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Wow – this week has flown by…thus no blog posts.  I've barely been home, and my house is showing it. I really need to be acting domestic at this very moment – that is, I NEED to be doing laundry and dishes and picking up.  But instead I thought I would pop in with bullet points about this good week:

• We're worried about Caleb at school.  This morning I walked a normally-happy-cheerful Caleb to school after forcing him out the door and holding his hand while he cried that he didn't want to go.  It's happening a lot lately.  His teacher is not a particularly happy person it seems and lots of kids have this same problem with her year after year (so I hear from other mom's). Makes me sad.  And he's struggling socially (which never has happened before) – getting picked last for basketball at recess, not being able to find a peer group that he feels comfortable in, etc.  This is my happy-go-lucky, loves school, kind of kid. I went up and had lunch with him today and ran in to the principal (who I love) on the way out. She visited with Samuel and then said "I've been wanting to ask you how school is going this year for the kids?"  And in that moment I loved her even more.  I was able to discuss some of my concerns. A tender mercy.
• Me and Samuel have had two fun outings – a playgroup at the park and a b'day party at the pumpkin patch.  I love preschoolers.
• I had a lovely trip to the temple with a gal I've admired from afar and enjoyed getting to know her better.
• I got to substitute teach in seminary (6 am scripture class for the teenagers) and loved it. I taught on a subject I love (Emma Smith, wife of the prophet Joseph Smith) and felt that I had their full attention.  A plate of cookies and a note from them the next day made it that much more special. I love the youth.
• I went on a fall shopping spree for clothes and shoes.  I rarely go to the mall.  I rarely shop for myself.  It was fun to do and Samuel was such a trooper.  5 and 1/2 hours of shopping, no stroller!!  I'm thankful for Iphone games and large dressing rooms with benches and chairs.
• Derek and I took a 10-mile bike ride this morning.  I feel as goofy as I look, but am excited to start doing something that Derek enjoys so much.  He took Samuel on his mountain bike and I rode my new road bike (that we bought used from a friend).  I'm learning how to clip in and out of my pedals.  I really enjoyed my first official ride!

• I enjoyed visiting with a friend at football practice Wed night.  I laid out a picnic blanket and me and the little boys had a picnic dinner, then they played while we visited.  I love fall weather and good friends.
• I'm working hard on a Relief Society presentation next week about temples.  I'm making a video and am excited about the meeting.
• I'm headed to a "Time Out for Women" this weekend with friends (sponsored by Deseret Book) – excited to be inspired and enriched (and we get to hear Hilary Weeks again!).
• I'm grateful for a kind husband who saw a single mother's sprinkles not working properly in the neighborhood and made a point to fix them the next day.  He's a great guy.
• and I got a call telling me that my brother and SIL are having a _____!!  (Not sure if I'm allowed to broadcast it yet?) and I've already been shopping for my new nephew/niece.  The Aunt Mer role is going to be SO fun.

That's the gist of the week, I guess, minus a few drs apptmts, piano practices, homework, baby showers, football practices, Scout meetings, meals and bandaids.  All in all, a great week.