Back to School

 So this post is only 3 weeks old // woops // but as I write this my heart still feels the same way it did on Rhone's 1st day of kindergarten.  The joy I feel for him in this new life is undeniable.  He loves school.  He loves being social, and he loves learning.  His 1st day as we walked down our street and up to his school, he was confident and eager.  My heart however was however completely opposite.  I didn't want that bell to ring // I still don't//.  I was scared I made the wrong decision about not putting him in private school.  I was scared I hadn't prepared him enough.  I was scared about Lachlyn crying because her brother wouldn't be there during her day.  But most of all, I as bummed that other people would get to enjoy him more than I do.  It's such a weird concept to share your kids with the world.  I have always struggled with this.  I wanted every second with my kids to burn a memory in my mind.  However I do have to say that one of my greatest joys is to see other people enjoy my kids and see what I see in them.  So as KC and I sent Rhone off I felt a slight peace that although I kinda wish I could put him in a bubble I also know that he will be completely fine.  And as the tears started rolling down my face, my sweet husband reminded me that he will thrive in school.  Everything about school is everything he loves.  // Later that week, his teacher told me that "he was a great kid" simply put but it was enough to let me know that she saw what I saw, and that alone has made a huge difference in my perspective on letting him go.

Three weeks later I can say that he has made so many friends, he loves his teacher, his favorite is eating Lunch in the cafeteria and he also loves when they have assemblies.  What I didn't expect was how stressful it can be to get all the kids breakfast, dressed, and out the door on time to take him to school!  Man, I am just not a schedule oriented mom when it comes to my days off so this has been my personal hurdle.  On top of this Wed they get out early so I have to remember each day when he gets out... haha.  I know, I know, but seriously until it is a routine I will struggle!  Lachlyn is doing much better with him being out of the house all day.  At first we caught each other saying " remember this so we can tell Rhone" or " Rhone would think that was be so funny!".  But I think we kind of look forward now to our time alone together "just us girls".  We go on dates to the market, we grab a coffee & milk, we check out new parks and it is kinda magical.  I had completely forgot how easy it was to just have 1 kid to take places.  So as we venture into this life of school I can only hope and pray that he is surrounded by good people who will challenge him and teach him not only about academics but also socially.  He has grown up so much already and I am excited to see how he grows this year in Kindergarten!

A weekend away

 

The weekend before Rhone started Kindergarten we had the opportunity to meet up with my brother, sister-in-law, my two adorable twin nieces, and my parents.  My brother had rented a house right on the beach in Oregon so that we all could hang out and just relax.  It had been over a year and half since we have been together so it as nice to catch up and see the kiddos all playing together.  It made me realize how lucky I am to have an amazing family, and also how much I miss time with them!  KC and the kids loved chasing the waves and their were occasionally many falls in the icy cold water.  But the kids had a blast and it was just what we needed before the start of the school year.

Celebrating 12 years

 12 years ago on August 15th 2003 I married the man of my dreams.  He is my soul mate and each year we have grown together.  The ups and downs are so much better when you know deep deep in your soul that the man you love feels the same love you do.  We were given the amazing opportunity by my parents to come up to Vancouver BC and drop the kids off with them so we could spend the weekend together.  It was a much needed trip for both of us!  KC and I have had quite a busy summer, not with a ton of vacations, but with dedication to healing for me and work for him.  Needless to say, we felt like we needed some alone time with each other and I feel so refreshed. 

We headed out Saturday morning, dropped the kids off and drove to Vancouver.  Because I am on a very restrictive anti-inflammatory diet finding food for myself was a big concern for me.  Luckly Vancouver understands and provided us with many options for all organic meals.  I did veer off of my diet a little to drink a wine that KC and I had purchase last October in Italy.  We wanted to save it for just the right occasion.  It was delicous and was the best time to open it!  We went to Granville Island in Vancouver, walked around, ate, laughed, and talked.

We then headed to Squamish, B.C. to go on the Sea to Sky gondola.  The gondola ride took us almost 3000 feet in the air and was by far my most favorite thing that we did.  The views were more than breathtaking.  For me, it was God showing me his beauty.  The clouds and haze at first and then as the sun started to break through the view was flawless.  Follow that up with an incredible meal and a movie and it was a magical day that I will never forget.

I can't tell you how blessed I am to be married to my husband.  We complement each other so well and we give our hearts to our relationship.  This year has been a incredibly difficult year for myself in my health and he has not only been there for me every step, but has continually reminded me of hope for recovery.  He is the most positive person and has a gently way of reminding me that everything happens for a reason, its just a matter of how I take my experiences and use them to glorify God.  All the while... working incredibly hard at his job and providing for our family with not only finances but also the love that I was unable to give at so many times. 

KC, I love you and thank you for being my best friend and my rock.

Day Trips and Snoqualmie Falls

Couple of weekends ago we ventured out to Snoqualmie Falls.  It was a quick trip, only 30 mins from our house.  We checked out the water fall and then headed down the hike toward the river.  Kids played down there for about an hour and KC and I just took in the beauty.  Washington just never disappoints and these day trips have become such a fun thing for us to do on the weekends!  I love having a destination in mind but no real plans.  We just get in the car and go.  It's really the best stress free way to get out with small kids!