What's your outlet?

It is definitely my intention to seek an outlet for my stress. How do you go from one stressful day and wake up the next day with a smile?
I've got a few ideas of my own that I'd like to try.

~ Drawing or Drawing classes
~ Yoga
~ Running

But I'm curious, what does everyone else do when the going gets tough? What eases you back to a state of bliss?

One more year...

I've made my final decision and Mike stands by it... We're going to wait another year before trying kindergarten again. I went back to Jamie's school today to inform the office and decided to pull him out of class as well. It was a difficult choice and it was really hard to watch the relieved expression on his teacher's face as she gathered his backpack and waved goodbye. But it is what it is... he's just not ready.
At least this gives us some direction as to what we need to work on for the year to make sure he's successful next year.

Thanks for everyone's encouragement :)

Update

I visited with Jamie's class today for a few hours and left at lunch time. He does have behavior issues but I think (and the teacher totally agrees) that they're immaturity based... he's the youngest in his class. I'm going to make an effort to visit his class every week until I see him improve.

So for now, he stays in full-day kindergarten. :) He did pretty well during my time spent there with occasional misbehaving. Mostly, he just doesnt want to sit there and he doesn't care for coloring. lol Looks like we'll have to do more coloring at home to get him used to it. If I remember correctly, I don't think you ever stop coloring in school... Even in 12th grade.

This week's been filled with its ups and downs on a dramatic scale. The down I'm sure, is very obvious... but on the flipside, work's going great! I had my first Paperchase offical visit from a couple of home office folks and they were very impressed with my entire shop, my backstock (or lack therof) and my sales. They took photographs of my displays and asked me questions about how I jumped in sales. While taking a look at my clean and nearly clear backstock, they were so impressed that they told me they wished they could see this in every backstock. They asked how I got everything out without it looking cluttered and crammed. My boss beamed at me the entire time! It felt pretty good to have something go right this week. I truly feel like I've finally found my niche as far as Borders goes. I know I get a lot of jokes about how cheap Paperchase is and how crappy the products are but... I still like working in it.

Anyhow, Today I'm going to try and visit with Jamie's principal and see if we can make school a more positive experience for him and us. I've got a few ideas but they're going to cost energy and time on the part of anyone involved in Jamie's life. We'll see how it goes.

Being Proactive

I'm sorry for getting everyone worried by my post yesterday. It was a really overwhelming day. Today I feel a bit more positive and I'm crossing my fingers for good news from the school front.

Let's hope Curious George saved the day!

I'll update later when I can...

Terrible, No good, Very bad day

I have a feeling it's going to be a very long school year... =(

That's all I have to say right now.

First day of Kindergarten!!!

My little boy started kindergarten today! He was anxious to get going from the time he woke up and we ended up at the bus stop a tad bit too early. There's one other little boy at his stop, a 4th grader named Jason with bright red hair and a VERY Irish accent! He was very helpful and talkative. Once the bus arrived, Jamie promptly headed towards the stairs. I had to whip my camera out quickly to take a few shots! It was so cute :)

Once he was safely aboard, we met up with him at his school so we could be there for the first 10 minutes of his day (teacher recommended!) and observe the class. I could tell by this time that Jamie was beginning to get overwhelmed by all the activity. But the good news is... he made it through his first day! We're all so very proud of him :)

Here's some pictures of his first day of school. I didn't get as many as I would've liked since there was SO much going on.

Here's Jamie, gazing longingly at all the toys in the cupboards.

Just before school, being a goof ball

Isn't this just darling? That backpack looks so huge!
The bus driver patiently showing him where he can sit.

I have a feeling we're going to know a completely different kid by the time this school year ends... different in a good way, of course!! :)

Family Pictures

Okay, before I get to Jamie's first day of kindergarten, I wanted to share some family photos from when Mike's sister Jean and her daughter Elizabeth, came to visit. We were also very lucky to visit with Aunt Noreen and Uncle Pat too!
We had a blast visiting! Enjoy the photos :) (sorry it took so long...)

Here's Marilyn... she's trying to describe where something is using a sign language only

she can understand...

Noreen: Probably laughing at Marilyn-as usual :P
Whatever it was that she was talking about doesn't look right... even Pat's giving her a strange look.
Beer!

This little cutie has a really wild streak. I feared for my life.
Pat and Jamie discussing the finer things in life.
She REALLY loves her daddy.



Here's little Elizabeth...growing up.
The cousins playing with Uncle Pat's camera.
And all three cousins in a photo together. It was the best shot I could get.
Here's Jamie's interpretation of Pat. lol
Juan and Sam, all smiles :)