Oaks Bottom Wildlife Nature Reserve - Wenzel Adventure's

We had planned to visit Washington Park again but decided to take a break from driving to Portland for a while. While we were at Dutch Bros getting our usual drinks, a barista told us about Oaks Bottom Park, so we decided to check it out. M enjoyed her chia, Emma had her strawberry lemonade, and I sipped on ice water.

On this adventure, we brought both Chloe and my mom's dog Carly. While walking past the pavilion, we noticed that the flag was at half-staff. M asked why, but I suggested she ask her dad since I was on a media break. Despite the world's problems, it's good to get out and enjoy God's beautiful world for a change.

It was a beautiful sunny day with lots of dogs playing and birds chirping. Emma was excited about the playground, and we had fun playing on the slide. M had a good laugh when Emma couldn't figure out how to turn off the water after she had to pee.

Speaking of "going," M wanted to leave because it was getting too hot. While Chloe has been enjoying lots of walks lately, Carly doesn't get out much. She enjoyed soaking up the sun, and many parkgoers stopped us to tell us how beautiful she was.

I'm thankful that the barista took the time to tell us about Oaks Bottom Park. It's a Sellwood gem with stunning views of Oaks Park and the Willamette River.

Wenzel Gazette

 Since the school year began I have felt like I am constantly spinning plates. 

Getting organized and everyone learning how to organize better has been key!!  This is our second Wenzel edition. 

Boomer Gazette 

The Wenzel clan is crushing it! We really appreciate the great communication and feedback you gave

us last week,

keep it up. Considering we are going in 6 different directions and the learning curve has been HIGH

the organized

chaos was manageable. Please know that as everyone falls into a routine the chaos will lessen. 

Last Week's Highlights 

- E* started a new school! She was very happy that masks are optional, made a new friend, and is

finally getting the attention from teachers who love their job. Oh, and she ended her stressful week

with a fun field trip.

- C* started online classes at Clackamas Community College (GO COUGARS!!).

- S* has set a good routine at his new school and is enjoying hands-on learning. 

- Dad published his first “book”. And the race to see who makes the most sales is on!! D-0 / M-2

- Mom learned how to shop online to make weekly meal shopping easy and cheap.

- Routine of animal feeding seems to be down pat! I have ordered “diet” food for Chloe and the cats.

Aside from

Pinky and you kids, I think we can all benefit to lose a couple of pounds. 

- Mom is practicing self care and learning new ways to stay in the green zone. My joy of art and writing

are my

biggest outlets. Please be respectful if I need to take a break from you all ;) GO BUG DAD INSTEAD!

This weeks PSA’s

- Remember if you want/need anything it gets written on the white board. OR you can add it to my

amazon cart with a note why you need it (Please do not check out w/o asking).

- S* - Monday car pool will drop you off after school. I have a parent mtg at *E's school. 

- Cousins Bday on Tues. Dinner at aunts house. 

- E* - No school on Friday

- E* - Gaga planning to take you out for a day this week.

- Reminder - If you need mom or dad to do or get something the following day use a sticky note

and put it on the

mirror.

7 Day Weather Forecast

This week’s menu

Mon - Breakfast for dinner (Dad's specialty)

Scrambled eggs w/ ham & cheese 

Bacon

French Toast

Hash Browns

Tues - Mexican 

Will be celebrating H*’s Bday meal

Wed - New recipe - 

Salad

Crescent rolls 

Thurs - Italian -  Spaghetti Bake 

Garlic Bread

Salad

Fri - Fend for yourself night

There is PLENTY to choose from! 

Sat - Sale meat - Pork Tenderloin

Mashed potatoes

Choice vegetable 

Sun- Family dinner at GaGa's

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.  

Healing

I enjoy blogging yet every time I came to this place I would see my dad's funeral announcement and get stuck. Grief comes in waves that's for sure! But I know my dad wants me to continue this love of mine so I'm doing just that. I miss you dad, we'll be together once again with every tear wiped from our eyes! 

Peninsula Park - Wenzel Adventures

 Another beautiful day! This park had so many fun things to see and do. There was a beautiful fountain, rose garden, several playgrounds, splash park, basketball and tennis courts, community center, and lots of SQUIRRELS!