Hi there,
I knew once school started it would be hard to find time to blog. I'm pushing myself to make the time to write today.
In less than 1 year, my daughter (one of my closest friends) will be off on her own to college. I have to start making myself do things for me instead of filling all of my time taking care of the kids none stop. Yes, even Dawson is so busy that it seems like my only time with him is literally being his "Soccer Mom"! I drive him and some of his team mates to the away games and sometimes his friends need a ride home. I must say, Dawson and I have had some pretty neat conversations while we are driving. I actually look forward to our time in the car together! Do you think he feels the same way?! I'm probably fooling myself by saying yes, huh?
I do have some new goals for myself that I'm excited about. Like finally starting to scrapbook my kids, baby/childhood pictures! I have been wanting to work on a project that I have planned for a long time to help military families in need. I will tell you more about my project after I begin. I also have a new "anonymous" blog idea! Are you all curious? ;o Plus now that it is nice outside and hopefully no longer over 100 degrees record breaking summer, I am back outside taking care of my poor flowers. Many died this summer because of the heat. My knock-out roses were the hardiest. They are about 4x larger than last year when I planted them. OK enough about me, now back to the kids.
Where did I leave off on my last blog from the last time I wrote?
This summer was the year to travel to different colleges to help Keegan find one that would be best for her. She is hoping not to attend anywhere in Kansas. They have good Universities here, but she has it in her mind to attend an out of state college. I think she is still rebelling against our move to this state. She knows we can not afford much, but we have also told her if she can find a college that will give her a nice scholarship than she can go wherever she wants. Most of you already know about our summer adventures, so I won't go into a whole lot of detail. We traveled to Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Minnesota. She did fall in love with a few colleges. The trip was also good for Dawson, he was able to decide on a few he was interested in and a few not to bother checking out again. I had no idea what a big deal the college search would be. I do hope Keegan will be at least within 1 days driving distance from us.
During our travels we were able to visit my family in Wisconsin and Illinois. As usual we spent a restful vacation on my brothers farm. The hospitality, food and weather were perfect. It was so nice visiting with everyone. I wish our stay was longer, but I was thankful for what little time we had together. It had been a long time since David was able to go to Wisconsin with us. I know he enjoyed himself, especially eating the yummy curd!
Besides traveling we didn't do a whole lot this summer. The kids hung out with their friends. Dawson had soccer practice in the mornings, preparing for the high school team. Keegan enjoyed reading and writing. Oh, I almost forgot, they both got their "learners" driving permits the same day. It was a happy day for the 2 of them!
Dawson is now a Freshman and really enjoying high school. So far he likes his classes. He said none of them are very hard, but it is still early in the year. In high school they are required to have an "art/music" class for 1 year. For the heck of it he selected Stagecraft. Where they build sets for the Theatre Dept. (Keegan was so proud of him.) He is actually having fun with it. He is also happy his school has a winning football team. Last year they won the state championship, so he's hoping this year will be the same. I think he loves watching sports as much as playing. Everyday after school he practices with the soccer team. He is their Goalie. I am a nervous wreck watching him. I wish he would play in-field, so he wouldn't have to be responsible when the other team makes a goal! The parents are brutal on the bench when he misses the block. I think I will sit on the other side, at least THEY will be cheering for him!! (LOL) So far they have won 1 game (against Keegan's high school) and lost 1 game. Don't get me wrong, Dawson is good and I love being able to attend his games. On Sunday's he's back to playing Lacrosse, his favorite sport of all. I will have to work most of the time, so David will get the pleasure of driving him across town. That's okay, they don't get much time together. Dawson has recently become our "health nut". He is always reading labels and only eating what is good for him, plus he exercises regularly. I only wish I had a portion of his motivation. He is my inspiration. What a smart kid to already have figured out how to treat his body. Don't think for a second he doesn't eat much. He burns so many calories, he is constantly eating! Now I just have to get him to fix his own meals.
Keegan is already going bonkers with her schedule. I have mixed emotions on what I am about to say. On one hand I will be so glad when this IB Program is over, but at the same time I can't wish time to go faster because then she will be leaving us soon. Already this month she has way too much going on. Last week she had to write a rough draft on an Extended Essay for the IB Program (4000 words). She has to turn in her college folder this week and a National Merit Scholarship folder next week, both requiring a lot of work. Plus she is in a play the last weekend of Sept, so she still has to memorize her script. The first week of Oct her Extended Essay/final draft is due. I know you are probably thinking that she doesn't have time to be adding extracurricular activities. Seriously, without her Theatre she would go crazy. She has so much fun with the cast and tech crew. It really is her outlet/release of all the chaos in her life right now. Senior year is supposed to be fun. I hope Keegan will look back one day and remember it being a great year. I have to make myself back off and leave her alone. I can hardly peak at her calendar, I go crazy looking at her schedule. Although I have a feeling Keegan's life may always be like this, huh? During the next few months she will be applying to several colleges. She will be so busy writing essay's to each place. She won't hear back from any of them until next Spring whether she has been excepted or not. I understand the waiting period can be the toughest part, but honestly I am looking forward to the application process being over with. A lull would be welcome right now :) Luckily her classes are not too difficult yet and she does have her New York City trip to look forward to next year during Spring break with her Theatre group. Which just reminded me, that Dawson informed me that his Spanish class is going to Spain next year!! ("Phew") David should have been a Lawyer, so we can afford everything. You didn't really think I was going to say "I should have married a Lawyer did you?" tee hee :b
David and I are still thankful for our jobs. We both are doing well. At The Depot my hours are up and down. Mostly up, so I'm happy about that. I have finally come to realize unless I were to get laid off, I'm probably a Home Depot life'er! There is not many opportunities around here that pay well enough to start over again with another company. I like the people I work with, they have become good friends.
I still like it here in Wichita after 2 years! I guess it feels like home, but at the same time I don't think any of us feel an attachment here. As hot as it got this summer and breaking all heat records, I don't miss Phoenix. :Q Ask me this winter how I feel!
I have new pictures along the side, so check them out.
I think I have told you everything up to date. We miss all of you. We are busy, but never too busy for guest. We just might make you drive the kids around while David and I relax!!
Huh! This second Keegan just called me and wanted me to pick her and her friends up at 5:30. I told her I had to pick up Dawson between 5:30 and 6:00, so they would have to hang out until I could get to her school around 6:30! (Normal everyday stuff!)
I will continue to pray for you and please keep us in your prayers.
God loves you all so much.
I love you too,
Marjie
