Summer Ends...School Begins

It doesn't seem as though we had much of a summer this year. At least not to the driver, mom. I was thinking it would be easier as the kids became older; however, some things become easier while others are more challenging. This summer we had Captain's soccer camps at St. Catherine's High School and Prairie for Ian. Red Star (a.k.a. Kenosha United or something like that) summer soccer camp and Prairie's Coach Corey Oakland's summer soccer camp (Ian's favorite). McZ did a summer algebra class at her new high school. Then she did a summer volleyball camp. Last week was volleyball tryouts, which she made the freshman team, and this week has been practices. No vacation at all this summer...not even our annual summer trip to Lake Geneva. Summer just isn't summer like I remember it as a kid.

Back to school is just as I remember it with all the racing around to get supplies and new clothes. My kids don't really need new clothes so we have not done clothes shopping at all. For school supplies I have made two trips already, have an overstock of extras, and will most likely have to return to get more for my high school student.

Speaking of high school...our oldest starts this year and that means I have 2 kids in 2 different schools. Not only 2 different schools, but 2 different districts and cities. That is right! We did School Choice for our daughter McZ which means a commute of about 20 miles to school and 20 miles back home. Yes, it will be challenging juggling two kids, but well worth it. New year, new challenges, new memories, and new friendships!

Surviving the Teen Years

If we survive the teen years with two teenagers -- it will be a miracle.  We are blessed with one boy and one girl....and each bring their own set of teen issues.  Yesterday, it was our daughter's turn to come home from school and melt down.  It was one of those heartbreaking moments that brought tears to my eyes.  I wanted to simply wrap her in her blanket and cradle her tight.  Guess what?! She is too big for that now.  I cannot be there every step of the way and fix every problem -- I am merely a guide in her life now. Whether I want to fix every problem, or cry with her, she needs to find her way.  So hard to believe this happy face is really such a stressed out teenager, fearing the new journey in her life she is about to enter.  She told me yesterday, "we are all changing, and it is happening so fast, it is scary".  Of course, she was making reference to her and her friends are all changing, life is now moving quickly, there is no looking back, and she is completely afraid.  I think the realization that high school is around the corner, she won't be in school with all the same people, and school is harder the older you get...it has finally hit her.  My little girl has grown up and it makes me happy and sad all at the same time.