The Birth of a Blog...

Hello!

This is my first blog post; hopefully, this blog will serve as a tool by which I can communicate better with all my extended family while keeping some type of a journal of our daily life for myself. I plan to post pictures, clever little anecdotes, and charming stories about life in general. If at times I get sucked into the toilet bowl whirlpool that is the monotony of the day to day, so be it...

For now, what are we up to?

School is back in session, and going strong. After many many days off for this or that (primaries, Rosh Hashanah, Labor Day, etc., etc.) the kids are FINALLY "in school". This means we have homework, and a schedule to follow.

Sports have not begun full force yet. But they will. Next week we will have about 2 activities every afternoon. It should be exciting, especially since Mac is not able to help with anything! Mac has been in Houston since the end of June for a medical rotation at the big cancer center there. He is not enjoying his time away from home (but he is getting a chance to catch up on studying). He's learning a lot, I guess, and has been able to do some *cool surgeries*, but... He is missing out on a lot... And he knows it...

Kate has started high school. This is a big transition. After 2.5 weeks, she is happy to have people she can talk to in all her classes. She is making friends slowly, but really didn't know many people before she started this school. It's in a different district than her middle school was. She is taking some challenging classes, but overall the most hated of classes is Algebra 2, and the most beloved is Photography. The level of her English class is much less challenging than her magnet English last year, but I suppose that's not surprising.

Isabel, the older twin, is in 4th grade and enjoying it so far. She still enjoys reading and drawing, and I'm wondering what books she'll love most of all at the end of this year? She is starting in a new Girl Scouts Troop this year. They have a kayaking outing later this month. I hope she's able to go! She loves outdoor activities, and didn't hesitate when I asked if she wanted to go...

Steven, the younger twin, is in 4th grade as well. He doesn't give me many details about school- but he says it's fine. His diabetes is OK. He has lots of high readings these days. It's just the way it is, I guess. At school he's less active than at home, so his blood glucose is generally higher. He had allergy testing last week, and was very positive for various allergens. We'll most likely start him on a course of Allergy Shots. We really do need another activity to fit into our weekly schedule...

Luke is starting first grade. He is still very shy, but certainly has a will of his own. He's kind of like a little tyrant here at home. He is digging in his heals and refusing to learn to read. It's frustrating for all concerned! Luke will be starting flag football later on this month. I wonder if he'll like it? I wonder if he'll restrain himself from tackling other kids? It is FLAG football after all. He is missing the rough-housing he used to be able to do with Daddy. Steven doesn't rough-house. Josie probably would, but she's too little still...

Josie is... CUTE CUTE CUTE. She knows it too. She says *I cute*. And then she smirks a little smile and nods her head up and down while raising her eyebrows. She is in a little gymnastics class which is a real kick. She's the only student! There are not too many Stay at Home Moms around here, and apparently even fewer who are willing to take their toddlers to gymnastics! Anyway, Josie gets the run of the place. She can jump on trampolines to her heart's content. And no worries about waiting for other kids to have their turn! She seems to enjoy the obstacle courses for now.

I am trying to keep my sanity while setting the house in order... Delivering everyone to their after-school activities on time and in appropriate outfits is daunting. This week is the *school meetings week* so my 14 year old babysitter (that would be Kate) has been getting some extra hours in watching the sibs while I go meet and greet various people. Right now Steven and Isabel are planning on joining the instrumental music program. Steven wants to play the clarinet and Izzy wants to play the trombone. Now I have to figure out when they will practice!

Mac will be back at the end of October, hopefully in time for Halloween. It can't come soon enough!