Hey, everyone! If you hadn’t heard, I was offered a long-term substitute position at Wapak and began teaching first grade Tuesday, August 19th. Today was the seventh day of school. It’s been awesome. I’ve never been in the school during the first few months so it’s been a real eye-opener to see how it all comes together mid-October. My class list has gone from 20-4+3+1+1=21. I had no idea things were this crazy the first few weeks of school. I’m having a lot of fun and so are Jayden and Josie. They like getting out of the house and playing with new friends. Although Jayden doesn’t like to go to bed on time so every morning he says, “Mom, just a little more sleep.” Hilarious. “Yeah, buddy. Me too.”

One more reason why I’m old. Of course I only feel old because it seems like high school ended, well, not yesterday, but not that long ago. When in actuality, it was nearly ten years ago. My best friend, Jenni, and I got a chance to catch up during the alumni soccer game this weekend during Summerfest. Not only did she remind me that our ten year high school reunion was next summer (thanks), but she also stated that for her to date a 36-year-old man was not a stretch since we’re just a few years shy of 30 ourselves. Geez, where does the time go? Anyway, I’ve concluded that this must be the awkward stage for adults. The time when the person you imagined when you were twenty that you were going to be when you were thirty isn’t around, and you’re trying to balance all things you are. Don’t get me wrong - I’m smiling as I write this. It’s just too funny to be thinking like an adult all the time and saying things like, “They’re young. Let ‘em find their own way,” and “The summer of ‘98 when your father and I were inseparable, gas was $0.93/gallon!”

So what started all this was that I have a 4-year-old son. On Tuesday, Jayden turned four and woke us up bright and early to open his presents. Audi took the day off so we got to snuggle in bed for a couple of hours while Jayden went through his loot. Around 9:30 we made strawberry pancakes. They were great! Then, Audi installed Jayden’s presents in his room. You’ll see what I mean on Saturday. Be sure to check out the improved mailbox designed by me and made by Audi when you drive up. We got so many things done - it’s amazing!

Yesterday was very productive as well. Jayden and I went through all the toys, and he decided to give a few away for other kids to enjoy. The house looks nice, and we’re getting ready for his party on Saturday. Tonight, Audi will be grilling the chicken so we can shred it in the food processor. We’re so excited to have everyone over and hang out. The weather is predicted to be in the 80’s and sunny so we should have to great time!

Hi, all! I can’t believe it was July last time I posted. Audi and I were just talking about how I should set a day aside to write a new post so I’m posting every week. I think I’ll make it a weekend so Audi has to watch the kids while I do it. Ha! Anyway, Jayden, Josie and I just got back from their well-check appointments. They both are doing very well physically and developmentally. Jayden weighs 37 lbs. and is 41 3/4″ tall. Josie weighs 27 lbs. and is 31 3/4″ tall. Jayden is still in the 75 percentile in height and the 25 percentile in weight. He’s been that way since birth - long and lean - and the kid is STRONG! Josie is in the 75 percentile in height and in the 95 percentile in weight. Guess she’ll have something to be jealous of when they’re teenagers.

We’re starting to get some things done around the house. We frosted the clear glass in two matching flush mount light fixtures and put them up in the hallway. They look really nice. Audi’s a genius with a spray can. We’re planning the kid’s bathroom at the moment. It should be fun. New floor, new vanity and sink, new light fixture (maybe) and new mirror - plus paint. The budget is $500 so we’re slowly getting things one by one. Debt elimination is still the #1 goal.

Oh, last Tuesday my friend, Gwen, called me around dinner time to invite me to see WALL-E with her that night. So after dinner I gave the kids a bath and got ready to go. I put Josie to bed, and Audi and Jayden were watching Veggie Tales when Gwen came to pick me up at 9:30. It was great! She has a boy and a girl the same ages as Jayden and Josie so we have play dates with the kids, but it was nice to get out of the house and do something fun together. We got popcorn and soda and had the theatre all to ourselves since it was so late. We got to talk during previews and comment during the movie. It was awesome - the night out without kids and the movie as well.

One week until Jayden turns four! He’s very excited about his birthday and that Uncle Cory is going to be there along with all his friends, Landon, Seth (Gwen’s boy), and Morgan. No doubt I’ll be cleaning this week and giving Audi small projects to complete. He took off Jayden’s birthday so they can put up his birthday presents. I’m sure Jayden will show you when you walk through the door so you’ll see them soon!