— brynn, cooper, education, elisabeth, entertaining, grade school, hinson, house, just life, preschooler, silas, sports, stephen —

The September Sprint

October 11, 2018

It feels like we can start breathing again–now that we’re nearly half-way through October. These days are flying by! So many things begin in September that it’s perhaps more of a “new year” experience than January. School has been the easiest transition. We’re so proud of Cooper taking on the challenge of kindergarten, navigating… Read More The September Sprint

— community, cooper, education, grade school, shopping, silas —

Kindergarten and 2nd Grade

August 30, 2018

This past Monday was the first day of school for the boys. Cooper sailed right into kindergarten as a happy, confident little man. We’re so very proud and happy for him! After dreading school all summer long, Cooper was surprisingly excited. Monday morning he was the first one downstairs for breakfast, so I read him… Read More Kindergarten and 2nd Grade

— cooper, grade school, oregon, parenting, preschooler, stephen —

Cooper’s Expedition

August 20, 2018

It was Cooper’s turn for a “man camping trip” with Daddy. Cooper will enter kindergarten just one week from today, so Stephen took him on an expedition early this month to make memories, to provide space for good conversations, and to nudge him toward more grown up experiences. I’m thankful Stephen makes these bonding times… Read More Cooper’s Expedition

— cooking, elisabeth, family, food, garden, grade school, house, imagination, just life, life hacks, parenting —

Camp Explore

July 29, 2018

At the start of summer break, I was pretty pumped with my creative approach to making the summer fun by giving it a summer camp flavor. I christened it “Camp Explore.” I posted our daily routine in camp lingo. For example, clean rooms became cabin inspection. There were a few new things I added to… Read More Camp Explore

— community, grade school, silas, sports —

In the Game

May 30, 2018

Silas’s baseball season is going strong. He’s on the team with last year’s coach and a lot of the same players too. Hanging out with friends during games and practices is a good bonding experience. The community we’re building with these friends is awesome. Silas is doing coach pitch this year, so he’s learning more… Read More In the Game

— cooper, education, grade school, parenting, preschooler, video —

Kinder on the Horizon

May 29, 2018

It’s coming this fall——->kindergarten for Cooper! This year Coop has been maturing right before our eyes. He and I completed Silas’s kindergarten writing book where Coop learned to write all his letters and numbers. {Retention of those letters and numbers is another thing, but at least he’s worked through them all.} Now we’re working on… Read More Kinder on the Horizon

— community, cooper, grade school, music, silas, video —

Community Choir

May 1, 2018

At the beginning of this year, I enrolled the boys in the Hillsboro Community Youth Choir. Through the years, Silas has participated in gymnastics, soccer, t-ball, taekwondo, science club, and swimming at different times, but I felt he could use some musical instruction. His school offers music as one of the “specials” during the afternoon,… Read More Community Choir

— community, cooking, cooper, food, friends, grade school, oregon, preschooler, silas, stephen —

Autumn Activities

November 13, 2017

Fall in Oregon is dazzling! This October has been dry, warm, and sunny–especially compared to last year. By now, most of the leaves are either gone or have turned brown, but it’s been a beauty of a season! We explored Sauvie Island (an island in the Columbia River) one weekend. Though it’s just across the river… Read More Autumn Activities

— birthday, friends, grade school, silas —

Birthday with Friends

November 6, 2017

Somehow Silas turned 7 this year. He’s such a fun kid with lots of interests and a big personality. He’s so very precious to us! One thing Silas has been consistently known for is being a good friend. Ever since he was a baby, he’s been a people magnet. And his teacher this year again… Read More Birthday with Friends

— community, friends, grade school, silas, sports —

Bears Soccer

October 22, 2017

After a fun season of t-ball this past spring, we signed Silas up for soccer through Somerset West Soccer Club. Silas was on the Bears team–coached by a friend just down the street from us. Our motivations for signing Silas up for soccer were to give him time to be with his buddies and to provide… Read More Bears Soccer

The Moody Side of Life

the story of Stephen and Elisabeth

Category: grade school