Create

I bought a shelf at the thrift store for $ .75. 

I painted it, added a word and sanded. 

The clay doesn't really go with my decorating style. 

But that's ok, it goes with my kids.

Which is good, because I am pretty sure there is nothing I can find to go with

Shawn the Sheep figures!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

My husband gave me a beautiful old blue jar full of VERY romantic things.

I am still swooning!!!
And when the kids woke up, I had their Valentine envelopes out.
I put just one card inside.

On the card were several different scratch off hearts.

And my mom and sister threw us a party at lunch time!

It was wonderful!

I don't think I have ever had a better Valentine's Day!!
And remember how we always have our valentine's day party in March or April?
Well, the kids are thoroughly confused! 
The boys kept saying, "I thought Valentine's Day was in the Spring?"
We are still going to have a party in the Spring so I am thinking they will be even MORE confused!

Art Show

Pete had one of his new abstract paintings selected for a local art show.  

On Sunday, we attended the opening reception.

Our families are wonderful in their support.

And while it might all look normal and calm, here is the real behind the scenes view. . .

AND

"Food!" "Food!" "We want food!" 

Ben showed me his favorite painting

and then in a roomful of people, he showed me a way to make it look like you are picking your nose without really picking your nose!  Talented, I know.



Games of tag are going on in the hallway.  

And after that a round of hide and go seek.

And because they didn't run off enough steam in the two activities above, they needed a run down a huge hill!!! 

A win win for everybody today!!

Over the Weekend

We enjoyed a nice birthday lunch for Pete, fixed by his mom!

Yum!!

The children were their normal selves (+1 friend).

My little Angel was moved into the big class at church. . .



Now we have no more kids in the nursery!

Can it be?  

 Peter made a paper chain to count down the days until he is 10!

Ugh, these days are going at lightening speed!! 

I am not one to get weepy over missing the baby days.  Of course, I loved kissing those baby cheeks, but I have to say that each stage has brought new blessings.  I can now enjoy talks with Peter and Ben and the funny things Henry and Lilly do are constantly keeping us laughing.  Growing up means longer hikes, days at the pool, vacations that we can all participate in, getting to know personalities and understanding about Jesus.  I know some say, "There is nothing like the baby days." And while that is true, there is also nothing like the days they are 3, 5, 8, and soon to be 10. 

Each with a different joy to treasure.

OLD SCHOOL

I went to the same school my entire young life.  After I graduated from college, I came back and taught at the school for a few years before I got married.  The elementary and highschool were attached by a breezeway, making it feel like one large building.  All added together, I spent 11 years in those buildings. 

I heard the city is getting ready to tear down the buildings.  My sister and I took our kids and went for one last visit before the bulldozers arrive. 

It was sad. 

So empty.  

So quiet. 

Forgotten.

Once filled with noise and activity,

now deserted.

A building with many memories, friendships, laughs, tears,

school plays,

and chapel programs with classmates

is now cold and quiet.

I remembered things I haven't thought about in years and years.

The playground.

The buzzer to get in.

Field days.

The hallways stand still 

image
once the scene of spirit days

and friends counting down to the last day of school!

Thousands have run through the gym

and walked down the aisle at Kindergarden graduation.

I was reminded of so much I had forgotten as I walked around the building.

Enjoying "working" in the clinic with friends.

Running up the steps two at a time so I wouldn't be late to class.

image

I tried to remember which window went to which classroom & teacher.

(my sister Joy and I at the old dc buildings)

It was fun to watch my kids jump off the same wall I had so many times

and enjoy the big trees just as much as I did 20+ years ago.

(senior breakfast)

I LOVED my elementary school years.  Highschool, well there was good with the bad.  All that awkwardness, not having a clue how to be mature and wanting to fit in has left a bad taste, but the friendships I had were amazing.  I was blessed.

However, I think of all my years combined, my teaching years were my favorite in these buildings.

  I loved to sit outside and enjoy science lessons with the kids.

It was during these years that I met Pete. 

I remember going down to the teachers lounge to call him after school with butterflies in my stomach.
I remember the flowers he left me in the office.
I remember how excited I was to have him pick me up at the end of the day.

I taught in the same building as several of my friends.  We probably had more fun than we were suppose to.  I think I should write a letter to every student I ever had and apologize! 

Hundreds of trips through the cold breezeway to get to lunch.

I remember stepping inside the front door one morning in May, squealing that I had just gotten engaged! 

(my best friend, Ann, and I)

The school is 86 years old.  It is on a Historic Preservation List

and yet it will not be saved.

The elementary building originally was a home to nuns.

The highschool was originally a Catholic school.

(my kids and I at the old north elementary building - 2012)

The old school will soon be gone, the memories however, have just been awakened.