Troy's Halloween Treats for School!

Halloween treats: witches hats.

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The Homecoming Game

Watching the football homecoming game with family and friends. We won, by the way!

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Matching School Clothes

Matching school clothes today, and they didn't even plan it!

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Teachers Gifts from Troy

Today, Troy decided to take gifts to his teachers to begin the school year. While his homeroom teacher got a card, a decorative frog (as she loves frogs), and a sticky note stacker (with sticky notes) in a gift bag, she and the other teachers also got bookmarks that were printed and laminated by Troy (with the help of his parents). :)

Photos of the bookmarks and Troy's note to his teacher (on the inside of the card):







While they each have many teachers, Troy's 6th Grade Home Room Teacher this year is Mrs. Deb and Breann's First Period 8th Grade teacher is Mrs. Perrigan.

I think they have great teachers and I really hope my kids have a great school year! :)

8th and 6th Grade!

Eighth and Sixth grade! It's the very first day of the school year and, once again, I'm wondering where time has went! I've tried to document your first day of school for as long as I can remember, and I'm thinking how it seems like it was just yesterday I was talking with you two kids about your first day of school in the 5th and 7th grades.

It seems like only last month Bre was getting her Kindergarten diploma. Troy was just graduating Pre-K last week, right? I, of course, know it's been longer than this since your Kindergarten and Pre-K graduations, but time has went by so fast that I feel that it was only this short amount of time since I was watching you get those diplomas. One of the things I was thinking of at your Kindergarten graduations is happening for Bre this school year, and, Troy, the time is quickly approaching when it will be your turn too. As you got your Kindergarten diplomas, I thought of how soon it would be that you'd be entering the high school building and attending classes and graduating from there. Now that you're about to do that, Bre, I think of how soon it will be you'll be graduating from high school as well.

My sweet kids, I don't want to waste one minute...I don't want to take one single second of being your Mom for granted. God has blessed me so very much to be able to be your Mom. You each are one of my greatest gifts. I love you more than you'll ever know!

Troy, I think of how you will have only one more year after this school year, until you join the other high schoolers. I realize that you are growing up just as fast as your sister. Don't take these school years for granted, kids, but instead enjoy them and do your best with all you do.

Breann, while starting school this year at the high school can make you a little nervous, don't let it. Instead of being nervous, enjoy your time there and let God lead you, and you'll do fine. Your Dad and I are here when you need us. You'll do great though!

While I like to think of past school years, I also make sure to enjoy every moment I can of the present ones. I try not to take one single minute of being your Mom for granted because you two kids are two of my greatest gifts. I love seeing how the past school years have helped you become who you are today, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this school year takes you in life. Do your best in and out of school and follow the Lord in everything you do and you'll do great things!

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

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Troy's Fifth Grade Picnic

Today was the day we celebrated Troy's Fifth Grade school year. It was his grade's Awards Day and the day they had their picnic. It was a work day for me, but these are the moments I would not miss for the world! During my lunch break I went to spend time at Troy's picnic.

While I was at the picnic, Troy took a picture of me and him. I also took a picture of him and his teacher, Mrs. Amanda. Even though I only got to spend a little while at his picnic, I wouldn't have missed it for anything in this world. The moment he spotted me, as I was watching him play ball out in the field, it was priceless. THESE are the moments we will remember...we had a great time together!

Troy's had a great school year with some really good teachers. Mrs. Amanda has been great with my little boy. It's times like today, us celebrating the completion of his 5th grade year with a picnic, that makes me realize how valuable this time is! My son is growing up so fast, and I'm thankful for all of the school memories we've already made, and the ones that are yet to come.

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As She Grows

The other day I was off from work and decided to pick the kids up from school when school dismissed.  I've been picking the kids up from school for most of the years they've been in school.  Something I've always tried to make it a point to do as I picked them up is first of all asked them how their day was and then I'll make sure they have their homework and whatever else they may need to take home with them.
As I picked my daughter up from school the other day though, I found that my mind began to think back.  This is her last year of elementary school, and she and her friends gathered around me at the spot where I pick my kids up.  My daughter's friends were saying how she looked like me and we all were laughing and talking.  As we laughed and talked I noticed how much she has grown up though.  Yes, she's just recently started her teenage years, but compared to her other elementary school years I see the difference.
As we walk past the buses to our vehicle, I silently think of how as she tells me about her day, I no longer am looking down to see into her little eyes, but I look right next to me...right across from me, as she is as tall as I am.  She then stops and still does something she has did for most of her childhood, she picks me a flower.  I hope she never grows out of that, the simple things are sometimes the best!  This flower that can grow just about anywhere, I guess, it is better than even a store bought dozen of roses.  My daughter stopped long enough, while in the process of telling me about her day, to pick a flower to give to me, that is something that she has not outgrown, and I hope she never does!  She's this beautiful girl with a kind heart, and she is now as tall as I am, and she is the best daughter I could ask for!
As we got in the vehicle, the teenager in her came back out though, and insisted that she, her brother, and I take a selfie photo.  These are the days worth remembering!


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Dancing to the Music!

"You got my baby picture from my mirror in the picture,"  Breann said as she put on her concealer this morning.  "Yes, it is hanging on your mirror so I made it a point to," I replied.  "Why," she asked.  "I have my reasons, just keep on doing what you need to do," I replied.  As she continued to apply her make-up I asked her, "do you need any help?"  She looked at me and replied, " With what?"  I offered to help with her make-up, not because she needed it, so I wasn't surprised when she told me she didn't need help, but because today is a memory, a milestone, and I'm capturing and taking in every single moment of it. Other than her 7th grade prom, this will probably be one of the (if not the) last elementary school dance for Breann...next year she will be in high school.  They decided to have the dance today for Valentine's Day, as last week they were out of school for inclement weather.  A bittersweet time.  She may not understand it now, but as she gets older, she will realize why I am "capturing this moment in time" for her.  As she becomes the great woman she will become and as she becomes a mom (if she actually has kids) she will realize why I am "documenting this moment."  Truth be told, she probably will always remember THIS moment!  She will remember me being in her room as she got ready for the dance, the way I had my camera ready (as photos sometimes say more than words ever could), and she will remember me offering to help her get ready.
 So...yes, Breann, I included the baby picture that is hanging on your mirror in the photo of you getting ready for, this, your last Valentine's Day dance of elementary school.  While you were applying your make-up and looking at the teenage acne on your face, I was looking at you...the real you!  I was looking at your beauty!  It's obvious you are growing into a beautiful young lady, but you are also just as beautiful on the inside.  
I was also looking, first of all, at that baby picture...you were all smiles and your last year of elementary school had not even entered our thoughts yet!  You probably don't remember it, but I remember you getting aggravated during those baby photos, you were tired and cried, but some of the photos turned out so great and captured your smile too.  You brought your dad and I so much happiness then, and you still put a smile on our faces now.
In this picture of you getting ready for your last Valentine's Day dance of elementary school, I also captured more of your life now.  If you'll look, hanging on your mirror in the upper right corner, you will see a part of the necklace that you have hanging there.  It's your necklace that you wanted so much from Building 429, it reads "We Won't Be Shaken."  I love that you have a good taste in music, that you know that songs are much more than just the beat of the music, but also the words that are included in them as well.  I'm thankful you love Christian music.  Your dad and I have never forced you to listen to Christian music, not ever.  When you discovered it though, it was like you developed such an interest in it though.  You may not think I notice, but I notice and I'm so happy that you've made the choice to listen to good, decent music.  I love that when I tip-toe into your room every single night, while you're asleep, and I turn down your music that is blaring from your stereo, that what I am turning down is a good choice for you to listen to.  I'm thankful the music you listen to is not something I have to tell you to turn off and that it's something that I choose to only turn down at night so the rest of us can sleep rather than turn what is coming from your speakers completely off.
As you are getting closer and closer to finishing, this, your last year of elementary school, I want you to remember how much truth is in those four words on your necklace, "We Won't Be Shaken."  You are about to sign up for high school classes very soon!  High school will be VERY different from elementary.  As you enter high school, college, the working world, and any other aspect of your life remember that...YOU will not be shaken!  Psalm 62:6 (ESV) reads, He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. / (KJV reads)-He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.  Remember that with every choice you make.  As school changes for you, as life changes for you, always look to Jesus, don't let anyone or anything make you choose something that will move you from the place where the Lord would have you.  As circumstances change, you should only change for the better, don't be shaken or moved from where you should be for the Lord.

Last, but certainly not least, something else I notice in this picture is YOU...the you now.  I look at your baby picture...that same baby picture that is hanging on your mirror and I look at this picture of you...the you that is reflected back from the mirror...the teenage you and I realize how much you have changed, but I also realize how much is still the same.  You are still my baby, even the teenage version of you!  Although you aren't smiling in this picture (as you were busy getting ready), your smile still lights up the room, your laugh is loud and heard and I love it.  You appreciate life and you show kindness to many.  You may not technically be a baby anymore, but you're still my daughter, and I am grateful!

So, today, and everyday, dance to the music!  Yes, dance to the music at the Valentine's Day dance, but with the right song choice, find your own rhythm, follow Jesus, and dance!

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. -KJV Psalm 149:3

Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! -ESV Psalm 149:3

As you "dance," Bre, know that I will be there watching and cheering you on as long as you always are dancing to the right music in life.  I couldn't be happier to be your Mom!  I love you, my sweet daughter!

Today, I think will be memorable for both of the kids as it was Troy's Fifth Grade Valentine's Day dance as well.  Here are photos of the kids after they had gotten ready for the dance:

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Git Your Pink On Day

The kids had a "Git Your Pink On" day at school. This was to help with "Breast Cancer Awareness." We colored our hair with some pink streaks for that day. :)
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The Kids' Homecoming Week at School, 2013

The kids had Homecoming Week at school last week, and here they are dressed up for Friday on 09/20/2013.     This photo is also in the Members Area!

First Day of 5th and 7th Grade!

To my kids,

It's your first day of school. I'm so proud of you yet sad at the same time. I'm proud...so happy of how far you've come this far. Keep doing your best and you'll have a great year. Remember to do your best with every subject...Math, Reading and all of the others...but also with the subjects of character and life...these are perhaps even more important. Help the new kids to get to know the place, say hi to the student who everyone else won't say hi to just because they're different, help someone when they drop their things, and the list goes on...you're good kids...I'm sure you get it! I'm sad because you're growing up so quickly...it's a bittersweet time! Most importantly seek the Lord in everything you do...in and out of school. On your first day of 5th and 7th grades a great Bible verse comes to mind: For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.-Jeremiah 29:11

I love you both! 

Love,



Mom

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Breann's Home Room Teacher: Mrs. Baker and Troy's Home Room Teacher is: Mrs. Amanda

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Troy's Fourth Grade Awards

This year Troy received an award for Passing All 4th Grade SOLs. Our son has had an adventurous year full of challenges and many many accomplishments. We are so happy with the accomplishments he's had this year, even when challenged, he's did great!

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Homecoming Week 2012

Homecoming Week 2012, Troy and Breann during "Spirit Day", Breann with her friends on "Western Day" and Troy on "Hat Day".

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The Kids First Day of School 2012/2013

Well, this school year started out great so far for the kids.  Breann started sixth grade yesterday and Troy started fourth grade.  Breann's homeroom teacher is Mrs. Debbie while Troy's is Mrs. Ashley and they both seem to like their teachers, which is great!   Each day on their chores list that I have for them, we include a "Verse for Thought" as well as their chores.  This helps to ensure that they get what needs to be done (such as their rooms clean) complete.  The "Verse for Thought" is just usually one verse that they each can read from the Bible to help them to possibly learn something about, and lets face it...the Bible is the best "subject" they can learn from, that we all can learn from, really.  Anyhow, since this was their first week back to school, I thought that on their first day back, which was yesterday, that I would include a verse about learning and/or wisdom and I chose Proverbs 1:7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

I pray that my kids have a great school year, filled with much they will learn and filled with great choices, great attitudes and God leading them with everything they do!     This photo is also in the Members Area!

Troys Awards Day 2012

Troy had his Awards Day for his 3rd grade class on Monday.  He received three awards, Honor Roll, an award for the SOLs, and another award for him participating in the talent show! 

Photos are also in the Members Area!

Crazy Hair Day

The kids homecoming week at school is this week and each day they have a theme to dress up, today was Crazy Hair Day and they insisted I take a picture of their hairdos.

It was REALLY funny this morning because as I was dropping them off for school Breann insisted on Troy getting out of the vehicle first when she always gets out first. The conversation went something like this:

Breann: (leaning forward and standing up in the vehicle) Go Troy.
Me: Why are you not going? Go on and get out and get inside of the school.
Breann: (looking at Troy) Are you sure today is Crazy Hair Day?

LOL She wanted to be sure they dressed up for the right theme (which they did) so she was going to let her brother get out of the vehicle first!!



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Troy's Awards Day

Troy had his awards ceremony today and he got the Honor's  award.  His class also had t-shirts made that had their class theme this year (the "Wanted" theme and on the back it said "Class of 2021")...awww!!

Photos:








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Troy's Book Signing

Troy's class just recently wrote their own story about what they wanted to be when they grow up and they got to publish their own book.  Troy wrote that he wanted to cut trees like his dad and the picture he drew was SO adorable!!

Well...they had their book signing this week!!  :0)

Troy's Second Grade Field Trip

Troy's second grade field trip was on Thursday and me and Breann went (along with a couple of friends of ours) and joined Troy on this fun day for him.  We went to a nearby park where they have all sorts of wildlife from wolves to deer and more! 

Here is a photo I took of the deer:

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Say Hello to...

Mr. Gallon.  Troy made him at school and Breann even did this in an earlier grade as well.  They both say that he helps them to remember gallons, quarts, etc. so much easier.  Wow!  Who woulda' thought?!?