If leaves were currency...

today we would have been rich. ;)

This week has been one of those weeks where every major event seemed to converge at a single moment.  

Daily schedules have had our little family running from thing to thing, 

with just minutes in between.

It's one of those times in life when you feel like you're always running just a few minutes late,

because in fact, 

you are. ;)

But today, after the girls brought their girlfriends, Halle and Isabella, on a visit to our local veterinarian clinic with Kennedy and Halle's Brownie troop, 

(complete w/ horses, surgical rooms, x rays, Brownie throwing up, me sitting outside with 6 girls (other than my daughters) including one sobbing little friend who was petrified she was going to get sick),

we finally made it home,

when an impromptu leaf pile building project began.

For over 60 glorious minutes, we just raked.

And gathered.

And followed no schedule.

Just enjoyed being outside.

Perhaps asking the cranky lady 2 doors down if we could have her leaves, who said, "NO".

** Seriously, who doesn't let a 9 year old rake their leaves?!?

But just enjoyed being together.

Pure. perfected. bliss.

♥

Our crew.                                              And our equipment.

We also played in the leaves and watched the clouds.

But then, I took this horrible picture that made Tito look all grown up. 

But then, I then I took these, which made my heart glad again. ;)

Gwen told me today that she doesn't take good pictures.

I think she's exactly right. ;)

Our "Artsy" side of raking leaves...

So even though, today, our leaves were not currency,

they were absolutely priceless.

♥♥♥

Hmmm, you remind me of someone... ;)

Why are the big blog posts so hard to do?

I mean,

I still have our trip to Maui (last May),

Ty's last day of school (June),

kids' trip to Colorado (July),

family trip to Laguna (Aug),

Kennedy's birthday (Sept)...

but what do I post about?

The fact that Kennedy has an uncanny resemblance to a Jack 0' Lantern these days.

 Seriously, we're considering putting a candle in her to save the time and energy of carving a pumpkin.

Juuust kidding!!!

(sort of ;)

Or we could pull her hair back, put a long, black dress on her,

and call her "Nanny McDiddy".

Or we could just enjoy every single second we can with the cutest 7 year old we know.

Yeah, that's what we'll do. ;)

♥♥♥

What we've been up to...

The Garate household has been abuzz the last couple of weeks.

Days seem to be flying by and the fact that the kids are sleeping later and later each morning proves testament to the fact that they're keeping busy.

Really busy. ;)

But I guess that's what a combined 6 hours a week of soccer practice (and that's only because 2 overlap for a bit), 3 games on Saturdays, homework, playdates, birthday parties and the school's Ice Cream Social can do to ya.

But that's just life. ;)

We've also had some of the great stuff happen.

Like, can you guess why Miss K is so happy?

Here, we'll give you a closer look. ;)

Yep, that tooth that's been missing since she was 15 months old, finally has a buddy.

And now looks like a legitimate missing tooth rather than a really big gap.

I'd say Kennedy is getting ready to look her 7th year straight in the eye. ;)

**When Ben looked at the pictures, he didn't mention anything about the missing tooth, but rather asked, 

"Is that how she went to school?" ;)

And guess who earned a Character Award at the school's "SING" assembly?

I'll give you a hint...

It's this cute kid. ♥

Yeah, we're still a little in shock as this was the same kid that made me sit through a call from his teacher last year about his use of the classroom playhouse's radio as a sword... 

and his persistence in telling the yard duties exactly why he didn't follow directions...

and... so forth. ;)

But, we couldn't be more proud of Ty's "model" behavior this year.

You've come a long way buddy!

We're so proud of you! ♥

 Yep, he really did get it. :)

And speaking of "SING", Gwen's had a big couple of weeks as well.

SING is a biweekly event, where the K-3 and 4-6 graders are gathered together, to sing/dance as a group and the teachers get to recognize 2 students for whatever they deem worthy.

Since singing and dancing is involved, students in 3-6th grade get to apply to be a SING leader who leads the students in song... 

on stage.

And our Gwen was one of the students chosen.

Now, as I went to work in Ty's class today, I got to catch the tail end of the assembly.

I missed Ty getting his award, but I did get to see just how cute those SING leaders are.

Think, as close to "Elementary School Musical" as Gweny's gonna get. ;)

But the good news doesn't stop there.

Gwen also was chosen to be part of Safety Patrol.

Safety Patrol is a group of students who are "trained" in the safety rules of our parking lot, then get to open the car doors for kids, who in Gwen's case, are getting out of their cars during morning drop off.

They wear these cute little safety vests and work rain or shine.

Literally.

Let's just say, I'll be posting pics later. ;)

But what does this really mean for the Garate family?

That we have to get to school 10 minutes earlier... 

starting next Monday.

Wait, is it too late to pull Gwen's app? ;)

One more fun thing Gwen got to do:

Work with her soccer defender buddy, Kylie, at Kylie's dad's store.

Gwen even got to make change for a customer.

Can life get any sweeter?!?

 Well, maybe just a tad.

Here's what I got from one of my friends today, because she's just "one of those" friends.

Go ahead, you can be jealous. ;)

Looking forward to what next week will bring! ♥

Heard over the back fence...

or the back seat of the car...

or the dinner table...

or...

Kennedy asks me fairly routinely if I like being a mom.

Which she typically follows up with "Why?".

Now, I have various reasons at various times as to why I love being a mom, 

but lately one of my favorite parts of being a mom is what I get to "overhear". ;)

This is what I've overheard over the last 36 hours...

***

Kennedy to Ben on the phone: "Mom didn't mean to pull my tooth out.  Not like the other ones.  She just accidentally ripped it out."

***

Gwen:  "How do we know that we love the real God?  Like how do we know that He is the only real one?"

***

Ty (to Kennedy): "... so sometimes you just have to talk about it.  Like when you have to talk about why you got in trouble in school."

Kennedy:  "I don't get in trouble in school... I don't even know how you'd get in trouble in school.  You're not allowed to even touch each other..."

Ty: silence...

***

Me:  "So, Ty, did you and Taylin (a little cutie from his class) talk about having a playdate today?"

Ty:  "Yeah."

Me:  "Are you glad we're going to go to Wacky Tacky with her?"

Ty:  "I guess."

Me:  "Are you going to play with her there?"

Ty:  "If there's no one else to play with, I will."

Me:  "So why did you want to have a playdate with her?"

Ty:  "Because Taylin told me during Reading Time today to ask my mom if I could have a playdate so I did."

***

Ty to me while driving: "Mom, how fast are you going?"

Me: "Umm, 50 mph"

Ty: "Stop speeding."

Me: "I'm not."

Ty: "Yes you are.  The speed limit said 40."

***

Gwen to Ben on the phone: "So where are you?..."

"...Um, Oklahoma?"

"... Connecticut?"

"... the St. Regis?"

"...wait, aren't you not supposed to talk on the phone while you're driving?"

***

So dear Kennedy,

When you're 100 years old and reading this, you'll know exactly why I cherished being your mom.

You'll also know why I have all the grey hairs that I do and why sometimes I just like it when it's really quiet. ;)

But what happens the second day? Or the third? Or...

Today was Picture Day.

And because I put so much time into their clothes, hair, etc love my kids so much,

I thought I'd take a little pic of what they looked like pre-"full day of play".

Which was a good thing since our new school photo company took fooooooorever

(I know because I worked the event ;)

and Gwen and Kennedy didn't get to take their pics until after 2 recesses and lunch.

Hopefully we won't be able to see the rat's nest that sat on the back of Gwen's neck. ;)

Now our personal photo opp was a little more difficult than I had intended.

But after taking a closer look at the "proofs",

I think I found the "weak link". ;) 

I have a good feeling about our school pics, this year. ;)

 Even this pic has a twinkle of mockery behind Tito's eyes...

But our start to school has been good.

The kids jumped back into the homework routine pretty naturally

and they all still love their teachers.

However, I have a feeling we're going to have to keep an eye on "the boy".

While making his "All About Me" poster (those things drive me batty!),

I asked Ty what he wanted to be when he grew up.

And this was his response...

"Ummm, what's the job where you have to do the least work?

A soccer coach?

Yeah, I'll be a soccer coach."

At least he didn't say "A Mom". ;)

But Kennedy made us smile tonight as she squealed and ran to show Gwen she lost another tooth.

And since I didn't have any cash, I talked Kennedy into showing her class her tooth tomorrow and then putting it under her pillow tomorrow night.

Although, I didn't need to worry as Gwen had my back.

When I went into Gwen's room tonight, this is what she gave me to put next to Kennedy's tooth.

It's apparently a gift you receive from the Tooth Fairy the night before she gives you money.

Thoughtful little dame, isn't she?!? ;) 

Yeah, I like these kids...

Even if they won't sit still for my camera...

and Ty may live with us forever. ;)

The first! The first! The First...

Day of School!!!

I love this day.

And not because I'm just really happy that I can finally run errands all by myself

(although, if it happens to be an ancillary benefit, who am I to object?)

but because I love all the newness of the day.

It's like one big fresh start.

Ahhh. :)

In fact, Ben started to laugh at me this morning, as to how I prepared for the first day of school.

Like how last night I made one final Target run,

filled out 3 Back To School packets,

filled 2 book bags,

laid all the backpacks/school supplies bags in a row, 

checked my camera and battery,

woke up waaaay earlier than my typical "summer" morning,

actually blow dried my hair, ;)

ironed clothes,

flat ironed the girls' hair,

made lunches

(which I apparently completely forgot how to do, 

as my house looked as if I simply threw all the supplies over my shoulder after use) 

and then double checked everything.

But, what made me, dare I say, "giddy", 

is the fact that I couldn't have hand picked better teachers for my kids, even if I had tried.

And the kids all have great friends...

that they couldn't wait to see.

Blessed, I tell you.

We feel surely blessed. :)

So after we packed up, we made the final trek to the school.

Obligatory "First Day of School w/ the School Sign" Pic. ;)

This year, we could walk the kids to their classrooms.

Since Gwen took off about one nano second after we passed through the school gates,

and Ty wasn't to be picked up by his teacher for another 15 minutes,

we started with Kennedy. ;)

Kennedy and Kyndal.

Two peas in a pod.

Both waiting for me to put the camera away. ;)

But Kennedy was a good sport and stopped for pictures...

and more pictures...                           and more pictures...

but eventually hit her limit. ;)

As we had a little "I'll give you B Robbins if you tell me all about your day snack" after school today,

Kennedy declared that she had the best teacher...

and the best day.

Yeah, 2nd grade pretty much rocks. ;)

And while Ben waited with Kennedy and Ty,

I quickly ran over to the "Big Kids Side" and documented Gwen's first day.

We are apparently sending Gwen to boarding school. ;)

Here's our girl with a few of her girlfriends.

great friends + great teacher = one happy girl

(and even happier parents ;)

Now, we've been realizing how much Gwen's growing up, but we had a good dose of reminder today.

When talking about her first day, Gwen was ecstatic over her teacher and in regards to her class said,

"You can tell that some of the kids have grown up over the summer".

Oh reeeally?

Or how about when one of the moms at Ty's soccer practice asked me tonight if Gwen babysits.

I had to tell her, "Well, she's only 9..." ;)

But down deep, she's still our baby girl who we fell in love with 9 years ago.

With just a bit more finesse... and hair. ;)

Then came Tito's turn.

Oooh my.

As a newbie Kinder (to Stoneridge), you must take pics with both parents.

Even if they are blurry. ;)

And you must endure your well meaning mother, yelling,

"Ty, turn around.  Let me take one more pic".

Even if you are supposed to be in charge of the back of the line...

or are perhaps a little too cool for school. ;)

Now, during Tito's Panda Express version of the "let's talk" snack,

I learned that Kindergarten must make you ravenous,

as Ty quickly consumed every.single.calorie the 2 item has to offer.

It also teaches you new vocabulary,

like when Ty told me to "Chillax" after I asked him my hundredth question about his First Day.

(but to be fair, we know he didn't learn that at school ;)

Which I must say, he quickly rescinded,

when he saw I was about to say, "Ch-watch your attitude bud". ;)

But what I did learn from Ty's First Day, was that 

"No one really likes the first day.  You just do stuff.  But later on you start to like it".

The cornerstone of academic legacy.

We can't wait to see what Day 2 has to offer. ;)

♥♥♥

I ♥ soccer.

Seriously. :)

I love everything about soccer.

I love the excitement that marks the beginning of the season.

I love shopping for all the gear.

(Okay, maybe not the actual shopping, but the idea of it.  

Plus, there's some crazy cool kicks out there when you get out of size 13 shoe.

I swear these shoes are lighter than paper. ;)

I love the families; our "soccer family".

I love, love, love them. ♥

And I love that my kids are this happy.

I mean really, how could you not love soccer? ;)

(Although to be fair, my love affair tends to end around game 8, 

and week 5 of 4 nights of practice, but no need to dampen the moment. ;)

I love our coaches.

I love "cheering" for the teams. ;)

But mostly, I love the players.

Or in Ty's case...

the "Ninjas".  ;)

Studly little men, I tell ya. ;)

But they're not just brawn.

There's a lot of thinking/discussion that goes w/ the game.

Like, what level of Super Mario Bros you're on. ;)

And if you're Tito,

there's a lot of being first in line.

Did we mention he's a tad bit competitive?

Can not imagine where that came from. ;)

The Ninjas... you can just feel their prowess. ;)

Then we have the Sparklers... again.

But really, no other name would do this team justice.

"Sparkle, sparkle"

and some more "sparkle, sparkle". ;)

But in case you think Kennedy doesn't actually play the game, here's proof, to the otherwise.

She's the pink sock to the left of the photo. ;)

Yeeeeeeaaahhh Sparklers!!

      Ready for another fun season!!

And Gwen may be enjoying this season just a tiny bit more than last...

as she's now an "Assistant-Assistant Coach" for K's team.

The girls on Kennedy's team idolize love Gwen,

so she's good for crowd control.

And picking up cones. ;)

Gwen and Coach Brian.

They mean business. ;)

But nothing makes Gweny happier than playing with her own girls.

But my battery unfortunately died at the beginning of practice, so I'll have to add pics later.

Grr.

But I still love SOCCER!!! 

♥♥♥