Is it over yet?

I am so ready for summer to be over. I know that sounds awful, because I was excited to get some nice dry weather, but all I am getting is heat. Muggy nasty heat.

I have no pool, nor the money to buy one or go to one regularly. Neither of my boys will play in the sprinkler with me (and I look stupid doing it alone) With the shop and the boys I can't go to the coast on a whim.

I don't have time to go to the parks with water features when it's warm enough, it's always early morning or late night.

So pretty much all I get to experience is a un-air conditioned shop, a 70 degree house. Oh, and a poor little boy whose eczema flair in the humidity.

So I am ready for the fall to kick in.

Well.....

Well, I feel like I should be writing something here.

I guess I will ramble on about Vinny and his homework. This kid is amazing, it just stinks that he is no 5 until December, he can't start Kindergarten until next year. But this kid is on fire! He is flying through home-school Kindergarten level assignments, he is doing reading, writing, math (basic addition and subtraction IN HIS HEAD!) Yesterday we spent an hour on a work book about his name, address, family, etc.

He is just doing so well, and that hour? I had to stop him, he wanted to keep going but needed to take nap. It's just crazy. I am starting to do a lesson a day, quiz him randomly, and he seems to be loving it.

He read the first few pages of a simple book at the library yesterday. He is sounding out words with minimal help. I just don't want this love of learning to stagnate, which I am very sure will happen if I wait until next year. Most certainly will happen if he goes into the public school system as it stands now.

It's hard, as my mom points out, I am no teacher. I have no formal training, but it seems like those with the training are being hog tied by government and union garbage. It seems like Oregon at least, is more worried about numbers moving forward than they are about what those kids know or how they will be in the world when they leave.

So if anyone has advice or tools they are willing to share, please let me know!

Motherhood

Motherhood is a trial and a blessing all in one. Since Vinny was born 4 1/2 years ago I have been through more drama and more stressed that the previous 21 years. But I have also found greater joy, greater happiness, the best laughs and the best memories.

I just found my pregnancy journal from Vinny the other day and I have been having so much fun going on long lost memories. Vinny is enjoying it to. We also started the Salem Library reading program so I am spending a minimum 30 minutes daily reading with them. I try to do it together as much as I can because Will enjoys it more with Vinny. I also have to do it on my bed so Will can't get away! Crazy little bugger.

I am excited for summer because it means more time outdoors with the bug-a-boos and less time in on the computer. I have actual found myself escaping our stuffy office as much as possible. Even if it is just into our room with the windows open to let in the breeze while I'm folding laundry.

Okay, this was a bit rambly, but I just wanted to get those thoughts out there.

Life

In the last year 4 people I have know and loved have passed on. None were young, which is part of what scares me. These were people who were always there, and now they are gone.

First it was my Great Aunt Cloda, the next week it was her sister Virginia. The week after that my Dad's mom, Grandma Waring passed away. We had a long rest until this week when my Mom's dad, Grandpa Lynn passed away.

I think the biggest worry for me is that my Grandma Joy lost 2 sisters and now her husband, and considering that last time death came in three... Well, I will be very glad when the next 2 weeks are over. And few months.

I know it's a really negative view, but I can't help but be anxious about it.