I am almost through with my week long nightmare class. I know more about Modern English Grammar than I ever could wish for (this class was required for my Literature minor for the teaching certification I'm working on). I am thrilled at how much I've learned, but it has been grueling.

I've been on the road at 6:30am daily, back to the house by 4pm, studying to midnight. This has been the schedule since Sunday and I AM TIRED! One more day! YIPPEE!!

My dad joined me here at the house yesterday. I am so glad he came up! Tonight we went to dinner -- just him and I. This may have been the only meal we have ever had with just us. It was nice not having a sibling of mine or my children along. We actually got a chance to talk, him and I. It was so nice to talk to my Dad. I never get that relaxed not at work atmosphere with him. It was SO nice to just be with him.

We talked about Mom and after a story I told him how I missed her so much. It has been 16 months since she passed. This is the first time I ever told him first. I always chimed in with a "Me too," but I'd never initiated it fearing I'd hurt him. How stupid is that? I realize now that it is okay to admit it to him -- he's feeling it too. He told me how he and Mom loved the restaurant that we were at. He told me how he has pictures of his family (old historic type) that he was going to organize up here with her. We talked about me joining in the task. He seemed glad I was interested and I was glad to have this opportunity. I LOVE PICTURES and I would really enjoy more time with just me and Dad.

I'm the 3rd of 4 kids. I never thought much about competing for attention. I now realize that a little one on one time is a wonderful thing. Being together is great, but getting time with just my
Dad was even better. I am doubly blessed. I had a great mother and I have a great father. I am so grateful for the time we have together.

It is hard to take vacation time in a family business. It is hard to leave your brothers to carry your load. It is even harder to do so when neither brother seems to believe in taking time off. What is with these men? I will be student teaching next fall. I can't wait to be a teacher and to get more time to smell the roses!

Pictures of the sunset look like they will have to wait until I get home. I hope they turn out half as beautiful as the reality!