Going to the chapel...

August took us back to Ohio for Brandon and Becky's wedding. Molly rocked her flower girl duties.

She also rocked her curls. This girl has so much hair! She also kept the stylist laughing.

Flower girls looking for their names on the program.

During the ceremony.

Sprinkling the newlyweds with sprinkles!

Family picture!

Wedding party.

Nieces with Molly.

Wedding kiddos.

The boys

Daddy and daughter dance

Jack couldn't wait to "destroy" the dance floor...he was...entertaining.

We were happy to be able to go back and celebrate with family. It was a fun trip..but we are officially back to reality ! X

well....so much for the updates

When school got out (back in MAY!), I was determined to get on here 

with some epic updates. Some cute pics of K graduation, our summer highlights

(lots of travel...I still may post them, just late!).

But, I feel like these days...I rely on the ease of Facebook and Instagram to post.

So, for those of you who aren't on either of those...sorry to be away.

We had our first day of school yesterday.

Jack's last first day at Richman. Sigh. 6th grade.

I don't really know how that happened.

Molly is starting first grade. And is super happy to be back with friends.

I am starting a new position at school this year.

It's a strange feeling, as I did welcome my own class to Kindergarten, but am

preparing my room to be a STEAM lab/studio. 

I will be teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math

to our Kinder-2nd grade students.

It's crazy. It's inspiring. It's awesome. It's overwhelming.

Ken was able to bring the kids for their first day again, now that our schedules 

don't line up. I love that he can be a part of the first day ritual!

My Cup….

...runneth over

Jack had a rockstar of a week…

First, both kids help represent our school by giving a presentation at

our district school board meeting.

Molly was super proud and felt extremely big.

The kids NAILED the presentation…everyone was very impressed.

The next day, Jack's class had an amazing art show in our MPR.

They studied several artists, and did a piece of work in the style of each artist.

He REALLY enjoyed these lessons.

I love his insight to the paintings...

All year, he has also been participating in the Writers Guild Program.

The kids wrote essays about real life heroes.

All the essays were PUBLISHED in a book and the kids

had a book signing at Barnes and Noble.

 They had an open mic and the kids read their essays…

Jack had a little speech before he read (no surprise there)..and he volunteered to 

read his essay twice.

He wrote about our cousin, Trevor.

 This is our school superintendent...

 We ended the week tonight with the district band concert.

The kids were awesome, all of them in their first year of band.

Jack had band every Wednesday morning at 7:10 before school.

As we approach the school year's end…my heart is full.

The kids have had an awesome year with awesome teachers.

Jack has one more year with me at our elementary school before heading off to

junior high. 

It's scary, exciting, unbelievable, encouraging…

Jack continues to amaze me with his insight and leadership…and while he 

has had some bumps along the way, he has really stepped up this year.

I am excited for a fun summer…

8 more school days!

Let It Go....car karaoke

So, like most girls, Molly loves Frozen. BUT, she does not like me recording her, even though she sings ALL the time.

This weekend I was in Palm Springs at a conference, and found this on the iPad mini.
Apparently, she recorded herself while we were driving and I had NO idea until yesterday.
The expressions, the yawns…the fact that it surprised me while I was away…I love it all.

every year..its the same….

Every year, I think…

this seems crazy...he can't be turning ____ (insert age here).

This year is no exception.

Tomorrow, our "baby boy" has another birthday.

And I am thinking…He can't be turning 11.

He amazes me with his wise words, he always has.

His latest wisdom came in an apology note I made him write to his teachers,

after he and a friend got into an ugly argument.

He said…

"I think I learned my lesson…some challenges are like broken mirrors.

It's better to ask for help than to risk hurting yourself trying to fix it alone".

In some ways, I can't believe he is only 11.

Thank you, Jack, for surprising us everyday.

For being our first baby.

For being Molly's big brother.