The 6th grader....

With only two grades in her building, she's now the upper class...
she seemed to have lost some motivation to get the high grades last year, but hopefully this year will get those grades higher again....

It's going to be an exciting year {aren't they all?...}

she is an extremely fast reader....

possible wallet to share with friends....

this is her final year before the move to the middle school...

and the 2nd option for wallets...

The big 8th grader....

Joe's oldest heads off to 8th grade! {wow....he's getting old...haha}

She wasn't too excited about getting back to school, but she did miss seeing her friends.

I'm thinking this would make a nice school picture to share with family and friends....

Sam seems to be happy with all her teachers....she only had negative comments about one....we think she'll come around in a few weeks and it will be fine

we hope she can keep the "honor roll" title throughout the entire year...that's her challenge

She really likes her English teacher so she said she's going to Ace English...we shall see

This wallet might work great for Sam to share with her friends...little more "teen" style...

Back to school....

Of course the kids get anxious about back to school, but I have to admit....I really look forward to back to school too!
I get excited helping to pick out the perfect first day outfit....

the perfect backpack to last throughout the year....

I look forward to the new daily schedule {don't really like the part of having to get up early everyday, but....}

I enjoy walking to school with Mikayla {and Alexis}...we have some interesting conversations and make some lasting memories. Some afternoons Joe gets to join us ....

we'll never forget the time we got caught in a downpour on the way home....we all giggle when we remember it

i love to hear the new things the girls learn in school....love to sit and read with the girls....Mikayla is at the stage where she can get through an easier kids book and that is so exciting {yes, I'm easily entertained}

I love to check over homework and correct it....I feel like a teacher with my different colored pen....haha

i look forward to volunteering in the school and meeting my children's friends and the teachers in their environment

since I still have a preschooler....I totally enjoy all the field trips....especially in the Fall when we go to pick apples....love it!

It is awesome to hear teachers telling me how my girls are doing in school....they do amazing...they are so smart

along with the start of school comes the start of Fall sports....love to cheer my girls on from the sidelines {yes, the practice and game schedule can become very overwhelming....but it is worth it}

alittle later in the school year....I get excited when the girls get a snow day and we get to spend the day together

i enjoy the after school activities that the school sponsors....book bingo, safe trick or treating, etc.

it makes me smile when my girls are super excited to show me the projects they made in school

I can pretty much talk to anyone...so when I get to meet more school moms that is exciting to me!

i love to look through book order forms and find the fun books at amazing prices

i just love to watch me girls get excited about learning and meeting new friends...this is such a lifelong lesson that is amazing!

Random Crafts....

Looking back....it's always fun to look back at older photos of the kids....to see how they have grown.
When I look at my children, it's hard for me to picture them in their younger stages....but when I look at older layouts or older pictures I sit and laugh or cry and it all comes back...
she is so sweet....

really?....why do we buy baby robes?...they are so impractical....you give them a bath and into comfy pjs they go....but they are great for photos!

Alexis made a card for her preschool teacher....she is so excited for this Friday to start 3 day....

she's doing great writing her name....and I love her heart she drew....

birthday card for a happy 4 year old...

CK Convention 2011....

Two years ago I went to my first CK convention in Valley Forge. I talked my husband into going with me and we just walked around the vender floor. Then last year I had Joe go with me and I added classes to my schedule and Joe wasted time while I did the classes.....
This year, Joe took a class with me!
We took a spray mist class by Studio Calico. Here is his layout.....
close up on page one....

close up on page two... {Joe changed it up and used the dog and fish cards on his layout....I'm not sure what they have to do with the layout, but he liked it....the funny part was Alexis asked him why he used a fish....lol}

My layout....

page one...

page two...

Another class I took was this mini album....did this one solo though....maybe next year....