Peace & Quiet

The birthday boy and girl at our family party. I love "sharing" my birthday with Braylen. :)

We've been back to school for 7 days now. Aaron's doing well in all-day kindergarten, which means I'm doing okay at home without him. He even earned his first "High 5" bracelet yesterday for going "above and beyond." Super! He's singing songs from music class around the house while Kaleb joins in. He can't wait to jump out of the van each morning, and is the only one of my boys to give me a kiss before doing so. The only wrinkle we had last week happened at lunch. I made Aaron a pb&j sandwich with chips, fruit, and a cookie. He didn't check his backpack, signed up for a school lunch, and picked...a pb&j sandwich. I'll swallow the $1.95 it cost me that day and chalk it up to a lesson learned! Tell Aaron each day that he has a lunch in his backpack, because chances are he won't look for one!

Now that my heart is settled in with my kids in school all day, I'm loving my time at home. It's quiet. I can come and go as I please. I get so much done, but allow myself to indulge in some "me" time as well. It's heavenly! I waited 11 years for this! :) Our late afternoons and evenings are packed full with activities, so it's an extra bonus to have this time during the day to get all of my "chores" done. Our house is clean (enough), the bills are paid, and supper is planned by the time 3:00 rolls around.


Not to forget my big boys, Braylen's 5th grade year is off to a good start. He's on the safety patrol, which is something he's wanted to do since kindergarten. He's been appointed captain for this quarter, and boy is he proud of that. :) When I can sneak a picture of him I'll post it. Derek and I both sense the extra need to pour into Braylen this year. Teaching him the importance of choosing friends with good character. What it means to be guilty by association. Doing what he knows is right even when nobody's watching. Or choosing to do the right thing when he's pressured to do otherwise. I'm trying not to smother him, but to watch over him from a distance and listen when he's ready to talk. Part of me will always remember holding his hand on walks and steadying his bike with my hand. But now he runs out the door and says, "My homework's done and I've practiced my piano--I'm going to play at Matthew's house!" And I let him go. My 11 year old son. :)

Check out their fort!

Braylen's room--I love how his tree worked out!

Kaleb's delighted to be learning how to type! He's also learning cursive handwriting this year. He's still a little boy when he plays with Aaron, but I've noticed he won't give me a kiss in the van anymore. Baby steps. The amazing thing is I can type all of this without my eyes filling with tears. They're growing up just like they should be and I'm excited for them! Thank you Lord!

Derek's adjusting to his new role at work now that school is back in session. He's as busy as ever, but thoroughly enjoys what he does. The weekends are still warm enough to go boating, so that's exactly what Derek did with the boys and his dad on Saturday. Who says we can't sneak in a couple more trips to the lake, right? Until hunting season starts, boating is Derek's way of getting away from it all.

I wonder if Grandpa knows what he's in for?

Now that I've had my peace and quiet today, I'd better get to work. 3:00 will be here before you know it!