Our contract came to an abrupt end, due to circumstance, which I'm sure is not unusual in many of these cases. I look back on the last ten months with joy. I'm thankful for them. I am a better person for them and my family has had a wonderful experience!

We had one of our bonus kids this month. We did "typical" October stuff. We carved pumpkins, baked pumpkin seeds and went to a House on Haunted Hill event! When I say "typical" I remind myself that it is only my "typical". I continually work to stay focused on the fact that our lives are what we make them and without the drive to infuse them with adventures, experiences and events we wouldn't have the same definition of "typical."

We used the nice weather to our advantage and climbed the observation tower at Kathio State Park. It was great to take the dogs for an outing and enjoy some hiking. After fueling up on cheeseburgers and chicken strips at Happy's we went adventuring. I recommend both Kathio and Happy's! As an added bonus mother nature gave us a special viewing of a flock of turkey vultures devouring a carcass on the side of the road. It was a great day to capture interesting pictures!

In August we were joined by only one of our usual kids. It was nice to cater to what she wanted to do. We made homemade pizzas with pickles on top, made banana blueberry bread, did facials and our nails. It was a very relaxed time. We attempted to enjoy an outdoor movie in the park, but due to technical difficulties with the projector we ended up enjoying movies in the family room while enjoying our movie snacks. And even though there were hiccups, it was wonderful!

We went to a cabin at Itasca State Park. It was me and three kids. I was very careful to select a park that I was comfortable with and a cabin that provided the comfort of indoor plumbing! It was a four day trip and I would say 75% of it went well. There were harsh times of electronic withdrawal. There were times the cabin was too small and our emotions too big, however our overall experience was life enhancing.

We went to a Minnesota Twins game! We ate the expensive food, had ice cream in souvenir helmets and did all the things you have to try at least once while you're there. Yes, there is a picture in the golden glove. Along with baseball we enjoyed swimming. All three kids passed the swim test at the local pool so now we're considering trying out some kayaking in July! I am continually amazed at how easily the three kids join forces and fall into a comfortable groove. They constantly surprise and impress me! HAPPY SUMMER BREAK!

Our May plans included a track meet, biking, and making s'mores. We got into the spirit of summer break and celebrated with being outside! The time went quickly! We are all excited for summer to be here! The energy from the kids in the month of May is exhausting to the "teacher" part of me, but wonderful for my planner personality!

Our plans for April are incredibly simple, Nerf gun wars, Minecraft Battle Royale competitions, Marvel movies (to prepare for End Game on 4/26). We're four months into our contract and I have to say that it takes surprisingly little to make a big impact. I would not say that it's easy, but I would say that when everyone involved is looking forward to your time together something is working.

P.S. One of our weekend guests just earned a Student of the Month award!

We try to make our weekends together fun. That doesn't mean over planning, but it does mean having options ready. One option for our time together was canvas painting. The kids knew ahead of time so they could plan and think about what they wanted to paint. When they arrived Friday night we ate, watched a movie and created art. It was a nice way to wrap-up the school week. Thursday marked the end of quarter 3, so we're all homework free! We're enjoying it!

This is always a busy time of the year with graduation credits on the line, baseball & track practice, yard work and muddy paw prints to clean-up, but it is an energizing time of the year. Embrace the spring weather and enjoy the revitalization the sunshine brings!

*Enjoy a little Post Malone and Swae Lee "Sunflower" today.

Ice Fishing didn't happen, but sledding did! It was sunny and relatively warm, 20 degrees. We took the dogs and headed to the park. It was wonderful to get outside and get fresh air! I wish I could share photos of the smiling faces with you; they are amazing! A simple sledding day is what we needed. Next up, a brisk winter hike out across the lake to the islands of mystery!

Ice Fishing. We want to take the kids ice fishing. They WANT to go outside for an activity - I can support that! I knew that we would need supplies. I posted for help on my facebook page and I kid you not, within five minutes we had boots, snow pants, coats everything a Minnesotan needs to go outside in the winter. It was truly remarkable! We have surrounded ourselves with AMAZING people! I thank everyone who offers, love, support, pushes "like", leaves a comment. It all matters!

P.S. Stay Tuned for pictures of our outing! One of our participants is going because of the photo hike that I promised, not the fish catching!

Here is a sample meal list designed to hide veg:

• Zucchini Belgian Waffles w/fruit salad

https://www.wellplated.com/zucchini-waffles/

• Spaghetti and meatballs w/salad *hint there are carrots in the meatballs

From Dinner Like a Boss by Katy Holder Pg. 59

• Minestrone soup w/blueberry muffins (made from frozen berries - it is financially focused February after all!

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/frozen-blueberry-muffins/

• Homemade Pizza with added green pepper
• Popcorn chicken wraps stuffed with spinach

Planning meals is one of my favorite things to do. I love exposing kids to cooking experiences! FRUIT was the "go to" for January! Pounds and pounds of fresh fruit! The only no go was the ruby red grapefruit, but our other attempts were successful! The house favorite was the beloved orange!

As far as cooking/baking experience, we made hand-tossed pizza dough. We added dried sweet basil and garlic to our dough; it was beautiful and aromatic while baking! I made pumpkin cranberry bread sans help because sleepless nights are REAL! There are times when bodies just need rest!

(The Pumpkin/Cranberry Bread Recipe was from the old school Better Homes & Gardens Gingham Covered cookbook!)