Lovin' Life

We have happily settled into a nice routine now, three weeks into the school year. I quickly adjusted (thankfully!) to having the kids gone during the day, and have been amazed at how busy I've been! Both Jack and Noah's teachers have found various jobs for me to do in both classrooms, so most mornings I spend 2-3 hours at the school helping out, which I have been LOVING. I now know all of the kids in both of their classes and have had fun getting to know some of them better. In Noah's class, I've been helping the kids memorize their addresses and phone numbers, helped them on the computer, and gave some extra assistance where needed on writing. In Jack's class, I've done some administrative work for his teacher, and have been helping them on the computers too. Anyway, it provides me with a few extra hours to share in my kids' lives, which is the best!

On Tuesday mornings, I have my MOPS activities - two regular meetings per month, and one Steering Team meeting a month . . . . and then all of the preparation and management that goes on in between!! I'm definitely at the "upper limits" of a MOPS group, but I have such a passion and love for it, I'm going to fully enjoy my last year.

As for the boys, they have gymnastics after school on Mondays, Awana at church on Wednesday evenings (more on that below), and soccer on Thursdays and Saturdays. We only have a couple weeks left of soccer, which is fine with me - we didn't realize they would have TWO games per week when we signed up, so it's been more than we bargained for. Once that's done, our schedule will be a little more home-centered.

Awana - last week was "orientation night", in which the kids got their first set of assignments - they have several things to memorize before they can even get the book and vest. When I saw what they had to do, I figured it would be a few weeks before they got it all done - - they have to completely memorize the motto, the key verse (with reference), Pledge of Allegiance, the Awana Pledge and the Awana Sparks song. I should know better than to underestimate my kids - they already have it ALL DONE and ready for tomorrow night. I'm amazed. The best part is the fire they have for this, and how proud they are of what they've already accomplished. They were bouncing all over the house tonight singing about Jesus. It's AWESOME.

That's it from around here . . . trying to get one last camping trip in this weekend if the weather holds out - wish us luck!