We started school a few weeks ago.  I love this time of year - so full of hope and energy!  The children are doing well - the schedule, although it needs tweeking, is working.  The house is even relatively clean.

My parents came for a visit over the weekend.  It was very pleasant - the best I can remember.  My mother, bless her heart, after almost 50 years decided to quit smoking and she has done so well!  I am so very proud of her hard work and devotion.  The last 2 times we saw her - she was so sick, yea nigh unto death.  Her complexion is so much better, her energy level, her outlook on life, everything.  She is working hard to compile stories of her childhood.  I learned this weekend, for example, that my mom had a sister who died when my mom was 10 years old.  I cried as I read her account of her sister's illness - she was 25, married and pregnant with her second child.  After the boy was born, it was found that Frances had cancer of the spine and died a few months later.  I never heard that story before.  My parents didn't  talk very much at all about their childhoods.  In fact, after my first child was born, my aunt said "Oh, you named him after Gampy".  I said "Who is Gampy".  Well, that was my grandfather, my dad's dad.  I never knew him because he died before I was born - but I never knew  his name was Andrew.  My dad never spoke of his dad.  I hope to tell my children all I can about my life.  They probably wish I would be quiet.  Some day they will appreciate it more, I am sure. 

So long for now.