The End of Summer

I'm trying out the new video option for Blogger to see how it works. This video was taken on one of our family trips to MacGregor point. Izzy figured out that she could do 'tricks' with bubbles. I loved watching her create these shows. She is so amazing & entertaining! :)

Well, I can't believe it's the end of summer holidays. Although I'm thrilled that the kids are going back to school tomorrow (and they are very excited too), I am a little sad that the summer is over. I wish we could have done some more camping this year, but I guess 4 trips isn't bad.

There will be some big changes this year as the kids go back to school. Our loving and incredible principal has been transferred to a new school this year, so we'll be getting a new principal. She seems nice, but lets just say she has some big shoes to fill! Obi was in tears this evening at supper when I asked what the kids were looking forward to most about heading back to school, he said "I'm going to miss Ms. Hallahan so much mommy" and probably cried for at least 5 minutes as I hugged him. My little sensitive guy. Reminds me of someone I know ;). I am so thankful to God for a son who has such a sweet little heart. He cares so much about people, and even though he's self-centered (as most 5 year olds), I often see his sensitive caring side. I assured him that he'd see his teacher around school even if she wouldn't be the one teaching him this year.

Izzy is excited to see her friends again. She is also sad that she will be returning to school, but her teacher from last year will not be. She was diagnosed 2 weeks into the summer holidays with Creutzfeld-Jakob disease: the human form of mad-cow disease. It's absolutely a horrible disease and there is no cure. They figure she has days left to live. It's completely heartbreaking. This was to be her final year of teaching before retiring...how sad is that?! Izzy has been very sad about it, but understands that her teacher will be healed, and completely happy on the day Jesus takes her home. She is comforted to know that she will see her again someday, but says that she will really miss her. I understand. I've been struggling with the sadness of death a lot over the past few weeks. The bittersweetness of death, and life beyond. I explained that it will be a very sad day for us and for her family the day she dies, but that it will be the most wonderful day ever for her!

So, it is with mixed emotions that the kids head back. yet, overall they are really excited about it. I can't wait until tomorrow evening to hear all of their stories and updates.

I will post more another day about Izzy's birthday, the Siebert camping trip and some recent excursions to splash pads and parks. Until then, best wishes for a wonderful 'back-to-school day' to all,

Melanie