Friday's Five

 1.  This week my Dalton Family reunited for a dinner out on the town.  It was a little strange to be the only one no longer working full time; however, I was convicted, yet again by how fortunate I am to be doing something I love and to have been home with Janessa this year.

 Kids were cooking up some yumminess this week:  Rainbow skewers and dip, homemade carrot cake, and vegetable lasagna mini cups.  Raddish.com is such a great concept and I'm so fortunate the school pays for our monthly subscription.

 3.  School is still in session, even though this one is itching for a break.  Don't fret, she has plenty of down time!  She loves to play, so any amount of work feels like a lot this late in the year.  She knows even more than the other two knew entering into kindergarten, so I'm not going to stress.  We will continue to read and write some over the course of the summer, but I am happy with her growth and excited to see her connect all the dots next year!
 4.  We watched the fight at a friend's house...I'm not a big fight watcher,  but I'm glad we went.  Their hospitality was so appreciated, especially after a long day at the track!  It's the kind of home that screams, "inviting" and "come as you are."  There are no pretenses. That night was a gift, and little hands snapped a picture of us on the couch. She wanted to be with the big kids outside, but not yet.  Why is it they want to grow up too soon?  

 5.  This guy is hard at work with a research paper on the California Gold Rush.  Teaching writing to other people's children is waaaay easier than teaching it to my own.  It's crazy how our district relies so heavily on parent support and involvement.  In my old district, there's no way I could have expected this to be done at home from start to finish. . .unless I only wanted to receive about ten back! I can't wait to see what he and his daddy build for their model.

Friday's Five

 1.  I find it very appropriate that we were able to get away for a lunch date on the 1st of the month.  The calendar  looks insane, so it was comforting to know that we've already hit #5 of 15 dates this year.

 2.  Janessa and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen this week.  I can not reiterate how much I will miss her when she is away at school next year.  I've really tried to expand my imaginative play gene recently, as I realize the days won't be filled with her asking me to play dolls or Barbies.  There's sadness and joy intertwined...but we do the kitchen well together.  My little helper.

 3.  We spent some quality time together Sunday.  Frozen yogurt is fun!  I'm not sure why this picture is moving.  But I am cracking up as I sit here writing this because I have no idea what is going on.  I wonder if you will see us being silly when I publish this. . .

 4.  I got a couple cute shirts this week.  The one below has the most awesome definition of homemaker that I have ever read.  The one above serves to remind me to be courageous and kind.  For some reason, those two together just seem to go, like peanut butter and jelly to me.

I've been pondering what to do with myself next year.  I know I want to help in Nessa's classroom.  I know I will co-lead the Moms group at church and hope to grow it.  I will continue with bible study because I'm learning so much!  I know I will continue to teach a couple writing classes.  I have six returning students to consider when I'm scheduling, but beyond that there are big, huge question marks.  I have this burning desire to really dig and ask myself hard questions to see where I belong at this point in the game.  It's become easier to say that I stay home.  I don't need to immediately follow it up with how I taught for 17 years. . .but still!!!

May is here and it will go fast, so I just keep trying to capture regular moments that mean the world to me. I've become this sentimental sap!  I guess I've always been sentimental, but it seems to have gotten more so and I don't feel like that is entirely a bad thing.

We are branching out with other couples again.  My neighbor came over for coffee this weekend, and E took his cup over there.  We went to dinner down the street with them, and another couple.  We are going to watch the fight at a dear friend's house who we don't have the opportunity to see nearly enough.  Another neighbor couple stopped over for an hour or so disgruntled about the teachers parking in front of their house. And we got new neighbors next door in Uncle Dennis' place and they came over today with stuffed huskies for ALL of the kids.  They own 2 miniatures and our kiddos are in love.  It feels good to be home.  "To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition."--Samuel Johnson

That's it. I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

5.  Keep being happy at home. It's contagious.

Friday's Five

1.  I missed bible study this week.  Someone was complaining ALL morning long about going, so rather than fight it--I watched on-line and she stayed in jammies.  Win/Win.  

2.  Someone had the playdate of the year this week.  These two and their lambies had a great time together.  I got a ton of cleaning out drawers and cabinets done.  I'm on a roll.  I feel like I just want to go through everything before Summer begins and it is coming at us quickly!

3.  We planted some tomatos, strawberries, blueberries, and chilis.  Lets see what this years harvest will yield.  It's fun to water, wait, and see.

4.  This guy turned double digits this week.  Bubba.  Be still my heart.

5.  We all look forward to our Skype chats.  This lady has been gone a while but we're anxiously awaiting her return and praying over her future.