Sam started school this week. He is growing up so fast. It is hard to believe he is in 5th grade. He seems happy with his teachers and classes this year. One of the big events for the 5th graders will be a trip to Washington D.C.  I have already made the deposit, and plan to be going as a chaperone for the trip. I think I am almost as excited about the trip as he is.

We also added a new furry member to our family at the end of July. His name is Smokey and he is a gray tabby kitten, who was between 8 and 9 weeks old when he came to live with us. He is an inside kitty for now, but I hope to slowly introduce him to our other cats, so that he can become an outside cat. I had forgotten how much energy kittens have. I am beginning to wonder whether Smokey's name should have been "Destructo" instead.

 Last night Todd was out of town, so Sam and I decided to meet my sister at the movies. We saw "Ice Age - Continental Drift." The movie was very funny. It felt good to laugh after some stressful events earlier in the week. The most upsetting thing that happened was a disagreement with some extended family members. While I am hopeful that we will get everything resolved soon, I am still very disappointed.

 Around 6:30 this morning I got up and walked around the yard. I love the time in the morning just as the sun is beginning to rise. Everything was still wet from the storms we had the day before. I moved two large tree limbs that had fallen, and watered the plants on the front porch. Times like this remind me of how grateful I am to be living here. At this moment, Sam is playing on his laptop, and Smokey is running back and forth across the room. Life is good.

Has it been a year already?

Well, again, it is apparent that I am not much of a blogger. Update of things that have occurred in the last year:

1) I changed jobs on August 1, 2011. After four years at the same firm, I decided that it was time to move on, and I found a great job with one of the best bosses that I have had in years. My practice now focuses on banking, debtor-creditor law, and real estate. I have to travel a bit more, and my office is a little farther from my home. However, it was a very good move for me both financially and professionally.

2) We refinanced our home in March of 2011, and used the equity to purchase a second home that we lease to someone else. The second home is near ours, and at one time, belonged to Todd's brother. So far, this has turned out to be a good investment, although we have been temporarily set back on some of our goals for completing some projects in and around our own house.

3) Our family members are all doing great. It is hard to believe that it has been two years since my dad's open heart surgery. That was such a scary time. All our parents and siblings seem to be doing well and I am so thankful and blessed to have them all.

4) My son is ten now and growing like a weed. He is going through so many changes, and my heart goes out to him as he struggles with all of the challenges of school, friends, and the usual growing pain of being a "tween."

And that is about it. Spring is here again, and my yard is calling to me. There is lots of work to do. Also, I am looking at the 365 project again. I keep thinking that I should be doing more to record these everyday moments that are slipping by so quickly.

We will be going to the movies today . . . off to see "John Carter" with my comic book loving hubby and son. :) Last night we watched the DVD "Immortals." The best and only good thing about that was Henry Cavell.

I need to catch up on some work for the office today, since tomorrow I will be leaving early for Vicksburg. Work is hectic, but that is a good thing, considering the alternative. Until next time . . .