Transitions

A friend at church pretty much summed up how we're feeling last weekend when he said, "man, you Northwesterners. You go so hard all summer long and by this time of year you're crying that summer is coming to an end while also begging that it ends because you just can't keep up the pace." It's true. We always feel like we need to soak up every square inch of sunshine, the lake, and gatherings with family and friends during the summer months. It's not as if the fall doesn't also bring great things (it's my favorite season, after all), it just means schedules, routines, and a new kind of busyness. Although it's hard to say goodbye to a fun season in life, we are very excited for the start of fall activities around here.

This change of season has, of course, meant lots of time spent at the gym for me. I'm enjoying stepping back into the coaching world and am happy with my shift from JV to freshman coach. I loved last year, but the freshman schedule is much easier on the family. I must say, there is nothing better than the pure love of the game that fourteen year olds exhibit. My team is especially new to the game (two of the ten came in with the ability to serve the ball over the net!), so we have a lot of improvement ahead ;). And yes, I did briefly consider returning to the classroom too, but if I'm honest, it was a very brief consideration. I'm loving being a mom full-time right now and just can't comprehend how I could be the kind of teacher I once was and a mom (or a good wife, for that matter). I think I'll go back, but I'm just not sure when. One year at a time :)...

Jono is especially busy with work, volunteering at football games on the sideline and even working as a high school athletic trainer. All of that is, of course, is on top of the fifty-some hours he puts in at his regular job weekly. But I'm not complaining (Okay. Only semi-complaining). He is blessed with a great job and we are thankful. Time together as a family is a precious commodity around here.

And the Claranator continues to love life and constantly adapt to all her surroundings. Today we started toddler once-a-week co-op. She loved it. She's definitely a watcher and a looker. She loves checking out whatever other kids are doing. And then she'll make her move. The toys, especially the push along vacuum, had the major appeal. As did the snack time. You can always count on Clara to put away a large volume of food. Especially when it's cheese and crackers, like today. It'll be fun to see her over the course of the year!

Here she is with Maddie on her first day. Funny how hard we tried to get them in a picture together, and this was the best I could capture...

Life is good. We're happy to be back in the swing of the fall routine. Volleyball. Football games. Co-op. MOPS. Younglives. Church more regularly (and homegroup, of course). A consistent bed time. And laundry/cleaning time. Maybe even cooking regular meals time. Well, I shouldn't get too far fetched, huh?