Belated Occassions

You know the special sections in the card isles for belated birthdays, graduations, holidays, and other occassions? Well, they were made especially for people like me. Gage had his first birthday a month and a half ago. We still haven't celebrated, taken pictures, wrapped a gift, or gobbled down a morsel of cake. Did school start in Boise? (You might have cause to wonder )Yes, that was two weeks ago. I haven't taken the 'first day of school' photos either. My children are fed, however (daily, I promise!) I'm pretty sure they've been going to school in clean clothes (underwear included), we're gettting most of the daily homework done, the piano practiced, and I've even volunteered in the classroom already! I love to do that!

Ashley was more than ready for her first day of kindergarten. No reservations whatsoever! She marched right in the classroom, found her place and anxiously awaited for instruction. Didn't even look up to say goodbye! When I picked her up after class, her head and shoulders were slumped over and she didn't look very happy. Upon asking how the day went, she replied: "This just isn't working out for me. All they have in there are toys for babies! The only thing I liked was the pladoh!" So, there you have it. The first day of kindergarten--sorely disappointing. She has perked up a bit since then (it took all of ten minutes). Besides, music class and P.E. are really cool, and Mrs. Makaafi knows some pretty neat stuff! I think we're going to be okay.

Steven (3rd grade) seems to go with the flow. Whatever works. Peace (you know). I think he would like any teacher, but Mrs. Cox is perfect for him. She is very straightforward with expectations, etc. Third grade is where the 'rubber hits the pavement' so to speak. I think we'll do alright if we can keep him (Steven) focused. Is that a problem for other eight year old boys? He just had his first football game on Saturday. It was great fun! He's actually 'getting' it this year! Last year, it was all about the treats, trophy, and getting to wear a cool uniform. This year he's pulling flags, memorizing plays, and actually has a hustle in his step! Shew! (Now, if we could incorporate the hustle at home--chores, getting ready for school, etc.--it would be FAB!)

We are housing Tyson and Ambers' piano while they try to sell their home in Caldwell and find a new place to live in Kimberly. Steven will actually have some real ivory to practice on! Hurray! We shuffled furniture around to make it fit. All of the kids enjoy the 'new' piece of furniture and the noise it makes. Gage inparticular. I suppose the novelty of it will wear off soon. Steven begins another season of lessons this Thursday. He remembers more than I thought he would after a long summer of sporatic practicing.

So, our garden has produced very well this year. I haven't been able to keep up with it. Out of literally hundreds of cucumbers, I've bottled just one batch of pickles. Just one batch of zuchhini relish as well. I have several dozen tomatoes waiting for some TLC. Gage loves them---squishing them that is. Gross! I hope to get some chili sauce made this year. Kudos to those of you who manage to bottle, and bottle, and bottle. Sigh. Just writing about it wears me out!

I have been teaching at a local athletic club for about four months--subbing a variety of classes until last week. I officially have my own two classes (step and strength, and a cardio interval class) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings! I still get very nervous to teach, but I love it! Besides, now I get paid to work out. How cool is that?

I've been 'tagged' to post six quirky things about myself. Haven't forgotten. I'm just glad I'm posting at all! (you'll understand when I post some of those quirks)