End of Summer Means New Beginnings

     It's incredible. I cannot believe that summer is already over! Today is Labor Day and tomorrow is the start of the 2009-2010 school year. Hailee's birthday was just this past Sunday, and she is starting 1st grade this year as a 7 year-old. Carlitos is going to miss her, I can tell. When Hailee stayed over at Grandma's house recently, he kept asking, "Where's Hailee?" and "Where'd Hailee go?" I look forward to some one-on-one time with him during the day, but I guess I'll have to set up some playdates too. He is so social! Hailee is excited about her class this year. First grade means back to a full day of school, which will be a challenge, but I think this change is going to be great for both my kiddos.

     I am also really excited to be starting school again, although I am quite anxious about it. Having completed my undergraduate degree at Portland State University, which has an average enrollment of greater than 24,000, part of my anxiety comes from the fact that there are only about 20 students in this year's cohort at Lewis and Clark College's Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy Masters program. I can't wait to get started and lose all this fear of the unknown. I am so excited to be attending Lewis and Clark, too. I'm sure it's going to be amazing.

     My dear husband is working hard to support us and allow us to have the life we have, and I am so grateful. I am also so thankful that my children are growing strong and healthy. I get so much excitement out of seeing them grow and change. I am thankful for all of my blessings, and I look forward to what life will bring.