Wow!

I figured I would have trouble keeping up with this blog! We'll try it again...

Kids are back in school: Ethan in 4th grade, Haley in 3rd grade, Morgan in Kindergarten, and Logan in Mommy school.

Ethan is having a wonderful year! He has a friend of ours as a teacher so that helps. She has four boys about the same agaes as our kids so she knows how to handle him and is very understanding. Also, he doesn't want to disappoint her so is really working hard. He's getting to do lots more 'hands-on' work as they are studying more science and researching local history and going on field trips. He has been put in a 'helper/leader' role in the class since he is a top student - that makes him feel really good (and, of course, makes Mom & Dad proud, too!).

Haley was placed into an interesting position right off the bat this year. She was chosen to sit directly across from a boy who had just been adopted from Ethiopia the month before school started. Her teacher said that she wanted him to have a friendly face to look at and someone who would be a good helper to him so the adjustment would be easier. Of course, Haley (my little "Mommy") was super excited to meet him! She has enjoyed his company and it makes her feel good that she had this wonderful opportunity given to her to help make his transition easier.

Morgan is super excited every day she comes home from school! She can't wait to tell me what she learned that day! Her teacher has said that she loves her enthusiasm and her eagerness to learn. She has been jealous of her older siblings because they are always being asked to do things with friends and she doesn't. We have been reminding her that she will make some good friends this year and now that she is in school, those opportunities will start coming to her, too. That being said, it was nice to hear that she has made a couple of good friends that she truly enjoys playing with.

And then there's Logan... Where do I even start?!! She's a trip! Her little personality is a little too much some days! Ornary, fun-loving, a bit of a show-off, crazy, stinker, stubborn, sweet, etc. The funny things lately is that she is bound and determined that she is getting a puppy. She was crying when I tucked her in the other night saying, "I want a doggie..." Really? Where does that come from?!! I am babysitting another 3 year old right now so she has a playmate. That has been good for us. I miss the one-on-one time I thought I would have with her this year but knowing I can get stuff done while they entertain each other is nice as well.

Mike is coaching the Warsaw H.S. volleyball team this year. They are currently 17-3 but end their season with some tough teams. It's been interesting this year - the personality of a team from one year to the next can vary so much! He has already started the Outland club stuff. Try-outs are in November and then practices begin. It's still up in the air if he will coach the 7th grade girls basketball team. The money is nice, the girls need a great coach like him (especially at that level), but is it worth the time away from his family????? Tough call. I think as long as he doesn't have to be in the gym for all the Outland practices (we'll have between 15-20 teams), then we might be able to handle it. We'll see...

I am trying to stay sane. We have dropped taekwondo so the schedule is much easier to manage. I think that has lowered my stress level a bunch! I feel bad that they aren't able to continue but the financial obligation for 3 (and eventually 4) kids in it are too much, especially as we are trying to get our house built and furnished as nicely as we can.

I am also babysitting 3 kids during the week and it will probably be going up to four after Christmas. It's going ok but it will be nicer with the extra space for napping and playing that we'll have in the new house.

For those of you who don't know, we will be building here in Warsaw in Park Ridge. The house will have 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 2 car garage, 2 stories, LR, Den, and an expanded eat-in kitchen. Can't wait - especially for the bathrooms!

I'll try and update this more often. Until next time...

Tricia