Welcome to our World

Michelle’s high school hiking club is now official!  This hike (Lion Gulch - 6.6 miles - 1,354 feet elevation gain )  Hubby went in my place because I wasn’t feeling well but Michelle now has sponsors (high school teachers) signed up for future hikes.  Maybe since I work for the school district they will still let me come along when I can? Michelle also had me walking the dog in a new, beautiful location while she and her friend, Aidah, went for a run.  Maisie was in heaven being in a new place and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t walked her there before. Kate also had me doing things I had never done before. She and I met her friend, Willa, and her mom and little brother at Northeastern Junior College. She and Kate were thinking of getting their associates degree together there to save money. It’s a nice little place that is perfect if you play a sport or going into animal science like her friend, W, or just want to save money before transferring somewhere else. I think ...

Homecoming came so early this year that September seemed to last a long time!  Below are a few photos from the official end of summer: Danny went for 110 floors on the elliptical the night of 9/11 to honor the firefighters that put everything on the line to help others.  He is considering becoming a firefighter after high school and Kate even found a junior college a few hours from here that seems to have a neat training program for that.  She is looking into going there herself to save money while getting her associates degree and then transferring to another in state college after that.  I am excited to see both of them exploring their options. Michelle got to share about her trip to Asia with the Rotary Club.  The group made a presentation during a lunch meeting and all seemed to go well from what she told us.  This girl is so busy this year with SCLA, LYSO, Student Senate, Science Olympiad, and her heavy course load but is loving all she is doing. Hubby...

The tail end of summer has been so much fun.  The weather has been fantastic and we've all had special occasions to look forward to.  First up, a family party for Natalie's softball team that included pizza, whiffle ball, and seeing the girls just have a good time together as a team. Here's my favorite photo from when Michelle helped her friend, A, celebrate her 16th birthday.  Although she has been friends with A & Z since her time at the Waldorf school, Michelle ended up hanging out with a lot of strangers and had a wonderful time.  I love seeing her branch out and make new connections while maintaining her core friend group. Homecoming week included a BBQ, Powder Puff game and drone show, parade past the middle school where I was volunteering at the Rattler Run, plus a very exciting football game that even Hubby attended by being one of the basketball parents to man the concession stand. Danny did a great job tossing candy instead of throwing it and the basket...

I feel spoiled. My parents and our whole family around a dinner table was perfection. Hubby provided roses & a grilled steak, roasted potatoes, and fresh salad dinner complete with chocolate cake (decorated by Michelle).  My mom and dad bought me sweet and thoughtful gifts (including a mug Natalie had painted when my mom took her to Crackpots this summer) and even stayed to watch K Pop Demon Hunters in the basement. We thought it would be hilarious to watch them watch something so different from their favorite shows. They did not disappoint. It was a joyful evening that made me feel much better about turning 45 than I felt earlier in the day.  Below you’ll find what I had written before we celebrated.  Photo credit goes to Kate! 10 Years Ago I filled out interview questions for my 35th birthday and 5 years ago I did the same, adding 5 more questions.  I really don't think I should add 5 more every year because this is probably already too much information for an...

Our county fair always coincides with back to school time so it's kind of like the finale to summer.  I think Michelle was our winner for amount of time spent there by going with friends, coworkers, and family on different days.  The artwork was amazing and the pigs made me want to try being a vegetarian again but it was so fun for all of us. The biggest news around here is that we have a senior!  Here she is visiting a horse with friends and at her school's senior sunrise.  Senior photos are set up and she is beginning to think about her senior essay and free application day.  Kate is taking a much harder course load than she has before (3 AP classes!) but I know this girl can do anything she sets her mind to.  Congratulations on making it this far, K!  I'm grateful for these photos because on the first day of school she had an open block so didn't have to be there until after the rest of us left for school and work.  So these will have to do for...