Getaway Weekend!

Well, I'm happy to report that Andy and I had a wonderful 7year anniversary! The getaway weekend was SOO what we needed. No responsibilities! Sleeping in! Eating out without highchairs! No diapers to change! I have to admit I did get a little upset the first night worrying about the boys. So we called to check on them, I talked briefly to each one (they were having too much fun with Mimi and Poppy!) and then I felt better. Andy and I had a restful weekend. On Saturday we checked into our hotel around 3:30-4:00. We lounged around and left around 6 to go shopping. We went to a few stores and then to Qdoba. We enjoyed our dinner and headed back to the hotel. Sunday morning we woke up (I didn't sleep past 8:15 but I let Andy sleep till 9:30 before waking him up!) and walked to Panera for breakfast. I had a sesame bagel with low-fat cream cheese and Andy had a Cinnamon crunch bagel. We took our time eating and looking through the paper, trying to agree on a movie! We decided on I am Legend. We met Andy's family for lunch and saw the boys which was nice. Andy's parents were heading back to Florida and we wanted to say goodbye. We then went to the mall and a couple of other stores looking for a camera for me! We bought Andy a new pair of tennis shoes with some Christmas money. Then we took a long nap! We had reservations at PF Chang's at 8 so we got ready for dinner and a movie. Delicious dinner- lettuce wraps, Cashew and Almond Chicken and fried rice. It is one of my favorite restaurants. I hope to go back for my b-day. Then to the movies, which we hadn't been to since last Christmas! We both really enjoyed the movie (I am Legend). Then back to the hotel which I am happy to report that I slept in until 10:15!! It was heavenly. Sleep without interruption. Ahhhh... But man did we miss our boys! We walked over to Panera again for another yummy breakfast(asagio cheese bagel for me and pecan roll for Andy). You should also try Panera's Caramel Latte (skim milk and no whipped cream) it is good. I had one both days! The first day Andy had Panera OJ but it was too pulpy (he likes pulp free) so today he walked over to McDonald's for his OJ and brought that into Panera. It was much more to his liking! We had to pick up something at Target and a SD card for my new camera at Radio Shack and then we went to get the boys around 12:30. Once we came home Andy ordered the camera for me! So excited, can't wait!

Christmas 2007

What a wonderful Christmas season! It has been busy around here. The pictures above are from Christmas at our house, my maw/paw's, my parents, and at our house with Andy's family. We had a great time with both sides of the family. On Christmas Eve we had dinner at my sister's house. On Christmas morning we opened presents at home and then went to my Maw-maw's for breakfast and presents. I really enjoyed seeing my cousins, Allison and Justin! Allison came from California! After going home for a nap we went to my mom and dad's house for presents and dinner. Two days later Andy's parents arrived and we celebrated with a big breakfast at our house and presents. Then that evening we went to Danny and Steph's for dinner. Great times! Favorite christmas presents:

Wilson- high hat for his drumset

Luke- Thomas train set and lamp

Alyssa- Ipod dock alarm clock

Andy- movies (Back to the Future Trilogy and Christmas Story)

UPdate

Well, we had a wonderful Christmas! Mimi and Poppy (Andy's parents) are staying with us right now. We're having a really nice visit! We celebrated Christmas with Andy's side of the family yesterday. I have lots of pictures to post. But it will be a few days before I get to that! Tomorrow afternoon Andy and I leave for our weekend getaway! We'll be celebrating 7 years of marriage! We're really looking forward to 2 nights away. We have reservations to PF Chang's on our anniversary. We plan to go see a movie! And make good use of the black out drapes...sleep without interruption? What is that like?? Sleeping in without "Mommy wake up. It's time to get up!" (Yes, I sleep until my boys wake me up, when I can!) I have to admit I'm a little worried about leaving my boys. Not because of who I'm leaving them with (Andy's parents Saturday night and my parents Sunday night) but because I never spend the night away from them. I've never been away overnight from Luke. I've spent two nights away from Wilson - when I was at the hospital having Luke. I'm just worried about how they'll do without me. (That is my anxiety talking!) I know they'll be fine. I just don't want them to be worried or needing me (anxiety creeping in again). BUT, I'm really looking forward to our getaway weekend. Maybe we'll take some pictures. If we remember the camera! Christmas pics to come...later!

I LOVE this time of year!

Christmas is here! I can feel it in the air! I can see it in everyone's happy faces! I love this time of year! Today after church Steph and I planned our Christmas Breakfast and Dinner for Dec. 27, when Andy's parents and sister will be here staying with us. After naps, my family headed over to her house. We left Danny and Andy in charge of the kids and we braved it over to Wal-Mart. We did our grocery shopping together which was quite fun! Then we put our groceries away at our houses and met back at my sister's house for appetizers and games. Cara had all kinds of yummy appetizers: meatballs (her sauce is so good), nachos, veggie tray, chicken fingers, cheese ball, and my maw-maw's famous cucumber dip with pita chips. Sooo good! I had made a Truffle Trove pie (which was like a chocolate brownie pie) with cool-whip topping last night so I brought that over. The kids ate and played and had a lot of fun. They even put on a music show for us! Funny! I played Cranium and Catch Phrase. Another group played Apples to Apples. It was fun to have Danny and Steph over with the rest of my family. It was all of our in-town family together at once! That was really nice! We were having so much fun with Catch Phrase that Andy and I lost track of time. We left their house around 9:45. But the kids are in bed and fast asleep! I love Christmas break. I'm reading a good book and am wanting to go finish it! Look down at my checklist from a few days ago and you can find the title. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Our plans are:
1. Make trash (Do you know about trash? AKA puppy chow?)
2. Finish cleaning (living room and kitchen!)
3. Wrap last 2 gifts
4. Make breakfast casserole for Tuesday
5. Make the best pumpkin dessert ever for Tuesday - Thanks for the recipe Brenda!
6. Write Andy's annual stocking note- This idea I got from my Maw and Paw. Every year (I think every year) she has written him a note and put it in the toe of his stocking. I always thought that was so neat. He has all of them in there. I started that for Andy the Christmas before we got married (5 days before the wedding!) and all of his 7 letters are in there. We love getting them out and reading them. I highlight the big things from the year and fond memories/sad times too. It is definitely a tradition we will keep up!

Tomorrow night we'll go to Cara's for dinner before we go to our Christmas Eve service at church. It starts at 7pm, feel free to join us! Then we're going downtown to a house of a special group of people that our church reaches out to. We'll be delivering the trash there and throwing a Christmas party for them. We won't stay too long because we'll need to get home for the boys to open 1 gift each, read the Christmas story, set out cookies for Santa, etc. Then Andy and I will exchange stockings, stuff the boys' stockings and set out Santa gifts! It is so much fun being Santa!!

Gingerbread Cookie House

That is what Wilson calls it anyway! The Gingerbread house is finally done! We made this a couple of week's ago at my mom's. You can read about that here. It is already suffering toddler damages. Two bushes Wilson and I made have been knocked over. By Wilson. He then proceeded to eat one of the pretzel sticks that made up the bush. Yum-o! I keep telling him you can't eat the candy off this house, it is gross!

My parents are taking the 4 grandkids to see Christmas Lights tonight! The boys are excited. They are borrowing Cara's minvan and all riding together. Andy and I plan to grab some dinner and keep cleaning this house. I've done a little, we've mostly been relaxing and enjoying vacation!

Last night I made soft tacos for dinner. I wrapped Wilson's up and was holding it up to help him eat the first bite since they fall apart. Well, he bit my middle finger so hard I screamed. Then somehow he bit down again. It hurt so bad I really thought the tip of my finger was broken. It swelled up and bled and he and I were both crying. He was really worried about me! I put some ice on it and it became numb quickly probably because of the throbbing and horrible pain! Andy says my pain tolerance is next to nothing (give me some credit I HAVE birthed two big boys!! Ahem... Epidural aside) but it hurt so badly! I tried to be tough for Wilson but tears were streaming down my face. You'll be glad to know I survived. The finger is sore today, it is a miracle I can even type... Just kidding, I'm full of drama... just ask my husband!

What Year Do YOU Belong in?

You Belong in 1995

With you anything goes! You're grunge one day, ghetto fabulous the next. It's all good!

What Year Do You Belong In?

*Take the quiz and post your year in the comments!

Two posts in 1 day means school is out!

It also means I am stuck at home due to a sick Lukie (virus), Wilson (bronchitis) and Andy (sinus infection). Andy and Wilson are on antibiotics so Wilson is on the mend. Andy just started his today. Luke hasn't thrown up since 11:30 last night so he is on the mend too.

**I've updated my list from what I did today!! Yay me!!
School is Out Checklist
_X _ Finish Christmas shopping ( I haven't even started for Andy yet. Other than his stocking.)
_X _ Wrap gifts
___ Clean ENTIRE house
_X_ Mail Christmas cards (did today!)
_X _ Catch up on laundry
___ Weekend Getaway with Andy
___ Get a massage!
_X _ Get LOTS of sleep
_X_ Watch movies (Watched one last night! More needed though!)
___Celebrate 7 year anniversary!
___Plan Wilson and Luke's birthday party
___Work on National Board stuff
_X _ Get a book to read for fun over break Something Borrowed
___Get all 3 boys feeling better (Almost there)
___ DO NOT GET SICK! (fighting off what Andy and Wilson have)
_X_ Start Exercising...Again (Went on a 2 mile walk with Wilson today!)
_X_ Update Blog (Check. Check.)
_X_ Find long lost friends on facebook! (Are you starting to see why the other things towards the top of the list aren't checked off yet?!)

Hopefully I'll get a lot done in the next few days before Christmas!

Luke = Sick

Yesterday morning when Luke woke up Andy found a nasty surprise in the crib- throw-up. Luke was sick. He threw up one other time in the morning and just layed around all day wanting to be held. I stayed home from my small group's Christmas party and he seemed to be doing a bit better. I gave him Pedialyte and a few crackers. Things were good until about 11:30 when we heard him cry. He had thrown up in his bed again and was pitiful. I scooped him up, covering my sweatshirt in puke and held him. Got him undressed and wiped down. Then into new pj's and layed him in bed with me. He had a fever and still does this morning. We haven't thrown up yet today, he won't eat the toast or crackers I've offered but keeps saying he wants breakfast. I've given him Pedialyte and motrin since he has a fever. Hopefully he'll keep those down. Andy isn't feeling well this morning either... Not the best way to start Christmas break! I had plans! I wanted a clean house and wrapped presents and playtime with the boys! But maybe today I'll just be holding Luke which is fine, he keeps saying "snuggle" in his pitiful voice. Just pray he gets well soon. We had another Christmas party tonight and I don't want to miss two in a row. Oh well, that happens when you're a mommy. Why is it that every winter break it seems one of us is sick???

Christmas Cookies!

Last Saturday I went over to my mom's house to make Gingerbread houses and Christmas cookies! Wilson and Luke were very excited about the day! Cara and her girls were there too. We had a lot of fun. Andy came over later and we started a gingerbread house together. I had trouble getting started without him because I wanted it to look just right, but knew I couldn't do it that way on my own!! Once Andy was there we were able to do it together. Luke ate more than he made I think! It was a lot of fun. When we finish the house I'll post a picture!

Annual Christmas Play

Look at my precious boys! I am proud to say that they were both very brave and acted as a wonderful Shepherd and Sheep! Wilson needed a little convincing on Saturday and then he was ready. He was a little concerned at first because he thought when he got a costume he was going to have to take off his clothes! After a little reassuring he was good. Luke did well at practice but then on Sunday kept telling me that he didn't want to be a sheep! Every time I mentioned it he said "no". During the play Wilson was VERY serious! He never smiled, just sat very still and quiet. Luke was up on the stage and down in my lap, back and forth. Then he realized sitting on stage was pretty fun so he stayed! Towards the end during Joy to the World he was front and center and dancing in his own calm way! It was SOO cute. I tried to take a video but my memory stick was full. It was fun!

Luke Update

Well, Luke has been eating, just only when it is something he likes! Still no success in the try new things department. He even refused Hoppin John this week which he always used to love. We're still not giving in to him though. If he doesn't like what is for dinner he doesn't get anything else. Thankfully each night there has been at least something he'll eat so it hasn't been as awful as it was on this day and this day. I'm not sure why he is so picky. He didn't learn it from Wilson! Textures also seem to be an issue. Last week we got hamburgers and he took a bite, ate the bread and spit the meat back out. Thankfully he does like cheeseburgers from McDonald's (minus the pickle).

We're heading over to Gamma's today to make Gingerbread Cookie Houses (as Wilson calls them) and to decorate Christmas cookies! Wilson has been looking forward to this for.ever. He is really excited! I'll post pics later. We also have play practice for the church Christmas play (keep your fingers crossed, Wilson is supposed to be a Shepherd and Luke a Sheep!). I did get some Christmas shopping done last night so I feel like I've started now! I bought 4 gift plus ordered 2 more online. Yipee! Tonight Andy and I have a date night (I'm actually dressing up, in a black dress! Shocking!) and I'm really excited about that. We're going to dinner with friends from school. I'll have lots to post later!

What Holiday are you??

You Are Thanksgiving

You are a bit of a homebody who enjoys being in the company of people you love. It doesn't take a lot to make you happy. You're enjoying life as it is. You have many blessings in your life, and you are grateful for each one. You believe that life is about what you *do* have. You feel like you have enough of the good stuff. What makes you celebrate: Family, friends, and the changing of the seasons. At holiday get togethers, you do best as: The host of the party On a holiday, you're the one most likely to: Spend so much energy preparing that it's a full time job

What Holiday Are You?

Let me know in the comments!

Yeah Baby!!

I have to say, I was expecting Elementary Level! Yea me!!

Cash Advance Loans

Meet Silas!

Wow! Is he cute or what?! This is my soon to be nephew! Cara and Jason have now started a new blog titled Seeking Our Silas. Read more about Silas here! It will give you all the details on how they found Silas and how God put him on their hearts. I shared a picture of him with my students today and they were very excited!

Look at this hilarious video!

I saw part of this on TV today and thought it was so funny! Andy doesn't see it as funny as I do. Maybe you'll appreciate it!

Thanksgiving Pictures

Night #2 without supper

Luke refused to eat dinner again tonight. It was taco lasagna, corn, and tortilla chips. Wilson ate it right up. Another night of crying, trying to get him to take a bite, and guilt. Although I know we're doing the right thing. It is hard for me to stand firm but with Andy's encouragement we aren't giving in. The plate is ready and waiting in case he changes his mind before bedtime. How many nights of this will it take before he gives up and eats dinner?

He will, won't he??

* Check out my friend Tricia's new blog here!

Stubborn: It runs in the family!

Oh, I'm having some parenting guilt right now. Both of the boys are in bed. One with a full tummy, one without a full tummy. Luke would not eat his dinner. I made a delicious Turkey Pot Pie with some leftover thanksgiving turkey. Andy, Wilson and I all enjoyed the dinner. Luke just kept saying "no way". Dinner went something like this: I shoved a bite in his mouth. He spit it out. He screamed and cried. Andy took him to time out. He came back crying. I held him and pushed a carrot in his mouth. He cried and spit it out. He wouldn't even try it. So he didn't get anything else other than his milk. I left it out in case he became hungry but he didn't. He never fussed about not eating and I know it is okay to do this, the doctor has told us and I've read it, and my mom has said it's ok but oh it is bothering me now! It was really hard to not give in and make him something that I know he likes. Andy and I just don't want to teach them they can have a fit and get what they want. But it is hard to be just as stubborn back. Even though Andy is stubborn. I am stubborn. Wilson is stubborn. But it was hard for me to be stubborn tonight. I didn't like it at all. Any ideas? I am not willing to fix two dinners every night - Luke will learn to eat what we have, right? Wilson has and he does well eating a good variety. Being the parent is HARD. As you can see, the rest of us really enjoyed dinner!

Thanksgiving Feast #2

What a great time we had in WV! We went to visit Andy's Nanny along with Danny, Steph & family. We went back to our old tradition of heading to Nanny's house. We got there Wednesday evening and left Saturday morning. There were 10 of us in all, which is smaller than the usual 18 (going on 19 but don't worry, it's not me!). We had a lot of fun watching the kids run around, painting acorns and rocks after finding them by the creek and oak tree, hiking after some snow had fallen- just a little but enough for Wilson to eat it off of everything, the girls headed into "town" to shop at the Dollar General (that is all there is other than Rite Aid and Foodland). We watched a couple movies and played games. It was relaxing and nice. We had a great Thanksgiving dinner too. We missed Mimi and Poppy who were on a cruise. Erin, James and family were in KY and Katie and David were is FL. As we were eating Nanny said "Now we all need to go around the table and say something we're thankful for." She shared hers and Meg said she was thankful for sweet potatoes!! Then the table fell silent as we were all thinking of the MANY things we are thankful for and how could we possibly choose just one to share when Andy hit the nail on the head. He said, I'm thankful that none of us are sick. The rest of us chorused our "me toos" and reminisced UNfondly of last Thanksgiving--the Thanksgiving from HELL. Have I told you that story? Here goes...
For the past 3 years we travelled to a camp and rented a cottage- large enough to fit all 18 of us. We'd outgrown Nanny's house and this seemed a good option. Well last year we were all looking forward to meeting up at camp. We had lots of plans- good plans- like paintball for the guys, making turkey cookies, the annual play the kids put on, playing games, relaxing, hiking etc. A few days before we left for camp Wilson caught a virus. A bad one, with throw-up and other stuff. I think I caught it next, a very mild case- but we were feeling better in time to leave and thought everything would be okay. Boy were we wrong. By the time we left the cottage on Saturday the virus had spread through I think 15 of 18 people. It. was. awful. And of course it was our family's fault so I felt a lot of guilt. We shouldn't have gone. Each day we woke up the virus had spread to at least another person. I had to take Andy to the ER because he was so dehydrated. It hit him really hard. He had to get two bags of fluid. We spent a couple hours in the emergency room. It was just a horrible time. If you know me at all you know I live for breaks from school to be home with my boys (even though I love my job!). All I kept thinking was I can't wait for this weekend to be over so I can go back to work and get out of this nightmare. It really did feel like a nightmare. Thankfully our family still speaks to us! But here is something I don't know that I've told anyone- except those that were there- the poor girl who works at the camp and went in to clean the cabin after we left- yep, you guessed it, she caught the virus from just walking in the cabin. I mean we had already done some cleaning, emptying the trash, vacuuming, cleaning all the dishes, stripping the beds etc. And she still got sick. Talk about guilt. That was one awful, nasty virus that spread like wildfire. And during the horrible nightmare we couldn't leave because people were to sick to travel. It was the longest several days of 'vacation' ever.
Thank goodness this year was so great, it really makes Thanksgiving memories seem happy again! Maybe in a few years we'll laugh about last year's virus filled Thanksgiving- the nightmare- but not yet. No, not yet.

Pictures of this Thanksgiving to come!

Fun in the Leaves!

On Saturday the boys and I headed to a neighboring county and met up with Stephanie, Meghan, Lily and Trey to play in the ginkgo leaves. We had so much fun! Luke was a little unsure at first but quickly warmed up to the idea. Wilson and Luke had fun throwing leaves up in the air. Wilson made piles of leaves and a campfire- we roasted ginkgo leaves on sticks! He is getting such a great imagination. Luke had fun thowing leaves at daddy and throwing some up in the air. Meghan and Lily got buried in the leaves and stuffed their clothes with leaves like they were scarecrows! It was a lot of fun! Thanks for inviting us, Steph! You can see her post here.

Thanksgiving Feast #1

Sunday night the boys and I went over to my Maw and Paw's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Andy couldn't come because he had to work. We missed you babe! We had a good time and enjoyed great food. It had been a long time since we had all been together. We ate turkey, ham, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls and fruit. My mom also made a delicious cake- it was so good and chocolatey! I brought a big plate of food home for Andy and a big slice of cake. He ate it all last night when he got home.

My sister and Jason shared AWESOME news! They are hoping to adopt a precious boy named Silas from China. He turned one in September and has special needs. He is so cute! Their story of how this all came about is really neat. I'm hoping they'll start a blog and then I can just link you to and let them tell you! I'm so excited!!

Madelyn & Wilson and Luke & Caroline began dancing towards the end of the evening. It was so cute Jason took a video of it from his phone.

Luke Matthew- Man of MANY words!

Luke is talking up a storm! He will repeat almost anything but has sooo many words he uses on his own all of the time. About a week ago he started saying "witson" (Wilson) - it sounds so cute! He says so many things I can't list them all. When I set his dinner in front of him, if it is warm he yells "HOOTT" like he can't believe I set something in front of him that was too hot to eat. His favorite stuffed animal, Henry is "renre". He loves chocolate milk- when he wants that he says "choc". We have gotten to the point (since he is only allowed to have it once a day!) that we pretend to put the "choc" in but only put a drip or two!

He had a check-up with the ENT last Thursday. Everything about his ears is fabulous! He hasn't had a single ear infection since his tubes were put in. You can read about that here. He has had them for about 6 months. At our next checkup in about 3 months, they'll test his hearing and see if the tubes are ready to come out. The tubes were the best thing we could have done for his poor little ears.

A Day to Breathe

Wow. I didn't realize what a day was like without stress! I am working towards my National Board Certification this year. I have to complete 4 rather large portfolio entries that reflect and analyze my teaching and accomplishments, take two video tapes of myself teaching, and a written test. They estimate it to be a 200-400 HOUR commitment. Anyway my school district gives 5 paid days to work on your portfolio. Which is really nice! So today I took a NB day. I woke up at my usual time and got ready. Then I went to Panera with my laptop and began writing. I started around 7:30 am. I got home this afternoon around 3:15. I had written a little more than 10 pages today, almost the whole draft of Entry 4 - Documented Accomplishments. It was so NOT stressfull of a day for me! I didn't have to repeat myself 10 times for anything! I didn't even talk to anyone until after lunch when I was getting rather lonely so I decided to call Andy and check in on the boys. It was a really quiet day. Around 10ish this morning I moved over to the public library to keep writing. It was quieter there and I focused a little easier. By 3 though my brain was shot. So for Entry 4 I only have a 2pg reflection left to draft. I'm going to have Andy proof it tonight (he was thrilled when I asked!) and then have Jenn proof it (she just found out last week that she is National Board Certified!) and then my NB Mentor proof it. During all the proofing I'll be gathering my evidence- I can have 16 pages of evidence to prove my documented accomplishments. The whole process is very detailed and specific all the way down to which pages you can paper clip together. I really hope I can keep on top of this process- next I'll be working on the reading entry. I'm sure you'll be hearing about this off and on from now till March 31st- that is the day my portfolio is due. If (I mean when) I pass, I'll be Rank I certified!!

Tricia's Wedding

Tricia and Curtis were married on October 27, 2007. The wedding was beautiful! I am so happy for them! The wedding was at 3:30- Tricia looked gorgeous! The bridesmaids wore cranberry and carried cream flowers. Tricia carried white and red roses. They had an excellent photographer, great music and lots of friends and family around.

There was an overall theme of Mickey Mouse on the program, invitations, cake, etc. They even went to Disney World for their honeymoon! The ceremony went well and Tricia and Curtis are now Dr. and Mrs. Curtis and Tricia C.!! So happy for you all!! The reception was really nice. The place was beautiful and the food was great! They had a dinner for the guests with a picture slide show , a DJ, and dancing. It was fun. I got to catch up with some old friends. It was so nice! We missed you Jana! Wilson and Luke really enjoyed the cake.

Congratulation Curtis and Tricia! We love you!

My Man!

Yesterday, Andy had a birthday! He turned 29. We had a nice evening of celebration! The day was long for him as I didn't get home until 6:15 (national board meeting after school) so I felt badly about that. We had planned to order Pizza Hut for dinner. I also had made a peanut butter pie, his dessert of choice. Here he is with his present, which was a big surprise! These are hiking poles. He had been wanting them for a couple of years. These are not just from me, also from my parents and he is using his birthday money from his Nanny to go towards them too. He is ready for a strenuous hike!

Back to the birthday dessert, here he is with a delicious piece of pie, hamming it up for the camera. We also had cupcakes because Wilson did not think pie was a birthday dessert! Danny, Stephanie, Meghan, Lily, and Trey came over to help us celebrate. They helped us sing to him and enjoyed some dessert with us.
Then we listened to some loud drumming by Wilson and Lily and had a foam block fight! It was fun! The kids were having a blast as were the adults. When they left I had a bit of a headache! Got the boys a bath and into bed. They were tired little things! To my wonderful husband: Happy Birthday! I love you!

WHAT? I can't hear you!

Yes, that is what Andy and I are saying to each other all the time now! Well no, not really. But my dad, Wilson and Luke's gampa, bought a drum set for them. We talked about it, and I knew it was coming. It was a great idea on my dad's part as a behavior incentive for Wilson. Wilson earns time on his drumset by being a good listener. When he isn't listening or following directions he loses time on the drum set. It seems to be working! He's had the drums for about 2 weeks. My dad repairs musical instruments so he bought it at the music store where he works. Funny story, I sent him the picture posted here and he printed it out and hung it in the music store with this "Another Satisfied Customer" with the brand of the drum set printed on there too, like an ad. Sounds pretty cute! Luke enjoys playing too and Wilson has done a great job at sharing his drums. So, if you come over and ring the door bell or try to give us a call and we don't answer, it might be because WE JUST CAN'T HEAR THEM!!!!

Trick-or-Treat & Harvest Party

Our Knight! Being a bit shy at trunk-or-treating!

Pooh Bear!

A beautiful sunset on the hayride!

Sunday night we had a Harvest Party at our church- chili cook-off, trunk-or-treating for the kids, hay ride, pumpkin bowling, etc. Wilson and Luke had a blast! Some of the pictures are from that. It was so cold on Sunday night.


For Trick-or-Treating the weather was beautiful! We went part way down our street and came back up the other side with the boys. Then we passed candy out to trick-or -treaters at our house. Gamma and Gampa came over to see the boys. Wilson was a Knight and Luke was Winnie the Pooh. They were cute! After the grandparents left we drove over to Ma and Pa's to trick or treat there. Wilson was shy about going up to the houses. Luke wouldn't talk, but he sure was willing to hold his pumpkin out for candy! He ended up with way more than Wilson. Will's favorite treat from a house was a small thing of black play-doh. He found that pretty cool. Luke'll stick to the candy!

Wilson carved the small pumpkin in the middle. Check out the eyes! I was so proud of him!
Lukie with his hunny pot out trick or treating!

Halloween Meme

1. What's the scariest movie you have ever seen?
Hmmm...I don't like scary movies at all. I remember being really scared during Arachnophobia at a slumber party in the 6th grade. I also remember my dad and sister watching a Chuckie movie that I walked through the living room and was soo scared I had to stay in my room upstairs. I've pretty much avoided scary movies ever sense. Plus I remember a scene from Ptoltergeist that my dad was watching once.
2. What was your favorite Halloween costume from childhood?
My homemade Cheerios box that my dad made and painted for me. It. was. cool.
3. If you had an unlimited budget, what would your fantasy costume be for this Halloween?
I'm thinking a flapper- with a wig, fringe, gloves, heels, etc.
4. When was the last time you went trick or treating?
Me personally? No idea. With Wilson, last Halloween.
5. What is your favorite Halloween candy?
Twix, Kit Kat
6. Tell us about a scary nightmare you had.
They never sound scary when you explain them to someone else. I still remember a nightmare I had when I was young. I won't go into details but we were at a family friends' house and it involved horses. I think I was on one and couldn't get it to stop. I couldn't get off or something. I woke up because my mom came in and woke me from the dream. She said she heard me upset from her room. I was sweaty. Maybe I had a fever or something. It was bad!
7. What is your Supernatural fear?
I don't have any because I don't let myself think about scary things!!
8. What is your creep-crawly fear?
Big spiders. I can handle the teeny tiny ones. I hate big ones.
9. Tell us about the time you saw a ghost. Or heard something go bump in the night.
I don't believe in ghosts. Although you should ask Mimi and Poppy about their visitor when we were in Gatlinburg! They swear they felt someone walk past their bed in the middle of the night in Gatlinburg - but none of us did.
10. Would you ever stay in a haunted house overnight?
NO WAY!!!!
11. Are you a traditionalist Jack 'O' Lantern carver or do you get creative?
Very traditionalist. Though Andy is very creative- you should see the Pirate pumpkin in the Gatlinburg post! He does great with pumpkin carving.
12. How much do you decorate your house for Halloween?
We have one tub in the attic we pull down. Not much- a few decorative pumpkins, a cute candy corn pumpkin that holds a candle, always pumpkins on the porch.
13. What do you want on your tombstone?
Not even going to think about this one!

If you're reading this, consider yourself tagged. Write a Halloween Meme and let us get to know you better!!

Gatlinburg Slide Show!

Cobin Lag (aka Log Cabin)

So, our family traveled to Gatlinburg for Fall break! We stayed in a Log Cabin. Wilson called it a Cobin Lag for about 2 weeks before we went and the whole time we were there (even though we always refered to it as the Cabin or the Log Cabin!). It was so much fun. We drove a caravan there with Erin, Stephanie, and Danny. Of course all 7 kids were with us too! We met up with Andy's parents and sister in Gatlinburg. We had an awesome cabin that had 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a hot tub, pool table, 7 TVs, a game table and many other nice amenities. A lot of fun was had by all! The caravan left early on Thursday and arrived in Gatlinburg around 2pm. We stopped to shop at the outlet malls and then checked in for our cabin around 5pm. When we got there I made a big pot of chili and we hung out and had fun. On Friday we just enjoyed seeing Mimi, Poppy and Aunt Katie. We went out to dinner and to ride Go-Carts! Wilson rode the go-carts twice with his daddy. Boy, did he love that! The kids rode some other rides as well. Luke really did not want to ride anything. He kept saying "no" in the cutest voice. I did get him on the Merry Go Round and after crying for a couple minutes, he had fun.
On Saturday the girls went shopping some more and out for pizza while the guys and big kids went hiking. We met back up at the cabin for the UK game and more hanging out! Each family carved a pumpkin with the kids (Wilson's idea was a Pirate!) and then got the kids in their halloween costumes so they could trick or treat with Mimi. We lit the pumpkins and roasted the pumpkin seeds. Fun! That night we played Texas Hold 'Em which was lots of fun. It was a perfect hot tub night too! The next morning Dan and Carol had to leave pretty early so we all got up and went for a pancake breakfast before the rest of us packed up the cabin to head home. It was a great time. :) A slide show is coming soon!

It's been 10 years! Can you believe it?!

Yeah. It is true. I had my 10 year high school reunion a few weeks ago. It was a little unreal. It was weird going back and seeing people. And to be quite honest, I kept having to ask Sarah and Jana who people were. I recognized some people but had forgotten their name. Some people I had totally forgotten and don't know if I ever even knew them! Then there were those whom I remembered names and faces. The best part was catching up with Jana & John, Sarah, and Tricia. Andy came with me. We only went to the dinner on Saturday evening. There was a group that met on Friday night and then on Saturday afternoon but we decided on the dinner. Which was a little disapointing because other people I wish I could have seen had just gone to one of the other events, so we missed each other. Anyway, the dinner was at a nice hotel, buffet style. There were only 6 round tables, so clearly there wasn't a huge crowd. We mingled, ate, mingled and some danced. It was neat to see people again. But oh mah gosh it has been 10 years! I have to say I am very happy with my life 10 years out of high school!

Pancakes, Pancakes!

So funny, had to tell you about it! Wilson was sitting at the desk this afternoon and my cookbook was out from planning this week's menu. He flipped it open and said "Hmm.. what's for dinner tonight?" He flipped through some pages "pancakes or (something else can't remember), let's have pancakes for dinner!" I had actually planned tortilla soup - but whatever! So right now Andy and Wilson are making a delicious pancake dinner with sausage. I did help. I cut up a melon from our last farm fresh veggie basket! My boys ALL love pancakes. I enjoy pancakes every now and then. But I usually have to be talked into having breakfast for dinner. I just said ok and thanked Wilson for helping plan tonight's dinner!

W.A.M.

Wondering what Wilson is into right now? Lots! He loves trains, especially building tracks with his daddy. He loves to build with legos and drive cars and trucks around the house. He loves bulldozers and dump trucks and any large machines. He tells me to slow down when I'm driving and he sees a construction crew. He loves garbage trucks and fire trucks too. He is in to so many different things right now! Wilson is a drummer too, but you already knew that. He loves guitars and can name many instruments when he sees pictures of them. He loves green tea (crystal light caffeine free!) and snacks. He eats lots of bananas and loves to help cook dinner. He likes to play on pbskids.com and to color, cut and glue (he cut a small section of his hair for the first time last week. But he is a boy, with short hair so it isn't noticeable!). He is helpful- he empties the trashcans in the bathrooms and bedrooms- and thinks it is fun! He likes yard work- raking, and picking up sticks. He loves his cousins and aunts a lot and hates to see his mommy go to work. He can't wait to go to school with me! He wants his daddy and I to "squeeze and scratch like Mimi did" when we put him to bed. I have to sing one of the songs I made up for him too. Yes, his daddy sings to him as well. He says the cutest things still too. He was bonnecting some elephants earlier (connecting) and he likes to build our church out of his legos. How did I get so lucky? Yes, there are hard days, but man, my boys mean the WORLD to me. I love them!

Big Boy!

Luke has something to tell you- he is growing up to be such a big boy! He is talking so much. He loves to read and really likes to play trains and legos now. Just look at the changes we've made in his room! It is a big boy room now although he is still in a crib.

This is the new chest I found for $25. I was driving over to my sister's and saw this at a yard sale. I don't generally go to yard sales but ended up going back to look at it later that day, and it is working perfectly for all of Luke's clothes!

Here is Luke's new bookcase. We moved all the board books off of Wilson's bookcase and put them in Luke's room. He loves to read now! Sure makes his momma proud!

And here is his all time favorite book right now -- Choo Choo! He insists upon reading it EVERY night! It is really worn out as it was also a favorite of Wilson's! Luke doesn't care, he loves it anyway. It is a lift the flap book and he really knows what is under each flap!

Luke now has a mouthful of teeth. I think just 4 more to go. He likes to dance, he is so sweet and still a momma's boy. Luke is pretty sensitive too but he can fight back when he needs to! He does not like pot roast or vegetables... but he loves chocolate milk, juice, cheese, crackers, and on and on!! We're still working on the whole vegetable thing. :)

To the Pumpkin Patch we go!

(Make sure to hover your mouse over the pics to read the captions!) We had a great time at the orchard on Saturday! Stephanie, Meghan, Lily and Trey all went too. We found a perfect pumpkin to carve and Wilson and Luke each got a smaller pumpkin of their own too. Then we played! Luke and Trey rode a train. Wilson played in the sand and climbed hay mountains. It was a blast! After a snack and listening to the live music we were ready to leave. It took a little convincing on Will's part. He realized there were lots of fun things to do other than the sand!! We were really worn out by the time we got home. We bought some fresh apple donuts to take home- boy were they good on Sunday morning!

Consignment Sale

My maw-ma's church has a consignment sale twice a year. It is a great sale where you can find lots of good things. It starts on a Thursday night, goes all day Friday, and Saturday morning. I have been on a Thursday night before and stood in a really long line but got lots of good clothes. I think I've been on a Friday night before too. I didn't make it until this morning for this sale. But, I still found a few good things. I left the house early to make it right when the sale opened. I had received specific instructions from Wilson to try and find a fire truck- RED- with a ladder that moves. I told him I'd look. When I got to the sale I looked through the 4T clothes for Wilson. I found a long sleeved t-shirt with a dump truck, concrete mixer and front loader ($3)on it. I also got a pair of sweatpants ($1) and a pair of navy cargo zip-off pants($4). Plus a CUTE plaid button down shirt from Old Navy ($2). Then I looked at the 18 months clothes for Luke. There wasn't anything cute left! A lot of really worn out clothes and some stuff that looked like it was from the early 90's. That's the price you pay when you can't shop till Saturday! So then I went to look at size 5's for Will next year. I got two shirts, a Land's End short sleeved polo ($2) and a gap flannel button down ($2.50).

So then I made my way to the toy room which I usually avoid! The boys already have plenty of toys. I walked in and looked down and the first spot I looked at had a RED fire truck with a MOVING ladder all for $3. It is Little Tikes and is missing the people. It came with 1 person but has room for more. So when I brought it home for W&L, Wilson was SOO excited! We've had a few fights over sharing, but all in all they are both happy to have the truck! I've already bid on some more little tikes chunky people to go with the fire truck because Wilson wondered where the people were!

How to leave a comment :)

This post is for all of my dear readers and family that want to post a comment (I hope!) but just don't know how. I would love to hear your comments after you read a post! I get excited (sad, I know) when I see that someome has left a comment.

How to leave a comment:
1.After you read a post, click on the word comments at the bottom of the post.
2. If this is your first time to comment, choose No Google Account? Sign up here.
3. Then you simply enter your email address, a password and type your first name (or a nickname) for your display name. You aren't creating a new account really. I just use my email address and a password. Nothing new to remember.
4.From then on, when you want to leave a comment you just type in your comment, enter your email address and password and hit publish.

Hope it works!

BUSY week at school!

What a successful week! Monday my class became movie stars. We're making a video in honor of one student in particular. It has been such a neat relationship amongst my students this year. I'm keeping it vague so as not to breech any confidentiality. However, when the video airs on our school district television channel I'll send an email out so you can watch for it! My students did a great job making the video and reading about their friend on tape. I hope my interview turns out okay. He asked me a lot of questions, some I had a better answer for than others so hopefully through editing I won't look like the fool I felt like! I hate being interview/in the spotlight of attention.

Today my class had a poetry cafe. It was awesome! The room transformed into a cafe with colorful tablecloths, vases of flowers, coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies! Everything was donated this year for the cafe which is beyond awesome. It cost me $5 total. All it took was writing donation letters, picking up the stuff, and decorating. Oh, and teaching a poetry unit so the kids had some well written poems to share! As the guests came in the kids shared the poems in their collection with them. They also got their refreshments. Then after everyone had been through the line I started calling the kids up in small groups to read 1 poem out loud. We had a program listing all the kids names and poem titles. It was impressive! Guess how many guests I had in my room alone! I have 24 students. I had 40 guests! So there were a lot of people in my classroom today! We had lots of food leftover, the parents loved the cafe, and the kids felt like they accomplished something huge. And they did.

I love my teammates! They are the best. We all helped deliver donation letters, pick up donations, make calls for donations, etc. Everything is easier with teamwork! Thanks, ladies! What is the next thing we need to tackle?!?!

New recipe!

Well after much deliberation (on Andy's part) I was able to convince him to let me try a new recipe. It was for salmon patties which I found here, at Jenn's cousin's blog. I never liked salmon croquettes when I was growing up. I remember my mom made them occasionally and I HATED that meal! But, I ate it because that was what was for dinner. Andy has similar memories tied to his mom's salmon croquettes (When did we change the name from croquettes to patties? Much prefer patties!). His memory involves something with sneaking his salmon into the trashcan... So why did I want to make these?? They looked good and the recipe sounded good! Salmon is good for you!

Anyway, he really didn't want me to make them but I really did so I persisted. We ate them tonight. They were super fast to make and Andy liked them. Wilson liked them, Luke liked them, and guess what?! I even liked them! Score! I did add cheese in them as the recipe suggests as an option, used less oil to fry them in, and dipped 'em in ketchup. I just keep expanding Andy's food horizon. I'm so proud of my wife-y qualities!! (hahaha) It worked out well because we were able to visit with Ted and Cynthia which was nice. This was just my second time to meet Ted's new wife and she seems really nice! Wilson (after showing off for a while) sat down near Cynthia and kept talking to her about his cars. So cute! As they were leaving we had a medical person come out to our house as part of our life insurance application. Then we made our quick, delicious dinner and rushed off to church. It was a busy Wednesday!

Girls Night!

Steph and I met at Starbucks Saturday night after the kids were in bed. Between the two of us that is 5 kids, so that's pretty good! We left our husbands at home with the sleeping children watching the UK football game (though Meg might have still been awake!). We had great conversation and a much needed chance to just talk, without chidren interrupting! We had lots to talk about because the time flew and suddenly over an hour and a half had passed and we knew it was time to head home. We both made it home to see the last 30 min. or so of the UK game which was a great ending! Go CATS! (I'm not a big football fan, but, was interested in a game such as that!) Anyway, while we were hanging out we made a plan to baby-sit each other's kids once a month (they are cousins and all!) so we can each have a monthly date with our hubby. Sounds like a great plan. Andy and Danny were both glad to hear that plan!
Do you like Starbucks? I'm one of the few in my family that does. But you gotta love Starbucks coffee. No, I am NOT one of those that don't drink Starbucks just because they are taking over every corner in our country. Order yourself a Tall-Nonfat-No Whip-White Chocolate Mocha. Go to Starbucks. Now. Get yourself one and see if you don't like it! (BTW, I'm also a fan of locally owned coffee shops too! (mmm...Mocha Josie, anyone?!)

Thank Goodness for Grandmas!

Wow, what a day! Wilson woke up way too early for a Saturday and was in a MOOD. We had hours until we were supposed to be at Madelyn's 10am soccer game and Andy was already off to be ready for the youth yardsale. Wilson was getting very angry at his toys for not doing what he wanted them to do. He was also getting upset with Luke for no reason. No matter what I said to him he just wouldn't calm down. So, what did I do? Called my mom!

Me: Hey mom, what are you doing today?
Mom: Going to Madelyn's game, grocery, and watching the game tonight.
Me: So Wilson is needing a little Gramma time, he is in a MOOD!
Mom: Well he can come home with me after the game for a while. We'll go to my school and play the drums.
*** a few hours into the visit with Grandma**
Mom: Hey, just checking in. Didn't want you to worry. We've been busy. Wilson's just not ready to come home yet.
Me: Ok! Sure, 6:15 is fine!

Wilson went home with Grandma and Grandpa and had a GREAT day! They went to mom's school so he could play the drums, he shopped at the school's book fair and got lots of attention. They read, watched a movie, and cooked. She called to check in a couple times and kept telling me "he's not ready to come home yet." So he didn't come back home until 6:30, just in time for dinner. He was a wonderful boy at Grandma's with a good attitude. As soon as he got home he was back to acting the way he did this morning. He didn't want to eat. He didn't want to take a bath. He screamed throughout the whole bath as Andy and I held him down and washed him. He was soo tired. And we had him in bed at 8pm. Hopefully after a good nights sleep he'll be in a better mood. It was a rough day and he was gone for the whole middle chunk of the day!

While he was gone I crashed during Luke's nap. I knew I was tired but I didn't realize how tired. Then after the update of "he's still not ready to come home, he's being so good and helpful (!)" I decided I needed to get some work done. So the house is straightened, the laundry is started, the sheets are changed, the dishes are washed, etc. Clean house, rested mama, and Wilson had a super time getting some much needed grandparent lovin'. Now, when do they start spending the night at Grandma's??!!

Not much going on...

There just hasn't been much to post about lately! We've been busy! School is still all consuming (when will it not be?) and Andy is busy getting youth back into the Fall swing of things. Wilson is going to school 3 days a week and Luke is keeping busy with helping daddy at work and playing lots!

The boys are doing fine. We did have a pretty bad biting incident last Sunday. I stepped out of the living room into the kitchen and immediately heard Luke screaming. Wilson had bitten him so hard he broke the skin. It was awful. Luke was crying so hard and I had to take Wilson to his room for time (and the a spanking after I calmed Luke down) out and the put ice on Luke's back where he was bitten. Wilson never bit until he somehow learned it from Luke. Not sure how Luke knew about biting! Anyway, Luke still has an awful spot on his back from the bite. It is pitiful. Tonight, Wilson threw a Lego at him and he has a swollen spot on his upper lip. It was only a few weeks ago that Will threw a sippy cup at Luke and he had a bruise on his face. Clearly Wilson is having some issues. We deal with them the best we can. He is such an intense little guy. Any suggestions? Do tell! As I mentioned here, in John Rosemond's recent article he says if you want children to get along, make them share a room. Andy and I would like to try it in January when Luke can move to a big bed. Spankings, time outs, and taking toys away just haven't been enough.
Tonight we had a very delicious dinner eating some of our most recent farm fresh veggies. We had hoppin' john and okra (sooo good!) Wilson ate an entire cucumber and I had a few strips of fresh red pepper which was also sooo good! The okra and red pepper just tasted better than they ever do from Wal-Mart! We also got acorn squash, zuchinni, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and swiss chard. The farm is having a potluck and harvest tour for the CSA members in October. I think it would be fun to take the boys to the farm. We'll see.
About two weeks ago I started re-reading Harry Potter. I had read books 1-3 several years ago and just never finished because I forgot too much of the story. I've now read and finished book one and went to rent the movie tonight but it was already gone. It'll have to wait! I really enjoyed the first book (again) and have already started book 2. If you haven't read them, you should! I read right before I go to sleep, when the house is quiet :) and often fall asleep while reading so it might take me a while to get through the rest of the series!
Happy Birthday to Heather, Jenn, and Erin!
* Have you ever tried the Betty Crocker Brownies with cookie topping? You totally should! I made them for my small group Wednesday to celebrate Heather's b-day and we thought they were delicious. (Don't remind Andy that I was a little disapointed when he couldn't find the type of brownie I requested! These were WAY better- don't worry, I gave him credit!)

Shiny White Teeth!

Wilson had his first teeth cleaning yesterday and he did incredibly well! He has been to the dentist before with Andy and I many times. He had his first official appointment about 6 months ago and screamed the whole time, so we decided to wait until the next visit to clean the teeth. That visit was more a consultation on his mouth problems (over bite, cross bite, small palate...). He did well, after growling at the dental assistant who cleaned his teeth! Yes, you read that right! He did growl once at her out of fear. It was soo funny! I held his hands the whole time and talked to him. The woman that cleaned his teeth was wonderful. So nice, and kept talking to him the whole time too. When the dentist came over to look at his teeth, the first words out of his mouth were "serious orthodontics later". Yikes! So I asked him if anything had self-corrected in the past 6 months (he had told us back then that might be a possibility) but, nope, it hasn't. So, good news is, I can just add the boys to my dental insurance this fall during open enrollment. He said there is nothing we need to do now to begin fixing the problems. He mentioned the age 6, so it seems we have a little time. Wilson's mouth is very narrow and small so his palate is going to have to be stretched (?) or whatever they do. Anyway, we go back in March and Luke is going to get his teeth cleaned then for his first time too!

Drummer Boy

Watchout! It seems we may have a future drumline member in our family. If you've been in a high school band, you know why I said watchout! Wilson loves to drum. We are trying to encourage his interest in other musical instruments as well, to maybe guide him into choosing something other than percussion! (Is that wrong?!) He has toy drums, coffee can drums, and other toys he uses as drums. He has a whole set-up he created when he was borrowing the Celtic Woman DVD from my mom. I've talked to Santa Claus and I know he's getting some new bongo drums for Christmas (shhh, don't tell!) He also wants a guitar and I think my parents are getting him that.

Our vegetable basket this past week had one of my favorites, okra! Luke even liked the okra! We also got tomatoes (red and green), cucumbers, squash, zuchinni, brussel sprouts, onions, and red pepper. I did try the brussel sprouts last night (while Andy was at work!). I don't think I'd ever eaten them before. I made them, and ate them but I wouldn't buy them. I did better with them than I did with the eggplant. I made the eggplant a few weeks ago and took one bite and just couldn't eat it. Getting all of these fresh vegetables has been fun, trying new things. Andy even admitted he's glad I encourage him to try new things (like squash- he won't touch some of these veggies with a 10 foot pole!). I'm really glad to be sharing the basket with my sister, mom, and maw-ma though because there is no way my family could eat everything each week. I already feel pressure not to let the veggies we get go to waste!!

The Joys of a 3 Day Weekend!

Ahhh...a 3 day weekend. Just alleviates so much stress! I feel like I have all the time in the world this weekend! We've been busy though. Friday I went to Culver's for an after school ice-cream social. We went to just hang out for a while, great turn-out and the Twix Swirl icecream was soo good!

Wilson and I went to my school for a little while on Saturday to pick up something I'd forgotten. He had such a good time we ended up staying for over an hour. I didn't mind because I got some stuff done while he played and worked! I did lots of birthday shopping for September birthdays as well. I went to the Half Price Bookstore & Joseph Beth and got my niece, Meghan several of my old favorites (BabySitters Club, Harriet the Spy, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Hatchet, Anne of Green Gables & Little House in the Big Woods). She is an avid reader and found out today that she has read most of them already! Anyway this made me reminisce of all the books I read as a child and went to my mom's house today to get all of my old books. Wilson and I went during Luke's nap so we stayed to visit and left with maybe around 200-300 books. I have a bag full for my classroom, 4 bags for Meghan to go through, and 2 bags to take to the Half Price Bookstore to sell. It was fun to see all the old books Cara and I read! (over 50 were The Baby-Sitter's Club!)

Luke's room is slowly turning into more of his room rather than his room/our old office. Andy and I moved out our big bookcase last weekend. Today I bought him his own little bookcase and we're moving all the board books off Will's bookcase into Luke's room. I'd love to buy him a small dresser for his clothes and get rid of the changing table. I have a cedar chest I wish we could move out of his room but there is no where to put it in our current house. We're bursting at the seams! The only possibility would be moving it into the living room under the windows (which I really don't want to do). I did read on John Rosemond's website that if you want your children to get along, have them share a room! I suggested to Andy that when Luke moves out of the crib maybe we should try that idea!!

Today we went to church and out to eat to celebrate Meghan's 10th birthday, which is tomorrow! It was fun. Speaking of birthdays, last night I dreamed that I totally forgot Will's birthday and went through the entire day and Andy reminded me in the evening that it was Will's birthday. I remember being sooo upset that I hadn't remembered or made a cake. When I woke up from the dream in the middle of the night I was really upset and thought to myself "you have never forgotten his birthday and you never will..." I've been having a really hard time remembering things lately, my mind is just in a fog or something. AHHH, now I'm even dreaming about it!

Tomorrow we might go swimming and then we're having a Labor Day cookout at my maw-ma's. Really looking forward to that! I have a couple miscellaneous pictures I want to post!

This first one is a flashback to Madelyn's 4th birthday party! Jason and Cara rented a jumpy thing and my family had sooo much fun jumping in it after the party ended!



The next picture is in CELEBRATION of Caroline's new food: EGGS!!! Yippeee, she passed the food challenge on eggs this year! Caroline, you spunky thing, you just keep right on outgrowing those awful allergies, girl!! We love you!!

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!