First Days...Again

My First Apple (from a student) :)

Our family is on a popcorn craze.  We have started making air-popped popcorn, and I have to say, I will not be going back to microwave popcorn anytime soon.  Aside from the air-popped popcorn, I have also stocked up on various shakies to put atop of the popcorn so the kids have quite a selection when preparing their bowls.  I have also found an incredible recipe for homemade caramel corn (which is SOOOOO good).  That particular recipe has become my favorite.  

Caramel Corn

The kids have been bringing money for Pennies for Patients to school, and after loading the kids up with money for the week in their boxes to take to school, I found Brock one morning going through his wallet and pulling out all of his money.  I asked him what he was doing, and he told me that there are so many sick kids out there who need the money more than he does.  He donated all of his $5.50.  This was a very proud moment for Mom and Dad.

After two weeks of having really crooked front teeth (sticking out in all directions), they finally came out!  One of Ella's teachers pulled out one of them at school, while Daddy got the other one over the weekend.  I guess she will be asking for her two front teeth for Christmas!

 First Days...Again

Friday was my last day student teaching in which was very bittersweet.  My school kids surprised me with a party where they made me a book with hand-drawn pictures thanking me for teaching them.  They all lined up to give me hugs as I fought back my tears.  Such sweet kids!  I will miss them tremendously!  

On a brighter note, I have been offered subbing positions to keep me very busy.  

So Monday marked the first day for Sophie at preschool and for me at school as a substitute teacher.  Sophie absolutely LOVES preschool and is excited about all of her "best friends".  We are on day three of preschool, and she couldn't be more excited to go every day.  

As for me, I have been subbing in 2nd grade, and it has been so much fun getting to know a new group of kids while still seeing my old kids.  I have to admit that the hugs from all of the students never get old!

 

You have toothpaste all over your face!

And it was Ella's first day without her two front teeth!

Secluded Sunday

This Sunday was a wonderful change of pace.  I put the paintbrush and roller down, grabbed my camera, and headed outside with the kids.  In the midst of the hustle and bustle of our current schedules, it's easy to lose sight of the things that you love doing and the quality time spent doing those things. The majority of the day was spent running around with the kids, fixing bikes, playing with the cats, exploring, biking, playing soccer, and taking pictures.  The evening ended with a last-minute trip to Pizza Hut in which we drove around looking for deer while eating pizza.

   

Lola knows exactly where to stand to torture Harper.  I would say the majority of the cats' day is spent just outside Harper's perimeter taunting and teasing her, just waiting for her to get shocked.

Keep your distance, Lola.

Aside from having a very patient dog, we also have two very patient cats.  Poor Ticky Poo.

Cats make her so happy!

Sophie's Sassy Pose

But she can only be sassy for so long before she turns sweet again.

Then she turns silly.

They are the best of friends and the worst of friends.

Brock and his two crazy sisters.

Brock had the idea of a slide show:

Sophie and Dad's Hunting Adventure