Ah, Friday

It's been an arduous week. I've had to fight to get Four on the bus almost every day, which is draining. He really doesn't like school. He may not mind it when he gets there, but he has no great desire to go. He has a few friends in his class, but I hear about the "bully" more often. The class and home work has increased this year, and we're still adjusting. So, every morning this week I've dragged Four up the driveway as he complains. I wrestle him into the van seat, talking, soothing, and occasionally threatening, until his anger fades to simple tears. It grinds my heart to send him off crying.

I feel for him. School is difficult and exhausting when you're brain is distracted. Four also has sensory issues that make writing tiring, something we're familiar with from One. It's a long day for my special boy, and when he gets home he just wants to crash on the couch. But I can't let him, because if we wait to do homework, he won't finish until after dinner. And then he's really fried. Instead, I bribe him with treats to get it done right after he gets home. We're having limited success.

It's mid-point through the first marking period for my older children, and Two's grades are sketchy. This depresses him, and me. He's committed to improving them, hopefully before I'm committed to an institution. I'm curious to find out about Three, because I think he's off to a good start. The middle school doesn't have electronic grade posting, so I'm in the dark until I get a progress report. It would be a nice change of pace, and a real lift for him, if his grades are high.

Cobie continues to relieve herself on my floors, even though I take her out all morning long. I've had to actually leave the house a few times this week, for an hour or so each time, and it never turns out well. We've been in contact with the national Wheaten rescue group, and we're pretty sure we can surrender her at the end of this month. It pains me to write that, and it was a difficult decision to make. But right now, I'm preparing for my mother and Pappou to move in, while juggling all my normal duties, and the dog has just pushed me over the edge. The rescue ladies are very sweet, and didn't make me feel like a complete failure. They understand her needs, and they think they can help her be successful with another family.

I'm wiped out, and that always puts me in a precarious emotional state. So, to combat the blues, I decided to look at some pictures that make me smile.

This is the view on my deck. I feel like I'm in a treehouse. I love sitting in my old Adirondack chair to drink my coffee. But autumn is on its way!

I have no idea what this blue flower is, but I'm searching for it again next year! It blooms like crazy for months!

Our famous assortment of athletic footwear. I just retrieved a pair of cleats for Four that used to belong to Two! It makes me smile when I see the ascending sizes. Two's foot is now larger than any pair of shoes in this bin.

As I pulled into the high school for Back-to-School night, I spied a giant rainbow. It was beautiful, and it lasted for a long time. It made me think of Two's friend, Sean, who passed away this year, as if he was welcoming everyone.

My huge Montauk daisy! I wait all summer for it to bloom. It is spilling over my retaining wall, and making the bees happy.

The little boys like to visit a small park near our house. It has a pond and trails. In the summer you can catch turtles and bullfrogs, if you're quick-handed.

Following my trail-blazers.

I already feel better.

Have a great weekend, everyone!