Yeah, well...

OK. So I'm not a good morning exerciser. I tried for the first two weeks and ran 6 days. I haven't quit but man, it is so hard to get up and run that early. I haven't made it running yet this week. We're really trying to move Wilson away from taking a nap. Things have been going well. Friday was the first day. He was ASLEEP by 8:30! We were so happy. Normally he would lie awake forever talking, whining etc. Sunday night he was asleep by 8pm. Same on Monday night. BUT he woke up from 2-5am. YEP. It. was. awful. Andy and I were both awakened many times. My eyes have been so tired and burning all day (plus itchy and sore from allergies). He's asleep now and I'm praying he sleeps through the night. So needless to say running this morning wasn't an option. I've had my running stuff laid out just waiting for me to get up early enough to run. With Wilson getting to bed on time I've been able to be in bed by 10pm which is great.

Luke is also trying to make the transition from 2 naps a day to 1 nap a day. He is doing pretty well. Still learning lots of new words and getting to be such a big boy!

School continues to kick my butt. I'm always so tired and feel like I could work about 18 hours a day right now to do my job the way I wish I could! I have a great class and I'm getting to know them and love them! I'm so tired and busy with school I haven't been able to pick up our vegetables. Remember, Farm Fresh Thursdays? Thankfully, my wonderful sister has been picking up the basket each week. We will continue to get a basket until October. They have been a little smaller lately, mostly green beans, tomatoes, squash, an eggplant, red peppers, garlic, spaghetti squash, zuchinni, onions etc. Cara has also been helping out with the boys and I thank her dearly for giving Andy and I some time together. Thanks, Cara- you're the best! (Oh, and by the way, Jason has been trying to keep me accountable for running, and I'm grateful! I think to myself, I know Jason will ask and I don't want to let him down! Maybe tomorrow, Jason!).

Laundry to fold and Big Brother to watch. Later!

Me vs. The Roast

Well, one of my goals this year is to make 1 meal in the crockpot each week. Today was my first time to try it this school year. I've used my crockpot over the years but I have never used it for pot roast until today. I've always been afraid to make a pot roast because I didn't know how. It was easy! I found a recipe on the internet and voila! But, if you had seen me with the roast this morning, you probably would have been laughing at me. You see, I have issues with meat. Not everyone knows this about me. I did great getting the carrots, potatoes, water, soup mix into the pot. Then came time for the meat. I have never bought a roast before. Andy bought this one and I hadn't seen it until this morning. It was huge. I don't even like to deal with raw chicken. This was pushing it. I had to use tongs to get it out of the package- difficult, since the meat was so big. Then trying to dredge it in flour was hard using only tongs. So, I had to cover my other hand with a baggie, then I was able to turn it over. I really didn't know if I was going to be able to eat it. Thankfully many hours passed and when I came home from work the house smelled delicious. I ate dinner, meat and all, and it was wonderful. The meat was juicy, not overcooked or dry. The carrots and potatoes were just right, and we had biscuits (with honey) to go with it. It was great! Maybe next time Andy can put the meat in for me. It still gives me the heebie jeebies just thinking about it.

The Best Chocolate Icecream...EVER!

Okay, I'm not a huge icecream fan. I like icecream, especially in the summer but I'm not one who always has it in the freezer or anything. Andy likes icecream way more than me. So a couple times this summer we have gone to Maggie Moo's for icecream. The first time we went I wasn't sure what to get but was intrigued by their Dark Chocolate icecream (it had even won an award). I sampled it and thought wow, this is good. I NEVER order plain chocolate icecream -anywhere. Don't know if I ever have before. That is how good it was. So I got a scoop of that. It was delicious! That was a few weeks ago. So yesterday I had a craving for that same Dark Chocolate icecream. We went back, I got the icecream (as did Andy). Again, the dark chocolate icecream was to die for! I mixed Thin Mints into it this time which was pretty good and Andy mixed Reese Peanut Butter cups into his. Next time I will probably get it plain though. It is that good. Wilson got Twizzler icecream which was bright red (Luke shares with me and he agrees that the chocolate is SOOO good!)! It is a good thing you can't buy the dark chocolate icecream at the grocery store! I still can't believe I'm ordering chocolate icecream, but man, is it good!! Have any of you ever tried it? Let me know what you think of it if you try it!!

The week has flown by! Happy Birthday to Uncle Jimmy and to Poppy!

2 days down!

The first two days are done! I have survived both teaching, running, and waking up at 5:15. I'm hoping to move wake up time to 5:30 and still make it to school by 7am with getting ready and running. I've actually kind of enjoyed running these past two days. (shocking, I know!) I have been sore today, believe me. My shins are so sore that when I walk it is kind of like I'm flopping my foot down or something. Sounds weird, I know. I now have 24 students as one moved out of our district into a new school. My class seems like it will be a great group of students. I'm looking forward to getting to know them better and getting them into our daily routines. Teaching the procedures and routines are so important but it is so much better when all of that is in place and they know how 2nd grade works.



Wilson had a great 1st day at school with his friends and Ms. Holly. He will go back tomorrow. He was a little clingy at drop off but Andy said he did great.



Luke had his follow-up appointment with the ENT today and his ears are doing great! He passed his hearing test and will go back in 3 months for another checkup.



Andy was able to get some work done for church with Wilson being at school on Monday. I think the schedule for this school year should work out nicely for him.



Last night we went hiking at a nearby park. It has a walking path, a picnic table, and a long swing. We had a good time. I had never been there before and neither had Wilson and Luke. I'm attaching a picture from our adventure!

We have a winner!

Well, let me just tell you how proud I am of Andy for winning the Graeter's coloring contest!! Yes, you read that right, I said Andy not Wilson. (Wilson did enter, to earn a free scoop of icecream but apparently wasn't a winner this year!) Andy had the youth group enter the Graeter's coloring contest one night this summer to get a free scoop of ice cream. Then, this Friday, Graeter's calls our house to tell Andy he won Honorable Mention in the age 14+ age group. Keep in mind that Andy should be in the age 24+ age group!! So tonight after a fun little adventure that I'll post about another day we went to Graeter's so Andy could get his award and buy us some icecream! Andy and Luke shared mocha chip and Wilson and I share Mint Chocolate Chip. Here is a picture of our new artist!! Hahaha!!!

Last Hurrah...

Well, the boys and I've have tried to enjoy our last two days together! Yesterday Andy went to work so Wilson, Luke and I just hung out and played and ran a few errands. Last night my family all got together to celebrate my pa-paw and my dad's birthdays. It was fun. We grilled out hamburgers and had a good ole time. Today we went to church and then when the boys were down for their naps I went in to school. I know I said I wasn't going to go in this weekend but there was just still too much left to be done. Now, I feel ready. I was only there about an hour and a half. I brought quite a bit home that I can work on tonight. But my classroom is ready. I 've included some pictures since most of you don't get to see my classroom! This first one is taken from the doorway. Did I mention I have 25 kids this year?!

And this is taken from the front, looking to the back of the room.

Near the back, looking up to the front!

And here is my desk area and small group teaching area.

That's it. Summer is over, time for another new school year. Wilson starts Parent's Day Out tomorrow. I think he is excited but a little worried. He doesn't want me gone all day. My goal is to start running tomorrow. I have a big 3-0 countdown written on my fridge so if I can run for 30 mornings (Sunday will be a day off) then maybe it will be a habit. I'm more of an afternoon exerciser but with our family, work and schedule it just isn't easy. Logistically, the best time for me to run is when I wake up. It. is. going. to. be. painful. But, I am really hoping I can get my butt out of bed and stay motivated! I'm writing this on here to help keep me accountable. If you notice me hobbling about from soreness, at least you'll know why!

Stressed Out.

Wow. This time of year hits a girl hard. I have been working my butt off at school while still trying to find enough time to take the boys to the pool, do laundry, make dinner, spend time with Andy, and general picking up around the house. Plus it is hotter than hot outside so I'm sweating all the while! At least our AC is working. I know a lot of people who've had trouble in that area. I'm on the verge of a panic attack to have everything done and ready by parent orientation tomorrow night. I also need to meet with my wonderful team to finish planning the first week of school and get all of our copies ready. Do you know how many things some elementary teachers have to write their student names on ? At least for me and my team we are writing 25 kids names on 22 different things. It is crazy how many things have to be labeled. Then, Friday is packed with meetings, meet the teacher, and last minute prep before Monday. My goal is to NOT work the weekend before school starts because I want to be home with my boys. It kind of hit me tonight that I have FOUR days until students. Then it is back to the grind. I love summer. I will really miss it. Wilson starts his school on Monday too. Summers just go tooo fast!

My Little Baker!

Wilson likes to help cook. It is a great way to spend time with him even though things get a bit messy and take a bit longer. Remember the post on making cookies? Anyway, today we baked some banana bread. He is a great helper and loves to sample the ingredients. Even flour... I told him it wouldn't taste good (like the other many times he has tried it!) but he still has to try it. So here are some pics of him making banana bread.

Say Cheese! He loves to turn the mixer on FULL blast! I have to quickly turn it down so batter doesn't spray everywhere.

Both of the boys really enjoyed the banana bread. Luke is stuffing it in! Must taste especially good with all of his new teeth! Poor thing went from 4 teeth to 9 teeth in a matter of a couple weeks. He has cut 2 top molars and now has 4 on the bottom and 5 on the top. He has had a rough time lately.

Bittersweet

Tonight we got together with some friends, Matt & Olivia, and Anthony. We all went to dinner and had a great time talking and catching up. Anthony is moving to California on Tuesday for his PhD. Anthony, Andy, Matt (and Ted) have been friends for a long time. It was great to catch up and visit but a little sad knowing he is moving away! We are so happy for him though and think he will enjoy his time in California. We are looking forward to his visits home and his return in a couple years. We even joked about a visit to California (which I think would be GREAT!).

Here are the guys in front of the restaurant. Andy, Anthony and Matt.

And all of us one last time. (We missed you Ted!)

Matt, Olivia, Anthony, Andy, and me.

Wilson at Work!

Here is the picture I was telling you about in yesterday's post. Read it here if you need to!
He was in Paint working hard here! Gamma and Gampa came over for dinner tonight and Wilson was showing them his new computer!

A cute picture of Luke from tonight too, just because! Isn't he darlin'?!!

Update

Hey all blogger fans (hahaha). Anyway, I know you are dying to know what is going on with me and the boys! Well, one sad tidbit is that it is officially August and that means back to school! Will, Luke and I were running errands today and I said "Today is August 1st." Wilson said "Mommy, are you going back to school now?" Sad, sad, sad. I had told him earlier this summer not to worry (about me leaving to go to work) because that wouldn't happen until August. He remembered. That just breaks my heart. I told him I still had a little time before the students started coming, but yes, I would be working more now. I love my job, I love my students, but it is so hard to leave MY boys everyday. Enough said.

I took the boys to the shoe store yesterday to get their feet measured. I'd gotten the reminder postcard 2 days earlier to come in for a foot measuring. I thought, well we'll go just to check. It had only been 3 months... Luke's foot grew 2 sizes!!! I had been cramming his foot into a size 5 shoe when he measured a 6 1/2 or 7! So we got the boy some new shoes! Wilson measured a 9 1/2 -10 so I came home, checked his shoes and realized he needed new tennis shoes. So last night we went out and got him a new pair. They are PROUD of their new tennis shoes!

Andy gave Wilson his old old laptop. Wilson has been sitting at the coffee table "working" on his emails, Clifford websites, etc. It is so cute! Andy has made the icons on the screen large and taken off most things so it just has what Wilson can use. It is so cute! I'll try and get a picture of him at "work" soon so you can see!