Happy Fall 2018

 Our home feels cozy and dressed for fall.  I love being at home...I cannot lie! Velle likes having me at home too.

I feel guilty when I sit down and feel like I should be working on something.

 I have been doing a lot of research and planning for fun art projects for K5...and for Art Club.

 Color is always fun to experiment with in K5.  We will make leaves with our pretty coffee filters.

 Four friends for Art Club...in a wide age range...but I have plans that fit all abilities!  This week's fun project...color pouring on our first name initials.

Mari and I got a chance to spend an evening together!  Ice cream for dessert with our coffee?  Yes, please.

I love the late night chats when the kiddos get home from work.  And Velle seems to think that all her toys need to be in bed with us!

 We celebrated our new season today since it arrived on Saturday.  My kiddos came home yesterday with the beautiful top I am wearing.  "We thought this looked like you and you can wear it for your Welcome to Fall day!"  They brought tears to my eyes.  So fun to get a surprise!  And we had a fun day!  My classroom makes me happy...these little friends are doing a great job and love every part of what we do.  They notice everything!

All day long...soccer

 On Tuesday...we were under a heat advisory and played 15 minute quarters with breaks for water.  Three days later...30 degree temperature difference and a strong breeze...called for sweatshirts, coffee, and blankets...PERFECT soccer weather!

 The guys played well!  This guy had some awesome saves at the goal...and I love watching him and his team play together.

 They are a great group of guys and they are funny to watch and listen to as they interact.

 Little ones love to "help" the big boys.

 They won two and lost one in the pool play.  They came in second place in today's tournament with a loss of 1 to 2.

 It was nice to get home about 6:00 tonight after leaving the house at 7:35 this morning.  Cuddling and baking helped to take the chill off!

Thankful for a good first week of school...

   and now for a little Friday relaxation...with a fall flavor!  The kiddos keep telling me about all these ice cream flavors to try.  They are bad influences and my ability to "say no" today was very low!  Pumpkin swirl crunchy goodness in a cup with a hot cup of coffee...MMMMM!

First day of 2018-2019 school year

 Ashlynn is now a senior!  Alisa is a junior.  Teddy is a sophmore.  Mom is still a kindergartener!

The first of our three years of Seniors!

"The guys" hanging out in my room before school..."but we are not going to look at you, ok!?"

                                                          Sweet treats for the teachers!

             Sending these new friends home from the first day of school with a hug and a kiss!

                                               Beautiful skies on a very warm afternoon

 Teddy has been trained to play the goalie position now.  He was all over the goal...but we did lose that game.  It is fun to watch him...but nerve-wracking at the same time.

                                         Our little boy is now a strong, hard-working man!

 We are looking forward to watching the Warriors during this season...and hopefully...the weather will cool down a little bit!

 Ted's travel schedule is going to keep him in and out of the country...missing games.  The girls are working through the end of the season at Dairy Twist and mix in daycare hours too.  SOOO...Mom is going to be the family fan this season!  I think I need to find a soccer mom shirt!

Snapshots on September 1st

My happy birthday...

 the last one in my 40s!  I am still in denial about that!  The best gift...Ted coming home from his business trip and time together as a family...just sitting around the living room talking and laughing.

Time out from school prep and work schedules...

 Ashlynn...our Senior...was having fun with a new backpack look for this year.  "MOM...it wouldn't even hold two of my books and stuff!"

 Teddy...found what he wanted, got food, and sat and waited for us.  The girls got their ears pierced again today...Mom had to go along for the signature.

 It was a quick outing...but fun! These kiddos have grown up too fast!  "Short kids in the front!"  Umm...Mom, your arms aren't long enough for us to do a selfie then.  We need to get you a selfie stick!

Verrrrrry funny!

The guys only trip down the Huron River

 Ted and Teddy planned an overnight kayaking trip with Noe and his sons.  The weather was not all that great...hot and humid with threat of rain all day....but the boys were so excited!  They crammed all their gear in the kayaks.  We shoved the food stuff between the side walls and seat to fill up the opposite ends.

 Ted gave some directions how to carry and they were off...after double checking everything.  I think the boys were vibrating with excitement!

 The dads...hoping that no-one would tip and get stuff wet!  Teddy ready to help.

 Some more directions and they were off for the night.  2 1/2 hours of paddling to the island, setting up the tent, campfire for hot dogs and smores, sleeping in a sleeping bag (one boy got his wet somehow), pit toilet/woods, breakfast, and paddling 1 1/2 more hours till the pick up point.

Everyone was smiling when I got there to pick them up!  Tired...but successful!  Another round of simple American firsts for these friends.  Thank you, Lord, once again for Ted's idea that touched lives.