Back to school update....

4 days down.... 176 to go.  School is in full swing and Maurer Party of 5 is adjusting to the new schedule.  With me teaching this year, there are some pretty big changes, one of those being an earlier rise time.  Last year I was able to let the kids sleep until around 7am.  After that they'd walk to the couch, slowly wake up and I'd get their clothes out for the day and we'd hopefully be out the door by 7:40am so that they were at school  by 8:00am.  Now, I have to be at school no later than 7:45am so clothes and lunches are ready the night before and I start stirring kids at 6:45am.They have to put clothes on before walking out of their room and walk straight to the kitchen for breakfast.  We try to leave the house at 7:15am.  So far, so good... but it is only day 4 and we don't have anything extra happening in the evening... yet.

Day 2 was a bit stressful as I had a classroom electrical malfunction and missing child.  Yes, I said missing child and it was my own!  I did not have a volleyball game as previously planned so I intended to pick the kids up from school.  After waiting in the carline, without my cell phone (left at school,) I picked up Avery & Austin and waited as they called Caleb's name over the intercom at least 3 times.  No Caleb, no Caleb, no Caleb... Then I got word that he was put on the school employee bus to be dropped off at high school.  My heart dropped!  My "baby" was on a strange bus with strange people going to a strange place.  I just prayed he knew to get off at high school and prayed I could get back to the school before he did.  Without my cell I couldn't call anyone but I was able to "phone a friend" and find a friend in carline to call up to the high school to make sure if Caleb got back to high school before I did, he would be taken care of.  I had so many different thoughts on the 5 mile trip back to high school.  I was relieved when I saw Caleb walk off the bus 5 minutes after I returned back to school.  He hug me tight, I hugged him tighter! 

I personally am overwhelmed, excited, and exhausted.  I need more hours in the day to do everything I feel like I should be doing but right now I am surviving by staying one step ahead, literally.   Can't wait for Christmas break!

A new school year.... Bring It!

Ready or not, another school year is here.  Maurer Party of Five is ready.... We have a Kindergartener and 2- 1st graders.  Though they said they weren't ready for school to start, A&A&C were up, dressed and out the door on time!  With me teaching this year, we have to be out the door way before last year.  Since I was walking them in this morning, we really had to be out the door on time and I will say we passed that challenge with flying colors.  Caleb was the first one in his class and I had to almost beg him to come give me a kiss goodbye.

Caleb is in Kindergarten!!!  He is a Kindergartener at Krause Elementary

 and has Ms. Sommerfeld for a teacher.

Austin is a 1st grader at Krause Elementary and has Ms. Wellmann.

Avery is a 1st grader at Krause Elementary and has Ms. Wellmann.

C&A&A!  First day of school!

End of summer trip to Sea World... minus mom

Yes, I married a great man and lucked out in that he is an incredible dad.  With my recent career change and all the time it is demanding, he decided to use up some vacation time and head to Sea World... just him and the kids.  He made the 3 hour trip to see Shamu, experience Aquatica (the new water park) and he took pics to provce it.  The kids came back exhausted and full of stories to tell! 

Swimming with the stingrays

Yes, you read that right.  Who wants to swim with dolphins when you have the chance to hang with stingrays? 

Birthday Party

In August... in Texas... the best place to be on a Friday night is by the pool, especially when birthday parties are involved.  We had a great evening out with friends and family to celebrate A&A's 7th trip around the sun. 

Birthday Dinner

Per their request, we headed to Shoguns for A&A's birthday dinner.  From special messages in the fried rice to huge flames, it was the perfect meal for our 7 year olds.

7 looks good on us!

Happy Birthday WES!!!!

Happy Birthday to the man that holds our family together!!!  We love you with all our heart and soul. 

SEVEN

It is just about impossible to believe that Austin and Avery turn 7 today!  They are just getting started in life's journey and we are so blessed to be an influential part of it.  We can't wait to see what is store for them this year as they begin 1st grade and take on a new year of activities.  We love you Austin & Avery!!!  

Wild night!

This crew was out on the prowl Thursday night to knock down anything that was moving.  No creature was too big or two small!  Our kiddos always have a great time with the Rau boys.

Kemper Family @ the Beach