Baby John (and lots of thought-sorting writing)

My mind is currently in about 89 places, which is why I am writing this. It certainly isn't because I think anyone needs to read most of this information.

I'm trying to remember/figure out: what it is I actually did this summer, which forms I still need to fill out, which books I still need to buy, how I'm going to pass a quiz on my first day of class Monday, when I'm going to change the oil in the Toyota, when Grace's glasses will be ready, how I'm possibly going to be able to fit it all in, which photos I'm going to edit next, what we might want to eat in the next few days, how I'm going to pay the next set of bills, how much I can possibly afford to donate to two different schools for three children, and so forth . . .




This part is important: In the midst of all the chaos, I am absolutely enjoying the tiny part of each day that I get to see my new nephew, officially named Benjamin John Rich (Jr.). He's going by Baby John for now, though. Whenever I am around him, I feel completely at peace. I was honored to be a part of his entrance into this world, one that was not exactly smooth and easy. It was amazing to be on the other side of the labor process - a first for me. Before I had only experienced the labor and delivery of my own children (all totally different). I'm so, so glad he decided to come before school started. What a great way to begin a new season of life. When the kids heard the news of his birth, they informed me that they "exploded". I said I did too, the moment I saw that perfect little face.




Olivia has the most challenging task of the four of us, since she is beginning a new program at a new school. She is now enrolled as a 4th grader at Hawthorne Elementary in the Magnet ELP (Extended Learning Program). She already has a load of homework to be turned in the first day, but I think she will enjoy being in such an engaging program. Thankfully, there will be quite a few new students this year in her class.


Isaac and Grace have taken full advantage of extra time this summer, making sure to play with every toy that was neglected over the last couple of years while in school or in North Carolina with their dad. They just can't get enough of those toys, which makes me glad I invested so much time and energy on EBay several years ago to purchase great Fisher Price and Playmobil toys. Not to mention the Legos and Kapla Blocks. They never seem to get old!


I feel happy about all of the teachers my kids are going to have, and was especially pleased to find out that Grace will have the same teacher she had for Kindergarten! That's right - her all day K teacher moved to 1st Grade. We loved her so much, we both hoped Grace would get her again. Even though there are 4!!! first grade classes at Uintah this coming year, Grace still managed to get Mrs. B.C. She rocks. And she will be so proud of Grace for reading chapter books over the summer! Another thing that makes me glad is that Grace and Isaac will have pretty small class sizes - in the low 20's. We'll see if that lasts, or if more kids get added last minute.


As for me, well there is nothing that gets those endorphins going like learning. I love being in class, and my Professional Counseling Program (a graduate program that is part of the Ed Psych program at the U) is going to be great. I met the other five members of my cohort on Wednesday, and they all seem like amazing individuals. The challenge for me is going to be trying to juggle all of this: 10 hours of class per week, 16 hours of an assistantship for school (work that pays my tuition and gives me a stipend as well), four hours at Tanner Dance (mostly teaching), at least 10 hours of reading/homework per week, and an average of 3.5 days a week being mom. Thankfully, Jared has moved to Utah to finish his dissertation, and will have the kids the other 3.5 days per week. This year the girls will be doing soccer and dance, and Isaac is doing scouts and gymnastics. YouthCity is also a must, even if Liv and Isaac only get to go a couple of days a week. I am also trying to remain a photographer, with several photo shoots coming up and a photo card sale to organize for those awesome customers who keep reminding me to have it - I'm hoping for September. Is it going to work? Well, if I add up the hours, it really isn't much more than I have already been doing over the past couple of years. It's just balanced a bit differently.

Now I absolutely must get to bed, for tomorrow Olivia gets to finish her quilt at the Farmer's Market. The idea is to get the community involved in helping YouthCity complete all of the quilts made last year so they can be donated to the Ronald McDonald House. I actually gave it a try one morning, even though I didn't have Olivia with me. Quilting is serious business, even with high-tech equipment!


It's only a matter of hours now before Monday is upon us.
Thank heavens for writing (my brain feels much better) and a brand new baby - they are both keeping me sane.