So all four kids are now in college.....

o.k., it hasn't been *that* long, has it? We're here....just busy, as usual.
School is in full swing, and everyone is enjoying their teachers, etc. Soccer is also in full swing (but what else is new ;) We did have an interesting Saturday, w/ the highpoint being a visit from the Camas police department. We let the two older girls stay home while we went to Jake and Trey's game, and somehow Emily "accidently" dialed 911. Then, in a panic, the girls ran down the hill to a friends house (which meant they were not home to answer the return 911 call), which resulted in a personal visit. The police officer was quite nice about it, and Emily remained in tearful apology mode for the remainder of the day.

So see- nothing has really changed around here. Choas still reigns, I just need to be better about sharing. What I really wish is that I had had my camera available to capture the moment. Hopefully it will be Em's last upclose and personal encounter with a police officer!

Sneak preview of tomorrow's update: Jake's new true love (and his efforts to share his feelings through cookies :)

Emily's Moment.....

Out of the two girls, Emily has always been the one who is totally accepting of her implant, her deafness, etc. Delaney has probably questioned more because she had more hearing, for a longer period, than Emily. Emily has never once tried to hide an implant, and has always been happy to explain "what that 'thing'" on her head is. Today, for the first time Emily broke down, and told me she wished she was normal. Now, let's be honest. Emily will never be 'normal', but this has nothing to do with her hearing ;). She is spunky and feisty and FULL of fight/exuberance (depending on the situation), which sets her apart from the norm, but I really think she was born that way- it has nothing to do with what she can or cannot hear.

She was at soccer practice, and it was pouring down rain. I came to pick her up and her team manager handed my her cochlear implant (she explained that the battery had died). Emily was fine until the manager left, and she told me how much she HATES that she can't hear like everyone else on the team....she was sobbing. By the time we got home, she was fine, and we sat down to watch "So you think you can dance". Yes...I make *someone* watch with me, and Em was the lucky winner tonight. As fate would have it, there was a Deaf dancer on the show, who was so amazing, and such a fantastic example of letting nothing stand in your way (and this is without the benefit of aids/implants, etc.). It really resonated with Emily. She is now back to being at peace with herself (until next time her implant dies ;) Funny sidenote= the battery didn't actually die. For the first time ever, the CI got so wet it would not function.

You'd think we would have encountered that before living where we live! It's now dry (ish) and working.

Wow- Two posts in one day....not too shabby for an old woman

Here are the first day of school pictures (long overdue).

Back to School (FINALLY), and September 11th

I hope to return to my poor, ignored, lonely blog. It was a long summer, and yet it flew by. I accomplished little of what I had hoped to accomplish, but spent loads of time playing with the kids in the sun and the water. They all grew taller, thanks to the aforementioned sun and water (or at least that's what I'm crediting). I think I just grew wider....probably because of my lack of visits to the gym. Oh well. Time enough for that.

Today is September 11th, a day I think I will always remember. It also happens to be my birthday. Such a bizarre day to have a birthday on. It's a day to remember the horrific events of 2001, but at the same time, it's a day I'd like to enjoy. Sometimes it's difficult to do both, and not feel guilty. I gave my sister a hard time for trying to avoid giving birth to my new niece on my birthday, but I do totally get it. Instead beautiful Ainsley Elisabeth was born yesterday- a more neutral day on the calendar.

Please join me in welcoming the newest addition to the family, and my children's new cousin!


We had another new addition, compliments of my sister-in-law, earlier in the summer, but I have yet to post a picture. He's adorable as well!

I'm almost back....school starts WEDNESDAY!!!

I'm excited, although I have to be honest....the Summer flew by. It seemed like it was just June.

I just got back from Back to School night, and I found out that Jake's teacher has a Masters in Deaf ed. I think this is going to be a good thing! he's really looking forward to having Jake in her class, and she already gets the FM system- YAY!!!

Em's teacher is normally the "Pre-AP" or advanced scholar teacher, so not real sure how Em wound up there ;), but hopefully she'll inspire Emily to reach new academic pinnacles.

Now, off to Delaney's BTS (Back to School). 7th grade....give me strength to survive-LOL.

What we *could* be doing today....

if we didn't have four games left in this tournament.


We've been using Sunday afternoons for "Family Day" at the river....

But, we have four soccer games to go (starting in 30 minutes).....

And, it's only going to be 65 degrees....Where did Summer go??

Happy Summer to Everyone

I'm slowly emerging from *SUMMER*

It's been crazy, fun, hot, did I mention crazy??? I have lots of fun stories to share, but they will have to wait, due to soccer. Yes, tournament number 5 of the summer. Both girls playing in the same location at least. More to come, I promise. In the meantime, here are some glimpses of day two in California, courtesy of the pool at the Marriott ;)