The dreaded school year

(Kaden and Sterling's first day of Kindergarten and Second grade)

After my 3rd son in three years was born, and I was cognizant enough to figure out the difference in their "school age", I waited in fear for the 2010-2011 school year. Sure, I had apprehension about my darling little Sterling starting all day kindergarten. Of course, there was natural trepidation when my sweet Kaden wanted to go to class without my assistance. And we all laughed when Jackson had to carry an empty lunchbox to fit in with his older brothers. (Jackson also didn't understand why there wasn't a "Jackson K." name tag in Sterling's Kindergarten class!) But the source of my deepest dread comes from a much more selfish place. This is the first year that I have 3 children on 3 completely different school schedules-ugh!!! I have a preschooler, a kindergartner and a second grader. Although I managed to get them close to the same campus, it was impossible to get pickup and drop off times that coincide. The upside? I have one whole hour on Mondays and Wednesdays where I am in possession of no kids of all. (Of which I blew today-blogging) The downside? Everyday is divided into useless increments of time: too short to go home and accomplish anything and too long to just hangout in the car. If I can just survive this year, I shouldn't find myself in this predicament again until Kaden starts high school-YIKES. But in the meantime, if you are tyring to get a hold of me, best to try my cell!

(Jackson, our little attention stealer, had to say "cheese")

Do you speak Star Wars?

While visiting my brother in Visalia, California, we thought it would be fun to take the boys to the Sequoia National Park conveniently located just an hour away. We pulled them {kicking and screaming} away from 5 acres, quad rides, swimming and their cousins to go on this quick adventure. The only time their attention was taken away from their desire to return to my brother's property, was to debate whether we had landed on the Endor Moon. (That is where the Ewoks live-Matt had to interpret for me)

And whether or not this was Boba Fett's ship! (interpretation: no one in my immediate family is ever going to shoe shop with me!)

This famous tree, General Sherman, is 275 feet tall and 103 feet around and don't my boys look thrilled about it? Well, Matt and I thought it was very cool!

You will find us by the pool!

A couple of months ago, Sterling, commented to my mom that I must love my Young Women (the church youth program that I help facilitate) a lot because I am always at church. At first I was concerned that my five-year-old felt like he had to compete for my attention. After weeks of contemplation I realized that I would be honored if my children retain memories of their mother fulfilling her callings and serving in the Lord's church. That being said, I was released from my position as Young Women's President after two and a half years of service in early July. And as with anything that you put your heart into, saying goodbye was bittersweet for me. Without being presumptuous, it was as if some of these girls had evolved into spiritual daughters of my own-filling a hole in my heart left with the birth of three sons. My love for them will not end with this change!

The most relatable feeling that has come with this release, is that of returning home from my mission. There is a degree of sadness for what is left behind, mixed with a natural excitement of coming home and progressing. I am conscious of the debt that I must repay my family and household. Kaden is six and a half. He is so bright-and loves to read and build. He just got his passport and is looking forward to a special trip that we are taking in September for his seventh birthday. Sterling is five. He is so excited to be in Kindergarten this year and is the star of his soccer team. He is so loving and very protective of both his older and younger brothers. Jackson is three and a half. We have officially mastered the potty with no time to spare before he starts preschool tomorrow. He is contagiously happy and loves the alphabet and Nemo. And then there is Matt-loving, unwavering and supportive. With a sudden influx of extra time, I have vowed to be conscious of what to fill it back up with. I hope that my own children also realize that I must love them very much too. If they equate that love with time spent, as Sterling did with my Young Women, then time is what I am going to give them. So chances are if you are looking for the Kartchner clan this summer...you will find us by the pool!