To Share or Not to Share

The whole point of a blog is to share with the world the goings on in my life. I started out to document our journey to Ethiopia and to share photos of our cute kids. I have tried to keep my comments honest, but I do know that some items are too private to detail in front of the world. I don't want to be a blog that only shares how great my children are. In our house, there is yelling. We argue. We have stinky morning breath and end more than one day really needing a bath and a glass of Pinot. Do my kids always get along? Nope. Do I love them no matter what? Yes. Do I like them every day? Not always.

I used to write journals. I'd spend time as I fell asleep documenting my day, my thoughts, creative writing pieces, etc. Well, since I started blogging, I stopped writing in journals. That hasn't been too much of a problem, I think, until now.

This past week, I had a heated discussion with someone in my world. For privacy reasons, I won't share any part of it. I will share, however, that I felt trapped by the thoughts in my head. I am so used to writing either blog posts or status updates on Facebook to vent about the interactions in my life. However, because of the public nature of those places, I couldn't say a word, or wouldn't say a word. I don't think everyone exercises such restraint. I heard a story from a friend of a friend recently. At one point in her life, she found out she was having a baby. A surprise pregnancy, since her youngest was already in school. She wasn't sure how she felt about the whole thing, since she had hoped for a baby for the past 4 years and it never happened. Anyway, a friend of hers asked her why she was blue. (This friend happened to be struggling with infertility.) She asked if she was allowed to be totally honest and her friend said yes (knowing she was pregnant). Well, she explained that this joyous surprise had caught her off guard, etc. A little while later, friends husband POSTS ON FACEBOOK his disdain for his wife's friend who would be so callous. The baby is nearly two and they haven't spoken since that fateful discussion. Should she have vented to her friend who was struggling, maybe not. However, to blast her on FB seems cowardly to me.

Do I wish I could post about the words that were exchanged? Absolutely! It would be great to get a gut check on what happened to see what I could learn about the interaction, maybe do things differently next time. Do I know this is not the place for those thoughts? Of course.

So, if you are reading this, and wondering why things have been a bit quiet, just know lots of "stuff" is going on, it just isn't stuff I can share.

Welcome Fall

Both kids appear to be settled into their new classrooms. B's school just opened a new K-8 building that is so spacious and beautiful, and right next door to G's new school. They also have a new Principal who is young and enthusiastic. His good vibes are contagious and that makes me so happy for my kids. 

B's teacher, who happens to be a neighbor and friend, is just the right balance of gentle and strict. She has high expectations for the kids but understands that they are easily distracted little people. We have yet to see any tears at drop off, which makes me feel so good about his comfort level. They are working hard on reading, writing, spelling, math, drawing, social studies, science, and religion. His best buddy sits right behind him and his room is full of really great kids.

And this fabulous little lady...

G has begun attending the preschool on the same campus as B. In fact, the building is right next door. She tells me that she doesn't like it. She tells me that she wants to go back to her old school. However, after we walk B to class each morning, she sees a few of her friends from school. As soon as she sees them, she can't wait to race with them over to their classroom. She gives me a hug and a kiss and quickly says, "Goodbye, Mom!" when we get settled into her classroom. And every day when I pick her up, she has a huge smile on her face. It probably helps that she has told me she is in love with one of her classmates. His mom shared with me that he calls her his girlfriend. Their brothers are in the same first grade class, so we get to see lots of him.  Her teacher shared with me that during their prayer circle one morning, one teacher asked everyone to pray for friends who are trying to adopt a baby from Ethiopia. All of a sudden, G's hand shoots up in the air. Her teacher calls on her and she says, "I was born in Ethiopia! I was born in Ethiopia!" It brought tears of joy to all of the teachers. Her joy is infectious. 

Along with their new classrooms, we have also started new activities. B is playing Hot Shots basketball (coed, CYO 1st and 2nd graders). They have had 2 practices and their games begin today. I can't wait to see it. B and I also officially started Cub Scouts with our first Den meeting. We have 5 very enthusiastic little boys and their parents already off to a great start. G began taking gymnastics at a local gym. She thinks her coach is the coolest person on the planet.

I am having fun getting to know new families at school, learning about scouting and volunteering in B's classroom. For the first time in nearly 7 years, I get to spent some quality time doing "office work". Lots of copies, etc. I feel good knowing I can provide support for his teachers. 

Ahhh, Vacation!

Kids start school this week. 83 days of summer vacation vanished in a flash! We were so blessed to spend the last couple of weeks of summer enjoying the sunshine in Central Oregon. We rode bikes/scooters, golfed, played games, and hung out with family and friends. I tried to capture most of the highlights:

Board Games and Bed Head

Time in the pool

Golf (in miniature)

Wildlife viewing in the back yard

Crazy games in the front yard

Including direct-aim at the camera!

Lots of yummy food, including s'mores