A Bit Forrest Gump-y

I will be back soon, I've been avoiding the blog a bit. We've been busy with the kids,their schedules and making my mid-life crisis apple sauce(with much needed help from spouse). I just bought my last box of apples for our 4th batch. We've been making pear applesauce, peach applesauce,blueberry apple sauce and.....now I am sounding a bit Forrest Gump-y.

Wise Words From Linus

"There are three things I have learned not to speak about with people: religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin."

-Linus 

It is my favorite time of year. The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, seems to be on constant replay in our house and I find myself quoting("I got a rock") and dancing like Peanut characters. I just froze my final batch of pesto and found a roasting pan to make applesauce. Now it is time for caramel apples, a bit cooler weather, wearing boots and jeans again and I am already enjoying the changing leaves. Looking forward to school field trips to the pumpkin patch and Fieldin turning 4. Halloween costumes are decided on and decorations were found in the garage. Hello Fall. So nice to see you again. 

He Can Write.. When He Wants To

Yesterday, Fieldin was off from preschool and he wanted to do "school" with me. "School" at home means doing a couple fun work sheets, practicing letters and numbers and working on writing his name. We are very laid back about all this stuff most days but he wanted to get to work yesterday and write his name on his own, which he did. Most days if you ask" Do you wanna write your name?" he replies,"nope". He was very proud of himself yesterday. After Miss Greta got home from school, all I heard was "heeeey Greta, help me write cowabunga(or our last name, or any other word that came to his mind). He didn't feel like writing anymore, he just did this to annoy her. :) He taped this paper to his bedroom door because he wrote his name in his favorite color green. 

 Good job! 

As for this pic. Fieldin wanted to wear this turkey hat to preschool this morning. On backwards of course.... It took ALOT of persuading to get him to take it off. Greta and I told him a hat like this is way more appropriate to wear on Thanksgiving. We forgot to tell him there is no school on Thanksgiving. whoops. :)

Around Here....

 Around Here: 

Around here, we are still adjusting to new Fall schedules. 

Around here, we are tired. 

Around here, the kids are already super excited about Halloween.

Around here, I took the crock pot out. Time for stews and nummy smells in the house all day.

Around here, it feels like Fall even though it is very hot outside. 

Around here, I had special girl time this week and I loved it. Looking forward to more friend time. 

Around here, there is alot of cleaning to do.

Around here, the kids are both very excited to be back in school and they both enjoy going.

Around here, I am enjoying a little free time of my own. It's not much but time to catch up on phone calls, chores, errands and "me time". 

Around here, I feel blessed to have such wonderful friends in my life. 

Around here, I am hooked on Vampire Diaries. The 3rd season just came out so I will have to FORCE myself not to stay up watching. 

Around here, I am annoyed with yellow jackets. 

Around here, I just want to make soup and knit. 

Around here, we all need a nap but it won't happen:) 

Happy Sunday everyone. 

The First Day Of Pre-School

This little, I mean BIG guy was excited. His first day of school. Last night and this morning he was so ready. 

After getting himself dressed and putting on his "favorite Captain America" socks he told me he was ready to get his picture taken. I think I may make this a new tradition because it is so fun to hand them the sign and see what they do with it. I would have to say these pics capture Fieldin perfectly, it's all him. He gets to enjoy pre-school three days a week. He said he had the most fun teachers, the best snack and the play ground was his favorite. 

 The crazy lady posted signs again on the walls, this time saying big, bad pre-schooler. 

 His first day and Greta's 5th day! So proud of you both. 

 By his hook. He saved his name tag from orientation and put it on this morning. How sweet is that! 

This pic was taken just moments before he looked at Jeff and said" Daddy, aren't you here just to drop me off?. byeeeee" I guess that means it is time for us to exit, which we did and then came back only to be told to be on our way again. Any of you remember that wobbly, curly haired white haired babe that was attached to either Jeff or I at all times? Well, that little boy has grown up. Even though he said he wouldn't miss me while at school, he did ask me to come help or visit his class sometimes so he could see me. It is nice to know I am still needed :) 

I am so happy and proud of you Fieldin. 

1 & 2

The kiddos started soccer this week. Fieldin was, as always, ecstatic to get back. He loves soccer. Greta had taken a couple years off but wanted to practice again so we signed her up for Fall. Both had great first practices(They go on different days) learning skills and scrimmaging. They also picked up their jerseys this week and it was just pure luck that they got these #'s... 1 & 2. 

 When Greta grows out of her soccer jersey, it will be Fieldin's chance to have the #1. :) 

Go Cougs!

The Cougar wind sock is hung, Gret's nails are painted crimson and grey, Fieldin has his WSU sheets on his bed, Jeff is checking football stats every few minutes, and I am already tormenting my WA Husky neighbor :)

We won one game. Lost one game. I have high hopes this year... So now all there is to do is:

First Day Of School For The Eldest

The house is too quiet. 

I had my morning chores done by 9:30 a.m.

I potted plants. 

I've stared out the window...I've cleaned off the front porch. 

Wierd.. all this quiet. Fieldin is luckily here this week, but he is busy. Busy doing all the stuff he couldn't when sister was home like play on the computer first (Curious George on PBS kids), play at the park alone.., have me make popcorn he doesn't need to share and watching Curious George on t.v., his favorite donut episode with no compromises. He is taking the first day of school a little too well. :) Today he is content just doing what HE wants so I am rolling with it. 

As for this girl. She read for hours yesterday. Decompressing and getting ready for school. She was up bright and early. She watched the clock and gave me updates. She wore her backpack for 45 min before we left for school. She had me leave early for drop off. She wrote me a list of what she wanted in her lunch. She was so excited to be back in school and I am very happy for her. 

 Some crazy lady put signs up around the house wishing her a happy first day. This one says "second grader" with an arrow pointing down. 

 He is clapping in all her excitement

 Happy First Day my girl! You did a great job picking out your outfit( she loves animals wearing glasses so this is her fav shirt). Can't wait to hear ALL about your day. :) 

Day Before School Tradition

The night before the first day of school we like to celebrate. 

For Greta, this means a big heaping plate of "Grettie Sghetti"  and blackberry crisp. "Grettie Sghetti" is her favorite meal for the last couple years. Good pasta sauce with sweet Italian sausage, extra mushrooms and a dollop of snow(Parmesan). Now that school will be back in session, I am reminded I need to keep sweet Italian sausage in the freezer for Greta's good days and bad days. It is her go to meal. Before dinner, we say a little prayer for her upcoming year at school. Now Summer break feels like it is over.....

Greta and Fieldin have very different palettes so it didn't surprise me when he told me what his meal will be.(He starts preschool next week) On his menu: Roasted pesto potatoes, scrambled eggs with Irish cheese and  a bowl of ice cream. Got it. Greta goes carbs, Fieldin goes dairy. 

Both are excited for the upcoming year. As usual my stomach is in knots while they are cool and collected. 

Here's to a WONDERFUL school year to BOTH of you. 

Both of you at school... how did that happen so soon? *sigh*

Fall Pics Of The Kids & A Tradition

I know they will be getting school pictures taken soon, but they don't capture their personality. So each Fall I   take their photos with their chosen outfits. This year was the easiest photo session yet

 Miss Greta, she reminds me of a girl from the 20's. Love her style. 

 He is ALL BOY. I can't imagine a more true to life pic. Below the sunlight shows how white this kids hair is..

 At some point years back, I told the kids that I always believe if you catch a falling leaf it will bring you luck through the Fall season. Jeff likes to catch them too. 

 watching, chasing and diving for leaves. 

 my leaf... what I haven't told them yet, is the secret to catching a leaf comes with time. If you have a little patience and stand still and wait, a leaf will find it's way to you....just like this one did. They will figure it out one day, just like I did :) 

One Good Reason To Clean The Garage

I absolutely do not like cleaning the garage. I like to organize and clean but not out where the spiders and piles of dust live. 

The only good thing about cleaning out the garage is when treasures are found. 

My treasures today: My great grandma's blue mason jars that I need to wash up, lots of Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys and Judy Blume books, My journals from age 9 til my first job out of college(I am saving these for an entertaining winter read...oh the angst :)), old driver's licenses..those pictures... and a whole lot of college term papers I threw to the curb (except a few), a few pics from college and now a bunch of space to fill up with new clutter:) 

Job done.