Launching Fresh Starts

This week we sent Kate into the eighth grade and Ty to the fourth. Both are in the top grades of their respective schools and feeling fairly confident about their status in their worlds. Next year when they start as the youngest kids on campus again, they may feel a little less settled so we will take the familiarity this year with gratitude.

I interviewed with two schools this week and accepted the slightly lower position with Ty's elementary school so I can be on the same calendar as my kids. When I ended up with three babies Monday afternoon because I could make it work to help friends, I knew without question I had to clock in somewhere in order to actually retire from childcare in my home. So I will be an aide to a few teachers throughout the day starting next week.

Erin wrapped up her semester of chemistry and biology and maintained her 4.0. She also had surgery and closed on her condo this week. Thursday we visited the DMV for an hour so she is officially a citizen of Kentucky now. Sister has been quite productive lately.

Makenna started a new job Monday working as an intervention aide with special needs kiddos in the public preschool program in our district. She loves it and her young friends already. But Monday afternoon she wrecked her car. As distraught as she feels about the accident and damage to her car, she was not injured. We are still navigating the claims process and awaiting a decision about repairs vs a total loss. She is praying for a repair approval and we are praying for the safest option. Vehicle sharing is colorful at the moment and aren't sure how long to expect it to last but like everything else in life, we are making it work.

Kate and I were given tickets to see Peter and Starcatcher Thursday evening as a last minute surprise. Despite being a school night, we decided to enjoy the outing. We laughed until we cried and it was a perfect way to relieve some stress as we neared the end of a long week. Dessert during intermission was a delight and recieving a photo of my grandson in that moment was just as sweet. That little tush reminds me of the Coppertone ads. He is so stinking cute!

Layla turned six years old this week and is still mostly puppy. The comparison to Brutus who was an old man for a very long time is amusing now as the memories make us laugh and smile more than feel sad. He was an awesome dog and Layla could never be like him but she wasn't meant to be. Her sweet spirit and happy energy is usually appreciated around here. And our belief she is likely not a purebred boxer gives us hope she will remain an active member of the family for many more years.

Erin reported she waited outside a dark but closed bathroom door for awhile trying to decide if someone was using it and finally knocked. Ty's voice answered he was in there and when he finally emerged? Night vision goggles were on his head.

The cutest, least effective door man wore a cape to help his sister.

Friday after dinner Kate, Makenna, Erin and I started painting the condo. I have learned my daughters have not inherited my organization skills. It was a mess but in the end, the color and brightness were exactly what Erin wanted. On Saturday we ripped out the carpet, padding and tack strips. It was all hands on deck for a few hours but progress was made. There is still more work to be done before she is able to move in and she is anxious to get settled but in the end, it will be her style and a beautiful home.