Is it just me or is time speeding up.  I feel like my weeks are just flying by and before I know it, my kids will be gone and it will be just me and Dave sitting on the couch, looking at each other, and wondering what happened.  I've heard a lot of people say this over the years.  But, it is becoming a reality for me the older I get.

I would say we are finally settled in our new home.  Matthew and Alyson still have some decorating to do in their bedrooms and they are patiently waiting for time when both Mom and Dad can help. (Dad for attaching shelves and picture frames to walls and Mom to make sure they're in the right place - or at least presentable!)  The rest of the house is pretty much done.  It feels good to be in a permanent place again.

Dave and I have enjoyed long walks with Pokey since the weather turned nice. We mapped out a trail that is about a 2.5 mile walk; it's great exercise for us and I enjoy the conversation.  Matthew and Alyson will play on the "hills" at the pond while we walk.  There are several large piles of dirt the kids in the neighborhood have claimed.  On most good weather evenings, the hills are swarming with loads of kids riding their bikes and playing in the dirt.  I don't know what was planned for those hills but it looks like the developers are going to leave them as is..a good outlet for the kids.   

Earlier this year, I received a Blackberry through work and so I don't need a separate cell phone.  My old one is still under contract and it doesn't make sense to cancel the service.  Rachel has claimed it as hers and has become quite the master of texting.  She went WAY OVER the limit last month and is now having to do a lot of free babysitting to pay me back for overage fees.  (I finally broke down and am now paying for unlimited messaging).  I still see that an 11-year old does NOT need her own cell phone, so it is supposed to be shared among all three kids - some people are just better at sharing than others, but Rachel is not one of them.

The kids all got straight A's on their report cards last week.  Rachel tried out to be one of four kids to play the tuba in the band next year - we are waiting for the results.  She is excited.  I am still amazed that she is choosing tuba!  I am told there are some really great women tuba players.  Maybe we can add to that crowd.

We are good and stay busy with the normal routines of life.  Most days it's just the same old stuff.