Thursday, August 30, 2007

Back To The Basics

Well another summer has come and gone, with many great memories of time spent with friends, swim team competitions, a visit to see family and a cousin's baptism, trips to Fiesta Texas, and a family vacation on a Disney Cruise. It seems like our summer lasted lots longer this year, but in reality it was only a week longer. Playing in the sun is one of my favorite past times and now there isn't a lot of free time for playing in the water and sun.



Our two older girls began school on Monday. Since we are in the processing of building a new home, that was suppose to be completed in August, we registered our kids in a new school. Of course, the house isn't complete and I would say it is pushing it to say we will be in by Christmas. The builders say November but I will believe it when I see it. So this leaves me with the fun task of getting out of bed thirty minutes earlier to shuttle my kids the twenty minutes to school. I know twenty minutes doesn't seem far, but after the last six years of living five minutes from their school, twenty minutes there and twenty minutes back is FAR! twice a day. Not to mention this trip runs into my morning walk time. I've had to walk alone several times this week because I hate to have Jenny waiting around for me when she could be done walking, showering, and beginning her day before I get back home. I'm not complaining too much though. This new school is fantastic. You can feel it when you walk in the front doors. The staff and teachers are super friendly and you can tell they LOVE what they do. The parents ALL are anxious to volunteer and be involved with their childrens' education. Our school before was good, we always had good teachers (except one), the girls liked it, but there is something about going to a school where most of the people are established and this will be the school their children will start and finish. It is so good to feel like we have really found our home and a place where our girls can continue on their successful ways.



We took pictures of the girls with their teachers on welcome night since I knew the first day of class would be crazy. They both got great teachers (by no surprise). They have both made new friends and come home everyday asking if they can go to so and so's house.

**I can't get the pictures to upload of the girls and their teachers!! I give up!!**

Our youngest also started preschool this week and goes two days a week. She lucked out and got another one of our daughter's 3 year old teacher. I was a bit nervous sending my baby off to school, but her teacher is fabulous. She knew just the things to say and do to convince my little one she is a pro at going to school. She also met her teacher earlier this week and we decided to get a snapshot then instead of waiting until the first day when the teachers are swamped and tears are flowing from some of the kids.

This week has been nice, even though the driving back and forth to school in the morning and afternoon, running errands, and Parent Night TWO separate nights at the school, has left my car with only a 1/4 of a tank of gas left and 269 miles on the odometer, and me feeling that the basics are not so BASIC.

Next week will be a little different. Not only will have the to and from school routine, we will add dance for all three girls, on two different days, and swim for one of them, three or four nights a week. I realize things may get a little hectic but I'm trying to not get to worked up about it, just yet.

Now that I have updated keep checking back I may just post again soon!!

24 comments:

angela | the painted house said...

I've missed hearing about you and the family! But I guess I'll let it slide since it sounds like you have been a little busy--A LOT BUSY! House troubles alone would do me in! Can't wait to hear more about your new abode!

Enjoy another fun and busy school year! Sounds like the girls adjusted well to the new school.

Allison said...

I am so glad you are back. I have missed you and your family. Your girls look beautiful! I know what you mean about commutes, it takes me at least fifteen minutes to get to school, but oh so worth it.

Hopefully you will be back to walking w/ Jen soon enough.

Kari said...

I can relate to all the driving as that is what I did last Fall when we had our anticipated move and then lived in a rental house and FINALLY into this house.

I hope you at least have some good cd's or music to listen to (or talks or books on cd) as you drive, it makes the time pass more quickly!!

becca said...

I wondered where you were!! I am glad you are back. We are just about to start school next week and I am anxious about the new routine we will have going (our first year of kindergarten...so my first year of having to be out every morning!)

Can't wait to see pictures of your new house. Sounds like you guys are BUSY!!

Barb said...

That's so great that you are so happy with your new school. I'm also feeling the back to school schedule chaos.

Anonymous said...

It's nice to have you back in the saddle again, although I had been out of it for quite some time. A new house, what fun for you. I love the back to school season. Your girls are getting so big.

Anonymous said...

Good to see you back! We start back on Tuesday, and I'm wavering between just ready to get on with it and wanting summer to last a bit longer.

Good luck with your house building! Hopefully they will surprise you and have it done quicker than you think. What a process, though!

Lucy said...

The new school sounds great! I bet you'll be glad when you live a bit closer to it, though. Builders. I've never met on who actually finishes something on time. I hope that's going well for you. So many big changes...it's got to be exciting!

There is something comforting about being back in a routine. It makes those carefree summer days that much more appealing after nine months.

Doodle Bugs said...

Glad you are back! The girls look precious in their back to school clothes!!! I am sure the new school is awesome as it sounds!!

Anna said...

Yey, yey! Welcome back. Knowing you, you'll have this new routine down pat before you know it! Good luck.

Jill said...

I don't remember you ever telling us you were building a house!! What's up with that? Has it been a secret or what? That's very exciting.

I can totally understand why driving 20 minutes back and forth twice a day would be frustrating, I don't like running back and forth to the school even though it's 2 minutes away from me.

Natasha said...

Glad you are back. I want to hear more on your thoughts about the Disney cruise.
A new home - how exciting!

Carolee said...

Wow, busy schedule!! How exciting to be building a new house. I would love to hear about it!!

angela | the painted house said...

I hope you will post about the cruise--did the girls love it? Do you recommend it?

Anonymous said...

Cute new pictures. I can't believe how big your youngest has gotten-even since March! Sounds like you are a busy Mom-at least you get to stay at home with your kiddos:) Congratulations to Greg on his official position-so exciting!:)

donna said...

Glad you are posting again :)
You had such a busy summer. How was the Disney Cruise?
Wow how fun building a new home. Post pictures of it girl :)

Holly said...

The girls look so sweet - such a busy time for you and bummer about the house - I'm sure Jenny is glad to still have you close by though - but it will be nice to be more settled!

Have a great weekend

sista # 2 said...

When James was in K, I commuted 1 1/2 hours each day -going to school 3 times each day. That was rough! Then last year was the winner -I picked James up at school then we spent 2 hours each day in the car before we got home.
This year we got Chloe in a sweet carpool!!This saves a TON of time, gas and boredom!! I would do it all over again though -our 2 schools are worth it all ;)

Your 'I'll believe it when I see it' attitude is the right one ;)
Hopefully you can spend Christmas in your new home. ciao

jenny said...

How did I not know you updated?? Well, I am a bit late. And we do miss the carpooling mornings. I really don't mind waiting for you. But it looks like its going to work out that Greg can take the girls on some mornings for you :)

I am so thrilled to hear the girls are meeting new friends. I am sure that is a HUGE relief for all of you.

For the record, I am secretly hoping that you guys will stay around as long as you can. (I know you won't be far, it's just nice knowing you're right down the street!)

Bridget said...

So nice to hear from you! Glad you are liking your new school. I think my friend Julie Isaeff's children go to school there. They live out in the neighborhood where you are building.

Is Maryn going to UUM for preschool? Who does she have? Alex starts tomorrow and she is so excited.

Take care!

Price Cream Parlor said...

Welcome back! You have been missed! Oh, the shuttle to school and back! I feel for you! I am sure you are so excited about your new home!! I miss our Texas schools! I am wondering what district you are in now?!
What a relief that your girls are happy at their new school and with new friends!

Buffy said...

I have missed reading your posts! The girls are just darling. I'm so happy for you and your new school. The drive does sound like a bummer now but it won't be too long...you hope :D. How great to be in a great school with great parents and teachers. That means everything!!

michelle said...

It's good to see you back, and posting. It looks like you are one busy Mama! :) How exciting for the girls to start a new school. Hopefully your new home wll be finished soon! How exciting! :)

Kristin said...

I'm glad your back...I enjoy your posts. I'm glad you and your family had a wonderful summer. You guys have had some exciting changes!! New schools, new house being built. Very exciting!!

It seems like everyone is in the same boat in bloggerland with school in full swing and being busy. I have a 5th grade daughter, a 1st grade son, and a little preschooler this year. All their afterschool activities start next week and unlike you I am ALL WORKED UP!! ;) I will try to follow your example and relax a little!!