So a lot has happened in the past couple of weeks…
You already heard last week, that the Listen to Your Mother 2012 videos are all online. I’ve watched all of them (seriously – all ten shows) and highly recommend that you do too. But I’ll warn you…these shows are addictive and you may find yourself up very late at night watching “just one more.”
In other news – everyone went back to school and we’re settling into a new schedule. This is a major milestone for the twins since they started Kindergarten!
And as you can see, they hated it.
I don’t remember ever being that happy about going to school… But after watching their brother get on the school bus every day for the past couple of years, they were ready.
We had back to school night last Monday and it was my first time trying to juggle three classrooms. It was so rushed that I missed the projects on display until the very end. I didn’t get a picture of Oliver’s since that room was locked by the time I thought of taking any (how is it I’m still such a rookie after seven years of motherhood!) But George and Eleanor’s were out in the hallway. Here is Eleanor’s:
That says, “My name is Eleanor. I like ice cream.” I love how she chose to portray herself waving. She’s friendly like that.
And here is George’s contribution to a “Hopes and Dreams Class Quilt”:
At first we thought that was a yellow tree, but then I realized that it was probably his take on an easel (a picture of him “doing art”). Turns out I was reading far too much into the drawing though, as George explained that it’s a “golden rocket.” Of course!
Poor Oliver isn’t getting much attention in this update, but don’t worry – he’s very happy in his new class and his teachers are thrilled by the work he’s doing. I don’t have any good images since he wasn’t very enthusiastic about the idea of a back to school picture, but my neighbor took this one at the bus stop:
That is her two year old photo-bombing the shot. It may be one of my favorite pictures ever.
Now I have hours of the day all to myself – no bickering sidekicks. And I’ll admit, it’s weird. Eleanor asks, “Mommy do you miss us SO much while we’re gone?” Of course I say yes. And it’s kind of true. But in all honesty, the day goes by quickly and I’m back at the bus stop soon enough.
A year ago, I would have used those hours to really focus on the work I was doing for Style Key West. But that’s another big announcement: my parents are closing their shop! So that includes the website and the online store – otherwise known as “my job.”
By the way, if you are in the market for a beautiful house in Key West…
…they’re also moving to Oregon so they can spend more time here:
That’s The Rillerah, a family river house that my Dad and his brother inherited. I’ve only been there once when I was nine months old. But I guess I now have some incentive to make that loooong trip. So I’ll be trading in a southernmost second home (where your parents live is always “home” right?) for one in the far northwest. New is fun – but I’m no good at goodbyes. It’s bittersweet.
And of course I’m out of a job.
But here’s some other big (for me) news: I got a new job! Literally, just this second. Okay – maybe a couple of hours ago, but close enough. I’ll write more about it later, but I can tell you that I’ll be working for CertifiKid, a popular “deals” website for families in the DC-Baltimore area (and now expanding to other regions). My focus will be on the special needs community, a recent addition to their site. This is particularly exciting for me since I know first hand how hard it is to research special needs resources and how valuable word of mouth recommendations can be. I love the idea of helping special needs families find out about vendors and services that could literally CHANGE THEIR LIVES – and get them a good deal at that (this stuff is expensive!) And I owe it all to my friend Lara who told me about the position and made the introduction. Yet another example of the opportunities that I’ve found through blogging…
So wish me luck (and send me contacts).
Hope your transition into fall is going well!
In a few more months, after all the autumn leaves are down, I will be wishing I bought that Key West home. Best of luck in the new job.
Always Home and Uncool recently posted..A Vote for Normal
So much good stuff going on, and a lot of bittersweet. Best of luck with the new job, and I adore that last photo especially. She has the consummate kindergarten hair cut. Love it.
Ann recently posted..Gratitude is the attitude!
When I can’t decipher my only child’s drawings, I’ve resorted to asking her in my most dramatic manner, “Is that what I think it is?” She falls for it every time. “Yes! It’s a _____.”
I’m so sneaky.
Kate,
What gorgeous children!! And I didn’t realize you had twins?! We didn’t really get to do the whole motherhood talk in New York. I love their names too! They look happy and I’m glad they are liking school. The artwork is adorable!
xo
Annie
Annie Prenni recently posted..Famous Faces of Recovery
Kate! Your kids are growing up! And they are so adorable. I love that photo-bombed shot…and those pictures the kids drew are so great. How impressive is Eleanor with her spelling already! I know…lots of exclamation points and I know how super into those you are along with many smiley face emoticons. :) There. Just for you.
The days do go by so fast. Isn’t it nice to have some time to yourself? I remember all these weepy mothers at Kindergarten and I swear I might have been the only one who couldn’t wait for some ‘me’ time. Just to have coffee in a quiet house was exciting for me.
heidi recently posted..motionless
Wow, so many big changes. Onwards and upwards and all that, but do be gentle with yourself as well – even good change is still stressful.
xox
Robin from Israel recently posted..Shana Tova – Happy Jewish New Year
Congratulations on your new job. It sounds perfect for you. Can’t wait to hear more about it.
Of course I knew George painted a rocket ship – it must be a 5/6 yo boy thing!
xo
That is awesome news about the job! So happy for you. Just slightly more fun than my job. ;)
I loved getting the updates (and the photo bomb).
So exciting about your new job. And yes, lots has happened lately!
Hugs!
Lady Jennie recently posted..Art & History
First of all, your children are so, so beautiful, Kate. Lovely pictures. This is the first year my boys are in school together (grade 2, and junior kindergarten) so that makes me so very happy. Anyway, congrats also on your new job! Yay for that! Also? I want that house in Key West YES I DO. I wish I had a reason (like an insanely amazing job offer!) so we could pack up and go! ;) xo
Loukia recently posted..On Meeting Wolf Blass, The Man From The Land Down Under
Kate- You have the most beautiful & happiest kids I have ever seen! Enjoy your time “off”! Can’t wait to see your deals on certified kid :) xoxo.FYI I sent Nick to horseback riding camp this summer on one of their deals~ just saying if Eleanor still wants to ride- they have great deals :)
“(where your parents live is always “home” right?)” – How true is this!?!?! Well said! I left home at 17, and even 16 years later, I feel like my parents have to run things by me before they move!
It looks like there’s still water near their new place in Oregon. Hopefully.
The photos are excellent – your littles are GORGEOUS! I really mean that! Sometimes I wonder if all kids are cute, or if I just happen to only choose blog friends if they have perfectly adorable children.
Leslie recently posted..Esprit is NOT a Name
Love the back to school pics, Kate! Your kids are adorable. Congrats on the new job – I know you’ll be amazing at it.
Enjoy your weekend! xo
annechovie recently posted..SNAPSHOTS OF THE MUNDANE
I’ve found that the time when kids are in school, goes faster than regular time.
Congrats on the new job!
Connie Weiss recently posted..Gratitude {3}
George’s art cracked me up! I love that so much! Also love their smiles. You’ve got an adorable trio!
Congrats on the new job! Hope it’s going well for you, dear lady!
foradifferentkindofgirl (fadkog) recently posted..since he has no idea I have a blog, i can still get away with writing about him
Wow girl–you have a lot going on!! Big changes! I am also in the position of having 3 kids at 3 different schools and 6 hours to myself each day. It’s weird but also kind of nice. My mom sold her condo in Florida for a cabin in Maggie Valley, NC. It took a little getting used to but like you said, wherever Mom is is HOME. That’s very exciting about your new job. You will be so great at that! I wish you much success and fulfillment. Loved the photos of the kids artwork–made me smile!
Much Love!
Annie
Annie Prenni recently posted..Good Enough!
Change is so healthy, though sometimes overwhelming when it comes all at once.
Congrats on the new job.
I love the photos of your kids over the years. That art project is fantastic, though my dirty mind thought it resembled something other than a pencil! (I know, I know).
I can’t wait to watch the LTYM videos.
Amy
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