River Rafting Adventure: July 2018

 Kern River was quite the experience this summer. I sure am glad my friend has a bucket list from which plan our adventures together. Carving the time that works with five teenager's schedules is mind boggling, but I'm so glad we made it happen. . .even if I never need to raft again.

While we stayed in the raft through the rapids, our friends weren't so lucky and that was a scary experience. So happy no one was hurt and everyone worked together to get people out of the water--but still terrifying in the moment!  I can't even imagine if it was my littles flowing downstream in their life jackets!! Thankfully, it wasn't and all is well that ends well!

 Snapped one family picture before we headed home. 

 Mom and Bubba on the balcony. We were waiting for night to fall to see the "Bat Show."

 I always tell the kids to check out the masterpieces God creates as the sun sets. Sitting on the deck, with the sound of the river flowing, surrounded by majestic skies was no exception.

 I love that these sisters both wanted me to braid their hair and then sat together watching something. Sisters.

 Hiked up to Slide Rock. I only fell twice and we were met with this natural slide. Jonathan saw a snake in the water. I think they were crazy to go in, but they did. So I captured the moment from a rock not in the water. Snakes scare me.

 Janessa slept in the cutest teepee ever up in the loft. We all fit. That's how big it was!

 Daddy Daughter Time

 Plenty of time for kids when you're away from the hustle and bustle of schedules!

 Our backyard

 The river was flowing. So much so, in fact I was nervous for my Nessa Bessa. 

 Road tripping to see the sites!

 Big trees to explore at Trail of 100 Giants!

Halloween

Halloween was fun and festive and fell on a Saturday.  Our tween was torn between wanting to stay with us and wanting to branch out with a few of her friends.  We all stayed together for awhile and then she continued without us.  I'm thankful the mom of her friend since kindergarten was so willing to journey on with all these girls alone.

Last stop of the night for the ninja turtles: our backyard

Janessa got to visit with both her nino and her nina and their special someones.

The boys ended their night early for a sleepover...Jonathan's first, actually.

Our neighbors graciously hosted a creative little party that had the kids entertained for hours.  It was a long but full day!  This was also the day that papa's health really began to decline. . .more on that later.

School's Out for TK

Dear Janessa,

This has been a dream year.  You have not always been the dream student, nor have I always been the dream teacher, but I like to think that these are days to remember.  I imagine one day when I am old and gray, sitting on my rocker on my porch, I will think back to this year as one of my happiest ever.  I got to do what I love: teach to someone I love: you.  There are so many moments etched in my memory forever.  I will always remember you yelling out "I did it, mama!"  simultaneously beaming and reaching out to hug me.  That precious memory alone brings tears to my eyes as I type that.  Do you know how many times I had the pleasure of hearing you and hugging you?  Countless.  Countless times it was I who witnessed the moment where after practice, you were able to master a skill.  Joy.  I am counting it all as joy, sweet girl.

Celebrating the little mile stones, being your teacher, going on adventures, and having my mamacita to do my daily chores with was such a blessing on this mama heart.  I had forgotten the joy that teaching brings after seventeen years filled with politics and checked out parents.  The good days were few and far between.  Ths year changed that.  I was reminded there are many ways to do what I love and feel fulfilled.  You taught me so much more than I taught you.  Days of Barbie and Littlest Pet shops, Dora and sweet picture books made me dig deep and rediscover the joy and wonder that children innately have.

Dance on Mondays.

Master Negotiator

Cooking Class

Geography Lessons via Nina

Expert Jam Maker

 This year was kind of like childbirth.  Thinking back, I remember more joy than pain.  I know hard days existed.  I know we both learned how to say sorry and move on so as not to spoil a whole day.  I know we could have done more had I better planned every day, but perhaps that is where the real beauty lay.  A year of days was set before us and for the most part we made the best of them and adventured together.  We learned.  We sang. We danced.  We pretended. We grew.  We are both different because we had this year together, and for that I am extremely grateful.

My little homeschooler, how I will miss you.  But first, SUMMER FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All my love,

Mom

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.

EnJOY

I'm not sure how I haven't gotten to documenting Janessa's first trip to Knott's Berry Farm, but I haven't. The trip took place almost two months ago now!  The day before St. Patrick's Day, a friend asked if we were up for a visit to the amusement park.  Two things about me:  I think Disney passes when the bigs were little absolutely burned me out.  I see no amusement in the park itself.  My first instinct was to say, "thanks but no thanks."  I mean, we really did have bible study that day.

But something made me take pause and I realized these spur of the minute adventures will be few and far between when she starts kinder next year.  So even though I didn't want to go.  I went.  And I'm not sure who had more fun--her or me!

There was just something about seeing the park through her eyes.  Something about watching her explore with her friend by her side.  Something about not having to focus on any other child except her that made this trip an absolute JOY.  And isn't that what I've been seeking this year--JOY!  It truly is anywhere I choose to see it.  And really, it is so easy to find the negative in everything.  So joy is a choice.  The easier one?  I'm not sure really.  The heat, traffic, cost, and crowds could have kept us away from an adventure that was more a lesson for me and a precious memory for her.

We enJOYed the day.  I made the right choice this time.  I love when that happens!

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.

Pool Peace

In between long summer days of figuring out if this is a permanent living situation we have stumbled upon, we are having a ton of fun in the pool!

Weekly Wanderings

Last weekend we housed guests.  We spent a lot of time together just being in the moment.  Weekend chores fell to the wayside as we enjoyed company and all the fun that came with them. Kids spent hour after hour playing in the water just being kids.  Cousins. Aunts. Pa. Barbecue. Smores. Fire. Stories.  Our family history being strengthened and built.

Monday was my last unofficial teaching day.  Due to my kid's school schedules and the fact that I can't take twenty-two days with me, I took my last two Mondays off.  I'll say my goodbyes on the last day when all my things are packed and ready for storage. I can not wait for Summer with my kids! I met up with mom and dad for a celebratory drink.  Then I went by my brothers where three former students were gathered who cheered me on for the work I did as a teacher and for the future that is wide open for exploration now.

I've been pretty excited to explore pre-k curriculum for Nessa for our homeschool adventures next year!  We officially sign our paper this week and I am excited to work with my ES to learn everything I can because this may be an avenue I hope to explore in my future.  On top of that, what an opportunity to be Nessa's teacher and build her up and instill a love for learning through books and creativity and exploration! I'm pretty excited until she has a moment that includes excessive whining and then I reconsider for a second-breathe deep and admit I'm in this for the long haul. I AM her mom. . .

Birthday Bonus Galore

This was quite the year for this little lady. . .and she didn't even turn five! We decided to go into party mode since we thought her Nina would be here to celebrate with us this year, but even though that didn't go according to plan, the party had to go on. Her actual birth day began at mass, just the two of us. We've been making this a weekly outing and I have to say, I feel so good sharing this with her. It has made our Sunday mass visits almost downright enjoyable as she looks forward to going and understands more about the parts of the mass. November 27th was particularly enjoyable as the school was there to celebrate Thanksgiving mass with us and we both enjoyed watching all the students in action. It brought back such wonderful elementary memories for me.

I had to capture this moment walking back from the restroom. Priceless. Anyways, since it was the day before Thanksgiving I went by my parent's to see how I could help with the chopping and dicing. Mom and I got to work and Janessa played and waited anxiously for her big surprise date with grandpa. She didn't know it but he was taking her to see Frozen. Later that evening we all met up at her Nino's house for a little apple cobbler and some gift opening. It was last minute and simple and I swear this would have been enough if the party invites hadn't already been sent out! Kendra greeted her with a boquet of balloons bigger than she is! And she was spoiled and loved on some more with presents: including her very own Mercedes, personalized plates and all! Too much, I tell you...too much.

The next day was filled with family again as we celebrated one of my most favorite holidays ever. . .more on that to come. And yesterday was the big four-year-old bonanza for our Nessa Bessa at her new favorite place: My Gym. We were blessed to have her two teachers host the party and she had a very busy two hours of fun with her closest friends. It was fun to watch her in action with so many different kids. I love the blend of our village, long-time friends, family, new friends, classmates. . .it's a beautiful array of such vastly different people coming together because we have our friendships in common. Beautiful!

I always want to remember the way Bubba practiced and performed a magic show right in the middle of the party. I love his heart for his sister and I love his creativity and enthusiasm to get up there and put on a show! It truly does take a village--and looking around at the people who were there, I was reminded of what a huge blessing it is to have people that are in the trenches of parenthood, right there beside you. The party might not have been necessary, but it was a good reason to celebrate together, for two hours, a genuinely fun time!