Christmas Spirit

I'm on my way to work this morning. After today, only eight more working days until I get to enjoy some time with my boys. I'm a little over the moon about that fact. Everything is so crazy busy this time of year. At school I am winding down units, trying to keep kids engaged, and plan a little fun in between. At home I'm busy preparing for our annual Christmas party, along with other parties we will be attending. The trees are up, and the other night while Anthony was out I wrapped all of the gifts. Sometimes all the craziness can get to me, but I'm really trying to remember what this time of year is about.... especially with Little Man in the house.  I wish I could bottle up this time and save it. He is a 100% crawling now on all fours, no more army skating around the carpet. I pray that his personality now is a good indicator of what it will always be. He seems to love Christmas. He likes to look at his tree and touch the branches. I got out my old snow globes and he loves to look at those too. His elf on a self arrive this year too. Some may think he's too little for his own elf but every time he finds him, he always get a big grin on his face. As he was laying on my chest last night before bedtime Charlie Brown Christmas came on the TV. One of my favorites! He looked at me and got a big smile on his face. Christmas this time of year is extra special with him around, and I am so grateful that he is here.

The Holidays are here

 and I'm feeling so blessed... for so many reasons

Way back when

Trying to get caught up. October was a busy month for us, and I hardly posted about it at all. We had a trip planned to South Carolina for a long weekend to catch UK take on the Gamecocks. My parents and Little Man went with us. While we had to change our plans just a couple days before due to unexpected family death with the family friends we were supposed to say, we still had a great time. We stayed in down town Columbia the first night. It really is very pretty and there are lots of great restaurants, bars and live music. My parents stayed at a different hotel and kept the Little Man for us that night so we could spend a little bit of time together. I have to say it was completely weird to wake up on my own the next morning. The next morning we left our hotel stopped by Starbucks, and met my parents so I could see a Little Man for a while. We caught a cab to the stadium and here's where the best part of the game came in.

We had met some great people at the beach at our recent summer vacation who are Gamecock fans.  They kept in touch and invited us to their tailgate. It was so fun and such great Southern hospitality. Thank you David Able, family, and friends. Pretty much the rest of the day was a little downhill from the time we got into the stadium.  I was completely pumped because South Carolina is a place I've always wanted to go watch us play. We started off great with a field goal and then that was pretty much it. The rest of the game was a wash and we lost by some crazy amount of points. We left a little early and began to walk back to meet my parents. Mind you I say walk, on the side of the road, which my husband thought would be brilliant. We walked about 2 miles. I didn't mind the walking, I mind how this disgusting I was by the time we made it to my parents car. From this point we went to Asheville and ended up staying the night there and just kind of wondering around downtown and eating. Asheville is a place I definitely want to go back to you. Over all it was a great trip. Not the score had went to see on the scoreboard, but nonetheless a good trip.

Pottery Barn

My mom and I have been doing the Pottery Barn classes.  They take place about once a month and they are lots of fun.  The instructor (Sean) is so great and has some creative and informative ideas.  ON top of all of that, you also get 10% off that day in the store.  Right up my alley.  I highly recommend checking out your local Pottery Barn for upcoming classes. 

LOTS of my random stream of consciousness

Random stream of consciousness as I drive to work. 

I just passed the bank. I have money and my purse that's been there for about a month. It really needs to be deposited. I had a stack of magazines at home but I haven't gotten to. I don't mind not getting to them. I just find it humorous that on the cover of one it says "how to make time for family love and friends". I'd like to know how to do that but I can't even make time to read the article. I have parent conferences tonight. As I was driving to work I noticed a full Moon. I'm not going to lie, it makes me a little on edge. One of the reasons I enjoy going to Starbucks in the morning is Gloria. Gloria is the woman that works the drive through window. She is so happy and sweet. I was talking to two separate friends at two different times recently and they both like the same Starbucks for the same reason. I guess Gloria is kind of like an icon around my area. My real life friend Caitlin had her baby girl yesterday. She is beautiful. It made me think that  Little Man was that little. It's almost hard to remember. He will be eight months next week. I am so excited for the holidays. I'm looking forward to starting some new family traditions this year and completely taking in all that the season has to offer. I still have not blogged about my fall break over our chance to South Carolina for my 30th birthday for that matter. Hopefully I can start to catch up because that is what the purpose of this blog was for. For me to document and remember my life now. I am horrible at remembering things and I really will enjoy looking back over the years. In one more Starbucks related items.  I love the new holiday cups. I actually wish they sold them as mugs. The little saying are too cute. My favorite is "let's discover why were best friends" and "every day with you is a snow day".

I wrote this on Tuesday and am just now getting it up- so here is a few additions:

Conferences went great- but I was passed out on the couch by 8:15 that night.  We  committed to starting P90x up again.  At least 3 days a week.  We started tonight with some yoga.  We thought it would be a good warm up, and instead we realized it kicked our butts! A year ago I had no problem with it.  It will be good for us to get back in shape though because as of this week- Little Man is crawling!  Well, his form of crawling- it's a blend of army crawl with his own personal spin on it. I have a conference tomorrow morning before school at Starbucks with a parent I love.  Her daughter decided she wanted to go to Starbucks- so she took it upon herself to suggest the meeting place.  Smart girl- I can't complain!  

K if you have stuck with me for all of this give yourself a pat on the back.  It's no wonder I can remember anything.

Little Man's 1st Halloween

Part 3

Why we chose a special kind of adoption?

    

     So, we were committed to giving it all to Him.  That is easier said than done by the way. We began to look into the foster to adopt program in our state. We had mutual friends that were in the program and had just adopted a beautiful baby boy. We reached out to them and they were so warm and welcoming. After meeting with them for dinner one night (they answered every last one of our millions of questions) we felt that we were sure it was want we should do.

     We went to an initial class and gathered information. Our classes began in the spring of 2010.  We sat each day, all day, for 6 Saturdays in our required classes. We heard the some awful stories and I relived my college education classes as we went through Maslow's hierarchy and behavior management skills.  Actually, after the first class I was in tears again because I just wasn’t sure this program was for us.  They share the worst of the worst.  But, even after all of that we still wanted to become foster parents.

     We trudged thru and finished our classes. Our home study was completed and we waited, as of course the state will do, to loose our paperwork.  Yes, God has a sense of humor.  At this point He was helping me to release my control and gain patience.

     Once the paperwork was located we were approved to be foster parents the day before Thanksgiving. We realized a call could come anytime. Six days later I was on the phone with my friend that also fostered (we were talking about her helping me put a list of questions together for when we did get a call). I had just pulled into the Wal-Mart parking lot to buy gifts for our class angel tree child when I got another call. The phone call was about a three month old little girl who was in need of urgent emergency custody (keep in mind we listed Anthony’s number as the contact person because I can’t even say no to a stray dog). I got a few details and then called Anthony to let him take over.  My mind was spinning!  We did decide to say yes to our first placement that night. Finally, at 10 o'clock at night we got them all. I was so glad that while that Wal-Mart I had prepared and loaded up on all items girly and baby. My friends had met me there to show support and to help us out. 

     We went and picked up the little girl from a local facility and spent the rest of that night at the hospital having her checked out to be sure everything was okay. We called her Miss L.  This placement was a challenge because of the nature of it. It was extremely difficult because it always seemed to be present and ever changing.  It was a very unusual case and your first instinct is to protect the child. It was a blessing to have a baby in over the holidays and we loved every minute of being new parents.  Even the confusion between nights and days. 

     We had our first placement for three months. Miss L left went to live permanently with her great aunt and uncle in a city nearby.  They seemed to be good people, but even so we were devastated at it. Of course there were more tears and more sadness.  There was a hole left.

     The one thing about fostering is you never know what will happen. I am often asked, “How do you do it, you never know if you can keep them”. I respond with this: Do you ever know what will happen with your biological children?  Do you know if you will have them until the day you die?  I don’t mean to be harsh; I just don’t think people realize that my situation isn’t different from theirs.  I just have to be more aware because it is ever present.  

     We lost Miss L in February just before Valentine's Day. On March 24 we got another call for a placement and this time and we said yes again. It was a little boy and he was six days old.  We call him Little Man.  I made a Walmart run on the way home from work that day, and to bide our time we went out to dinner. We picked him up at the hospital that night at 7:00. I remember being in awe at how alert he was.  He looked right at us.  He slept through the night that first night (and every one since).  We decided to call each other Bald Guy and Nice Lady to him.  We couldn’t jump straight into Mommy and Daddy this time around.  We tried to keep a little distance.  The distance didn’t last long.  That sweet face will melt your heart. 

     As I write this Little Man is six months old. He has been with us since six days and we pray each day that he will continue to stay with us. We are hopeful for adoption very soon and for now things seem to be looking good.  The goals have actually been switched to adoption recently.  I don’t want to talk about many of the details of his case.  That is his story and while it interlinks with ours it isn’t something I will share here.   

     We chose fostering because we wanted to help children. We also want to start our family. This can sometimes work against us with the state and some social workers (they tell you from the beginning- you are the babysitter- the goal is reunification). But along the way they have seemed to at least respect our feelings and be understanding. Like I said we are prayerful that Little Man will be our son on paper one day, he is our son in our hearts right now and always will be.

     It has taken many years, many disappointments and many trials to get to where we are now, but I feel that without those trials and disappointments they would not have my Little Man today, or my time with Miss L. I couldn't imagine Little Man with another family. He fits so perfectly.

     Fostering is not perfect, and it's not for everybody but in the end I would do it all over again.  Can you show me a perfect pregnancy, or a perfect private adoption? There are so many children in our country that need help and they beg for foster parents. Plus, I tease my friends I'll never have to worry about losing the pregnancy weight, and I will still have a sweet baby in the end.  All that and I learned to have patience and give it up to God.  I may be a slow learner, but I’m getting there.  I can’t wait to teach these lessons to my kids.

Part 2

What didn’t work

     Like I said before out of the past four years we have tried to have a biological child for three of those years. That means that for a year we tried on our own and for two years we chose to try fertility. We found that process to be an extremely frustrating one.  We were recommended to a specialist outside of town, about an hour and a half away. There were daily shots and, after our first procedure I was on the couch in pain for a week. This was not normal. When I finally called for the results I was told I wasn't pregnant and it was “a bummer”. Me not being pregnant was way more than “a bummer” in my eyes.

     We decided to try a fertility doctor in town.  I at least felt comfortable there. I had a surgery and several procedures, but nothing really seemed to work. Along the way I cried when I found out my friends were pregnant.  It seemed everyone around me was getting pregnant by just looking at each other. Not that I wasn't happy for them, but because I wanted it for me too. I'm so grateful that I didn't have to live with myself at this time because if the roles were reversed I would have strangled myself. Thank goodness my husband has tons of patience. 

     Anyway after a couple more procedures my husband and I decided it was just too stressful and it was too much.  We came to the realization that we were not doing, as we wanted to and just giving it to God.  We still had the control.  We decided going into the last procedure that it would be the last one. 

     I think that fertility treatments are here for a reason, and many people have been able to start wonderful families because of the aid of the doctors.  I would never judge anyone because they did or didn’t choose this option.  It is part of our story that helped us arrive at this point. We sought the advice of our families and our priest before we began this process, and maybe if we would have had different results I would feel differently, but looking back that was my lowest time.  I was stressed, frustrated, and a nervous wreck.  I think a lot of that was because I was still taking control.  I still needed to let go even more.  Our next decision just appeared in front of us.  It made the choice easier.

Our road... part 1

I have started to write this a million times.  I finally did it. A friend said I could should write a book.  This isn't a book, but it is a bit lengthy, so I broke it up into 3 parts.  This is more for me than for anyone else, but if you feel ever so inclined, read on.


  
The bald guy and the nice lady. That's what we called ourselves. To protect our hearts I guess. But it only lasted for a little while. I suppose looking back it even sounds a bit creepy. And only if you knew us well, you would understand why we choose those names.

               The background

My husband Anthony and I have been trying to have kids for four years.  I say four years but I guess it's three years because a year ago I decided we decided that there had to be an easier route.

Anthony and I were married at the ripe age of 22, right out of college. Three years after we were married we decided the next logical step would be to have kids.  We had seen plenty of our friends follow that path.  It only made sense to my type A personality.  Everything went in a reasonable and sequential order.  I think this is where my mistake learning began.  I am a self diagnosed, type A, OCD, control freak.  I will freely admit that to you.  After a frustrating year of trying with no results we sought help, in the form of doctors, specialists, I had surgery, and multiple procedures.  We dealt with it in stride, although there were definite ups and downs.  There were lots of tears, and some of laughs too throughout the crazy ordeal.  We cried when we found out procedures didn’t work.  We laughed to know that a driver will come to your front door to pick up your “bodily fluids”.  Through it all I learned to lean more on God and Anthony.  I have learned over these years to release control.  I have recognized that my plan may not always be the best plan.  I think God allows you to walk through deserts in your life, in order to have some sort of realization or understanding, to draw you closer to Him.  Mine was simple.  I do not need to be in control, I can’t control everything; I am not the best person for that job. 

                   

8 ways to be a better mom- from momlifetoday.com

8 Ways to Be a Better Mom to Young Children


1. Make your relationship with the Lord your number one priority. If you’re too busy for God, you’re just plain too busy. Make time for the most important things. You won’t regret it.
2. Get a consistent routine in place. Make your routine simple (maybe even just five or seven things you want to do in the same order every day), write it out, and make yourself stick with it for three weeks. After that, you’ll probably find it’s become somewhat of a habit. Don’t set your expectations too high. If you’ve never had a consistent routine, you’re not going to go from chaos to a regimented schedule in two days. Start small, take baby steps, and make loving and enjoying your children your priority — far above a clean home or strict schedule.
3. Read aloud from a plethora of good books. Look at the pictures together. Talk about the stories. Stop and listen and answer your children’s questions. It’s not about finishing the book; it’s about investing in your children’s lives.
4. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Ask yourself, “What will matter 25 years from now?” and then live your life accordingly.
5. Take advantage of teaching opportunities. It’s amazing the things you can learn and explore together when you’re willing to stop what you’re doing and seize a teachable moment.
6. Praise your children liberally. Do you correct or criticize your children more than you praise them? As parents, it’s our role to guide and nurture our children, but that doesn’t mean we can’t also be their biggest cheerleader!
7. Realize that no mom — however put together she might look — is anywhere near perfect. Stop comparing. Stop feeling guilty. Focus on what works for your family and be okay with the fact that you aren’t gifted in all areas.
8. Don’t give up. Being a mom is hard, hard work. If you’re anything like me, you have days when you feel like you just can’t do it anymore. And I’ve come to learn that I can’t, in and of my own strength. But “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

One more new recipe- Pumpkin Muffins

2 ingredients.  1 can pumpkin and 1 box of yellow cake mix.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  For a little extra spice I added cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.  I made pumpkin muffins, but there is really so much you could make out of this!

Smores

Mmm.  I love fall.  The smells.  The foods.  The colors.  All of it.  The other day I made this yummy recipe for our tailgate.  I found it on Pintrest. It is worth a try!  Mine looked just like this too.  So pretty!  My parents said they are good if you warm them a bit in the microwave too.

S'mores Rice Krispies Treats

(Recipe by Glorious Treats)

3 Tablespoons butter

4 cups mini marshmallows (or about 40 regular/large marshmallows)

5 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 cup Golden Grahams cereal (I just added an extra cup of Rice Krispies- mainly because I forgot this at the store and wasn't going back!)

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

(Top layer)

4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (or about 1 cup chocolate chips)

10 full sized graham crackers, broken in half (slightly more or less, depending on the pan you use)

40 large marshmallows (approximately)

Directions-

Butter (or spray lightly with cooking spray) a 9"x13" pan.

In a large microwave safe bowl, place 3 tablespoons of butter (cut into a few pieces), and 4 cups of marshmallows.  Microwave about 3 minutes (stirring after 2 minutes)  watch the microwave, cooking times may vary.  Cook in microwave until butter and marshmallows are melted.  Stir gently. 

Add rice krispies and golden grahams cereal and stir to combine. (try using a plastic or silicone spatula sprayed with a bit of cooking spray).

Add mini chocolate chips, stir quickly, and immediately pour mixture into prepared 9"x13" pan.  Press into pan (with spatula). 

Melt semi-sweet chocolate (or chocolate chips) in a microwave (at 50% power), in 30 second intervals, stirring between intervals.  Heat until just melted.  Spread chocolate on top of rice kripies treats in pan.

While the chocolate is still warm, lay graham cracker squares on top, leaving a tiny bit of space between each cracker

When all the graham crackers are topped with marshmallows, use a kitchen torch (or propane torch) to toast the marshmallow.  If you don't have a torch, I sure do NOT,  you can toast the marshmallows in the oven.  Preheat your oven to broil.  Place baking sheet of treats in the oven, leaving the oven door slightly ajar.  Broil about 30 seconds, watch them, they can burn quickly!

Allow to cool, then enjoy!

Randomness

Random is how my brain works now.  I have always loved lists.  But now I need them.  I can't remember ANYTHING unless I write it down.  So,  here's my randomness just for you.  Welcome to my brain.

I am able to catch up on postings right now because my boys are knocked out on the couch as I type this. Game days will do that to you.

I've been wearing my hair curly lately. It saves time and I think I like it.

I burnt myself while making dinner the other night.  Ouch!  But a little tip- aluminum foil is very helpful to take the heat away from the burn.

I had this tasty treat at a cute little restaurant in Lexington called Windy Corners.  I highly recommend it!  THe view of the horse farms alone is worth it- not to mention the food! 

The sunsets are beautiful in the fall.

I love that one morning a week I meet my sweet friend Amanda at the Starbucks on the way to school.  We get there at 6:30 and catch up on life.  I so treasure this time, as life just seems so busy!

Busy Weekends

Being raised in the south I like adore college football.  Particularly of the SEC variety.  For the last 3 weekends we have been tailgating and cheering on our Wildcats.  It's taking a lot of cheering this year.  It may be a long year, at least for the Wildcats.  We, of course are introducing Lil Man to the college football atmosphere too.  He has been to 2 games and is so happy to share in the tradition.  He is a trooper and apparently doesn't want to close his eyes, even if it is a night game, sightly past his bedtime.  He really is in awe of the environment.  Good thing because it's just what we do.

 

Lil Man feet

Look at these Lil Man feet. Love them!

Rupp Arena

For this Lexington born girl this was a treat!! For those of you that don't understand. In Lexington you know, among many other things, the starting lineup for the UK Wildcats basketball team from a very young age.  Last week Anthony and I, along with our friends the Schmidts went to Rupp Arena to see the UK pros take on the Dominican Republic team. On a Monday school night mind you;) It was so much fun.  Not only did we see a great game, but we got VIP passes, and were able to get in the press conference.  Imagine my excitement.  When we were able to get our pictures on the court. 

500th post and lately

 This is my 500th post!!  I haven't posted lately because I have been trying to soak up every last bit of summer that I can. So, here's a rundown of everything that's been going on my last few weeks of summer. On July 23, Anthony and I celebrated our sixth year wedding anniversary. He made plans for the day. We went to the zoo with Little Man and then to the pool. After that we went home and had a nice nap and then Anthony and I went out to one of our favorite restaurants L&N. We've also celebrating my dad's birthday. That culminated with my dad buying a little man a new toy and us in buying my dad some new fish for his fish tank. The man has everything he wants so fish is what he got. Let's see, what else? We spent my mom's last day off with her in Lexington and finally got to eat at our favorite girls spot. Of course Little Man tagged along. I don't know how long he'll be okay with such a girly restaurant. But it had bright colors so for now it works. I spent another full day running errands and getting things finished around the house and for school. Anthony's Mammaw also came over and taught me how to can. She is such an amazing woman with a huge, kind heart. I ended up with 19 quarts of green beans and 7 quarts of peaches. Along the way we've had lots of pool days, lots of snuggle time, more baby food making, and I have completely enjoyed every last bit of it.  Now, school starts tomorrow:)


*pictures to come

Heartland

Little Man is taking an extra long nap.  I have already made banana baby food, emptied the dishwasher, made 3 pom-poms for my classroom, and washed/straightened my hair.  Now, I get to blog for a bit.  I am not a sitter- pretty sure I've mentioned this before.  This summer is no exception.  I wanted to get out and get Little Man involved in activities.  I always remember doing things at the library, the pool, and the local art center as a kid.  I know he is only 15 weeks as I write this, but that doesn't stop us.  One thing we have found to do is Heartland music here in town.  It is a great program and we do the mixed age option once a week with our friends Alisha and Bella.  They also have a baby class, but we wanted to do this class with friends and Bella is almost 2.  Little Man really seems to enjoy it.  The first song is a welcome song where you go through and welcome each child.  When they sang Little Man's name he got a big grin on his face.  He also enjoys when they pour out all instruments.  He will hold, shake, and eat the moroccas.  The parachute is also a favorite.  At the end class they sing a lullaby and he falls asleep.  It's pretty precious.   If you are local and looking for a reasonably priced class this is worth it (plus you get the cds and music also).

Homemade Baby food

Little Man is beginning to enter the world of baby food, and as my hubby says I am a bit of a hippie.  Put these two things together and I am super interested in homemade, organic baby food.  I have a garden in my backyard, but it isn't ready yet.  So, for the time being I tried some homemade applesauce with some organic apples I needed to use, and some bananas.  I found this great website that has tons of ides and recipes on homemade baby food.  It was super easy and I can't wait for Little Man to try it. Ok I have to admit I am a little obsessed.  It's kind of fun. All this means I highly recommend giving it a try.  

Update to the sneak peak

So you saw the sneak peek.  Now for some details.  We had an amazing time!!  Vacation was very different this year- I didn't get as much of a tan, didn't get to shop much... but it was TOTALLY worth it.  Little Man was a trooper!  Everything we did he loved.  On the way down we were able to visit my "aunt" Jane.  Of course they hit it off immediately.  When we made it to the beach we had to take Little Man down to get those toes in the sand.  I think he really was in awe.  While we were there we hung out by the pool during the day.  Of course we knew he loved that before we got there.  We took him on the beach for a walk once or twice a day, in the early morning or after dinner.  His face was priceless.  I so wonder what he was thinking.  He just seemed so relaxed, like he was taking everything in.  We also went to Charleston for the day.  We love Charleston.  We went to the aquarium there.  I've never been before and I have to say it is pretty cool.  We didn't have time but you can also tour the sea turtle rescue hospital below the aquarium.  Regardless we will go back next time we visit.  Little Man was so alert.  He was looking at all the fish and was  totally into it.  We ate a yummy lunch at Hymans and then walked through the market.   Overall it was a nice, relaxing vacation that was much needed.  It was, like I said different, but I like vacation this way better.

a sneak peek at vaca 2011

Nap break

Little Man is snoozing right now, so I thought I'd be productive and catch up on the blog.  We've had a busy day and he is worn out.  This morning we met 2 other teacher friends at the park with their little ones and then we grabbed a bite to eat.  When we got home he dozed for a little while and I set up the pools for our afternoon adventure.  Our friends Alisha and Bella came over, and Bella and Little Man "played" in the pool.  We have normally been heading to our pool but it is closed on Mondays.  Little Man likes loves the water and sleeps amazingly on days we spend an hour or so at the pool.  He is so relaxed and content.  I love that it is so soothing to him.  This afternoon he was a little cranky, but as soon as his little piggies hit the water he was a happy boy! It is also the reason he is snoozing right now- which means we will have a happy baby ready to play when he wakes up.

and now the best part of this whole post... I wish I could show you all of Little Man's cuteness, but today you get his Speedo clad tooshie.  Not only is he adorable in them, but you can always find him too:)

The first week of summer

I have been enjoying the first week of summer.  Enjoying has meant that although I love to blog- it hasn't been a top priority.  Here's my week in a recap-

• Monday- nothing- We were completley lazy and I loved every minute of it.
• Tuesday- Little man and I had a good morning.  Then, he went to his first first day of daycare.  I wasn't a fan of daycare this summer but he seemed to like it and I was able to get a bunch of piled up errands run without having to get him in and out of a HOT car! When I picked him up we went to have ice cream with our friends Alisha and Bella. This was a first for him but as much as I love ice cream I'm sure he'll go back soon.
• Wednesday- it was so HOT here so we hung out inside and played.  We also went to Anthony's office and had lunch with him, which was nice.  In the afternoon I took Little Man outside to play in his new pool I bought him the day before.
• Thursday- My mom and dad came down and helped me work on expanding my back garden.  Little Man spent a few hours at daycare and then we all went to the pool.  He loved the pool and just relaxed in the water.  After the pool we bought Jason's Deli home for dinner.  
• Friday- Today we are going to meet some friends at the zoo for a bit this morning.  this afternoon we may meet up with a friend at the pool for a bit, since he seems to enjoy the pool so much.

It has been a wonderful kick off to summer!Very different from my previous summers but I love it!

Quick update

Things are so busy wrapping school up, but I wanted to give a super quick picture update with more to come!  Our weekends have included Zac Brown concert- a Nashville wedding- a pool trip with friends and of course Little Man.  So much fun and only 1 1/2 more days of school

Everyone needs a little snuggle

On the seventh day

Genesis2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

As I'm driving to work today I'm pondering this: why did God only take one day off to rest? As the Bible goes God created the earth and all things in it in six days and then rested on the seventh. It seems like a lot of work and I personally feel like maybe you should take in an extra day off to rest. I know I am imperfect and he is perfect but my goodness I need an extra day or a strong cup of coffee just from doing laundry, house work, and teaching my 21 5th graders. Here's to Monday I'm on my way to work with my strong cup of coffee ready to work my six days and can't wait for my day of rest.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my mom!

It comes in spurts

There are weeks where everything is normal.  I get up, go to work, come home, and repeat.  This was not that type of week.  If you live in Kentucky you know how important this weekend was.  Actually in Louisville it is a national holiday.  Schools and businesses shut down early and everyone celebrates the Kentucky Derby.  This is actually a couple week long celebration that starts with a firework show "Thunder Over Louisville".  On Friday it was The Oaks.  This is the day for the fillies to have their race.  This year I went for the first time.  You get all dressed up (throw some pink into your outfit for the girls), and head to the track to enjoy true Kentucky tradition.  True Kentucky tradition means horses, hats, mint juleps and lillies, and of course a bit of betting.  We went with dear friends and had a wonderful time.  We were right on the track and were able to see the horses and races perfectly.

April showers bring May flowers

I don't know what the weather is like where you are but here in W-E-T. We've had rain for about two weeks with maybe a day's break in-between here and there. Along with that there's been tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm. I typically don't mind the rain. Actually I love to curl up with a good book on a rainy day, but this is not an option for two weeks straight so I'm starting to get a little down. I'm posting this to help me remember the good thing about the rain. I can say driving to work in the morning is certainly not one of them. Regardless here is my list. 

My plants and grass don't need to be watered and are currently thriving. 
When I can finally work on my garden the ground will be soft and it will make for easy planting seeds. 
It's made for cozy family nights hanging out watching movies.
We have been blessed enough to not have storm damage.

Blue! White!

Saturday was the blue white UK scrimmage. Of course you know we were there. We dressed little man in a new UK onesie and headed off. 

This year we had lunch at the K club with my parents and some of Anthony's old football friends. After lunch we headed over to watch the game. Spring games aren't always the most exciting things just because everybody is still learning the system and learning to play together. Nonetheless it wasn't bad and of course it's exciting to see some football on the field again. We stayed through the third quarter until it started to rain. I wish we could've made it the whole game because the second half is what turned out to be the best. After the game we went to our favorite Lexington restaurant Joe B's. Can't wait for this to become a regular occurrence again in the fall when it is one more football time in the Bluegrass.

My great uncle

I wanted to sit down a couple times and write a post but the fact of the matter is nothing has really been going on until this weekend. This weekend was a busy one. I took Friday off of work because my great uncle passed away and the funeral was back home. Funerals are always a sad time but this one had so many wonderful aspects as well. The sad part is my uncle left behind his wife of 67 years. His best friend. But even in that sadness you have to think 67 years is an amazing feat these days. They were truly in love and each other's best friend. There were some wonderful stories told about my uncle at the funeral; like the time they wanted him to pay $300 to fix a piece on his car and he went home and fixed it for $.60. He was an engineer, in the military, served in World War II, and an all around wonderful man. The service at the graveside was a military service. I've never seen one before but it is absolutely breathtaking. I'm so bummed I didn't have my camera with me. They did the 21 gun salute, and the folding of the American black, along with the playing of the bugle. The whole day was very fitting it was gray and overcast in the morning with some rain and then after the funeral the sun came out. It turned out to be a perfect way to honor such a great man.

An old favorite

Since the new little man has arrived at our house I have indulged in an old favorite past time.
Ill give you a hint.

So no one told you life was going to be this way. 

Your job's a joke, you're broke, you're love life's DOA. 

It's like you're always stuck in second gear, 

Well, it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year.

Do you know?

Friends

If you are around my age you may have enjoyed this little gem too. I laughed laugh hysterically.  I have 6 seasons on dvd and so enjoy climbing in bed, stretching out and catching up on my all time favorite tv show.  It just makes me happy, no matter my mood or the day.  Sometimes I can convince Anthony to join me... and as much as he says he doesn't really like the show I see him trying to cover his laugh.  Regardless, the little man has no problem joining me so I am completely loving my company and my old favorite. 

5 things I've learned

Over the past few months I've learned a few things... here is what I think is pretty important.

1. There is no such thing as a plan.
2. When changing a diaper watch out for flying debris on both ends.
3. If all else fails make a silly noise.
4. Don't stress.
5. Snuggle time is the best.

Teaching... lately

This past week I have felt my passion for teaching really kicking in. I taught a social studies unit that I absolutely loved, and enjoyed.  Not that I don't enjoy teaching all the time... but this one really hit home.  I should stop here and say that if you aren't a teacher this may be boring to you.  The lesson was in social studies about the 20th century.  I gave the kids the basic book information on important 20th century events.  They then picked a topic they were most interested in to research even  further.  They developed a list of questions and through an inquiry based approach they researched and delved as deep as they wanted to, go whichever direction they wanted to in order to complete an end project called a glog.  I am so proud of their work, and the great thing is they are as well.  They were excited to go to the library to put their project together.  I loved that one of my kiddos came in and asked if we were going to get to work on the projects.  I loved that they learned what they needed to for the state's purposes plus what was also of interest to them.  Check out their final product here.

• How inquiry works and its benefits?
• Benefits of technology in the classroom?

Lovin me some spring time weather

Creepin on 3-0

Let me preface this post with the fact that I am aware it is completely vain.  In a mere 6 months I will be.... 30.  Where has the time gone?  It doesn't feel like 11 years since high school and 6 since college.  I am hanging on to 29. I am the last of my close friends to turn 30, so I currently mention the fact that I am in my 20s as much as possible.  I was looking back on pictures today and not only have the years flown by but I look back and realize how different I look.  Does anyone else notice the wrinkles creepin in on them?  I'm not bummed to turn 30.  I'm just bummed I can't say I'm in my 20s for much longer. I happen to like my 20s.  They've been a lot of fun.  So wrinkles or not- 29 or 30 I'll leave you with this quote:

Time and Tide wait for no man, but time always stands still for a woman of thirty.Robert Frost

 This was 7 years ago at a friend's wedding. 

my wedding- 6 years ago this summer

 this year at a concert with a friend

Love little boys

What are little boys made of?
Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails
That's what little boys are made of !