Hello there! Happy Labor Day Weekend. Is it summer or fall where you are? Around here’s it’s been mostly summer … lots of 90+ degree days. But, we have had some glimpses of a cool-down, and I have my fingers, toes, and elbows crossed that autumn isn’t too far away.
Life has changed completely since the last time I have been here, in that we have all returned to school. Jameson started 4th grade this year. Harper started middle school! Jason began his 20th year of teaching, and I began by 18th. It was a whirlwind of a start, and the dust is still floating around a bit. A few pieces have started to settle here and there, but we are still trying to get our feet beneath us.
Without further ado, here’s a little three-things current update about each of us.
- Jason just had his 45th birthday. We decided to go all out with a pickleball theme. He picked up the sport this past year and has enjoyed playing weekly. “Dinking” is a term used for hitting the ball back and forth, hence the cake. He is also now the owner of a sweet new “Carpe Dink’em” shirt- don’t be too envious. We had a great family dinner to celebrate this wonderful guy. We love him big around here.
- Jason has always been interested in business and has an MBA, which he has had “on the shelf,” while teaching all these many years. Lately, he picked up a Google class about marketing to sharpen his skills. He is enjoying being a student again.
- For the first time in many years, Jason’s lunchtime overlaps with mine. It’s been fun to FaceTime each other for a few minutes each day while we are shoveling lunch at our desks. We give each other a pep talk for the next hour of our day … the toughest for both of us.
- Harper has been on a horseback riding roll. This is Dino, a beautiful and sweet partner that Harper adores. Lately, they’ve been working on cantering.
- This young lady started middle school with such grace and confidence. She gets herself to and from school, in addition to picking up her brother from time to time. She is writing emails and checking her grades, showing up for clubs, and meeting new people. I am impressed and so proud of her.
- Harper is super enthused to start volleyball this week. She is looking forward to being part of a team and learning about the game. She hasn’t played much before this, so we will see!?
- Jameson had a smooth transition to fourth grade. He has a newish teacher who is young and dynamic. She likes to rock climb and does pottery, in addition to being super excited to teach. Jameson brought home two foxes already (his school’s compliments) for being a respectful kiddo who works hard in class. Proud of my little (not so little anymore) guy.
- Jameson is continuing to learn karate. He is mid-blue-belt, trying to perfect his kata so he can test out to green. As a family, we are so thankful Jameson tried this out! Have you ever watched a black belt (his Sensei plus a number of others at the dojo) do a kata routine? They are AMAZING. We have learned so much!
- Jameson loves to sneak downstairs on weekend mornings and make coffee for his parents. Had I known he could work the Nespresso machine with such ease, I would have trained him years ago. My gratitude overfloweth.
- I have a new classroom this year due to my change in grade level, and I love my smaller chairs and happy little nooks. I have 25 third graders, and they give lots of hugs, which I love.
- This has been a tough start for me. This particular class brings significant high needs and unique challenges. We have made some progress, so I see some light! But, it’s a slow-go.
- For the first time in a number of years, I did not participate in a local CSA this summer. I love having a CSA, and we have done both fruits and veggies, but we found ourselves never going to our farmers market because of it. And, we love our local farmers market! I thought I’d be there all the time this summer, but I have not been at all. I can’t believe it. I say this because I have been missing some of the things I love and adore (sweet corn, zucchini, big juicy tomatoes). This month, I am determined to head over there again.
- Finn turned one last weekend. He was spoiled with doggy cookies, doggy cupcakes (which Jason tried himself and noted “wasn’t bad at all”), and a new bed.
- Sadly, Finn also received a terrible haircut. We waited just a wee bit too long to groom him and, as it turns out, he was quite matted down. The groomer just shaved the poor dog who, bless him, does not look his best. He is like some strange dalmation/greyhound mix who we barely recognize. We know you’re in there, Finn!
- Finn has luscious long eyelashes – that lucky hound. Now that he is overly groomed, we do get to see his big brown puppy eyes more often. Perks!
Wherever you are and however you are, I wish you a contented September, with maybe even a little magic. It’s the start of the terrific months, after all.
