Change is good...

right?! This year, alot has changed for our family. Of course there's the obvious...we're all a year older, some taller, some wider (*wink*). But along with that growing up comes even more change. This year, my baby boy started pre-k...ALL DAY! He went from a half day Head Start program (where I substituted and got to see him much throughout the day) to an all day class. I think I was more nervous that he was. On top of that, he gets to ride the bus to school too! GASP! My little boy, on that BIG 'ole school bus. Geez. I was comforted by the fact that big brother Brian is still attending the same school and would be with him on the bus. Then came today when Brian had a doctor visit at 8 am and he wasn't going to be there for Cody. No problem, I didn't have to work until 930 or 10 so I would take him to school today. NOT! Cody all but demanded he be allowed to ride the bus. He was not at all afraid to ride without big brother. Cody went out and sat on the front porch, head dropped and arms crossed. When I went to him he said in the sweetest and most direct tone "Mom, I can ride the school bus all by myself." Now, I have fought back the tears everyday but this got me. He can ride the bus all by himself. Reluctantly, I gave in reminding myself that I need to let go. So, out to the bus stop we went, hand in hand. And, as he got on the bus he turned to tell me goodbye one last time and I snapped this photo...

Luckily, one of the neighbors, and Brian's good friend, offered to keep an eye on him for me and help him get to the cafeteria for breakfast. Thanks Loyd!

Cody isn't the only one who's experienced change this year though. After being at home with the kids for the majority of close to 4 years I returned to the workforce. My long-time friend, Marie, helped me land a job as Office Manager for the cleaning company that has the contract for our new arena, the BOK Center. I know what you're thinking but you're wrong. No free tickets or major celeb spottings...YET! LOL! I did get to meet 3 of last year's American Idol conetestants but that's as close as I've come. I really love it because it's part-time and VERY flexible...which is absolutely necessary with 4 kids. My boss is very good to me and extremely understanding when it comes to my family. Actually, Seth got to come to work with me most all summer. And, when my actual work was done I got to sit in the office and play games with him...on the clock!!! Seriously, it doesn't get any better.

Brian is now in the 7th grade. Wow! So hard to believe. He is still into his sports and will be starting basketball soon. Seth began 4th grade and is lovin' it already. Shelby will return to her Head Start program next Thursday.

Now, I can't leave you without showing you a project can I? Here's a layout I made using Scrap-Mart's weekly sketch challenge sketch.

I started with some delicious Pink Paislee papers from the Enchanting collection. Behind the photo, I added in the Scrap-Mart exclusive Flourish border. The tree is from the Slice Fall/Back to School Design Card, the pumpkins are from the Spellbound design card and the title is a combination of fonts from the Fonts design card. To give my pumpkins dimension, I inked the edges then added some chalking. To document the date, I used the little journal block from the Unity Retailer August KOTM. You can go HERE to view the sketch this layout was based on. And, if you're feeling adventurous you can make your own project based on the sketch and email it to me at Katie@scrap-mart.com and I can share it with our readers next Friday.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stoppin' by!

Katie