Thursday, August 25, 2011

On Schedule

Well, the Sun started school last week and the Moon started on Monday.  To be honest, I was fully expecting tears and tantrums and the 'ole "I don't want to go Mommy" from the Moon, but she went with bells on!  And, the Sun did too.  Would it be so wrong to say that on Monday - and each day since - I've done  a little happy dance each morning when the hubby and kids have left for school?  I now have 4 hours of quiet where I can listen to whatever I want to on the stereo, get a cup of coffee, fold the laundry and do just about everything without any interruption?  

Each day since school has started both kids have come home exhausted but happy.  Noah's 4th year curriculum promises to be rich and challenging.  We have Norse mythology and Tennessee history, fractions, zoology and the human body and woodworking.  That's not all, of course, but it's all very new and exciting!  Arwyn is now the age when the early childhood teachers begin to separate the preschool children from the "crown" kindergartners in her mixed age class.  She is technically "crown" age and is showing all of the signs that she is ready to move on.  But, am I?  Am I ready to no longer have any preschoolers?  I just don't know.


What I do know is it is going to be a great year.  Life is grand and I am savoring those moments in the morning when life is serene and quiet.  I'm listening to my blog music and am off to start the washing machine.  Here's to a full and productive morning!


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Welcome Back Noah

I cannot believe it is here.  The weather is cool (falsely cool) and the scent of football is in the air.  Or, in our case, soccer!  Today I will be gathering all of Noah's things that have to be taken to school, baking cookies for the teachers, putting together a muffin loaf to go in the oven in the morning as soon as we wake up, getting Noah's haircut, doing all of the normal things and finally, headed out for our first soccer game of the season!

Normally we start school flying by the seat of our pants, but this year I'm ready, willing and organized and most importantly, I have a plan!

As the school year goes on I'll be writing more about this but it starts today with putting all of Noah's soccer gear in a bag with my folding chair and a snack bag (I'm ready for Arwyn!) and lots of water.  If you are looking for a great bag to carry your sports gear in...look no further than Thirty-One's Large Utility Tote - personalized, of course!  You can click on my Thirty-One link to find out more info on this great bag!


Monday, August 15, 2011

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

So Long Soda Shop

Wow.  It's like losing a good friend.  That's how I felt today when I heard the news that the Elliston Place Soda Shop is closing on Saturday.  Over the last few years I have not eaten at the Soda Shop very often due to the proximity of my home and how often I get over to Ellison Place.  But there was a time when the Soda Shop saw my face 4 or 5 times per week.  Maybe that's why I feel like I'm losing an old friend.


The Soda Shop is perpendicular to Louise Avenue where I worked as a manager for a small local bookstore named Magical Journey.  MJ as we called it was at the time the most popular and oldest metaphysical bookstore in Nashville.  It stood alone as one of the only independent booksellers left in our fair city and was a beacon to those seeking an off the beaten path to the Divine.  

While working at MJ I got married and soon after (like a couple of hours after) pregnant.  The owner of MJ was a generous man who loved good food as much as I and often sent me after his own lunch when I would go pick up my own.  Even if we did not have lunch at the Soda Shop, many afternoons he would send me on a milkshake run.  I was often seen waddling down Louise and then Elliston to pick up the most delicious handmade milkshakes in town.  (Must be why Noah LOVES milkshakes.)

Those were good times.  Newly married, pregnant for the first time, working in my dream job with an independent bookseller....that's what the Soda Shop signifies to me.  Each day I grow older - a fact that does not escape me - and I move further away from that time of my life.  There are new times now - good times too - but those are days that I cherish as a golden time in my life.
 
My dear friend who gave me the news is as sad I am.  Her father ate at the Soda Shop when it first opened in the 30's while he attended VU and she did the same.  She takes her own son - a third generation milkshake lover - there during the summers.  She and I along with our kiddos are having lunch there on Thursday.  I am hoping that we are going on the right day as I am craving one last meal of Soda Shop turkey and dressing.

It has been several years since I worked at MJ, the owner passed away a couple of years ago and now the Soda Shop is closing.
Oh Soda Shop....I will lament your closing each and every time I drive down Elliston Place.  I guess all that can be said is Thanks for the Memories.  I am grateful that I knew you. 




Friday, June 3, 2011

First Day of Summer Break

Okay.  Technically we have half a day today.  But, I'm packing lunches and swimsuits and as soon as I pick up the kids we are headed to the pool for our half day of summer break!  I cannot wait!  Lazy days and lots of fun, here we come!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Summer Movie Scene

Oh the places we'll go......which includes the movie theater!  This summer is going to cost us a small fortune in matinee fees.  The viewing list for the family includes Kung Fu Panda and Cars 2.  For my adult list see my other blog Living Harmonies.


Summer Reading

Me:  "How many books can I check out at a time?"  
Librarian:  After he appraises me....."25."
Me:  "Thank God.  My son will be finished with the Summer Reading requirements by the end of the first couple of days."
Librarian:  Silence.


Maybe I should have asked him if there is a prize for not only 10 hours of reading during the summer but for at least 10 hours per week during the summer. I walked out of the library with 8 for him today.   Thank goodness for the pool, Nashville Shores and all of the history sites around the area!