I know...my thoughts are always random. But, I usually try to only post on one subject at a time. I like each post to have a "theme" and corresponding pictures. Plus, it makes me post more often.
Anyway...the sweet treats.
They have a Rita's in Texas!!!
Fellow GFA staffers from PA found a Rita's Italian Ice shop nearby. It's the only one in Texas, we've been told. Our friends met the owner and told him they work with several other families from PA. He gave her a stack of coupons for a free regular italian ice. So, we went to Rita's last Friday.
It was yummy!
I absolutely loved the bright red lips on the kids.
The Rita's is located in Flower Mound, about 20 minutes from our house. It's in a little shopping area that sort of has a park-like atmosphere. We ate outside, enjoying watching bunches of kids running around, and listened to a band playing classic rock at a restaurant across the patio.
(And, my kids have never met a stranger. They walked over to say hi to these girls. Rylee came back a minute later and said "They're nice. [pause, then then seriously] They don't speak English." If you know Rylee's personality, you know it was hilarious!)
Then, on Wednesday the twins went to hang out with Auntie Pam. She and the twins made an ice cream cake while I ran an errand. Then, I returned and we went swimming. That night, Auntie Pam came over to help us eat some cake! It was delicious.
On a completely different note...I have taken on a challenge. I have decided to organize my desk area. When we remodeled our kitchen, we put in an area for the computer/desk. I've had little nooks and spots for things but it tends to accumulate a pile in the middle. I bought a used bookshelf for $5 and stuck it next to the desk. I had a plan for how to use it, but it's also accumulated random items. And, our incoming mail tends to pile up on the island counter.
Joel doesn't like piles. I don't really like piles. We try not to have piles, but they just end up being made. I made file folders, but never stuck things in them. (I'm very visual...out of sight is definitely out of mind for me!) But, I read a blog called "organized junkie" and she had a challenge last week. She calls this sort of area "command central". Makes sense. I have a spot where the kids keep their shoes, a spot for their backpacks to hang, and a place for gloves/hats/jackets in cool weather. But, this area needs organization and a PLAN! So, while I am too late for the official challenge (posting a link and pictures and possibly winning a prize), I'm posting this BEFORE shot to challenge myself (and give you something to hold me accountable for). Check back soon to see our AFTER shot. (There will be an added shelf, some rearranged folders, streamlining phones, etc...by the end of the weekend.)
And, it's led me to examine another spot...our coat closet by the front door that is currently the picture, wrapping paper, random stuff closet. This organizing thing might just snowball on me!
We get asked ALL the time "where did Jenna get those curls?"
They have a Rita's in Texas!!!
Fellow GFA staffers from PA found a Rita's Italian Ice shop nearby. It's the only one in Texas, we've been told. Our friends met the owner and told him they work with several other families from PA. He gave her a stack of coupons for a free regular italian ice. So, we went to Rita's last Friday.
It was yummy!
I absolutely loved the bright red lips on the kids.
The Rita's is located in Flower Mound, about 20 minutes from our house. It's in a little shopping area that sort of has a park-like atmosphere. We ate outside, enjoying watching bunches of kids running around, and listened to a band playing classic rock at a restaurant across the patio. (And, my kids have never met a stranger. They walked over to say hi to these girls. Rylee came back a minute later and said "They're nice. [pause, then then seriously] They don't speak English." If you know Rylee's personality, you know it was hilarious!)
Then, on Wednesday the twins went to hang out with Auntie Pam. She and the twins made an ice cream cake while I ran an errand. Then, I returned and we went swimming. That night, Auntie Pam came over to help us eat some cake! It was delicious.
On a completely different note...I have taken on a challenge. I have decided to organize my desk area. When we remodeled our kitchen, we put in an area for the computer/desk. I've had little nooks and spots for things but it tends to accumulate a pile in the middle. I bought a used bookshelf for $5 and stuck it next to the desk. I had a plan for how to use it, but it's also accumulated random items. And, our incoming mail tends to pile up on the island counter.
Joel doesn't like piles. I don't really like piles. We try not to have piles, but they just end up being made. I made file folders, but never stuck things in them. (I'm very visual...out of sight is definitely out of mind for me!) But, I read a blog called "organized junkie" and she had a challenge last week. She calls this sort of area "command central". Makes sense. I have a spot where the kids keep their shoes, a spot for their backpacks to hang, and a place for gloves/hats/jackets in cool weather. But, this area needs organization and a PLAN! So, while I am too late for the official challenge (posting a link and pictures and possibly winning a prize), I'm posting this BEFORE shot to challenge myself (and give you something to hold me accountable for). Check back soon to see our AFTER shot. (There will be an added shelf, some rearranged folders, streamlining phones, etc...by the end of the weekend.)
And, it's led me to examine another spot...our coat closet by the front door that is currently the picture, wrapping paper, random stuff closet. This organizing thing might just snowball on me!
We had back to school night for Rylee the Thursday before she started school. She is going to a charter school this year. On BTS night, we learned more about the school, got lots of paperwork to complete and return, and met her teacher.
Having completed an entire week (and a half), she really enjoys school and likes her teacher very much. (She actually said "I love her" to be exact.)
The Thursday before the twins started preschool (which was this week, by the way), we had their BTS night. We met their teacher, dropped off the paperwork we had already completed, and enjoyed seeing some of their classmates (and some of Rylee's classmates and families from last school year).
The twins just finished their first week of preschool (they go Tu/Th) and they really like it. They have several friends from church in their class and get to meet some new kids, as well. Today they learned about the color red and the letter "a" and got to share some show-and-tell items.
Having good teachers is such a blessing. It gives me great peace to know my children enjoy their respective schools, feel safe and loved there, and are learning from teachers who care for them. I have the privilege to serve in the office for more hours as a result of my kiddos all being in school on Tu/Th. As a result, more people in Asia are going to hear the Gospel!
So, all you teachers out there...your job is impacting far more than just those little kiddos sitting in front of you. You might just be touching the lives of people around the world!
