We've Only Just Begun

How do you type the sound of a loooong exhalation? What characters do you need to use to approximate the sound of collapsing on the couch?  Because that's what's going on here.

In an extremely convenient turn of events, the last week of school happened to coincide with a conference that Rob had to attend in Kansas City.  Whoopee.  I was an incredibly gracious and understanding spouse, as you can see.

I'll just go ahead and say it: that last week of school is the craziest of the year.  Even crazier than the start of school or the countdown to Christmas vacation.  The teachers, God bless them, are plum wore out, the kids act like rabid baboons (at least mine do), the parents just do not want another blessed piece of paper to come home, and no one has the stamina to pack a lunch anymore.

It's a special time, and one I like to share with my husband.  Mostly by crying "the kids are coming home, what are we all going to do with each other?"  Can you tell that I am no good with schedule changes?

I also left all the teacher's gifts until the very last minute, and I scheduled Fiver's IEP meeting for the day after the kids finished because I like to take all my punches at the same time.

The kids all did very well this year and they were promoted to the next grade.  With Bun going to the pre-K at school, I'll have four little chicks in that building next year.  Good thing we love that school.

Actually, all joking aside for a moment, I really am so happy and proud of our school.  We took two schools, both with long, proud histories and fighting tooth and nail to stay open, and combined them in the span of nine months.  It was nothing short of amazing the way the teachers, kids, staff, and parents did what was best for the school and came together.

In our inaugural year our school won the district and diocesan spelling bees; the district and diocesan academic bowls; first place in swimming; first place in district baseball.  I know I am missing some of our other activities, but honestly, I don't think anyone dreamed that we would come together like this.

Now we just have to keep praying and keep working to make sure the school continues to thrive.

I know it's only Monday, but thankfully this week is already 75% less frenetic than last week. And that is saying something, if you take our lunchtime library/Target/dairy store outing into consideration.  I am planning on pacing myself better in the future.

Right now, I am headed to bed, but now that my schedule is a little lighter I am hoping to get back into a groove here.  I do need to tell you all about a very interesting and eye-opening conversation I had with an old friend recently, so there's that to look forward to.  Plus also too, I think I am going to follow the example of the "Simon Says" feature from Camp Patton so I can share some of Rob's very dry humor with you all.

So obviously, good times ahead.  Stay tuned.