Wednesday-August 29--I like smart, thoughtful people!

So last year at the beginning of the school year (in the copy room, no less) Brian Reece and I started chatting about historical books and things we read over the summer. I told him how I read Devil in the White City and he mentioned the new book, In the Garden of Beasts. He was talking to me about it and it seemed right up my alley! So, of course, I bought it and really liked it! I always like getting book recommendations from smart, thoughtful people, and I found out Brian is a bit of a history nerd too! This year, we were chatting again and he was telling me about the book below. It is about the assassination of James Garfield by Charlie Guiteau. Garfield seemed to be one of those Gilded Age presidents who was actually going to reform the civil service and possibly have a strong backbone against corruption. And then he was shot and died 6 months into his presidency--by a guy who was pissed off he didn't get a job. 

Mathew introduced me to the Johnny Cash song, "Mr. Garfield," several years ago so each year my APUSH students get to listen in as well. His assassination has always fascinated me, but so little is written about it.

Anywho, Brian suggested this book which I thought sounded interesting, and then he brought it to school for me the next day! How thoughtful was that?? I haven't started reading it but am anxious to do so! Thanks Brian for a good book suggestion and bringing me a copy to borrow! (Too bad he doesn't read my blog...) 

Tuesday, August 28--Kosamaaaaaaa!

On Tuesday, I decided to try out Kosama! If you've never heard of it let's just say it's an intense 50 minute workout! They have one across from where I work and it seems silly not to try it out. This week you can attend classes for free! So I'm going to try it out to see what I think! This is me after Tuesday's workout--ok, over an hour after the workout--and still sweating! I've never done so many pushups in my life!

Incredible Kate!

This pic is a bit fuzzy but on Mondays and Thursdays Kate has volleyball practice from 3-5; then, she quickly changes gear, grabs a peanut butter sandwich and heads to soccer by 5:30-7. wow! She's incredible!!

I-Cubs Day!

Today we took Matt's dad, Jim, to the last ICubs game for his birthday. Sally, Solomon and of course our kiddos came along for the ride too! It was a fun time had by all with good seats to boot!

 Here's Riggen getting ready to run the bases after the game.

 here is Riggen beating all the other kids and running from 2nd to 3rd!!!!

 And he makes it home!!!!!

A baseball game would not be complete without a stop at Classic Frozen Custard!!!

Saturday, August 25-Lunch and a Gun

Today I had a pedi and lunch with my good friend, Christine. I forgot to take a picture of our Mimosa lunch so stole this one from her FB page!! It was great to spend time with her!

And then we met Matt at Scheels...where he bought a gun. He's been wanting a 22 for target practice for awhile so after payday, he thought he was okay to get it. Now I just can't make him mad.....actually, I can't wait to try it too.

Friday, August 24-Made it through the week!

Well, the kids and I made it through our first week of school. We were all exhausted tonight! Needing a weekend to recover!

I'm Yours. That's It. Forever.

Well, Matt's been gone a lot this week so it sucks. I like having him around. The post title is a bit mushy. I'm sure I'll get teased about it later--by Matt and well,  few others. I'm a bit mushy. But I don't care. I like this guy. 

 And, well, I have to be realistic too. Sometimes this is what it is like in our lovely, crazy, busy house. So glad I get to spend it with him.

And, if you don't recognize the post title it's from the Avett Brothers. Yep, pretty mushy. But hey, at least I got my blog caught up for today, right?!?!

Wednesday-August 22--Students!

Wednesday was the first day I had students! I actually was NOT nervous this year-not sure why, but it was nice to not be nervous. I try to not talk at them on the first day so we do a fun activity. APUSH students are given several events on strips of paper. They have to place them under a heading from Colonial period-Reagan. They aren't given any help or hints. Then I see how many they get correct, record it and we do this again at the end of the year. It's great to see how much they learn through the year!

Tuesday, August 21---calendars!

You know soccer and school season has started when our home calendar looks like this! I don't even want to peak at September!

Kids' 1st day of school!

Today was Kate and Riggen's 1st day of school. I wasn't home in the AM to see them off to the bus but I rushed home to see them off the bus! They had a great day!

 Here are the neighborhood boys....and Kate! She's the only girl at the stop, but the boys don't mind! :)

 Wow! They are only 4 years apart but this year it seems like it is more. Kate is in 7th and Riggs in 3rd.

 And here they are completing homework right away on the 1st day--good job, kiddos!

Sunday, August 19--Jim and Anne's Bday

Ok, this is not a very kind picture of my father in law. Saturday was his bday and Sunday was his daughter, Anne's bday so they were celebrated together. I completely forgot my camera and so had to look back through some photos. My father in law makes me giggle pretty often so I thought this pic was pretty representative of him. Oh yeah, and he's 73. Who would've guessed?

New Sinks and Bday Celebrations!

 Today was a good day in our house because I got a new sink! I HATE, LOATHE, porcelain sinks! It was the reason I nearly didn't buy this house! I had a cream colored porcelain sink in the house on ELM and hated it. So, the sink was really one of the first things I wanted changed in this house. Well, it took awhile. But that's okay because I selected a GRANITE sink! They don't scrape or scratch and keep the water warmer as well! But now my great hubby had to install it! He did an AWESOME job. He's quite the trooper considering he probably didn't want to spend his Saturday afternoon installing a sink! But he did it and it looks great!

 THANKS sweetheart!

And well, to celebrate the new sink, I went out for dinner. No, that wasn't really the reason. Wendy, Sue and I all have birthdays in the summer and for years we've celebrated them together! We met at Olive Garden in Ankeny, shared a bottle of wine, some dessert and exchanged gifts! I love this yearly ritual! (Ok, I was all excited about my new flowy shirt, but apparently it looks like I'm wearing a carpet, alas! Sue and Wendy looking good as usual!) thanks for the laughs, tears and great gifts! 

Friday, August 17---Last Day of Summer!

So Friday was our official last day of summer. We had a great day due to the beautiful weather! We headed up to Ames to meet Matt at Great Plains Pizza. The kids were so excited about the pizza--probably not so excited about saying hello to school--but hey, I love their enthusiasm!

Thursday, August 16--Open House!

So we had open house tonight for the kids. Riggen is headed to 3rd grade. I think he's tired of his mom always asking for a picture! But I had to do it anyways. And then I didn't get one of Kate! I think they are ready to go back to school!

Wednesday, August 15

Wednesday was such a beautiful morning so we decided to get outside and go mini golfing! We had a great time! Riggen enjoyed "fishing" his ball out of the water hazards several times.

Surprise visit from Chantel and her family!!!

Today is my sister's 19th wedding anniversary! and I had a surprise visit from her today! They were headed to the Iowa State Fair from Kansas City! It was so nice to her family! I haven't seen the boys forever! They are so cute! Thanks for stopping by and making my day sis!

Monday, August 13--lots of errands!

On Monday, we cleaned up the house and did some shopping. I went to Trader Joe's finally; I hadn't been there all summer. The checker lady was pretty impressed with the amount of groceries I could get into the cart! Love their organic apple juice!!!

Then, off to Home Depot to buy a new sink! I hate porcelain sinks! I had one in our old house and hated it and every time I look at this one, I cringe. It is hard to keep clean and always looks dirty--and it doesn't go with our kitchen very well so goodbye sink! I bought a new granite sink! and Matt is going to install it! Wish us luck!

Sunday, August 12-Stopping to smell the roses.

On Sunday, we were pretty worn out from Saturday's party. So we took it easy and "stopped and smelled the roses." This is a pic of my new rose bush. It was about 6 inches tall when I planted it in early June. It has definitely grown!

 Below is my new garden wind thingy--a technical term! It is so pretty when it turns and makes my front porch look lovely!

Saturday, August 11-Annual Snyder Birthday Bash!

Today was the Snyder's annual birthday bash! Each year all cousins (13!) get together to celebrate their birthdays--so much easier than 13 separate parties--but so much more excitement too! We have a theme that requires much costume planning. The theme this year was board or video games! 

As you can see, Riggen went as Link from Zelda. Matt made the entire thing! It was so cool that I think Riggen wants to be him for Halloween too!

 Jim and Sally were pretty funny. Jim was the Monopoly dude-is his name Parker Brother? and then Sally was the old lady from Candyland--Grandma Nut! She made her costume too!

 The Brennan's were funny as always. Ben was the King of hearts, Brian was Operation--ha!, Ellen was one of the crazy cat ladies, Anne was High-Ho Cheerio and Pete was Mario.

 Well, I thought I should put in this picture instead of the whole St. Clair family because it says it all. They were the members of Clue and they we had to play a real-live game of Clue. Seamus was Col. Mustard, killing his dad, Mr. Body.

 Matt won the Clue game!!! Except they used weapons like "farts," and "dull knives," and "scary bats." funny. Oh, and he's some Chief guy from Medal of Honor.

 Here are the kids opening gifts on one of Anne's back porches.

 ...and all gathered around the dice cake!

 ...and well, here we are. I'm the robber from Settlers of Catan board game, and Kate is the crazy cat lady in conjunction with Ellen.

I'm pretty sure fun was had by all!!!!

Friday, August 10--Let them eat cake!

Tonight I had a fabulous time with my friends! We went out to dinner at Noah's and then went to the new cupcake/dessert shoppe called Creme! It was outstanding! They serve dessert paired with a special mixed drink! AMAZING! It is my new favorite place in Des Moines! Paula and I shared the Amaretto Pistachio Molten Lava Cake with Amaratto Champagne! soooooooooo good!

Here is Christine, Jennifer and Jaquie enjoying their drinnks--Jenn had "Spanish Coffee." Right up her alley!

 Here is the gang for tonight-Jaquie, Jennifer, Me, Christine and Paula!

Thursday, August 9--Sally's Bday!

 Today was Sally's 68th birthday! We celebrated by taking her out to eat at Flying Mango!

 Then they came back to our house to have dessert-made by Chef Kate! Snickerdoodle cupcakes with snickerdoodle frosting! yum!

oh yeah, and I finally painted our garage door-looking great!