August 2011

August Activities and happenings

School
It seems that school occupied the majority of the mind this month. I was busy preparing for my first year as a second grade teacher and my 11th year teaching. It would seem that since I've taught for 11 years that the beginning of school would become old hat - SOOOOO not true! Each year is different and unique. Every year I feel unprepared and every year I am still eager and nervous for the first day of school.

Addie begins 1st grade!
Addison began her very first year of full-time school! 1ST GRADE - what? Where did the time go? This summer I watched some of our video yearbooks and cried when I saw how much she has changed in the past few years. I LOVE having her come to school with me each day - she makes my day when she hugs me on the playground during my recess duty. Her teacher is Mrs. Westrand and at first she was unsure about this new teacher - she said, "mom, she shouts a lot". Since my classroom is right next door I laughed because I am well aware of the decibel level of her teacher's voice -she IS loud but Addie quickly got used to it and enjoys school now. She has made some good Christian friends that happened to attend Nampa Christian last year so that has been a blessing.

Rhett begins preschool - and Daycare!
I never thought that I would say that I send my child to daycare - that term has always had negativity surrounding it for me and I vowed when I had children that I would not allow them to attend any daycare. However, this is just not any daycare - this is Mrs. Cox's daycare! And if I was to trust anyone besides my family with my son it would be her - she's pretty much amazing and has been doing daycare for over 25 years - in the same building. Rhett loves it and doesn't mind going three days a week. He is learning the letters in his name and how to write his name. He calls Mrs. Cox "Nanna" because his friend Tyson does which I think is too cute and each evening tells us what manners he learned throughout the day. He came home last night and told Jeremy, "Hi, Daddy - it is so good to see you!" Then he said, "That's good manners!" Even though it is not labeled as a "Christian" daycare - the owners and teachers are good Christian people and they make the kids pray before meals. I couldn't have asked for a better situation this year for Rhett - he is learning, he is having fun, he is well-loved and cared for and I don't feel like I'm inconviencing anyone to watch him - mommy relief! Even though 10 times out of 10 he would rather be at his mimi's house - there is no place like mimi's and luckily he does get to go there on Mondays and spend the day with her - and he LOVES it!

Books Read

The Last book of the Hunger Games - excited to see the movie next year.

intriguing story about modern day Afghanistan - stirred up so many emotions in me.

Movies

One of the best movies of the year - LOVE IT!

This was a good movie - not one that I think I would own but good clean entertainment!

Jeremy and I celebrated our 11th anniversary (uneventfully)

We have never really done anything "huge" for our anniversary - even for our 10th (no money!) And this year was no different but it was perfect because we were able to spend an afternoon and evening together. We went to some antique stores and then went to dinner at Jaker's and out to see the movie "Captain America". I can't tell you how many times throughout the course of our lives together that I've thanked God for giving him such a perfect man for me. He is my best friend and my home. I love him more than words and love him 10 times more than the day I married him. It's refreshing to know that after so many years I truly "know" him and still love him unconditionally. I'm grateful!

 

My mom's birthday

My mom celebrated her ? birthday this year on the same day as our anniversary. Each year she usually has an extravagant plan for the birthday which is fun - I knew I got my love for partying somewhere. We spent the evening at my mom and dad's house, had barbeque chicken and then went down to USwirl for yogurt and then came back to the house for a round of Settler's. It was a fun way to celebrate with my mom - only the most amazing mom in the universe! So grateful for her and her influence on my life!

New Recipe

Homemade Granola - soooo yummy!

4 cups old-fashioned oats

2 Tbsp. maple syrup or honey

2 Tbsp. canola oil

2 Tbsp. water

1/2 tsp. vanilla

your choice of dried fruit or nuts ( I used dried cranberries, dried apples and sliced almonds)

1 tsp. cinnamon (I always use more :)

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

heat over to 275 degrees

mix oil, honey and vanilla and water in bowl

stir in oats - use hands to mix

spread mixture on large baking pan and place in over for 30 min.

stir every 15 min.

After 30 min. stir in almonds and cook for another 15 min.

Remove from oven and stir in dried fruit

Let sit for about 15 min. and put in jar or container to store.

It's my new favorite cereal with almond milk - Yum!

(Wish I had a picture to show you - but - I don't have any on hand right now to take a picture of - it's on my "to do" list for this month)

That pretty much sums up August! The end to a great summer!


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