2013 First Day of School - a Year of Change

 With the some of the kids returning to school this week I have had time to reflect on the kids changing and growing and all the changes that are happening for our family this year. Busy and different times are ahead for us all, so here's what's happening in the Rowlings household....

 Nathan has now begun his first year of college at year 11, and so for the first time ever is not attending a school with any of his siblings. He also obtained his "L" plates at the end of last year - so hopefully by the end of this year we will have another solo licensed driver in the home.

 Lilly is now in grade 4, and is being taught by a teacher that has previously taught Jakob and Katie. She still loves school and is excited by the things she learns and does there.

 Katie is now in grade 6  - her final year of primary school. To me she still looks too small and petite to be one of the grade 6's. But she is excited to be able to participate in the activities that she has seen her older siblings be a part of.

Jakob turned 19 on Tuesday (more about that later), and for now is doing casual work at KFC and is getting ready to leave for his mission to Kobe, Japan on the 1st of April. We will all miss him heaps and home will be very different without him, but know he has made the right decision.

 Henry is now in his second year of high school at grade 8, and he too is for the first time at a school without any of his siblings, ...he also has dibs on Jakob's room when he leaves!!

 Aneika is doing a nail technician course this year.

 Jason has been given a redundancy and officially finishes up at the university after 19 years of employment on the 3rd of April. So at the moment he is searching for new employment - a huge change for him and for all of us...... (Anyone after a good analyst programmer ? :)

And me - well I am in now in my final year of my Social Work university degree, and looking forward to finishing. But once again wondering how I am going to fit my studies in with everything else that I do.... especially making sure that I have enough quality time left for Jason and the kids.