The bumpy road...

I'm emotional today- actually, I have been for a few days. I could come up with a half dozen reasons why I've been so up and down but truly there is only one reason: Chris had to go back to Maryland today.

In November, Chris and I will have been together for fifteen years. A month later, in December, we'll celebrate fourteen years of marriage. We've had some better days, weeks, months, and years than others- but the past few years have been especially difficult. This afternoon as I was weeping in my husband's arms, it just reconfirmed to me that I'm where I want to be- with who I want to be with. All of the other crap in life just fades away in light of that one true realization. The unfortunate part is that in this new transition of our life together- as we are settling into a new home and community- he's not here with me- the way it SHOULD be. Chris keeps telling me 'one day at a time' which is exactly what we have to do to get through these next few months- but it is definitely more difficult than I thought it would be. So- I won't see him again in the month of August- he'll be back on September 1st for 11 or 12 days... and until then, I'll manage here... sad. I found this quote and thought how true it is... so, I thought I'd share... and just reiterate to my husband that I would choose him all over again.

One of the nicest things you can say to your partner, "If I had it to do
over again, I'd choose you. Again."
Unknown

Now here's a break in the thought process to update on the past few very busy days

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The kids all started school on Thursday- it was only a half day for the three older kids- and only a 1 hr orientation time for Soph. But, it went well and Friday was a typical day. I'll start with Nick.

Nick has decided to play football this year for the school team. Chris met with the coach and we got all of Nick's paperwork taken care of and he participated in his first practice at Sunset on Friday evening. Then Saturday morning and into the afternoon- he had a scrimmage game at an area school. So far- so good. He seems to enjoy it though he's pretty sore from the practice/game. I think all in all, this will be good for him... but it does make me nervous seeing him out there with kids twice his size coming at him. (Maybe he'll learn to run faster???)

Julia seems to really be enjoying her teacher and new school. But, I wouldn't expect less. Julia loves school. We also got Julia signed up for rec soccer and she had her evaluations on Saturday. Got the email today that teams have been chosen and her practices will start Saturday. I think this will be a great way for Julia to meet more girls her age and make new friends.

Emma is in the second grade. I still can't really believe that. Anyway, she is enjoying her class and has made a friend or two. Emma can be a bit chatty- and her sarcastic sense of humor isn't always understood by her peers- but I know she'll latch on to a friend or two and she'll do just fine. No sports for Em at this point- but I am looking into dance classes for her. If you are a local and have any suggestions- I'm all ears.

Sophia. Friday was tough... for me... and maybe her teacher. I got her to school and got her out of the truck and the teacher came over to get her. Soph was great until she realized that I wasn't coming along. :-( She yelled "mommy" and started crying and I sat for a few moments as she was carried toward the school with the teacher. I took a deep breath and drove into town to run a few errands. Chris and I picked her up at 11:30 and she was happy to see us. In her bookbag- we had the 'rundown' of the day on a piece of paper which told us how her day was- and did notate that she "protested :-)" So- I'm not sure for how long or to what degree (and maybe its best that way) but she started school and goes back again tomorrow. To be honest, I have HIGH hopes for my Sophia Hope and I'm looking forward to the progress she is going to make this year. I'm still not sure if I'm ready for all of this- but I am CERTAIN that she is.

Alright, I suppose I should head off to bed. 6:15am comes early- and goes nonstop until this time tomorrow night. Good night, all.