There are no two ways about it, 2018 has not been a good year for the Smiths. Scratch that, 2018 has sucked out loud and I am genuinely looking forward to kicking it to the curb (though, frankly, the way our luck has been going, there's no guarantee that 2019 will be any better). That … Continue reading Being thankful while trying not to be selfish

I try not to brag about my son, I really do. But every so often, I can't help myself and this is one of those times. He was cut from the sprint football team Plebe Year and while disappointing, that really turned out to be something of a blessing. Plebe Summer had taken its toll … Continue reading When all that hard work pays off

There are so many great things about NOT being a Plebe that it's hard to categorize or quantify them. But one of the little, yet important, joys is the option to wear "spirit gear" in the evening. Plebes are restricted to official PT gear, but everyone else can wear "spirit gear" - essentially anything emblazoned … Continue reading The Youngsters reveling in Spirit Gear (among other things)

I've written many times about the roller coaster of life as an Academy parent. We felt it again recently. My Mid got cut from the Sprint football team Plebe Year, earned an invite to camp that led to a roster spot last year and after a summer of working on every aspect of his game … Continue reading A reluctant sailor finally relieved of his watch

I read the Facebook post and froze. “Today, our mid wrapped up what has been a very long, painful decision to process out of the Academy.” Some Mids leave because of disciplinary issues. That wasn’t her son. Some Mids leave because of physical problems and injuries. That wasn’t her son. Her son is an outstanding … Continue reading My son voluntarily left the USNA: A Mid-Mom’s story

With all the hype around 2/C Parents Weekend, there was no way it could meet expectations. Except it did. But it didn't. Seems everything about being an Academy parent is complicated (probably by our own doing). First, a few topline observations: The weekend reminded us that our family doesn't deserve to be blessed with everything … Continue reading How 2/C Parents Weekend exceeded, yet failed to meet every expectation

There are a million and one things that separate the Naval Academy from other schools and why it is often referred to as N*ot College. Parents Weekend is one of them. First off, there are only two Parents Weekends during a Midshipman's time at the Academy - Plebe Parents Weekend near the end of Plebe … Continue reading 2/C Parents Weekend: What a difference two years make