Volunteer

The school year has really begun for me.  I've started to help out with various activities at the kids' schools.

This past week I got to be a lap marker-offer at the Jog-r-walk event at Lucas' school.  For each lap, they earned whatever amount of money that their sponsors said they would donate.  It was fun cheering the kids on while they ticked off each quarter mile lap.  Although, I had one kid dis OSU (I was wearin' the colors!)

My next fun event was to teach a one hour class for Lucas' teacher.  Each week, I'll be doing a lesson/activity on the months' character trait.  We began the year with empathy.  I had the kids walking in Ivan's big shoes, role playing, and laughing.  (Have I ever taught a class without some laughter???)  It was loads of fun.  Lucas has a nice group of kids in this class!

Next week, I'll be starting my volunteering at the middle school in the library.  I've been asked to lead some teen reading groups and help with some book displays.  Don't know any details, yet, but I'll keep you posted!

P.S.  Tomorrow I'll be getting my first calling here.  What do you think it is?

General Conference Packets

Pictionary with Sage

Today we enjoyed a fun game of pictionary.  Of course, we don't play the way the instructions tell you to.  We have our own way of playing.  One that we developed with our friend Ian.

My personal favorite is "Screepy Hair!"  I'm not sure where she got that term, but that is her way of referring to crazy or messed up hair.  (Mine?)

Empty MailBox

Empty Mailbox

This is my standing next to an empty mailbox (a bunch of empty mailboxes) at the Idaho City Museum.  There are a number of exhibits detailing the history of the lovely little town of Idaho City.  My favorite display was the one about the early postal system in town.

Reruns

One month of Idaho living and counting.  Two reruns already.  Not the television kind.  In Relief Society:  First was a repeat lesson on the Priesthood.  It was nice to have the information presented in a different way.  And second, our enrichment lesson this week.

This will be my second time through this program!  Love it!  But what should I major in?

Zucchini Part 2

(Thanks everyone, for not pointing out that I totally spelled zucchini wrong last time.)

A couple more recipes that we really liked:

And, you'll all be impressed:  I have been teaching Sage how to make ramen noodles in the microwave.  Now, if only she could reach it by herself, I'd never have to get out of bed!!!

Walking Part 2

When school started, my walks took on a different form.  Sage & I accompany Lucas to school, then take the long way home.  (She on her pink barbie bike with handle bar streamers waving & me on foot.)  We talk about the pretty flowers, bugs, what the boys will be doing at school, and Sage's favorite topic of late, what time it is. 

Sage must ask me 30 times a day what time it is.  I'm not sure why.  Doubt my answers mean anything to her, but she has to see me look at a clock or my cell phone, otherwise she doesn't believe my answers!

Back to walking.  I am happy to say that I find myself craving my morning walks.  I even walked on Labor Day (a day I had always reserved for not doing anything productive) and quite enjoyed it despite some chilly temps. 

In support of my walking, my sweetheart got me some new walking clothes.  (Now, I really can't slack!)  Hopefully, I can score me some new shoes if I keep this up!!!

The Routine

Although I love breaks & vacations as much as the next guy, I do have to say that I love having a routine!

It is very nice having a set time to get up & some deadlines for getting things done.

This year, I have an hour and a half in between getting the oldest on the school bus, and the middle child out the door headed to school.  This allows me some one on one time with each of them.

Thanks to some inspiration and the fact that he is now in the Young Men's program at church, I decided to start reading one section of For the Strength of Youth each morning before Ethan heads out to the bus stop.  We also share a prayer together.  It's sort of our mini seminary class.  (I guess technically it's a devotional of sorts, but I like mini seminary!)

Lucas enjoys having breakfast with me (as I am more awake at this later time in the morning).  We get to chit chat a bit without interruption (which is a rare thing around here).  This child is working on memorizing the 13 Articles of Faith.  We are on #7.

Lastly, my little girl will finally get to be with mommy with no one else around.  We spent our first "Girl's Day" calling our friend who always went shopping with us.  Then, we went to our favorite girl hangouts:  Target & Kohls.  Also, the local library does weekly story time with a craft!!!

Of course, my routine cut short this week as my mother-in-law came to visit.  Ethan will be ordained a Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood Sunday!!!  Very exciting for all of us!!!