It's been too long, catching up is the worst, so here's a bunch of random conversational tidbits:
.........
The girl is back in school. As of yesterday. I am probably the only parent at that school that asked her this morning, 'But you went to school YESTERDAY, do you have to go back?'
Obviously I still have mixed feelings about school. She does, too, but ultimately decided to go back.
Just looking at her 'literature textbook' makes me a little grumpy. And if you want a funny story, ask me about her shuttle bus.
I grudgingly am back to packing lunches with FAR less enthusiasm than last year. But good gear still makes it easier.
Her lunchbag, lunchboxes and backpack all survived a whole year brilliantly. Seriously, it all looks new. That is why I like spending a little more up front with some things.
Yesterday we started the boys with school stuff, too. I did NOT buy donuts or even remember to take photos in the morning (before bed when 2/3 were in their pj's - yes). I actually spent quite a bit of the day calling back and forth trying to find someone to fix my van.
Yup, so that was super fun.
I dropped it off at a new-to-me repair place (my go-to guy was booked for over a week out) and as I'm giving him my info I look around at the other cars in the shop and realize... WHOA. I may be outta my league here. Every car was nicer than mine by a longshot.
Huh. Then I laughed as the guy had to move a JAG out of the way to fit my crappy 10yo minivan inside for the night. Yes, please move that JAG out of the way for my dirty van. Ha!
Can't wait to hear the estimate.... oh boy.
We are switching dance studios this year which was a surprisingly difficult/stressful experience. SO many places have their teens in classes till 10:00 at night! Wow. That might have worked when we homeschooled (but not well, I wouldn't have liked it then either) but definitely not when they have homework and early school the next day!
The place we decided on makes my daughter happy and she is excited for fall classes to start! I think change is good sometimes. Not so excited about the schedule (taxi) ramping back up, though.
The girl got her driving learner's permit this week. She really isn't super excited to drive (I've heard that is a common thing with kids her age these days), it was just a convenient time to get her permit. I made her drive the block-and-a-half in our neighborhood to our house and she shrieked 'I am not mentally or emotionally prepared for this!' She did it, though. The boys laughed in the back of the van the whole time.
I was reading a good book when we went camping, so I bought it on my nook to take with (much easier than hauling an 800 page library book around!). I am remembering how much I love reading on my nook (e-ink reader, not tablet). It is so comfy and light and I am a font nerd and like choosing them myself. If only it was easier to load library books on it! I don't love reading on the iPad. (Also a nook can fit in a ziplock bag and can be read in a pool. Which is kind of the best thing ever).
More later,
xo
kirsten