Now A Family of *gulp* Six.

No, seriously. I really do. I have been the happiest girl this summer, with temperatures only reaching 83 (except for that one week) and cool breezes. It has rained a lot too, which is all right as well. Has saved a lot of watering. We haven't run the air conditioner much either. Today was a particularly weird day, very October-ish. High of 66, rain. August 28. And to top it off, not only did I see a tree's leaves actually turning color, I also saw the first goose-V heading south for the winter. Did I mention it's August 28? This would all be fabulous except I'm afraid that winter will come sooner. I could live without that. If it was Fall all year 'round I would be happy. Except I can't figure out which state that would happen in. Charlie began to go back to daycare this week. He loves it. He cries when we pick him up, he wants to stay and play. He also has been super-tired, in bed 30 min to an hour earlier than normal (and getting up at the same time). We stil...

It starts with updates throughout July from the union prez. Then, around the 2nd week of August, the letter from the principal. Then Zangle is updated with new class rosters in the third week of August. Amidst that, the weird dreams - not able to make it to any class on time, kids can't be managed, and like last night, going to class naked... and then there's tomorrow. Schedule handout to the new 8th graders. And you can't avoid it... SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION. SOON. I officially report Monday morning but I like to work schedule handout. Also have to organize my space for the new year. Sharing an office with 2 others, so that will be interesting. They were thoughtful to offer me a patch of land. I've updated my parent letters and planned a bit of the first week of school. Guess I've got to get on that this weekend. Returning full time will bring some challenges, for sure. Roman will be in morning care at school but I will have to pick him up by 4pm each day, meetin...

It's pretty neat to discover that Charlie is adding a word or two to his vocabulary every couple days. I know I made a short list before, but for posterity I need a more comprehensive list. Here are Charlie's words at 19 months (adjusted 17 months; including ear infections, adjusted 13 months). Heh-wo (hello) Hi Bye gack (snack) gink (drink) gircle (circle) that this dish (fish or stairs, depending on the context) up (for both up and down) die or dide (outside) go go? (with palms up, asking where something went) all done (with palms up) all gone boo (for a video, trying to say "blue" for "Blue's Clues") pay (occasionally, for play) bruba (for brother) daddy muh-nee (not sure what this is... emphasis on nee...he started saying it a couple days ago) mommeh (I think this is his mommy word) and it sounded like he said muckey for monkey yesterday. He can also make the sound of a monkey (ah-ah-ah) and a dog "woo, woo" (for woof, woof). Charlie will a...

The coloration difference between Roman and Charlie is pretty noticeable, especially in the summer when Roman turns very brown. I've had people comment on Ro's coloring before, and family of course mentions the marked difference between the boys. Roman definitely has some Mediterranean/Middle-Eastern/Afghan (should I say Arabic?) influence in his looks; the eyes and skin tone, especially. Living where we do, we see other Middle Easterners often and it's very noticeable then - when you see Ro next to others. In fact, I know there have been some curious glances in stores when I look so Irish and Ro looks obviously... not. Anyway, I went to the tailor the other day to take in a pair of pants for school. Dragged the boys along, of course. The woman is either Middle Eastern or Greek, hard to say. Mediterranean. Anyway, she could not get over Roman's coloring. "He looks like my grandson!" she cooed, and then she saw Charlie and kept talking about it. "They don...

Today was the first day, truly all summer, that both boys were home with me, healthy & wanting to play. So we went to Costco and had our morning snack while there... Mmm, berry smoothie... (they both have the same look on their face, isn't it awesome?!) Then after lunch & naptime for Charlie, it was outside to play on the slip-&-slide... And to try to take drinks from the slip-&-slide... Then back inside to cool off, and draw on the windows with our Crayola window markers (a fantastic investment!) Then while Roman played with our neighbor, Charlie kicked back with some goldfish & milk for afternoon snack... like the leg slung over the side? Cute. Whew! Makes me wonder what's in store tomorrow... ???

Been teaching VBS this week, 5th graders. My first year, and I wasn't really thrilled about it. But I've been having a good time, although they tire me out! Tomorrow is the grand finale and I've got approx. three weeks left before craziness (work) sets in again. That's approximate, as we don't have a contract yet. :) Don't have much to report - kids are hilarious and we've been having lots of fun. Evidence below. Catching roly-polies... smelling the flowers... swimming with family... getting tattoos... and groovin' to the iPod. Future excitement on our list? Hopefully pool gathering at a coworkers, a trip to the spray-park, Doug and I are going to a musical next Friday, a birthday party for Roman's best friend, and our Chicago trip. How much more can be crammed into summer?