Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Speedy Winter Post! Or is it Fall? Wall? Finter?

Hi all!

Just thought I would pop in and share 'what's up' in our world!!

Some serious ramblings.. be warned!



Well, it's official.

Summer is over, and Fall/Winter is here!

I think Fall was here for 2 days last week..then summer.. and now it's looking like Winter!

Jake had an outdoor field trip yesterday. I told him to wear long underwear under his clothes. Both he and his father scoffed at me. Result? Frozen little boy. Should have listened, Pal! That makes 2 Pals, in case you are wondering...

I am still making my Tuesday meat runs. I just changed the name. They are now called Tasty Tuesdays... picked up 10 lambs and 1/2 a beef (processed) yesterday... I drank a Spiced Pumpkin Latte on the way.. The best part of the day!

We have another big dinner this Saturday featuring our meats. It's gonna be tough... I have to be at the Boise Market... Which is a 3am wakeup call, and don't get back until 4pm... And on WCMD???? How the heck will I get it all done???? (As Winnie the Pooh says, 'Think, Think, Think')...


Right now? I am wearing my long undies under my clothes. It's 43 degrees at 9:30 am and our high will just get to 51. If we are lucky.

The wood stove pipe is cleaned out. Thanks Mr. S! Someone just needs to clean out the stove itself... THEN we can have a fire! I think Mr. S is holding out until we are really really really cold! Oh.. I slept with my long undies last night, too. It was too cold, by my standards! I think I should get about 3 more pairs.. To be prepared.

So, life is cranking at full speed!

The kids School Open House is tonight.
I worked on the ranch newsletter just a bit ago... hope to get it out this week.
I have deliveries tomorrow.
And my day job is today and tomorrow...

And, since I have people will need to eat sometime during all the running around, tonight's dinner will be a lamb shank stew.

Gotta run!!!

Monday, September 28, 2009

World Card Making Day! This Saturday - October 3rd

OK...

Yes, I just finished a week long celebration with Caardvarks!


And guess what? A BIG celebration all over the world is just around the corner!

I'll be adding all sorts of links to all my favorite places...

See the new blinkie over there, on the left?

That one is from Ellen Hutson and the ClassRoom!

Go check it out!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Caardvark's Sketchfest - Saturday #2


Yes, I know, this will does not qualify for the challenge - which officially ended at 7am, yet I just could not live myself with the last card I made!

I did a 'redo' for the final sketch over at the Caardvark's Sketchfest event.

Still, not 100%, but getting closer!! My sentiment is all funkified... Darn that white ink!

I might give this another whirl, after a super long long long nap! (I still have not made it back to the bed!).. However, the kids have been fed 'real' waffles, laundry is going, chores are done, and as soon as my husband comes home to take the kids to help with a fencing project, this girl is going down!

Again, thanks for looking and being a witness to my compulsive tendencies'!!!

Card Recipe:
CS: Stampin' Up & Archiver's
Stamps: Hero Arts Antique Brocade Cling, Stampin' Up sentiment
Patterned Papers: Jenni Bowlin
Felt Flower: American Crafts
Flower Center: American Crafts
Versmark
Stampin' Up Craft White Ink
Punches: EK Success
Corner Rounder: Creative Memories

Caardvark's Sketchfest - Saturday

I got up later today... 4:30 am. Yes, it's another early morning card making 'fest'. No, this is not my 'bestest' work... but, alas, what is a girl to do? It's been a long long weekend....

So, no fabulous Grand Finale from this gal! And what's with that horrid freehand circle cut? Flaws always show up so much 'greater' when you photograph them:)


Sigh...

I left here at 7:30 am yesterday and did not get back until 10pm... It was a super long long day... especially after getting up at 3:30 am!!! But it was an awesome day.. A gorgeous fall Farmer's Market, followed by the fastest drive home, then back to La Grande, OR for a afternoon community meeting, with an awesome dinner featuring our meats, and a dance!

Did you hear that? Dance!!!!!! Live Band. So much fun...

Except my son would not dance with me... He's too cool now.

Everyone is sleeping in..

And to be honest, I'm looking forward to crawling back in bed!

****************
Card Recipe:
American Crafts Thickers, Flair Badge and Felt flower
Patterned Papers: Stampin' Up & Jenni Bowlin
Stamp: HA Antique Baroque Cling
Ranger Distress Ink
Versamark
Cardstock - Archiver's

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Caardvark's Sketchfest - Friday!

OK.. Call me crazy, but I got up at 3am to do this card! It took me exactly one hour. Yesterday was a super full day, and I didn't get home until 9pm, then I ate dinner, and then I said 'bedtime'.

The really crazy part? This isn't even the card that I had in my mind while I 'slept'! (OK, if you are a card maker or scrapbooker, and don't see visions of sketches and products floating in your head while you attempt to sleep, I must be crazy!)... Any hoot (Get it? Hoot?) I have some Graphic 45 papers that are just dying to get used! And then, there are some super cute Unity stamps I wanted to use! But, oh well... somehow these goodies caught me eye and said 'we want to play'!!!!

And that is how my itty bitty busy brain works in the early hours!

Why, you say? I was gonna just say 'forget it, I don't have time', but, heck I am only 2 sketches away from the finish line!!!

My weekend is oh so packed, and like I said, I just could not throw in the towel... as easy as it would be.. and most likely I will do the same thing again tomorrow morning.. I have another crazy busy day and evening!!!

Any hoot, Thanks for looking, listening, and commenting!


Card Recipe:
Stamps: Hero Arts Antique Brocade Cling (on chipboard owl, and background cardstock- in Versamark).
Card Stock: From Archiver's
Patterned Papers: Cosmo Cricket Earth Love (swoon!)
American Crafts Flair adhesive badges and Thickers
Stampin' Up Chipboard Owl and branch
Ranger Distress Inks - on owl
Twine: unknown
Stampin' Up Makers

OOPS! Time is of the essence! I have to get this uploaded before 7am to meet the deadline! And it's 5:3ish am!!!

Phew!

Adrenaline (and coffee) rush!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Caardvark's Sketchfest - Thursday!

Happy Thursday!

Today mark's the 5th sketch challenge out of 7 for the Caardvark's Sketchfest, Sponsored by Studio Calico!!! Only two more to go, and they will be the hardest to get done.. since I 'work' on the weekends with the markets, and Saturday Night we have a big event to go to... Oh my!

I have to say, this has been an awesome event! I love love love Heidi Van Laar's Sketches! And, today's is certainly a favorite!


I turned the sketch, and started out making a pumpkin.. Well, as you can see, it morphed into a tree stump... Still gives the fall theme I so love, and perfect for a Thank You card:)

Here's the Recipe:
Stamps: Hero Arts Antique Brocade Cling Stamp (stamped in versamark onto the orange card stock), and Hero Arts Clear Design Month September (the Thanks sentiment)
Patterned paper: Cosmo Cricket Earth Love (Oh my! Love love love this stuff!). I cut the leaves out of one piece, the stump from another, and the background is also another sheet!
Button: Autumn Leaves
Linen Thread: Stampin' Up
Card Stocks: Stampin' Up and Archivers'
Inks: Versamark, Timber Brown Stazon

And that's a wrap!
Thanks so much for looking!!!!

And tell me, do you see a pumpkin????

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Caardvark's Sketchfest - Wednesday!

My Interpretation


It's day four peeps of the Caardvark's Sketchfest sponsored by Studio Calico!
If you click on the link you can see all the creations by the design teams!

******

I'm still hanging in there - but had to really get a card done fast! Today is a full day.. and duty is calling! (Had a phone call which has changed the day's 'outlook' and had my husband give me a fun errand to do! NOT! Anyway, I just gotta get to work and need to get this baby posted!)

I have another idea.. more complicated.. and if I get time I will play with it tonight!!!




Card Recipe:
Stamps: Stampin' Up (Deer, Wolf, and Sentiment from Nature Silhouettes), Hero Arts Brocade Cling (it's stamped in versamark, and is 'behind' the quote)
Patterned Papers: Creative Memories
Card Stock: Stampin' Up
Creative Memories leaf punch
Linen Thread: Stampin' Up
Button: Autumn Leaves

Again, thank you so much for looking and for all your sweet comments!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Caardvark's Sketchfest - Tuesday!

Oh my! Another day of the Caardvark's Sketchfest sponsored by Studio Calico!

Today I went with my own version of the sketch - meaning, not exactly the same, but similar.

When I saw the sketch I knew I wanted a Halloween scene with a tree and moon!

A hunt through my stash of supplies resulted in what you see above..

Let's see if your mind works like mine..

The tree is supposed to be the vertical rectangle,
The round journal sticker, EEK, is the round circle behind the vertical rectangle
The tombstones and bat trail are supposed to be the horizontal rectangle
And the Happy Halloween and brads are to be the vertical sentiment




Card Recipe
:
Card Stock: Archivers (purple - cut a card) and Stampin' Up (black)
Rub-ons: K&Company
Brads: Making Memories Spellbound Collection
DieCut Journaling Stickers: Making Memories Spellbound Collection (EEK! and happy halloween)


Thanks for looking!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Caardvark's Sketchfest - Monday!

OK! I snuck in some card making time before having to head out the door! Here is my take on today's sketch for the Caardvark's Sketchfest, which is sponsored by Studio Calico! Man, what prizes they are giving away! Really... You should squeeze some playtime in!

Confession: There is not one stamp on this card! ACK! I might come back in the late evening to modify that... Got a case of 'I'm missing something' here!

Thanks for looking!

Card Recipe:
Patterned Papers: Cloud cut from Cosmo Cricket Earth Love... Other papers, I'm not sure!
Jenni Bowlin raffle ticket
Making Memories Wooden Letters.. A RAK! Thank You Lauren!
Flair adhesive badge
Little flower - Prima
Photo corner: Unknown


PS.. We woke to 30 degrees.. Then it dropped to 25!!! Holy Moly... First Killing Frost of the year (the earlier 32, and 33 don't count)... The kids rushed through their chores and I went out and changed the frozen rabbit water... Everyone else's was just fine!

Chilly Willy! Gotta check all the winter gear to see if boots and coats fit! Rubber boots give you cold toes when it's chilly... Just ask mine!

On My Bookshelf - It's Reading Season Again!

I Can't Wait to Read This!
One of my very favorite authors!
She is hot hot hot

But, Right Now I'm Reading This!
Just started this baby last night!
I feel a few late nights are coming up!
Another awesome author.
LOVED The Da Vinci Code!

And, I Just Finished This!
Yep. A good book!
Man I love good books!

Do you see a pattern?
I love to read about religions, and secrets, and hidden things
and protected things, and past cultures.
Good stuff...

Now that 'life' is slowing down a bit I have time to read! My routine is to go to bed right after the kids go to bed. During the summer they are up to 9:30pm.. Oh my.. hard to read at that time for me! And, now that school is back in session, bed time is a decent 8:00 pm! Perfect for that 1 hour of reading before turning the lights off!

What are you reading?

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Caardvark's Sketchfest - Sunday!

Sketchfest Day 1 - View 2

Hello everyone!

It's a blustery day here at Casa de Sexton, with yummy autumn 'sunlights' and our leaves are starting to change!

Today's sketch over at the Caardvark's Blog for the Sketchfest was just right for the awesome fall day that greeted us this morning - 55 degrees, a little crisp, and now, 65 degrees and windy! The perfect jeans, t-shirt and hoody weather!

So Day 1 is under my belt and only 6 more to go! Yippee!

So, my crafty friends, you really should go over and check out the prizes (from Studio Calico) and the awesome GRAND PRIZE is a guest DT membership with the Caardvark's Crew! The Grand prize is only available to those that play all 7 days!

Are ya gonna play?
I double dog dare ya!

Have a great Sunday!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Tree from Hero Arts Sparkle Clear 'Love That'; Sentiment from Hero Arts Sparkle Clear 'Tea for Two'.
Patterned Papers: Creative Memories. A gift from a friend and what a great fall set!
Leaf punch: Creative Memories - two punches in one
Buttons: Autumn Leaves, Basic Grey
Linen Thread, Ribbons: Stampin Up
Inks: Copic Markers; Ranger Distress Vintage Photo; Timber Brown Stazon





Saturday, September 19, 2009

Tonight At Midnight.....

CaardVarks Meets Studio Calico Meets Heidi Van Laar's Sketches

Are you going to play???
It starts tonight.
One sketch a day.
For seven whole days!!

I'm clearing the deck!!

Click Here for Info

*****************

This Past Week...

  1. I'm down to 9 hours a week at my job. Frustrating for me. Frustrating for my boss. It's slow and she can't afford all of us. I told her I would look for another job and not to worry about me... Big Girl that I am:). So, I applied for 2 jobs. Yep. Tough Times.
  2. So, since I didn't have to work on Tuesday, I did a 'go fetch the chickens' run and meat run. Joy. Lots of heavy lifting.
  3. I wrote a letter to the editor. Dang they printed the whole thing and gave me a photo and everything! I used to be a freelance writer for them. Cracks me up. My file photo is as old as my kids! HA!
  4. I stayed home today. Got up at 3am to get ready for Boise, but ack! Got the blas... Flu tummy type of stuff. So glad I stayed home. Lots of running to the lou. I have scrubbed 2 bathrooms so far.. one more to go. When people are sick the germs freak me out. I clean bathrooms to send them far away! Weird. I know. But after landing on the kids toilet, and sitting in who knows what.... it was all I could stand! (or sit..)
  5. Sami was home from school on Thursday. She caught a cold. I think #1 came from #2
  6. Yesterday, I managed to take Sami shopping for volleyball shoes, shorts, a ball of her own and pump. Kaching! I told her before we would not do this unless she stayed on the team. Looks like this sport is a stickin'! She's on the B team. She got to catch a bus at 7 am last Saturday, go far away, and sit and watch the A team play. Poor thing! She got home about 4:30 pm - I interecepted her and took her to the crop til you drop. She dropped at 8pm. See #2. I told the coach I was keeping her home this weekend..
  7. Jake was supposed to sleep at a little friend's house last night. We did a trip to town and I took him to the 'house' (read: shanty). Did a 'run through' of the house because something was just nagging me. Intuition? I was totally grossed out by the living conditions...Nasty. Big Dog smell throughout. Dirty dishes, nasty dirty carpet, clothes and naked beds. Every room we walked through was converted to a bedroom. I did leave him there, but I could not take it. I needed an escape clause. Sami and I ran errands (#6), and then I went back, got both boys and brought them here instead. Told the mom 'why don't I take the boys instead to give you a break (from your 4 kids and three extras and what ever it is that occupies your time all day)? I'm still very bothered by the whole thing. She was to come get her boy at 11 this morning. She did not come until 12:15. And that was after I asked her son to call her and find out what was up. And there I was. On my couch, feeling icky.. waiting for her so I could go to bed! Double ack. The boys had fun, got lots of big outdoor playtime (their yard was pulverized dirt) and they were none the wiser. I'm glad the 'right voice' came out when I needed it the most. That was a very awkward situation. Just hope that kid doesn't get the flu. But, I think his immune system must be dang strong!
  8. It's gonna rain. Well, it's threatening to rain. I wish it would!
  9. The apple trees are bursting! Fall has arrived. Soon we will need to cut wood, clean the chimney, clean the garage, the yard, and fill boxes and boxes with apples.
I'd rather just scrap and stamp.
Come on Midnight!



Sunday, September 13, 2009

Moxie Fab House Hold Items Challenge

I love Fall! Even though it's 86 degrees on this fine Mid September day, fall is showing it's colors!!! One of our Birch trees has streams of yellow leaves intermixed with the dark green.. (Love that color combo), and our Apples are almost ripe! Yeah!!!!!



Above is my entry for this weeks Hero Arts color challenge #3, as well as the Moxie Fab Household Items Challenge.

Now, here's the deal. I don't have very many 'household' item related embellies or stamps except for the Sparkle Clear 'tea for two' set from Hero Arts. So, we will have to settle for a paper pieced teacup and spoon and a teabag! I am looking forward to the day when I can just sit with a cup of tea and relax... Unfortunately, that day won't arrive until mid November - and most likely it will include snow!

By the way... I used 10 stamps on this card! I managed to pick up the New HA Brocade Cling when I was in Boise last week.. What an awesome stamp... I used it on the chipboard...

Thanks for Looking!!

Supplies:
HA Stamps: CL137 Small Variety Alpha, CG102 Antique Brocade Cling (stamped on circle chipboard), HA Sparkle Clear Tea for 2 (teacup, spoon, teabag), JS153 Month September (leaf)...

Other supplies: Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy PP; Brocade PP (unknown); Kraft & Chocolate Chip CS, ribbon, and linen thread all from SU; Autumn Leaves button; SU Top Note Die; Basic Grey naked circle chipboard; Ranger Distress Vintage Photo Ink; Old Olive SU Ink, Stazon Olive Green & Timber Brown.

Let's Back Up to 9-9-09!!!

Alrighty then....

I had a FAB 9-9-09.... In fact, you could say, it was a Moxie Fab Day!!!!

How so????

Take a Peak! Click This

Yep! My entry for the Moxie Fab Stretch Your Holiday Style - Vintage or Shabby was selected!

I was on cloud 9 when I saw the results - to actually be selected among all those fabulous entries! There were lots of other projects that I fell in love with ... and I feel honored to be selected.

Again, Cloud 9.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Remembering 9-11

I always have a hard time venturing out on 9-11.

A somber day.

Indeed.

Peace to all that have lost friends, family members, coworkers.

We will never forget.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Moxie Fab Stretch Your Holiday Style: Stamping Challenge

Happy Holidays
Supplies:
Stamps
Hero Arts A5078 Holly Bird
Hero Arts CL244 Sparkle Clear Holiday Messages (sentiment, holly)
Cosmo Cricket Jolly By Golly Patterned Papers
Ribbons: Making Memories - Noteworthy Set
Button: Foofala
Twine: Craft Supply Store
Gems: Hero Arts - Colored with Copic Pen
Inks: Stazon Timber Brown
Copic Pens to color Bird
Tim Holtz Fragments - Charm
SU Crystal Effects to adhere image to fragment


OK! This is my entry for the Moxie Fab Stretch Your Holiday Style Challenge - Stamping.
Let me tell you.. If you are looking for ANY inspiration for your holiday cards - you have to check out the submissions for the five different challenges... DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!

Originally, I was creating this card for the Fun & Cute Challenge.. But, since I have three stamps on here, I opted for the stamping challenge!!

Now, see that cute little bird? He is adhered to a charm fragment, and the fragment just so happens to have a hanger attached (it goes behind the card) so it can be an ornament, too!

I got the adorable Holly Bird stamp from Sue, over at Suzanne's Stamping Spot.. And, if you aren't familiar with her, go check her blog out! Boy that girl is talented!!!

Thanks for looking!

Only 3 more Moxie Fab Challenges to go!!!



Moxie Fab - Stretch You Holiday Style: Vintage/Shabby Challenge

Vintage Card
Supplies:
Cosmo Cricket Jolly By Jolly Patterned Papers
Jenni Bowlin Die Cut Calendar Card
Stampin' Up Ribbon , Hemp & Card Stock
Holly from Hero Arts Holly Bird Stamp
Button: Foofala
Gems: Hero Arts - Colored with Copic Pen
Copic Markers to color Holly Image



Cath Edelson of Paper Crafts Magazine has one of the funnest bogs - The Moxie Fab World. She often shares peeks of all the newest products, and Paper Crafts publications, as well as creations made by super paper crafters.

Right now she has 5 challenges going on! They are all due by midnight, tomorrow evening, so I am cranking a few out!

This one is for the Vintage & Shabby Chic Challenge.

Thanks for looking!

Hero Arts Man Week: A Masculine Card

Treasure This Day - Relax!

Supplies:
Hero Arts Stamps:
JS155 Month November (lobed leaf)
JS153 Month September (entire leaf, sentiment)
CL213 Sparkle Clear Love That (tree)
American Crafts Flair Adhesive Badges - (Relax, polka dots)
SU Linen Thread, Kraft Card Stock, Markers
Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy Patterned Paper
SU/Sizzix Top Note Die
Inks: SU, Ranger, Stazon

************

Here is my entry for this week's Hero Arts Challenge, which is to create a masculine card. It fits perfectly with the Labor Day Holiday tomorrow, and just happens to be 'the thing' for a Type A Dude (who resides in our house!!!)...


Did you check out the Hero Blog this week???? Too Darn Cute!!! Men, from the very young, to the very mature, created cards. They are so darn awesome!

Thanks for looking!

*****************







Thursday, September 3, 2009

So - What's a Chicken Run, You Ask?

These are the Pasture Poultry Chickens
In their portable pens
And the crates are in the background on the quad

This is the back of the truck loaded withBoxed Meat
That I pick up at a processor's place in Nampa, Idaho
The processor takes care of our lamb and beef

More Boxed Meat
Each week I pack 'last week's' chicken's (processed)
into boxes, load them into the truck,
then take them to storage.


And, These are my Assistants
Each Tuesday, July through September 15th
We have had Chicken Run Tuesdays
At least one lucky kid get's to come with me,
and at the end of our trip we get our Root Beer Floats
Last week was the last trip for these guys!


For those of you that have been scratching your heads.. I thought I would share with all of you what a chicken run is!

On Tuesdays, Dick and I get up at the crack of dawn. He eats. I get ready to 'go' on the said Chicken Run. I load boxes, tape, clipboard, coffee, check to pay the processor, a change of boots, and one child.

We go out in the field.

We load 40-50 chickens in crates.

Put them in the back of the truck or trailer.

And then, about 5:45 am, I take them on a scenic drive through the Baker Valley, then off to New Plymouth Idaho, where they are then 'processed'. The drive is 1.5 hours - one way.

After they are dropped off, I get to clean the back of the truck.

Then pack last week's frozen processed chickens.

Then drive to another place - 1 hour farther, to store our meat.

Sometimes I have 'double duty' and get to take lambs, and/or beef, and also deal with those boxes!


So, there you have it!
My last run was this week.. I am starting to teach classes on Tuesdays, and now that irrigation season has slowed, Mr. Sexton gets to do the runs!

Hallelujah.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Recap of Our Vacation

Huckleberry Crepes, anyone?
She ate the whole thing!

One Pancake!
He did not eat the whole thing!

Water Fun!
Two kids and a glimpse of their Dad..
In a Lake. A cold lake!

Jake and Sami
Getting used to that open water!
About 3 minutes was all they could handle...

Sami Tubing!
This was fun..

At the Marina
That's our boat company...
The morning before we launched

Jake Tubing!
This really was the best part of the whole boat experience...
For the kids, that is!

Jake, on Payette Lake
My kids have never been in a lake, on a boat, water skied, or been on a tube like this.
They rocked!


Sami Getting In for Her turn in the Tube
See those skinny arms?
No body fat on her or her brother.
The lake was cold cold cold!

I skied.
Dick skied.
The kids did not ski.

We ended up shortening the boat trip.
We had:
Two cold kids (who ended up crying)
One cold mama. Who was ready to throw the captain overboard.
One impatient Captain. Who just needed to 'Chill'.
I'll spare you the details.
Some things are best not said!!!
wink.



Jake and I In Front of Our Hotel
We had an awesome hotel!!!
Notice those long sleeve shirts?
Not good boating weather!

Our hotel had a wonderful indoor pool and huge jacuzzi!
We all ended up in it after the boat trip.
The kids swam each day.

Last week sure was a doosie!

I mean, seriously... If we look back from Tuesday, Aug. 25th to Yesterday, Sept. 1st... I can't believe I survived!

Tues: Aug. 25th: Dick was out of town. The kids and I had to do morning chores, load chickens, do the chicken run, shuffle boxed meat, come home, get Sami to Volleyball practice, meet a meat customer, eat dinner.. Then try to keep from having a breakdown - i.e. crying fit. I was so glad Tuesday ended!

Fri/Sat/Sun: Vacation. Great hotel. Great pool and Jacuzzie. Cold Lake. Impatient boat captain.
Sunday: Husbands birthday
Monday: First Day of School
Tuesday: Another Chicken Run


So there you have it.
The end of our summer!
Crazy...

And THAT is life!

First Day of School - Mom of the Year Award and... 400th Post!!!

Sami's Locker
First Day of Middle School

Sami set up her locker - and would NOT let me take a photo of her next to it!
See that note on her board? I wrote that when she was in her first class.
It was to be a surprise...

Ready for the Mom of the Year Award???????
Later that night:
Me: How was your first day?
Sami: Good! (proceeds to tell me about everything)...
AND, I had to get a lock for my locker (they are all unlocked).
SOMEONE got into mine and wrote on my board!
Me: Silence - followed with guilty look.
Sami: Was it YOU???
Me: Yes! I wanted to surprise you! I guess I should have signed it!
Sami: Hmm.. You know, I thought that it was you.
(Later) ... Mom, could you sign your notes with "M".

So. I've been demoted from mom, mommy, and momma to M.
At least, when it comes to my notes!
(I'm still all those things at home)

Jake's First Day
(He's the one in back)
Settling in. Not knowing a soul. Well, except for a girl.
He does not want to be seen with any girls!

Jake's school
The Elementary is actually three buildings.
My little guy is in here!

Sami's First Period Class - Science
I know her teacher! Turns out Sami really likes her teacher, which
she has for three different classes.
Yeah!
OH.. I had to sneak this photo.
What you don't see?
Sami is sitting alone at this desk.
I hated leaving her like that!

Sami's New School
This classic old building houses the Middle & High School students,
as well as the cafeteria for all of them and the Elementary students.
Middle School is downstairs.
High School is upstairs.
They Gym is next door.
**********

Sigh...

Well, it's extremely quiet at the ol' homestead.. My partners in Crime are back at school.

Monday was their first day and boy was it hard for all of us! I was nervous for them.

Why?
  1. New School - We moved both our kids to a new 'school' which in reality - are three schools together. Jake is in a new Elementary, Sami is now in Middle School. As I said before, it's a Charter School. This is the first year of it being a Charter School and everyone is confused! (OK, I may be speaking out of turn.. But they have no idea when open house is, etc. Things like that!).
  2. It's all New - Teachers, buildings, other kids. Finding classrooms, fitting in, and not looking like your mom is treating you like a little kid. THAT is how Day 1 was when I took the kids to their new schools! Both kids were scared... both did not want me taking photos, and both (secretly) really did not want me to leave. Clingy but not wanting to look clingy.
  3. Ever feel out of it? That's how I felt! NO idea on the bus schedules, when school gets out (it's different for both kids), where the kids get the bus after school, etc. CRUD. I like to go into things prepared! I had to call on Friday to get some answers. And, it's all being worked out!
Yesterday was my Chicken Run Tuesday. It was quiet without my buddies! No noises. No arguing. Lots of elbow room in the truck.

And no run to A&W for our Root Beer Floats...

Sigh...

School just came too early for me!

OH! This is my 400th post! Crazy, eh?

I'll come up with a little surprise later...

Thanks for listening...

2023 December Daily : Monday December 5th

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