Life Around Here

Around here we are getting settled into the school year routines.  We're nearing the end of September, which means the kids have already been in school for a whole month!

Beau is in 4th grade this year.   He wasn't overly excited at the prospect of going back to school this year, but he seems to have adjusted and found his groove.  We're noticing a whole new level of independence as the kids are expected to be responsible for their work without the oversight of the parents.  Goodbye are the days of needing to sign off on homework.  Actually gone are the days of  even being told IF there is homework.   I like the responsibility part, but when I hear "no homework, I got it all done at school" on a nightly basis, I can only hope that's actually the case.  Alas I know it is one of the increasingly frequent moments where I am being taught how to let go.  He's also staying busy with flag football.  With 4th - 6th graders together and multiple practices during the week, it's a bit more serious than in past years, but he's liking it so far, and the weather has been great for those early Saturday morning games.

Cora is in 2nd grade this year and was excited to get back to school.  She loves it just as much as she thought she would.  I mean, there's the opportunity for constant social interaction with as many people as you like, what's not to love!  At this point she really does have an enthusiasm for school that I hope she keeps.  She even enjoys the timed math tests they do daily (I remember them as "mad mintues").  I'll admit that when I pulled the first one out of her folder this year it gave me a pinched feeling of anxiety as I flashed back to elementary school.  I'm glad she likes them, I don't remember holding the same fondness.

Sylvie is in her second year of preschool and we haven't seen any of the worry, dread, and tears that we saw last year.  She is ready to go when that bus pulls up, excitedly asks each night if she has school tomorrow, and always has lots to say when she gets home.  She was most worried about the fact that she would only get a nap ONE day a week.  She loves her naps.  Alas, my baby doesn't need me any more, but I'll be the first to admit that this new found independence is so much easier on this mama's heart.

We are also excitedly looking forward to another family vacation to DISNEY! Last time we waited until the night before we left to tell the kids, but this time we decided to tell them a few weeks early.  That way they could create countdowns and build up some anticipation.  Plus, they can read now so it was becoming nearly impossible to find any time to plan when there weren't curious little eyes peering over my shoulder.

Oh, and one more thing.  I think I failed to mention the new addition to the Johnson family.  This is Georgia.  Well, it was Georgia when we got her back in May as a 7 week old pup.

She's not so tiny anymore, but still has quite a bit of growing to do!  We love her and have forgotten what life was like pre puppy.  Well, almost forgotten.  I vaguely recall what it was like to prepare lunch on the counter, turn to the fridge to get the milk and still have lunch on the counter when I turned back around.

 I also remember when I could set down a cup of coffee when I wasn't drinking it.

 Oh and I remember when I used to walk into a room without finding various items shredded all over the floor.  I'm also pretty sure the boards of our deck and sun porch didn't used to be shredded, but I might have dreamt that.  Puppy-hood has not been without its challenges:

Georgia wondering why this thing likes to eat her pee

Georgia at the emergency after hours vet when she swallowed a sock.

Georgia after she tried to poison herself with grapes

  But she has learned to potty outside, and has the cutest way of wiggling her butt in sheer excitement every time she greets you.  She's pretty good at cuddling too.  All in all I think it's a win.

Looking back, this should have been a warning sign.

"I just don't understand why you won't eat that, Beau.  Here, pass it over!"

Mommy's helper during the day.
 She restores my sanity as often as she steals it, well...almost as often.