Ready or not...

it's time to get back to the school routines. It has been a good but strange summer break. The first part of the summer was so smokey that you could not enjoy the outdoors so much and then their was 2 weeks of storms followed by triple digit temperatures that left you wanting nothing but air conditioning.

I have to say that the kids had an enjoyable "stay-cation" this year. They have been to Wild Adventures several times over the summer (thanks to some really cool grandparents) and they played a lot of Wii.

So today is middle school open house. I'm excited for my daughter. She's going to be in 7th grade this year. I think that this is going to be a good year for her. She has adjusted to middle school nicely (far cry from her mother) and she has even decided to try for tennis (if they have a team this year). Tennis. I never saw that one coming. She is also going to go back to dance. She has decided on ballet and I am hoping that she enjoys it like she did when she was 7. I'm very proud of my daughter. I don't think I could have asked for more.

Tomorrow is elementary open house. This year the boys are in 3rd and 5th grade. So this is the last year for my older son. I know that he is excited. I am too, but at the same time, I'm a little sad. I have been at the elementary school for 9 years! WOW! I have 3 more years including this one, but I can see it quickly coming to an end. I love our elementary school. I love the teachers, the staff, the administrators. They are such a great team. So this year the boys have decided the following...the youngest wants to do "nothing" this year. I don't think that will last. If nothing else I want him involved with one group. I do believe I may have to make him. I know it's important to be involved with life and I don't want him to miss out on opportunities. My older son has decided on K-Kids (Kiwana Kids) and Basketball. I may get him involved with the science club this year. He is very good.

If they stick with just these few activities and focus on what they love, I think that this year will be calmer than last year. Only time will tell.


As for me, well I have enjoyed simplifying my life a little more. I am beginning to teach clarinet from home. I have decided to focus on working with home school students. That is the only "new" thing on my schedule, however, it's 2 hours a day, 4 days a week, and it is before my children get home from school. With the way my work schedule is now, I am able to have meetings early, and then be home to teach. God is so good to allow me to do this, and I am humbled.

So that's about it...for now.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen