August 1, 2011

Only if you teach children's choir do you probably think in August that Christmas is really just a matter of teaching weeks away! It is amazing to think that we are starting August. We have been busy this summer and we really haven't been all that many places- and when we have been, it seems it has been for weeks at a time.

I have successfully completed taking Patrols to Washington and WHS Varsity and JV cheerleaders to Cheer Camp, 1 week of sleep away camp for church, and 1 week of AAU Showcase and Nationals in Orlando! It has been fun, but I am excited to spend the next two weeks close to home before we transition back into a new school year.

The kids are growing like crazy! Jap will be a Junior, Macey a 7th grader, Briley a 4th grader, and Jackson in Pre-K 4. Where has the time gone?

We will start the year with football and dance, and maybe soccer for Jackson. It's exciting and I am happy to be coaching this year. I have a great squad of girls and this can be such a crucial age for them at school.

Change is good and seems to be coming from all around- this year I am changing jobs to work with at-risk kids at the elementary level. I am excited- these are really the kids that I champion. For the most part they have just been left behind for various reasons- and within the year they will have the opportunity to shoot to success again. The program has been in our county for as long as I have been employed, and I was excited when our Principal decided to bring it to our school.

Jap has had some great coverage this summer with both basketball and football. He attended a small camp at Clemson and has been offered a full ride there and at Southern Miss. Others are coming in as well and it is such an exciting time for him. I am so proud that he has remained humble and that he talks to us about the choices that are being offered to him. I am also so glad that he will be able to drive to school this year! That will cut the carpool time way down, and he will be able to help with the littles.

Macey is officially taller than me now by 2 inches. She has been taller than me for awhile, but today at their yearly check-up it was confirmed. And I think she has told anyone that will listen that she is not only 2 inches taller than me, but that she hasn't even hit her growth spurt! She will be dancing again this year 4 nights a week, and maybe playing some volleyball.

Briley is tall too, and according to her growth chart will be taller than me too! That's really not saying a lot because as many of you know, I am in no means tall!!! It's hard to believe that she will be in the 4th grade. It seems like just yesterday she was starting school. She will continue dancing this year too, and we finally have all classes that start after 5:00!! Excited about that!!

Jackson is 4 ! He is a trip! I can't express how full of life he is and how curious he is about things. He loves to play and ask questions. He is learning to write his name, knows almost all of his letter sounds and can count to 15 perfectly- 20 when he is counting actual objects. He loves his dogs and his Dad. He can't wait until his Dad comes home from work, and he especially loves when his Dad comes and gets him and then takes him back to the office!

This summer we moved kids bedrooms around, landscaped the front and back yards, and cleaned out our attic! It is amazing how much we collect and never use! Why is that? Decluttering is good for the soul.

I also watched the first and second season of GLEE and I am addicted! What a great show! My sister and parents came down for a week- we are expecting our second grandchild (Lucy) and all is GOOD! We are moving along in 2011. We have experienced many good things and will continue to expect BLESSINGS from ABOVE!