First day of School!

It's here...the first day of school. I've been so excited for the kids to be back in a routine, and of course for me to have some quiet time. I've got to tell you though, it feels so quiet. Six entire hours of just me. I miss the kids, and I especially miss the happy-go-lucky little one. My trips to the grocery are definitely faster and quieter by myself, but that doesn't necessarily make them better. My husband and I have realized it's official...we no longer have "little" children. I'm happy to see them grow and mature and develop and learn, but I miss the days of my kids being little.

Saturday morning tidbits

We are headed up to the lake shortly to spend the day with my father. We've been having absolutely gorgeous weather lately, and I'm really looking forward to getting to spend the day up there. Of course, the heat is supposed to be in the 90's on Monday, just in time for the kids to return to their schools without air conditioning.

I'm officially employed! My contract arrived from the kids' school district this morning for me to be a substitute teacher in their school. I'm really excited about the opportunity to earn some extra money, and at the same time to totally be on the same schedule as the kids. I'm nervous about some of the changes that will take place in our lives because I'm not home all day, but I'm also grateful for the opportunity not to have to be home all day missing the kids.

Last night high school football kicked off and the weather could not have been more perfect. In fact, it was actually chilly by the end of the game. Our school district continued their winning ways, but the game we were at was my husband's school district where they are just not good. Going to be a long season for them I think.

Haven't mentioned it lately, but my Reds are in first place, four games in front of the Cardinals. Loving it!

HT and his toys

A toy catalog arrived yesterday in the mail. HT was on it right away as he is by far the most excited about such things. JR is entering the phase where "toys" aren't the first choice...more like "electronics". JC is still into toys and playing, but HT is still a little kid. He was pointing out all of the things he wants for his seventh birthday, which is still many months away. I finally said that I thought that was too many requests for just his seventh birthday and he informed me some of them could be for his seventh and a half birthday. I said we don't really celebrate that and his response was, "I think we should." Not going to happen but I've got to give him credit for trying!

There was definitely one thing he didn't want included among his presents though. It's some kind of dinosaur thing and he pointed to it and announced, "I don't want this. This disturbs me!" Ah, he makes me laugh!

The End of Summer

Today is the last day of summer vacation. Of course the kids don't start school until Monday, but at this point Saturday and Sunday are just a regular weekend. I've had such an emotional reaction to this week. I've been SO ready for the kids to start so they can get out of the house. At the same time, I LOVE having them home with me in a relaxed environment where they can make drawings and play games. Sometimes I wish I had the patience or endurance to home school them so I could always have them with me, but I am very aware that is something that would never work for our personalities. My kids love going to school and for that I'm grateful. I'm a little melancholy that my youngest starts first grade. I know he's more than ready, but in so many ways it makes him all grown up, and I'm not ready for that! I've even had a tough time adjusting to my husband being at work this week. I really miss him. I'm so grateful for these mixed feelings though...while I'm excited about moving on, I'm so glad that I'm happy enough with my life as it is that I'm a little sad to see it change!

It's Gonna Be a Long One

It took all summer, but boredom has officially set in for the kids. We are kind of having a rough week of it, with Dad back at school but the rest of us still in summer mode. I personally feel no motivation for accomplishing anything, and that certainly isn't helping our cause. And combine it with the fact that my wonderful husband is not only gone all day, but almost every evening as well and you can imagine that we just kind of feel like we are in a funk. This evening I am taking the kids to watch a cousin play soccer. Because of travel, this will kill a good two hours! Tomorrow is lunch with my mother and grandmothers, and then I think we will travel to Dad's school and have dinner with him between the end of his school day and the beginning of his open house. Thursday is lunch with my sister, and Friday we'll be driving back to Dad's school to meet up with friends for the opening of the high school football season. At least we are getting out and about! The kids are so excited about school starting next week, and right now it just feels as though it is forever away!

A Week to Go!

Just a week until the school year begins for the kids. No sleeping in this week as we are "in training", but still mostly carefree days. My wonderful husband is officially back at it today...I miss having him home during the day, but enjoying the beautiful weather that we are having. JR has a dentist appointment today, and we are accomplishing other small things during the week. I can't believe all my "babies" will be in school all day every day, but looking forward to the freedom that will provide as well. Life is very blessed!

Family Fun Day

Today our family is spending the day together, doing fun things, to mark the end of our summer. At least, we will be, as soon as I am finished with the three loads of laundry calling my name. We will be taking the kids to a movie and to someplace fun for dinner...someplace where they serve ice cream. The kids are all still off next week, but my husband is officially back at it on Monday, and our evenings are full with open houses, etc. So today is it, and I want to cherish it all day.