January Re-Cap

It has been a quiet start to 2017...just the way I like it.  This gives me time to catch up on those annoying "to-do's" and allows us to take stock.  Lately, taking stock has just functioned as a vivid reminder of how fast time is flying.  For example, last week Paige and I went to a freshmen orientation night at the high school.  We requested classes for her freshmen year yesterday.

this is happening

Of course, another reminder is the new, more mature smile Paige has now that her braces of 2 years are off.  (Had a picture, but lost it in cyber space.  See Tech grade below)

Then, seeing her band perform in an impressive concert in Peoria last week was yet another reminder of time flying...

Thankfully, we had a little step back in time and went to the Paramount to watch an amazing presentation of The Little Mermaid!  It was a great girls' day.

And mid-January, the kids received their report cards which were fantastic.  So, I thought maybe it was time for a Kelly Family progress report.  Here we go!

Weather = D:With the most cloudy January since the late 80s, it hasn't been the most uplifting.  Doesn't receive a full 'F' because we have avoided doing too much snow removal.

Technology = F: After being hacked, cell phone bills being wrong, connections that should be happening not happening, etc.  I'm really hoping for a smoother tech-February.

Leisure Time = A: We have spring break planned and bought a new curved TV (reworking our entertainment center) and are enjoying new games from the holidays.

Kids = A-: (tough time to measure as Cole is currently throwing a fit because for the first time math isn't coming easily)  I have said this before and will say it again, we are in a sweet spot for the kids' ages.  Here are the additional comments for this grade...

We aren't that heavy into college-prep talk with Paige nor do we have to worry about her being behind the wheel.  Sure, sometimes she pushes the social calendar envelope a bit and dabbles in fake nails and wants piercings, but overall, she is super enjoyable to be around and sports a positive attitude almost everyday.

Will is in a super easy phase right now.  (See that?  I've been a parent long enough to know phases happen, and what has become mainstay now may change.  Like, tomorrow).  He has become more aware of self presentation, is SUPER verbal with his thankfulness for all things I do.  Yesterday, he straightened and semi-cleaned their bathroom UNSOLICITED!  He remains a home body.  He just truly enjoys being the master of his own schedule. 

Lastly, Cole is still our sporty ball of talking energy.  Thankfully, this is tempered by his extreme love of our reading / snuggle time before bed.  I cherish this.  Of course, maturity has given him a sense of know-it-all-ness and entitlement that we work daily to curtail. But his little love-notes to me on my bedside table and thoughtfulness to his brother and sister reveals his true heart.

Bring on February!