Freshly Sharpened Pencils

What is it about the swiftly approaching fall and the ever impending start of a new school year that puts a knot in the pit of my stomach? If you know me at all, you know that I have a nervous personality anyway. Throw me out of my routine and into something new, and I can be a wreck. This year is definitely no exception. I am embarking on a "new" workplace/school, faculty, and administration. While the physical location will be unchanged, we will no longer be Riverton Middle School. As of August 6, you are looking at a 6th grade teacher for the brand new Riverton Intermediate School. I am beyond excited at the changes; however, that uncertainty still drives my nerves.

As I mentioned in the previous post, Lauren is starting pre-k in a couple of weeks as well. She and I made a trip to town a few days ago to start knocking out that insanely long supply list. Well, $50 later, and we're still not finished. Can you believe that educating a 4 year old can break the bank like that. I guess I shouldn't really complain until we start paying the tuition. It is actually about the same as what we were paying in daycare costs, so I'm not too taken aback. But, I do look forward to the day when we can save more money and enjoy the fruits of our labor a little more. The girls are totally worth it though!!! We feel the blessings everyday!

In the words of Meg Ryan in "You've Got Mail", "There is just something about the smell of freshly sharpened pencils". Bring on those loads of supplies, stacks of textbooks, school bus stops, students with nervous stomachs, and frazzled parents.

God Bless!
Brandi

Summer 2010

We are still here!! I have taken a long blog break but hate to keep looking back and see February as the last post. So, what have we been up to? Chris and I have had the pleasure of spending lots of time at home with our girls this summer. It has been fun, but I am exhausted. Work is just around the corner, and I am looking forward to it..well, maybe just a little.

We took a trip to Gulf Shores the last week of June. It was an absolute blast! Alyssa is a water baby and couldn't get enough of the pool. Lauren is also a big fan of the water as well as the sand. I really wish we could have had the opportunity to hang out and splash around in the ocean water; however, for the first time ever the Gulf water was just not pretty. The oil from the spill wreaked havoc on the beach the week we were there. It was really quite depressing, but we had fun nonetheless. The remainder of the summer was spent with us relaxing, taking a day trip to Six Flags, and mostly just enjoying being together.

Lauren starts pre-k at Mt. Carmel Elementary in a week and a half. I'm trying not to get too emotional about it, but it just doesn't seem possible. Alyssa starts back to daycare next week. I know she will be so excited to see her teachers again. I'm sure the teachers feel the same. She has changed so much and grown up before our very eyes. To wrap things up, I am feeling truly blessed to have had this time with my family. Let the good times roll!!

God Bless!
Brandi

**Update- I forgot to mention that Lauren started soccer last month. Watching 4 and 5 year olds play an organized sport is nothing short of hilarious! She is so very excited about her first game this Saturday. Go Eagles!!