Monday, October 29, 2012

Simmer Down, Settle In...It's Productive

Somewhere in the back of my mind, every now and then, it occurs to me that I haven't blogged in quite awhile. For fear of knowing how long it has actually been, I haven't faced it head on. Avoided checking and reminded myself that at some point when things slow down a bit, I'll get back to it. It would take Hurricane Sandy, to give me a true "off" day. Other days off from my regular job, equal work at my other jobs: kids' sports games, church activities and otherwise general errand-busyness.

Today, however, Fairfax County Government has closed it's beautiful doors and given me that elusive true day off. I've been more productive today, couch-sitting, TV-background noise-having, as I've been able to complete update the church's website. My goodness. It's been awhile, and it took awhile. Two hours later, I'm really thanking God for giving me the specific and directed time to get this done. Check it out...www.fairfaxfellowship.org. Even better, come check us out. You'll love it.

Once that was finished, I realized it was time to face my blog-fears. Gulp...August...I haven't blogged since the 2nd of this beautiful month. What has caused such a travesty? Goodness: vacation, school preparation, kids actually starting school (not sure I've completed adjusted to that yet) and a work transition that "hectic" doesn't begin to describe. Next thing you know, here I sit, almost three entire months later. Whew. Life sure can keep you busy.

In a nutshell, we had a fantastic vacation to none other than the great Disney World. I was hopeful to see someone famous wandering through one of the four parks we visited during our week there.  Someone? Anyone? Is that too much to ask? Instead the trip highlight reel includes the girl picking her boogers incessantly, with two parents that never turned around to look at her old, eleven or twelve year old self. When I think back on Disney, that's probably going to be my most prominent memory. There were lots of other great memories and the kids had a blast. It was super hot, and an all-around perfect vacation.

Youngest started football for the first time (how did I not blog about THAT!?!). Joining Chantilly Youth Association's Rookie League, he entertained us with a short season of  missed tackles and general "no idea what I'm doing"ness. Bless his heart. Tiny as can be, he saddled up with those pads for each practice and scrimmage and went out there with a giant-sized eagerness. My hopes for him being the starting quarterback, or his choice: the dynamic running back, were absolutely tabled, for this season at least. Like a good football mama, I sat quietly on the sidelines, keeping my mumbling and grumbling to a minimum as best I could. You know I wanted him to run the ball; with his speed, agility and energy, I had, and have, no doubt he would be talented at the game. It seems this season the cards were stacked against him, with most of the players being returning Rookie Leaguers who played with this same coach last season. I'm not worried, his time will come.
I, personally, am very proud of myself for keeping my gripes to a volume directly under my breath. Even more proud of him for occasionally asking if he could run the ball, and continuously being outspoken and motivated about getting himself put in the starting line up. He demonstrated drive and determination...among 6 and 7 year olds.

As oldest headed off to his 2nd year of college, we embarked on middle school for Soccer Chick, 5th grade for Bball Girl and 1st grade for Youngest. Lots of change, and plenty of busyness. Youngest is experiencing homework for the first time. He's no boy-genius or anything, but I am thankful he whips through the one page worksheet of whatever in about 30 seconds daily. Bball Girl is finding 5th grade to be a whole other level of work. She doesn't have a fall sport to round out her time, so that has made homework and school the only thing on her plate for a few months. Even without being assigned to a specific team, she has found herself on football and soccer fields, involved with some sort of ball. We're thinking we may just gently force her to play soccer next fall. The girl is so athletic, it doesn't seem to matter what the sport is, so long she is playing, she is happy. Soccer chick is once again playing house league soccer. She mentioned in passing, next spring she may not play soccer, but would cheerlead instead. Good grief. I let her leave the room before I picked myself up off the floor. We're going to pretend that convo never happened. So far, middle school hasn't been the death of me, this 2nd time around. I'm so thankful we've had no major meltdowns, crisis or minor travesties. Dare I say, Soccer Chick actually seems to like it? It's an anomaly, I know...

Sometimes when so much is going on, it just might take the force of a hurricane to settle folks down. Today, I've been in the basement since 8am. No fear, mind you. Just a good, comfy place to sit, let the TV watch me, keep the kids entertained and do some things I otherwise don't have much time for...like blogging. Talk to you soon, I promise.