The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Mother

  *Author's note: This blog post was started on October 30 and I'm just now finishing. Life happens you know! I'm not usually sad to see it go, unlike Barry Manilow who hates to see October go. You all know that classic song. A little-known fact about me, I grew up listening to a lot of Barry Manilow, thanks to my mom. I've seen him in concert twice and own his complete box set on CD!  October is a very full month. School is going strong, workloads increase, energy begins to dwindle and even though it's too early in the school year for "burn-out", everyone is just exhausted. We packed in many activities and some fun of course too.  Lorelei's dive season is going well. She's gained a lot of her skills back since her surgery last year and is learning some new dives as well.  In October meets frequently start in the 50s and 60s and warm up as the day goes on. Lorelei is always freezing, especially since the heater is broken on the pool. (Update: Pool ...

  We just finished the 5th week of school and it's kind of a blur. The first week of school seems like ages ago. Now we are into the flow of the school year and the beginning of year newness is wearing off.  My new 5th-grade team is off to a great start! Dr. Wernli, our school's namesake, is delightful as always.  It is remarkable to be part of something since day one and to have already built relationships at such a new school. It's our 3rd school year at Wernli already! And we are growing! My favorite part of this year so far is having siblings from my first class of 5th graders at Wernli.  On the first day of school photos are a must, even in college. Savannah is starting her Junior year at the University of Texas at Austin as a neuroscience major. She's excited to also have an amazing job at the Donnegan Lab at the Dell Medical Center, where she will be studying schizophrenia and the effects of stress in mice.  Jonas is a Junior as well in high school and co...