School Pictures 2015

 I had a really hard time picking my spot for pictures this year.  I knew I wanted old buildings with the kid's clothes colors, but everything I had looked at was either private property or behind locked gates.  I had thought about doing the hay bale thing again.  It has been a few years and I still really like those pictures.  Then Dave and Cora pointed out to me that I live on a 100 year old farm.  Well seriously.... Duh!!!  Lots of cool buildings literally in my own back yard.  So Saturday we got some pictures for school this year.  I love them.  I took almost 50 pictures.  I will only share a few with you. :)

I really like Cora's hair at this length.

And some fun ones.

Cora wasn't too happy with this picture.  She can do splits more than that, but not in those jeans.

Some didn't turn out to be good spots because of the light at that time of day, shadiness, etc.

Here are some of my favorites of the day.

Grade 11

Grade 8

Grade 5

A Bunch of Stuff

Blake has been saving his money this summer for a fishing rod.  He was very excited to finally get it.  When he proudly showed Dave, Dave said that Grandpa Puzey had a ton of fishing stuff.  Together they looked through the spoons, lures, and hooks.  Blake has been reading all about how to unhook a fish, to cut it open, take the bones out, etc.  Last week Dave sent me a text saying he was taking Blake fishing  right after school, so could I pack him a picnic dinner.  But it was a surprise so don't tell him.

Borrowed backpack from Leah.  His was to small, just in case you are all wondering about the pink. :)

Blake was certainly surprised and ecstatic.  He got to go fishing with his dad and a bike ride to get there.  It was a three in one deal for him and he could barely contain himself.

They spent hours fishing at the lake.  He didn't catch anything and was disappointed about that.  He had a good time tho.  There was a nice man there that was fishing also and gave him some pointers, minnows, and lures to keep.  He was helpful.  Blake can't wait to go again.

The week before school I took Leah to watch her friends riding show.

The siding is done on our house.

Leah's band teacher had her take the piccolo home for the summer to learn.  She has been faithfully practicing.  When school started the teacher said great job, she was to be 1st piccolo player and second flute.  (I am pretty sure she is the only piccolo player :))  The piccolo is so tiny it's cute. So she now plays flute, piano, piccolo, and ukulele.  Loves them all.

Cora does not like this dress at all.  I love it.  (For the record she liked it when she tried it on in the store.  Glad I payed all that money for it.)  She says she feels like she is going to a funeral in the 1800's.  Last Sunday she decided to wear it. That made me happy since it had been a while, then I saw the socks.  She was silently protesting with Dr. Who socks under her boots.  Cora is also cold at night, but refuses to put on her extra blanket.  She said it was admitting that she couldn't go water skiing again this year if it was cold enough for a blanket.  Just shake your head.

It has been way to long since we have heard Dave play the guitar.  Both Cora and Blake have been wanting to play.  Cora has been taught a few songs over the years, but none of us have stuck with it enough for her to really do it.  Most of our guitar stuff is packed.  We had to borrow a cord from Jared and Dave has no music here.  That is how long it's been.

Last night he taught them the simple 'Tom Dooley' again.  After a few tries Blake played Mario Kart with Leah.  Cora stuck with it for an hour.

We have a simplified hymn book that she was playing out of and learned two already.

Cora was loving it.  I hope she keeps it up this time.

Back to School

It is that time again.  Time to start another school year.  There where a few different things that I had seen on Pinterest that I thought would be neat to do.  Also growing up my mom gave lots of parties for us with Mystery Dinners.  My friends and I always loved them and I have done several for the girls for parties also.  So that is what we started with last night.

I came up with a simple menu and names for the items.  Everyone then filled out their choice of selections.

It was fun.  I quickly filled the plates behind a sheet set up.  There was eating coleslaw with just a knife and some courses with just pickles and apples.

After all three courses we had FHE.  I talked about how for dinner they made choices not knowing what the outcome would be, but we can make choices on our behavior and habits that we do know the outcome.  We talked about being kind, honest, an example, getting lots of sleep, being honest, studying, working hard, etc.

Dave then gave them back to school blessings.  Beautiful blessings again.  I am so grateful for the priesthood on our lives.  I am so glad my husband is worthy and can do this for our children.  Last for FHE treat was our Rolo pencils.  I think it went well.

 I was pleasantly surprised how good the kids jumped up and got ready for school.  I fully anticipated it would be a struggle this morning.  Blake, who fights a shower every time, was in the shower before Cora got on the bus.  Leah was happy and every one had a great breakfast.  Lunches all packed.  My least favorite part of school.  Most requested this year for lunches:  From Blake, pickles and cheese cubes.  From the girls, coleslaw.  Guess I will be stocking up on those.  I also bought those little plastic containers with lids for dips and sauces.  We have used several already.

Can you believe it?  Grade 11!   She is growing to fast, my happy, helpful, beautiful girl.

All ready for the bus, and so glad she has one week until seminary starts.  Oh how we wish for release time. 

Curling the hair.

The only kid that didn't even think about what to wear till out of the shower this morning.  Such a boy.  Grade 5.  My fun-loving, out-going, tease of a boy.

So tall.  Grade 8.  My crazy, funny, beautiful girl.

Good luck to all of you this year.  I wish them all lots of fun, good friend, grades that make them happy, and the spirit to always help and guide them.  I sure love all these kids.  Here we go school year 2015/2016.  Bring it on!!

Wacko Kids!!

Here are a few pictures of the inside of my house right now.  This is upstairs standing in the girls room, looking down the hall to our room.

Basement stairs going up.

Looking out of Dave's den to front door.

The other day  Dave and Cora where painting the outside trim.

Blake, Leah and I where screwing down the deck when it started to rain.  It looked like it was not going to last long, so instead of heading home they just went in the house.  They decided to play hide and seek.

Yeap, in this.  I couldn't decide if my kids where wacko, deprived or had really awesome imaginations.

They played for 20 mins.  Cora came in and joined them for a few rounds.

They had so much fun, it was crazy.  I love when they invent their own fun and get along.