A Week in Lynchburg

I just returned from a week away in Lynchburg. As part of my graduate program, there are two classes called "Intensives." While the rest of the program is online, these two courses have an on-campus component. I am in the first Intensive course now (COSC 505 Techniques of School Counseling). After a good amount of prep beforehand...

...I hit the road in the late afternoon last Sunday and arrived in Lynchburg around 7PM. I quite enjoyed the quiet in the car and in the hotel room. It is rare that I would have so much time alone (and a king sized bed!)

Each day of the week, the morning session included lectures and discussion, and then in the afternoon, we practiced our new skills through role-playing with our classmates. We videoed our mock sessions to submit for grading. My classmates were from all over the United States, and one was even from Germany! It was interesting to hear their stories and all the diverse pathways that have led us to the field of school counseling. The experience was in fact 'intense' and each evening, I was glad for the quiet of my hotel room. Although the papers and deadlines and added stress make me question my return to school, I did enjoy the opportunity to be a fulltime student for a few days. It affirmed my desire to earn this degree and continue my work in a student services role. A big 'thank you' to my support system at home for making this week possible!

Boomer and the kiddos were on my mind often throughout the week. It is the longest that I have ever been away from them. I especially loved our FaceTime calls in the evenings...

...and finding this sweet surprise in my notebook! 

Now that Mommy is back home, we are resuming our normal routine. After the string of sickness and quarantines during August, we have luckily had both kids in school for the last two weeks. Baby Linda has been attending school as well. 

I got some really good hugs when I picked the kids up from school on Friday. Unfortunately Eli was stung by a bee earlier in the day, so he is sporting a small bruise under his left eye - poor guy! 

Boomer had a guys weekend with some of his best buds from Wake. They went to a Dash game on Friday night and then to the Wake vs. Florida State game on Saturday. Today, we traded off kid-duties as I headed to Charlotte for a wedding shower for Carlin. Here are also some pictures of Emmy and me matching at church last Sunday. The weekends go by so fast; I am not sure I am ready for Monday again!