Oh Captain! My Captain!

I feel like I should stand on top of my desk today and shout it out "Oh Captain, My Captain!"

But instead, I will post these photos from today's promotion ceremony.

I am a member of the Fire Wives so I wore my pin - gotta represent my girls.

And in the front row we have, Mommy, Wyatt,

And of course Daddy.  (Elsie was paying attention so she didn't participate in the selfie action w/ us.)

We all came to see this!  The gold badge.

We keep this one for the shadow box. It is part of Jarad's story as a member of the fire department.  It makes me think of my own father's police department badge and how it was, in my mind, magical. This one feels that way too.

Here's the full crew that got new badges today - lots of ranks - all pretty proud.

My hams.  Love them. Yes, we took them out of school to share this moment.  It was so worth it.

In case you wanted to see it up close and personal, here's his new bugle, which, by the way, Elsie thinks looks like a flash light.

It has been a long road to this moment.  Lots of studying, tests, missed birthdays, anniversaries, holidays etc, and though none of that changes with being Captain, this is a huge step for Jarad in the Department.  We are so proud to call him our Captain.

WITL - Sunday

Sunday and I am still lugging my camera around.  

And yes, I shamelessly walked right up to the front of church and took these pictures of the blessing of the backpacks.

We went to lunch after church with friends, then heading home for a nap and the church pool party where the kids proceeded to harass Amy constantly (but I seems she did love it).

And then we headed home did all of our chores and went to bed.  WITL is done.  But I am clearly seeing a need to pay attention more.  I am missing things.  Love this project.  Even when it isn't perfect it is.

WITL - Saturday

Hello Saturday.

Saturdays are for turning around halfway to the party that is 30 minutes away cause you both forgot the birthday present.

And then Saturdays are for Birthday Parties

Saturdays are for being silly

For rolling skating super fast!

For smiles about being with just girls

For cute little sisters (that aren't yours)

For cake

For roller rink pizza and lemonade

For adult conversation and helping moms while the girls play

For anticipation

 For accomplishments

For taking your kids to places you went when you were their age and loving the time warp.

For husbands that run errands for printer ink when you are working on Project Life catch up.

 And pencil pockets for little girls who want to be organized.

And Saturdays are for homework and reading together which doesn't really feel like work at all.

Saturdays are also for cub scout activities, project life catch up, play dates with cub scouts, hanging at your uncles house and sharing dinner as a big loud fun group - but apparently, those are the parts you forget to photograph!

WITL - Friday

Six photos - yep - clearly my head is not in the game, but oh well.  Here they are - First up - my counter every morning - all packed and ready to go.  

Blurry - I was ready for this - a massage late Friday.  

Then a quick stop to Droubi's.   

So I could have this when I got home.

Jarad took the kids to an Dash soccer game so it was just me and my Project Life.  I struggled to get the printer and phone to cooperate - hence no photos as I was pretty frustrated.

And a drop at the library.  Feels like they are always closed. We are still going strong on our reading. Keeping up is interesting but they are really getting better so it is worth it.

WITL - Thursday

It was a slow news day today.  There were frustrated moments and stresses moments and I lost sight of the capture to be in the moment.  Here is the lineup:

My mornings start off like this.  Straight to the kitchen for lemon water, breakfast prep, putting up the dry dishes from last night and washing what I use.  I get up about 5:15 to have a little time to get my tasks done uninterrupted.   

The morning started off well, or so I thought.  We made smoothies (as that was the plan for the day). Wyatt was a happy camper.  

Clearly, Elsie was not.  She didn't like the taste.  It tastes like milk - "Well, honey, it has milk in it."  She was not thrilled.  Love the over the glasses look of disapproval.  Ah, pre-tweens.  

I started laundry in between breakfast for them and me and other household chores.

Then we had a bit of a morning.  He pushed the limits.  I held firm.  She yelled and was dramatic .  By the time I got drop off handled I was worn out. Sigh.

Not a single picture all day.  The kids were at school.  I was swamped at work.  I ran from place to place and wasn't thinking about it.

By the end of the day, the Tahoe and I were both on E.

So we move on.    

Wyatt and I had another moment getting home.  We managed our way through.  We had nachos, did homework, took baths, read our home readers, and got to bed on time.  I watched my Netflix movie. And I might have had a few spoons of ice cream.  I can think of so many things I should have photographed, but I didn't - and I am over it.  Tomorrow is another day.  And I'm so done with Thursday.  Looking forward to another day and the opportunity it brings, the new chances and the calm of Friday night.  

WITL - Wednesday

Mommy was up early on the first day of school.

My constant companion - Wooley.  He is so active - he is ALWAYS hungry (and vocal about it).

I am a ritual girl.  I like my habits.  Muppets mug + lemon water.

First day of school!  Daddy made pancakes.  He's so cool.

The standard first day of school pictures - I love comparing to the last day of school each year.  These are may favorite.  They grow so much in just 9 months. Love that she wanted dog ears.

I like the capture the backpacks too.

Headmaster photo!  He's such a good sport.

On the front row!!!  A quiz the first day yikes.

A few more favorites.

Ha ha - we're free!!!!  Hello Fall!!!

Half of my job is having coffee with people.  Today it was Fellini (Solento is being remodeled)

Fast forward to after school - I am always greeted at my door by someone - today it was Elsie.  She loved school.  Yeah!

After school and work we had dinner outside and then cupcakes and cool whip. The kids swam earlier after they finished their homework.

A little self timer action.  Wyatt loves to pose - no matter what I say.