Week's worth of pictures

Teddy is sick...but functioning.

Kari baked.

The colors are pretty but rain has been in and out taking the leaves down.

We have been memorizing John 1:1-5...this week we turn off the light as we say it..."The light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not."  This makes clearer sense as every year passes!  I know satan is having a hissy fit at what I am teaching to these little friends.  I am asking God to protect these little hearts and minds with Truth they learn in K5!   It has been a rough week in K5 with all the crazy of halloween surrounding my friends!  The sugar intake has to be higher than normal for the crazy behavior I am getting.  Friday is our Harvest party...then we move into November...but we will still have to deal with sugar crash on Monday.  Uff da! 

So emotionally and mentally tired...I didn't even take my shoes off before puppy cuddles!

This is my type of therapy...when the mower wouldn't start for me!  I really tried to get that job done for Ted and Teddy and failed.  I have been teaching my class the poem about the wise old owl...and I saw an idea and it really hit me where I am trying to live...in wisdom...plus...I had a stash of felt that would work perfectly!  For Friday, we celebrate Harvest Day and allow children to dress up like farmers and all things related to the farm.  I have been a farmer's wife, scarecrow, and mouse.  This year...the old owl that sits up in the old oak tree.

I think it turned out rather cute!  Teddy and Alisa said it was cool.  We will see what Ted says...I'm guessing...he will laugh and shake his head.  Maybe I should pick him up from the airport in costume tonight!
 

Fall came to Michigan to stay this week!

What to make for supper when you don't feel good?!  Homemade chicken noodle soup!

What you buy after a Monday that is really a Monday...the caramel themed bag of chocolates!

Prepping for an art project and remembering the puzzle pieces that you could use too!

Anticipation for a fun art project...turned to a half hour of disappointment and frustration for this teacher.  I had a feeling...but I focused on "this will be fun" rather than the tingly-don't-do-that-feeling!  I got hit by a full of paint paintbrush.  I had color mixers.  I had non-listeners.  Lesson learned... 1.  no painting projects on a full moon week prior to the end of October event.  2.  teach how to use a paintbrush and how to dip in acrylic or tempera paint.  3.  give clear instructions on the how-to even though you think/know they have heard this before...all reinforce rules and directions!

Tools of the trade when Ted is gone and the shower is not draining properly!  It is now!  Gag!

Pretty colors of fall!

Conversations with chair filler number one!  Finishing the training and getting ready to move into the permanent salon setting!  So thankful to see and hear updates from TN!

A beautiful Saturday for cuddling...because it was sunny and cold outside!

Reuse and recycle!  Took apart a rug to make something for Ashlynn...and liked it so much...I started on another project using a ruined rug.  Love the fall colors on our mantel!

Alisa made cheesy broccoli soup and it was the perfect comfort food!

An apple dump cake for dessert!

And the dogs got their sweaters...finally...we turned on the furnace!  We couldn't get the house to warm up...it was staying at 58 degrees!  The colors are coming out on the trees a little more!
 

Thankful for these little buddies!

Especially on a day when I take my best friend to the airport and struggle with the emotions of that separation the rest of the day!  I am thankful for the love of my husband and the days we have together.  I am thankful for a job that enables Ted to provide for our family.  When those two parts of life demand time in separate locations, it isn't always easy!  Ted has been called in to stabilize a plant and it requires his expertise and time to be there in person.  I am proud of his work ethic and testimony in hard situations!  As I drove away from the airport, the tears flowed freely.  I don't ever want to take for granted the love that God has blessed our lives with over these 23 now plus years!  The countdown has begun for his return...but we are not even sure when that will be yet.  At least this time around, he is stateside!
 

Catching up

This is what I do after too many late nights and early mornings after a couple days of school!  With Ted gone traveling for work again, I don't sleep as good or as deeply as when he is home.  It all catches up and I started fighting sickness.  The creeping crud that is going around school is bound to catch me if I am not rested!  So I am doubling up on vitamins and supplements and a nap or two.

An unexpected date night with my love!  We tried a new restaurant.  He filled up my van with gas.  He entertained me with stories of his work week.  He makes me laugh.  He loves me and encourages me.  He held my hand...and all was well!
 

An evening of fall fun

After our teacher's retreat, I had an idea!  Let's get our department together and chat and eat and share helpful tips/queestions with each other.  We have three new teachers this year and a couple that were new last year.  What a sweet time of fellowship!  Everyone brought something for a fall charcuterie board/table.

Sweet time with lots of laughter and helpful take-a-ways!  We will do this again soon!

My Alisa helped me get everything cleaned and looking comfy and smelling cozy!
 

A weekend to Revive!

Thursday, October 7, 2021, Mari finished radiation and rang the bell!  She sent me the video and I sobbed!  It was a good thing I had taken the day off!  I cried off and on the rest of the morning as I baked, showered, and packed for our girls trip to Indianapolis!  I am so thankful that God worked behind the scenes and allowed me to go on a trip with Mari and three other gals...and I didn't even know it would be a kind of celebration!  God does things like this all the time...this day...I was very aware of this gift of time together after a hard few months of treatment and support.  The emotions ran high as we drove and talked!

As we headed south...there was more color than at home!

Time with the girls equaled LATE...or should I say EARLY morning bed time!  Laughter is good for the soul...and good, strong coffee in the morning is a necessity!  Comfy bed, Slow start, Leisurely stroll...

we were ready the the woman's conference Revive 21!  

The theme was "Grounded"!  The music was uplifting and the tears flowed freely!  Have you ever been surrounded by 3 to 5 thousand ladies singing?  We had a glimpse/listen of what Heaven could be like as we worship around the throne.

Nancy Wohlgemuth was the first speaker.  I have read books by her.  I have watched recordings of her.  I appreciate how she shares the truth of God's Word.

Kim Cass Tate talked about Clinging to the Father!  Oh, how we have done that this year!  

A break for yummy pizza at Giardanos and sweet fellowship as we discussed what we were hearing and its impact.

The stage captivated me...the angel oak tree in South Carolina was at the center and the side screens held more branches.

Waiting for Mari and Emily...only to find they had returned to the room!  We had fun talking and laughing as Ashela entertained us with her cartwheeling skills!

Downtown Indy

The massive Indianapolis Convention Center 

 

October glimpses as a wife, mother, and teacher

So thankful for the changing seasons...every year I am filled with gratefulness as I look up with wonder and reember all that God has done in our lives since last fall!  Once again the emotions run strong!

My boys...doing what they do...together!  It doesn't matter if it is in the garage, at rental property, at the gun range, out at a restaurant, on the trails or dunes...memories of time spent and lessons learned to be held close to the heart for years to come!

Noticing the little things in life.

This is what a teacher looks like after a morning of non-stop in K5!  Some days are more exhausting than others!

And then your friend...who makes the yummiest breadstick pepperoni and cheese filled goodness...shares one and it gives you the strength to clean up the day's mess!

Using this journal to guide my thoughts as I listen to messages and words of encouragement throughout the weeks.  Looking forward to filling it more at the conference I get to go to!

Caring for these little friends is a great comfort when everyone else is busy and gone!

Late night snack!  Cheerios always hits the spot!

What mom does before she leaves for three days!  Makes sure there is fall comfort food!  Banana muffins, quiche, and homemade applesauce in the crockpot!

There is something about the fall that makes me want to cook and bake all the time!  Maybe it is the welcoming smell that I know is appreciated when my family comes home!  May our homes always be a place of warm, welcoming love!