Well...first month of school well on its way and behind us now! I can't believe it. Schedules are happening and routines are feeling a little bit more normal. Homework loads are increasing, friendships are expanding, dad is traveling more, mom is trying to keep up with the housework, and much much more. Life feels pretty normal and good right now! Here are a few things that we have done lately...first, my sweet little Annie volunteered me to make the "Class Flag." They run their classroom like a little community and need the flag to complete the community. so I thought, no big deal I can sew a little bit - straight lines only - so I gladly accepted. Well, the class had a comtest and voted on the winner. Annie brought it home to me and I had to take a second look. Their class community is "Liberty Land" and the sinning picture was a copy of the Candy Land game board - yes, just what you are thinking, a railroad track of colors, very intricate, very detailed, and looked to be very hard. Annie told me that if it was to hard I did not have to do it and someone else would. I was tempted but Annie said she would help so we took it on. Well, I got an idea in my head and we started! The teacher told me she was fine if I did not have it done til Christmas - but the last think I need hanging over my head is a class flag. So we started placing and cutting - it looked so great all laid out...the the sewing started. There were a few puckers here and there, but I thought I would be fine...Okay, it did turn out fine - just don't look too close!
It was a fun project to work on with Annie. She helped with all of it - she loves to sew.
Canning...6 raspberries, 13 ground beef, 12 chicken, 7 peaches, 6 chunky tomatoes, 6 tomato juice, 1 pear (many more of these to come)
I feel so good and like I have accomplished something as I stand back and look at progress. Still have a lot of holes in my 3 month supply, but getting closer!
It was like Christmas Eve last night at our house! So much excitement! And it was not only me...the kids had their clothes picked out, a morning schedule written down, and lunches and backpacks packed. I cannot believe summer is over! We packed it with fun and have so many new memories - but routine is good! I have let a few things go that I can't wait to get organized.
My 6th grade stud...
At first we were asked to only tend the 7 and 4 year old while the parents went away for a birthday weekend! We begged for all 4! And we are so glad we did. We had so much fun! Super busy but we had not put one thing on our schedule for the weekend except kids! It was nice to stay home and play, swim, eat, change diapers and more...
Okay...this was during dinner time. I as trying to fix for the other 6 and this seemed to keep them pretty busy! It was a very clean garbage at the time so I felt good about it!
Tons of fun in the pool...for most of us! 
Sam took some time to get used to it! He was not sure it was so fun...
Jack loved it!
I did not even get a turn to feed them. I had 5 awesome helpers!
They love the tub. We spent a fair amount of time here!
2 flats and one being in the middle of the climb so he could not stop and change it til the top, or he would not have been able to get going again. The bike took about 30 minutes longer that he expected!
The 10 mile run started at about 11:30, 90 degrees, and 7600 feet. (we are used to 1200 feet in AZ) Very hot and slow run. He treated this race as a training day and did not go all out! It was hot and long but he finished! It was fun to be on the sidelines cheering him on!
Loved having the kids at the finish! Thanks to my mom and dad who drove them to meet up so they would not have to sit the whole time!
The family dance...and the YMCA
Jax and the LIMBO!
Greg bustin' a move with the pregnant lady...
Greg and his mom...he just about got a dance out of her! We have seen her move. We know she has it in her!
No stoppin' grandpa!
The boys getting a lesson from uncle Greg for the youth dance.
Greg, Jack and Sam
Mealtime...not too bad!
I am pretty sure the kids had soda for every meal! That is a treat for them.
The water follies for the whole family!
Hangout time... The best part!
