"Boo" Door Hanger and Catch-up

I recently saw this fall door hanger on Pinterest and wanted to make something similar as a birthday gift.  It was a quick project, and the letters are only about $2.50 each at Hobby Lobby.  Grab a few acrylic paints and ribbon and start painting!  (I also sprayed these with a high-gloss sealer.)

Another simple little fall gift idea:  Buy plain stationery at Hobby Lobby and print name on it at home like these chevron cards, then add fall stickers, a stamp and a pen.  I think I might do a Christmas version of these for teacher gifts. 

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So school is going fine for the kids.  We're all getting adjusted to the routine again, and everyone loves their teachers.  It sure feels super busy again with school and the extra activities.  Gymnastics, D-Group (small group Bible study) and weekly school prayer meeting all started back up this week.  I'm glad there's a three day weekend ahead.

Cros walking in to his classroom--I can't believe he's this big!

Alexee usually opens her lunchbox as soon as she gets in the car and starts eating leftovers.

Rhett is loving guitar lessons!  He's been practicing on his own--so proud of him!

Lane was off work last Saturday, and we all went to the Museum of Discovery.

 This Arkansas floor map reminds me of when Joey gets "into the map" in London.  Ha!

Alexee borrowed my phone to photograph all these critters:

(She liked the ferret sleeping in the hammock)

A museum employee came by with a box turtle, which Alexee and Crosby loved.

Then we had lunch at Purple Cow.  Crosby was in a bad mood for some reason and didn't want to eat anything, including his purple shake??  He took a long nap that afternoon--guess he was just tired.  

before church on Sunday

Crosby asked me to make their picture on the rock wall after church...I think it was just an excuse to get to climb up there.  :)

Monday morning Crosby and I took Bogart to the vet for his check-up.  Bogart now weighs 22.4 lbs. He should weigh around 16-18 so he's on a "no people-food" and restricted treats diet. He hates to go on walks (he gets so nervous), but he does love to chase a tennis ball so we're going to try to help him exercise that way.  He's 10 years old, and we don't want him to have back problems.  I love this picture of C sitting next to him in the vet's office.

We're celebrating Lane's birthday with family tonight and looking forward to seeing friends this weekend.  Have a great holiday weekend!

Crosby's First Day

Today was Crosby's first day of school, and he was ready to go!  He goes two days each week, same as last year.  He couldn't wait to get there to play with the big dump truck that he saw in the classroom during the Meet-the-Teacher visit!

 LOVE THEM!

So very very thankful to get to be their mom!

 Such a happy boy!

 This is where he keeps his mat, backpack and lunch.

He had a great day.  His school doesn't start carpool line until after Labor Day so Rhett, Alexee and I walked inside to get him.  When he saw us he ran to us--smiling--and told us that he had spelled his name with magnets on the board.  Then he hurried out to his chair to get this painting that he made.  :)

First Day of School: 1st & 4th

Ready or not, it's back-to-school time!  Today was the first day of 1st Grade for Alexee and 4th Grade for Rhett.  Crosby's first day of Pre-K4 is tomorrow.  I tried to do as much as possible last night so that this morning would go smoothly, but of course it still felt rushed to get out the door on time!  Rhett and Crosby have been up at the crack of dawn ALL SUMMER, but today everyone decided to sleep in!?!  I had to wake all three of them up--ha!

I printed these sweet lunch box notes from here:

 Lunch boxes ready to go.

I made little treat bags for after school (C got his a day early).  Nothing fancy--just m&ms, suckers, chapstick and gum.  When I gave them to the kids in afternoon carpool, Alexee said, "Wow, you REALLY wanted us to have a great day, didn't you!?"  She's so sweet!  :)

 

Clothes and backpacks on the stairs.  I love to see their clothes and shoes lined up--makes my heart happy and thankful! :)

We had just enough time for a few quick pics on the front steps.  I wish I would have had Crosby stand with them for a picture even though he wasn't going to school today.  (Found these fun chalkboard signs on Pinterest. 

Praying for a GREAT school year for these cuties...and for Crosby too!  It is my prayer that they would shine for the Lord every day and in every situation!

We love you, Rhett!

 We love you, Alexee!

We were so happy that Lane was able to go to school with us this year!  He had just worked a 12 hour night shift so I know he was exhausted, but it was fun to be able to go as a family!  They were so sweet walking in together.

Alexee and her dear friend, Kylie

I was worried that Alexee would have a difficult time at drop-off, but she did fine!  Lane walked her over to her class line and she sat down, no tears.

Rhett found someone he recognized from his class and went to get in line.

I knew I was going to miss them today!  I was really ready for pick-up time so I could see them and hear how the day went.  They both had a good day with no issues to report.  We went straight from school to the park where we met several friends.  It was great to visit with everyone about the day's events.  We played for an hour and then took Rhett to his first-ever guitar lesson.  He was very excited about starting!  I hope he continues to show interest and learns quickly!

We are trying to get back to a good night-time routine.  I thought Alexee and Marie Grace looked so sweet in their matching nightgowns.  We read books and got in bed early...hopefully everyone will be rested up and ready for day 2!

Playground & Promotion Sunday

Lane didn't have to work last Saturday, so we went out to lunch at Big Orange, then I took the kids to the playground while Lane did an online training course.  It was another beautiful afternoon!  It was nice to have a relaxing weekend before school started.

Here are a few pictures from the playground.  Alexee always finds flowers to pick. :)

Sunday morning.

It was promotion Sunday at church.  The kids all moved to new classrooms.  Since we are often there for both services, Rhett now has the opportunity to serve as a student volunteer in the 4 year old classroom.  So he was a helper in C's classroom!  Crosby was so excited, and I think Rhett really enjoyed it.  The student volunteers help with snacks, crafts and playground time.  :)  The kids are at such fun ages right now--I'd like to freeze time!

Meet the Teacher Visits

Last night was Meet-the-Teacher Night at Rhett and Alexee's elementary.  Alexee has been a little nervous about returning to school, but the classroom visit seemed to help put her at ease about a new teacher and a new classroom.  I wish she could have had at least one of her close friends in the same classroom with her--that would have made her feel even better--but I trust she will make some wonderful new friends this year!  As a 4th grader, Rhett isn't nervous at all--this is all routine to him now.

FIRST GRADER

Here she is with her new teacher.  She was very nice and made Alexee feel welcome.  I've heard from several people that she is a wonderful teacher!

Rhett was sweet asking her to pose by her door for a photo. 

And here is Rhett with his new teacher!  She was super nice, too.  Rhett knew of her and was excited when he found out he would be in her room. 

CANNOT BELIEVE IT!  

(Am I really this old??)

Dropping off all of his supplies at his assigned seat

Taking a picture of the class list

(there were some familiar names)

And here's Crosby...having fun, as always!

And then this morning it was Crosby's turn to go meet his teachers and see his new room!  One of his teachers had both Rhett and Alexee in Pre-K4, so we already know and love her.  And the other sweet lady taught him last year in the 3 yr old room, so we know and love her too!  He had fun looking around at all the different toys and work stations.  He didn't want to leave...so I think he'll be just fine next week!

School year 2013-2014, here we go!