School Started!

I did take photos! It's just been a little crazy around here to sit and blog about it. 

Parker started 6th grade at BCSA middle svhool. Handsome little guy, grew about four inches this summer!! Almost taller than his momma!!

Olivia started high school!! I still can't believe it!! BCSA High

And Kennedy is a Junior at HHS

I am blessed beyond measure!!!

Something to Think About

Thank you Gin! I read this, and the teacher in me thought, "this really should be included in the university curriculum!" You get such a variety of students. If you just got a care tag for each one to start with, every teacher would be a step ahead!!!

Healthy Eating....

Every time I think about healthy ANYTHING, I think about my friend Sheree'. This goes way beyond eating...but that is an entirely different post (a very long one😃)!!

Anyhow, there are people at my house who are trying to eat healthier for various reasons and those who are not. I will not say which side I am on, but I am feeding both. 

I made my first trip into Akins, the health food mart.
Interesting. Weird. Neat. Gross. Wow!
Lots of items in this place I didn't:

1) know was something people actually bought,

2) know was available,

And,

3) want to know existed.

My interest in this store was out of necessity. However, I stayed over an hour because of pure interest, shock and discovery.

*Sheree' would be proud!

 Who knew....there are about 200 different health bars available?

Who knew there are so many healthy drinks to choose from?

I'm just going to stay away from the gross stuff ( it deserves a post all of its own).

This is the health bar section--not candy.

Juice anyone?

Water anyone?

Ok, so all of this to choose from. One person in this family got juice and the other drive down the street to Andy's. We will not divulge names here, but those of you who know us, will get it a chuckle!

Undefeated!

Parker played rec basketball this summer. Three on three teams. He loved it!!!! I'm a proud mom. This photo is his team after there last win.

GNO

Went out with a couple of my sisters while in PG. We had a great night, with tons of laughter. Just what I needed!

Summer Project #3

Limoncello again! Takes a couple months to make, but it's worth it!!

It calls for cheap ingredients. Alone, they might be terrible but wow! What they can be when mixed together! Yum!

I MAY Have Met My Match!!

I hid the game, put off playing with every excuse in the book ...and then I gave in. The Monopoly Marathon has begun. Parker and I are playing the adult version of the game per his multiple, multiple, multiple request.

I didn't mind the junior version so much. Quick 30 minute game, no big deal. The adult version is so long (days) and my attention span is short!

I should also note, that I am the reigning champion at my house in this game. Talking big and winning big! Until now. I may be knocked off my "Monopoly Winner Every Time --winner winner chicken dinner bragging right" pedestal!

My 2nd Home

Most people would automatically assume a second home would be on a beach or in the mountains. Someday, maybe. For now, my second home is my office. I'm thrilled to be starting this new phase in my life in Razorback territory! Woo Pig! If you can't reach me...I'm in the attic!!!

Off to Camp!

This is the first year that ALL 3 kiddos are at overnight camp. As the photo shows, they look as if they are moving out!! Parker has one container of items in this trunk, all of the remaining items belong to the girls! Everyone was in a great mood, I have heard already from an anonymous source (because phones aren't allowed at camp!) Parker is a bit homesick. Miss them!

Jack Rat

Penny is the newest family member to our home. She is a Jack Russell/Rat Terrier mix. So sweet and smart! 

Spank!

Branson Dance Nationals

Kalidescope dancers were awesome! Olivia and I traveled to Branson for competition this weekend. I love to see the dance excitement and all of the different costumes. 

Olivia's team...posing, stretching and getting ready to compete!

With Ms.Laine

Ms.Arissa and Livi

Livi and Molly

I'm so thankful for incredible teachers, who love their girls and believe in them'

Official Announcement!!

I got a teaching assistantship at U of A!! I'm very excited to be back on campus and doing something I love!! Woo Pig!!

Summer Project #2

This is a quilt I started a few months ago. It was put aside while I finished up the school year. Now it's out....well, that's as far as it has progressed. Now I need motivation to get back behind the sewing machine!!

Happy Birthday Olivia!

Her birthday was in April, but I am still catching up!! 14 years...where has the time gone??

Beautiful Bride

It's official! Joel and Kelly are married! She was absolutely one of the most beautiful brides and Joel's cute too! The setting was a mansion in Little Rock...gorgeous! Dinner, drinks, dancing. I'm so happy to have taken part in their special day!

Cool koozies for the guest! Great idea!!

Best Friends

I got to stop and see my friend today! I don't see her often, but we seem to pick up right where we left off! I wish we lived closer!!

Well Rounded Children

This post isn't about making sure that my children see the world and experience different countries and traditions, so that they understand the world better.

It's more about local surroundings. We go to Fayetteville and see the college students and the Razorback fans ( a culture of their own). In Eureka we experienced hippies and the ghost hunters. In Branson, we experienced the tourist. 

More recently, we went to experience a new kind of culture. A picture is worth a thousand words...

Summer Camps! AKA Mom's Little Break!

Parker loved basketball camp at HHS, and I enjoyed three solid hours of quiet.

As I look at this photo, I see my baby is growing fast...and is making independent choices! The one I see in this picture?? He needs a hair cut. His entire life, I have buzzed him for the summer. He is refusing this haircut and going with this shaggy look. Proud momma--choosing my battles.

Making My Life Easier...

Kennedy turned 16! This meant many things...

1) she could run to the store

2) she could take herself to school and tennis practice 

3) she wanted a car

4) my insurance was going to go up!

It also meant she was becoming independent, and needed me a little less.

The first week, I prayed every time she left the house, made her call me at every stop and worried myself crazy.

Now, I still worry a bit, I still pray...but she is a good driver and I know she will make good choices. Proud mom!

Her first car!

First day of Work

Olivia started her first day at work. I'm a proud mom!

Summer Project #1

I have tons of fabric that I thought I NEEDED or was left from another project. All of it thrown in a bin. I cannot take credit for this idea (thanks Pinterest!), but it was a great organizing idea!

All wrapped on comic book cards. Now I know exactly what I have!

I know it's weird...organization excites me!!

Kindergarten isn't for the Weak!

School is out for the summer! For those of you who don't know, it's been a big year for us and I have so much to catch up on! We will start with this photo (that is purposefully blurred). 

This was my class at the end of the year. They made their mothers frames for Mother's Day.

Now, for those who know me well--stop laughing!! Yes, I taught kindergarten for several weeks. Yes, everyone survived. No, I was not given the special gift that those who were called to teach this age have. However, I learned so much. I love them! But...I think I will stick with high school!