The first week of school has come and gone. For our family it was a time of many firsts! We counted our blessings as little Millie started her first day of Kindergarten ... a smart, patient and kind teacher made her first day perfect, she couldn’t wait to go back. Hope that lasts when she actually has to do school work! Grandson Cooper was off to his first day at the “big” campus. That’s where Valley Home fourth graders go! It’s about two minutes away from the little campus but for Cooper it represents being a big kid. Cooper is playing Stampede football this year, another first. He is so enjoying football and works hard at practice. Round Robin this Saturday. Another first for our family, Cody is a freshman at OHS. He is a Mustang! How proud we are of the effort he has put in all summer for morning football practice, then midday practice. Through it all he is learning what it is to be an Oakdale Mustang! As fall approaches we look forward to feeling that Mustang pride, sitting in those bleachers will bring back memories of Jenna as Mortimer the Mustang, Oakdale’s mascot.

Life has given us heartaches, but also many, many blessings. For me the new school year means that my beloved Richard will be watching from heaven this fall as his family has many adventures. We look forward to many happy times.

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I hope each one of you had a fun summer and send you all best wishes for a wonderful fall!

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This week is back to school night at Valley Home School, lots of Hawk pride will be on display for all to see!

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Make sure you mark your calendars for the upcoming Valley Home School Book Faire. The Parent Teacher Club will sponsor a Scholastic All Star Book Faire from August 31st to September 4th. What a super way to encourage reading for our students.

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Another great reason to mark your calendars is the September 16th Valley Home Park Fundraiser! It is important for us to support the park fundraiser since it is owned and maintained by each one of us. The park gets no outside help ... it is up to each of us to raise money for it upkeep (such as taxes, PG&E, Insurance, etc.). Our little park is a special place, the heart of Valley Home. More info next week!

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We send out Happy Birthday wishes to very special people, Melisa Carpenter, Tena Heaton, Sam Fletcher, Dominic Robles, Katie Schwandt and Morgan Personeni. Many happy returns of your special day!

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As always you may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmaiil.com. Until next time, “Happy trails to all!”