Do over? Please!

We are back to fundraising for a CWF trip to Washington DC.  This time, for Preston.  This weekend we parked cars at a big car show in Ottawa.  This is an amazing opportunity.  They always make a lot of money and it is relatively easy.  I only wished we had remembered to spray a little sunscreen!  We are both a little fried.  And I am thankful that Jim, Mallory, Harper and Saige cleaned the house while We were gone because when we got back, I wasn’t feeling like cleaning!  

Saige’s class made some pictures for the residents at Brookside, and she was so excited about it.   Her teacher does a wonderful job of sharing pictures.  So far, she is having an amazing 1st grade experience!  

My cousin had a baby this weekend.  This would be my grandparents 43rd great grandchild. That seems so surreal to me.  So many cousins for my kids to grow up with!   I believe there are 2 more joining the crew in the spring!   

The kids (and Jim) have spent a year working on a secret clubhouse out in the woods behind our house.  I was supposed to wait until it was done to see it.  Today was the great unveiling.   Looks pretty dang good I’d say!  Preston is pretty happy with how it turned out.   He wants to have a sleepover out there with his friends.   I’m not sure it is the best place to sleep, but I suppose we won’t know for sure unless we try!  

Quincy and Harper used their Christmas gift cards to buy a “rainbow egg layer variety special” from the hatchery.  They have finally started laying and I can say that they do indeed lay a rainbow variety of eggs!  I think they are so pretty!  I am also happy to be getting something in return for all that feed!   

The weekend ALWAYS goes by too fast.  We had a lot of fun but I could always use one more day.   

Mid week stuff

On Fridays, I always take a few minutes to email my Grace.  Today I got to work, fired up the computer and thought ‘oh I need to send the Friday shout out.’  Then I realized it is Wednesday.  That is a pretty good summation of how this week has been so far I think. Sometimes the days really are long.  But I know as well as anyone that the years are short.  Which is why, on this, the last Wednesday we will have free until Christmas break, I spent a beautiful evening in the yard with the kids.  We moved chickens and ducks into new pens, let goats graze the yard, and watched Colin with great amusement as he worked on his (probably stolen) derby car.  

Mallory is really enjoying her job.  She is always making neat-o stuff for her class, and Saige is always sad that Mallory doesn’t need her help.  Of course, If she hangs around long enough and nags enough, sometimes she is allowed to use the smelly markers!  

We face timed with Cameron a little bit this evening too!  He seems like he is really enjoying school, and meeting a lot of people too.   We sure do miss him around here!  I call this picture he sent me ‘where’s Waldo?’  

My kid’s are always quick to want to try whatever the latest challenge is.  The cinnamon challenge, the sprite/banana challenge, the chug a gallon of milk challenge.  I know they get a lot of flack for it....how much have we all been warned of the tide pod challenge dangers?  However, I feel like this is a right of passage in every childhood.  Honestly....when I was a kid we did things like glue your fingers together to see how long you could stand it, eraser burn your forearm, and snort chalk dust.   Kids do dumb stuff.  I won’t ever allow my kids to eat laundry soap, or light each other on fire, but when they ask to eat a tablespoon of cocoa powder, I let them.  Because honestly, sometimes it just cracks me up.  I guarantee Preston will never, ever eat cocoa powder again.   

Colin is entering this car in a demolition derby.  He has been working on it with his team of lackeys.  I’m not sure why the lackeys don’t wear shoes to do mechanic work?  It probably makes me the biggest redneck of them all, but I am excited to have a reason to go sit and watch a derby!   

Fishing derby

Today was the annual fishing derby at the city lake in Overbrook.  Preston and Quincy were working at the vineyard today, so that just left us with 2 fishermen.  

Harper wanted to fish. She was having fun.  She doesn’t like to cooperate with my photography hobby.   I tried to tell her all of her childhood is going to be documented in sour faced pictures.  She doesn’t seem to care.  

There are a few people in town (my husband included) who take fishing very seriously.  They work very hard on this event and they put on a very nice day for the kids.   I appreciate all their dedication and hard work.  A couple of my sons and Quincy are great fishermen. They are patient, they catch stuff.  They like to go.  Harper and Saige....well they like to go.   They just don’t have much patience.  They amuse me with their inability to leave their poles set.  Multiple attempts of telling them that they can’t catch fish on land didn’t seem to matter.  Needless to say, there were no trophies for our girls today.  They didn’t catch a single fish.  They didn’t even get a single bite. They didn’t even make it through the whole time to fish.  They did have fun helping Jim weigh fish though.  And every kid got a prize, so they were super happy and think it was a great afternoon!  

Football pics

Quincy (#62 above) and Preston (#50 below) had games this week against Anderson county.  They both had great games!  Both teams won their games too!   It was a nice evening.  The weather has turned very fall-like and that makes football even better!   

Save-worthy moments

Saige and Harper’s teachers have both been good about taking pictures to share this year.  So far, they are both really enjoying school!   I love little glimpses into their day!  

Preston and Quincy worked yesterday at the vineyard.   Preston got a raise as he took over some of Cameron’s responsibilities.  We teased him about being the "new and improved Cameron".

Quincy likes working up there because she gets to practice her driving skills.   

I had to snap a couple of photos of Booshka Mooska "helping" Saige tie her shoes before  church this morning.   Everyone should have such a helper!