Had never done this before!!!

 Did you know there is a business dedicated to this "sport"?  I didn't!  I had never heard of this till moving to Michigan.  Last year, we missed this activity as we had had to make a quick trip back to Illinois to sign on our renters.  This year...

 we signed up to participate.

10 Bumper cars, a ball, and a hand basket for each driver...aiming for a small spot on a backboard.

 Yeah...my aim...not good using just my hands!  I could get the ball...but I passed it off.

 I worked at being a good blocker or rammer.  We had a fun time with some of the members of our church family.

 We found out...whirlyball can hurt!  Ted got his finger smashed as he retrieved the ball.  Yes, that is blood and a rubber mark...which had to be scrubbed off with a shower scrubbie.

I bruised the side of my knee pretty good with the crank-like handle.  It is a knot...after hitting myself at least three times.  Oi!  Ouch!

A few simple things to be thankful for this week...

a daughter who packed my lunch for me.  Talk about a sweet, unexpected surprise!

 celebrating a new marriage at a small reception on Thursday night.  Sweet fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ around the table!

 a belated birthday gift in the mail...met a desire I had just thought about..."I like my travel no-spill cup...but it is metal...and coffee would taste better in a glass cup...I need to start bringing a glass cup with me."  How fitting that I carried this cup on Friday..."I can do all things through Christ..."

 beautiful drives in the fall mornings...heavy dew, fog, spectacular sunrises...

 my new favorite flowers to plant!  Zinnias...they keep blooming and blooming drawing the bumblebees and even a hummingbird!

 close stores that carry relief for that first cold of the season!

It has been a busy week...and I'm so glad that it is...

HUMP DAY!!!  We have talked about teaching our three year olds that Wednesday is HUMP DAY...so today, I taught them...we'll see if they remember!  This week has been long and busy...the "other lady" in our "the ladies" team has been out of town since Thursday night.  She was called back to North Carolina after her grandfather had a stroke and then passed away Friday.  I've been the leader for K3 and have had wonderful helpers...but it is still a lot of work.  Our little friends sensed the difference at first (Friday was um...wow!) and then settled into the change (we managed to get done what we were supposed to...yeah!!!).

 

 These two felt projects have been the favorite!!!  I knew they would be...because I watched our kiddos enjoy them at the library...what seems like ages ago!

 I have a few more ideas up my sleeves!  Sometimes...doing a story or game like this goes much better than trying to get them to sit still long enough for a book.

 Tuesday night held away games...I stayed home and baked and rested.

The girls lost...girls got to play a little bit.  The boys lost...our boy didn't play..."but it was fun, Mom."  Poor Chevy...could hardly stand it...no kiddos...again?  The season is coming to a close pretty soon...and the kiddos have enjoyed learning/seeing what it is all about.

Saturday's date with Alisa

 We took a little time out for some girlie fun!  It had been another week of some more growing pings and pains.  We went to our new favorite store...Charming Charlies!  We oohed and aahed and made lists of things we want to get.  I shall direct any and all requests for gifts/gift ideas for the girls in our house to gift cards/cash to spent on all things girlie and sparkly...plus they have a nice smelling perfume...and shoes!  I think, Alisa's heart rate sped up due to the excitement.

 We sat at Caribou Coffee and talked about all the things we saw and all the things we have been learning of late.  "Growing up isn't always that easy!  But knowing that you have someone to share it with...and some cash for a coffee drink...sure makes it bearable!"

I had this rotated and then...waala...during posting...it turns sideways again. Oi!  Alisa and I both thought our napkin was a good one...and depending what direction you choose...it could be a hard go or a blessed go!  I'm just thankful that we can go with our children through the ups and downs of life.  We are still parents...but it is an even greater blessing...when we can be friends in the middle of parenting!  Alisa now knows...there are some days...when Moms and daughters just need some time together...and it very well could involve an icy, minty, mocha cup-o-wonderful...and it is ok to suggest it!!!

I love children's books! I love felt! I like pinterest!

Put them all together...and there is a lot of preschool fun to have!  My Friday night fun...date with Ted to The Burger Joint (best sweet potato fries!), Walmart, and a quiet night at home.  The kiddos had an away game that we couldn't get to in time with our work responsibilities.  Lest you think we are unsupportive parents...first year players...bench time outweighs the play time...go have fun and watch and learn and we will see you when you get back.  It is good for them to go...and interact without Dad and Mom all the time in this supervised setting.  They had fun!  I got to create.  Ted got to crash after a heavy work week.  We are really liking our Saturday schedule around here!!!  Sleeping in...way in...and puttering around the house to catch up/get ready for next week.  Happy turning from summer to autumn day today!!! 

He is now able to toot his own horn!

 The 5th graders had band for the first time this week...and our boy was excited.  He had decided last year that he wanted to play the trumpet.  We will now begin looking to buy a trumpet at some point.

This week's goal...to practice blowing and getting sound out of the instrument.  Should you drive slowly by our home...it sounds like an elephant with a very bad cold lives here.  Sometimes it hits the nerves just wrong...other times...it brings on uncontrollable giggles. 

Alisa picked up the clarinet again...and I've only heard one squawk!  Looks like this bug has bitten...and we will be looking to buy a clarinet.  (These rental agreements are not for the frugally minded!)  We are looking forward to musical harmony soon...in the form of duets and trios.  We want our kiddos to develop these talents to use to serve the Lord...a priceless blessing and treasure!

Sat a the soccer game last night...

and snuggled with Lolly to keep warm.  She was excited to see people for awhile...then snuggled under the blanket and snored.  It was a beautiful day...and when the sun dropped...it got cool!  Both soccer and volleyball teams lost.  I find myself wondering...how many years will be spent sitting on the bleachers?!  Ouch!  And I will have to admit...when the weather is sour...I may just be one of those fair weather fans...especially when our players are on the starting line-up most of the time.  We all have to start somewhere and earn the time...I get that.  I have to work very hard at not making note of all the other things I could be doing during these times...but I haven't mastered that yet!  So I'll distract myself with chatting with other fans and holding little fuzzy dogs.

I think I was holding my breath most of the day.

Dad had an angiogram this afternoon to take a look and see what was causing him such strong pain and discomfort.  They did find some blockage, but will not do any surgical procedures at this time.  The plan is to use medication.  It has been fourteen years since Dad had the bypass procedure on four arteries in his heart.  Over the last few weeks (months), he has had some pings and pains he has been monitoring.  Sunday afternoon the pain was a little more concerning to him.  We are thankful for an ER and nurses and doctors to help Dad and Mom!!!  The doctors have kept Dad overnight again as they try to regulate his blood pressure.  Pray for a good night's rest for both Dad and Mom, please.  We all have had a deep settled peace all day as we waited for updates.  God has kept Dad and Mom in His hand and He continues to lead and guide.
I got to talk to Dad tonight.  He is tired, but sounds good.  I am thankful to have those times to talk and laugh with my Daddy!
As our family has settled at home for tonight, my thoughts have turned to God's unending supply of grace He gives through days such as today.  I'm tired...physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I marvel at what God chooses for His children to be reading and studying for those times that He sovereignly places in our path.  Our small group SS class is studying Grace for the Pace by Paul Chappell.  This week's thoughts centered on Resting Grace.  One of the gals shared the verse, Psalm 57:7, "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed:  I will sing and give praise."
After talking early this morning with Mom, and praying while we were in our getting ready for the day routine, Ashlynn began playing her flute (she practices in the morning now) and played the song   
More Secure Is No One Ever
by Lina Sandell Berg
(1) More secure is no one ever
than the loved ones of the Savior –
Not yon star on high abiding
Nor the bird in home-nest hiding.
(2) God His own doth tend and nourish,
In His holy courts they flourish;
Like a father kind He spares them,
In His loving arms He bears them.
(3) Neither life nor death can ever
From the Lord His children sever,
For His love and deep compassion
Comforts them in tribulation.
(4) Little flock, to joy then yield thee!
Jacob’s God will ever shield thee;
Rest secure with this Defender –
At His will all foes surrender.
(5) What He takes or what He gives us
Shows the Father’s love so precious;
We may trust His purpose wholly –
‘Tis His children’s welfare soley.
(alternate 5th verse)
Tho’ He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.


And so tonight...the tears of the day flow freely...and my heart is fixed on God as I continue to know His resting grace.

Uncle Pastor and Mari sang a song last night during Singspiration...

"I Can Trust Jesus..."  little did we know at that time that Mom had taken Dad to the ER.  Would you pray for them today as they go through some tests?  They are in Eau Claire, as that is where Dad was transferred last night, in order to see a cardiologist today. I will update more later this afternoon when we find out what God has in mind for us...for we know that He truly is in control!

Saying "Thank You!" to those who protect and serve our city today!

Saturday snapshots

 Ted and Teddy worked outside this morning mowing and working on the boat.  It is running nice...again...after waiting to replace a broken part.  They got the itch and picked up Cade to go out on the lake.  It was cool, but the sun was shining.  They didn't suffer hypothermia!

 I went by. myself. to get groceries.  I had had other plans, but they went south with the girls' choices.  I picked up components for another pinterest recipe...this time for feet...and it felt good to sit and pamper my aching feet!  The shoes I have been wearing...I think...are causing a problem.  I bought different ones today...which hurt to get on to try on.  Oi!  I think I am starting to deal with old age stuff...I read a description of what is going on on my right foot by my pinkie toe...a bunionette?  Oh brother!!!

 Since I returned from my solitary shopping extravaganza...the girls and I have been working around the kitchen.  Ashlynn made chocolate chip cookies.  HOORAY for a cool day!!!  I made supper.  Alisa made pumpkin muffins.  We all colored rice for the first...could be the last...try at a sensory bucket for K3.  We will see how it goes!!!

We started out our day in the girls' room.  Due to a cafuffle that began right as we were to walk out the door to school...a major purge took place.  It is at times like this...that truly are the pits! that we all take a growing step forward.  Choices that are made...bear consequences.  The lines have been drawn...now to pray and see if the directions will be zig-zagging or straight!  The easy and blessed choice...would be straight!!!  I really don't want a repeat of our Friday morning...but...it very well could happen...sooner or later...and we will just say...those consequences will be very disappointing.

Thursday night blessing...

comes in the form of a cup of coffee...toasted almond, caramel, german chocolate...so far!  A quiet table or comfy chair in a coffee shop with a little sister in Christ...sharing God's Word and encouragement as she walks in her slippers in her home with her three little loves.  I have been challenged again in my daily walk with the Lord.  God is good.  His ways have not been my ways...and it has all been for a reason!  Sharing the truth...it is a responsibility that I now own......Titus 2.

Friday fun day is Fall Day

The preparation is done to add color to our classroom tomorrow...and God provided the fall like temperatures...just in time!

"Who took a cookie from the cookie jar?"

 Every day we try to add a fun activity to our routine.  We were talking about helping our little friends use the names of their new friends...plus help our non-English speaking friends learn names.  We made paper cookies and called each child up to take one out of the jar.  "Who took a cookie from the cookie jar?"  The friends had to say the name of the child with the cookie in their hand.

The best part?!  Trading the paper cookie for a real chocolate chip cookie!!  Miss M brought a package of cookies to our room this morning, "Can you use these, please!?"  I piped up, "Yes!  That is perfect!  We are doing an activity with paper chocolate chip cookies and I thought it would be neat to have real ones as an extra treat.  So...thank you so much!!!"  Miss K asked, "How did you know we needed cookies?  Did Miss K ask you?"  No...these are leftovers.  "The ladies" in K3 looked at each other grinning...God provided a little extra treat to make our fun activity even sweeter!  Last night, I was talking to a parent and she told me that her daughter calls us "the ladies" when she talks about school at home.  "You probably don't call each other by your names, do you?   Maybe you should...then we, as parents, would remember what we are supposed to call you."  She had a point.  We laughed about confusing the parents with our Miss K and Miss K when we are both married.  We decided we like our new title...The Ladies.  I'm thankful for silly K3 friends, supportive parents, and my co-worker.  I am thankful for God's working in our every day situations...making our lives sweeter...even when we get tired!  We are ending the second week of school...and my feet still hurt...maybe from being stepped on repeatedly by energetic, jackhammer-like, Spiderman tennis shoed feet.

We are getting there!

Can you see how happy Miss K is?  She asked the kiddos to line up...and they formed a line...not a cluster! She was cheering them and I grabbed the camera!

This week is all about shapes...yesterday, a square, today, a silly circle!

Miss K is helping to direct Little J's hand to the item in the bag.  "What do you feel?  What is it?  Our eyes take pictures and we can remember what we see."  I had stepped out of the room with another rush-to-the-potty-situation and walked back into this, "We know what Miss K looks like even when she is not here."  Little L says, "Yah, she is a big round shape."

A treat at naptime...a chance to sit and fill out paper work and enjoy the quiet...

our little Bulgarian friend...wasn't having naptime...at. all. Oi!!!

A pic update from school camp!  Hot but fun!

I knew Monday could be hard...

and it was...for several of our little friends.  Not a whole lot of cooperation going on in the K3 room today...BUT...Little J did not cry at all!  Yeah!!  Everything was set right after good naps!  The 7-12 grade took off after school for school camp till Wednesday.  It rained off and on most of the morning...and not it is not pleasant out.  I'm praying for the mugginess and predicted temperatures to subside!!!
Homework has been completed and supper is ready.  This lady is not going to make it to 10pm!

Weekends go by too fast!

Saturday:  A quiet day spent around home and a couple errands.  The kiddos helped me peel and break crayons to make rainbow crayons for our little friends.  Ted laughed, "I remember when you would tell them not to peel the papers or break the crayons...now here you sit doing it with them!  My how things change!"  Ha ha ha...he is right!

 Sunday:  Ashlynn's first Sunday night playing in the orchestra for the service.  She sat next to her cousin.  When we asked her how it went...she said, "It was ok.  There were a couple notes that I missed, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be."  Band starts next week and I think that will help her feel even more comfortable!

We made it to Friday! With smiles on our faces!!

 We have two children from Korea, one from Japan, one from a middle eastern country, and two Hispanic children.  I love listening to them jabber with their friends who speak the same language.  One of our K4 little friends told me, "It's ok, teacher, he doesn't know because he speaks a different kind of English."  Little J only cried for 15 minutes on Wed...till his friend Little J came into our class.  He did so well the rest of the day!  How scary to move to a new country and then get dropped off at a strange place with funny speaking white people!

 Miss K is so patient and kind.  She has a great sense of humor and just rolls with the punches.  "Um, excuse me, my butt is hanging out." said Little Z during storytime.  Not missing a beat, Miss K said with twinkling eyes, "Just stand up and pull up your pants!"

 Wednesday and Thursday went well with many different activities.  One little girl had a huge melt down at naptime.  One little boy had a messy (read that as make the teachers gag) accident.  One little girl had a wet accident.  One little girl disappeared and scared us to death...she went to the bathroom that is connected to our room...she just didn't say a word and we didn't hear the door.  "Do you remember the story about how the mice put a bell on the cat?"  I asked Miss K, "I have a bell...I am bringing it in tomorrow so we can hear the door!"

 These kiddos say the funniest things!  I am trying to remember to write things down!  And...we find ourselves saying the funniest sounding things to them..."Don't put the phone up your nose."

 This was so neat!!!  Little J only cried for 2 minutes today!!!  During our class time, Miss K had each of the kiddos come up and match the colored block to the color of the Beanie baby.  They said what color the block was.  Little J has participated every day and repeated the color.  Here...he is telling Miss K the block in his hand was RED.  We both got teary-eyed.  God has given us a tremendous mission field in the middle of the mitten state...and He has given us a love for these little ones.

 They all are learning to sit in their chairs for the appointed times and activities.  Today...

 finger painting with BROWN chocolate pudding.

 Playing outside in the beautiful pre-fall weather.

 Color fun.

 Around K3...you will see the teacher and her aide walking down the hall with this look.  Nice!  Miss K taught our little friends to "hold a bubble in their mouth...don't pop it!" as we walk down the hall or go into the bathroom.  It works...till Little J starts making a popping sound or Little L starts making  raspberry sound...and then the adults try to hide their chuckling.

Another gorgeous night for another home soccer game.  Teddy played in the second half again.  The guys work well together and the goalie saved several shots!  They won again.  The girls were bummed because their game was cancelled.  A good week...a tiring week...and we are all looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow!  Next week...school camp and an away game.