August & September Catch up!!

I think eventually, I'll settle back into a routine which includes blogging ... maybe! In the midst of super busy schedules and some rough challenges, we've had some fun and tried to embrace the new school year. My kiddos started school (two different high schools!!) and it's still hard to believe I have a freshman and a junior this year!

First Day of School

Paige is warming up to her new surroundings. She made the decision to attend the local high school where we moved instead of being transferred to the high school where all her friends went. I'm so proud of her for stepping into new territory, however scary, because of the goodness she'll get out of it. She ate lunch by herself the first few days, but has quickly made friends and is settling into her new routine with very little homework,, which I think suits her just fine. She participated in the pre-audition for the school musical this week and will be auditioning formally in another few weeks.

Nicole is in her 3rd year at the same school. aka: "the prison" if you ask her. She's got a HEAVY load this year ... all AP and IB classes and hard ones to boot: IB Chem SL, Pre-AP Physics, Honors Women's Choir, IB Calculus SL, Pre-IB Latin III, IB English SL, 1st sem = office helper, 2nd sem = Theory Of Knowldege, IB Euro History. ouch!

We most often see her in front of the computer or with her nose in a book as she hums or sings along to whatever music she's listening to. If any kid can handle it, she can. I'm so proud of her academic accomplishments and that voice! She's finding her groove ... even if she hates school. We are researching colleges and will schedule some college visits this year .. hopefuly, deciding where she'll apply next year. wish us luck! And keep your fingers crossed that she'll find one she LOVES that's just down the road. This Mom could really use her first born "going off to

college" but not so far away. :(

Lukester is 14 months now and while not officially walking, he's definitely toddling around. His latest favorite thing to do is to push his walking toy around the house while sqealing and screaming as loud as he can. Mostly happy sounds unless he gets stuck and needs some help. He was sick at his 12 month mark, so we had to postpone his wellcheck until just recently. He got great marks, though! 26lbs (90th), 32in (97th), head 49.5 (97th percentile). He's definitly a big kid and super tall. He can see into bathroom drawers, can reach the door knobs and open doors. This kid does not mess around with cutting teeth. He's got 12 so far! He may be taking his time on walking, but is quite the talker. He say: Dada (his favorite person on the planet!), Mama, UhOh, and makes distinct sounds for: out, down, dog, kitty, and what's that? He is constantly on the move - loves to climb the stairs, pull up on everything and rarely sits still to cuddle. This mom steals a few moments at the end our day while he has milk and we read books before bed time.

He's taken to the keyboard lately w/ his sisters.

You tell me, do they love him, or what?!

(don't mind the messy shirt... comes with the territory when you cut 4 teeth at once!)

Heath is still lovin the beer salt world and I appreciate having him home office. It's convenient and quite helpful when it comes to toting kids all around this little town. Not to mention our dry cleaning bill has practically dissappeared! He's disappeared a few wekeends lately to go hunting with his family. It's been good to see him get out and do something he enjoys again! and then there's FOOTBALL. It's football season and we've joined the fantasy football league .. again. If you want someone to watch a game with or somewhere to watch it, the Man Room is usually willing to host ;)

Heath's alter ego .. Twang Man

It will be interesting to see how my job will transition over the next few months as I settle into this new position and make the adjustment to no cube of my own. I've also taken on a new venture and decided to get my PMP Certification, so my world has turned back into one that includes more studying than I care for and classes every Friday for a month. It's crazy to try to find the time, but I enjoyed the challenge and the opportunity to learn something new again. As of Sept 27th and after a 4 hour exam, I'm officially: Shaunna Chapman, PMP :)