6 for 6

This year, all six of us are going to different schools. If we make it through with getting us all to schools with no tardies this year, it will be a major success. We've had a few close calls already...

James is in his last year of MBA school. He's starting to interview for some positions and getting excited to think of changes coming his way. There is a sense of satisfaction about him that I have not seen in years. He really is going to finish what is basically 3 straight years of 7 week condensed-curriculum classes (think Spring/Summer classes at BYU for 3 years straight...no breaks!) I so admire his endurance! Even with so much on his plate he has been such an amazing support to me as I have started new endeavors, .

I've begun a MSW program at VCU this Fall, and I'm loving the excitement of learning again. I have learned (already!) so much about myself and am so grateful for all that our family has been blessed with. I'm just through midterm papers, and look forward to 6 more intense weeks until I can officially say that I've completed 2 classes. The program is mostly online coursework and will take 4 years of part-time study to finish. I'm already seeing how much this will impact who I am and what my focus will be when the kids are all in school. It is so exciting!

Eliza turned 13 this month. She has been such a huge help. She often gets Rachel off the bus when I'm running to pick up Seth, and babysits for James and I to get some sanity time together. For one of her YW projects she has published a book for a friend who was diagnosed with Leukemia this past summer. She gathered 100 stories from the students and teachers at the middle school and published them through blurb.com. Her friend will go into isolation for 100 days for bone marrow transplants, so the book has stories and journal spaces and riddles for each of the 100 days. I so admire the compassion she has shown!

Seth is having his BEST. Year. Ever. We kept him at the same elementary school to finish off 5th grade, even though our neighborhood was redistricted (for the 2nd time...I'm not bitter) to our 3rd elementary school since living in VA. He has done so well at keeping track of his assignments and deadlines on his own (so far!). He has great friends, decided to try year-round swimming and is getting quite the workout. I so admire his dedication!

Rachel just turned 9 and started 3rd grade at a school all by herself. For a third child, who is used to having older siblings at school with her, she has transitioned very well. There have been days where she reminisces about her last school and wishes she had her old friends to play with at recess. Her outgoing personality has helped her reach out and make new friends. I so admire the courage she has shown in this transition!

Caroline just turned 5 a little over a week ago. My baby is 5?! Where has the time gone? She's in her last year of preschool and just asked me yesterday if she was 5 1/2. Slow down! She is still my big helper and makes me smile every day with her funny/outrageous/passionate outbursts. I would've really been overwhelmed with her as my first, but as my last, I'm in awe this little person who has REAL opinions...on everything. I do admire how she is not afraid to be herself!

So, there's a little bit on where we are. Why we're not blogging. I'll try and take our yearly family picture at Halloween and post it, but make no promises!