Painted Skies - Teri Johannes

We are ending the second week of back-to-school, and seem to be getting into our normal routine. Each year seems to bring a few more activities than the previous year. Which translates into more taxi-service and keeping track of times and places that the kids need to be.

We’re starting out on a good foot with Riley this year. Yesterday was the first teacher phone call of the year; and if you’ve been a reader for any length of time, you know it usually is not good. I see the school name on the caller ID, cringe and prepare myself for the inevitable, “Riley did this.” Or “Riley didn’t do that.”

Imagine my shock and delight, when she said she was calling to keep me up-to-date. Riley’s attitude has improved 10-fold, he is eager to get his work done, and to date has been a delight in her classroom. At which point I said, OK, and now for the “however.” Another shock when she said, “there is no however this time.” She went on to say, my sweet but occasionally obnoxious Riley, has managed to charm all of the girls in his class. *grinning* (He has to get that from me!)

Tayler is as busy as ever this year. She has added a few more activities to her extra curricular schedule. Another shock, she is in beginning dance, that from what I gather is a type of jazz dance. And of course needed jazz pants and leotard, the next day. The last two weeks have held quite a few last minute trips to pick up this supply or that supply. She is continuing violin, which makes me very happy. We’re going on the fourth year, so I anticipate concerts that will be even better than last year. This morning she informed me Mondays will hold another after-school activity. She along with one of her classmates and the help of a teacher advisor are starting a FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) group. A club I was part of in High Schoool as well. Although athletics and team sports were the last thing on my mind. I joined the group because I had a huge crush on the teacher advisor and of course I was a Christian. I did leave out the part about why I joined this particular club, when telling Tayler. Between drama and basketball, violin and now beginning dance, this young lady has a full schedule. Which would concern me, accept for the fact that she is more organized and prioritizes her time far better than I do even today! Hopefully some day she’ll teach ME how to stay on task.

As it’s Friday night, tonight is her first school dance of the year, followed by a party at her girlfriend Hannah’s house. Which will have me driving her to and fro this evening. Not only do I enjoy seeing her thrive in Jr. High school, I love how different experiences will bring up some of my old memories of those innocent early years. Kids can be such a complete an utter blessing a good deal of the time. Of course the rest of the time is spent in chaos. A point I won’t dwell on at the moment, since right now; life is good.

I’ve also noticed that my page views on my sparsely updated blog, has hit that one million mark! I do realize probably 75% is spammers, but still I’m astounded to have reached one million. (Lets just say I don’t usually stick with something long enough to reach a benchmark like this.) Hell, maybe I’m finally growing up!

And just for shits and giggles, here’s another self-indulgent quiz. It’s a diary, so self indulgence fits the theme! I hope ya’ll have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!

Love,
3T

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary. You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You’re often cooking for friends or buying them gifts. All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.