I don’t even know where to begin. Life’s been chaotic and my emotions are all over the map – in both good and bad ways.
Let’s start with Preston going back to public school.
You may not remember, or maybe I didn’t share how anxious we were with letting him go back to school. Will he make friends? What if he has anxiety over the work after being home for four years? What if he hates being in a classroom for so many hours a day? Blah, blah, blah. I don’t know the weight of the average pre-teen head, but Preston’s is at least ten times heavier than that. Apparently (his words) he’s a “10/10.” His social life has been thrust into high gear, and we’re all just treading in his wake. He’s made A’s on all of his tests too – he just doesn’t care about that part. Hmm, wonder who he gets that from? Sending him back was the absolute best decision. We didn’t realize how lonely and, for lack of a better word, depressed he’d become. Travel ball is about to begin, so his weekends will soon be filled with spiked cleats and dirty uniforms.
Let’s talk about Jackson starting school.
I don’t really want to talk about Jackson starting school. I’m excited and sad all at the same time. Excited because I’m going to have SO much time in the mornings to work. Sad because being surrounded by these boys is all I’ve known for the past four years. Having them in our home and watching them grow has meant everything to me. Watching God orchestrate the timing to meet the needs of both families has been so special. We’ve completed another (very important) chapter. It’s emotional.
What’s up with JP?
JP is doing really well. We’ll start his studies after Labor Day. He’s been hibernating all summer. Ninety degrees doesn’t mix with his Guatemalan blood. This year we’re going to focus on music theory, art, and (mainly) photography. He has a natural eye for taking pictures. He lives for his monthly therapy appointment, has been attending church with a friend on Wednesdays and enjoys visiting his dad in Atlanta. Some days I look at him and can’t believe he’s the same kid I struggled to raise through divorce and diagnoses. He’s kind, mature, and really hilarious.
What’s going on with my books(s)?
I can FINALLY say that there is movement with my book. Woo-hoo! I’ve been working with the production department this week, approving the illustrator’s sketches. I still cannot believe it’s happening. When the emails drop into my inbox, my heart starts to race. I’m happy so far with how everything looks. Now, we’re waiting to see the cover design!
Our next manuscript is on its way to being completed. We’ll offer it to the current publisher. The one I’ve been working on about divorce is coming along too. I’ve been staring at one sentence for four years, now I’m on page nine. I hope to find an agent for that one. Hopefully a quiet house each morning will work in our favor.
Photos I’ve snapped over the past few weeks…
Ya’ll know I love to write. I’m so grateful I’ve been able to make a career out of it, but this Nanny gig fills my cup too. We’ve been having such a good time hanging out with my friends’ kids.
A few links to recent stories we’ve published over on the Greenville site…
Where To Eat Brunch In Greenville
Gather GVL Named 6th Best Food Hall In The Nation
Next weekend, we’ll be covering the Earl Scruggs Festival and we cannot wait! Last year was SO much fun!
HAPPY WEEKEND!
Andrea Beam 