August signals the end of summer and back to school for many.  As a teacher, August is always bittersweet.  I love my students, but I also LOVE summer! As a Mom, I was always that mom who loved having her kids at home during the summer and didn't look forward to them going back to school.  I know, I'm in the minority!

This August brings a big change for me, as my baby will head off to college.  I have to say that I am struggling with having him gone.  I know there are many of you that will experience the "empty nest syndrome" this fall.  I'm thrilled that he has found a school that really seems to fit him and that he will have the chance to continue to play the game he loves - soccer.  I'm also thrilled that he will be close enough for me to get to see many of his games.  It will take some getting used to coming home and not having him here.  I have a great support system with family and friends and my photography keeps me really busy!  Fall sports are starting soon and I'll be busy taking sports pictures, expanding into all Fox Valley Schools and designing collages for athletes.  I have lots of senior portrait sessions to do in August and September and a few family sessions.

Empty nest doesn't have to mean lonely.  Connect with others in the same situation, reconnect with old friends, volunteer, find a new hobby or join a club.  Take advantage of things in your community like free concerts, art shows, and farmers markets.  We will all survive this change in our lives.

Day 11A