Field Trip

 I love my job. Not only do I love what I do, but the flexibility that I am afforded by working from home is a priceless benefit. Today Robby is able to take advantage of a cool opportunity because we all have the flexibility in our work and school situations. Instead of a regular school day, this afternoon we are taking a field trip to the Crytologic Museum (about an hour away).  

Robby's Enrichment School teacher, who also works at the Smithsonian Institute, was offered a private group tour of the inner workings of the museum in return for a presentation he provided. Several students were selected to accompany him, Robby included. My Koopa was walking on air when he was presented with the invitation. It took some juggling, but I knew that I was going to make it happen.

This morning we will pack up and head to Annapolis MD for the afternoon. Robby will join his teacher at the museum while Timmy and I explore the sites in the area. The weather is going to be beautiful so it is a fantastic day for a field trip!

Rain Pain

 I'm sitting on the couch, slurping down another mug of coffee while I'm hoping to perk up for the day ahead. I didn't sleep well last night and I am definitely feeling it today. As soon as I woke up I realized the source of my night pain- it is raining. From the aching and twinging I felt last night, I don't need a meteorologist to tell me that the precipitation will fall throughout the day. I am a human barometer!

Unlike phantom pain, weather-induced discomfort rarely wanes during the day. If my body is going to feel a weather change, it will flare throughout the storm. With a storm front shifting and cold rain falling steadily, I am in for a long day. At this point, anything above misery will be considered a victory.

While I'm going to struggle with discomfort, the boys will continue to tackle their studies. Timmy has resumed his schedule beautifully and with little to no complaining. The fact that he loves his new school really lifts my spirits. I adore seeing him so happy learning and growing! Yesterday I could hear the giggling coming down the hallway as he was working with a friend on a project.

Robby has also resumed his studies, although his complaining is a little more prolific than Timmy's. Part of Robby's lamenting comes from habit while part is designed simply to annoy. (He is successful in his quest.) Robby has a field trip tomorrow, so today he has a larger than normal to-do list. I'm sure he will be delighted. (Insert sarcastic Mom laughing.)

Art Class

To my surprise and delight, the return to school (and work) was easy and pain-free. Timmy, who complains about school each morning, only mildly muttered his discontent before settling down to login for the day.  The jolt back to reality always stings after a vacation so I am thankful for a smooth experience yesterday. I hate starting the new week with a fight.

After school was busy with chauffeuring the kids to and from their activities. Timmy started an extra-curricular art class and last night was his first class. While Scott drove Robby to band practice, I took off in the opposite direction to deliver my little artist. Although he admitted to being nervous, he proclaimed that he had a "spectacular" time.

Today is busy with work, school and meetings. Because we don't have any activities planned this evening I am optimistic that I'll be able to start baking some holiday cookies. After all, Christmas is only 26 days!

Thanksgiving Recap

 Our Thanksgiving was quiet but enjoyable. My sister and her kids, myself and my crew and my Mom were the only guests. Compared to the crowds and the chaos that have been hosted around her table in years' past, the house felt spacious and relaxing.  It was nice to have a relatively low-key day.

Just because we didn't host a large crowd, our Thanksgiving wasn't without activity. On Thursday morning Timmy and my sister bundled up and ran a Turkey Trot. While I'm not a runner, I am an enthusiastic cheerleader. I had a surprisingly fun time cheering on all of the trotters.

In addition to all of our Thanksgiving activities, we did manage to fit in some professional photos and some shopping. (I try to snap some professional photos of the kids with their Nana and together every few years.) I am delighted with the photos and I know that they will be cherished for decades to come.  

Today we are back to reality, and back to work. I think the transition is going to sting a bit, but hopefully it won't take long to get back into the groove. Right now, all eyes are moving towards Christmas!