Thursday, August 26, 2010

A Schedule and Some Sanity

I miss my kids when they're at school. Boo hoo. However, I so appreciate the schedule a school-year brings. I like somewhat knowing what the day will bring, the way it will play out.

So far this year is going a lot better than last. Last year we were so over-scheduled: horseback riding three times a week, karate two times a week, Scouts once a week, piano once a week, Activity Days every other week. There was barely a moment to sit back and relax. And if other little things cropped up, it just pushed me over the edge.

This year we've wheedled down our activities. Horseback riding isn't happening. Perhaps later in the year (when it cools down) and it will only be once a week. Colt cut Scouts out. He'll revisit that activity when he turns 8. So, that leaves karate and piano. Very manageable. And, with this extra time I'm not feeling so overwhelmed and can actually grocery shop, prepare meals, do laundry, clean the house and visit with friends. The kids now have downtime and time to be able to invite their friends over. We also have time for other things to crop up - doctor's appointments, etc.

Last year was tough but it makes this year seem so much easier!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Worth Watching

You may need tissues.
(the video may not work on here, if it doesn't, just click where it reads, "Watch on YouTube")

Happy New Year!

Ack! Another school year is upon us!



Carena is super excited to join orchestra this year. Her instrument of choice: the viola!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

I absolutely love this rendition.

(if anyone is interested you can find this here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4axKHtMNKw)

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Back to the Inferno!

We're back in Arizona. The kids start school tomorrow. We'll be back to some old routines in no time at all. Our days back have been busy. Yesterday we were gone from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm and then gone from 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm. Our day consisted of dental appointments, Dunkin Donuts, haircuts for the boys, doctor's appointment, Staples for school supplies, Kohl's for clothes shopping (got one or two items), Old Country Buffet for lunch, Burlington for clothes (got nothing), The Room Store for a new bunkbed for the boys, Best Buy (merely dreaming), Target for more clothes shopping (score! they had a lot of stuff that were the kids style), haircut for Carena, home for a few minutes, then back out to Meet the Teacher night. Thankfully, Chris took the day off to help us out. Otherwise I don't think we would have gotten done half of what we did.

We all went to bed exhausted. But, we got everything done yesterday which means today, the day before school starts, is going to be a nice laid-back day.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Summer Pictures

Ice cream at the Tasty Swirl:






Carena got to spend a week at Eco-Explorers Day Camp. She LOVED it.


A walk to the Old Foundation on my parents' property.


Lincoln Log time:

Boat rides on the ponds:

The traditional picture. I take this picture every year. It's fun to see how they've grown!

Blueberry picking at Grassy Pond.


New friends!

Ahhhh!


One of five new family members:

There's nothing like a porch swing!

Chris's replacement:

Jonathan turned 4 and got a DS!

Arg! Mateys! Lunch at Cooper's Restaurant in Scranton:






Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour

Chris was able to come out for a few days and was here for Jonathan's birthday!


A water balloon fight.

Inseparable cousins.

Birthday waffle!

Strong man

She's serious.

Our time is almost over. Boo hoo! But the memories will remain. This summer has FLOWN by. Soon we'll be back battling the Arizona heat and getting back into the routine of school and after-school activities.