Get Ready Set GO!

I can't believe that the kids start school this week. I am excited for the new challenges they will face and all the things they will learn. I do love the beginning of school - there is so much promise and excitement in the beginning of something new. I will miss having them around (I know! Amazing huh?) They really do make my life so much better just by being in it.

We went to the County Fair on Saturday with my mom. I confess I was a little disappointed but I know you really can't compare it to the State Fair. It was sweltering hot but the kids still had fun and my mom really enjoyed herself. She was the main reason we went. I knew she really wanted to go. She doesn't get out much these days but when she does it is amazing the difference in her spirits. She was so happy!

I decided to create a schedule poster to help us stay on task. Hannah is the main reason I thought this was important to do. In the mornings she has a tendency to just stare off into space until someone reminds her what she is supposed to do next. Maybe this won't make a difference but I am willing to give it a try.

I have read my self hoarse the last couple of days. We are nearing the end of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It is pretty exciting! JJ begs me to read and read. I admit I am enjoying re-reading it as much as he is hearing it for the first time! I figure we won't have as much time to read after school starts so I want to finish this book by tomorrow. Reading out loud takes so much more time than reading to your self. I am also reading The Mysterious Benedict Society which is pretty good but pales in such close comparison to Harry Potter. I really should wait to read it when I am not also reading a Harry Potter book but it is on loan from a friend and I don't want to keep it forever.

JJ and Hannah have each had their first soccer practice. They are both going to be sporting green uniforms. JJ's is neon green and Hannah's is forest green. I am happy that Hannah will be practicing at Bandwagon and playing her games at Lehi Elementary - we could walk to her practices and games if we wanted to. JJ will be practicing and playing at Freedom Elementary which is within walking distance of Jake and Carolyn's house. None of their games conflict this time but one practice conflicts with a game and one of Hannah's games is on JJ's birthday. One game also conflicts with our Back to School Night. Oh well that is the way it goes as the kids get older. We are going to through Hannah's dance class into the mix too when we get the info on signing her up. I know that this makes things busy for us but I like the kids doing stuff rather than sitting home watching TV. There has to be a balance between keeping busy and being so busy that more important things get forgotten. Every family has their own way of striking that balance.

So today's key word is: (drum roll please) BALANCE. How do we achieve and maintain it in this hectic crazy world?