25

One energetic 2nd grader
+ One motivated Daddy keeping them going at a steady lop
= 25 laps at the school's FUN RUN fundraiser!
(That's about 3.5 miles!!!)





Now I have to pay up...way to go JUSTIN!

First Day

There's nothing like starting fresh. We are back in the swing of things with Justin in 2nd grade and Tyler in his 2nd year of preschool.



It was my turn to teach during the first week of preschool. We learned about Community Helpers. After writing a letter, we walked down the street to the mailbox and sent our letters on their way.



Lots to look forward to this year! Both boys look forward to each new day! And I look forward to hearing about their days...always.

So Crafty

Today at the bus stop waiting for Justin to arrive, I was chatting with two other moms on our street. You know, the usual...How was your weekend? etc., etc. I explained that I was helping to coordinate a Super Saturday craft day for the ladies at our church. So, I had spent most of the day on Saturday running errands to buy craft supplies and then finishing my project samples to show at church on Sunday.

One of the mom's asks, "So, are you crafty?" I hesitated. I mean, do YOU think I'm crafty? My sister, Heidi, is crafty. I'm trying to allow my craftiness to flow freely. Haha! "Well..." That was all I could say. But then I admitted that I don't have to actually be that "crafty person" when I can just look online and copy other crafter's awesome ideas. Actually it was just a great excuse to figure out how to do the projects I have had my eye on for a while now. Plus, vinyl letting is just fun stuff. My kind of crafting.

Our enrichment committee came up with 14 projects all together. I think it will be tough to decide between them. Here are some pictures of the projects I will be teaching:



Kari, you get credit for these ornaments...your monogrammed ones inspired me. :)



Here's a fun one for a teacher or visiting teaching gift:



This one I love. My cousin, Dixon Leavitt, is the artist and we will be applying vinyl lettering with the title.



You know, this is liberating for me. I think I actually CAN be crafty. So crafty. I never thought I could before. Funny. I'm already coming up with ideas for things I might tackle just for the fun of it. But not until Super Saturday has come and gone. I think I have my work cut out for me...

New Puppy

My boys BEG for a dog weekly. Sometimes daily. Sometimes hourly. I say I already have two kids to take care of...I don't need to add a puppy to house train to my life.

They are smart boys and immediately turned to begging for ANY pet. I tell them to go play with a friend and enjoy his/her pet dog, fish, cat or whatever they have. Still more begging for a dog. Justin is sure he can earn $100 for a dog. I told him we can't get a dog and if we ever do get a pet we have to start with something small...like a goldfish. He told this to my friend when he was playing with her son. I just laughed when she told me. Stickin' to my guns...that's what I do.

So, because I have to do SOMETHING pet-like to put a stop to all that begging, I'd like to introduce our "new puppy". Meet Scruffy. Yes, right here on the screen. This one seems more manageable to me. You can even help us take care of him by clicking on that red ball. Dogs love to chase balls. Maybe if I'm lucky he'll chase that ball right over to YOUR blog one day.

Post Update: The cyber pup was cute while he lasted...almost two weeks. Ha ha!I'm ready to let someone else enjoy him...ciao.

Gramma Wamma & Grampa Wampa (Tyler)

Grandma & Grandpa Guptill came out to Oregon for a visit last week. We kept them busy and had a blast!

And now for our TOP 5 ADVENTURES with G & G:

1. Soccer

Travis is helping to herd (I mean coach) Ty's team this year.


I just love how Brynlee and Justin are looking at each other. Cute cousins!


Our neighbors moved a few weeks ago and left their teeter-totter with us to take care of for a while. This is all anyone wants to do in our backyard anymore...

2. Cannon Beach




Travis' Mom and Nicki holding Brynlee's hands with Lance in the background.
Justin and his Titanic.
Travis and his Dad

***We interrupt this TOP 5 to bring you...bedtime. More to come tomorrow.***