One down, nine more to go.

   We made it through one full month of school unscathed. I have to say, this is by far, the best start to school in all of the years since I've had my own kids. Although it was tiring, (I mean, who really wants to get up early and get going right away?) and stressful (but only because it was trying to find a balance with all of the activities) we all had the most relaxing start to school I can ever remember.
     I don't know if I ever mentioned that my husband is a football coach? Probably not. I don't talk about him much because he is an insanely private person, so I keep him out of this. He started coaching before we ever had kids. So my kids, have known nothing else. I, however, have. So if you don't know anything about coaches (in particular football coaches) it is an intense business. Even though the season is 2 months of games, it really is a year round commitment. They are always coaching in the off season. When they are in season, it is very intense. Let's just say from August until November, my husband was not around. I mean, he came home to eat and sleep, but, that is about it. If he did spend any time with me or the kids he was not 100% with us because his mind was always on the game.
     So, this year, he gave up coaching. I had no part of this decision at all (I know better!) A long time ago, when the kids were babies, I asked him to stop coaching. I cryed,I begged, I pleaded for him to stop coaching.  He did not. This past spring, when he was contemplating what to do, he asked me. I said, " I am not going to tell you what to do. You know what I want and I don't need to say it. Whatever you decide to do, I will be fine with."
     So he decided to quit coaching. I have to say, even though the kids have known nothing different, I believe it has made a positive impact on them, especially Colin. My husband was able to spend a lot more time with the kids this summer. He has never been able to because of all of the summer football commitments. He was able to take both boys on separate camping trips so they both had alone time with dad. He was able to participate in Special Olympics golf with Colin. That is something I normally would have ended up doing. He was able to go out on bike rides and canoe trips down the river with the boys or go fishing. All things that he has not done a lot of with the boys. With school starting, he has been able to be home almost everyday to get Colin off the bus. He is able to pick our oldest up from school. He can go to Curriculum night and conferences and all that stuff I always do by myself in the fall. I think all of this has made a huge impact on both of my kids.
     Colin's start to the school could not have been better. He was excited to start, he loves his teachers, and he seems to be making new friends. He has grown up a lot and become more mature. We actually have taken him off all behavior meds! Yeah! He is doing great without them. Oh, he does have his moments but he has learned how to control his anger. He doesn't get violent anymore. He still gets mad (and it can be upsetting) but he doesn't get mad enough where he is hitting me, or calling me really bad names, or destroying things around the house. We are over that. So far, his health is good too. Knock on wood, I don't foresee any major issues this year. I mean, what could possibility go wrong when you have been through it all? Famous last words, I know. AND I am sure I totally just jinxed myself. SIGH!