Hello Again

I'm finally back.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge

and I'm not even going to attempt to cover it.

After our big trip east, the older kids scattered to the four winds

but eventually made their way home before school started.

It wasn't necessarily an excessively busy summer 

but it was an emotionally tiring summer in many ways.

It was fun to have my brother David and his family come one week

and made our home the base for their excursions to 

San Francisco and Yosemite.

Then we spent a few fun and relaxing days camping together.

When school time rolled around, I had three that headed off to college.

This one headed off to school for the first time since preschool.

It's been a big adjustment for her (and me) and she's had to learn how to function

in a class setting and how to get along with a variety of kids.

She has helpful teachers and a supportive staff to help ensure her success.

Now everyone asks what I will do with myself.

My standard answer:

"All the things I should have been doing while homeschooling

but didn't have the time or energy to do."

So far, I have not been bored or run out of things to do.

We slowly and reluctantly started the kitchen remodeling project that 

was have successfully put off for the past 12 years.

It was sparked by our dishwasher dying in May and the 

ensuing three months of hand washing all the dishes.

So, the first step was getting the new sink and dishwasher installed.

That's pretty much all I cared about!

We are pretty sure we have the most unique counters and back splash.

They are made from very good quality left-over linoleum and attached with roofing nails.

It's actually a very durable counter top and easy to clean.

We like to scare Bethany by saying we will just keep it this way.

The teen years have been left behind.

It's rather hard to believe that twenty years can pass by so quickly.

These two are an excellent example of how twins can be so very different.

Most people forget that they are even twins and just regard them

as two brothers with one being quiet and more serious and the other a bit zany.

Happy 20th my dear boys!