Behind Every Child

Since school is starting, I thought I'd share my school years growing up, especially with my new friends, who I'm just becoming acquainted with.  My school years were wonderful, for the most part.  I was an outgoing child and teenager, so that may have made it easier for me.  My mom had a tremendous part in ensuring that my school years were good ones, by sewing costumes for school events, and just being there at the end of the day, asking how my day went.  Sometimes she started and completed a whole project while I was at school.  The elementary school was right down the street from my house, so I could walk to school sometimes, but when junior high came around, I had to take the bus for a time, as the school was way on the other side of town.  It seemed like it took forever to get there before the day even started.  So, here's some bits and pieces of my school years back in the day.

The sweet years.

I remember having good teachers the first few years of grade school, and I remember the principle always had a smile on his face and said hello when he passed my way.  By the end of the sixth grade, he knew us well.  One year, me and my best friend were not talking to each other for a while, and he called me into his office and reminded me how special our friendship had been since kindergarten, and did we really want to break that up?  We eventually made up and all was well after that.

Year of the pixie cut.

Francesca got a hair cut before school started, and when I told her about the haircut I got in third grade and how short it was, she laughed, so I had to send her and Mia a picture.

My mom pretty much made every costume I ever wore.  I always wanted a store bought costume, but looking back, the ones she patiently sewed for me were so much more special.  I'm in the middle, and these two sweet souls have already left this earth, but they were surely my favorite cousins of all.

The awkward junior high years.

This was my first girl/boy party at my house.  I can't believe my parents let me have one, as they were pretty strict, but I guess they trusted me...as they should have.  ; )

I was always involved in one activity or another.

Do ya'll remember the school cafeteria burritos?  Me and friends had one nearly every day at lunch time, and I looked forward to them even before the bell rang.  They were the best.  I actually found the same type of burrito at a drive-inn in my hometown, and used to get them from time to time.   

All the football games and the Homecomings every season.

Well, there you go.  A little of my school life through the years.  Having good friends around me each and every day made the school days less monotonous and more uplifting and fun.  I got pretty good grades, except for Math; never cared for it.  And when Algebra came around, I even had to get my middle brother to help me for a time, which improved my grades some.

Fast forward to the mom years.....when I had kids of my own, I was very protective, and used to make sure they got in their classroom in the morning, or were in line with their teachers.  Looking back, I still remember walking Nel to the bus stop when she was in middle school.  Her school was in the country, and I felt uneasy until she was safely on that bus.  But that's another story for another post.

*Joseph Sandora, Jr.

While shopping with Jess at Target one day, I came across these raccoon socks and loved them.  They look Fallish to me.

I simply want to say, thank you, Teachers.

I'll leave you with a few nature photos.  This outgoing gal needs alone time, and nature is a must.  We received some rain!  When I was driving recently, I looked up at our mountain and noticed a dusting of snow on the peak already.  This horse was very sweet, and came right up to me without fear or reservation.  The reddish leaves are reminding me that the most wonderful season is on its way.

~Sheri

Back To School.....Already!

Well, I lost my photo files again.  It's my own fault; sometimes I go too fast downloading and editing and deleting.  The pictures are still there, I just can't seem to open them up after I transferred them back to my files.  Renecke's very good with computer and technical stuff, so maybe he can retrieve them someday.  The computer can eat up my pictures, but it can't take away the memories I have spending time with my family in So Cal.  Thankfully, I have a few pics left of that trip.  Those memories are in my heart, and can't be deleted.....like all the shopping that me and the girls did, all the good food that I ate - Nel's chicken alfredo dish, Jess' hearty breakfast, Brian's barbecue chicken one night, and teriyaki chicken rice bowl the next.  And then there were the walks around the neighborhood I took with the kids, the treasured picture Francesca colored me, playing "library" with the kids, and all the movies we watched - I introduced Mia and Francesca to Mowgli on The Jungle Book.  And I won't forget spending time at the village with Nel, and getting our favorite tacos with warm chips and salsa.  They are the best!  And watching Jess' classroom come alive as she prepared it for the coming school year.  She got a lot done, while I took Charlotte for a walk around the playground.  So, this post will be one of 'this and that', and speaking of the school year, this is Francesca's first day of school.  Me and Jess went shopping to get some new school clothes for Francesca, as she was recovering from a bad cold and cough.  It felt like the old days, and I picked this dress out because it looked "back to school" to me, and surprisingly she liked it!

This is a tree Miss Jessi made for her classroom.  I thought it was so creative.

Mia had Birthday no. 6, and it was a Bluey Theme.  Nel made the cake, and how fantastic it was.  Mia helped her with it.  She starts school later, and has a little more time for summer fun.

When me and Nel were shopping at Hobby Lobby, we found this dish towel and pumpkin creamer, and we both bought them.

I went to a neighbor's yard sale over the weekend.  Didn't find anything, but it was nice chatting with the ladies.  They told me of another one they're having in September, and I said I'd try to go.  I've always liked yard sales, estate sales, craft fairs, flea markets, etc.

Had some Chinese food last week, and it was a treat, as that was the day I lost my pictures.

The Eurasian Collared Dove came to visit me and stayed for a time.  I absolutely love this bird.  He's a relative of the mourning dove, but the distinct black collar around its neck lets you know he's different.  They nest near houses where food is available for them.  Their call is soft and gentle and peaceful, and I hear them day and night.

I made a yellow cake, Yummy.

I've been watching a few Christmas shows lately.

Orange spice tea with cinnamon raisin toast.  Oh, so good.

Homemade nachos.

Well, that's all the pictures I have until next time.  I can feel a nip in the air, telling me that Fall is on its way. 🍎  It was in the 50's when I got in my car one morning to get groceries. 

  

~Sheri

French Bakery At The Village

 I had a wonderful time in So Cal visiting with the kids.  I stayed with Nel half the time, and Jess, the other, and they made my stay so comfortable and nice.  One of the first outings we went to was at the village where we got pastries at a quaint French Bakery.

Story.  After we ordered, we sat down to eat.  We found a cozy spot in the corner, and started to enjoy our coffee and croissants.  A lady had her treats, and was getting ready to leave, and as she was walking out the door she said to us, "now that looks like a nice tea party."  Mia smiled and quickly said, "yea, would you like to join us?"  The lady chuckled and said, "oh no, but thank you, dear," and left with a big smile on her face.  I said to Mia, "that was so nice what you said to her," all the while thinking, ~what a sweet child.~  The decor in the bakery was very charming, and I loved the big white mirrors that were hanging on the walls.

There were rows and rows of different pastries behind the glass windows, and fresh baked bread to buy also.  Nel bought a loaf to take home, as she had some honey butter from a neighbor that we could have later that evening.

Many of you know that I'm part French Canadian on my mom's side, so when I enter a cafe' or see anything Frenchie, I get a bit giddy.

During one of our shopping outings, I came across this plaque that looked French to me and bought it.  I couldn't resist, as I used to say these words to my kids when they were little.

Afterwards, we walked the quaint streets at the village, and I wanted to buy Mia something for her birthday.  She has been wanting to go inside this one particular toy store, so Nel thought it was the perfect time to do that.  She's really into stuffies right now, and after looking all around at the various toys, she chose the soft furry Cheetah.

As we were walking to one of Nel's favorite shops that has lotions and creams (I wanted to get her something too), we saw this delightful sign.  It hit home for me last week when I was losing internet access on my computer, until it got fixed.

I always enjoy myself at the village, and I'll have to return to the French Bakery the next time I visit.

~Sheri  

Be The Nice Kid

Just got home from my trip to So Cal to see the family, and I'm exhausted unpacking, washing clothes, and putting things away.  I'll share more later, but here is a few pictures of Jess' classroom.  She is getting ready for the new school year, and she did a nice job decorating the classroom with fun stuff for learning.  I went in and helped her by watching Charlotte, and washing all the white boards for the kids - 25 of them!  It brought back memories of when I was the class mom all those school years. ; )

Have a good week.

~Sheri

*This board was huge and placed on the school playground.