Lately it seems like there's hardly time to catch my breath. And I know I'm not alone in this regard. Here's a little of what's going on in our crazy home, which might help explain why it seems months go by between updates.

Andrew is pulling all A's and one B+ in school. Now, I'm not that guy who drives around town with the "My kid is an honor roll student, blah blah blah" bumper sticker on his car. I just won't do it. But this one deserves mention. Andrew puts in the time and his grades show it. He's also recently taken up the soprano sax and is slated for a solo at the next concert. He's also taking an extra hour at school and is there at 7am every day for Chorale. And tomorrow he is attending an orientation for a volunteer program at the Lawrence Humane Society. ...You know, for a kid who seems to be pretty busy already, it amazes me how much time he finds to play video games.

Jessica is doing better with school -- first half of the year was kind of rough on her with anxiety and such. She loves her girl scout troop, which meets every couple of weeks. And if memory serves me correctly, she's having a friend over to spend the night on Friday. She's also been busy lately with her writing and drawing really branching out. Lots of makeshift books, paintings, stories, etc. My little delicate flower's latest masterpiece was left on the kitchen table last night. It's a picture book she made, titled "The Evil Me". ...Oh, Jess.

Kaysia has been working a lot lately, partially to save up extra $$ for her trip to Chicago over spring break. She and Taylor are visiting some of his family during the break. She's also wrapping up her classes this week with her final tests tonight and tomorrow night. Keeping her fingers crossed on that one. She's worked really hard on this.

Logann is beginning to carry my itch for the river. He's been watching the weather the last few weeks waiting for a decent day when he's here so we can grab the kayaks and hit the river. So far, our luck has been less than stellar. School is keeping him somewhat busy. Lately he's been doing a lot more driving, trying to get his skills sharp enough that he can pass his driving test and have license in hand before summer. Pride and fear both surface in equal magnitude when I think about that.

Martin is all about kindergarten. Though it wears him out most of the time. Lately he has been coming home from school, having a snack and either falling asleep on the couch or, more often, putting himself to bed -- sometimes before dinner. Waking him is pretty much an exercise in futility. Tired boy. He's always scheming something, though. It's not uncommon to find him wearing his swim goggles plus a pair of sunglasses, a sword strapped to his waist, a Nerf gun in one hand and a toolbox in the other, while wearing a cape and running from one room to another throughout the house. ...I've simply quit asking for explanations.

Jeannie and me? Let's see, there's work, then there's grad school, then there's work, and some more work. ...Okay, it's not quite as bad as all that. Just busy right now. Jeannie starts spring break on Friday (and there was great rejoicing). And while I'm not given a week off for spring break, I am taking off St Paddy's day so that Up a Creek can participate in the Lawrence Annual St. Paddy's Day Parade. We'll have a float -- of sorts -- promoting our kayak / canoe business that will one day allow me to quit my day job and retire early... right? Well, at least it pays for a new kayak now and then.

So, we're busy. But that's a good thing. No rest for the wicked? Meh. Rest is for squares. I'll rest when I'm six feet under. I just wish I had more hours in each day.