Summer 2011

As summer is coming to an end, I thought I would update you on the ins and outs of our family. We have been slowly plugging away on the plans for the house. Our house needs insulation, central a/c, a landscaped backyard, and a paved driveway. We decided to start with the backyard. It is probably the cheapest of the items that need to be done. We are ripping out the weeds, cutting down the tree that is knocking our fence down, and will reseed the grass. We want to plant a vegetable garden and put in a park area for our daughter. We have the swing set sitting on the patio right now (an odd place). I can't wait for a nice place to sit outside. I am an outdoors kind of a gal and I can't wait for a nice landscaped backyard.

Our plan to insulate our house is tear the dry wall off room by room and add insulation. We will start with the office and then move our bedroom to the office for a few months while we do our bedroom.

I have been plugging away at my Master's classes this summer. I have 5 down and 5 to go. I have been toying with the idea of getting a music credential when I'm done. My home district hires music teachers. That is a 5 year plan but would be a ton of fun. Music is lacking in the classrooms because of all the pressure of state testing and lack of funding. I am guilty as charged.

The kids started school this week at their brand new school. They seem to be happy, making friends, and they like their teachers. I volunteered in my son's room the other day and both of their rooms next week. It is so nice to be a parent volunteer. I have never been able to do this and I am happy to help.

We are looking for dance classes for Jenna. We are major debating about hockey for Johnathan. There is too much Sunday activities and we are teaching him the value of loving the Lord and resting once a week.

We rested this summer, didn't go anywhere, but had a great time. The kids spent time with their grandma, went to the fair, movies, swimming, park, and their new favorite activity, thrift stores. I still am recovering from foot surgery. I am hoping the pain will all be worth it in the end.