Reflections on the school year

Well, here we are, at the end (almost) of another school year.  This one started out on the wrong foot-literally.  School started just two short weeks after I had my ankle surgery.  I spent 6 weeks total in a cast, unable to drive that entire time.  And I was so grateful for thoughtful friends and family members who offered me rides and some much needed bolstering.  By early September I started PT three times a week while the kids were fully settled into their classes-Maddie in Kindergarten, Eme in 2nd grade, Davin in 4th grade, and Aidan in 8th.

September flew by with all of my appointments, and the ability to DRIVE and leave the house on my own again!! I feel like I blinked and the month was over.  But in reality it was a long and rough month, PT was far more painful than I had anticipated (so much worse than with my knee).  My recovery was slow and hard, but I am so, so grateful for my wonderful PTs, they made the unbearable, bearable.  Plus, I read at least one conference talk a session, while I was iced and "zapped".

Just as September was coming to a close, my beautiful daughter turned 8!! Eme had been a joy in my life (and a bit of a pill too). She is my mini-me in too many ways-not only does she look like me, but she also acts like I did (mom you were right, I got what I deserved :)  After Eme's birthday we found ourselves in October.  October brought with it (not cooler temps) but general conference, fall break, Eme's baptism, my birthday, my first sub job, watching a niece once a week, Eric's annual trip to Utah, and Halloween.

November was really the month that shouldn't have been.  Eric's mom fell and broke her knee just a week or so before Thanksgiving.  Another rough month in under 6 months, but the Lord strengthens us through our trials, right? So Eric's mom should be made of steel by now.  We all pitched in with household chores, watching Olivia, and just being there for mom.

December brought so much peace and joy (plus Davin's 10th bday), and far too many evening activities for school/church/etc.  But despite all of the craziness, I love it.  I love the decorations, I love the smells, the music, the cooler weather.  The peace and love that cannot be denied.  It's always a good month :)

January and February flew by with me working more and more, and just keeping up with all of the kids' school work/church activities.  It also was the last few weekends we had to ourselves for a long, long  time (11 weekends and counting).  March brought a temple dedication, and pouring rain for the youth cultural celebration, and spring break.  April brought Maddie's 6th birthday-I just can't get enough of this girl-general conference, Easter, and lots of sub jobs for me.

And now we find ourselves in May.  There have been monthly classroom volunteer time, seasonal parties (for three kiddos), field trips (I only went on two), mommy/daddy tea/donut parties, so much homework, 4 band concerts, weekly scouts, bi-monthly activity days.  And I think, for the first time maybe EVER, I am looking forward to summer vacation.  We all could use the break.