Life in the Fast Track

Our household has entered a new phase - from no employment this summer (neither of us were working during most of the summer) to three jobs. Mike's is going well and he finally feels like he is figuring out the new environment. He's getting a sense of how he might be able to contribute. I am going, going, going between my two jobs and all the planning, copying, and grading that goes along with teaching. Every night I sit at the table and crunch through all the papers. I like the challenge of learning something new and becoming better at it every day. High school is different than college. The kids talk more, and you see them every day. The periods are shorter, and there are passes to hand out for the halls. I'm slowly becoming more and more familiar with all the little things teachers have to do like put out papers on a clip outside your door with the absenses for that period, keep an official gradebook and attendance, and navigate the halls during the times between classes. I made my first two seating charts last week to help control two classes that couldn't stop chatting. I may have to give out detention.

All in all things are well except for needing a better spot to sit and type. I am suffering from shooting pains in my shoulder from all the work at my computer. I may have to steal Mike's desk space from him.

Isaac started his first year of soccer tonight and announced that he didn't like practice - he wants to play a game. We have six Saturday games coming up.

This semester will be a race to get to mid-December and then see what happens from there. Hopefully there will be major action on the house by then - we'll see.

Mike Got the Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's the info:

Director of Technology Services of an Intermediate School District (next county over)
Better pay than last job
Further drive - about 35 minutes
Full benefits
He starts next Thursday

Thanks to everyone who prayed for us. Thanks to everyone who was a reference (they complimented Mike on his references and the consistency and praise of their reports about him.)

We will be celebrating this weekend!

Still No News

It has been excruciating to wait for news. We were expecting to hear by yesterday at least, but so far nothing. Yesterday morning one of Mike's references was called, so that is encouraging. We'll post when we know.

Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa!

The New Knight

 

Optimus Prime Transformed

This is Optimus Prime transformed to robot mode.

Thank You Uncle Devin, Aunt Amber, Gavin and Ian!

I really love the Transformers! Avritt and I have been playing with these all morning. Avritt helps me with the big one, Optimus Prime. The others are Unicron, Tankor, and Shockwave.

Isaac, Spencer, and Max

 

The Castle that Mike Built

Complete with working drawbridge and doors! 

The Castle Cake

 

Birthday Pics

 

Isaac's Birthday Sleepover

Isaac and two friends are in the living room trying their best to follow 2 rules:

1. Whisper
2. Stay in the bed (they all have sleeping bags on a mattress on the floor that is behind the castle).

So far they are doing OK on Rule #1, but Rule #2 is just too much for three boys around 6 years old at their first sleepover.

Isaac has gotten out of bed twice to use the bathroom (second time just to see the nightlight I put in there). Max has been jumping off the mattress. Spencer has been trying, but with the other two boys, he doesn't have much chance.

Wait...I think that a minute went by where I didn't hear loud whispers (the kind where you know you should be whispering but you're talking just as loud as you normally would).

I spoke too soon.

I think we're at the point where Rule #2 is starting to take effect. I haven't heard anymore jumping off the mattress. We'll see if either of the boys ends up not wanting to sleep overnight. We haven't passed that danger yet. Max didn't bring a stuffed animal or favorite sleeping item, but he does have his Spiderman pillow.

Why is it at every sleepover, there is always one kid who actually wants to sleep, but the other ones are so loud that none of them can?

Uncertainty

Waiting. Between an injustice and the unknown future. Why is it that knowing the worst seems better than not knowing at all?

A Fun Week at the Campground

The rain didn't steal away a relaxing time of camping this summer. A few days on the beach in the sun can drain away a lot of stress and worry. The kids had much fun riding their bikes around the campground, and Isaac got to ride by himself around the loop for the first time this year (with a walkie-talkie, of course). During times of unstability and uncertainty, visiting a familiar place with familiar smells and sights brings a moment without a burden, a luxury for us right now.

Sand angels. 

Cooking pies around the firepit. 

Fun in the sand. 

A fuzzy but real picture. 

They are all smiling! 

In the stream at the campground.