State of the Family

Today school starts. I officially have a 2nd grader and a 5th grader. The last year they will both be in elementary school. Not until Brayden's a senior will they even be in the same school at the same time again. Sigh.....

Okay, grieving time is over. I'm laughing as Linda and Sara have both had their kids back for several weeks now. I bet you guys start enjoying summer vacation a lot earlier than June 17th!

So, as I've been a little remiss in blog updates- here's a run-down on the family.

John: Leaves for Men's Round-Up this evening. He's nearly as giddy as Michael has been for the last month (as he leaves this week with his brother, nephew, and Travis to go hunting). John is eager to hang with his buddy, Dave - especially for the days leading up to Friday night when the Men's Retreat begins. I'm happy for him. He was president last year, so he had a huge weight of responsiblities - this year, he's still on the "board", but has less to worry about. He returns to the presidential responsibility in 2011. Enjoy yourself this weekend, honey - you deserve it!

Brayden: Brayden's had a ton of great teachers at Gilham - some I've liked more than him, and vice versa. But, I'm not sure if I've ever had a better first impression than I did yesterday with his teacher. Her name is Mrs. Jakious and she's young (but not brand new), fun, and super enthusiastic. Her classroom is very organized, but cheerful - and at the Open House yesterday, she couldn't stop smiling. Furthermore, the class is loaded with a lot of friends that Brayden hangs out with. Outside of also including a few buddies that have been placed in other classrooms, I couldn't ask for more. Let's hope the positive vibes keep continuing.

In football, Brayden is first string wide reciever. He's very happy with this. This coming Sunday is their Jamboree, so we'll have a better chance at seeing how the team all comes together in actual play.

Mikayla: Mikayla was placed with a brand new teacher at Gilham, but not new to the profession She was "stolen" from another district. =) Given it was a hiring done by a principal that I very much trust and admire, I feel VERY good about it. Ms. Corbeau was also "all-smiles" yesterday, and Mikayla is thrilled that her Gilham BFF, Kenady, is also in the class with her.

She is also on a team with Kenady and other friends to play soccer. Her first "real" practice is this evening.......good times.

Me: And, speaking of "good times" so embarks this bittersweet time of year for me when my travel-companion (errands) and home company gets passed off to Sydney. (She's very excited as the summer weather as greatly cut down on her "car time"). This year, I'm feeling much more of the "sweetness" vs. the bitterness. Maybe it's because I've felt like a slacker as a mom and I'm glad they'll be "stimulated" at school better than I've done lately. Or maybe it's the arguing that I won't miss that's prevalant too often around here. Perhaps its the fact that I HAVE TO get back into the "gym routine" which is hard when the kids are around. But, really, selfishly, I think it's the freedom. The idea that I could wander Target for a few hours and nobody would complain. I do plan to make better use of my time than that.....at least in the big scheme I will. But, for the next few days - who knows*..... =)

* My name continues to stay on the "Subfinder" but as I'm really only available to sub mornings, it is a pretty rare occurence that I'll find a job. I'm sure my weeks will start really filling up with college "dates" with the gals and helping in the classroom. In other words, don't worry too much about my lack of freedom.......