Memories on the Farm

It’s an annual tradition in our home but a new experience for Jon’s parents. Today we (minus daddy), went to Schnepf farms my very favorite fall activity, ever! It’s a great family place where you feel like you are out in the county carefree.


We started off with face/hand paining then watched a show then quickly scooted to the pig races (so fun and funny). We went on the train, a hay ride, and amusement rides.
We also worked our way through the corn maze with Baylee’s lead. It was cut out in the shape of “the Greatest Boxer of All-Time”…would that be Muhammad Ali (I truly don’t know). Following that we went on the 4 seated bikes and hurried up and down the bumpy, uneven dirt trail through an obstacle course (which made me laugh so hard!)
and to the petting zoo and pony rides afterwards.


I don't want to forget to mention the "pumpking launching" done by Baylee and Nathan.

We finished up our night listening to some country, hillbilly type music, walking through the pumpkin patach, then over to the World Champion dog catching Frisbee show…amazing!

We spent about 7 hours there and didn't even get everything in that we wanted to. I think we'll return with Daddy this upcoming weekend.

We had a wonderful time being Nana and Papa’s guests (and tour guides). Thank you Nana and Papa…you’re the best!

Flashback Friday-My First

I’ve seen it done before on other blogs and have been intrigued so I thought I’d give it a try. No plans for doing this weekly, I don’t think, but just another opportunity to keep a written journal of my life as a parent, wife, mom, and friend and the journey those 'titles' take me. So today, I begin “Flashback Friday”. Anyone want to join? It only takes one photo and just a little writing.

When Baylee was little, I still worked as a teacher. Lara, my dearest friend from childhood, worked too as a teacher, both of us doing a “job share”…just not with each other. Lara worked mornings and I worked afternoons so daily we’d flip flop babysitting services for one another, giving our kids 5 days of play dates.



The kids loved playing together (and still do). They especially loved being pushed around whether it be in a laundry basket or in a play car.



Baylee walked before Alyssa, but that didn't stop them from getting around together. Alyssa would just belly crawl to wherever Baylee was (whether Baylee would like it or not...territorial toddler at times). They had their own 'language' spoken too.

Justin was fascinated with Baylee’s thumb sucking and would cuddle with her and give it a try. His thumb tasted “different” and not as “yummy” he’d tell us.


Baylee was born a ‘natural mommy’, we’ve always said that. Here’s an example. Baylee didn’t like dirty diapers and apparently Alyssa had one. Since Ms. Fink was “busy” Baylee took it in her own hands, getting the wipes, changing pad, and a new diaper. Alyssa didn’t mind who was taking care of her. So cute!

I hope you've enjoyed some of the adorable photos of Alyssa, Justin, and Baylee I've pulled out of my archives. It’s been fun strolling down memory lane.

They’ll be forever friends, just like us mommy’s who have known each other for 20 years!

Fantastic Time With the Finks- Day 5 of Fall Break

Ugh! No camera shots here today. I think starting it off with a dead battery kind of got my thinking off. Regardless of photos, or lack of, today was worth documenting here on our blog. Today we played with the Finks; Lara, Justin, and Alyssa. Baylee and Alyssa mostly crafted (big surprise) and Nathan, Justin, and Owen went out back and played baseball. Nathan idolizes Justin and his athletic abilities.

Afterwards, the Kempiak Party of Five walked to the greenbelt to play baseball more. Two hours later (yikes), Nathan is much more skilled than what he started off. Never the less, his confidence is huge. He’s not lacking in that department!

Also today was really neat for Jon. He, along with his company, closed down work and went to a “lower income” school in Mesa to do some outdoor renovations, including the playground. A new baseball diamond was made, murals painted, trees planted, trash picked up, and much much more. Jon’s job was hauling rock in a will barrow for 5 hours. Needless to say, his body is aching tonight! His next time doing it is December 16th. Hopefully I won’t have problems with my car and I can actually get photos of this amazing service project.

Stupendous Times with the Stoops-Fall Break day 4

We just can’t get enough of play dates! Today two classmates came over to play, Elise and Chloe. The five kids mostly played as one, playing dress up, making puppet shows, dance recitals, and their very favorite…our traditional fall popcorn (or should I say pumpkin) balls. God has blessed us with such sweet friends!
(Baylee and Elise)
(Nathan and Chloe)

Sensational Slattery Fun -Fall Break day 3

Baylee has been friends and classmates with Matthew Slattery since kindergarten and now, praise God, Nathan and Michael (Matthew’s younger brother) are following similar footsteps. These two kindergarten boys are joined at the hip…totally cute! Well today we had a play date at our home with them. We had so much fun, including myself since Tami stayed around to chat.

Matthew and Baylee were busy. They began with a few matches of pick up sticks, then moved to a few other games, Shrinky Dinks, then pizza making.



Michael and Nathan started right in on creating a new train set up in the playroom, followed by Hungry Hungry Hippo (game) before pizza making.



Day three of fall break was wonderful!

Family Fun Night, a Bike Ride

Family Fun Night was moved to tonight since Jon was out of town on business. Nathan's choice was pulled ("finally" he said) so we went on a two mile bike ride. We got a late start so it was in the dark, but that made it that much more exciting (although now we know that the kids want headlights to their bikes)! The last 10 minutes, my backseat partner, Owen, got very quiet. This is why…
(Thank God for good seatbelts)

Kindergarten Reunion-Fall Break Day 2

Life just keeps racing by and today was an example of that. In the morning we went to Baylee’s kindergarten reunion, hosted by Cooper’s family. Mrs. Gillespie, Baylee’s phenomenal kindergarten teacher (and her new baby) was even there along with most the class. Looking at the kids, playing and talking made me have a flashback to all the times they played together 2 YEARS AGO on the playground and at our numerous play dates! Yikes. And now look at them, they have spouted up and look like giants. This was such a special day!

Afterwards, we went to play at Cassandra and Nicole’s house. We don’t normally get to see that often because of different school schedules. What a treat this was! I’m kicking myself for not snapping photos though.
Baylee getting a photo shot with Mrs. Gillespie's new baby boy, Davin.
Baylee's class when they were kindergartners! Look how tiny there were. Ugh...it wasn't very long ago.

Hey Batter!

Nathan is thrilled. His sweet Nana and Papa D (Jon’s parents) paid for him to be in “coach pitch” this season. Nathan’s never done anything like this ever. He feels so grown up. He feels so “manly”. He feels so “cool”! Last Thursday was his first practice. Let me just say, it’s gonna take some perseverance (on his part and ours as parents)! We have a lot to learn and a lot to practice but boy, I’m in the mood to help. It’s going to be great watching Nathan gain skill week after week. He’s not lacking in confidence, that’s for sure and hey, isn’t that half the battle?

Nathan’s first game is the 18th of this month. If anyone’s look for something entertaining to do, come and cheer with us.




Thank you Nana and Papa D...you're the best!

Gratituesday-fall break...a Great School Schedule

We have the best school schedule! I love it! This is the first week of two that my kids are home; relaxing, playing, and doing “whatever”! I love fall break! Things are hassle-free and fun around here.

I'll post what we've been up to soon.

PJ Day-Fall Break Day 1

It’s a tradition! The first day of summer break, fall break, Christmas break, and spring break the Kempiak Party of Five puts life at a total halt to have a pajama day. We never change out of our comfy pjs! We try our best not to answer the phone and just enjoy one another; playing games, reading books, and watching movies on our king sized air mattress. Monday was our day and we loved every minute of it.


I LOVE this photo!

He's a Happy Man

Many have been faithful in prayer for our Owen. He had such a hard time with me working. He kept saying, “But I want to be with the Kempiaks!” Here’s how he’s feeling now that I am done. He won't leave my side.


What a smile! He is such a charmer. I LOVE this photo!

Our Day at the Theatre...Miss Nelson is Missing

Saturday afternoon the Kempiak Party of Five, along with Baylee’s sweet friend Aimee, went to Tempe Center for the Arts to see the kids in room 207 misbehaving in the children’s’ play Miss Nelson is Missing. All of us give it a double thumbs up. The farce had us all laughing but definitely Jon’s and my highlight was watching Aimee belly laugh, hunching over sometimes nonstop. We were in tears. We love taking our kids with us to experience the awesomeness of live theatre and wish our pocketbooks allowed us to do it more often. If you haven’t seen it, we highly recommend it.