Update. . .

No doubt, it's been a rough summer.  But now, it's over.  Festival season has officially ended. 

September usually kicks my butt anyway, due to the fact that I'm juggling back-to-school stuff while we are wrapping up the last of our busy season, but this time, my butt was already kicked. 

I hate to complain or feel sorry for myself because so many people are going through things that are far worse so I'll just focus on the good things.

 

First of all, Gloria has settled in to Sawtooth Middle School in a BIG way.  She has taken ownership of who she is and what she wants out of life at this moment.  It started with the aquamarine hair- a bold decision to make the night before starting at a huge, new school.  She nailed it.  Then she decided she wanted to be a cheerleader.  Even though she didn't know anyone on the cheer leading squad.  She had her first game on Wednesday and she gave it her all.  And nailed it.  She's in choir and drama along with the rest of her classes.  She's mastered her locker and the 3 minute allowance between classes.  She's tackled the bus and homework and made a slew of friends.  I don't mean to brag, I'm just so proud of the way she has handled herself with this new experience.  So far she is balancing school, family, quizzing, gymnastics, youth group, cheer leading, homework and her social life with style and grace.  I wish I would have had half of her confidence when I was her age. . .

As long as I'm bragging, I'll say that Zach is managing his sophomore year exactly the same way he faced his freshman year- study, study, study.  He's so focused.  He manages his time well, he meets all of his deadlines and he puts a huge amount of effort into doing the best that he can in every class.  In spite of a busy class schedule, he has devoted a large amount of his time to church.  He's working with Scott and Katie on children's sermons and recently finished the membership process.  He spent a week at Yearly Meeting this year and I think it encouraged him to continue working on leadership skills.  He definitely has convictions about things but is willing to learn and discuss and change and teach.  Sometimes it makes my mind spin and I have to ask him to give me a break from the intense discussions he likes so much.  I love to hear him process ideas, though, especially when he comes to realizations that alter what he once thought was set in stone.  His core values stay the same, but he's much more willing to think outside the box.  I'm very proud of who he is and who he is becoming.

And. . . the business.  While the economy has hurt us over the last couple of years, we are gradually changing our focus and I see some good things happening.  I think it's a HUGE thing that Bronco Sports sought us out to provide their radio stage.  Even if we don't see immediate results, I think that ultimately it will impact us in a big way.  We put a lot of thought into what it should look like and were very happy with the final result. 

We have two home games behind us and the powers-that-be seem to be happy as well.

We've also become BBB certified and have a fancy new phone system.  We have several projects in the works that should keep us busy for a couple of months and our retail sales seem to be gaining momentum.  Not HUGE momentum, but it's a good start.  I'm trying to think positive and not see the light at the end of the tunnel as an oncoming train.

And last, but not least, I've enjoyed spending time with these kiddos.

 Life is short and I want to make time for the people in it.  I'm learning and right now it takes a conscious effort to put work aside and enjoy the things that matter. 


So, there's my update.  And I'll keep trying to look on the bright side. . .