Church Ladies go...Paintballing

On Saturday I had the one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life...paintball! Dressed in full camo armed with a gun full of ammo, we headed out to the first course. We divided into teams, formed a strategy and the game began. We took off with the goal to capture the orange teams' flag. Our strategy didn't quite work, the orange team conquered us. Alison, Jessica and me

There were several courses, but I would have to say that the "Gates of Hell" was my favorite. I was down in the trenches defending our territory. People were getting hit left and right, but I was advancing. I made it to an opening and hit the ground, crawling on my belly to accomplish our goal...the flag. I had paintballs flying over my head and I was shooting back until I ran out of ammo. I ditched the gun and began crawling like a mad woman. I made it within 6 feet of the flag and then the whistle blew, the game was done...ahhh...so close!

Pretty hard core, wouldn't you say?

The last course we did was pretty much charge and unload. Awesome! This time I did capture the flag!

I made it through the day with only a few bruises. The biggest ones being from when I was running through the woods, tripped and fell flat on my face. I'm sure I looked ridiculous. The whole group made it through the day without too many horrible bruises...there were only a couple neck and face shots...ouch! All-in-all it was a great day. Who knew shooting your friends could be such fun!

We have a crazy busy week; however, today I have the day to myself. I think I'll relax and prepare myself for the remainder of the week. I hope you all have a wonderful week.

A Miscellaneous Week....

We'll begin with Kyle's field trip to the Little Red School House last Thursday. They wanted the kids to experience this day as authentically as possible and thereby had to dress accordingly. Here is Kyle is his get-up.

There was the option to roll his jeans to the knees and wear long dark socks, but Kyle wouldn't go quite that far. In fact, he only put the hat on for the picture. He brought home a "lunch pail" the night before and we had to pack it with an 'olden days lunch (a jelly sandwich, an orange, a brownie and water in a jar with no ice). The boys had to enter in one door and the girls the other. They had reading, writing (which they did with pen and ink, all in cursive), and math. When I picked him up from school and asked how the day went, his reply was "It was alright, just kind of boring. I am glad that we don't have school like that anymore".

On Saturday we went over to our friends, the Bretl's. Jason and Brad were working on pouring a concrete pad for their LP tank. Well while they were doing that Jessica and I decided to take a little adventure to an old abandoned house. And an adventure it was...our first attempt was fouled by people being at the house, which we thought were hunters, but apparently were not because when we returned 10 minutes later, they were still there. I guess the third try was the charm. No one was around and we entered. The house was pretty much trashed and the walls and ceilings were crumbling, but we were able to make it through to the upstairs. Once upstairs we found some old furniture in amazing condition, jewelry, year books and a box of photos.


This is the back door and view of the outside of the house.

One of the interior doors and this wedding dress was hanging in one of the closets









Anyway, we also found a marriage certificate of the previous owners, which peeked our curiosity. Jessica got the pictures of the house she wanted and then we headed to the barn. And...while we were walking back to the car, someone pulls up behind our car! Jessica and I book it back to the car and totally out of breath, scared to death and probably looking as guilty as could be spoke with the lady that OWNED THE LAND! She was very nice and didn't seem to care that we were there, but talk about awkward. Well, we went home and did some investigating and discovered that the original owners are still living, but sold the land to the lady we encountered in the driveway who is marrying what we believe to be a son of the original owners this weekend. How bizarre, but very exciting! Oh, Jason and Brad did a fine job with the concrete pad. Jason, I and the boys went home and Brad and Jessica came over a little later for pizza and a movie, "Fracture", which I wouldn't recommend to anyone.

Sunday we had Sunday School and church then came home watched the Packers trounce the Giants, took a nap and then brought Kory to a friend's birthday party. We ate supper by the campfire and then sacked out of the couch for the remainder of the evening.

So today brought with it laundry and cleaning. But I was also able to finally complete my and Jason's bedroom, which began with repainting and ordering fabric for the window panels in July. Which, by the way took almost 8 weeks to arrive. The panels were made in August...more fabric was purchased for a valence and pillows and they were finished this weekend. Some miscellaneous decorations hung on the wall and finally, it's done!

Tomorrow's back to work with a doctor's appointment and a few meeting mixed into the remainder of the week. Have a wonderful week.

Back to School

Welcome Back to South Mountain Elementary!

Oh, the sound of the kids voices filling the halls of the school. Kids shouting out to their friends whom they have not seen for 3 months; checking out all the new gear (i.e. backpacks, shoes and the like); and seeing the tears of the Pre-K kids and some kindergartners and their parents as they separate for the first time. (On a side note, my children never were sad to see me leave!) Oh to be that carefree again!

Kyle William, age 9 - 4th grade

Let's see, Kyle has grown about 3 inches since last year. It won't be long and he'll be taller than me! Anyway, his first day went famously. He is so stoked that he has a guy for a teacher this year. It will be quite different from last year, but change is always good, right?! He has been introduced into a semi-criminal justice process in his class. They have a fine system. They get "paid" every two weeks and then for bad behavior, late assignments, etc. they are fined and have to pay their teacher a certain amount of money based on the "crime". If you can go a whole quarter without fines, you get to spend your money at an auction. Kyle has taken on this system as a challenge and is determined not to get fined. On the practical side and as a mother, I know that this might possibly be impossible!

Kory Douglas, age 5 - Kindergarten

Kory has been anxiously awaiting the start of Kindergarten since the day after school got out in June. Throughout the summer he would ask when school starts and always disappointed in my answer until last weekend, when I could say..."only 4 more days". He has jumped right in and he even remembered his code for lunch. He was so proud of himself. The biggest adjustment he is having to make is being there all day. Let's just say he was quite tired when bedtime came around last night. He actually fell asleep during devotions. The highlight of his day was the fact that he got 3 recesses. And, of course, his favorite part of the classroom is free choice when he gets to play with the animals. Maybe someday he will be excited about actually learning academics :) Kory reported that not everybody was as excited for school because apparently one of the girls in his class was so nervous that she threw up in the gym before school even started. Poor thing :(

Our Labor Day weekend was quite relaxing. We caught up on much needed sleep; drove to Eau Claire to see Grandma and Grandpa Olson; and enjoyed a campfire and cookout with friends.

I have embarked upon a new adventure this week too. I have started a new job as the administrative assistant to our youth pastor. I will be working two 1/2 days and on full. So far it has gone well and is very enjoyable. Next Wednesday is the big kick-off to youth group so I am shuffling through a lot of paper. Once things slow down a bit with the youth, I will also be doing some of the administrative stuff for our worship pastor. I'll have to take a crash course on power point design! I will enjoy the next two days as I have the house all to myself. Hmmm, what will I do with myself? I will actually be able to go grocery shopping or just plain shopping all by myself...woohoo!

Well, off to make dinner. Have a great weekend!