First day of school for me.

Well, I survived the first day of school. I am tired, but it felt good to be back in the swing of things. I think it is going to be a good year. I have a couple of new kids that I wasn't counting on, but I think I can handle it. I was up at 6:00 this morning and went for a workout a the YMCA. Becca joined Tom and I and we all worked out together. It was really fun and a great way to start the day. I do believe I will be going to bed early tonight.

TTFN

What to do.

Well, the classroom is pretty much ready. Now to get myself mentally ready. I plan on doing some of that this weekend.

I have a little dilemma. Becca has a really close "boy" friend. She was asked to go over and play, but she said that she was too tired. She has been working really hard in my classroom, but after questioning her, I think it is more than that. Becca has started puberty. Just beginning, but it is there. I think she is feeling a little uncomfortable around boys. I get it and I know it is natural. The dilemma is this, when I cancelled the playdate, telling them Becca was tired, I think the boy was hurt. He is a couple of years older than her, so I thought he might understand the "girl" thing, but I am not so sure. How do I tell the parents of the boy why Becca doesn't want to "play" so much anymore? When they play, it is pretend or things that don't interest her so much. It doesn't have anything to do with the boy other than the fact that he is a boy. Any suggestions? I don't want her to be forced into doing something she feels uncomfortable doing. She said to me, "Mom, if they are going to be mad then I will go". I did not give in to the possible anger of someone else. I didn't want her to be laden with the guilt. Goodness knows, I know all about that.

Anyway, if anybody has any suggestions, let me know. Today is my last day of summer and I have lots to do. I can't post as much during the school year, but I am going to do my best to stay in touch.

TTFN

Back at it.

Yesterday was great. Relaxing. Today, not so much. I am off to school to finish the classroom come "hell or high water". I really want to finish up today and have the next two days to relax a bit and not think about school so much. Becca is going with me and she has proven to be a great helper.

Tonight, we are off to the YMCA for swimming. That should be relaxing after a hard day of classroom prep.

Happy day to you all.

Lazy Sunday

I refuse to do school work or house work today. Maybe a load of laundry or two, but that's it. I think I am calling Deb Harnly and we will be off to Goodwill. That's relaxing to me. I am chomping at the bit to get my classroom finished, but today, I must rest. It is so hard for me to relax and my blood pressure proves it. I am working hard at relaxing more. That is so tough for me. I am constantly on the go and therefore, constantly tired. Gotta fix that.

Becca had a great time at horse camp last week. I hope to download pictures and get them off next week. Now, she wants a horse. I am thinking about letting the girls have riding lessons next fall. That is a lot cheaper than trying to own a horse.

I must go and get ready for church.

Happy day to all.

Just working today.

Off to another school to meet with other teachers to plan next year. Then, off to school to clean, organize and get ready for next Thursday. That's right folks. Next Thursday, I officially go back to school. So much for summer.

This evening I will work out at the YMCA with Becca and then we are off to an outdoor movie at a local mall. Busy, busy day.

Tom and Laura tried a drumming exercise class at the Y. Tom said it kicked his butt. Laura absolutely hated it. I can't get her interested in exercise. I am hoping that as we ALL go to the YMCA, she will either find something active to do or be totally bored. I don't know if this strategy will work, but I am going to try.

Happy day all.

End of the summer.

Just realizing, today, that summer is really about over for me. I wish the heat were over. Becca is at horse camp for two more days and I have one more week out of school. As I said yesterday, I am so excited about school starting, but there is another big part of me that dreads the hustle and bustle of the new school year.

I worked out at the YMCA, yesterday, for the first time. I really liked it. I am trying to not get too excited so that the enthusiasm lasts. Does that make sense? I know this will have to be a lifestyle change and I want it to be as enjoyable as possible. It's also a great way to spend time as a family. Becca and I worked out together yesterday. Her swimming skills are getting better and better. Tom and Laura are off to a drumming exercise class this afternoon. I did my walk this morning with the gals in my neighborhood.

Have a great Wednesday.

Getting back in the swing of school.

Yesterday, I went in to school for four hours. I can't believe I am saying this, but I can't wait for school to begin. I miss my kids. I really love them and I can't wait to see how they have grown. Last year was so stressful and I am determined to take better care of myself this year.

This afternoon, Tom, Becca and myself all have appointments with a trainer at the YMCA. I hope mine is really cute and not critical of all the extra baggage. I hope to alleviate that soon.

I have a student at the door, so I must go for now.

Harry Potter

The family had a great time with their marathon and Harry Potter. Laura invited a guest and Andre came over to watch the movies with Becca. They watched all five movies and then headed out to the theatre where they waited in line for three hours. I didn't go as I had a dental appointment the next day. Too bad.

They arrived back home at 3am. Laura and her friend were giggling in the back seat of the car. They had pumped so much caffeine, they couldn't stop laughing. They told Tom that they wanted to wait in the car a few moments, to calm down, before coming in an waking the house with their laughter. Tom said fine and went in the house. He was really tired as it was 3am. He was on autopilot and locked all of the doors in the house. This included the garage door, which locked Laura and her friend inside the garage. At 4am, Tom had come to bed and was sound asleep, when I heard the garage door open. I thought for sure someone was breaking into our home and the girls were sleeping in the living room, due to the guest. I woke Tom up gently and told him that someone was in the garage. He went downstairs to find Laura and her friend banging on the door. Needless to say, I had to get up and go to the dentist, but everyone else in the house slept till noon. The moral to this story is, if you have a couple of giddy girls, make them come in the house.

We joined the YMCA, yesterday. Becca had a great time at the pool last night. I have an appointment with a trainer, next Tuesday. He will orient me to all the equipment and help me get fit. He also holds me accountable to exercise. I think I need that.

I am playing for a wedding tomorrow. We love the couple and have been friends of their family since coming to Colorado. I was talking to her mother and I just can't believe that we are old enough to have married children. It seems like yesterday we were planning our wedding. Time sure flies. It has left me feeling a little sad. It made me wonder what the next 22 years of marriage will bring.

Today, the girls and I are off to buy school clothes. I have to make a trip up to my classroom to start moving furniture and putting my room in order. I can't believe it's that time already. I sure look forward to seeing my kiddos.

Jen, have a safe trip. Michelle, package is coming. To all the rest, have a blessed day.

Mom going home today.

We have had a great time with Mom, this week. We are all sad to see her go. I am also struggling with my emotions as this is the most stress free visit we have ever had. It has been pure joy. Thanks for all of your prayers. I think we all needed this. I hope that my mom can go home rejuvenated and in a better state of mind. My sister is still gone and we have not heard from her.

I was able to do something really cool, yesterday. We hired the three paras that I wanted for my classroom next year. I still don't know why God has made me the boss, thinking I would be a good manager for adults, but he did. Yesterday it felt good to call these wonderful ladies and congratulate them on getting their jobs.

Well, I am off to make breakfast for my geeks in the living room. I mean that in the most loving way, but right now, I have Tom, Laura, Becca and Laura's friend in my living room watching a Harry Potter marathon. They intend on watching all of the movies in order and then going to the 12:05 new movie premier, tonight. They have had tickets for over a week. GEEKS!!!!! I love those little nerds, though.

Love to you all.

Mom update

Just wanted everyone to know that I am having a great time with Mom. We spent four hours in Goodwill yesterday. It's been seven years since she visited. I hope it's not that long until she comes again.

What to do.

Mom came in late last night. So far, nice visit. I have a favor to ask. For those of you who read my blog or have visited us, please tell my your favorite free place to spend time here in the Springs. I want Mom's visit to be low key, but fun. If anyone thinks of a must see beyond Garden of the Gods, let me know.

Happy day everyone.

Mom comes today.

Busy day today. Mom comes tonight, another wedding rehearsal (for the same wedding as I rehearsed for last week) and lessons to give. Why do I feel like my house needs to be spotless for my mother? I just don't know.

Happy day all.

Happy Monday

It was a very fine weekend. We had lots of friends over on the fourth and the rain stopped so that we could enjoy the fireworks. We got two displays from our driveway. It was great to have new and old friends over. In all we had 13 friends over. We had to huddle and eat in our garage due to the rain. Tom got out the chiminea and we roasted marshmallows and made Smores. It was Valentina's (David's wife from Russia) first time eating the treat. She thought they were yummy.

On Sunday, I played with the band at church, outside. We had an outdoor service. As we worshiped and I played, I am so thankful to live in such an absolutely gorgeous place. The rain held off for that too. Thank goodness, I had an electric violin in my hands as we heard thunder rumbling.

Sunday afternoon we went back to Palmer Lake with the Harnlys and Deb's Dad. We didn't catch a thing, again, but we sure had fun. I am blessed with great friends. I especially love friends that aren't afraid to bait a hook with a night crawler.

Tomorrow night, Mom comes. I am praying that we have a great visit. Also, please keep my sister, Jenny, in your prayers. She has taken off with her children and we haven't heard from her in a week. Supposedly she is in New Jersey. Ghetto, New Jersey. We are all scared and don't know what to do. She is running, I think, from herself. We love her so much and we pray that she comes to terms with whatever it is she needs to do, before it is too late.

On a brighter note, I am off to clean house and do some school paperwork.

Happy Monday to all.

Day before the fourth.

Lots and lots to do today. I am off to Focus on the Family for some fun with my Goddaughter, Megan. Then it's back home to do a little cleaning and then off to a date with my hubby. I can't the last time we had a real date. Becca is off to a sleepover and Laura is off at camp. We pick Laura up tomorrow morning. Yeah!!!! Big cookout planned for tomorrow to be topped off with fireworks from our driveway. For those of you who don't know, we have the perfect view of the Air Force Academy fireworks display, from our driveway. Tom gets out the chimanea for Smores and we invite bunches of friends. Should be fun. Short and sweet today, but have a great day.

Crazy Day

Lots of violin students today. I have another rehearsal for church on Sunday. Just seems like a crazy day and for some reason I am really tired. I feel like I could have slept and slept this morning. I didn't though, I drug myself out of bed and did my walk with the gals. Yes, Jen, through the Mount Baldy neighborhood with the killer hills. I hope I'm not coming down with something. Still missing Laura and I can't wait until Saturday when I pick her up.