Back to School

I NEED some quiet time! Then I will be recharged and more engaged!

Others may see me as outgoing and social, and I can be for them. But for myself I CRAVE alone time! For those wanting all the things I offer and do for them.. they NEED to give me alone time. It helps to have a little time to remember who I am. No soaking up the wants, needs and emotions of others. Just time to commune with myself and my God. Write a poem, read a book, watch a movie, listen to music.. all things I love to feed my soul. When my internal timer goes off, I'm ready to soak up those wants, needs and emotions from others. 

Schooools out for summer!

The first year of middle school is over for Christian, and he's on cloud 9! He was ready for middle school this year and believed he would like it better than grade school.

It was the first year -

I was not invited to go on field trips.

He did not share all the happenings of his social life.

I was not asked to volunteer.

He didn't ask or need help on a science experiment.

I couldn't keep up with or understand his math assignments.

Heck, I didn't even get to bring cupcakes on his birthday!!!

However, he did get straight A's the entire year long, so I guess I'll just sit back and watch my boy fly!

Schools out for summer!

The day school got out on June 7th there was so much excitement in the air. I picked up the kids from school with the song "Schools Out for Summer" by Alice Cooper playing. Then we went out to eat at one of their favorite restaurants Panda Express.

So it's been just over a week, and every day when Dane gets home from work, I ask him... "Is it September yet"? They are driving me crazy!!!! Yes, I'm a stay-at-home mom so it's not like I'm not used to them being around all the time. It's just, that with Maddy and Christian home in the mornings, it totally upset the balance of things. Truth be told, for a good hour or so in the morning, I let Sam watch cartoons snuggling on one side of me and Emmalyn on the other (she just realized what the big box we stare at all the time is for). Both usually have a lock of my hair in their hands. And I just sit and enjoy whatever book I'm reading.

Well now, I come down in the morning and Maddy's taken over the morning TV and since I have nothing to pacify Sam and Emma they're usually off making trouble. Christian, however, sleeps sometimes till noon. At about that time, Maddy wants to know what fun thing we're doing for the day. Uh, I'm not your cruise director, it's not every day this summer we're going to take a Zoo trip, or go roller skating. Some days Mommy just wants to catch up on the huge mess that having 4 kids home all the time makes.

Thankfully this summer we're taking 2 big trips. July to Flaming Gorge, Utah a visit with my Dad's side of the family. Then the first week in August, our annual extended family beach trip to Lincoln City. Other than that we'll have to fit in lots of visits to the park, Baskin Robins, and sleepovers with friends.

Time will fly and it will be time to sing "It's the most wonderful time of the year," while pushing the Target cart full of school supplies. Just kidding, I love summer and all it's craziness! Next year Christian starts middle school and Maddy has her last year at the elementary level! I'm not sure I'm ready for that!

Vacation Bible School 2010

Today is the last day of vacation Bible school. Christian and Maddy had a lot of fun this year learning songs, dance routines, crafts, games, and Bible stories. It has been challenging to wake up early in the middle of summer vacation, but it has been worth it. This is the first year that Maddy hasn't had separation anxiety and I haven't had to stay the whole day. It helps to have your brother, cousins, and friends in your class!

My sister-in-law Tani teaches a class every year. However, this year has been different because all her kids - Heath, Heather, and Han - are teacher aides instead of students! She has been teaching Sunday school and VBS since her oldest Heath (who turns 20 next month) was in her class. I think next year I'll be brave enough to teach a class along with my other sister-in-law Kari. Samuel can be our little helper or mascot :)

Vacation Bible School 2009

This year's theme is Camp Kids Rock. Christian and Maddy are having a great time! This is the first year I'm not assisting as Maddy usually gets too nervous for me to leave. Today, Samuel and I stayed behind to help out with a younger class (I was the Kindergarten aid).  He enjoyed singing and dancing with everyone! He and I had so much fun that I think we'll stay and help out tomorrow! Sam was like our little mascot, all the kids adored him!

A look back at this last school year

School got out on May 20th, here are some pics of our end of the year!

Valentines Day

 

Swimming Lessons for Maddy at School!

The entire TLC school -Christian

Two weeks ago Trinity Lutheran School had swimming lessons for the entire week! Maddy had so much fun, she can't wait to take more lessons. Unfortunatly Christian was home recovering durring this time. My mom watched him a couple of afternoons so that I could go cheer Maddy on.

She looks so cold!

Hurry and take the picture mom... I'm freezing!

Maddy's BFF Chloe!

Grandparents Day at Trinity Lutheran School!

Trinity is an excellent school for my kiddos. Christian's 1st/2nd split class has nine students, and Maddy's Kindergarten class has seven. I appreciate the small class sizes, which allow teachers to give more individual attention. 

Our Kittens!

Maddy was very scared to start kindergarten, so we promised to get a cat as an incentive once she got settled into school. After a couple of rough days, she finally made some friends, and by the end of the week, she loved school. That very day, we went to pick up our kitten. We couldn't decide which kitten we liked best, so we adopted these two siblings. Great decision because they keep each other occupied when the kids are not playing with them! We have not given them names yet, but the kids keep calling them Blackey and Greyey, so I guess that's their names! 

Last day of school

The excitement is in the air. Hours, minutes,, 3,2,1, SUMMER!

Parachute play is the best! Lift as high as you can, "If you're wearing blue, under you go!" 

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TLC EAGLES, AWAY! 

Kindergarten Art for TLC auction

This was a very fun piece of art that I helped the Kindergarten class of 2007 to create. The auction was to help fund our modest Christian school. Sold for hundreds of dollars! Thanks, kids, and a big thanks to the proud parent with the winning bid! 

First day of kindergarten 2007

Another year of kindergarten for Christian, we all think it will be beneficial in the long run.

Christian's first day of Kindergarten

Equipped with a Buzz Lightyear backpack, he was ready to GO! First day of kindergarten at Trinity Lutheran Church and School.