I'm kind of sick of writing about COVID and yet it is still a big part of our life. Taylor was the only one what made it the whole semester in person. The other kids were moved to remote learning when the numbers got bad again. This freed up time for me too, as I don't teach my life skills class online.
Thankfully, all the kids have been flexible and were able to bring home good grades despite the constant changes.
I have been busy with a new project: starting a professional organizing business. This has been a learning experience filled with ups and downs. Some days I am completely terrified and feel overwhelmed. Other times I am over the moon about the thought of getting paid to do something I love. Things are pretty much established now and I'm hoping to start getting some business after the holidays. I have no idea how profitable this will all turn out to be, but I have been grateful for the opportunity to start something on my own. While teaching is fine, and I enjoy earning some money, it's not something I think about when I don't have to. On the other hand, organizing is something I sit and daydream about all the time. Even if it's not a huge career path, I've learned to recognize the fact that I have a passion I'm good at and that realization is nice to have tucked away.
Aiden and Taylor have started up soccer to some extent and it's been so nice to have that again. Taylor has really started to enjoy the sport in a way she hasn't in the past. It will be fun to see her really improve this year. Aiden is at an age where it's hard to find skilled players who aren't on club teams. We are really hoping we can get something together that he will enjoy and will help him develop. He so loves it.
Sydney has been enjoying her free time now that she's not so busy with music lessons and plays. She really misses having all her friends at school with her (when she does get to go). She is doing amazing in her intermediate dance and drama classes and was even cast as the lead in the school play Antigone Now.
Emma has been super busy juggling her 3 AP classes, her job at Mod Pizza, and her A Capella duties. She is enjoying having her license (despite a recent speeding ticket) and is anxiously awaiting for us to get a third car so she has even more freedom.
Brent has been working a lot of extra hours trying to get a project done at work. We have missed having him around and he has definitely been feeling the stress and pressure. Hopefully, that gets wrapped up in early February and he will be able to take his days off again. Looking back, it was probably very helpful to not have a soccer season this fall, as he would have never been able to juggle it all.
This post feels a bit like a Christmas card, so I am going to post a family photo. We are happy for this crazy year to end, but have also enjoyed the downtime and all the opportunities it has given us to take a break.
