THAT'S HAWESOME

A list of things that make me happy, laugh, or feel good.

11. When my kids laugh. Not just giggle, but bust a gut laugh.
12. I have loved seeing my children become real friends over the last couple of months.
13. The comfort of a good book has done wonders for me lately.
14. Fresh school supplies neatly organized.
15. Snickerdoodles.

//Hawesome 1-5// //Hawesome 6-10//

THE NEW STUDENTS

The kids have been back to school for a week now, and they seem like old pros. Davis and Tess have handled the change much better than I have. Being the parent and the student are two totally different ball games. 

One of us is worried about who they are going to sit next to and what time lunch is. The other person is worried about them getting teased, feeling comfortable, and the cirrculum of a new state. I couldn't sleep very well the night before school started. I might have even cried for a really long time.

These two did AWESOME. We live outside of town, so our kids go to the country school. One benefit of the country school is a school bus. The bus picks them up, and drops them off at the end of our driveway. What? This is wonderful. After being a solo driver for the last three years to our old Charter school, the bus is a welcomed relief. Davis wasn't so sure about it, but has decided he likes it.

Oh, did I mention the bus driver stopped by a week before school started to meet us and introduce himself? Yeah, he did. His name is AJ and I want him to be my Grandpa.

This old man, Davis, is in a class of 13 kids. Two of which are girls. He didn't want to let go of the uniform. So, many of his days are spent in khaki shorts, tennies and t-shirts. Davis was so excited to meet other kids that had similar interests like Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Mine Craft. This move has been hardest on him.

Tess is in a class of 11 kids, only one is a boy. I'm sure the chatter in that classroom is unreal. Tess has always been quick to make friends, and this move has been pretty easy for her. No uniform, no problem. Lunches on the other hand... So and so had chocolate milk, and a dessert. Thanks a lot random mother. Now I already have to step up my lunch making game!

Things were going really smoothly with everyone happy and excited. That is until yesterday we hit a hiccup. I love being able to wait on the porch for the kids to be dropped off in the afternoon.

The bus passes our house and drops several kids off at a daycare down the street. Yesterday, one of the girls from Tess' class that rides the bus, and goes to the day care decided to be a bully. This girl and another decided to tease Tess and tell her that her mom, ME, was mean. First off, what a lame insult, and second it just plain isn't true. Tess and Davis were very offended and started crying as the bus pulled away.

My heart sank. Didn't this other girl know we are adjusting to a new life here in the prarie? Didn't she know if you don't have anything nice to say then she should shut her trap? Did she forget she met me last week, and came to play at my house!

Tess, Davis and I had a big group hug. I told them how much I loved them, and not to worry about what other kids say. We have each other, and everything will be okay. Davis demanded that Tess never play with that girl, and Tess decided she hates it here. Over a chocolate covered donut emotions were calmed and everything was fine.

I'm just glad my kids didn't agree with the girl. Of course I'm not mean! Unless you count bedtime.

SAY GOOD BYE WITH A PARTY

 Before we left Salt Lake, some of our dearest friends threw us a going away party. In the stress and hustle of the move, I only had my iPhone camera and on top of that only took a few pictures. Bummer, I know, but I do have a few shots to share.

The party was hosted in our friend's backyard. With the Walker's modern tree house, trampoline, and views of Lone Peak it was the perfect venue.

No party is complete with out good drinks and food. In honor of this little blog, our friends set up an Italian Soda bar and had plenty of delicious fingers foods. My friend, Gina, made a dessert with cream cheese because she know I love it so much. It seemed that every time Gina asked for a recipe of mine, there was cream cheese in it. What can I say, cream cheese =  love. Another family friend, Kacey, made Jello jigglers in honor of Tess. It was only on Father's Day of this year that Tess had Jello and fell in love.

 Davis had no problem slurping this down. Who doesn't love an Italian soda?

Our friends also had a few gifts for us. Everyone was given the chance to fill out a few raindrops with ideas of activities for us to do. This has definitely come in handy as the summer was wearing on, and the kids didn't know anyone yet.

My favorite gift, and the one that makes me laugh and cry at the same time is the Jenga Tower of Love.

Each piece of the game has a hand written note with something our friends will miss about us. Several of them have memories from our trips and adventures together.

It's sad to leave friends behind, but friends like these will be yours forever. Thank you to Millie, Gina, and Eliana for loving, serving, and caring for us. Thank you to your families for all the parties, babysitting, and fun. We loved the party.

IN CELEBRATION

As of ten minutes ago, we officially have internet in our North Dakota house. All those who wish to celebrate with me can make this cake and eat it all up.

This is the recipe for the delicious Chocolate Truffle Cake I posted on Instagram. Others may call it by another name, but it's rich chocolatey goodness is the same.

We have been doing a lot of baking around these parts. For those of you that like a good recipe reccomendation I have a few for you. 

Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies, don't hesitate to make these. 

Fat fluffy snickerdoodles, these were consumed so quickly some family members cried. 

Quick sour cream cinnamon rolls, I wanted these to be a little more sour, but there were no complaints from the peanut gallery and all rolls were consumed hastily.

Good? Good. We'll talk again soon now that we are connected to the world wide web!

TESS TURNS 6

While we were camping in the Black Hills, we celebrated Tess' 6th birthday! I can't believe what a cute little girl she is. Tess is not with out some serious sass, but she is very loving and full of personality.



Salty Signature—Begin typing above

MOUNT RUSHMORE

Before we knew we were moving to North Dakota, we had already decided to do a family trip to Mt. Rushmore this summer. Davis was the driving force behind this one.



The Black Hills are really beautiful, and it so fun to see the monument in person. Mike and I are big fans of National Parks, and our kids are too.

Pretty amazing. I hear it's really exciting to be there for the fireworks of the fourth of July. Maybe someday we'll catch that.

GETTING SETTLED

Have you been wondering if we were still alive?

We are almost settled here in North Dakota. 90 percent of our boxes have been unpacked, but nothing is very organized. We have been here three weeks today. It's crazy how this summer has flown by.

Our house is in the "country." As in, we are rural with propane, septic tank, and have a dumpster.

Last Monday we were so excited to get out sattelite tv hooked up. Hooray for the Olympics.

Internet, well that has been super frustrating. We are hopefully going to be connected to the web in three more weeks. I know. How does one survive with out the internet? My phone data plan is getting maxed out. This post is happening thanks to a wifi hot spot.

I have so much to share. A few posts for you this week, but things will be sparce until we get our internet.

hugs from the prairie!