First Grade

And just like that- poof!- summer is over and gone! It is just the beginning of a new era for our family,and to be truthful, it hurts. This is Harbor's first year to be away from home all the livelong day. And I know there will be no stopping it from here on out. I'm in the minority of moms, I think, but I am the happiest when my kids are home. When I taught back when Harbor was a tot, I really struggled to find joy and balance in my work/life. I just always felt stretched thin. Everything in me yearned for more time at home: time to cook, and play, and rock babies. I know God has made us all different and planted seeds that flower different fruit in different seasons, and I'm so thankful for that!  Someday, I think God may call me again to teach, but I know the time isn't any time soon. : ) Harbor had his first day of first grade today. He was ready, but still a bit hesitant. He had a magical year in kindergarten last year- he really excelled and grew and found the work interesting and fun.  It will be a hard year to top- and he knows it. But he is excited about seeing old friends and making new. We took our annual chalkboard pictures to document his favorites this go 'round. Mommy confession: I dressed him in his school uniform {he attends a classical academy with a uniform policy} and took these pictures on Sunday, three days before school actually started. David played at the park with the little ones while I snapped away, and then Harbor changed clothes and joined them. I just knew that the first day would be hectic and trying, and I wanted to make my load as light as possible.  Having these pictures done ahead of time helped us all have a much smoother morning.  

He chose an L.L.Bean backpack this year and I have high hopes!

His Lillian Vernon from last year barely came across the finish line.

Praying this one lasts!

We spent one evening coming up with menu ideas for lunch and posting them on the 'fridge.

He was really excited about having a "real" school lunch since last year he only went half day.

I hung a few streamers and made a simple banner out of construction paper, and we surprised him in the morning.  It took five minutes to throw it up the night before, but Harbor's little face was the prize!

A sweet friend of mine drove over to my house at 7:00 a.m. to watch a sleeping Henry and crawling Hollin so that I could take Harbor alone and walk him in properly and really just be in the moment.

It was a total blessing to spend that time alone with Harbor.

I'm really glad I asked- and so thankful for her time to do that favor for me.

Harbor got right to work and colored away as the students trickled in.

After drop off, I met a few friends at Chick-Fil-A for a "Boo Hoo Brunch" as we all had first graders starting school today.

It was a special time to encourage one another.

We each have three children, so nine total between us, and when you get moms of that many littles together, it is always good for the soul!

{that is me in the polka dot top- always fun to be in pictures once in awhile!}

When dinner was finished, we sang "Happy First Grade to You" to the tune of "Happy Birthday" and ate  a vanilla cocoa puff inspired cake.

I baked it really quickly while he was in school and iced it right before dinner.

{I'm eating seconds thirds and blogging right now!}

: )

We love  how sweet and simple all the students looked today in their little uniforms.

It makes getting dressed SO easy in the morning.

And it also makes comparing pictures from year to year look like your child stepped into a time machine.  

What a difference in 12 measly little months.

And right before my own eyes.

It is the reason I blog-

I'm so very thankful for the opportunity to preserve these thoughts in my head.

I designed some photo cards as gifts- one for last year's teacher, and of course, the new one this year.

We passed them out today.

Each print was only 34 cents, plus a candy bar.

Really affordable and so fun!

Who doesn't want a candy bar on the first day of school?!

: )

I attached the candy bars with double stick tape.

We had all the kids in bed by 8:30 p.m. tonight. Though I'm sad to lose Harbor during the day, I know he is ready. And little Henry is getting ready to start his home school experience with me. I need to do some final tweaking in our schedule and really get a feel for how carpool and commute times will go first, but I'm just thrilled to get more one -on-one time with him, Before too long, my Henry will be in school! What a joy to get to do this a few more times with each child. Hope all is well with you! Cooler weather is heading to Colorado and we had some snow on the mountains just a few days ago. Pumpkin everything is around the corner. : )

Of {Fall} Mice and {little} Men

Howdy, friends. How are you? Things are going really well for us!   I keep telling David that we have a thief on our hands. Someone keeps stealing time from me! Everyday seems like Friday- and the week has been stolen away again.   David snapped this picture weeks ago after our first gymnastics practice. Have I already shared this picture? I honestly can't remember. It is such a reminder to me that it was a "first" day. And just like that, time passes on.   Henry is creeping up on 10 months. I can't believe it. I feel like I should still be pregnant, posing on our gorgeous Michigan staircase for monthly pictures.
He makes me so happy. I love seeing Harbor have a friend, a brother.    My kids have four years between them. So, Harbor is more like a mother hen most days. : )     Harbor is such a great help to me. I really mean that.   He picks up little toys Henry might swallow and puts them up high, out of reach. He entertains him while I cook and makes him smile when I want pictures.   These little guys will someday be men. I just can't envision it. But, I know it will come to pass.
Henry is into everything. He has learned to open the oven drawer.   And loves to sneak into the pantry and pull things off shelves.   Last Friday night, David treated me to a night off of cooking and made tacos. David loves to cook, too, so sometimes he comes home with the urge. And I let him have at it! Ha!   He made his usual homemade taco shells. His mom used to make these for every taco night. Sometimes it doesn't seem possible that both of his parents have passed away. His dad, this month, has been gone over 11 years. His mom was gone a year in September. David, at only 32, is far too young to have both his parents gone. It does create in him a deep, deep desire to parent and father our children intentionally. We both know time will pass and babes will grow up. It is a tremendous responsibility.
   Harbor will turn five this month! {I can't believe I just typed that!}
He is growing up.
And next to Henry it is so painfully obvious how "big" he really is.

I have to take most pictures being "sneaky" as he has his own ideas these days.

Here is a very real glimpse of a typical afternoon: Harbor, laughing, watching Angry Birds. Toys strewn across the house. Me, nursing Henry, feeling very thankful for the mess- and two kids who make them.   Don't you sometimes feel like you can see the future? I just always have the sense that these are the best days of my life.
  These are old pictures, but I'm behind in posting them. : )

 And, suddenly, big brother wants to be in the picture! Ha! My basement craft room is in full swing! Christmas cards galore! 200 have to be made in just a few weeks. Pictures have been taken, printed, card stock purchased, cut to size, and they are coming together so nicely!  {I love this time of year!} And lastly, when the mountains have snow on top.... the mice come in! : )  




If you're new to our blog, the "mice" tradition has been going strong for three years now. I put them out at night when the kids are asleep- and catch their reactions when they wake.   They just never know when the mice will come in! Harbor said, "Mama!  The mice followed us from Michigan!"   We are so antsy and anxious right now. Why?   My mom flies into Colorado in three days.   I've not seen her in the flesh in SIX months! And she is staying for three whole weeks!   I'm so excited to share the pictures with you when she gets in. We have plans to take her to all of our favorite spots.   Have a great weekend!

In the Kitchen / At the Gym

After I typed the tile to this post,

I realized it sounded very much like a cause and effect relationship:

Because I'm in the kitchen, I need to visit the gym.

Ha!

 

Though that is most likey very true,

I really mean for the title to remind me someday of the places I seem to frequent the most.

 

I'm busy cooking for my family of four- and Harbor has finished two weeks of gymnastics!

 

Henry still seems to snooze anywhere, anytime.

In the beginning, I found myself rushing to move him to his crib.

Now, I follow the advice of grandmas everywhere.

Never wake a sleeping baby!

: )

 

 

I've been experimenting with a few new recipes these last two weeks.

One was a sweet chicken teriyaki.

 While it was really tasty, I don't feel like it is perfect, so I'll hold off on sharing the recipe for now.
Any chicken teriyaki fans out there?

 

I served it with our favorite Oriental Salad

{listed under the Recipe Tab at the top}

 

Harbor just cannot wait without a little taste.

He is a kid who loves loves cabbage!

 

I'll perfect it and share soon!

: )

 

I've made several batches of these little omelet muffins.

Really yummy for breakfast or a snack!

 

And they freeze and defrost well, also.

 

These two little boys.

I just love 'em.

I can't fathom a girl, what it would be like to parent a daughter.

My life is all about bugs, castles, dragons, and Lego cities.

And here is a funny for you!
We took our Christmas card pictures a few weekends back.
I tied balloons to the tripod to give the kids some direction and a place to look.
We have taken all of our pictures the last 2 1/2 years due to living 1,000 miles from home
and not having family to help.

 

It was a crazy windy day.

 

Beautiful family, aren't we?

{grin!}

 

 Thankfully,
 many turned out beautifully and I have already printed them and started my Christmas cards!

 

Harbor currently is working on balance beam.

I love that his classes are not just jumping around type classes,

though, there isn't anything wrong with that.

Harbor has just really enjoyed focusing on a few skill sets and growing in confidence.

 

And lastly!

We are almost all checked off!

 

I wasn't sure how my family would like the "Fall Checklist"

but Harbor recently gave me some ideas for a "Winter" checklist.

I'm glad he is enjoying it!

Being intentional is easy if you have a list to force you out and about!

Haha!

 

So, tell, me...

How are you doing?

: )