and here we are again

Well, I had really good intentions this summer, about posting on here much more often. I even thought I would join one of those 'photo a day' groups..... and, as you can plainly see, I did not do so well.
What I DID do, however, is
play with Sam and Stella
read with Sam and Stella
paint with Sam and Stella
cheer at Sam's ballgames- league, all-star, and Little League World Series !!!
Help the husband pack for his trip to Istanbul
visit at my mother's while the husband was in Istanbul
happily pick up the husband from the airport
and , now, get ready for the first day of school.
okay, I will get better at the frequency part of this!

the really long days of summer

This is the part of summer that we enjoy- the days are lasting forever, and the children are wearing themselves out, playing. We spent a few days with the Grandparents, and that always includes going to Dairy Queen for ice cream!


Ladybug had just finished applying quite a few stickers down her legs- can you tell she is pleased with herself?

After visiting with the donkeys and cows, Monkey showed Ladybug how to jump on a trampoline- she was very excited.

The Avents invited us out to see the donkeys and cows. Ladybug thought they would come up to be petted, like a dog. She was rather disappointed when she could not touch them. One donkey , Leroy, allowed us to pet him, and that was just not enough for her.

We put a little pool out at the Grandparent's house- ladybug did not understand that she was not supposed to empty the entire thing right away.

one birthday party after another

Monkey has turned ten. TEN. It is hard to believe that he is that old. I guess it has something to do with the fact that we have not had him for ten years, but for eight years and nine months.
At any rate, his birthday has come and gone, and he had three seperate celebrations.
First was Meg's party - they have the same birthday, just six years apart. We went to her house, jumped in the castle, and hit the pinata. Lots of fun, even if it was really really hot. That evening, we had family party number one- at my mother's house. Monkey really loves his family, so he had a great time.
Next was a trip to Chuck E. Cheese on his birthday- just the four of us. He played, ran, ate pizza, and won some of those fabulous prizes, then went on to his ballgame that evening.
The next Sunday [ a week ago yesterday] was his birthday lunch. He decided to have one of these several years ago, and we kind of like the tradition. Clark's parents, Uncle Dale and Aunt Susan , the Phillips , the Kalchenkos , and Texas girl were all here. Again, he loves his family and friends, so he was really in his element.
Now it is summer - we have been out of school for a week. Ladybug takes a nap every day at one, Monkey is still plotting and planning with his birthday money and gift cards, and Clark is planning where to go for our twentieth wedding anniversary. Good times, I can tell you!
We went to Taylor saturday, to the Farmer's Market/Craft Fair. There were not as many veggies and fruits as I envisioned, but we did get to hear the Paperwhites sing for an hour- a good way to spend a little time!
Book #1 of Monkey's summer plan is finished- a Hardy Boys mystery . I hope he sticks with his goal of reading one chapter book each week- there should be plenty of quiet time for that.
I hope you are having a great summer!

Home from Europe

The other two teachers who went with us- it was so much fun with them! I hope they go with us on the next adventure!

Of course, my husband always finds a snack. He was sitting outside the creperie on Mont St. Michel .

I did buy Ladybug some precious Hello Kitty clothes at H&M in Paris- I think she likes them!We took seven students and four other adults with us on our Europe trip this year. It was really fun getting to know the other people in our group- this was the best year, yet. I was amazed at how much I really missed the children- it did not help that monkey kept sending me photos and texts, letting us know how much he missed us. So sweet. Next year, we are looking at a trip to the south of France, then on to Italy. I plan to take monkey with us. Ladybug may have to wait a few more years.

Now we only have one term left for the school year, and we are really counting down the days. I love these short weeks- three days before Easter holiday!

just a few more photos

The entrance to the Chinese New Year Party had this really cute blow up -
what a perfect photo spot!

The dragon parade started the party- Monkey and Ladybug were close to the end. They were pretty serious about it.

I love this! One of my Christmas gifts [to myself, I do believe]

This is part of a pair of lamps for Ladybug's room. I think they are wonderful. Karol Ann spotted them in an antique store, and knew that I would need them !

Chinese New Year/Super Bowl/just a good time

yesterday was the local Chinese New Year celebration. Monkey and Ladybug wore their Chinese outfits, and had the best time in the parade. Ladybug made crafts, played, and ran around the party. Monkey was in the big-kid-blow-up-thing the minute it was inflated, and stayed in until we were ready to leave. I am looking forward to the photos that were taken of them- and will post them asap

Today we had the "Souper Bowl of Caring" at church, and had lots of great soups to try. Ladybug and I ate our vegetable beef with kasha, but the boys tried several different things. It all looked and smelled fantastic, and I hope we raised lots of money .

In a little while, we are going to a Super Bowl party, and I am trying to decide--- should I take a book to read, my laptop, or pack a scrapbooking bag? I really only like to watch football in person, but Monkey loves it , so we are going. I will take some type of craft, for sure. [and I am sure Clark will sneak his crossword puzzle book in with my craft]

Valentine truffles and cards to make this week- and I hope you all have a great Valentine's Day!

one more day

Only one more day of classes, and then exams! How exciting! My students are weaving some beautiful baskets- I think their parents will be very pleased to get these as gifts.

Why did no one tell me how difficult it is to take a photo with two children, and expect them to smile at the same time? I really do not know how many I have taken, but I do not think I have the card-worthy one just yet.

Ladybug has been really good with the tree- she does play with a few of her ornaments, but she has not broken any of them yet. Monkey was like that, too. I guess we have been lucky.

Basketball season has started- Monkey is really enjoying it, and Ladybug is learning cheers to yell for him.

Now we have gifts to make, cookies to bake, and lots of fun activities to attend. I hopeyou all are having as wonderful a Chirstmas as we are. I cannot remember how many, but lots of people have been telling me that this would be a great Christmas, since it is Ladybug's first one. I have to say, I think they were all right.