Fall is in the air!

Going on 7 years now (I believe) I have had a party every fall. There are rules to this party. 

Rule #1- No Husbands

Rule #2- No Kids

Rule #3- Bring a "fall inspired" dish to share

And every year I look forward to it. 

And every year it is a hit! 

I am so thankful for my tribe.  For the people that enrich my life on a daily basis.  For the women that encourage and walk through with me.  I am reminded of this EVERY time I have this party. 

Here are just a few pictures from the extravaganza.

I am so thankful God gave me this "sister". I could not have asked for family more wonderful in her. 

We had several "out of towners" return for the festivities and Trish was one of them. 

I believe last count there were 41 ladies here last night, and SO.MUCH.FOOD. I should have gotten a picture of the spread.

This beautiful soul is battling cancer and is winning I might add. I love her so much.  She has been a great source of encouragement and I am so thankful that I get to be a part of her life. 

Stephanie has recently joined my life and I am thankful God brought her to Sun Valley.  She is a major blessing to all of us. 

This one...whew, God blessed me with this girl.  Heather and I have been through a TON and I couldn't ask for a better friend to walk through life with. 

Above all I am so very thankful for our church and homeschool community that has brought many of these ladies together. A blessing for sure!  

Until next year...

An American Girl Dream

Avarie wanted desperately to go to the American Girl store with her best friend Ella for her birthday.  So we set a date and Ella, Avarie, Heather and I went to Seattle for the day.  

It may have been the highlight of her year. 

Avarie had been saving money for months to be able to do this trip.  She had racked up almost $200 to spend, thanks to family that contributed to the cause.  Avarie forgo having birthday presents asking instead for money or American Girl gift cards. 

 They can barely contain their enthusiasm.

 This place was a marketing marvel.  Walking in makes you want to spend money.  It is all pink and girly, and like entering a little girls dream.  I mean they even have a holder in the bathroom for your "girl".

 For some reason my phone isn't uploading all the pictures so I don't have a picture of the cake/lunch the girls had.  But they got these crowns to celebrate their birthdays.  

These sweet girls have been best friends since birth, similar to their brothers. I look forward to many more activities like this. Praying they grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord as they make these sweet memories.  

First Duck

Tim and TJ went hunting this weekend during the youth hunt and TJ was able to shoot his very first ever duck!  He was SOOOO excited and is hoping to have it mounted.  We'll see....

When God paints the sky

First Day..

Well...it has begun, another year of Classical Conversations, another year of homeschool.  

Homeschooling has been one of the GREATEST decisions we have made regarding our children, and we are so thankful to continue to be called to this.  We love Classical Conversations and our kids have been counting down the days until it started up again.  

We started Monday, Sept. 9th and it was AWESOME as it has been!  

TJ is in the 5th grade now! (How did that happen?)  

He is in both Foundations and Essentials through Classical Conversations.  

He eats ALL.THE.TIME. which I am told happens.  

TJ is not a huge fan of "school" but if he had to pick his favorite subject would be his memory work for CC. 

Avarie Rae is in the 3rd grade (Again, how?).  

She is in Foundations with CC, and loves it!  She has made some sweet girlfriends there and I love that she is surrounded by such precious girls.  

Avarie loves to write and asks everyday when we are doing "school".  Her favorite subjects are Art and Bible

Lylah Rose is in pre-K, and though very shy is enjoying being in "school".  Lylah loves to write her name, and though she is still  behind in speech, she is making progress. 

They are having so much fun together. 

Advo-twins

My sweet Avarie wanted to match today and so they decided this was a great combo.  I agree!

Mobile blogging???

Apparently I can blog from my phone...oh you all are in for a treat now!