getting ready

School start up, among other things, is so different here. The middle school and high school have a "materials pick up day" where you take in all your supplies, pick up any supplies you may have purchased through the school, find your locker, walk your schedule, and take pictures. I really like it. It helps a little with first day jitters. 

Carson had a materials drop off day as well. We met his teacher, Mrs. DeMien. She seems nice. Carson introduced himself as CJ. He's been wanting to go by CJ for awhile now. This is the year! I even introduced him to another mom and remembered. :)

When we chose his name our intent was to call him CJ. We just never did. 

first day of school

I can't believe it's time for school already.  Usually by the time the big day rolls around I'm soo ready.  Not this year.  We've had a great summer! Not too much fighting. ;0)

 

I keep thinking in two years Karlee will be graduated.  That is so hard to believe.  My petite, sweet Karlee... She's still petite and sweet.

 

 

All of them were nervous for today.  Karlee because it's her first, first day of school.  Not sure what to expect.  I know that feeling.  I have it for three campuses!

 

Mason because he doesn't like change.  I kept telling him knows where the gym is, the cafeteria, exploratory hall, modular classrooms, etc.  I also reminded him that he knows more than the 6th graders. That made him smile. 

 

Yesterday Carson told me he didn't want to go to school because he hasn't been away from me for seven hours all summer. :( When I gave him a hug at school, just before I left, he started to get teary.  I asked him if he wanted me to stay bit longer or go...fast?  He said go! He told me he'll breath and be OK. I got a little teary too.  I love my kids so much. I worry about them.  I'll think about them all day wondering if they have a friend in class. If they found a friend to sit with during lunch, that's the hardest I think.   

 

Gotta brag a little.  Karlee found this skirt (it's actually a dress) at Goodwill. She's always so stylish!

 

 

Mason has a huge grin because he just realized how "cool" he was, because he's a 7th grader!

Carson wanted a picture in front of his school.  I don't think any of my kids have asked to have their picture taken AT school.

happy day

We picked this boy up at the airport late last night. We are thrilled to have him for the week! And touched that his parents trust us. 

Colton moved in, across the street from us, maybe three years ago. I'll need to check. These boys were very sad that we moved away. Maybe next year we'll need to send our boys to visit him. 

summer fun

I've really enjoyed this summer. I don't feel like it's gone too fast and I'm not going crazy with the kids. 

We've been on bike rides, played at parks, picnic lunches, dinners on the deck, movies, and swimming. We've watched and caught a few fireflies together too. I love the fireflies!

These last few days Karlee has been at PL, Peer Leadership Club. It's all about Juniors and Seniors helping the Freshman with starting a new school. She's really enjoying it and making lots of new friends herself. 

Yesterday Bailee and I went running together. We only ran one mile then split apart to finish our own run. I really enjoyed it. I love that we have something in common. She starts a new job on the 16th at a nail salon, a receptionist. On Monday she has an interview at Barnes and Noble. She's excited! Brian and I are hopeful. 

After dinner tonight, while Brian was mowing, the boys decided to fly kites. I love that our yard is big enough to fly kites!!

Then I took the kids to "flick-n-float" at Otter Cove. Mason swam more tonight than he ever does. I was shocked! It was a beautiful night. 

Mason came and sat by me because he was cold. He's leaning back on my legs. I'm glad he still likes me. It's hard to believe he's staring 7th grade in 10 days. My kids are getting old but not me!! 

a family that sews together...

...grows together. :D

We've all done a little sewing around here lately. I embroidered these dishtowels for Julie for her birthday. I think they turned out super cute!! I hope she did too. 

A couple weeks ago I had the boys choose fabric to sew a pillow cover. They both were surprised it was not as easy as they thought. They did great!

This is probably the most unusual thing I will embroider, socks. They were for a boys birthday. The funny thing is his initials are KE. A girl, E, gave it to the boy, K. So it could mean either way. ;)

Kinzie did sewing as well. Patching and a little fancy sewing on her jeans. 

Bailee repaired her purse. A couple seams had torn on the bottom. 

Karlee did some sewing for her Personal Progress. She bought a couple dresses that needed to be altered to make them modest. I'm sure I'll post when she's all finished. Keep on sewing... 

excitement in the garden

I'm loving having a garden. I'll eat at least one cucumber a day and snack on cheery tomatoes all day long. So good!! My cucumbers tend to look like zucchini. :)

I enjoyed it, that is, until these big, ugly, squishy caterpillars came along. They were eating all the leaves off of my tomato plant. 

Karlee saved the day and helped me remove them. So gross!!

Now I'll need to check them daily not only for ripe tomatoes but for these ugly things. Not excited about that. 

new park

This morning before it got too warm we went play at a new park. We drive past this park every time we drive to church. I think Humpty is kinda cute. Carson too!!

Bailee thought it was too warm already. 

Bailee has applied at many places this week, in person and online. She also has had three interviews. I'm hoping she gets a job soon. She's extremely bored!!