"It's the most wonderful time of the year"

No, not Christmas - back to school time.I am not sure if everyone is familiar with the Staples commercial for back to school. It is a father dancing around Staples overly excited to school supply shop for his kids. The kids are moping behind him with these sad little smiles. The Christmas song "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is playing in the background. Hilarious - check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPIIMbG9R4w

This is John’s favorite commercial. To me, back to school means some type of normalcy and routine. I know, you are all thinking - Valerie (Aunt Valerie) normal. That is not what I mean. Most of you who are parents understand how great it is to have a routine. Plus, I hate the fact I have to get up each day of the summer to go to work and they get to sleep in late.

Joey has transferred from North Point High School, the Science and Technology School in which he had to apply and interview to be accepted, to Thomas Stone High School. Even though we tried to explain to him before ninth grade what type of commute he would have, long days, and not being with most of his friends he had been in school with since Pre K, he had to learn for himself.

I am actually very happy to have both Emily and Joey at the same high school. It will sure make for easier commutes - especially with Emily driving.

Joey is on the JV soccer team for fall sports, hopes to either do indoor track or swimming for winter sports, and will play Spring Baseball. Of course, all this will be contingent on him keeping his grades up. He also works part time, but has taken a leave of absence until after soccer season.

Emily is a senior this year and has thrown herself full speed into what most consider craziness. She is taking 6 AP classes and Honors Band, is involved in Drama, Marching Band, Future Educators Association, Student Government Association, Envirothon, Destination Imagination, and I am sure numerous other activities which I have failed to mention. She also insists on working part time - as she says, this gives her a balance - time away from school and studying. Myself, I could think of many other ways to take a break from studying. I do worry about her, but this is the way Emily has always been. I also do believe since she is used to pushing herself, always staying busy, this will make her more prepared for going away to college when the time comes.

Christina starts her senior year of classes with UMUC - University of Maryland University College next week. Just recently she was exploring the idea of switching her major to Sports Management. We have encouraged her to finish her degree with UMUC in Humanities, begin work, and explore going back to school part time later. I don't think she was happy with our push for this, but changing now would have meant going another two years. I, of all people, understand her uncertainty about what she wants to do after school. Really, I am still not sure what I want to be when I grow up. I am sure she will be happy when the year is over.

Christina's boyfriend Steven is in his senior year at University of MD. Steven will be graduating with a degree in Accounting. We are extremely proud of his accomplishments of staying on the Dean's list both semesters of last year.

Really, this is the most wonderful time of the year. I can look back over the last few months and reminisce about our wonderful vacations and time spent with family and friends. It is also very exciting to think of where we will all be next summer at this time.