Varsity Volleyball team .....

Here is a partial picture of the varsity volleyball team.   Sadie is one of 2 sophomores on the team; she is in the white shorts.   The season has not officially started yet;  already 2 players are out with injuries.     Sadie has made new, good friends in this wonderful team.

Maggie's First Day of Third Grade

Maggie started third grade this week;  she loves school this year.   She's also learning how to deal with other kids who are bossy, rude, etc.    I have been hearing a lot about a girl in her class named Taylor, who seems a bit bossy.   Maggie decided last night that if God put Taylor in her class, it's because He wants Maggie to learn to deal with her.   I was so proud of my girl.  We also saw a rainbow yesterday evening, and we decided it was a gift from God, meant to encourage us.     Sadie also started tenth grade this week; volleyball has kept her busy.   It's harder to get photo ops the older they get.   Hope to capture some pictures of her soon!

Leapin' Learning Lizards...

Maggie and I have been working in my classroom in small chunks of time this week;  its already the time of year to begin getting back into the work routine little by little.  Maggie found this cute little baby gecko in the hallway; they are actually abundant in our school, along with water bugs and crickets.  The last picture is her pleading look that means : "Can't we keep it in a cage in my room?"

Maggie's Swim Lessons

Maggie is completing a two-week swim lesson course.   She looks forward to taking these lessons; she won't miss out on a lesson.    In this video, she is trying to please the teacher, but she's not doing it right, and you can hear the teacher giving her instruction.   She is the student closest to the camera.  She is priceless!

Maggie's beauty routine

   Maggie now likes to use the lighted makeup mirror to spend time primping.  Recently, we were getting ready to attend a wedding.  She enjoyed taking time to get fancy.

A Strange, New World of Grief

The girls and I are navigating our way in new, uncharted waters.  I have never experienced this kind of grief before; up close and personal.  We are missing a vital member of our little family.  It's truly a day-to-day thing; the girls have lost a parent, and I have lost my partner, backbone, supporter, person always on my side who knew me better than anyone else.   With God's help, we will keep on going.  The garden will get planted, but won't be as lush, the family traditions will go on, but won't have the same feeling.  We will create new traditions as a new family unit. 
Things will never be quite the same, but we will still be okay.

Hello from Maggie