::It's a Monday

Back to school...can't believe we're coming up fast on September. It's back to schedules, snack breaks, papers, new books, tests, ABC's. The really neat thing about home schooling (ok, one of the really neat things about home schooling) is getting to work with and around so many different age and skill levels. Me, as a Junior, working along side my baby brother in kindergarten. At the same time, working with my mom and dad, learning, gaining knowledge from them. It's going to be a really special school year and I can't wait to see all that God has planned for us as a family.
Still adjusting to Josh being away again - this time is almost harder than the last. Having him gone for a year, home again for the whole summer, and right back into having him gone again. But at the same time I'm so proud of him and just thankful for the summer months we had with him back home, getting to grow closer to him, making memories together. A Sophomore at S&T. How can that be!

Of course with fall and the new school year come all the new activities, new busyness. We're learning how to manage it all, still having time to be together on the farm, mentally taking note of all the precious moments filling up. In a big, home schooling family that can be a challenge, or with any family, I'm sure...It's constant focus to be *thankful* and *grateful* for every passing moment. The most important lesson to learn!

The big Riefer news is the new swingset! Joel has been out here with dad putting it together, and the kids can't wait for the "go." In the mean time, we get to babysit this kid inside with us! It's really exciting watching it come together - I admit I'll be out there as much as any of the kids. :-)You can count on pictures coming after it's all done!
Fun thinking of little Evan and all the other grandkids to come playing on it!

 Yesterday, as kind of a "final get together before school starts" thing, the four of us girls went out on the farm with the Clifford. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, and just so nice being together as a foursome. Now I'm surely hoping we'll still be able to get together lots during the school year, but this was a fun adventure with the close of summer.

 Kelsey. And Missouri bark. A-mazing.

 The farm looked stunning yesterday. The clouds were huge in the bright, clear, blue sky. Even with the very dry summer the green everywhere was beautiful. Big space. I want to run forever across it.

 At the swimming hole..

 In other news, we miss Ohio, and those weird Ohians that we call our best friends. They are building a flying machine to come down and see us soon.

Connor, me, Jen, and Kels had a lot of fun this past week hanging out at Jeannie and PaPa's and watching The Queen before everyone beginning school...I'm wishing we had more time together in the fall. Let's meet in the forest, shall we clan?

In other BIG news around here, I'm excited to announce the new theater season! The upcoming Fine Linen Drama production to be performed in late February/early March of '13, will be: Drum roll, please....

I'm beyond excited and so BLESSED to begin another show adventure with the Fine Linen family. This will be a really fun show full of singing, dancing, and..pick-pockets. Oh yes, shall be fun. :-) Stay tuned! Auditions were this past weekend, and I'll be sure and post cast information when it becomes available.

Ozark Actors Theater has a very fun upcoming show too.....

Two shows with fantastic music and really exciting scenes. Such fun! I'll post more details on Little Women soon.

All for now - looking forward to the busy fall in front of us. Onward!