Keeping the Flame Alive

A lot of people tell me what a great relationship Mike and I have.  And I have to say it is due in large part to Mike and his thoughtfulness.  He often leaves me things like this before he goes to work:

First day of school 2014-2015

It's been 10 weeks since school ended and now school has begun again!  Crazy how life just keeps moving forward.

We have had a good summer, I think.  We took a trip to Lake Havasu, went on some fun family days throughout the summer, enjoyed our neighborhood pool and strengthened more friendships.  Our move to a new neighborhood has been a little hard, but each year it gets better as our children develop more and more friendships.  This last summer has shown all of us that meeting new people does not mean that our old friends are replaced, but that our lives only become richer with each new unique person that enters it.  

I'm excited for the new school year after meeting with all the teachers at yesterday's school open house.  I'm especially excited for Caleb to have Senor Smithee.  I have only heard wonderful things about him.  One of my favorite teachers in elementary was Mr. Timmons.  I sure wish more men would go into teaching.  Our children need them. 

Caleb is always anxious as the new year approaches, but after meeting Senor Smithee at the school open house, he was a little less so.   He was particularly sad to discover, however, that his best buddy, Boyd, was not in his class, yet again.  I just don't know if the stars are going to align to let them be in the same class despite that they are in the same Spanish Immersion program.  (The one girl he has always liked, Eliza, is in his class, though.  When I pointed out her name, he gave me a little side smile and a shrug.  Guess that wasn't enough to help him feel better.)  But, like I said, great teacher = great year.  Senor Smithee only speaks Spanish, always.  Caleb does well understanding spoken Spanish, but has a harder time trying speaking Spanish.   Having Senor Smithee is going to give Caleb plenty of practice!  Call it a premonition--but I just know this is going to be an epic year for my CK.  

I also learned that Jacob prefers to be called, "Jake."  Did you know that? Mrs. McPherson, his new teacher, asked him to write one thing down he wanted his whole class to know about him and he wrote, "I go by Jake."   I felt like the lamest mom when I said out loud, "You do?"  He just smiled and nodded.  "Hmph.  Well, then!  I guess I will let everyone know that.  But as for me, I will try to always call you, 'Jake,' but I can't make any promises.  Besides I call you lots of things: Jake Jake, Jacob, Bam Bam, Monkey...."  

This morning, Jacob, I mean, Jake, was just plain excited to go back to school.  However, he was worried for me, he said.  ""Cause, you're gonna miss me, I know."  Yep. 

One of the reasons for his excitement: lunch recess.  He had some elaborate plan about a game he was going to play with all his "girlfriends."   Basically, he is the sole male, and all his girlfriends chase him.  Not sure what he does to get them all under his spell--well, I do know.  It's his kindness, his funniness, his smile, his long dark eyelashes and his big bear hugs.  Who doesn't love our Jake?

Michaela is anxious about some funny things as the school year starts.  For example, she's worried she is going to do poorly in math.  Not really sure why, I keep talking to her and investigating, but for now, have not figured that out.  She is also worried she is going to misbehave.  In her words, "'Cause I always get so distracted.  You know, Mom."  I reassured her that her kindergarten teacher only had great things to say about her and that I was sure she would do great.  Funny girl.  She is growing in so many ways into such a compassionate conscientious young lady.  

Okay, well, I should probably feed me and the Squirt some lunch.  It's been a great day.  I got up and was able to get in a 4.5 mile run with the fur ball, not as long as I wanted, but I enjoyed the view of the lake through the light rain as we ran along the trail in the early morning dusk hours before the kids got up.

Now that the kids have been at school, I have most of the house picked up so I can dig in and do some heavy cleaning after being a little neglected this summer.   

And I need to end this post.  Really I do.  But I am avoiding getting off the couch--it's just so comfy.  Sigh.  Okay, here I go.  Oh, and here are some picts of this morning:

Love that their school does such a grand welcome back complete with the school's mascot, Hank the Hawk.

First Grade.  She's such a little lady--ALWAYS.  Note:  Caleb was an excellent older brother and made sure he helped Michaela find her spot to line up to go into the school.  I sure love him.

Second Grade.  Not sure if the onlooking girl has fallen under his spell yet.

Fifth Grade.  I hollered to Caleb to get him to look, but I think he feigned deafness.  I don't blame him.  He has a crazy mom.

And then it was just me and the Squirt.  I look lovely--post sweaty run.  I'm surprised she was willing to get this close to me.

Michaela insisted we bring Chewbacca along for the ride to school.  She was worried he would be lonely since they would be gone all day.

I let Squirt play with my phone to keep her entertained on the way home.  Aww...such loveliness is me.  

Later after I had showered and actually did my hair--I think Squirt wanted to document evidence that her mom does look decent at times.