Happy Annivesary!

Two blogs in one day - never have I done this before, but I can not let such a special day pass me by without acknowledgment. Four years ago today I married the most wonderful man that I've ever met! Chuck, you've made me so happy that words alone are not enough. I never knew I could love someone as much as I love you and every day I amazed to watch my love for you grow even more. Thank you for marrying me and changing my life!

Soccer Season Bites

Okay, it really doesn't bite, but when you're standing in a down pour before the game has even begun there isn't a lot of good words that come to mind. This is Lauren's first year outside of micro-soccer. That means we have referees, penalty kicks and games that are no longer called on account of rain. It is a lesson that should be shared with all parents as their children enter more "serious" levels of the sport. Bring your rain coat, umbrella and pop-up canopies because friends - soccer season has begun!

Last Two Weeks

School is almost here! We're wrapping up our summer swim lessons next week, spending this Saturday shopping for new glasses for Lauren and some clothes for both kiddos. We also need to find the time to get haircuts, attend a PTA Budget meeting, visit the dentist and hopefully make the Ice Cream Social to pay for school fees and lunch accounts before Chuck and I head to Newport for Labor Day weekend. It's going to be busy these last two weeks, but I'm very excited for my family. Lauren and Tyler get to step back into the swing of learning and interacting with their friends.

I'm also excited about a new group that some friends and myself are starting in Canby. A group of us mommies have decided that it would be nice to get together once a month and share what's working for us in parenting and discuss ways to improve problem areas. They say it takes a village to raise a child and I don't believe that means pawning your children off to others. Rather use from your resources in the best way possible for your children. That's our goal; communial parenting at its best!

Angst of Back To School

The kiddos head back to school in a few weeks. Tyler will be in 1st grade and Lauren in 3rd - our first year at full time school for all! That is exciting for us and I know some are looking forward to it more than others, yes Chuck, I'm talking about you. The supplies are purchased and awaiting names, the clothes, glasses and haircuts will be happening within the next week. So progress is being made.

Now to the angst ~ I'm sure others are feeling the bite in budget cuts at their local schools too. I can't tell you how much it bothers me to see it at ours. And since this is my blog, I'm going to complain about it. If you don't want to hear it, please stop reading and come back another day, you've now been warned.

Last June was painful to watch our teachers and admin shuffle out of a building without a safety net. Many knew they weren't returning, some were facing a future without certainity. Tears were shed from children to adults, budget meetings were held. It was sad on so many levels. We've come to learn that class sizes will be larger, pe and music will be shorter and that Wednesday won't start until 10AM.

But what we haven't learned is why the cuts weren't made as deeply at the administrative level as they were with teachers and staffers. I implore you Jeff Rose, who probably doesn't read this blog, to answer the questions I asked in June. Where did the money come from to retain your administrative staff and what are the qualifications to use those "special" funds. Please explain how you can continue to keep the 20 some odd people in the district office - and quit telling me that there is only 7 administrative employees - principals are not the only ones employed at the district office. I will give you kudos for your approach to balance the district's budget; it's always better to add then to continue to whittle away. But you've lost a little respect from me as a parent, community member, and most importantly as a tax payer, when you refuse to address ALL the issues.

Whew, I feel better having said that. Not better about the situation, just in my venting. Ted G., you Mr. Governor, are next on my list. This situation starts at the top and you Sir are the beginning on the snow ball ~ being orphaned is an awful thing to happen to a child, but thank goodness you received that free education from those nuns. Too bad you couldn't provide that same quality service to the children of those that you serve.

Coming Back

Seems like forever since I've sat down to reflect on my family, my friends, and life in general. So, thank you Angie, for inspiring me to come back.

Life has been busy, the school year rushed to a close and another is just around the corner. Tyler turned 6, Lauren went to her first big girl concert, Chuck is back working 24 hour shifts and I'm thankful every day that I still have a job in the construction industry.

In the next few days (possibly weeks, life's busy!) I'll try to fill in the gaps, keep the current events rolling and introduce you to our newest family member, Westen, the puppy we pick up this coming Friday. Until then ~

Taking A Break

It seems like every thing in our lives has slowed down over the last few weeks. Tyler has wrapped up soccer. We had a great final game followed by a nice party at the coach's house. Lauren is still dancing once a week, but that's the only for an hour, so not a large time commitment. PTA has had it's major fund raiser for the year, so my volunteer life has calmed down; more so by having the audit and taxes completed! Chuck of course is still working overtime whenever it works out for all of us, but it's a do it now before it's gone situation. So now we're ready to face the rush of the holidays. Trying to coordinate schedules and places while enjoying it all as we go along.

Lauren's First Slumber Party

Lauren went to her first birthday slumber on Saturday. My little girl is growning up before my eyes and I can't stop her. They put on make-up, did up their hair, dressed up in sparkly outfits and karoked to Hannah Montana on a makeshift stage. I have no idea how late they stayed up, but she made it through the night and was disappointed when it came time to leave in the morning. For now I'm thankful that it's slumber parties and make-up with the girls because before long I will lose any and all access to my phone and she'll want to go on a date with the boy down the street.