A little backtracking

I have not posted anything from Halloween this year. We had a homeschool Halloween party at the library.

For Halloween the girls had different costumes. Jesse made her own costume this year, including the wings. If you are a Dr. Who fan, then you will know what she is. I think she did a great job. Chloe is someone from Harry Potter (which I have not read; I'm sure she'll let you know who).

We celebrated my Mom's birthday too.

Thanksgiving has come and gone too. The girls helped Grandma finish up her potato salad.

Friday after Thanksgiving, we went to find a real Christmas tree. We went to Old Congaree Tree Farm.

 

We decorated the tree Saturday.



Happy birthday, John!

Today is one of those days we enjoy so much. Because it involves cake! LOL With everything going on John practically forgot about his birthday, though, thankfully, he remembered to renew his driver's license.

We took him out to dinner last night (we have plans for today) at San Jose. It was during this trip we discovered one of our roads is now open. They have not finished asphalting the new "bridge" but we can at least to that way be it slow over the gravel. I'm just glad I will not have to take another 40 mile trip to take the trash; once was enough for me. Anyway, John had his favorite: poblano peppers. He was happy.

This morning he opened his presents from the girls.

Hallmark ornament of Steve Austin

Poblano pepper!

The funny part was the pepper. John never quite gets what Chloe makes with her Rainbow Loom, but as soon as this was out of the paper he screamed, "Poblano pepper!" He loved the ornament too, but the girls knew he would. It even plays the theme song. He was a happy man.

If you are wondering how Hank and Winnie are getting along, I think pictures say it best.

Apparently, before this scene, Hank was trying to flip this bed (which is Rosie's bed) without knowing Winnie was napping inside it. I suppose he figured instead of dumping her out he would join her. He hasn't been chasing her aggressively either, just playfully. But she has found a new spot to hide and observe away from him.

 

 

All-in-all, I think life is going well here. John's birthday had a good beginning this morning. It is kind of calming hearing the tinkle of a tiny bell through the house.

On-goings, surprises, beginnings and endings

A few weeks ago, I answered one of the librarian's inquiry as to when the girls would be returning; the first week of September. However, when I received an email from the volunteer coordinator I thought I should double check my calendar. Good thing. John is taking a few days off the first week, so I actually had them on my calendar to start back the second week.

When we were there Wednesday, this librarian was all excited the girls were coming back in two weeks. Then I had to tell her my error. "Okay, you're coming back in three weeks!" We stood talking for a few minutes when another librarian came by and asked when they were coming back. I told her while I chuckled. They are very anxious for their return. The first librarian told me that unlike the summer volunteers the girls know what they are doing and several of the summer helpers were complaining about what they were doing. The girls are always willing to learn something new. I'm just glad they are still wanting to go and help out.

Wednesday was a big day for Chloe. When we arrived home and checked the mail she had a package. She had been told by her friend in OK it was coming, so she had been anxiously awaiting its arrival. Once she opened it she was totally excited. Her friend, Brooke, had painted her a goat. The background is dark blue and the goat is yellow. Perfect. She hung it up immediately...poor Tinker Bell has lost her spot on the wall, I never thought that would happen.

This week has also been a big week at taekwondo. Last week we had a family of four start and this week they sent their friends, another family of four. The second family of four has not signed up yet, but I believe we will see them again on Tuesday. The oldest child was really excited and said she would rather do taekwondo than gymnastics (we already have one other girl we have taken from gymnastics). So in all, we would have nine brand spanking new white belts this session (if the second family signs up).

Jesse has been working very hard the last couple of weeks on her final project for animation class. The project had to be a character who was curious. Hers is an alien seeing a snow cone for the first time. It is very cute. I knew there was a lot involved in animation, but truly I had no idea how much work really went into it. No wonder there are so many animators listed at the end of all the animated movies! Monday is the final class. I know she is really going to miss it. She is wanting to take the second level in the spring; I hope she can. I know she has enjoyed it, learned so much and has done really well. I can't wait to get her transcript. She either has an A or A+.

Jesse's birthday, and more!!

But I am not going to start with Jesse's birthday. ;-)

The day before Jesse's birthday was Battle of the Books at the library. I know Chloe was hoping to place this year, but they didn't. I still have not received an email telling us where her group placed, but she did have a lot of fun with her friends. And really, in the end, that is what truly counts. A fun day with friends. We also saw Eudora. Love and miss her (and her sister, Victoria) so much!



Old taekwondo pals being goof balls!

Chloe's Battle of the Books group, which just so happens
to be some of her closest friends.





Chloe's group's Battle of the Books poster.

Even though Chloe's group didn't place, they "won" for best poster. There was no actual prize but they enjoyed the "bragging rights". The words were in 3-D and everyone loved the eyeball detective.

I believe Jesse enjoyed her birthday. We even had a surprise visit from Grandma! I thought I had taken a picture of Jesse opening her shirt but I didn't see one. She wore it anyway, so I'll post that picture.

Gifts from Chloe to Jesse.

A William Shakespeare rubber duck, all the way from Australia.

A Lilo and Stitch pin with a VW Beetle!

I also didn't get a picture of her LEGO present, the double-
decker couch from the LEGO Movie.

See the shirt! The umbrellas were made by Chloe,
at Jesse's request.

Yep, all fourteen candles on one cupcake!

Between the girls birthdays, we went to my parents to celebrate both their birthdays. I forgot my camera. My Mom decided both girls should have their own cake (luckily both were small). Jesse's was pink with flowers, confetti and just plain fun! Chloe's was made like a pasture with a goat and they borrowed the barn that had been on Grandpa's cake a few years ago (she thought that was extra special). Both girls loved them. But I don't have pictures. :-(

We've done quite a bit since Jesse's birthday. Friday before last we went to visit my cousin Phoebe for a LEGO play date with the boys. I didn't know she had arranged for her niece to come by too with her soon-to-be one-year-old son. He is so stinking cute! And I forgot my camera AGAIN!

Last Monday, we went to Frankie's Fun Park. We rode the go-carts. Yes, they made me ride this time. The first time EVER I have been on one or driven one. But I came from behind and beat them all! Bawahaha! Then off to Cromer's for the best corn dogs ever! And on a Monday when the grease is fresh.

This weekend we managed to all four make it to Morgan's going away party. She is leaving for Clemson this Friday to study Sports Medicine. She has even received a four-year internship with the Athletic Department. We are just so proud of her. I would say will miss her, but we rarely see her so I think we'll see her the same amount as before. ;-)

The girls of the Morgan family.

That is about it. This week is going to be just as crazy as ever. Our norm. I still need to do some catching up with reading, so Jesse I can do some discussing of "Modern Chivalry" and "The True End of Government". So my tonight and Monday are full. LOL

Chloe's Birthday!!

Yep, it is that time of year again! This year she baked her own cake. I'm not sure if I mentioned that John ordered her a "herd" of goats to go on her cake. I think I did mention she made them a small barn-like building with a ramp, so they could go on the roof. Yes, more "goats on a roof" she loves that place! This morning Jesse "helped" her ice and decorate the cake. Even though there were no goats actually sitting they used their imagination so some would sit, play, gallivant (yes, their word). It was fun to listen to them.




That is suppose to be goat poo spelling out "Happy Chloe/bday". LOL
That is exactly how she wanted to write it. Not sure why though.

The shed she made.



Yep, she even made haystacks for her goats.
And apparently Dad knew too because this morning the small ones were gone.

We spent the afternoon playing Chloe's favorite game. Do you remember it? Do you?

I'll give you a minute.

(Hum the Jeopardy theme song here.)

















Scrabble!!!!! We actually had a good game this time. You know where there are no big spaces where no words can go; we actually filled the entire board.

I think she enjoyed her presents. She had given me a list, then promptly forgot what was on the list. It made this morning that much more fun!



The last book in a series she is collecting.

From her sister, who now wants to borrow the necklace. ;-)

Sorry, Morgan! She is USC all the way.

Hank's way of dealing with the wrapping paper. lol

I went to feed the cats tonight and found a box on the front porch. It was from Uncle Sonny, Aunt Mari, and cousins Lawson and Morgan. However, we believe Morgan had a lot to do with this. :-) John had her laughing at something so she is all scrunched up.

I need more time in a day!

There is always something around here that goes undone because of a lack of time.  This week I was reminded John is taking of Wednesday through Friday. Well. I did not get it into my calendar. I still had him down as taking off Monday (to get Jesse home from an appointment for animation class) and Wednesday (for Chloe's birthday). I had also already completed our school schedule until the end of the month. Dang it!

All the things I thought we would get accomplished this week will have to wait. I already knew nothing would be done on Chloe's birthday. I am hoping to be able to use this week "off" to get myself caught up with some school items I need to work on. Yes, I got behind. I have not been behind all year and I don't want this to continue.

Actually, right now I should be typing a science test for Chloe. But instead I am going to say, "Happy belated birthday, Lawson!" I thought about posting it the morning of your birthday (we weren't home), then the following day (we weren't home). Seems like I would constantly remember when I was at a place I couldn't do anything about it. I'm sure you had a great birthday though.

And "Happy belated birthday, Alan" (brother-in-law, not cousin)!!! Your cards have been on the dining room table for more-than-a-week; we'll get them off tomorrow. :-)

My mother's mother's side of the family had a reunion yesterday. It was nice to see everyone who was there.

Lewis and Cynthia; they live around Columbia and we still don't see them often!

Two of the Mills Boys! Say "Cheese," Kevin!  lol

Another Mills Boy. Yes, he IS smiling. Oh, that Jon!

Yep, Chloe is behind those rabbit ears!

Coop!!!!  And of course, Dawn, love her!

The girls with Grandma Williams.

The Threatt Girls; they started this whole mess. ;-)

Cousin love!!

Then you have Randy. Well, that is enough on that subject.

Yes, I took more pictures than this. Most people, as usual, were not happy with having their pictures taken...like that ever stops me. I have one cousin I have to get at least fifty feet away and ZOOM in. I practice zooming everywhere. I am still working out the focusing problem, so...practice, practice, practice.

Lastly, our friends left today. They are somewhere between here and Texas. I hope they arrive safely in their new home and enjoy their new adventure.

A quiet weekend

We spent the weekend not doing too much. The girls and I went to Charlotte yesterday for a quick visit. The dogs, okay...Hank, gets so excited when he sees his collar come out of the box. He may not know where he is going but he knows he is going. lol 

The girls have been preparing for their birthdays. Each one coming up with what they want to get the other. I love how they each focus so hard on what the other would love to have for a present. They both have great ideas. I can't wait for each one to see what the other came up with. Now, John and I just need to come up with ideas for Jesse. Chloe has a LONG list. ;-)

John is off tomorrow. Jesse has class in the morning, so I plan on taking Chloe shopping to pick-up her ideas for Jesse's presents. It will be nice to hang out with her a bit. Jesse and I hung out tonight buying Chloe's presents. I like being able to spend some one-on-one time with each of them. We rarely get that opportunity; I truly do not take it for granted.