Soccer Game

Today I had an early meeting for work but I was able to get to Allen's first soccer game. It was really fun for me to see the kids play and get a feel for the sport. Allen was more focused in this game than he had been in tee ball. I think it is based on the pace of the sport and he is a little older.

Amber cleaned the whole house. I mean top to bottom complete cleaning. Again I have to say that she works really hard. I love her very much. The kids and I played for a bit together but I had to get back to work.

School Time

Yesterday was Allen's first day of first grade. Today was supposed to be his first day riding the bus but he missed it. We had a showdown this morning and that means we both lost. It is sure hard convincing little kids that adults are right sometimes. He is a god kid but when things go wrong, he gets pretty upset.

Ashton, Abby, and I went to Ashton's school for a orientation. It was really cool because Ashton found her special new clothes for her first day. She is super cute. Abby really liked riding on the bus and looking around Ashton's new class.

My employer continues to fumble with my upcoming leave to get my knee fixed. Hopefully this doesn't get completely screwed up.

Stepping in to the Future

Today we went to Allen's school for an open house. It was busy and hot and we were running a little behind. The school is close by and his teacher, Mrs. Lee seems very nice. Amber and I had some issues as to whether Allen should be in first grade or Kindergarten but after all was said and done he begins first grade tomorrow.

Ashton will be starting school next week, too. Tonight she was being kind of aggressive verbally and I acted as though she had hurt my feelings. I said that I may even cry. She looked sad and said: "even if I tell you I hate you I really still love you, Daddy." I thought that was nice considering she didn't actually come out and say she hated me. I took it to mean that even in the worst case that she were to say something really hurtful she really still loved me in spite of how she felt. Amazing. It made me stop for a second and think about it.

Rhythm

I submitted my name for consideration for promotion at work. I also have started school again. The kids are going to school and the need to be several places every day is increasing. My surgery is coming up and my employer has still not quite ironed out the details of my leave. For the most part, stress and tension are increasing.

I am a pretty relaxed guy. Ordinarily I have a positive outlook and feel good. I am feeling like my rhythm is being stalled and I will have to find my stride again. I know change happens and I look forward to what is to come. I am really looking forward to getting back into a good rhythm in life.

Labor Day Family Togetherness

We spent the entire day together. It was great! No one was in a hurry, there weren't any schedules, or obligations. We began the day by just doing what we wanted to. I ended up mowing the lawn and the kids and Amber played inside. After lunch (which included grilled ham and cheese sandwiches) we went to Dairy Queen. We ate the ice cream goodies at the park and then played there for a bit. I ran to the store to get some items for grilling and we ate dinner together. To top off the day we watched Spirited Away. What a great day! The kids even all went to bed easily.

Strange Day

I left home today with Amber making pancakes for the kids as a brunch. She decided to stay home from church because she had a migraine and was not feeling good. The kids were being rambunctious and running around. It was a bit of a rough morning.

At work it just seemed like there were nowhere near enough people and it was just a frustrating day. For some reason, the leave of absence time is still not figured out. I am really not sure what is going on with them.

Next week Allen starts school. Tonight he was mad at Amber and said that he didn't want to go to school. Hopefully he will be feeling better about things tomorrow.

School Shopping Day

Today was a long one for me. I left in the morning and met Amber and the kids in Grand Rapids after I deposited my paycheck in Hastings. We went to a few places and the kids had a great time picking things out for the upcoming school year. After we ahd a quick lunch and grabbed some final needed items I went to work until 11 p.m.

I am pretty tired.