September

Five People 12 times September.... GO Pats!!!

30 September

Today.....the big game....the REALLY big game.  They were the team to beat (so we heard before today).  I mean they had some superstar players.  It poured....and we lost (sometimes I think kids learn more important lessons from losing).  But at least we had our tent....and I got some GREAT pics of all our boys playing in the rain.  We're proud of them no matter what:)

29 September

First Day of Ballet class this year.  She had to pick out all her own hair accessories this time (I love how she picks them out ahead of time and lines them all up on the counter with her brush).  And guess what.....Bre tied her very own shoes today dfor the first time with no help!   We were jumping up and down excited!  Go.Bre.Go!

28 September

Today......Pajama and stuffed animal day at school and I get to share my very First all about Me box (3 items inside for show and tell).  I'd say it's the best.Day.ever for a Kindergartener.

27 September

Hello Nikon D7000.
I've been watching you since my camera teacher switched from Canon to Nikon 2 years ago.  I know I'm going to love you as soon as we get aquainted (Thanks God for You tube!).  I'm going to love having a zoom lens back again, finally.  Can't wait for the soccer games this weekend!

Amazing video.

26 September

She.

Is having a tough week at school.  When I say tough week, I don't mean that she's overwhelmed because too many people want to sit with her on the bus or mad because she can't have hot lunch every day.  It's a crawling under tables, hiding under desks, and in closets, and a refusing to move type of week.  I'm hoping it's just b/c she has a cold (b/c she has anxiety and constantly puts her hands in her mouth)  and maybe is feeling a little tired.  When I see the number of the school come up on my phone (three plus times in one afternoon) My stomach sinks.  On the brighter side, her language is blossoming.  She only wants to wear certain pants to school b/c some have buttons that are "too hard for the bathroom"  Love that she can tell me that.  Just this morning she said "Hey Lucas, Look at me, I'm rolling around on this char..."  that's like 10 words in a row (this is a big deal). Her favorite saying is "no way!"  Wow, Can't believe she is going to be eight.  EIGHT!  Yep, I read somewhere that you should try to end every complaint with "but I'm so blessed".  I'm gonna try to do that more....

25 September

Perfectly Imperfect:

Sometimes I have to remind myself that things aren't always what they seem.   It's just one of those one of those weeks (we hall have them) when insecurity creeps up on me.  I wonder what other people are thinking.  Other people are doing more, are more successful, beautiful, in better shape, dress better, have a better house, are more creative, think of others more, parent better, have more perfect well behaved kids etc, etc.   Sometimes I look back at old photos and wonder if I was happier back then, when the kids were little and we didn't have to be out there changing the world so much.  The grass is always greener.   What do you do when negativity and jealousy and the comparison crazy-making pops up?  Us women are so tough on each other.  Sometimes I wallow, walk away from the social media (we've got way too much of it these days!), Sometimes I talk to much to whomever will listen, sometimes I try to delve into my own work really deeply so I shut everything else out, no time to think.  

 I hate the comparison game.  Some people are better at walking away from it than others (I think every woman deals with is in one way or another).  I think it's being a Mom of a special needs child that some days hits me the hardest.  I have to be so emotionally open and vulnerable to so many people and situations all the time.  I can't walk past a group of teenage girls and not feel jealous about what those moms have, that I might never have.  Cute, good looking, popular, successful.   It kills me that I can't be just happy with what I have, at times....I have so many things to be thankful for and I  know that.  Things that I have and take for granted, other people are praying for.  I have to fight hard for some things and ideas that I'm passionate about, and Gosh it's hard.  For that every reason, some people just don't like me.  That's hard for me to take sometimes, people not liking me and I never get a break form that.  Eventually I get back to place where I just don't think so much and I just do.  I remind myself that it might just be the case that I am comparing someone else's strength to one of my weaknesses.  I let the feelings come through, recognize them and just let them go.  And writing for sure (Even though I do increase my vulnerability at times by publishing stuff like this), helps let feelings go.    Letting go is what I'll do now, after a few good runs, cries, and glasses of wine:)  And keeping it real.  I always want to teach my kids that being real is way more important than being perfect (so remember that kids, even on days when I don't!!)

Embrace mistakes as an opportunity for growth.
Embrace frustration as an opportunity to build strength.
Embrace love as an opportunity to be loved.
Embrace spilled juice as an opportunity for compassion.
Embrace fear as an opportunity to be brave.

Imperfect is real. Imperfect is beautiful. Imperfect is what we create, who we are, the things we say (or don't), the way we treat people, and the way we treat ourselves.

I don't want perfect. I want real.
I don't want to be afraid. I want to live the length and the width and feel it all.

-Ali Edwards

Source: Uploaded by user via Cindy on Pinterest

24 September

She.

Has the most amazing spirit.  She is the real deal and always will be.  Cute, creative, confident, sassy, smart, and oh the conversations.  So lucky to have her in my life. I love that she said she wanted to be a photographer when she grows up after I let her use my good camera. Love how she texts me.  Kind of reminds me of me at that age.  I think I wanted to be an actress third/4th gradeish.   Love this girl!

imagine the winter coziness......

That this winter white cable sweater pottery barn blanket could bring curled up on the couch with a hot glass of something.....if only I could knit (well!)

23 September

::Buddy Walk 2012::
It either always rains or it's 90 degrees.  This year it was a sunny perfect 70.  At the last minute we had family and cousins joining us.  Bre's special Ed teacher came again (with her really cute little dog that Bre got to walk the whole time!)  We're just so thankful for all the people who come out to support us every year.  If it takes a village to raise a child, well it takes an army to raise a child with special needs.  I wouldn't trade the people I have met on this journey for anything.  It's always just an amazing day to celebrate how great a life with Down Syndrome really is :)

22 September

Clearing a spot for our new shed (desperately needed!) with my new chainsaw chaps:)  Styling!

21 September

You.. ::Right Now::

Some would describe as a little impulsive, others would describe as fun and passionate. And Other's would describe as a typical 5 year old BOY (what's typical?)

The other day you came out with a story, just casually as we were driving Trevor to soccer practice.  I said, WHAT?!?!?!?!?"    To leave out the nitty gritty, he got to leave his class "help" the teachers solve a problem with Bre at school....his OLDER sibling.   I wasn't a fan.  This was VERY hard for me.  I don't know how to deal with the older sibling with special needs and the younger sibling at the school level just yet.  I haven't figured out what to say to him when he says that she "talks weirder than any other kids at his school."  and he won't sit with her on the bus (he sits with her every day now by the way.)  You see at home, everybody just is who they are, and they just see each other as sister and bother, no different.  At school, it's different, special needs or not.  Not sure how to deal with it yet except with the truth, heart  and lots of positive-ness about ABILITIES.  And NOT having to leave the classroom when you are a Kindergartner to help a second grader who just happens to be your sister.  Than's a start.

20 September

Homework :: Right now:: Beginning of 5th Grade.

Math every night
Reading at least 30 mins a night and writing a few sentences on a journal sheet about what you read
Practicing Your instrument 30 mins (not there yet)
Practicing the Piano whenever you walk by it.
Vocabulary, definitions and spelling words.

19 September

Our Very First Late start day.....let's just say the buses were a little confused.  WE had to wait FOREVER for the first one and missed the second one.  Oh, well, that's life:)

This is awesome!

AN ACTUAL CRAIG'S LIST PERSONALS AD 
To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last. 
Date: 2011-11-27, 1:43 am. E.S.T. 
I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled 
the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message. 
First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when 
I drew my pistol after you took my jacket.. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason.. my girlfriend was happy that I just returned safely from my 2nd tour as a Combat Marine in Afghanistan .. She had just bought me that Kimber 
Custom Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... 
isn't it?! 
I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with crap in your pants. I'm sure it 
was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me.  [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again]. 
After I called your mother or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of 
what you'd done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 153 gallons and was extremely grateful! 
I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That 
made his day!] 
I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb ..... after I broke the 
windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car. 
Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning 
President Obama as my possible target. 
The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.). 
In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution 
is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path 
you've chosen to pursue in life.. Remember, next time you might not be so lucky. Have a good day! 
Thoughtfully yours, Semper fi, 
Alex

18 September

Very First Brownie meeting!

I have to admit, for all of last year I felt so vulnerable joining a group not knowing how we would be accepted.  Even though it turned out to be just fine, it took us about a year to feel at home.  Those year is starting off so great, we have a really small group of girls and we are going to get to do so much!  It is going to be so much fun and we can't wait until the next meeting!

 “When we adults think of children, there is a simple truth which we ignore: childhood is not preparation for life, childhood is life. A child isn’t getting ready to live – a child is living. The child is constantly confronted with the nagging question, ‘What are you going to be?’ Courageous would be the youngster who, looking the adult squarely in the face, would say, ‘I’m not going to be anything; I already am.’ We adults would be shocked by such an insolent remark for we have forgotten, if indeed we ever knew, that a child is an active participating and contributing member of society from the time he is born. Childhood isn’t a time when he is molded into a human who will then live life; he is a human who is living life. No child will miss the zest and joy of living unless these are denied him by adults who have convinced themselves that childhood is a period of preparation. 

How much heartache we would save ourselves if we would recognize the child as a partner with adults in the process of living, rather than always viewing him as an apprentice. How much we would teach each other … adults with the experience and children with the freshness. How full both our lives could be. A little child may not lead us, but at least we ought to discuss the trip with him for, after all, life is his and her journey, too.” – Professor T. Ripaldi

17 September

These Days.....
Actually Doing more with my hair than just putting my bangs up in a ponytail right out of the shower and letting it air dry.  Most of the time, I'm definitely not into more than a 15 minute shower to car beauty routine, that's just how I roll.  I'm liking the straight iron and feeling a little better about myself as I embrace this new mama role of all school aged children.  A Little extra time to take care of me (and do laundry), that's a good thing.

16 September

Sunday.  Got a babysitter so we could both run the Trail to Ale 10K (ie the race with the free pizza and beer after party) , it's always a PERFECT day for a run.  This year I met my goal time of getting under an hour (59:28).  I never thought it could be done.  Josh, even after doing an 18 mile long run yesterday did a great time as well.  Later in the afternoon,  We watched Trevor's soccer team shut out their opponents 7-0 and then to a fun ice-cream social afterwards to celebrate.  Our beloved patriots lost their first ever home opener, we crossed at least one thing off the to do list (cleaning out the refrigerators!), it's so hard to get anything done on the weekends, and then fell into bed.  Just Loving these perfect weather September weekend days.

15 September

Saturday.

Another one of those Kindergarten Soccer games.  I love watching this age, they just have so much fun:)
A to do list a mile long, thinking about the cold weather right on our doorstep, 38 Degrees Sunday night:) In the evening, My friend Heidi came over and we scrapped the night away (not sure I got as much scrapping done as talking).  It was great to catch up.  Love that.

14 September

First night at swim team practice, ever.   This was totally a last minute thing, Trevor was begging do do swim team since the summer when he was so inspired by the Olympics.  We tried out for one team, and there was a waiting list, so we were just going to forget it since we were so busy with other stuff already anyway.  My neighbor then  mentioned that her daughter was signed up for a different team and she could bring Trevor to try it out even though we weren't signed up.  Well he did the whole 75 minute practice and did awesome, but since the sign ups have passed (who knew it started this early!)  we might not have a spot on the team.  We're still waiting to see. This boy, he's just got so much going for him right now, and it seems like the more he is into (soccer, piano, band, friends, AND swimming!) the more focused he gets (which is a good thing). We're just going to swim one night a week until soccer is over (team practices 4 nights),  And carpooling and talking to neighbors and friends that's a bonus.   It really brings me back to the days that I was in band and swimming. I'm so happy I get to re-live it all over again through him. I even pulled out my old swim bag from High School and asked Trevor if he wanted to use it.  He said no b/c It kind of smelled (it did!).  We even stopped to get food on the way home from practice b/c I remember how hungry I go after swim practice.  And the music, I just love the music no matter how much of a beginner he is.   I still get teary eyed every time I hear him play the first part of Claire De Lune on the Piano (with the pedals, thanks gammie!).   Right now, my house is full of music, activity, and sports and interesting great conversations.  It's just awesome.

13 September

An exciting Day for my Boy.....I took it out and taught him how to at least put the mouthpiece together.... that much I remember.  Kind of made me want to take out my clarinet in a it hasn't been out of the case for 20 years and who knows what's growing in there kind of way.  Good Stuff.

12 September

My favorite Fall sweet treat.....Pumpkin Whoopie pies!

11 September

Making our way to a new normal.....

For me, this is ALL new.  for me, a new EARLY morning work schedule in order to get home in time for the bus.  For Dad, a rush to get all the kids up and ready and on the bus 2-3 days a week by himself, and then go into an office (again all new).  Figuring out the shuffle of after school sports, music, and homework and   of three kids all needing me desperately all at the same time in a very small chunk of time.   Lucas had a few tough transition days,  He was tired and clingy on the weekend.  Today however, when he got home it was a breeze.  It felt just right.  For me, Figuring out what to do with two FULL FREE days a week (not laundry!)   I feel like a child that has been given a room full of presents and just doesn't know where to begin.  Plus, I'm a scheduled kind of girl and this free time I'm sure will be filled up before I know it.  Right now, I have some large organizing projects to tackle (my favorite kind of projects).  If you need me for the next few days, I'll be in the office, purging lots and lots of paper:)

10 September

And take a guess......without a doubt, which instrument my new fifth grader HAS to play this year:)

9 September

Our Ninth annual Apple and Rasberry Picking adventure at Dole's Orchard.

I love that we do this EVERY year.  Looking back at these photos (Trevor was 2 the first time we went), it's a great way to mark the passage of time.   Now, no one has to be carried and everyone is doing their own picking.  Even though the weather is still to warm to feel fall like (sometimes we go back in October to get the feel of that weather), it always makes for such a peaceful and relaxing afternoon.  I love taking pictures of the old barns, picking and eating the many varieties of apples (so many, including the Honey Crisp were ready early this year), picking tons of rasberries for making many jars of jam, and eating my once a year most favorite in the world treat.....Pumpkin Whoopie pies on the way home.  Yep, Even when the kids are in College, we'll still be going back:)

8 September

Anatomy of a Pre-K and Kindergarten Boys' first soccer game (4-5 year olds)

(LOVE THIS!)

• Wait to the coach calls you to go in.  Don't pay attention to positions or where the ball is, just run all around the field. 
• Refuse to play at all and just cry. 
• Cry b/c your brother was out in the game and not you.  Have your Dad (who is the coach) put you in a time out.  Cry some more.
• Talk with your friends while walking around.
• Point at people
• Sit down whenever and wherever you want to if you are tired.
• Cry some more, and get another time out.  
• Run around Some more (what ball?!?)
• Walk off the field to tell Your Mom about the "amazing move" you just did
• Karate chop and fake punch something or someone
• Try to Kick the ball a little bit, but get out of the way when other kids come running
• Have Fun until your parents and coaches talk to everyone about how you are going to be the next Varsity Star (really!)
• Obsess about what the snack afterward might be (parents take turns bringing), after all it's the best part of the game.  

7 September

So on the big First Day, I actually set it up so I could be at the school a little bit to volunteer in the office. I arrived shortly after the children had entered their classrooms and there was a little Kindergarten boy right outside Lucas' classroom crying his little heart out.  It was HEARTBREAKING! (I asked Lucas later if it bothered him and he said he didn't).  I got to talk to all the teachers and sneak a little peak of my second grader and Kindergartener.  It was fun and they were doing great.  After School I wrote down word for word everything Lucas said about his first day.  My heart broke when he said that He didn't want to sit with his sister on the bus because she talked "weirder than anyone else in the school".  OYE.  Gonna have to delve into that a bit later.  

First Day Of Kindergarten: In His Own Words:

The teachers were standing outside when I got off the bus.  You get to play on the playground.  My cubby said my whole name "Lucas Parenteau".  We played with linky chains.  We only did one work thing.  We had to go in like 14 lines.  Mrs. McLean was the very nicest teacher in the school.  She rung a bell that was very old.  Some family was out in the woods and the grownups rang the bell meaning it was dinner time.  The bell is very old and now we have it.  When she rings the bell you freeze and wrap your arms up and look at the teacher when she rings it.  I saw 2 Owens on my bus.  I sat with Noah on the way to school.  There was a sign that said "See you later alligator" on the door.  We had 2 bathroom breaks.  Everybody had to wait for the people that had to go.  You have to give your lunch money at lunch.  We played rhythm sticks in music.  On the way home, I asked everyone that got on the bus to sit with me but nobody did.  We have 2 playgrounds.  We played on the upper one.  We read "The Kissing Hand" but there were no stickers.  There was a red, yellow, green and purple table.  We made 1 art thing, a kissing hand.  There are no rules in school.  Actually, there is....  Sitting down on the bus.  The most fun part was story time and play time.  They have a magnetic fishing pole thing.  They have dinosaurs to play with but no trains.  It was pretty easy lining up.  We did calendar and there were fake presents to put on the day of your birthday.  There are flat stones and marbles and each time you listen you put one in a jar.  You get a prize.  Today everyone was pushing me so those kids got a red day.  We got to go to recess with 2nd graders.  Four is the youngest kid there.  I LOVE KINDERGARTEN!!!! 

6 September

The Big Day.

I went for a long run early that morning, my stomach was doing somersaults.  There's nothing like a good run to get all your cries out.  Then I posted this on Facebook:

So Today is the big day. We've practiced with the lunchbox, backpack and read all the books. After 10 years, my house will be quiet from 9-3. I don't know whether to cry or celebrate. I guess a little of both. I feel so blessed to have three unique and thriving children off on their new adventures and that I get to be here cherishing every day. I'm so proud of my Fifth Grader, Second Grader and Kindergartener! You have such gifts to bring the world. The days are long, but the years are short my friends.   

He was already up when I got back, asking me what time we were leaving for the bus.  He was over the top excited.

 I want to remember how he was counting down the minutes until the big hand got to the six and we could walk down to the bus stop.  I want to remember how we couldn't seem to find just the right pair of comfortable socks to wear.  I want to remember how he made funny faces for the pictures and jumped up and down and danced.  I want to remember how he wore his patriots shirt and orange and gray Reebok sneakers exactly like his big brothers.  I want to remember How his big brother gave him a hug and wished him luck.  I want to remember how he marched right on the bus and walked straight to the back and sat down with another boy from our neighborhood. I want to remember how Thankful I was that my Mom came for a few days  (and we went out to lunch and dinner and shopped and got pedicures!) so I didn't have to sit in the quiet and dwell on how everything changed so quickly.  

As I had been thinking ahead about this moment for year, I always pictured myself breaking down into tears at this point.   Actually, I wasn't sad at all, I was filled with Joy for my little boy who finally got his turn to do something big.   And he did it in the Rock Star Style that we all know and Love.  And that was that, Just like that, the house was quiet (and all mine).

5 September Part 2

First Day of School for the Bigs. Fifth Grade and Second Grade.

They are pretty much old pros.  Trevor, He's just Huge, what can I say.  The talk of the Day for fifth grade was all about the new temporary playground and how there was a really cool zip line.  How Mr. Kitchen is the best Gym teacher ever.  How there is a little disappointment in having to have a substitute for three weeks until his teacher comes back form maternity leave.  There is also a small (just a small) obsession with how band is starting up in a few weeks and he gets to pick out an instrument.  He wants to play the saxophone (thought he might be into the trombone since we have one, but, sadly, no.) becuase he likes instuments with keys (And I heard through the grapevine it's what all the "cool" kids are playing). And after he gave me the guilt trip about me getting to play whatever I wanted when I was His age (yep 10 year olds are great at giving guilt trips).  We agreed, he's going to play whatever he wants as long as he still does the piano too (which he would never, ever give up anyway). Each child got their own day planner too....LOVE That.

Second Grade, What can I say.  It's all about who gets to be calendar helper and what's for hot lunch that day.  She has one new ed tech this year, but I don't think it really matters.  What's great is how much can stay the same for her this year, and for that she is so confident and happy.  I snuck a peek of her jump roping in gym on the second day.  I want to remember how she smiles and waves every day from the bus window and how she works hard for "happy Mom" .  She's a Rock star:)

5 September

Endings and Beginnings.  The Night before Kindergarten.

I want to remember.....

How we had this special day, just him and I planned for weeks.  I don't know who was more excited!
How I gave him some special books from our shelf all wrapped up to read before the big day.
How we went to all his favorite places, the library, out to lunch, and the playground
How we picked out a new shirt for the first day of school.
How we picked out a box (in the shape of a book) from the craft store to make for his very first school homework
How The hugs were plentiful.
How the sadness of the last day of being a Mom to little ones was trumped by happiness for kids ready to be off on new adventures.
How we baked the best chocolate chip cookies ever.
How He always wants me to cut up his grilled cheese into squares so he can eat it with the fancy toothpick.
How the day FLEW by.
There are no words to describe the roller coaster of emotions a Mom goes through leading up to such a significant ending especially since I know all too well how fast time goes once school starts. I'm savoring every last drop of their littleness (we're not ready to leave Sant, and Halloween and Apple Picking behind just yet!), but looking ahead to the awesome people they are becoming without me:)

Go, Lucas, Go!

4 September

I can't believe the Day is finally here!  In our school district, the elementary age students all have an 15-30 min appointment with their teacher on the first day of school for assessments, to meet their teacher and familiarize themselves with the school and classroom.  The open House comes a few weeks after school starts.  Lucas was soooo excited to Meet Mrs. Mclean and was confident and happy.  He walked right in. We had to bring her a drawing of a boat, a page all about himself (that he wrote himself) a bag full of school supplies and brownies (per Lucas request).  Bre was a pro since she has the same teacher and classroom as last year, they are just stepping up to the second grade.  It was a fun morning of meeting teachers, new friends and talking with other parents, the principal and neighbors.  After 6 years here, I'm just so comfortable with the school and everyone there, it's like home.  It's just awesome.

3 September

Summer's Last Hurrah, Part1

School Starts Wednesday for the bigs and Thursday for the Little.  Tomorrow the 2nd Grader and the Kindergartner will meet with their teachers, they are bringing them pictures they made, summer journals and brownies (guess whose idea that was.....hint, one chocolate loving little boy!).  The outfits are picked out (by the children), the bags are packed. It seems like we have had forever this year to get ready.   So Today, we celebrated and held onto summer for just one more day.  We hit Aquaboggan for the last day they were open (Love that place, no crowds and clean).  We had a farm share celebration dinner where a pork loin and all the veggies just went right on the grill.  Simple and Delicious.    After dinner we hit the dairy corner for some oreo, and some soft serve.  There are so many nerves about what is to come over the next few days (children and adults alike), but for today, We felt happy and carefree.  Good Times.

I'm going to take a break from this space for the next few days to soak up the VERY last day of summer vacation and ride the crazy roller coaster of sending my last baby off to Kindergarten.  We have a super special Day Planned on Wednesday, just the two of us.  Next time you see Me, I'll be a Mom of a FIFTH grader, SECOND GRADER and KINDERGARTENER!  Been thinking about this day for about 5 1/2 years.  It's so happy and joyous, but honestly I think I had less jitters on my wedding Day!  When I come up for air, I'll post pictures for sure (although it is supposed to rain, so we'll see). Happy First Day of School!

2 September

Today.

The Labor Day Tournament.  It was a muddy,sloppy,rainy,cold mess.  WE got home, jumped in a hot shower and put our pellet stove on (no, it wasn't REALLY that cold).   It wasn't supposed to rain today, but it rained through each of the boys four games.  The boys did awesome, won three games and tied one. Every Single boy was a Star, playing hard until the bitter end.  It was such a privilege to be a part of it, and watch how much  these boys have grown (since Kindergarten!)  .  Trevor played Goalie for the first time.  He did great, and it was awesome to hear the coach recognize him in front of all the other players when the tournament was over.  GO, Trevor Go!!

1 September

Hello September.  
Hello fall, and school, and warm days and cool nights
Hello to making Lunches..
Hello Falling leaves (already!) and leaf piles!
Hello apples and pumpkins and crock-pot dinners.
Hello Garden harvest. Hello to redecorating and reorganizing.
Hello to new Work Schedule
Hello Pellet Stove.
Hello to playing football in the front yard.
Hello Hiking and Fires in the Fire pit.
Hello Soccer.
Hello Sweatshirts and Sweatpants
Hello last of the summer weekend pool parties (when we have to leave before dark b/c it's cold!)
Hello Disney Trip Planning :)
Hello to feeling less restless and overwhelmed to more grounded.
Hello to looking forward to new definitions of Motherhood and new adventures.