sigh.....

Over a month and I'm finally catching up. Busy as always! I'll start with today. Abby and a friend of hers are spending the day at Maggie's high school to see what it's like. I believe Maggie was MUCH more excited about having them there than the younger girls, though they were both up bright and early and energetic to go! Or maybe that was just the donuts they had for breakfast. In any event, I hope they both enjoy their day. I'll be leaving in about an hour to pick them up and get to hear about it.

Abby is doing very well in 6th grade. She's got all the same teachers she had last year, so that familiarity helps, I'm sure. LOTS of math homework every day, but she's keeping up quite well. She chose not to participate in intramural sports this fall, but continues with her weekly violin lessons. I'm amazed at her ability and what she's playing. Tom's been taking her to her lessons, so I get to hear the practicing in the evening. She's up to a 3/4 size violin and is moving into the 4th suzuki book. Now if I could convince her to cut her own fingernails.....

Maggie is also doing well in her freshman year. Hard to believe it's her second year at the high school, but she really likes it. She's running cross country again this fall and has gotten into a great groove with it. Her times steadily increase and last week she was one of the top 10 finishers in her category (female JV) and won a t-shirt. This week we're back to Baton Rouge for a HUGE meet (we were there a couple weeks ago for a smaller meet). The bad part about this is the EARLY wake up call (5am) in order to leave the house 5:30. Thankfully cross country doesn't require parents to look amazing at the events.

Tom has been doing a lot of refinishing on some furniture. He's completely redone an end table that either my grandfather or great grandfather made. Sanded down and revarnished and it’s holding a place of honor next to “my” chair in the dining room/piano area. Earlier this fall the girls painted an unfinished dresser to match Abby’s room and serve as a night stand for her TALL bed. Gave Tom the idea to take the second unfinished dresser and do it up. He’s stained it a beautiful color, added some molding and door pulls and will complete it soon. The earlier plan was for it to replace the cheap dresser in the “guest” room upstairs, but it’s become so lovely I may have to intervene and find a better home!

I’m still doing all the usual. Our Bible study has resumed for the school year and we’re studying Matthew’s gospel. Yoga class still beckons and I really enjoy my time at the gym. I’m also doing a bit of volunteering in various areas and finding my days quite filled. All is well and I am so thankful for that.