammy and Grandpa, who also got him a Kohls gift card.  It's almost like it was planned or something. :)

2) 

I took him shopping at Kohls and we saved $448 as one does at Kohls, and then we came home and prepped his birthday dinner...homemade french bread pizzas!  Yum!

And salad and cream soda.

3)

Andrew works two jobs - as a cashier at a grocery store, and at an ice cream store.  So when we asked him what he wanted for his dessert, he knew right away. "Smore's ice cream with crushed graham crackers, marshmallow, and chocolate chunks."  He's honestly such a healthy eater, but he knows how to indulge :)

Phil put some candles in his sundae, and also a Donkey Kong figure (the boys thought it was hilarious).

4)

Then it was time for two more presents in a Mickey Mouse bag!

He got new soccer cleats and a Cam Newton jersey.  Go Pats!

 His Maryland grandparents sent up an Amazon gift card, which is always a house favorite and his godparents sent him Spikeball, which we are all psyched about. 

5)

Ok, enough about Andrew - ha!  We've been busy this week getting JP applied to colleges.  I completed the FAFSA and CSS and he is working on the applications.  He is applying to ten schools: Franciscan University, St. Francis University, Quinnipiac University, St. Anselm's, Ave Maria, Providence College, Catholic University of America, Stonehill College, Assumption College, and the University of Massachusetts.  His first choice is Franciscan (and our alma mater - but we didn't push it) after he visited with his cousin when he was in 8th grade.  If he goes there, he has to go to a different grad school after to become a Physician Assistant, and it's really tough to get into grad schools for that.  A couple of the schools have PA masters programs, so if you get in as a freshman, you will most likely stay for the 5 or 6 year program, but it's hard to get into those programs as a freshman.  Obviously money is the biggest issue for us in making a decision, so we're hoping when he gets offers, it is clear for him to choose his path.  He's applying to a state school that's close to home in case attending there and possibly transferring is the best option.  We're all new at this and it's very stressful!  JP is suuuuuch a good guy, a really great student, and has a strong faith that I don't want to see him lose.  Sending him off to school feels really weird and yet I never want to hold him back.  Thank the Lord I still have a four-year-old to cuddle :)

6)

JP got a warning from a cop because his car inspection sticker had expired.  We sat him down and told him that driving a car comes with great responsibilities, like noticing when he needs gas, or an oil change or an inspection.  The next day, I checked my van's inspection sticker and it had expired in December 2019.  D'oh!

7)

I am so ready for this long weekend!  Eamon's birthday was 2 weeks ago, Andrew's birthday was last weekend, and Phil's birthday is Sunday!  He is turning the big FOUR OH MY GOSH HE'S SO OLD.  Just kidding, I'm 41 so he's still a young pup, and always will be.  But 40 is a big deal, and stupid COVID is ruining all sorts of plans for everyone this year.  We are going to make the best of it at home, and hopefully be able to sneak away together in the future.  

Have a wonderful relaxing and fun weekend everybody!  Check your inspection stickers! :)