School's Back In Session

My little rascals are FINALLY at the same school together and it is everything I had hoped for and more! I would like to say I'm getting more accomplished in the day since there is less driving and more school hours, however, I'm not sure that is actually happening. Oh well, my peace of mind has changed drastically and I don't feel like I'm continually chauffering kids all over town...at least, not until 3:00. We are well into the school year as I am writing this post but I couldn't miss the opportunity to post 1st day of school pictures and recap on the activities that Brooks and Harrison are doing.

Harrison has just wrapped up basketball and is now playing flag football and baseball. He also has continued with piano but we are trying lessons from home. He is really an outstanding athlete and when he wants to, he can be one of the best players on his team. But once he loses focus, it's any man's game. Robert is trying really hard to help Harrison get that extra edge by practicing on his own. They spend a lot of time throwing the football and practicing baseball at the park. It can be a challenge sometimes to get Harrison motivated. Like so many kids, the idea of sitting inside and playing a device sounds so much more appealing. Harrison is reading a lot and he is having his best school year yet! He is still my sensitive little guy and continues to want lots of hugs and kisses which makes me happy. And I know he wants to hear praise and positive affirmations all day but sometimes he needs to hear a hard truth, especially when it comes to motivation and focus! But I think we can work through that because let's face it, the kid is as smart as can be. He's figured out how to get everything he wants so far...even if it's at the expense of our sanity!

And then Brooks. She has cut back on the plays this fall and is doing ballet, soccer, and voice lessons. She wants to add in tennis and more plays but currently we don't have extra time or money. And really, who does? But I wouldn't be surprised if she got her license early so she could just drive herself to these activities anyways. So far, she has enjoyed kindergarten and loves her teacher and classmates. She tends to lose her patience when she gets home and is easily frustrated when she is not getting exactly what she wants. That is something I am trying to work on with her because I don't want her to damage relationships with her short temper. If anyone understands that, it's me. Although, sometimes, her short temper and my short tempered reaction can be quite brutal. So I question wether I am the best person to help her with this very real struggle. Her doll collection has become a bit of an obsession and it always cracks me up how much she loves taking care of her "babies". She does have a very nurturing side and that also makes me happy.