A Bend in the Road

As some of you already know, I resigned from teaching last week. I am so excited to be staying home with Olivia and Ethan, taking care of Scott and our humble home. God is always at work for our good, sometimes even in spite of ourselves. This is a true blessing, one that only He could bestow. I won't be concerned with work until after the kids are in school full time. I am hoping then to work for myself, or maybe work on that children's book idea (a series actually) I've had for about 6 years. As we well know, seasons change and the road bends unexpectedly so we will see what God has in store.

Here are some adorable pictures of Olivia in her new dresses on her way to Mars Hill and Ethan just being "so cute" (as he says).













On Sunday we went to a John Deere themed birthday party for Jack (turning 5) and Sam (turning 3). Ethan really just wanted to eat the entire time and was an excellent little boy with no nap. Olivia was quiet but participated in all of the games and had a great time on the hay ride!

Our New Adventure

Our new adventure is off to a wonderful start! Ethan loves his daycare provider (Sue) and has so much fun with the other kids. It is so adorable how he hugs Olivia and gives her a big kiss before going off to his "school." Olivia loves Preschool and I am completely in love with being her teacher. She is very good at school and is making friends so well, yet is still able to play on her own and make her own choices. We will be going on her first field trip soon - to an apple orchard! It should be a great time! On Tuesdays and Thursdays Olivia goes to Sue's house with Ethan. Olivia loves it there too and on the days when she goes to Preschool she still wants to go in when I pick up Ethan and tell Sue all about her day. So sweet.

I can't believe autumn is just around the corner! It is one of my favorite times of the year so I am looking forward to it. Of course the cooler weather brings endless discussion about Halloween costumes. Scott and I were both raised by moms who made our costumes every year, so we are not big into spending a ton of money on things they likekly won't wear ever again. Both Olivia and Ethan do not like things on their faces, so no masks. Olivia talks about wanting to be Tinkerbell, a fairy, an angel, or, well, I guess anything with wings. Ethan, poor thing, doesn't really have choice this year. Scott and I decided for him. He will surely be "so cute" though!

First Day of School

While I had meetings the week before school started, Olivia and Ethan went to childcare for the first time ever. They actually were there for full days, which is not the case when I work. So, needless to say, Scott and I were concerned about how they would handle all of these changes in their lives. Turns out they both loved it! They go to an in home child care. Sue, the provider, only takes care of teachers' children from St. Anthony and Holy Spirit. It's so ideal. Actually, over the years we have been extremely blessed in the child care department. So here they are, so excited, ready to leave for their first day of child care...












I can not believe my baby girl is in school! Olivia was so excited the first day and absolutely loved going to school. At first she stuck right by my side as I set up the classroom and when the kids starting coming in, eventually she relaxed and really enjoyed herself. I just love looking out at the kids and seeing her sweet face smiling back at me. She even raised her hand several times and answered questions, quite a surprise from our shy little one. I also completely enjoy hearing her conversations with kids and watching her on the playground, during which, shockingly, she was no where near me. She is growing up so fast. I am forever grateful for the golden opportunity of being her Preschool teacher. Here are pictures from her first day - at home, in front of school, in the classroom - and on her second day of school. Obsessive, I know.













And of course Buddy wanted to pose too.

So long, farewell summer

For teachers and students, summer is officially over, although the hot temps lately make that hard to believe. We spent our last days of summer enjoying the beach, the zoo, and bike riding. We went to the zoo with my brother Craig's daughter, Kaitlyn. Olivia and Ethan just adore her and hang on her every word and movement. Oh, and Olivia felt the need to bring her umbrella (so my daughter) in case it rained and ended up using it to shade herself.










While at the zoo we touched and fed the stingrays. Ethan and Kaitlyn thought that was really neat. Me and Liv, not so much.








We also took Kaitlyn to Sasha's beach in Holland. Elly and the boys were there also. Kailtyn loved the water and had a great time. The water was so nice, the warmest I've ever felt Lake Michigan. What a beautiful day!









These last days of summer have seen Olivia riding her bike (with training wheels)all over the place! She is so sweet in her Princess helmet on her Princess bike shouting joyfully "Look at me! Look at me!" We have some very sweet videos of her riding that bike.