Hump Day

Today was Picture Day at school.  Since English is a subject that everyone takes, the pix are taken during English class.  Hence, I wasn't able to cover my whole lesson plan today--which, basically, is ISTEP preparation.  (ISTEP is the state's competency test.  Don't know why I bother!) 

When I went to pick up the children at Grandma Judy's, Ryan was throwing one of his notorious fits.  He had played nicely all day, but the minute his sister arrived on the scene, there was competition.  Something happened that he didn't like, so he was acting up, and Judy looked like she was at the end of her rope.  He decided to come to me and started talking about finding a live cicada.  He was totally civil and the "fit" instantly stopped.  Judy and I gave each other "huh??" looks.  I told her I was glad that I wasn't the only one that observed his tantrums...

Tonight, while Meg worked with Robin on her homework, I took Ryan outside to help clean up around the sandbox.  (Needed for a LONG time.)  He did a lot of work for a little guy.  After Labor Day, he will start pre-school at the church, so Judy will have a little respite, and he will feel less like a shadow of his sister. 

Meg is doing overtime work these days...not as bad as we'd thought, so far.  In any case, life at home is still chaotic, but we are hoping that everyone understands how much we love them. 

My dear friends Patrick and Carmella, and family,  are in Kansas City tonight to prepare for the funeral of Pat's brother, Boyd.  Boyd had his problems in life, but it is never a good thing to lose a sibling unexpectedly.  God bless my friends!  Having lost my own brother a couple of years ago, who would not communicate with us by his own choice, I understand the hurt.  Every day, we get by.