My dad's visit

I'm starting to realize that no matter what my plans are, if I surrender them to God...He makes them better.  My mom was planning to drive from Topeka, KS to Spokane, WA after her furniture was picked up.  Originally, I was going to try and fly back so she didn't have to drive that distance alone.  Needless to say, my schedule (and life) wasn't making that plan easy.  So I prayed.  He answered less than 2 hours after I said "Amen".  My mom called me to say she had the idea to ask my dad to ride up with her and she would fly him back to Kansas after he got a few days to visit with us.  My dad was THRILLED!  He got the time off and packed his bag.

*sidenote- my parents have been divorced for 25 years.

When they got here, mom and Jen got comfortable in their new home (sans the furniture) and dad stayed with me.  We got to show him several of our favorite spots.  Mom and Jen took him to all the unique to Spokane places, while I continued with my daily schedule.  Owen and I even got to take him through Manito Park. (That's what the pic is from)

Dad was here for 5 days.  I think he enjoyed himself, but my blessing from it was he got to see where we live.  It might be a while before he comes back to visit, but I think he's happy we are all here and blooming where God has planted us.

Welcome to Spokane, MOM!

I had mentioned that my sister moved in with us the end of July.  Last week my mom moved to Spokane!  She bought this perfect house for her, in this community that is going to work out so well for her lifestyle.  My sister has moved in with her.  Together they will be able to look after each other and manage the cost of living together.  It has been such a HUGE blessing to have more family in town.  We got so excited, we bought Christmas stockings for them both to go on our mantle for this year.  Welcome home, Mom and Jen!!

Football Pep Band 2019

Owen decided this year, that he wanted to be a part of the pep band.  There are two different bands, one for football season and one for basketball.  By doing just one of them on top of the other band commitments he has, he will receive a "letter" in band for this year.  He signed up to do football and is having a blast.  The top pics are from the first game we all went to.  The next few pics are of the second game.  I'm betting he will sign up for basketball pep band as well, we will see.

That's my BAG, Baby!

For over a year, my bag was this AWESOME Kavu bag my mom got me for Christmas.  After our big move and a couple of trips, I realized I could use a bigger bag.  Especially to carry my books and iPad.  So I google searched backpacks and found one I LOVED!!!  I ordered it and showed it to my daughter.  She gave me this odd look.  Later I found out it is the same style of bag that some of her classmates use.  I've been using it as my purse/backpack for the book studies I'm doing.  It's perfect!  Allie has since ordered one for herself (black with red handles).  I guess I'm cool now?!

How they change so much!

My kids have student ID's.  Owen keeps his old ones in his wallet, so we decided to take it out and compare it to the new one.  MAN!  He has changed a lot in one year!!!  Allie got her first one and I LOVE that she is wearing the same dress in her school pic from last year, but this year she has different glasses and COLORED hair.

First day of school 2019-20

Today our AMAZING kids started their second year of school in Spokane, WA.

Allie started 7th grade at Sacajawea Middle School.  She's very excited!  We went to "Sneak Peek" at the middle school on Tuesday for her to get a class schedule, walk around and test open a locker!

Owen started 10th grade at Lewis & Clark High School.  He was excited to start Pep Band this year on top of Jazz Band and Regular Band.  He will be playing at the home football and basketball games.

HAIR!

It is said you can tell a story with just pictures.  I am going to prove it is true.  On Monday, I spent over 5 hours at Koi Salon with Allie to get her hair ready for 7th grade.  This was a BIG adventure, but it paid off!  She loves it. We love it.  And seeing her walk around with that "EXTRA" confidence is worth it.  Enjoy the picture show.