Flaming June's Love

Tomorrow morning we get up at 6:30 and start the machine for 8th grade.  The machine is the process of "doing school."  I am very excited for our boy to start 8th grade.  I never in my wildest dreams imagined it to be this way.  I never planned ahead more than a week or two.  Typically because I either thought I was going to die any minute or that Jack was going to self destruct any minute. But neither has happened.  Unbelievably.... neither has happened. He packed his backpack.  I bought all the supplies but he packed it and Im good with that.  He read all his summer reading books and was done two weeks ago.  He liked the books. Ill say that again..... for those of you in the back.... JACK LIKED HIS SUMMER READING BOOKS> If that doesnt describe Jack to you, then you're missing the Jack trip. He has started his cross country training, that was about a month ago.  His first Invitational is Saturday.  I cant wait.  I...

I am making this post to catalog this summer as "The Summer" .  I have a few pics of my favorite moments but these dont capture the whole thing in all of its splendor and fun.  Of course The middle of July saw "Quick Rick Jones" pop on over to the East Coast.  It was a whirlwind two weeks with lots and lots of laughs, bike rides, music festivals, POMPEYFEST which deserves a post of its own.  Hikes, mountain visits, long chats and of course moments like this one above.  Just straight up, "I understand you, I get you, and we are all ok."  Here is our Jack on his 14th birthday.  No glasses our of shower and just happy to see me.  I adore, treasure and admire this guy.  He doesnt know it yet, but he is all that.  I dont want to tell him too often because he doesnt seem to believe me.  You are smart, fully, thoughtful, kind.  Sharp witted and ver very much your fathers son in the debate and negotiate department.  He is...