Three....Three sleeping kids...hahaha!!!

So where to begin. Saturday we attended a Halloween party at the Quinn's (Valynn's boyfriend). We had a great time, we went on a hayrack ride that took us into a field and past an old barn. A werewolf tried to scare the kids, but was unsuccessful. There was a bonfire and lots of treats. Sunday we had Sunday school and then on a whim went to Tanners. Valynn and Mason rode the ponies multiple times as well as the barrel ride. Of course I didn't have my camera with so no pictures, but everyone had a great time. Monday night we carved pumpkins, Valynn and Mason cleaned out the inside of the pumpkins themselves. As you can see, even Kyra cleaned her pumpkin. I worked yesterday, I taught kindergarten, I now know why I chose to do secondary education. Valynn was excited because I was next door to her. This morning Mason had his Halloween party. Because Valynn was home sick Mark attended the party with him. They did a parade around the school and then got a bunch of goodies. This afternoon I went into the school for Valynn's party since I'm Head room mom. The party went great, I know Valynn will be disappointed that she missed it. We did a craft, played a game, and had snacks. I came home and Carol (the babysitter) had all three kids sleeping. I can't remember the last time that happened. I guess that means they will be ready to go trick or treating tonight. We'll see how Valynn feels if she will go to tumbling or not. I know we're going to Lawn Ridge trick or treating (there's a house there that hands out beer to the adults and more candy than the kids know what to do with) and then we'll finish up by going around our subdivision. Either Mark or I will have to stay home since we know we'll at least have trick or treaters this year (compared to our old house where we only had one, there were no other kids). HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Busy week

Where to start. Valynn's conferences went well, nothing surprising. She will be tested next week on her reading level. I'll let you know how that goes. She behaves in class and gets along with her classmates.

Kyra fell and cut her eye on Thursday. Fell again on Friday and it's now black and blue. She then got a reaction from the bandage so her fact has a red rash. She was moved into Valynn's room last night. So far so good, they went to sleep at the same time last night. I think she has a molar coming in because she hasn't been napping.

Mason, nothing new there, he had school pictures this week. He is learning to read a couple of new words every week.

We had a birthday party this morning and are going to a Halloween party tonight.

Mark's Birthday

It was Mark's birthday on Monday. We celebrated with a birthday pie that Kyra won at the Halloween Party. I also forgot to mention that Kyra turned 14 months on Sunday.

Trick or Treat

We just finished a busy weekend. Friday night we had company over for supper of homemade egg rolls, stir fry, and fried rice. Finished off by a delicious dessert of Laurie's. Saturday Valynn got to ride on a combine and then we went to a Halloween party. The kids had a great time and we came home with three desserts from the cake walk. We had company for supper on Saturday night as well. On Sunday, we took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese after church. Mark finished hauling dirt around the house while the kids enjoyed the weather outside. Everyone is doing great. Kyra's newest word is "mom". I'm no longer ma. We have Valynn's first parent teacher conferences on Thursday.

Riding the Combine

After many failed attempts, we were finally able to get Mason a ride on the combine. I'll let you know how he liked it when he returns home. We are wrapping up a busy week. Valynn started Tumbling this week since her dance class was cancelled. She had fun. Valynn also officially started Daisy Scouts this week. I only worked half a day this week, I taught 3rd grade. We have a busy weekend ahead so I had best get back to work.

Valynn's Present

Valynn got to go horseback riding for her birthday. She had so much fun she can't wait to do it again. For those who don't know, Valynn loves horses. She's had a fascination for them for over 2 years now. She got to help get the horse ready to ride, rode Cricket, and then helped clean him up. She did very well learning to steer and he even got up to a trot for her. I also included a picture of our mornings activity. The neighbor across the road got hit by a deer last night, so he asked if we wanted the meat. The deer broke its neck and some ribs and the neighbors truck didn't receive any damage. We now have venison for the winter and Mark doesn't even have to go hunting.

Valynn is 6!!!

Valynn turned 6 yesterday (where does the time go?). She had a great day at school, she took treats, they sang happy birthday, and she got to be a car rider (she rode home with me). We had her party last night, around 20 people with adults and siblings. They had a great time playing with everyone. We had a Strawberry Shortcake cake and pizza for supper. Today is the day she gets her present from us. We'll post the pictures when we get back.

Working

I started working as a substitute teacher this week. I subbed for prek and high school science. I definitely like the high school better. I enjoyed getting back into the classroom and interacting with the students. I have a great sitter watching Mason and Kyra. She's a retired lady from across the lake, her husband built our old house and we lived next door to her daughter at the old house. She brought lunch over for the kids, folded my laundry, and washed the dishes yesterday. She won't let me pay her so if anyone has any ideas of what I can give her let me know.

A New View At Work

I moved back to the capitol tower after finishing up my software project. My new work area is located on the south side of the 16th floor. Several people have asked what the view is like from my desk so I took a few pictures. As you can probably tell, this view is a little bit better than my last worksite where I had a ground level view of a parking lot.

This picture is looking to the southwest towards the Missouri River. Fort Abraham Lincoln historical site with the George Custer house is in the distance across the river:

This picture is looking straight south over the capitol mall. Above the valley in the background is the University of Mary:

This picture is looking straight down from my window. Flowers are used to spell out North Dakota as well as create the shapes around the flagpoles. The distance down to the ground is around 220 ft.

Basement Update

Work on the basement has been moving forward. The bathroom and hallway are now painted and almost ready for flooring. Doors are also in the process of being installed.

Basement Hallway:

Door to Bedroom:

Bathroom Floor Getting Cleaned and Prepared for Tile:

Valynn's art

Here is a link to Valynn's art.

click on art gallery, kindergarten

Her fish is the 6th row down and the 4th one over. Blue body, green fins, yellow face.


Blobs 5th row down and 3rd one over.