Where Has the Summer Gone?

So I feel like I have lost two months and can't seem to find them. Can it really be September? Anyway, life here has launched into ludicrous speed.

I have officially started the School Psychology program. I still struggle from time to time with my decision-it's hard being away from my family two nights a week. But I am really enjoying my classes. And it is exciting to think of how God might use me later. I am extremely happy to be at the Cakery. It was a decision that I really wrestled with. It meant a significant pay cut and the loss of my benefits-really good benefits. But my stress level is near zero. It is amazing what loving your job will do for your mind. And I have heard that the school I was assigned to has been like a war zone. They have had a number of fights since school started and many of the teachers are extremely negative and resisting any attempts by the principal to improve the school. I think God really protected me. If you think about it, keep the principal and that school in your prayers.

Justin has started back to school. He has 24 credit hours this fall. He is excited to have more hands on/practical classes in preparation for the first round of boards next spring. He is strongly considering dropping the masters as he has discovered how much he does not enjoy research. He is still working weekends at the doctor's office. For the most part, he enjoys the job but says it is sometimes difficult being the only male tech in the office.

Julia is surprising us more and more by what she knows and understands. We had an opportunity to see the Courtneys last weekend. Julia absolutely enjoyed holding baby Cade. I had trouble remembering that she had been that small and cuddly! Julia is now even more convinced that she needs to be a big sister. I will say it was amazing to see how gentle and caring she was with Cade. She also continues to provide us with much laughter. For example, the other day, she passed gas and announced to Justin that she was "burping into my pull-up".

She continues to resist potty training. She can go almost an entire day without accidents. Most of the time, she says she doesn't want to be potty trained. It is really frustrating to us and it is hard not to get angry. I really shouldn't be surprised, though. This mile stone has been no different than all the previous mile stones. Julia will become physically ready/capable long before she decides she wants to be. For example, she took 3 steps in a row when she was 13 months old and then didn't even try to pull up for the next month. Then, at 14 months old she took off walking across the living room like she was born walking. I can't imagine where such stubbornness could come from. (Those of you who are former roommates can stop laughing now!) My child certainly has a mind of her own-and we try to remember that this is a real blessing.

The pictures I've included are of Julia and her lone surviving sunflower, Julia playing a racket "guitar", and Julia pretending to make a two-tier cake. I hope everyone is doing well. We are really looking forward to seeing a bunch of you in September. It will be a much-needed break and what fun to spend it with some of our closest friends! Have a great day!