2nd Hand

Last weekend, we (Junk Gypsy Tahoe Train) visited a second hand store in a neighborhood town.  We had a ball, found many treasures, and enjoyed the day.  It was sooooo much fun.  I already have a list for the next one I visit.  My Christmas shopping might ALL be second hand... REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!  Christmas shopping gone green!

Happy Monday

It's Monday and where did the weekend go?  The girls did not have school today, so they brought me lunch today... well them and their pilot, Grandma Chuck.  It was an awesome lunch date.  This week is Homecoming for the Mustangs.  We have created Penelope's hippy outfit for Tuesday, Wednesday is western day... she has that one covered.  Thursday is wild and wacky day, she is planning a flip-flop and boot with tall unmatched socks.  As always, Friday is Mustang Pride... will she wear my old tennis skirt?

Happy Monday!

Addiction

I must confess I have a new addiction... KAYAKING!  Last weekend we traveled to Wisconsin to visit my sister-in-laws family.  We kayaked for the first time.  I must admit, I was a little worried about tipping over, but I am in love.  It was so relaxing, so peaceful, just you, the water, the kayak, and your paddle.  The lake where we stayed was beautiful... maybe that is why I am now addicted to kayaking.  Who knows?  The girls even loved it.  Do any of you know of any kayaks for sale?  Ponds, lakes, rivers... I am ready to try it!

Like I need another hobby!

First days

Yes, we have completed our first days of school.  Penelope has not been late to class. She has successfully opened her locker for the past 2 days.  Halfpint completed her homework last night and even remembered it today... do you know who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence?  As for me, I love teaching art!  Only 168 more lunch duties this year!

We are trying to be tough guys and leave the air conditioning off, but I am ready to give in! 

Art Teacher

As we started a new school year today, I started a new chapter to my book.  I am the k-6 Art teacher this year.  For the past 12 years I have been in the same room, teaching the same things.  And this year I am challenging myself to a new position.  As an art teacher, I felt a little lost this morning as the bell rang and no one was in my room.  After 45 minutes of quiet, not normal, my first class arrived... 6th graders.  Those familiar faces, that were once 4th graders, were so pleasant to see.  As the day progressed, I have a new respect for all Kindergarten teachers.  I found myself scratching my Kindergarten plans and just surviving the 35 minute class period and encouraging them to stop crying it was almost recess time.  I hope all my students learn as much as I will in this new chapter!

Let it be...

As I laid in bed Friday night... I worried and thought about all the "what ifs..." what if her goat gets up, what if she just doesn't do her best, what if, what if? What if Boss won't stay moving, what if she can't stay standing, what if Boss takes off?  And at 12:48 a.m., I decide to say a small prayer and let it be... what happens will happen and we will make the best of it!

Saturday morning... Halfpint and I did some Yoga breathing before her performance and I encouraged Penelope get that goat like killing snakes, not picking tullips, as I slapped Tilly on the rump entering the arena. 

Penelope won a Reserve Champion Buckle for Goat Tying at the FBFR Series Rodeo.  This is her second buckle.  The first was 5 years ago in the stick horse race.  I was proud of her then.. but even more proud of her now.  She is becoming an awesome little competitor on her pony Tilly.  She is the queen of second place this summer. 

Halfpint, as you all know, has been practicing her trick-riding on her pony, Boss.  She has wanted to "perform" all summer.  We gave her the chance at the family rodeo Saturday.  She did it... stood up and carried the American Flag during the National Anthem.  She was nervous and scared... but she is a gamer and did a wonderful job... so proud of her!

All their riding and practicing paid off, and we are very proud of them both!  GREAT JOB GIRLS!

Road Trip

We recently road tripped to Colorado for a family reunion.  We visited the Craigs... Grandma Chuck's family, this reunion has been going on for 33 years... I'm 34, yep, been to every one.  We watched the "Daddy of 'em All" Cheyenne Rodeo... absolutely my favorite part, hundreds of vendors with western stuff, the crazy wild horse race, professional dutch oven cooking... with real chuck wagons- AMAZING!  We also drove up into Rocky Mountain National Park, we were a little disappointed we could not find any snow... but it is beautiful country and chilly up there.  We had fun riding Go-Karts, Water Bumper Boats, Bumper Cars, Mini Golf, and the Extreme Trampoline.  Overall, we had a great trip... and truly blessed to be part of such a great family!