A MATRIARCH PASSES

REILLY MARY E.
In Meriden Dec. 15 2008, Mary E. Reilly age 92 of 321 Eastern St. New Haven sister of the late Philip, Samuel, and Hugh F. Reilly Jr; aunt of Eleanor Reilly, Mary Schmitz, Philip, Vincent, Daniel, Peter, James, and Hugh Reilly; sister-in-law of Margaret Reilly.
Miss Reilly was born in New Haven April 18 1916 daughter of Hugh F. and Mary Lawler Reilly. She was a retired employee of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. and was a long time parishioner of St. Francis Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Francis Church Thursday morning at 10 o’clock. Friends may call prior to the mass at the Clancy Funeral Home 43 Kirkham Ave. East Haven from 8:30. Burial in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

First Dad & now Tudi. I don't know how Mom keeps it all together & isnt' falling apart. I so hope that I have her strength when I need it most.

WORK-FAMILY-WEATHER-HOLIDAYS

Too much going on & never enough time.

Work is changing & somewhat irritating at the moment. Restructuring is happening and yesterday after a phone call with my old supervisor who will still be my supervisor but not directly I felt like I was being thrown under the bus. Not a good feeling in these times.

Family is all healthy except for Tudi. She's ill & is adding undo stress on Mom. Yesterday she ate some food & was feisty when Mom visited so maybe she's getting better. She's 92 & still going strong-Mom calls her the Energizer Bunny.

Weather is strange-cold one day warm the next. Snow, rain, ice, sleet, hail, wind-you name it we've seen it in the last 24 hours. School is delayed 2 hours as of right now & Matt doesn't want K to drive to school since the roads aren't too great.

Holidays are coming & I've done very little shopping. I haven't even decorated the house. Hence the very little time comment that I began with. It just doesn't feel like Christmas or winter for that matter & to be honest I don't feel like decorating at all. I think I'll have to take a day off from work to go shopping. We haven't even had our cookie night yet & I've not heard about it from anyone-my one holiday short cut.

TRIBUTE TO MY DAD

The Greater New Haven Loan Fund is going to honor my Dad tomorrow night at their annual dinner. Mom will receive the award & John, Danny, Gerry & I will be there to support her. The following is what they will have in their program for the evening.

Honoring the Life Work of John Schmitz, CPA

“The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give.” – Leo Buscaglia

And in that statement, is the essence of the life that was John J. Schmitz. The Greater New Haven Community Loan Fund staff and leadership are honored to dedicate this 20th Anniversary celebration to John J. Schmitz in memory of his many contributions to the organization – as a friend, supporter and our accountant. John had been recommended by someone in a larger CPA firm that felt we were too small. As we tried to define our firm, his response was, “I know what you do…my brother runs a similar organization.” And so we began our journey.
By our Executive Director’s admission, John’s introduction to the Loan Fund was a stack of handwritten spreadsheets, loose invoices, receipts, and a checkbook with carbon copy. He took those random bits of paper and miraculously converted them into an audited financial statement. For the next 20 years, he stayed with us, certainly not for financial gain. For him, it wasn’t a job…it was a mission. During his tenure, many organizational milestones were achieved. His quiet efficiency and extraordinary knowledge of his trade encouraged our organization to continue in pursuit of our purpose. We grew and expanded, introducing new products, programs and services into the realm of our existence, always understanding that our fiscal structure was strong and in safe, capable hands. John left no doubt as to what was most important in his life. He spoke of his growing family, his trips with Mary, and his work with his church.
John was born in New Haven, Connecticut on February 14, 1944, the son of George and Isabel Carney Schmitz. He graduated from St. Francis Grammar School, Wilbur Cross High School and received a BS from The University of New Haven. He began his accounting career in 1964. After receiving his C.P.A., he became a partner in the firm of Possidente & Schmitz, C.P.A. in the late 1970’s. He opened his own firm of John J. Schmitz, C.P.A. in 1991. In 1966 John married Mary and they had four children, Mary, John Jr., Daniel, and Christopher. He was the proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren with the 11th due in January 2009. John was a member of the board of The Mary Wade Home, a past member of the board of Life Haven, Inc., a member of The Rotary Club of New Haven – as Treasurer of Rotary District 798 for three years, a member of the Parish Council of St. Stephen Church, a member of The Knights of Columbus, and board member of St. Mary’s High School. John and Mary were also Chairpersons of the Americares HomeFront Project for St. Stephen Church for five years and were Co-Chairpersons of the St. Stephen Building/Expansion Fund. He died on Friday, August 1, 2008. Besides his beloved family, he leaves two brothers, Monsignor Gerard G. Schmitz of Bloomfield and Brother George C. Schmitz, C.S.C, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
John left a legacy of excellence and a proven track record of quality and outstanding performance. His will be large footsteps to fill…a difficult path to follow for the next firm. He is already sorely missed.

It's still really hard.

SCHOOL - NOT EASY/FUN

So, had my very first 504 meeting today & boy did it not go well. First off the counselor was not very professional. He did not make a statement of confidentiality prior to beginning the meeting nor did he have us all sign in. So, as we go through the roundtable & hear what's going on w/ E in classes it's clear that she's really struggling with Math. They then are saying that she's not got her basic skills in Math. Then he starts in on the fact that her 504 is questionable b/c he can't tell what her main disability is and there's no "paper trail" for him to follow. I told him it should all be in her file that came over from the old school & that the fact that the 504 paperwork changes from district to district so that the listing of her disability was removed from the paperwork once she got to SAU #9.

I'm so frustrated I could scream.

Of course, E doens't want to hear what her options are for Math. Going for extra help which she's all for, but she doesn't wasnt a tutor b/c she's got to give up some time at the barn. She's not interested in dropping down into a lower Math & then taking Algebra I in the summer so she wont' have to take it next year. She's so angry & wacked out about this now.

Plus, she now says she hates the school & wants to leave it b/c she wants a school w/ new people/friends. What she doesn't understand is that she's got to take an entrance test to get into the school she wants to go to & they don't offer the level skiing she needs for getting into the college she wants in 4 years. It's really strange. She loved the school until last week-so something is up.

GOOD BYE SEPTEMBER

Well, in 3 more days September ends. I'm still in amazement that my baby K is a senior in high school. She's looking at colleges & getting ready for sat's on saturday. We're going to senior portraits on sunday. E's at a horse show to support her best friend today. Her friend KD is ranked #1 in her age group for 2 divisions-YEAH! Way to go KD. T & M are driving me nuts. I wish that T would not antagonize M-it's crazy. I've got to find something for them to do. Of course, they've got CCD work to do since we've not done any work yet & I'm supposed to be homeschooling them for this.

Mom & John went to court on Wednesday to get things finalized w/ Dad's will. It'll be one full month that he's been gone. Mom's doing okay, but you can tell when she's had a tough day. She told me the other day that dad's best friend goes to visit him one day a week on his way home from work. Mom goes every Sunday. Not too sure if I can go & visit-just thinking about it makes me get very sad. We'll see how things go.

B&D came for dinner last night. I made a roast lamb that came out wonderfully. I couldn't get the potatoes made b/c I forgot to buy cheddar cheese soup. Oh well, I'll have to stock up when I go shopping.

Fall is definitely here. The leaves are changing colors. We've got a beautiful maple tree in the front yard. I whish I knew how to post pictures.

K's team won their soccer game yesterday. E's game was cancelled b/c of rain. T's team won on Wednesday. Everyone's having fun at school & sports. Now, if I could just get my mind organized around this job & get some things going in KHS I'd feel better about the whole Student Assistance Counselor position.

WORK WORK & MORE WORK

So, I've officially been back at work since the last week of August, but it seems as if instead of falling into a reliable schedule I'm bouncing around and not getting much done. I like the two days at the high school, two days at the middle school, and one day at the academy thing, but there is no time for the office/paperwork that I have to get done. I suppose I could do that at night while I'm home but then that takes away from the kids & I'm just too tired to do it after they're in bed. Next week I'm spending 3 days in Portsmouth for training.

I really need to get it in gear for the activity I want to bring to the high school for homecoming week. I've got to meet up w/ the principal tomorrow to discuss it all with him. I also need to get my school id/pass working correctly so I can swipe into/out of the middle school too. Right now I can only get into the high school. But, the good thing about the high school is that more & more kids are realizing that I'm there so they're coming by my office to say hi. This is just what I wanted with this job-I want them to know I'm there & that they can stop by anytime-that way when there is a problem/issue it wont feel funny if they seek me out for help.

D&D are here w/ the kids for the weekend. They did storyland yesterday. I would have taken E,T, & M there too but I had to take E to the walk-in clinic. She had some sort of issue w/ her breathing on Thursday night on the soccer bus on the way home from their game. They called the ambulance & all-Matt was w/ the rescue so he was there as she arrived. It seems that she was hyperventalating, but she was fine (according to the paramedic). So, in order for her to continue playing soccer she had to get checked out. The DR said that the only way they can tell if it's the on-set of asthma is if they (any DR) sees her while the symptoms are going on, or it could be anxiety/stress breathing. Great.

K's soccer team played in Dublin yesterday-they won 4-0. They lost their first game 3-1 this past week. I'm hoping to get to her game next Saturday since I'll be away on Wednesday. I love the private school sports schedule.

E's team has been playing well, but has only won 2 of the 8 games they've played since August 28th. She did score a goal last Friday at their away game.

T decided to play on the 5/6 team. Jody's excited b/c he loves to run & he's the only left footed player on the team. He scored a goal on Wednesday & was so excited-it was his first ever! I've got to look into the local track team for him for spring. I think it would be good for him.

M has choosen not to play any sports this spring. I wish he'd play 3/4 soccer but he's not interested at all. He only wants spring soccer. I suppose I should be happy that it's one less schedule to juggle-but he's adamant about no sports right now.

Life goes on.

TRAVEL

So, now I'm getting ready to go back to CT for one night before heading off w/ K to look at colleges. I really can't believe that my baby is old enough to be looking at colleges. When she was born it seemed like such a long time off. I'm feeling very aprehensive about going home again. It was tough enough last week to go home knowing that DAD wasn't there anymore & he never would be again...now it's just strange. T & M are looking forward to spending a week w/ Mom. They'll go to Mystic for a day. K & I should be back in CT late wednesday & then head out to look at Stonehill & Providence the next day. I'm hoping that B&D can drive E 1/2 way to Boston so I don't have to drive all the way back to NH to pick her up for EGS' christening. At least we'll all be together again for a happy occasion.

We hiked the Great Hill Fire Tower today w/ J & J & M. She loves M to no end. It was so cute the way she calls his name while they're together. As usual the view from the tower were spectacular. I think they all enjoyed the hike. It wasn't too strenous, & we were back down by 12pm.

GONE-GONE-GONE

My father passed away last night at 820pm from a massive heart-attack. He died in front of mom. John had to deal w/ calling all of us last night. Everyone of us will arrive sometime tomorrow. Matt'll bring the kids down on Tuesday. Still can't believe he's gone, he was only 64 & he was healthy. I just am in shock.

AK HAS ARRIVED!

The fam from AK is here. Robin, Pat & the kids arrived early Sunday afternoon. We had a nice afternoon at the beach, even though the water was so high there was no beach. The kids have grown so much in 3 years it's incredible. Plus meeting Marie has been a blast. She loves Poppy-who doesn't love Poppy (he's awesome). Robin & Pat both look the same no changes there. John & Joseph have grown up & are no longer really shy. They've been enjoying playing with T & M each day. Today they all went to Storyland-even Lois. She's here too. Staying at the Hampton Inn next to McD's where the water park is-the kids can't wait for a rainy day so they can go up & try it all out. K & I & Matt are all working. I'm regretting now that I said I'd work at summer school. I have no time to visit. Oh well. At least they all loved my apps on Sunday before dinner. More after the visit & after we drop T off at camp in two weeks.

NEW BABY!!!!

The New Baby Is Here!! The New Baby Is Here!! Yes, Ethan Gerard arrived last night at 908pm and he weighed in at 8#4.6oz & 21". He came on Mom's 64th birthday which is just what she wanted as a gift. I'd hoped he would have arrived on the 1st which is Ethan's mom's birthday & Matt's too. He looks like Nicholas except w/ red hair like his mom. Now I can't wait to go on our college visits so we can see him first before anyone else. Although I thinks the rents are going to MD to meet him next week some time.

Fireworks last night. Pretty-OHHH-AHHH.

Fireworks tomorrow night-Matt, 3 kids, his folks, on a boat on the big lake-Me @ work & not dealing w/ the other boats as they try to make their way home through the channel.

Change day on Saturday.

Baseball's been great so far for T. He seems to be enjoying it. The coach is fantastic. He truly loves the game & teaches the kids correct fielding techniques, throwing & batting. Of course, watching T run is quite amuzing-he's so gangly. K said he was throwing his glove in the air yesterday during the game-no big suprises there.

NEWS-NEWS-NEWS!!!!

Didn't think I'd post so soon after my last one, but can't wait. Just found out last night that J&J are expecting #2! The newest member of our family will arrive sometime around January 18th. So this will make #11 for grandchildren for the folks-who also just this week celebrated 42 years of marriage. Now we're all just waiting for F&A's baby to arrive. She's ready & so is the baby according to the doctors so any day now.

I helped Matt with some work last weekend. I spread 5yds of mulch on Saturday for him. It was all up hill-literally. I had to wheel the mulch up a hill, dump the pile & go back for more before I even began to spread it. It took me about 3.5 hrs to complete the job. My calves, glutes & thighs certainly got a work out. Then on Sunday I helped Matt with a brick stairway. He built (framed) it on Saturday while I did the mulch thing. Basically since I'm not as creative as he is in the design process, I hauled the brick from the pallets to the stairs & placed them where they belonged while he leveled the stone dust, watered it in, and lay the brick. I worked from about 730-1 & then I couldn't do it anymore. It was just too hot & the sun was right above us after it came over the trees. I went home took a shower, a short nap & then was ready to go back & help, but by then he was spent too. I carried 520 bricks for this project. But, if I do say so myself the stairway is beautiful. If I can figure out how to post pics I'll put one in.

Next friday is my last day at Northern. I start at camp on Tuesday (5-10). I have to go to Concord on Monday for a final training on something I'm going to work on over the summer. Plus I've got to do my alcohol surveys for local businesses all summer.

Summer's Almost Here...

Only 2 weeks left of school & then summer's begun in our house. Went to camp last night for annual spaghetti supper. I love getting to catch up w/ parents, meet new campers, & chat w/ staff before camp really gets going. I'll be doing double duty next week-working regular job in the am & then off to camp for work in the pm.

Celebrated Gerry's 40th ordination into religious life on 5/23/08-it was also his birthday so it was a double celebration. K was done w/ school that weekend so she's just waiting till work starts-next week & then I'm sure we won't see her that often once she's really busy. E finishes up at KMS on 6/24/08-last day of school as well as promotion night. KMS had 8th grade transition day on thursday at Storyland-I had a good time leading activities & the kids seemed to have fun. T & M finish up on 6/25/08. T's going to play baseball all through July. I've got to figure out how to get M to swim lessons since I'm going to be teaching at summer school. It's all logistics & scheduling.

I'm so excited for camp to begin again. I really look forward to camp each summer. It's where I can renew & re-energize-even though it's work it doesn't feel like work.

Well, off to a job site now. I need to get 5 yards of mulch spread today for Matt. It just might give me a chance to see him for a few hours tonight. He's laying a brick walkway and steps today. They did prep work yesterday in the rain-no it didn't clear off-the weather people got it wrong. Oh, and even though they say it's going to be warm today-I'm freezing!!! It's 63 here now & I'm wearing a fleece and socks-yes, I have something covering my feet.

WOW-Lots to share

The title says it all. 5am wakeup tone to announce the arrival of the idential Call twins. New job started back in October. Love working at other schools & doing what I do. Matt's doing well & just bought a new truck-it's a spring thing-have to buy something new each spring. Can't wait till he outgrows this phase. K's looking at schools for next year-can't believe she's going to be a senior. E's finished up a strong year of skiing & has done extremely well for herself-wouldn't be surprised if she can write her own ticket to college in a few years. T's had a rough year in 4th grade-worried about next year. Still need to have him evaluated for school issues. M's loving 3rd grade w/ Karen-he's finally gotten over the fact that he doesn't need to be the class clown when he's confused about work. Gerry & George got to see the POPE on Saturday at St. Pats. The rents got to see the POPE on Sunday at Yankee Stadium. Lois turned 75 on Friday, Tudi turned 92 on Friday & George turned 61 on Saturday. New twins will arrive this summer or early Sept for Kara & Dave-fraternal. Karen's coming back to camp this summer as asst. director. Fig & Amber's baby will arrive in June as school gets out-it'd be like our family to have another shared birthday-Sadie's bday is in June so there's a good chance. And, we might be getting a new dog. I need to email the breeder & see if the dog's available & not preggers. 2yo female husky, housebroken, perfect for us.