New beginnings

I didn't realize how long it's been since I've been able to post a blog! Ooops! I guess the title of our blog is proving right, we're very busy these days.

School has begun and the girls are into their regular routines now and doing really well. Emily is loving Kindergarten so much. She gets to do so many things throughout her day that it amazes me. They have gym and Spanish class along two times a week along with a chance to visit the school's library every day. This is all added on top of what they are doing in their classrooms. I love dropping her off and even having the opportunity every now and again to pick her up and hear what she's willing to tell me about her day. I laugh at her comments sometimes because often she'll tell me that she's done so much in school, that she just can remember what to tell me. I am so thankful for the staff there too. Since 3 out of the 4 teachers/paraprofessionals had me as a student at this age, it's funny to listen to them say that she is definitely "a little Heather." And they've all reassured me that when they say that, it's a good thing! :) Emily's extended day teacher is someone that I used to go to church with and is only a couple of years older than me. Emily looks to her as a 2nd mother and I couldn't be more happy. If Emily has a hard time or sad moment, she's comfortable going to her teacher to help her out so that by the time I see her, the issue is already being dealt with. It's just so nice to have such peace when I leave her there every day.

Maddie is so funny when it comes to school. She is SO excited that school has finally begun for her and she wishes that she could go every day like her big sister. She has no fear or reservations going into her classroom and I'm sure it helps that she's got 1 cousin(Nick) and two almost-cousins (Danial & Colin) there as well. She truly is our Tigger with all the energy and enthusiasm that she displays and it shows the most with school. She goes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and at the end of class time on Monday, her teacher told the class that on their next school day, it would be picture day. This just added to Maddie's excitement. But since she still hasn't quite grasped the yesterday, today, tomorrow concept, yesterday was a tough morning for her. She thought that she got to go to school yesterday and that it would be her picture day. She just broke down into tears when I explained that she had to wait another day. Although it made getting out of the house difficult, it was so precious to know how excited she was. So this morning was one for the record books on good behavior for Maddie. The child woke up, ate her breakfast so fast that I doubted her and didn't make a peep when I had to put her hair up. Now I can't wait to get the pictures back because I'm sure they will be adorable.

Not only has school begun for the girls, but it has also begun for me. I've got my ethics class this semester and it's very interesting. It's hard though since this subject focuses on the gray area so there's no black or white answer. Having interesting subject material helps make this 3 hour class go by fast and I love that. It helps that I have a really good professor too.

Tony's getting all geared up for the start of middle school football too. He's really enjoying coaching at Central Middle School along side Dan TerBurgh. Today is a scrimmage against Northeast which is Central's biggest rival so I'm sure everyone is excited. This is to prepare the boys for their first game that starts next week. Tony's figuring out that it's not easy being a coach and that you've got more time invested than just at practice and the games. He's a natural though and from what I've heard, the boys on his team love him.

I think that's got us all caught up for now! Enjoy the picture from Emily's first day of school that has Maddie in it. Hopefully it brings a smile to your face.