The Oregon Corrigans: Back to school, Back to work!

Well after the best sabbatical summer EVER, it felt like a sudden transition to school starting! It is obviously just an entirely different schedule, environment, lots more "firsts" for my little boys especially, and Daddy going "back to work" - we all are still getting used to the early mornings, early bedtimes and busy fall routine. But I think things are going pretty well, and all the kids are blessed with FANTASTIC teachers, whom I plan to help any chance I have. Volunteering will be starting next week, and it truly is the best part of my week being with my kids in their classroom!

So back to school... The girls are starting 3rd and 4th grades - both with teachers we have had in previous years - that is a huge comfort and source of excitement for me as a parent, knowing we are in such good hands! Both girls love their new classrooms, and are enjoying making new friends since both have very few of their old friends in class. Both doing very well with that, and I am happy to see it.

Max started all-day kindergarten at Quatama as well, so this is a big year for him. I am already so, so glad we decided to start him in kindergarten there as a 6 year old instead of 5. He is so ready for the all day program, and his focus and energy level is just perfect for what he needs at school. He loves the bus, loves the cafeteria (after a little "buying lunch" snafu, which his teacher SO sweetly helped him overcome), loves being with "the girls", loves literally every single thing about his day. He leaves the house and returns with a huge smile on his face! What a joy that is to my heart.

Marcus pulled out a Christmas miracle, and decided to become potty trained RIGHT before preschool started. We got literally the last spot in the 3 year old class, and he is continuing to rock his life as a potty trained, preschool edu-ma-cated 3 year old. Our favorite Mrs Meier (whom all the kids had for preschool), is retiring after next year, so I feel like it's a personal gift to me that Marcus will be able to have her in both 3's and 4's. We will be retiring from the preschool years together :) Special! Marcus is completely loving preschool and is taking it all in stride. We have yet to experience what happens if he actually has to POOP at preschool, but because I have four children, I'm just not going to think about it :)

Daddy went back to work too, and that is taking some adjustment as well. It was such a nice, relaxing, stress-free summer and I pray he can find a great new balance now that he is back to the grind. Thankful God continues to provide for all our needs. Greater than we can ask or imagine!