Fall is most definitely in full swing here in New England. I couldn't resist this shot of the beautiful foliage on the hillside. That building is a bunch of condos now and I'm not sure what it used to be but isn't it lovely? It's made from stone - lots and lots of stone. That hilllside is the same hill we live on, only on the other side of it. I was sitting in the parking lot of the middle school waiting for Katie to finish math when I noticed the maginificent colors. What a perfect mix of autumn's colors and summer's remaining green...Tuesday, September 30
Our Hillside
Fall is most definitely in full swing here in New England. I couldn't resist this shot of the beautiful foliage on the hillside. That building is a bunch of condos now and I'm not sure what it used to be but isn't it lovely? It's made from stone - lots and lots of stone. That hilllside is the same hill we live on, only on the other side of it. I was sitting in the parking lot of the middle school waiting for Katie to finish math when I noticed the maginificent colors. What a perfect mix of autumn's colors and summer's remaining green...Monday, September 29
This and That
The end of September already?! The leaves have started changing - actually they are probably approaching peak color at this point. The days are still warmish with temps in the upper 60's. I do love this time of year but it's so brief. It also signifies change. Fall is notorious for all the changes it evokes. Somehow children seem to grow suddenly when school starts and they appear to be a year older regardless of when their birthday is. I don't much like that part of fall. Although with school age children fall also signifies new beginnings. Mostly that's spring's job but when looked at from a school perspective (or I suppose a fiscal year perspective) fall can also offer fresh starts and prospects for bright beginnings. I do like that part. While not my favorite season I try to appreciate what fall has to offer. I'm most definitely a summer girl all the way.
My husband arrived safely home last Thursday much to the delight of his adoring fan club! We are very glad to have him home. Friday night I went to a youth event in Amherst MA with Katie and her friend. It was Friday night and Saturday so Ed went back up on Saturday with them. It was called Acquire the Fire and had dynamite worship music and some speakers. We all enjoyed it. But yesterday (Sunday) was a nice, pretty much lazy day at home after church. I think we all needed a day like that. Today starts the regular routine of work and school.
With Ed gone for 10 days I really struggled with cooking a half way decent meal for my family. Some nights we had leftovers or cereal or waffles or sandwiches. Other nights we ate out. Terrible, I know. But now that Ed is home I must get back into the swing of things. Tonight is steak on the grill with baked potatoes. I feel like having carrots too. That's a good start. I'll figure out what to make the rest of the week tomorrow.
Homeschooling Katie continues to be a learning experience. I think we've decided that we want to mix up the curriculum a bit. Taking her classes on the computer is nice for language arts but for social studies we're switching to a more traditional textbook curriculum. She continues to take math at the middle school and we are waiting to find out about taking science there as well. As a homeschooler Katie is able to take academic classes at the public school and our district has been fairly cooperative in making this happen. But now that I've asked for science as well we are having some scheduling issues. I think they are doing their best but I also think it just isn't a real priority for them. And why would it be. It's a learning experience for us, that's for sure.
I was thinking today about how blessed I am to have some of the same friends I've had since elementary school, junior high, and high school. It's so cool to think about the way things were - the way we were back then - and how we are now. It's neat to be in touch with these friends and know how they are now as moms and wives. To think that we've grown up together. And even though we don't see each other often or even talk on the phone often we are able to pick up where we left off and continue our friendship. What a blessing...
Have you started Christmas shopping yet?...
My husband arrived safely home last Thursday much to the delight of his adoring fan club! We are very glad to have him home. Friday night I went to a youth event in Amherst MA with Katie and her friend. It was Friday night and Saturday so Ed went back up on Saturday with them. It was called Acquire the Fire and had dynamite worship music and some speakers. We all enjoyed it. But yesterday (Sunday) was a nice, pretty much lazy day at home after church. I think we all needed a day like that. Today starts the regular routine of work and school.
With Ed gone for 10 days I really struggled with cooking a half way decent meal for my family. Some nights we had leftovers or cereal or waffles or sandwiches. Other nights we ate out. Terrible, I know. But now that Ed is home I must get back into the swing of things. Tonight is steak on the grill with baked potatoes. I feel like having carrots too. That's a good start. I'll figure out what to make the rest of the week tomorrow.
Homeschooling Katie continues to be a learning experience. I think we've decided that we want to mix up the curriculum a bit. Taking her classes on the computer is nice for language arts but for social studies we're switching to a more traditional textbook curriculum. She continues to take math at the middle school and we are waiting to find out about taking science there as well. As a homeschooler Katie is able to take academic classes at the public school and our district has been fairly cooperative in making this happen. But now that I've asked for science as well we are having some scheduling issues. I think they are doing their best but I also think it just isn't a real priority for them. And why would it be. It's a learning experience for us, that's for sure.
I was thinking today about how blessed I am to have some of the same friends I've had since elementary school, junior high, and high school. It's so cool to think about the way things were - the way we were back then - and how we are now. It's neat to be in touch with these friends and know how they are now as moms and wives. To think that we've grown up together. And even though we don't see each other often or even talk on the phone often we are able to pick up where we left off and continue our friendship. What a blessing...
Have you started Christmas shopping yet?...
Wednesday, September 24
My Favorite Time of Day
My favorite time of day is most definitely when the girls get off the bus. Our bus stop is at the end of our street at the corner of a busy road. I drive (sometimes walk) to pick them up there each day. The bus drops them off across the road so they have to cross the busy street. This makes me slightly nervous with Allison because she's just a little tyke who hasn't had much experience crossing the street without her mother! Thankfully her responsible big sister Becky is there to watch out for her. I get out of the car to wait for them to cross. When the kids are given the go ahead by the bus driver to cross, Allison takes off running toward me yelling "Mommy!" Then she grabs me into the biggest, sweetest hug ever. I look forward to that moment every single day. Becky, in her fourth grade-ness, wouldn't dream of making a spectacle of herself in such a way. But I hug her just the same and her sweet smile tells me she's missed me too. I'm glad Katie is home with me each day - she's great company. But, when they're all home together with me is the best. That's when the world feels right again. 
What's your favorite time of day?
Tuesday, September 23
On Our Own
The girls and I have been on our own since the beginning of last week. This is a pretty long stretch for us. Normally Ed will travel 3 or 4 days during the week and that's it. And he doesn't have to travel very often. This trip is his longest since we've had children, I think. Fortunately we've been able to stay pretty occupied. School and soccer have filled up lots of time and it really hasn't been terrible. I've let the girls take baths in my bathroom tub. It's a very large jet tub so for Allison especially it's like a small pool! I think that was the highlight of the weekend for them. They've each had a turn sleeping in my room. Katie and Becky watch TV with me for awhile. Allison just likes to go to sleep! Last Friday we went to a concert. The headlining band was Sanctus Real. Tenth Avenue North and VOTA (formerly known as Casting Pearls) were there too. It was amazing! Allison usually stays home with either Ed or I when these late evening events come up. But this time either all of us went or none of us went. She did fine, although she was literally asleep in my lap during the last song! Anyway, the concert was incredible! There's a guy from our church who books these groups and does the setup/take down work for the concerts. He told Katie he could definitely use her help backstage sometime if she's interested. She's very excited about that!! There's something about meeting professional performers! Here's a couple of pictures from the show - of the show. I didn't get any good ones of the kids. Sorry.
VOTA
Sanctus Real
Time to meet the bus! Don't forget to watch The Biggest Loser tonight!
