Tradition

Today my husband took part in welcoming new Chiefs to the brotherhood.  This tradition is just one of many the United States Navy is steeped in.  This year my children attended with me.  My youngest (also the photographer for this post), looked at me and said, " Mommy, this is boring."

A tradition that turns out great leaders.  One that brings tears of pride for the hard work and many hours put forth.  Knowing that your Chief will never be the same person.  They are more.  They are looked up to and called upon by all.

When my husband was pinned I knew life would be different.  I knew expectations would change.  I knew his commitment was worth it, every second.  What I did not know is that every year as the new class is pinned I would tear up.  I know the emotions, pride, joy and overwhelming awe these families are going through.  I am looking at a sailor who is forever changed.  You can see in their eyes that they also know they are forever changed.

It is a life and a family you do not expect and cannot describe.  You can only feel it and live it.  I looked at my youngest and while rubbing her back told her, "no honey, this is tradition."

Mondays

Life is full of unplanned events.  Last night we had dinner and watched football with friends we had not seen in a while.  It was great to catch up.  So great We stayed later then intended. 

Unplanned events.  The kiddos have slept in today.  I have to decide if tired kiddos up at the right time is more important or well rested kiddos.  Today I choose well rested.

Will we get our list accomplished today?  I do not know.  The list will not go anywhere.  We might have to readjust some.  Nothing new, we have been doing that for a long time now.

The most important lesson today will be love.  Sharing love with our friends, our family.

The start of school

We have begun.  This year my children are in 2nd, 4th and 7th grades. It is amazing how fast time has gone.

My youngest loves to sleep.  She would sleep until lunch if I let her some days.  Once she is up (and has had breakfast) she is unstoppable.  She gets so excited to look at her progress bars after every few assignments.  And put stickers on her chart at the end of units.  Her biggest love is to read.  It took her the longest time to learn.  But wow does she love it.  No book is too big for her.

My son still loves math.  In fact he is a whole grade ahead because he loves it so much.  He is doing a decent job staying on task this week and getting his lessons all complete .  Writing is something he does not love so we have been giving that extra attention.  Once he figures out he is capable of writing he does amazing work.  He also gets excited to see his progress bars move.  He likes to know what is expected and then to make it happen.

My oldest is doing great.  This year she is working with the high school curriculum for math.  I am so impressed with her motivation to stay on top of her lessons.  This course is set up much more like college and gives her due dates for tests, not every assignment.  She is really enjoying it.  She is also doing amazing with her other courses as well.  The connections she makes during history to current events always astound me.  I cannot believe how much she has blossomed.

I am happy to say this year is starting well.  The kids are transitioning nicely from Summer break to school year.  We even have more time to do things like all read from one novel.  Seems simple but when school is across a wide age group sometimes just reading for school and our own fun is easier to get in.  This year we are enjoying the new change up.

I am sure we will hit some bumps in the road.  We are still working out our final schedule.  I know in the end they will still rise up.  They impress me with how much they grow every year.

However your family is educating your young I hope you have a wonderful and successful year.  I hope you all cherish the triumphs and learn from the struggles together.  Here is to a successful year of educating our most precious treasures.