It's that time of year again.

Nope, I don't mean Christmas shopping, though mine is almost DONE! :) I mean school crazy.

The first couple weeks of school are always a bit crazy. Trying to get back into the swing of the routine again. Trying to find that balance between work, and kids, and mom. Trying (the kids) to balance play and school and homework and sleep. We have had a few CRAZY weeks. Just non-stop, no time to even sit still for 2 minutes, crazy.

Starting from having a wedding shower for my cousin out of town the day before school began, school beginning, soccer practices for two, soccer games, visits with friends, etc. Just non-stop. Good, but non-stop.

Braeden is doing great. He is not perfect, nor do I expect that, but he is doing so well. I'm SO very proud of him! With the exception of those couple rough days at the start, he has earned stickers and puzzle pieces every day. I'll take it! And I talk to God all the time about how great I think Braeden's doing and asking Him to continue to help him learn how to balance and cope and process his emotions.

Olivia's struggling. She does every year, usually both at the end of the school year and the beginning. Transitions like that are hard on her and this one has been no exception. She was used to going to bed later and sleeping in. Sleep, if not given enough, affects her so very negatively, and we've felt the brunt somewhat. I pulled her bedtime back and we are making our way through, with a light shining at the end of the tunnel not far ahead. But she's loving fifth grade and already looking forward to middle school and getting involved in track.

And Liam's teacher wants to meet with me. :) I'm pretty sure it's because he is definitely behind in many areas. I wanted so badly to touch bas e and tell her so much prior to school beginning, but know that that wasn't the right time, so we're working on coordinating a time to get together. He's doing well though and seems to enjoy kindergarten tremendously.

For myself, it's been a whirlwind. At work/school we began a new block schedule this year which is great, but also makes it so I rarely sit down, for now anyway. But the class is doing great, our new students are starting to exert some independence which I work hard for, and our former students are just growing more and more.

Since we were all so crazy lately, when I received an email at the end of summer regarding a new Disney on Ice show coming our way, I messaged a friend and we decided to get tickets to take her three and my three, and last night was our night. It was so fun! Very cool too because it showcased "older" Disney shows which are ones we LOVE...

The Lion King (missed pics of the characters)

The Little Mermaid

Lilo and Stitch

And Peter Pan

Liam was mesmerized because he's already requested to be Captain Hook for Halloween!

It was loads of fun and a great distraction from our busy life of late!

The next days will be similar as we are headed to Six Flags with good friends tomorrow, then overnight in a hotel, and then a baby shower out of town for another cousin on Sunday. We most likely won't return home until at least 8 if not later, sleeping and readying to start back to the "grind."

Then Monday Olivia has a Chicago Dr. appt, she begins dance up again that night at 4, Liam has soccer practice at 5, Tuesday is school and Olivia's and my school's back to school night. Wednesday is our first half day/inservice day, Thursday some other women from church and I are beginning a small group, and Friday I take Olivia and Liam both to Chicago for appts. Oh my! You know I'll be praying for patience, direction, and SO much help!