Phonetics

As I was perusing the contents of Ty's backpack this afternoon, I came across a little paper he had worked on today.  As I read what he had written, I couldn't help but giggle.  As you can see here, he was asked to brainstorm ways he could get to school.  He chose to break up his sentence into 3 different sections:

Yessirreee folks, aren't we all just dying to get to school on "a giant mosquito?"

LAUGH. OUT. LOUD!  I love it!  Now THAT is thinking outside the box.

The best part though, is the next page- his picture:

Just to clarify, that is not TY riding up on the shoulder of the giant "musceeto."  Instead he chose to draw KENNA riding on the giant mosquito.  Why Kenna got the honors I have no idea.  He was so proud of himself when I had him tell me about it!

It is SO FUN to watch as my kids start to put sounds together to make words.  I love to see all the little tidbits they can come up with.   

Time Out For Women 2016

I'm not quite sure why, but the past year has been such an incredible time of learning for me.  I have gained so many great insights and feelings that I am so extremely grateful for.  Can't always say that lessons learned come easy, but they are appreciated nonetheless! 

A few weekends ago I joined the Israelsen gals for Time Out For Women up at the Spectrum.  Oh how I loved this weekend!  The speakers, the music, the company, it all was beyond fabulous.  It was most definitely a spiritual feast for me, and the Spirit filled me with beautiful personal revelation and learning.  Thankfully I had tissues.  They were put to good use.  Yep, I have no shame in saying I am a cryer.  No matter how hard I try, I just can't help but leak out of my eyeballs.  Frequently. 

I have but one picture that I took the entire weekend.  Yes, just one.  But let me tell you, it's a gem.  You want to see it?  Yes?  Oh, well, fine, just because you're special I will share my one picture with you.

   
Ah hah hahah haa haa ha ha!  Yep, that's me and my dearie Sista Maria.

So TOFW was sponsoring a service project to help out the local refugee center.  The project was to color letter cards that are used to help the refugees learn english.  Maria and I took this picture to send to Bekka to tell her she really missed out on coloring with us for the last little bit!  I really think it hit home.  I'm pretty sure Bekka was incredibly touched and inspired by us.  I mean really, look at us!  That is the epitome of inspiration.

No really, go ahead and laugh, I totally get it.

Thank you ladies for such a perfect weekend.  I could go on and on and say so much about this weekend.  I will just sum it up:  my cup was filled.

Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails.....

....That's what little boys are made of.

Well, that is unless you are one of the Israelsen girls.

Frogs:

Snakes:

 Yes, you did observe correctly-  that snake is in my HOUSE.  Thankfully it was quickly escorted back out to its natural habitat.  I do have to chuckle at the look of mild concern on Kenna's face.  She was brave enough to pick it up to come show us, but did drop it a thousand times due to the creepy factor.  I can't really put my finger on it, but something about snakes on my carpet just doesn't sit well.......

Just one word my friends:

 EW.  

I don't do creepy crawly.

 -thankyouverymuch-  

Now here, however, is something I can handle.

Bunnies:

Nothing like producing well-rounded children, right?  

SCHOOL!

It's school time again!

Behold, the Israelsen Family 2016 Back To School:

Kenna D, entering the 5th grade:

How do you feel about 5th grade, Kenna?

Up next is Miss Allie Gal, our resident 4th grader:

She insisted on having Rocky in her picture.  He is so. very. patient.  At least one of them appears to be having a good time!

It's a big year for Mr. First Grade Ty Man- he gets to stay at school all day just like the girls!  He was pretty excited about it.  We discovered his first slightly-wiggly tooth the other day, too.

Check out this awesome crew!

Let us not forget the caboose, Lexi.  Here she is on her first day of preschool with her teacher, Miss Brenda.  Lexi is SOOOOO excited to go to school like the big kids!

It's times like this is sit back and realize how quickly they grow.  We had a fun summer, but we all are ready to be back on a schedule.  I love watching my kids progress through life and learn and grow.  It is certainly a bumpy road, but so very rewarding.  (Note to self:  just remember that when it is especially bumpy....)

Have a great year my little brood!  I'll be here waiting when you walk in the door at 4:00.  From then until bedtime....let the chaos begin!