It's the most wonderful time of the year!

 

Manners Day

Spring-break cabin fever!

 So a trip to the arcade was in order! 

Spring Break Fever!

Today, I decided to switch things up. Instead of the usual car turnaround for pick-up, I parked my car to soak up the contagious excitement in the air. It was such a sunny day, and all the kids were out running around on the playground. Once Emma spotted me, she ran and asked for a piggyback ride back to her friends. She loves directing me like a horse and I was happy to play along. Her friends and teacher were fun to chat with so we stayed for quite a while. On the way home, she talked me into sharing a snack at McDonalds. 

 

Emma loves her Starbucks!

After horse lessons

Shopping with us

Check out at Target

Drinks with friends after swimming w/ me for school (aka jail)

Harvest Party!

Waiting until the last minute to volunteer, I had only one choice: manning a carnival game. Unsure of myself and walking in costume, I chose putt-putt golf. I was instructed to give one treat only after they had sunk the ball in the hole, but they could try as many times as they wanted. I sneaked in extra treats, as every kid (minus one, a teen) kept trying until the ball was sunk. YIKES, that was a lot of lunging after balls to tee up. I got a great workout! The next day, my quads and glutes burned! It was worth every smile, shy "thank you," and of course seeing Emma having a fun day at school. Trick-or-treating tonight—yikes, that's a lot of sugar for this little one!

 

Student of the Month

So proud! Thankful for this school, and grateful for Bop-Bop who funds her education! We all find it hilarious that she complains she must stay in "jail" for 6 hours a day! 😜

First week of 5th Grade

She's off to a great start!  Pictures in front of the school were a no-go this time around.  However, I took a few pics of her shopping with Dad for back-to-school lunches. First Starbucks was in order, along with showing me the next cup she planned to buy. 

This kid LOVES to shop!

 

I do not! However, it was fun to hear her say "ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS for a backpack!" 

Back to school widow shopping

She was shocked to see how much things cost. One hundred dollars for a backpack!!!

Learning God's creations

    Emma has learned so much about God, kindness, and yes, reading/writing/arithmetic this year. I love our little rainbow! 

Field trip to the zoo!

I had the opportunity to drive and chaperone Emma's class on this rainy blustery day. It was so much fun seeing the kids act like little monkeys in the rain! 

SKOPS school

10 - 3rd graders

My clan after the run to the car! 

College with a kitty

Pink-nose makes doing school work not so bad! 

 

Stress relief kitty!

 

I love this picture I took last night. He's getting quite good a writing and speed typing! Our pets make life more chill and provide lot's of laughable moments! 

Anyone wanna guess what Sam's making tonight?

Christian the graduate... created in Canva!

 

Emma's first choir recital!

Emma started a new school this year. I am so thankful to my parents who are graciously funding her new Christian school!

Busy times!

4 kids-4 different schools. I could not be any more proud of my kiddos! This month they have taken hardships and turned them into strengths!

Thankful for my village! For the first time since school started (late August), I'm free at 9pm on a weeknight night to have ME time. I don't know what to do! 

Late Aug - Race to get clothes and school supplies for Emma. Last-minute shoppers get the scraps and have to go to many different stores. Stress level 7. 

Aug 30th - First day of 4th grade. Note - She has not been to in-person school since March (a few days shy of her super-crappy B-day) in 2020. Stress level 10!

Also Aug 30th - M* - First day of 12th grade, online. Stress level 10!!!

Sept 11th - Sam's back-to-school supplies are now done. Stress level 6.. not too bad, more products in stock and less needed at his grade. 

Sept 13th - First day at a brand new school for Sam. JR HIGH!!! After a year stuck at home, he's now attending a STEM school. Stress level 10! Note.. shouldn't have stressed as he loves this type of hands-on learning. 3-D printer, laser cutter, welding, and woodshop, all in addition to project-based learning. 

Sept 15th - Back to school clothes shopping for Sam... need I say more?  

Sep 20-24th - Emma's entire school had to quarantine due to a breakthrough case of C-19. Had to learn how to Zoom / Seesaw / Zoodles etc. Stress level 10+! 

Sept 27-Oct 1 - Emma switched to a new home school pod. Started a new homework routine, met new friends, had her first test, and made some more friends! Today a much-needed break from stress with her first FIELD TRIP. What a trooper!! Her stress level is starting to come down. 

Oct 1 - Christian started college! Online learning with several new platforms is no easy task to learn! He had to create accounts for Moodle, MOM, new Gmail & Outlook, etc. It's all new to us, so it's difficult to sit with all the unknowns to come.  

Light at the end of the tunnel

Gradates in the year 2020 and 2021 faced many huddles the past year. Christian on the other hand took the past year in stride. Re-wind a bit .. School always came easy to him a straight A student.  First to memorize times tables in his class, homework done promptly after school, perfect scores, teachers praised. Christian was due to graduate last year class of 2020 with friends and soccer mates glued together. But that road flashed a road block.. OCD.  There was about a two year period where we as a family took detour after detour. There were many tearful days and nights where we had nothing to see the end of the tunnel yet and to hang on tight...God's light was there we just had to have faith! Like the amazing student his is, once we found the correct path, he diligently followed. The way he came to this accomplishment reminds me that the way we reach our goals, is not always the way we envision it to pass. Knowing that God's plan is perfect, gives me peace to know MY greatest gifts to this world are guided by Him. 

Emma School Pictures 2020-1021