What a great quote!

We went to the ortho today and heard the great news- 

NO MORE RETAINERS!!! WOO HOO! 

For the past 3 years the kids have worn their retainers. For the first two years it was 24/7. Other than eating they had to always have them in their mouths. Then last year they were able to graduate to only at night. And now NOTHING! 

They have a four month break until we go back and then may possibly get the go ahead for braces.... but until then they will enjoy the long break!

I have to say in all of that time we only had to fish Xander's out of the trash once at a friend bbq and Alyssa's broke hers once when she sat on it in her scripture case.  Thankfully Dr. Greg was able to fix it and there was no charge. We love our ortho doctors. They really are terrific! Oh and we also love the fact that they are less than a minute from DQ makes for a sweet treat afterwards! 

Unsettled

I was talking with my sister on the phone yesterday and said that I just can't seem to settle into this school year yet. Things keep getting added in and life is really busy.  My calendar just about sums it up-

Yes, it makes me very tired when I look at it. I am becoming a master juggler and relying on my village people (it takes a village to make it to all practices, games etc..) to lighten the load, both mentally and physically! 

A thoughtful note

This evening we received a note from Xander's football coach-

Hey Lisette,

Xander has been playing incredibly well.  He has been head to head with some much older and bigger kids and has shown no fear and a heck of an ability to knock them around, push them out of his way, etc.   The difference in competition from last year to this year is off the chart. Xander has the most difficult position on offense and yet he is as confident, successful and cheery as ever.  I am really impressed.

It's a difficult season and every game is going to be an intense battle.  I hope Xander is still having fun despite all of the challenges this year.

Thanks,

John

And here is my reply-

Hi John,

I can't begin to tell you how much we appreciate this complimentary note! I read it to Xander and he was really pleased! He got the shaft again in soccer this season. It seems to happen every other season where all of his friends (Collin, Shawn & Niko etc) are placed on the upper team and for whatever political ridiculous reason he is placed on the b team and he really feels the sting. It is so hard to explain to an 11 year old that it is political and not based on their ability. So this really helps to boost his confidence. Thanks for being such a wonderful coach with a huge heart. He loves playing flag football and we are so grateful for your willingness to coach. We know it comes as a great sacrifice and time away from family and we so appreciate it! It is so nice for you and us that 3/4 of your family can be members of the team this season! You're awesome!

Thanks again,

Lisette

I LOVE this!

Fall fruit pickin'

 My girlfriend and I both had the great idea to go apple picking after school today.  

The kids were so wound up it was great to let them run amuck for a bit! 

They barely wanted to stop for a picture.

 So I decided to focus on things that would stay put!

 Alyssa said, "It's a butt, not a peach!"

I've never been so early in the season where we could pick apples, pears and peaches! 

The only problem with 24.2 lbs of nature's bounty- I had to CARRY it all! 

The other problem- no vanilla ice cream. So SAD! Apple crisp will have to wait until tomorrow!

Funky fall fungus

I'm not a fan of eating fungus! No one in our immediate family likes it. 

Our family saying is, "No fungus among us!"

But that doesn't count with fungus that is oddly beautiful like this-

Nature really is impressive!

Old Home Day

Every Labor Day we have old home day on the town common. 

It looks like the bear was eating Xander! Either that or spitting a hair ball out! 

 This year Alyssa and I put a few pictures in the Art show exhibit. 

She did such a great job with her pictures.

 This one is my absolute FAVORITE! It is now hanging in our home.

 Here is one of the pictures I put in the show. I titled it Quintessential New England. 

If you look closely at the ribbon you'll see a 1st place. WOW! Who woul have thought? 

ODP

This came in the mail yesterday while Alyssa was at a friend's house- 

We waited until her soccer practice was over to share the GREAT news!

We are beyond excited and proud

 of Alyssa's willingness to try out and her ability to achieve her goal! 

First day of 6th grade

I can't believe my babies are in 6th grade! They were eager to get up and get the school year started. How is that going to last? I'll take it as long as I can! 

This year we have several firsts- Paul being in town on the first day of school! This has never happened since they started preschool! First time taking pictures outside in the rain. It has never rained on the first day of school. 

 It's all about the cool kicks! LOVE the bright colors!

They always get a shot with Lola. You can see how enthused and cooperative she was! 

Okay that's it they are stopping at 6th grade. No more growing up! I'm putting a stop to it now!