Paper Pulp Creations

Today is grandparent's day at school. Each year the students are encouraged to create a fall centerpiece to decorate the lunch tables. Jentry is always ecstatic when it comes to crafting anything, and I shamelessly admit that she is more creative than her mother. Her artistic ability definitely did not come from me and her imagination blows me away.

This year she created a fall tree from a soup can, tree branches and paper pulp. She had so much fun getting her hands messy.

She also created this teacher-like door for her bedroom. She loves to pretend she is a teacher and she made a pumpkin for each of her "students". I am not sure where the pumpkin/owl idea came from, as I had absolutely nothing to do with any of it. I am a huge fan of her work if you can't tell.

I am thinking she would make a fabulous teacher someday, however she is thinking of using a different kind of artistic ability.

I haven't a doubt that she will go on to accomplish great things in whatever career she chooses. I simply pray that I get to live long enough to see it for myself.

Pumpkin Dreams

Ever since I was a little girl I have loved the autumn season. Some of my favorite childhood fall memories include roasting hot dogs by the huge bonfire while sippin' on hot chocolate in my Halloween costume and trips to the Pumpkin Patch by Stamford. Making my pumpkin selection was one of the most exciting decisions of the year.

The ultimate dream would be for me to own and manage my very own pumpkin patch, however after several years of persuading I have only convinced my husband to assist me with a small patch for our family.

Luckily my in-laws were on board to help make this family pumpkin patch a reality.  Jan allowed us to use one of her fenced-in gardens and even went to the efforts of researching and purchasing some seeds. Everyone helped plant the seeds, spread mulch and pull weeds. Nathan and John helped water and spray for bugs.  Yes, sorry folks, this is not an "organic" pumpkin patch.

I am happy to report that our first attempt at the family patch was a sucess and I am hopeful that  I have passed along my fall nostalgia to my children.

Sisters

On Sunday, September 18th, Jentry became a big sister to Emry Grace Stenger. Emry was born a month early so she had to spend a week at the Children's Hospital in Omaha.  After two long weeks of patiently waiting, Jentry finally got to meet and hold her precious baby sister. To say she was excited would be a huge understatement.

Having been blessed with a sister myself, I am very grateful that Jentry gets to experience life with a forever best friend too.

Zoo Day

Friday we dialed up the most beautiful day and visited the Henry Doorly Zoo. Onnie was not so excited about the 7:00 am departure, however once on the road fun was had by all. Papa and Onnie McKenzie were generous enough to treat all four of us with admission, food, train rides and a view from the skyfari.  It will definitely be one of those top ten days in the memory bank.

Every time I visit I am astonished at all the improvements and additions. We are so fortunate to live only two hours from the Worlds' Best Zoo.