Reunited!

 And it feels so good!! 

For the first time since July 3rd, we spent some time with our besties!! 

This pandemic has kept them at arms length so we were super thrilled to spend some time. The girls picked up right where they left off, as did the mamas. 

New Ink for Mama Bear

When I was 24 years old, I got a tattoo on my back of a dolphin and a moon. I have no idea what I was thinking. Haha! I've wanted to get it covered for years and I finally took the leap! 

My new tattoo!! 

A mama bear with her 2 little baby cubs. 

Along with an amazing verse. 

It's actually Matthew 11:28-30. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I'll always be there for my baby bears. 

I also wanted to do one more tribute to my sweet girls. 

An infinity symbol with their initials. 

This one is on my right wrist/arm. 

 I'm so in love!!

My Sweet Girl!

Ava posted this on Instagram. 

Her caption 💖💖💖

 

 

September Birthdays!!

Two special people had birthdays on the SAME DAY!! 

We were invited for a birthday parade for Joseph, a co-workers son. 

We loaded up with goodies and balloons and headed out!

Joseph was so excited and very appreciated! 

.Next up was our Mama Katie! It was a big milestone birthday and we were so excited to make the trip to see her. We also participated in a special video message for her. 

Mama Katie --

You are everything to our family. 

A friend, a sister wife, a 2nd mama to my kiddos. 

Thank you for being you! 

We love you!!! Happy Birthday!! 

 

First Day of School 2020 {Ava, 6th Grade and Addy 3rd Grade}

With many unknowns, rescheduled dates, the first day of school finally arrived. 

The girls school is following a Hybrid plan. This means that half the students go on Tuesdays  and Thursdays and the other half go on Wednesday and Friday. Mondays are used for cleaning and teacher work days. My girls fall into the Wednesday and Friday group. 

We got our back to school teacher gifts ready. I was super excited that I was able to find these clear masks for the teachers. This will help so much with her speech therapist, etc...

We had six months together. Six months. I have been working remotely this entire time.

The emotions were hitting hard for all of us. I was so weepy so I bought us these bracelets. They are morse code and mine reads "Mother" and the girls read "Daughter". This is to help us remember each other throughout the day. We all kissed each others and promised to be strong. I may not have been so strong but the girls don't know that. 

Since Ava Kate starts Middle School, she starts 45 minutes earlier than Addy. So while Ava was up and moving, Addy was still snoozing. 

Off to do great things! I was an emotional wreck at this moment. How did we get here so fast???

I ran home to get this love muffin ready! 

She was so nervous and was very weepy on the way to school. 

"I be miss you so much" 

Her teacher sent this!

I couldn't wait to pick them up!! 

I was the annoying mom waving madly and taking photos!!

A funny story from Addy's pickup. 

Me: Ad, how was your first day?

Addy: So Fun! We watched a movie. Trolls, no no no no no no. Molls? No no no no no no no no.

They little. And blue. 

Me: Smurfs? 

Addy: Yep! Murfs. 

Bahahaha!!

This is Addy's teacher Mrs. Moore. 

We are so happy to have her this year!!

 It's definitely different but I'm so happy they are back in school. 

Their social, mental, and emotional health needed this so bad. 

By Friday, Addy declared "I really like school and I love my teacher!"

Girls Night!

My friend and boss, Shelby is going through a rough time so we decided a girls night was in order with our co-workers. 

We started at Doc's Beach House in Port Clinton. 

We finished off the night staying at Nate's condo. It was cheaper than renting an Air BNB. Ha! 

Mom and Tracy came to visit!

Meanwhile these munchkins hung with Uncle Nate at our house. 

He took them to dinner and to Dave and Busters. 

 Then they Facetimed me after the "babysitter" fell asleep. Ha!

I'm a HERO!

 

Imagine me surprise when I received a call from Bay Area Credit Union to let me know I won the Hero's drawing.  Here is a snip of what the program is. 

Our communities are filled with Heroes. Heroes that are going above and beyond their call of duty especially during these times of uncertainty. Exceedingly thoughtful and caring people are helping others and it is not going unnoticed. BAY AREA CREDIT UNION wishes to recognize and award those HEROES within our communities. Bay Area Credit Union is asking you, the public to nominate a person doing good in the community and we will place their name in a weekly drawing for $100.00.

My brother Nate nominated me. How awesome is that?

I took my $100 and put it towards the remodel of our bedrooms. 

You will see more of that later!! 

Friends and Pumpkin Spice!

Ava Kate had a dental appointment that took us to Toledo. 

It also coincided with the first day of Pumpkin at Starbucks. 

Unfortunately, it was SUPER HOT so a hot coffee didn't sound great. 

But the Pumpkin Creme Cold Brew was amazing! 

We also squeezed drive-by visits with the besties. And forgot a photo with Ella!

 

Drive Thru Adventures

 Ava and I participated in a church scavenger hunt! 

There were about 50 tasks and all of them were within a 15 miles radius of the church. 

We had so much fun!

Unfortunately we didn't win but I certainly enjoyed the time with my pre-teen. 

Genoa Middle School

 My girl is getting ready to start Middle School. 

I can't believe it. 

The 6th graders were invited to come into the school and practice their locker combinations and deliver supplies. She also chose a few photos to print off to hang and decorate. 

We had to practice the locker a few times but she'll get the hang of it!