No time like right now.

After several failed attempts to continue regular posts here, I just dug up the site again and will give this a valiant effort. Obviously a lot has happened during the absence and there is no way I can go back to try and recap it all. There are several things that stand out though and I will plug them in.

Mateo is now in Grade 5 and Mikah in Grade 2. Both are doing very well in school and are very popular among the kids. This past September, after sitting as his class representative last year, Mateo decided he wanted to run for VP of the Student Council. Only Grade 6 students can run for President. Well, there were 4 contenders for VP and he won, and I was really proud of him just for trying. Inside sources told me it was a landslide victory and that puts a little smile on my face! He already has his eyes set on the top seat for Grade 6 next year. Both boys have really been into soccer the last few summers and I got a little more serious with coaching too. At school though, Mikah and his buddies have had a perpetual match running over their recess and lunch periods since last year! Mikah takes his soccer quite seriously and doesn't like letting infractions slide no matter how small. In order to keep their game legit he decided to draft a rule sheet so the others, most of whom just want to run and kick the ball, have a better understanding of how to really play. He also appointed himself head referee to get things going at every round but prefers playing.

Watching both boys play with their respective teams during the summer is truly quite something. They both have a natural proficiency for most sports however, soccer is the one they are currently hooked on and play with an organised team. Their intensity and energy is amazing. Mikah also started watching sports on TV, mostly European soccer and NHL hockey when he is allowed, and is very familiar with league standings and key players. When the snow starts to fly their weekend activity switches over to skiing. This winter Mikah chose to try snowboarding because he received a board & boots from a friend. Both are signed up for lessons again so it should continue quite well.

The biggest development in their (all our) lives is that the boy's mother and I have separated since August and for now the boys are living full time with her. I have either been taking them or visiting them at the house on weekends and also coming in as 'babysitter' on week nights when their mother has other obligations. Even though they call me every night to tell me about their day, this is by far the toughest thing I have ever experienced. I know it isn't easy on them either, however, they seem to be coping quite well as far as I can tell and I can only hope things continue on like this.