Routines are good

We started back to school and work today and I'm so happy to be back in our regular routine.  I am definitely the type of person who loves a routine and thrives in it.  I like to know what's going on and where we will be.  It was really good to see all the students and my coworkers today.  And I'm not going to lie,  it was great to be at my desk,  in my office... Just doing my thing.  Ahhh. Feels good to be back in the saddle again. 

The kids both enjoyed their first day back.  They were both really excited to tell their friends about their new toys,  the fun they had and hear all about how their break was.  It was cute to see them so excited to go back. 

This evening Zane started up with basketball again.  He joined a short weekend booster program in November and December and really liked it.  He and I were happy when a few parents organized a twice weekly practice for kids who are interested.  It's fun to watch him out on the court.  He has the potential to be a good player if he keeps up practicing and applies what he is learning.  I'm so proud of him for wanting to try this new sport out! 

Zane with his super cool new basketball t-shirt!

The most fun aspect of today was getting my hair cut!  I've been growing it out for several months but got tired of longer hair.  So today I cut it off!  Short hair is more flattering on me I think.  I also love the ease of it.  I'm really happy with the cut and style.  What a welcome and fun change!

 

I'm a Survivor!

Yes, I have survived the first hectic week back to school and work. I think that my planning ahead at work (and at home) helped that along. I started preparing for the new school year, at work, during the final month of last school year. That helped me out immensely this week. It was still chaotic with some longer work days than I had planned on, but it has gone well so far! I really love my job and I am continually glad I made the choice to commit to one job and be in one place each day. The Lord has truly blessed me with wonderful bosses and co-workers and I couldn't ask for more from a job. I love how His timing and planning totally rocks when you least expect it!

On the home front, life is good! Both kids love school and love their teachers. I love that they love school so much. The newness of this school year has not worn off yet, so they are still in the happy, "honeymoon" phase. I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that my son is in second grade. That just doesn't seem possible. And my sweet girl is going to be turning five in a couple months. Please stop growing up!!!

We had a sad adjustment to make in our family this week. One of our beloved kitties starting being super naughty (escaping to the outside, marking her territory inside, etc) and we just couldn't keep her anymore. We were so happy that the family we got her from was able to take her back. She is now free to be the outdoor kitty she is born to be. We miss her but we are happy to know that we can see her anytime we want to go visit and that she is happy playing with her brothers and sisters.

Also kind of exciting...I reopened my Etsy shop! Now that I am down to just one job and have less extra curricular commitments, I have time to sew again. I've missed having the shop open. There is such satisfaction in creating something you love and seeing other people love it too. Same feeling as giving the perfect gift. If you are interested in checking out my shop, you can find it here, on Etsy or click the link on the sidebar of my blog.

School!

We started a new school year today!  Zane is in second grade and Claire is in Pre K this year and they are both so excited!  They both have super great teachers again this year,  which makes school even more fun. Although,  Claire would say that painting makes school the most fun.  Zane just says he feels older,  like a teenager and not like a kid now. I guess that's what happens when you turn 7 and start second grade.  :)

I also started back to work today and am happily employed by just one school now.  Last week I resigned as a school district employee and am committed full time to the Christian school. I am the secretary there and I love my job!  So today,  I enjoyed my first day back also. 

Besides starting the new school year,  both kids have decided to play soccer this fall and have started practices this week.  They play in two different age groups and two different teams,  so we are very busy! So far,  they both really like it and I am glad!  Neither one of them have ever shown interest in sports until now.  We are eagerly anticipating their first games next weekend. Nana and Papa are coming to visit and staying the night before so we can all attend the games as a family. The day of the games also happens to be Papa's birthday,  so we will be celebrating that as well!

Last,  but not least, some pictures from the last couple of days. 

Knowledge

Yesterday I was thankful for the things I am learning in my classes. I have always loved school and I appreciate it even more as an adult. I have a very different perspective now than I did at 18.
Today I am thankful for Awana. My kids love to go and I love to help there. I loved going as a kid and it's fun to see my kids embracing it the way I did. The program itself is a wonderful way to teach kids about God and His love for us all, in a fun and engaging way.
This is the first year that both my kids are in it and it's a very exciting time. :)

Smarts

I'm so thankful for the opportunity to go to school. I ended my fall term with an A and a B; a 3.43 GPA. I am happy that my hard work paid off. It's a tricky thing to be a single mom and balance school, kids, kids extra-curricular activities and church. I owe a big thanks to my parents for providing child care each week so I would have some study time during the days instead of doing everything at night when the kids are in bed.
I start winter term in less than a week and I am looking forward to it. I'm just so blessed to have this chance to do something to better myself.

Studying

Studying for school as a 31 year old single mom is so different than it was at 19 and no kids. I know that is totally shocking you right now. But seriously, I have completed my first week of school and can honestly tell you I love it. Even the challenging things.

And let me tell you, the challenging stuff is not what I expected it to be. I was sure my history class would be my downfall but this week my music class has been trying for me. I am holding out hope that the next few weeks will be less confusing.

I'm challenged by the material, confused by it, pretty much exhausted by the end of the day when I get to work on my school stuff, but it's all worth it. When I was stressing about it all this week I asked for prayer and prayed myself. I just wanted peace in my decision and boldness to speak up in class. I asked and I received both. God is so good. I was reminded that going to school is a blessing and God has guided me every step of the way. I'm not worried anymore. I'm going to do my best and practice taking risks.

School

I'm a student again after a twelve year break...yep, twelve years. I am excited to start this new chapter in my life. It makes me feel good that I am finally doing something good for me and ultimately good for my kids. Maybe I should have gone back before now. I don't think I would have appreciated this opportunity if I had, though. I think, like everything else, God's timing is perfect for this season in my life.

I am now officially a student working to finishing her Associates Degree in General Studies. Once I finish it, I will be a college graduate. That is something I truly did not think I would ever be. I have 29 credits to go. I am happy to say that 20 year old me was smart and finished all the required classes way back when. Now I have the luxury of choosing all electives to finish off my degree. I am looking forward to a variety of courses to help point me in the right direction for what I want to pursue after I earn my Associates. As of right now, I am clueless other than wanting to do something I enjoy but also something that would benefit my kids and I. I have time to figure it out, thankfully.

My classes start September 26th and I am so looking forward to them. I am taking Music Appreciation and Western Civilization. Both classes stood out to me in the course book so I am looking forward to seeing if they are as interesting as they sound. I opted to do all online classes so I would be free to continue working with both my children's schools as well as stay active in my church programs.

My life is about to become very crazy but I really enjoy that kind of structure. It balances me out I think.