The Treadmill

The last few weeks have been emotionally trying on George and I. (probably Jakob too) We haven't had any tragedies or anything horrible happen we were just really down and tired. I finally asked George what he thought our problem was. He made an observation that was so simple yet so true. We were functioning like we were on a treadmill. Lots of effort, really tired from running yet getting nowhere. The stresses of the last few months have really caught up to us. Our family is used to getting answers, fixing problems and moving on. God has given us a few trials these last few months that we have been unable to get answers, fix the problems and move on from.
Jakob is still struggling with school. He has made great strides in overcoming his separation anxiety and the overwhelming difference of kindergarten and 1st grade. However, we are still very concerned with his teachers views and personality. We are constantly battling the inconsistencies we are seeing in her discipline and expectations.
George has been in training to fly the GIII for his new job since the second week of September. He has been unable to get qualified in the airplane to actually fly missions. Not because he isn't ready but because of scheduling issues with the planes or the planes keep breaking. He has gotten up at 4:45 am and driven 35 minutes at least 4 times to find out the plane was broken or they had to use it for something else. He is very frustrated with the process and we hope it all comes together before the holidays.
So after much discussion we have decided to enjoy the little things we have been able to conquer as a family and be content with not having all the answers yet and letting God show us what His plan is. It's a trial some days, but most days it is a lot easier than running on that treadmill.

Still Catching Up

Stage 1 - Jakob's Make-Up

Stage 2 - George's Make-Up

Stage 3 - The costumes

Stage 4 - BJ joins in the fun!

The Friday after Jakob's birthday we had my mom and her husband in town for a visit. We had a soccer practice that was cancelled due to muddy fields. We went anyway and kicked the ball around for awhile. Saturday was the game. Finally. We had missed several games due to weather and it was nice to finally see Jakob play. After the game it was pumpkin carving time. We almost missed it. That evening Jakob and George dressed up as clowns and headed out into the neighborhood to get some candy. As in previous years our doorstep was not visited often and we handed out very little candy and Playdoh. I am always tickled to hear the older kids get so excited about Playdoh. I bought two packages 3 years ago thinking I would give it all away. I still have one whole package left and few singletons from the other package. We just don't get the kids in Virginia.

Monday and Tuesday were days off from school for the kids because of election day. It is one of the perks of living so close to D.C. It's a BIG deal here. On Tuesday we took a walk around our favorite lake, Mercer Lake, a saw all the beautiful foliage. It was a wonderful visit with my mom and Roger.

Missed a month!

The pictures:

Jakob is 7!!

Concentrating hard while painting his plate.

Jakob did not request toys for his birthday. It was a dust pan and broom, a grabber and the Hannah Montana movie. Who's child is this?

October is always a crazy month for me. Jakob's birthday is at the end and we have many visitors. This year was no different. I have not uploaded pictures from any of our events and I might get around to it before Thanksgiving. So check back often as things may change frequently.

Here is a preview of our September/October events:

George was in Texas for sim training. He had class for a little over three weeks. Jakob was not thrilled with going to school every day and with George being gone it was an even bigger battle. Once George was back in town things got a little easier for all of us. Jakob is beginning to enjoy some aspects of school and has shown improvement in his reading and writing. Yeah!

The Friday before Jakob's birthday my dad and his wife flew in just in time to attend the Fall Festival at Jakob's school and a soccer practice. George's parents drove down from New Jersey that night and met us at our house later that evening. Saturday was filled with soccer pictures, costume buying, soccer game (which was rained out 10 minutes after we got there) and shopping for birthday gifts. Sunday was church and a party at Color Me Mine in Fairfax Corner. There were 6 very well-behaved children painting pottery for an hour. It was amazing how patient they were in painting their pieces. We had ice cream cake, pictures, balloons and headed home for goodbyes to the New Jersey clan and prepare for Choir practice at 5. WHEW!!

For Jakob's birthday we headed to Coastal Flats in Fairfax Corner for his favorite kids meal of steak and fries. We had dessert at a gourmet cupcake shop. The next day my dad and his wife left and we prepared for our next visitors just before Halloween. I am beginning to realize why I fell behind in my blogging. Did I mention I caught a cold in between Jakob's party and Halloween? I'll finish the next weekends happenings in a later post. It could be next week or it could be next month. You never know.