October Already? Fall, Autumn, Color, Crisp Air

It is hard to believe that time has brought us to the month of October already. The kids have completed the 1st 9 weeks of the 2016-2017 school year.

There have been a couple hiccups. B1 exploring being in the High School and joining Raiders with the JROTC. Learning that being responsible is not just a nice thing, but sort of required in life. He is doing well with his academics and is enjoying the competition.

B2 is enjoying being an "upperclassman" in the middle school. Good grades, enjoying choir and growing like a weed. He is looking to try out new things to find just who it is that he wants to be. Being the musically creative one, he also wants to see what other things spark his interest. He says singing isn't going to create video games so he has to find something that will.

It appears to be the one having the hardest time adjusting this year is B3. 6th grade is a hard adjustment. He has never adjusted to change easily,  With his special needs, anxiety is becoming a major issue. We are attempting to work with his teachers but it does take time. We are thankful that we have essential oils to support him while his issues are coming under control.

The amazing part of the season is that the air is turning crisp, the colors are vivid in the foliage and it is perfect chili weather. I can not wait until we have a bonfire and hot dog roast. (It is one thing the entire family loves.)

One of the must-haves when it comes to the change of seasons is our essential oils. The protective blend of essential oils is a must have. I love diffusing it in the diffusers at home to give the air a fresh fall scent. The blend has wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary.

Back to School

It has been a while, hasn't it?

Today is the first day of school for our brood. We are down to just the boys still living at home. The two oldest girls have spread their wings and moved along while our youngest daughter is in college. Seems like just yesterday they were in kindergarten.

It is bittersweet for the boys today. They are growing up and new experiences are coming. B1 is now a freshman in high school. The journey to adulthood is upon him.

 His year will be spent discovering exactly what he wants to do with his life. (The age old question that some adults do not have an answer to.)

He will be experiencing Visual Art, Principles of Mechatronics, Principles of Law, and JROTC. In addition to his core classes.

Currently, B1 is contemplating going into law enforcement. He has relatives already there and would like to serve the community. JROTC and Principles of Law both will enlighten him on that career.

He also loves drawing and figuring out what makes things work. Visual art and Principles of Mechatronics will feed that curiosity.

We fully anticipate this will be a major personal growth year for B1.

B2 and B3 are at the middle school. 8th grade and 6th grade. Major changes for them too.

B2 is in 8th grade and ready to enjoy being at the top of the food chain. He is anticipating choir again this year. He is also excited about being the responsible big brother that keeps an eye on B3.

B3 has a touch of apprehension going on this morning. He doesn't like change, doesn't care to experience the unknown. New school, new teachers, news expectations.

When we went to Open House for the middle school B3 was quite excited about the computer lab and the classrooms that have computers in them. He is our high tech boy.

All in all, it appears the school year is off to a good start. Now for mom and dad to get it together during the day. Ha!

Mom has picked up substitute teaching in addition to adjunct to help with things. We feel it is important to know what is going on at the schools and until a full time position opens up in higher ed, supplementing with substitute teaching will be an added bonus.

Back to School fun!

Good bye 2014... hello 2015

2014 is not a year that was amazing for us. It was a good year when lumped together, although we had many challenges. We choose to focus on the positives though.

Mom started her graduate program at APSU in Communications. Working as a graduate assistant. Not a dull moment at all.

Dad has been down a medical road that we do not want to accept. After 2 ½ years of pain, the doctors finally sent him for tests. His back is pretty messed up. We've been told it is a miracle that he can walk and move around as freely as he does. We are still seeking answers. There has to be more than just throwing medication at the pain. (Although, essential oils have helped noticeably.) Right now, he is off work to see if rest and recovery help. Our blessing is that he can walk and we are getting answers, no matter how slow it is going.

G1 has moved out, graduated cosmetology school, and in the workforce. Things aren't easy but they are getting there. She has grown up a lot this year and we are proud of her.

G2 is pressing on as life comes. Her grades in school are doing well and she is pursuing her love of drawing.

G3 is half way through her senior year in high school as Command Sergeant Major of the JROTC, student representative to the school board, working, and maintaining all As.

B1 is doing well with A/B grades and working on the ability to do extra-curricular activities. (We have high standards with grades and behavior.)

B2 is adjusting to middle school and has had a little rough patch with his grades. He is discovering who he is as a friend to others. His compassionate heart is a blessing when it comes to kids that are different, but it also opens him up for bullying.

B3 has grown incredibly this past year. (Visit Benji’s Broken Heart for his year in review.)

We have welcomed in a new fur-baby into the family. Just like her fur-siblings, she is a rescue. Beautiful Angel, white husky mix with blue eyes. Hikari, our heeler mix, and the cats have grown to love her too.

For the New Year we are looking forward to graduations, new jobs, and progress. We have decided that we need to be more proactive in our spiritual health as well as our physical health.

What are your goals or resolutions for the New Year?

Was 2014 a good year for you?

Are you looking forward to a new chapter as we start 2015?