Catching Our Breath

What can I say?  There has been tons going on in the Wright household.  All of a sudden, we went from Summertime, to the beginning of the school year, and on through the first week of September.  The official end of summer, Labor Day, has come and gone.  I can barely type this, but some of the trees have leaves that are attempting to change color.  I think that is premature if you ask me, but there's always going to be those "Fall Fanatic" types.  You know, people who start talking about sweaters, everything pumpkin, and chilly weather as soon as the calendar flips from August to September.  I guess even the tree world has some of those.  I know you know where I stand on that. 

*Ahem*

First up,  the big news around here: I got a part time job!  I know.  Crazy doesn't really cover it adequately.   I have been substitute teaching for the past two years, and slowly God was preparing my heart to get back into my own classroom.  About two weeks ago, a friend of mine called up and told me about a part-time position at the school she teaches at.  While I had been looking for a part-time teaching job, teaching at a school outside of my own children's school, seemed out of the question.  Transportation was the big concern, with a side of dismissal time conflicts.  I was super bummed out because I really felt like God was asking me to get back into the classroom again, He had completely changed my heart towards teaching again (I had swore never to return to the elementary classroom), but I couldn't figure out a way to make it work.  Turns out, I didn't have to figure anything out.  I just had to wait on Him.  He provided the perfect job with the perfect hours.  I am now teaching a third/fourth grade combined science class.  I love the age, the curriculum, and the subject.  I love that I am home to take my kids to school and pick them up, that I can plan and grade while they are at school, (meaning I'm available to them while they are home) and I love that I'm teaching one subject only.  Something I learned about myself when I taught a year at the high school level, was I appreciated a less diverse day.  The kids provide plenty of diversity for me.   Having a solid, unrivaled focus in regards to the teaching material, lets me connect with the kids in a way that works better for me.  I'm very thankful, and at awe at the way my Shepherd always leads me in the direction that is in my best interest.

Also, we had the pleasure of replacing our dishwasher.  Our stove also went out this summer, so it looks like we might be at the end of our appliances' lives.  We all know that these things happen, but since we have been considering a move, it makes the decision on what to replace the appliance with a little more difficult.  We don't want to spend more money than we have to if we aren't going to stay.  However, since we change our minds about moving about every other day, I also want to get something that we like. 

At the same time I was getting used to my new life as a part-time teacher (Which by the way I only had three days to get used to.  Yes. Three.), The Little Man got sick for four days.  Yes.  School is back in session and so are the days of colds and other gross things.  This particular illness kept both of us up through out the entire night for two nights in those four days.  Just when he thought he was doing better, he'd go down again for another round.  It was rough. 

Also, nothing says, "Welcome back to school!" better than a little Girl Bullying.  Awesome.  This was one of those times that I was so thankful for The Hubs.  I mean I lost all rational thinking for a small amount of time and went straight into emotional decision making mode.  I love it when I do that.  Thankfully, The Hubs stepped in and snapped me back into reality, and we were able to meet up with principals and counselors and get things situated without too much damage.  Prayerfully.  

So as I plan science experiments, sign off on homework assignments (my kids as well as my students), shuttle kids back and forth between activities, listen carefully about all sorts of recess antics, and stick to a strict bedtime routine, I think I can officially say our long, lazy, summer days are but a small speck in the rear view mirror. 

Farewell, Summer 2013

Dear Summer 2013,

I'm so sad to bid you farewell on this day.  While the calendar still shows you will be sticking around for another five weeks, the reality is: School started today.  While temperatures will still be wonderful, grass and trees green, flowers still blooming, and gardens still producing, there will be no more laid back pool days, fun outings that last all day because we have nowhere to be, or sleeping in.  It's back to the grind.  Back to school lunches, homework, after school activities, and a tight schedule.

Thank you, Summer 2013, for somehow feeling like you lasted an eternity, yet also zipping by at the speed of light because of all of the fun we had.  While it was only two and a half months ago, it feels like it was already last year that we threw my sis a bridal shower.

You also gave plenty of time to get some traveling in.  We made some fun family memories as we gallivanted around the country.

Then, there is the pool.  Oh, how your lovely weather makes for a perfect pool day!  It's our favorite way to spend summer.

Thanks to your carefree days, we had time to explore the museum and zoo.  We hit every nook and cranny, and even caught an iMax and movie at the Planetarium because, why not?  There was nothing too pressing causing us to go home.  Oh, and our friends came with, you know, since they are on the same schedule.

Your warm daytime temps and frequent thunderstorms did our garden good.  It was a little slower growing than expected, but that just meant we could leave it unattended for a few days at a time.  That may or may not have led to growing our biggest zucchini to-date.

Speaking of backyards and growth, Summer of 2013, you also brought life to our backyard with some sweet little baby Robins.  Even for the most staunch bird-hater, those little sweeties softened hearts.

And because of your easy-going style, I think you also attract love-birds by the droves.  I mean, how many people do you know that have a summer wedding anniversary?  Well, add one more to the list:  My sister, the new Mrs. C!

Oh, Summer 2013, we thank you!  Thank you for all the fun, the memories, the togetherness, the warm weather, and just over-all goodness.

This morning, with sadness in our hearts, we bid you farewell.  So, sad to see you go, yet so excited to see what lies ahead!

Second and fifth grade, here we come!

Just When You Thought You Caught Your Breath-Part 2

I know I left you all hanging.  Waiting with baited breath, if you will.  Wait no more! Part two of the "Great Photo Catch-Up" is here.

First up:  Pictures I never thought I would take.

It is a well known fact that I am no bird lover.  Since I was very young, I have never been fond of birds.  Their flapping wings, unpredictability, and pecking beaks absolutely freak me out.  However.  This summer a momma bird Robin made herself a nest under our deck.  Since The Girl is a lover of all nature (and anything that needs nurturing), she was beside herself with excitement over this nest.  She was just sure that meant babies.

And she was right.

Within a day or so of noticing the nest, Momma Bird (we called her MB out of our deep fondness for her) had started laying eggs.  The Girl went right into research mode and found out that Robins lay one egg a day up to about four eggs.  Once the last egg is laid, we have a seven to nine day wait before little baby birds hatch.

Wait we did!  And somehow, I kind of grew fond of MB, and her little bundles of joy that were on the way.  When they arrived, I lost all semblance of myself, and just went into crazy bird lover mode.  No one could recognize me.  Not even myself.

Here is MB and her sweet little bundles:

The first time we noticed that MB was acting a little different, we waited for her to leave the nest and when we did we found these guys:

Here's MB (she even looks like a good momma bird, right?):

 The next day:

 And then there were four:

After waiting we met these three guys (sadly not all the eggs hatched, which we learned is normal):

These guys are a little older than freshly hatched.  We aren't sure how old, though, because we were in Orlando when they hatched.  We decided they were so ugly they were cute.

We decided it was the most cute when we could get them to open their mouths for food at us.  I know it sounds mean to trick these little guys like that, but we were careful not to bug them too much.

 

This is literally the next day.  These guys don't mess around.  They grow super fast.  I love their little bald heads.  Also, their opened eyes make them not so freaky looking.

 

Just two days later.  Not as cute, right?  Too birdy for my taste.

 

Then we left for our South Dakota trip and when we returned our babies had left the nest.  I was a little sad.  However, MB returned a couple weeks ago!  She rebuilt her nest, and laid three more eggs.  Just yesterday we watched as two more babies hatched and we are hoping for a third by the end of today.  I haven't taken anymore bird pictures yet.  I may have gotten my bird fill with the last batch.  The Girl, however, is in LOVE and has practically video taped the babies every waking breath.  I love that girl.

Before baby robins invaded our hearts, we had reserved almost all of our summer hearts to swimming.  This year has been a bit off swimming wise.  We were traveling a lot of the time that we had really nice weather, and then my kids have changed things up on me.  Turns out, they only like to go swimming when their friends can also come with them.  So while we have been to the pool maybe two times without friends, the rest of the time we are towing people along.  Which is great, however, we aren't at the pool all that often anymore.  Again, I can barley recognize myself.

What you can't see is all of the wildfire smoke we endured this day in order to take a dip.  The things I do for birthdays.

He calls this: Up From the Deep

Here are the kids with their dear friends from birth:

All boys love to perfect their cannon balls:

We took a break from all the wedding planning to go with this guy to the pool:

Some sort of trick:

 

We've even had time to spend with cousins at their grandma's private pool.  Private pool is also known as: "Do whatever tricks you've ever wanted to try in a pool".

Lastly, we celebrated The Little Man's birthday.  Hey, we were only a month late.  He wanted to take his buddies to see Despicable Me 2.  So, that meant we had to wait a month for opening day and then the holiday weekend to pass.  The movie was great, the kids were awesome, and there were lots of laughs and frozen yogurt to be had. 

All these boys, self-serving themselves frozen yogurt.  You should be afraid.  But we had fun and that's what matters, right?

 A group of happy boys after a hilarious movie:

I think the initial powerful force of the fire hydrant of photos has slowed down.  From here on out, I am hoping for a slow stream or trickle of pictures.  

You're welcome.

 

Can I Get a Re-Do of Day One?

As eager as I was to "officially" start my summer vacay, it seems to be delayed once again.  My ear has been bugging me for about a year now.  I thought it was from all the swimming I was doing in preparation for my triathlon last summer.  However, over the winter it never really cleared up.  It kept feeling better then flaring up again, then feeling better only to flare up even worse than the last flare up.  Typical for me, these days, I just kept putting it off.  Swearing at  each flare up, I was going to call a doctor the next day.  Only to wake up the next morning and forget, become too busy, or just feel better. 

In May it was getting pretty bad.  The problem was two fold: I actually didn't have a primary care doctor, and hadn't had one in years, and I really didn't have the time to go to a doctor.  Fast forward to our recent trip, where the kids, my parents, and I went to visit my grandma, who lives in South Dakota, and I was back in a bad place with my ear.  I mean bad.  I decided right then and there, when I got home I was going to call the doctor my mom sees, and I was getting this thing taken care of. 

Thankfully, this time I held true to my word.  As soon as I got home on Wednesday, I made an appointment for that Friday.  That Wednesday night, I noticed that my ear was really starting to hurt down into my jaw.  The next morning I realized what I thought was bad was actually just a small foretaste of what was to come. 

Good grief! I had no idea how painful ear infections could be.  I'm also irritated to be plagued with an ailment that is usually reserved for infants and toddlers.  Also, I'm now in a spot where I can start enjoying my summer break schedule wise, but now I can't. 

I'm thankful for finding a doctor, and I'm thankful for medications.  Now I'm just praying that the antibiotics kick in quick, and I can be back in action soon.

Day 27 is Day 1

Here, on June 26th,  I'm finding myself on day 27 of summer break, my most favorite time of year.  I had such grand hopes for this summer.  Well, actually for every summer.  Plans of warm days, pools, sleeping in, resting, no shoes, eating out on the deck, and just over-all joy.  I was going to document each day of this break with a "Photo-a-day" project.  I also had this "home summer camp" idea where the kids would have these activities each morning that would help them to achieve summer goals, learn, have fun, and exercise.  Oh, I had plans. 

The first weekend of summer break doesn't really count does it?  I mean, it's the weekend, right.  We were going to have those days anyway.  Plus, I threw my sister a bridal shower that weekend.  Which let's face it, while it was super fun and special, was still a ton of work.  Also, that Sunday I spent doing laundry and packing for a trip that was going to take place early the next morning.  So, yea, I'll say that weekend didn't really count. 

Then we went on this trip.  It was a great trip.  Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida for eight days.  We got up early, we stood in lines, we rode rides, we ate, we drank, we swam, we slept very little.  We (OK, it might just be me) came home exhausted. 

Then, there's the laundry.  Again.  Also, the fridge doesn't stock itself and dinner doesn't come together on it's own.  Also, someone had a birthday, and we celebrated Dads.  I chopped off all of my hair the day after we had family portraits taken.  Yup, we did a lot of shopping to find just the right outfits for those babies.  Also, for one week, we thought we were moving.  They needed to know exactly which model we wanted to build and all the different options we would like to add.  I had to make up my mind quickly because I was leaving again.  But before I could leave, we needed to have clean clothes packed.  Laundry, suitcases, and lists.  Lots and lots of lists because at this point, I'm beginning to feel like I can't remember what day of the week it is let alone all the different things the kids will need to make a 650 mile long road trip to visit with great-grandma just that much more bearable. 

I'm so thankful for the time spend with my family, for the safety and health we had while traveling.  My kids were angels the whole time, as well, and now we are home, and my calendar is relatively clear.  And it's day 27, yet it feels like day 1. 

My summer break is starting just a little bit behind schedule, but I think it's finally here.

Crossing The Finish Line

We made it!  Today was the last day of first and fourth grade.  Also, the last day of the fastest school year to-date.  No kidding, this crazy train gets faster each year.  I never knew days, weeks, and months could accumulate so quickly until I had kids.  And just when I think time can't possibly go any faster, it does.   This year, especially, I feel like we were just getting into a good groove, and then it was over.  It must have been all the extra activities we were involved in after school.  Or maybe that they were both gone all day?  Whatever it was, it was good. 

Summer? I need you to put on the breaks.  I can't believe you are here already, and I want to soak up every glorious second you have to offer us.   Also, I can't face the fact that my babies are now second and fifth graders.  Middle school is breathing down our neck with her hot breath.  To say I'm uncomfortable would be an understatement. 

In the meantime, I'm starving for some late nights, later mornings, warm days, dips in the pool, flip-flops, no schedule, short hair,  painted toenails, lots of reading, and tons of family time. 

Summer, we welcome you!

Soaking Up the Very Last Drops

I knew this day was coming.  It seemed to come so quickly, yet it took forever too.  The very last day of Summer Break.

This break has been a bit different than summer break's of years past.  Not sure if it was the need of The Girl to be with her friends more, thus, her family less, or maybe it was the ease at which boredom seemed to settle in.  While we enjoyed our break, the down time, and all the freedoms that summer brings with it, it's time.  It's time to head back to school, see friends, and find routine again.  It makes me sad, for sure.  However, I recognize that some summers are just like this.  Next summer will be different.  Also, it makes what tomorrow brings much more bearable.

As a last ditch effort to soak in as much summer as we could, we headed to the pool, of course!  Turns out, I'm not the only mom on the block that had this brilliant idea.  Lots of kids, lots of moms, and lots of trying to fit all the fun you can into one afternoon.


Today was one of the few days we didn't have friends with us at the pool.  That left a delicious amount of time to sit quietly (well, as quietly as you can with a pool full of children), and read (Have you read The Book Thief yet?  It's pretty amazing.).

Even The Little Man took some time to himself instead of choosing to swim.

When you choose to read instead of swim, it's a sign. Summer break must be over.

First and Fourth grade, here we come!

"I'm So Tired of This Pool Thing..."

...Said no one, ever.

We enjoyed the pool with some friends for, what might be, our last time this summer. 

I'm not so sure I'm ready for school to start again next week.

Or ever.

We Shut 'er Down

We made on last trip, for this summer, to our favorite little water park.  Since it was the last time this season, we made sure it was a good one, and stayed until it closed.

Until next year.

In Honor of Lego Camp, The Olympics and the Color Blue

While The Little Man was away for his first day of Lego Camp, The Girl and I snuck out for pedicures.  As The Little Man would say, "My dogs were barking" after my race yesterday, so I needed a little pampering.

In honor of the Olympics, I got gold toes (with a black background (for contrast, of course)) and because The Girl loves blue, it was blue with blue sparkles for her.

Looking forward to a few more mornings with just The Girl and I.