The first finished Christmas present

This is an Advent type calendar, where an ornament is added to the tree each day of December. I hung a few to show how they look. At the bottom is a row of pockets where they are stored until ready to hang.
A close up of some of the ornaments. They are on a felt base, and hung with buttonhole thread.

October 4th, Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

We awoke to find all of the animals waiting for breakfast and a story.
The kids broughjt more animals (notice the TKD uniforms already on again?)
They loved the story and were thrilled to receive St. Francis Holy cards as a surprise.

Tae Kwon Do uniforms

And no, I didn't make them. Matt said "Just buy them." Bless his soul!

October 2nd, Feast of the Gaurdian Angels

The Hendersons came over and helped us celebrate with Angel food cake, strawberries and a fun angel craft. There was quite a bit of glitter going on......

At the "Golden D" everything tastes good!

This week, the theme is resturaunt
Here, Chef Theo dishes up the special of the day
This pretty little diner was eating alone at her table
The wait staff takes a break
While the patrons enjoy a delicious lunch of Mac and cheese with a lovely fruit and veggie plate.

St. Jerome and the Lion---Sept. 30th

We painted paper the way Eric Carle does, then made our lions' manes from spaghetti. This was a favorite of Sarah's since she has always loved lions.

This is why they call them "family"

because they will stop en route at your favorite grocery store in Iowa and bring you your favorite Fastco graham crackers, Frank's ketchup, and some Fastco cheese. Just because they are family. Thanks, Aunt Ruth!

Tae Kwon Do------Oh yes, oh!

Did I spell that right?

Today we wrote the best check for $200 we will write in a long time, and signed the kids (all 4) up for Tae Kwon Do in Southern Pines, 2 nights a week. At first my thinking was entirely selfish--all 4 kids in one activity, at the same time and location--easy. We had considered this in Creston, but never followed up.

I can see the error of our ways after one class. With a good instructor, this can be a MAJOR character building activity. "Master Wyatt" as she is called, made them make the Tae Kwon Do pledge to never use it on your brothers and sisters, at school, anywhere outside of class--or else. Or else what, you say? Or else you are out of Tae Kwon Do. Master Wyatt means business, and they know it.

Me? I'm all for anyone who comes in and says, "Be quiet! Line up! Stop now or I will whack you!" I'm all for someone else (who is trained in proper methodology) whacking my kids with a foam stick.

The kids? They loved it!

BTW, we brought home one size triple zero uniform, (the smalllest they make) and it's too big for the girls. I guess I'll be sewing several yards of white cotton canvas this week.