October

Natural Arch in Sewanee, TN. The kids and I met up with some friends for a little day hike. This place is really cool. I always laugh because they all compain that it will be boring but afterwards they say, "This was the coolest thing!"One day they'll learn to trust me!

 

 

After the Natural Arch we went over to a waterfall area off the Fiery Gizzard. Only... there wasn't any water in the fall. Oh well. Guess we chose to visit during a dry time. 

 

The last Murfreesboro Middle Half Marathon. They decided to stop doing it- so this was our last time volunteering. We have had mostly the same crew for many years. It was bitter sweet that it was ending! 

I visited the garden of Master Rosarian Ron Daniels. He's become a rose friend. His roses are amazing and his garden is beautiful. 

We did our annual soda drink taste test. I was happy that I, once again, picked some gross flavors. And even more happy that they humor me and keep tasting each time!

Amy got her looooong hair trimmed. I laughed when she had to stand because it was so long.

My friend Jennifer Salter and her two grandkids and Will. Her arm was tight and she wanted them to stretch it.

Tyler caught a football at the High School game.

How the chickens sleep at night.

MTSU Homecoming Parade. One of my favorites!

We cut down a few small trees in our yard and gave the kids a try with the chainsaw.

Then I had them stack the wood and burn the brush.

Amy took a day long drivers course and was happy when she passed.

Each year we are invited to a Scavenger Hunt. This years was especially fun as we had a fun group of people. We came in nearly dead last, but that's ok! 

Amy did a little Halloween photoshoot with some friends. She's the one in the striped sweater.

At the end of the month we went to the Allen's to be there for Eli's birthday and baptism. It's always fun in Indiana. It's my kids favorite place!

We also did the gross soda taste test with everyone!

We made it home for Halloween where we went to our friends the Barry's neighborhood. We didn't have time to pull costumes together, so they went with what they had. Tyler was a football player. Amy was Taylor Swift in her "You Belong With Me" video and Will was actually sick. So he stayed home with Lee.

It was a fun, full month!

 

 

 

September

One thing we found we love doing is going to High School Football games. We go to all the home games. Amy sits with her friends in the student section and we run into other people we know in the non-student section. It really is fun.

Will was able to reunite with his middle school best friend, Karter. I think Karter was pretty happy to see him too. He thought we had moved.

Will gets to come to some Master Gardener events with me. He's really great with kids and they all flock to him. My friend Jennifer even made him an honorary badge!

I took the upstairs closet and built shelving to store my canned food storage. I've gotten into pressure canning- its so much fun! But I needed a place to put it all.

The Allen's came back through on their way home from a visit to mom and dad's.

I debuted on the radio! It's a local station and the Master Gardeners have a slot. I was nervous but it was fun. I was extra nervous knowing that all of my family AND the Allen's were at home listening to me. hahaha.

The Master Gardeners have 5 long grapevines-which are each over a football field long at the Ag Center. Once a year we have a public grape harvest. This year it rained. And rained. And rained.... ALL day. But people came out of the woodwork!

"Take a picture of us and Marty!"

Will auditioned for his first play. Spoiler alert- he got a lead role! More about that in later months. He did so great though.

We visited Carmen again.

I can't remember why- but he was worn out this day. He never naps!

The from seminary to school carpool. This year a few of us moms are rotating. I love each of these kids so much.

We did a homeschool egg drop. Will wasn't too into it. But seeing everyone else's creations was fun!

Amy dressed up for a Football Game. She's loving high school. And I love that she's loving it. They have different theme nights. This one was obviously "Country." But the funny thing was- when most of us think country we think country western- hence her apparel. Well, we live in the south... and in the country.... so to some that means head to toe camouflage and deer hunting outfits. Lee and I had a good laugh about that. I guess you have to specify which "country dress" you are talking about.

We ordered new windows for the house and they came in months earlier than we were originally told. That means I had to pick them up. Well, I'm not very skilled with a trailer. And to say I was nervous about driving $4,000 worth of windows home would be putting it lightly. I think I did Lamaze breathing all the way home. I drove as slow as possible and would hardly let Will make a sound. I was so nervous!! But we made it. Phew!!!!

Sometimes I just want the family to get outside. They usually relent grumpily... but then they all have a great time.