tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163203992024-03-13T16:23:09.058-05:00The Sole WomanThe ruminations and rumblings of a 33 year old Mom in the Midwest. I live in a household filled with men. Three sons and a husband make for a lot of testosterone! I am the queen bee as The Sole Woman in the house. This blog has a lot of nothing too exciting, too much boasting about my kids, and a bit of complaining to boot.Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.comBlogger714125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-74000056938902683722012-12-24T13:32:00.000-06:002012-12-24T13:32:00.232-06:00Christmas EveI feel as if Father Time has waved his wand and SHAZAM! it's Christmas Eve again even though 2012 just began 5 seconds ago. I feel like my life is on permanent fast forward, which I positively hate because I know that these are such very special years. My children at home with me, loving Christmas, beyond excited for Santa to come, being married to the man of my dreams....it just doesn't get better. I try try try to soak it all up, but gosh darn it! Why does it have to go so fast?!!<br />
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I am feeling very blessed, grateful, and happy this season. So thankful for so many things.<br />
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All of this is probably contributing to my own personal excitement for our annual Christmas Eve gathering at my Mom's house tonight, getting to spoil my brand new baby niece on her first Christmas, and the BIG event...SANTA'S ARRIVAL! I can hardly sit still, so I've been putting all that nervous energy to good use this morning. I've already run errands, been to the doctor, dropped off presents, cleaned out the garage, and cleaned out the van. I don't know why, but I always feel the need to run around cleaning everything before the chaos of wrapping paper and presents hit.<br />
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Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all have a very blessed holiday with family and friends. <br />
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<br />Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-70028901804471993592012-12-22T08:59:00.002-06:002012-12-24T13:33:00.221-06:00Charlie is a Big BoyCharlie celebrated his 1st birthday on Wednesday. He brought chocolate chip cookies to school to share with his friends, who sang him happy birthday. He got to pick out the activity for the day, and he didn't have to pick up toys (he's not real great at this anyway). At home, we had his favorites for dinner (hot dogs, tater tots, and carrots). Jeff even made it home a little after 7 to spend some time with him on his birthday, which was nice. I can't believe it has been a year already! He is really taking off with walking. It is so strange to see him toddling across the floor. You can tell he is really proud of himself about it!<br />
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Charlie went in to the doctor yet again yesterday for another sinus infection. We talked for a bit with an ENT who suggested he have his adenoids out at 2 years, but until then there isn't much to do besides antibiotics and riding out the infections.<br />
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In Sam news, he has slept through the night for the past THREE nights! (He sleeps from 9 at night to about 5:00 in the morning). I have no idea why he is doing this...I wish I could pinpoint something I am doing to make sure he keeps it up! It has been a lot easier going to work with more sleep this week.Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-36958490663580744912012-12-22T08:59:00.001-06:002012-12-22T08:59:29.401-06:00A Hodge PodgeI was very glad to wake up this morning to a world the same as always, despite the Mayan apocalypse yesterday. I've really been looking forward to Christmas vacation and the holidays! It would have been a bad time for the world to end. I 95% didn't believe it was going to happen, but do those end of the world predictions ever make you wonder? Give you just the tiniest bit of doubt? Hope I'm not the only one!<br />
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Yesterday was my parent's 38th wedding anniversary. I thought about my Dad all day, He and my Mom had planned on having an anniversary/end of the world party yesterday to be held in the afternoon. You know, to get the festivities in before the world ended! I love his sense of humor. It would have been a great party. I spent a lot of the day thinking about how we would have been celebrating, what we would have been doing, how different the day would have felt. All of his missed opportunities make me so sad.<br />
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Hasn't the Christmas season flown by? I feel like I have been so busy with the boys and with school that I haven't had much of an opportunity to soak up the things I love about Christmas. I am trying to savor every moment in these last few days...especially since school is out for a few days for the holidays. I think our wacky warm weather as of late has been a lot of the problem. It just hasn't felt like Christmas or winter. Now that our neck of the woods was covered in 10 inches of snow on Thursday, it certainly feels more festive.<br />
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I am off to do some last minute Christmas shopping (I am sure to regret waiting until the last minute), and to accomplish some Christmas errands. Merry Christmas!!Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-35270388015637671222012-09-03T09:41:00.002-05:002012-12-24T13:33:00.219-06:00Odds and EndsSo much has been going on the last couple of days! The good news first...<br />
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Evan had his first Swimtastic swim lesson yesterday and he LOVED it! He was a nervous wreck before hand about doing something new, but he had a great time! And lucky for me, the toddlers behaved themselves during the lesson while we waited in the observation area, which was a good thing because the waiting area was chock full of St. Vinnie's parents!<br />
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Sam is officially walking! He took his first steps around Christmas, was doing a little more over the weekend, but yesterday he REALLY took off and was cruising EVERYWHERE. It was so cuteMom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-25793119860911928012012-09-03T09:39:00.000-05:002012-12-24T13:33:00.217-06:00Missing TrudyI just found out that Trudy, our sweet little dog, died in a freak accident this morning. She was in our storage room since she wouldn't go to the bathroom this morning because of the rain. When Jeff opened the door to the room to check on her before he left for work, it must have hit her in the head. She had been standing right behind it barking. I am so devastated. Trudy was Evan and I's baby for so many years when it was just us. She and Evan were truly best friends, and she slept with him every night. I cannot stop crying today...my poor kids at school! I just am so stunned, and I am so sad, and I am just torn apart for Evan....Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-89869463011415733362012-09-03T09:35:00.000-05:002012-09-03T09:37:00.773-05:00Oh my lord, what a week!Here is what I know...I firmly believe that Labor Day should ALWAYS be there waiting for me at the end of the first week of school. This day off is precisely what my family and I needed to continue recovering from the whirlwind of last week.<br />
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On Monday, Evan began 8th grade:<br />
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Sammy had his first day of Kindergarten:<br />
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And Charlie became a 1st grader!<br />
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I am having all of the usual Mommy feelings...I can't believe how grown up they are, I can't believe my baby is in Kindergarten, etc. My own eighth grade experience doesn't seem all that far away, so how can I possibly have a child in 8th grade? By the way, I personally felt that 8th grade was the equivalent of torture on so many levels, so I can only hope that Evan's year goes much better than mine did.<br />
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This year, Charlie's classroom is to the right of mine, and Sammy's is to my left, so they are very close. I love that. I get to see them in the hallways, at the bathroom, in the lunchroom. It makes the separation easier for me. I miss them so gosh dang much when we are at school. And if there's a problem, their teachers know right where to find me!<br />
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Charlie was eagerly awaiting the start of school all summer. He loves learning, reading, working, and homework. He was so excited for school this week, he had a hard time falling asleep each night.<br />
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Evan has had a good week so far, but the homework hasn't really kicked in either. I am waiting with baited breath in the hopes this is a better year for him. We had so many troubles in 7th grade that I am often surprised both of us made it through. I wish there was a wand I could wave that would make school easier.<br />
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Sammy isn't sure yet. He went off to his classroom happily enough each day, but he has reported he doesn't like it that much. Sammy is my worrier. He stresses all of the small stuff, and I think that makes change hard. I am hopeful that as school becomes more of the norm for him, that it gets much easier.<br />
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I started my 13th year of teaching on Monday. I am finding that I have to work hard to change something in the way I teach or in my classroom each year to make it fresh. I love teaching 1st grade, but I think I have been doing it so long it can almost become drudgery. I have been working this week to stay positive. The first weeks of school always feel to me like I have a houseful of house guests. We are all busy getting to know each other, rules, and routines, and it just isn't comfortable yet, which is tiring in and of itself. Here's hoping this week will be easier!<br />
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Jeff and I continue to explore me staying home next year. We had the first of many budget meetings last night. So far, I am loving how this seems to be a great exercise in letting go and trusting God. We are becoming better at communicating with each other as well. So, even if this doesn't work out for us, just going through this experiment will bring us many benefits. I love feeling like Jeff and I are a tight team, with God as our head. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my husband? I admire him so much, and I love how hard he works for us. Really. I am so lucky to have him.<br />
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<b>How is your school year going? Are your kids back to school yet?</b>Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-10725536864835015112012-08-25T09:44:00.002-05:002012-08-25T09:45:01.604-05:00Classroom 2012In the past, I haven't been one to do a theme in my classroom. This year though, I was inspired by Melanie at <a href="http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/" target="_blank">Schoolgirl Style</a> and her adorable owl collection. There is just something about these cutie patutie owls that grabbed me, and so, my first classroom theme was born.<br />
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When I posted this picture of my window bunting on Facebook, one of my friends from high school wrote to me and said she had just done an owl theme for her daughters 1st birthday party. She just happened to be coming into Omaha (she lives in the Chicago area), and wanted to know if I could use some of the decorations she had made. I am so thankful for her kindness, because her adorable decorations added the finishing touch!<br />
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Star of the Week board. Margie made the adorable hanging green owl.</div>
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My helpers board. Owl name tags by Schoolgirl Style, blue owl by Margie.</div>
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Margie made these cute owls perched on my ActivBoard. I love how they look like birds perched on a wire outside. </div>
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Word wall above from School girl Style, and cute pink owl by Margie.</div>
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Another shot of the Cozy Corner (reading corner). I found this fabric owl online.</div>
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Schoolgirl Style suggested these cute lamps at Target, and I was thrilled to be able to find them at our local Target store. I love the faux fur trim! This purple lamp sits next to my Associate's desk.</div>
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This pink lamp sits in the corner of my desk.</div>
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I rarely use my chalkboard for writing anything now that I have my ActivBoard. I usually hang anchor charts and things here instead. This year I also added some liquid neon chalk. I love the way it looks!</div>
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Another shot of the Cozy Corner.</div>
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My desk</div>
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Small group area</div>
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I love the way it turned out! I hope the students will like it as much as I do. When my classroom can be my happy place, I can be the happy teacher my students need me to be.</div>
Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-52098530612536136482012-08-09T22:00:00.000-05:002012-08-09T22:01:17.505-05:00Summer FunReally, I don't know if the boys will remember this as the most fun filled summer ever.<br />
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That's too bad, as it was also the longest summer break we will probably ever have. Our school is under construction for the second summer in a row, and as a result, we had an extra three weeks to enjoy ourselves.<br />
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We didn't get to take a vacation, as we had to do a majorly expensive roof repair, which meant we missed out on the most looked forward to week of the year.<br />
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Instead, we tackled some additional home improvement projects that were long overdue.<br />
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We separated Sammy and Charlie, and gave each of them their own rooms. This meant moving Evan downstairs to the basement guest room, which I think he overall enjoys. He likes the cooler air (now that it's summer anyway), and he likes the privacy. It also meant I had to paint Evan's old room and get it ready for Sam. This about killed me, as it was the first room my Dad painted when we moved in. He loved Evan so much, and he wanted Evan to be comfortable in his new room, so within a few days it was wearing a fresh coat of paint. Evan picked out a planets and space border, which my Dad loved, being a space nut himself. My heart ached as I removed the wallpaper and covered the blue paint with green, and the only way I got through it was by reminding myself that Dad would not want me to stop updating the house. He was a firm believer in keeping on top of home renovations and painting, and I knew the painting would make him happy. I also thought about how darn glad I am that I made him teach me how to paint only 3 short years before he died. It's one of the most practical things he ever taught me.<br />
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Next I painted the master bathroom, and added some Uppercase Living accents that have been sitting in my closet for the last two years. This job has been lingering on my to do list for years simply because I hate painting behind toilets. Apparently, I am really great at talking myself out of unpleasant tasks. VERY glad to get this one done.<br />
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Evan and I dug out a large area of sod in our backyard, killed a ton of weeds, and planted a perennial garden next to our pool. We dragged bag after bag of mulch, and carted out load after load of sod, but sadly neither of us gained any arm muscle doing it. Evan was disgusted at this. I think he'd like to start looking good for the ladies.<br />
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And thanks to my wildly talented and handy brother Creighton, we were able to rip out the COMPLETELY craptastic sliding doors on the top and bottom floors and replace them with french doors that have the blinds between the glass that you can raise and lower with a magnet. I love, love, love them. I keep saying on Facebook that I really should have been nicer to Creighton as a kid, and I mean it. We fought like cats and dogs. Worse than that. Once, as my Mom dragged me off the top of him at about the age of 11, she told me I was going to jail if I didn't stop it. Creighton had an incredible talent of being able to push just the right buttons and annoy the hell out of me. But now? That boy takes the best care of me and my family. When my Dad died, it was as if Creighton emerged from a cocoon. He blossomed into an adult who is such an kind and caring leader. He is truly the man and the leader of my family. My Dad left hard shoes to fill, but Creighton does a good job of it. I know my Dad has been busting his buttons with pride in Heaven just watching him. I really feel like he is my older brother now, instead of my baby brother. He is a blessing.<br />
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Which is all a long winded way of saying that instead of a really fun summer, it was a working summer, which is nice in a way too. I did tell the kids we would try and do some fun stuff around town, so a couple of weeks ago we headed to the Children's Museum.<br />
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Our favorite part was the Wizard of Oz exhibit. The movie has always been a huge favorite with Charlie and Sammy. They loved sitting in the chair of the Wicked Witch of the West, and pretending to be flying monkeys.<br />
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We also really wanted to go to the zoo, but unfortunately we have been living through the hottest summer of our lifetimes (literally). And it just doesn't sound fun to me to go to the zoo when it is 110 degrees outside. We may have to move this goal to a weekend in the fall.</div>
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We've also been swimming almost every single day, and we've gone on some trips for ice cream and slushies as well. </div>
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Sammy started out the summer knowing only his alphabet and sounds and a few simple words, and now he is already reading at the level of a first grader. We went out to celebrate with a hot fudge sundae when he learned all of his Kindergarten and 1st grade sight words. I am not above bribery, apparently. Also, if I do say so myself, after all these years of practice, I am a kick ass reading teacher. Want to know my secret for teaching kids sight words? The good old fashioned Dick and Jane books. Yep, the ones from the 1950s. Dick and Jane knew what they were doing. It works every time!!</div>
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Even though our summer was busy and maybe not the most exciting, I have enjoyed spending these days with my kiddos. Even the days when Charlie's been grumpy, or we've had too many appointments planned. I am sick to my stomach they will be over all too quickly!</div>
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<br /></div>Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-45719667430730964892012-08-05T19:56:00.001-05:002012-08-05T20:15:15.732-05:00Sammy's Preschool GraduationI finally got around to downloading pictures off of my camera today. I have pictures all the way back from May to go through! I am for sure behind with documenting our summer.<br />
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In May, Sammy graduated from preschool. It was sad for me in all of the usual ways...not ready for him to go to Kindergarten, not wanting my baby to be SO grown up! But it was extra hard this time around, as it also meant a good bye from our family to our daycare for the last 14 years. We have been incredibly blessed to have our children attend the daycare at my school (which is only for children of school staff members), which is staffed by the most incredible and caring women ever. I have been dropping my children off for school here every morning for 10 years now (my Mom did it for me before that, long story). It will be so strange not to have this as part of our daily routine this year.<br />
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Sammy, Jeff, and I pre-graduation ceremony in my classroom. Evan took this picture! It's nice to finally get some shots with me in the picture.</div>
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Sammy with his best preschool friends Gabe and Michael. It's a fun experience to watch these kiddos develop friendships, since they have been together since birth.</div>
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Sammy's graduating class with his teachers (left to right) Miss Karen, Miss Taylor, and Miss Jenny. My Mom (aka Miss Kathy) is the infant teacher, and she is standing in the back.</div>
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Family picture. I hesitate to post this, as several of us look pretty goofy in this picture, but it was literally the best one of all the family pics. I guess it shows the craziness of life with three boys :)</div>
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My Mom with Sammy at our celebration dinner at Applebees. Our waitress was in love with Sammy and brought him no less than THREE very large chocolate milks. Which Sammy then threw up all over the table at the end of dinner. EXTREMELY embarrassing, but it has already become a cherished family story among the boys. "Remember that time Sammy threw up on the table at Applebees? And then he did it again in the parking lot?" one of them will say, which will always lead to a fit of the giggles. I know someday one of them will tell this story to Sammy's wife.<br />
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This is Sammy with his incredibly awesome preschool teacher Miss Jenny on his very last day of preschool. Sammy is holding his well loved Lambie. Lambie was a present from my Mom and Dad when they visited Ireland when Sammy was one. He has not left Sammy's side since, and came to school with Sammy every single day after his arrival. I told Miss Jenny that Lambie deserved a preschool diploma too. Poor Lambie will have to wait in the car when Sam goes to Kindergarten.<br />
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I am not ready to be done with this stage of our life as a family. My children are growing at warp speed!Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-79036074784893411602012-08-03T22:48:00.001-05:002012-08-03T22:50:24.062-05:00A long time...Wow. It's been a long time since I've written in this space.<br />
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Last weekend, Sammy, Evan, and I went to a family reunion for my Dad's side of the family. We had a GREAT time! I don't get to see my family nearly as often as I would like to, especially my cousins now that we all have families. While I was there, I talked to one of my favorite people, my Aunt Joyce. She reminded me to write some new posts here, so here I am! (Hi Aunt Joyce!!) It was nice to be reminded by family that people still check in here, and that this is still a good way to keep in touch.<br />
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So what's new?<br />
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We've had a wonderful summer. So wonderful in fact it has prompted Jeff and I to consider whether it is time to make some changes in our work situation for our family. I love my job. I love teaching. I have always, ALWAYS felt that I was called by God to be a teacher, and that He gave me certain gifts to help me accomplish a mission he had in mind for me in the classroom. The hard part of teaching is that it absolutely is NOT a 9-5 job. I spend hours after work and on the weekends creating learning materials, grading, lesson planning, etc. This is easier said than done when you have three kids, and you are a wife. Although I feel that teaching is a calling for me, I also feel that being a wife and a Mom is a God sent calling, one that takes the highest priority.<br />
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This summer, as I had time to relax, enjoy my kids, and actually get things done around my house, we came to some conclusions. The first was that other people's kids always get my best. That's tough for me to think about. I want my best to go to my own children, especially when two of my kids are very high needs. Secondly, I realized that I am never able to do anything really to the best of my ability, because I don't have time. Being split in so many different directions is not allowing me to get anything done well. I also discovered how much stress I am carrying around with me during the school year, and how much that is affecting my marriage and my kids.<br />
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Sooooo, we have been toying around with the idea of me staying home next year. I have reservations about both sides of the decision, but I truly feel that we are being called to consider this as the next stage for our family. If things can come together financially, we will see how it goes. We are going to be thinking and praying hard about this during the school year.<br />
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Evan is getting ready to start his 8th grade year. Junior high is never a super enjoyable time for anyone, but last year was especially hard for Evan. As he works through the upper grades, his learning disabilities are really making things awful. We made the decision that he needs to go to a public high school to receive the appropriate special education help. It was a hard realization to come to. I really wanted him to be able to have the private high school experience, but I know in my gut it isn't the right place for him. Hopefully this year is a bit better.<br />
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Charlie is giving me a run for my money. I love him to pieces, and he can have a heart of gold, but he is also very stubborn and willful. He is still having massive temper tantrums, and we have been going to therapy for about a year. I am not seeing any major improvements yet, but they always have good suggestions for us to try, and that gives me hope. Luckily, he is an angel at school, and he is incredibly smart, so at least part of the parenting job with him is easy.<br />
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God bless Sammy. He is a ray of sunshine in our family. Always happy, always smiling, always giving hugs. Hardly ever needs redirection or discipline. I think God knew I had my hands full and needed a sweet pea. He is starting Kindergarten in a few weeks, and that makes me sad. They grow so fast. As all mothers do, I long for time to slow waaaaaaaaaaaaaay down so I have longer to enjoy my babies and my family.<br />
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Jeff and I celebrated 7 years of marriage on July 22nd. I am crazy in love with that guy. We get better at marriage every year, and it gets to be more and more fun all the time. It really surprised me when I got married how much work marriage is. Work that is worth it, but hard as well. My parents were so good at marriage they made it look easy. Maybe someday Jeff and I will give that impression as well. In the meantime, I am super blessed to have a husband who balances me, believes in me, puts up with me, and supports my dreams. He was definitely worth the wait!<br />
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And me? I am feeling better about myself than I have in a long time. Last November, I went to my doctor, very frustrated with how I was getting nowhere with my health goals, despite healthy eating and exercise. He did a lot of tests, and determined that my weight struggles were related to my issues with insulin resistance. He put me on a low carb diet, and for the first time in my life, the weight began to melt away. It was such a relief to begin to see the me I knew was in there in the mirror again. Since then, I have lost a total of 45 pounds. I have been feeling so much better physically, I have been able to go back to running in full force. I've been able to get in a total of 12-15 miles a week, which for me as a busy Mom is GREAT. My runs are great "me" time, where I can destress, think, and get healthy. I love looking better and feeling better, but most of all I love feeling more confident about my overall health. When my Dad died at only 58, my cardiologist told me I was in a very high risk group for also dying early of a heart attack. I do NOT want to leave my family one minute earlier than I absolutely have to. I can at least rest easier knowing that I am doing my best to improve my odds. Thank goodness for my patient doctor who has been willing to do research and stick with me. <br />
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Now that it is August, I have been working my tootie off on my classroom. I am trying to work up some excitement for the coming school year. That usually comes more for me in October, once the students and I have settled in. August is a rush to get everything done. I always wish I could fast forward through the first few weeks.<br />
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I know I've said this before, but I am going to try and get back to this space on the web more regularly. I always feel better when I do. I am hoping to post some pictures this weekend.Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-11437431808556195572012-01-13T14:17:00.001-06:002012-01-13T14:19:52.136-06:00Company Girl Coffee: The Flu Edition<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homesanctuary.com/rachelanne/"><img src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z209/rachelanneridge/Picture2.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I don't know about where you live, but here in Omaha, the stomach flu is going around BIG TIME! I have had many kids in the school where I teach out with it~sometimes for a week at a time. My brother is down with it today as well, and this morning as I was reading his post on Facebook I congratulated myself on keeping the bugs at bay for my family. "Great job cleaning this week!" I thought to myself. "Way to use the bleach and the Clorox wipes!" BIG MISTAKE.<br />
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My class had just returned from lunch, and we were settling in for an exciting chapter of <u>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</u>, when the school secretary came into my room looking apologetic. "I'm really sorry, but Evan is in the nurse's office with a fever." (My kids go to school where I teach). By the time we got home, his fever was 101 and he was very nauseous. <br />
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What a wonderful start to the weekend!<br />
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Now, I am just praying that it doesn't spread to the rest of us. My hopes aren't very high though! :)<br />
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If you missed my post earlier in the week, my biopsy results came back as completely normal!! Thank you to all of you Company Girls who prayed for me. I am so grateful.<br />
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When you're done reading this, you may want to use some hand sanitizer!!<br />
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</script>Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-32866161147018736482012-01-11T17:17:00.000-06:002012-01-11T17:17:39.977-06:00Thank you LORD!I am sending praise and thanks heavenward today! I received good news on my biopsy...it was COMPLETELY normal! I don't have adequate words to express my relief. I have so many symptoms of what they tested me for that I had completely steeled myself to get the bad news. <br />
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I am feeling on top of the world! Thank you so much to each of you who offered me your support and prayers. It means so much to me!!<br />
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Now I am off to have a great end of the week!Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-25883287574541306962012-01-06T16:44:00.001-06:002012-01-06T16:47:36.991-06:00Company Girl Coffee and OH What a Week<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homesanctuary.com/rachelanne/"><img src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z209/rachelanneridge/Picture2.png" /></a></div><br />
I am having afternoon coffee at my blog today! Today was our second day back with kids, so I am sitting back and enjoying a cup of joe after a long day of teaching. Thanks for joining me!!<br />
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This week marked my return to work after a FABULOUS Christmas break. Boy oh boy did I need those two weeks to recharge. I enjoyed every second of it.<br />
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It was nice to go back and see my kiddos, and I loved hearing about their Christmas adventures. However, it's amazing to me how quickly my body gets out of teacher mode. My feet hurt from standing all day, and my throat hurts from talking all day long. I need to build up my endurance again.<br />
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Yesterday was a bit nerve wracking for me. I had to have a biopsy done, and am awaiting news on whether or not it is cancerous. It would mean so much to me if you could pray for a positive outcome. The whole experience has led me to think about how very blessed I am, and how very much I have to be thankful for. I have a husband I adore, three of the best boys on earth, and a job that I love and feel called to do. It doesn't get much better than that. So, today I am thankful for all of my blessings, and I am hopeful that this health concern comes to a positive end. I am finding comfort in knowing that whatever the outcome, the Lord is walking next to me, and will help me to face any challenges that may be coming my way.<br />
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Happy weekend everyone! I hope you have many opportunities to enjoy your blessings :)<br />
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</script>Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-43435560083244570402012-01-03T09:16:00.000-06:002012-01-03T09:16:34.670-06:00Back to the Real World...Tomorrow I head back to work. I love being cocooned in the sense of timeless relaxation and rest that comes with Christmas vacation. Sometimes I have no idea what day it is. We spend large chunks of time in our pajamas. We eat when we're hungry, play when we're bored, and sleep when we're tired, and NOT because we have to adhere to the crazy school time schedule. I guess all things have to come to an end.<br />
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On Sunday, I could feel the inevitable end of break approaching, and as it happens every year, I get a crazy urge to organize the heck out of our house. I have this thought that if everything is just so, our reentry into our regular schedule will be a little bit smoother. And maybe it is for a little bit, but the crazies always come back.<br />
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At any rate, on Sunday the Christmas decorations came down and the regular decor went back up. I hate to see the holidays go, but it is so refreshing in so many ways to put the house back in order and go back to the clean and orderly.<br />
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Yesterday, I cleaned out under the bathroom sinks, and I went to Target to stock up on supplies to reorganize and refresh cleaning supplies in each area of the house. Then I REALLY went crazy and did a years worth of shredding and filing financial papers. WHY do I put this job off so long?!! It was boring as all get out, but at least it's done, and we will be ready to tackle the taxes soon.<br />
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Jeff has been home way more this vacation than he has been able to do in the past, and it has been heavenly. I love getting to spend this time with him before the horrors of tax season begin. It's the main reason I hate January. It steals my husband away to the office.<br />
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Sigh...it's time, I know. But I am going to be dragging my heels the whole way.Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-33048659481008857592012-01-02T10:03:00.000-06:002012-01-02T10:03:24.481-06:00A Christmas Recap...A Little LateWe had a good holiday this year. Charlie and Sammy are at a fun age (and I love that at Christmas time, they are both the SAME age! This year they are 5!) where they are full of belief in the magic and wonder of Christmas and Santa, but they are also beginning to have a solid belief and understanding that Jesus is the reason we are celebrating. I love watching their faith emerge, and see how important it is to them. It's one of the many times I am glad we made the decision to send them to a private, religious school.<br />
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Here are some highlights from our Christmas celebration:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of my ALL TIME favorite pictures of my boys.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>I love getting the boys all dressed up for things. I need to be better about making sure they have dressy wardrobe options. It's something that I find easy to overlook with boys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYGqkdvKsQk/TwHR5ZAvCyI/AAAAAAAAAoc/pk6Fqy2BthQ/s1600/DSCN1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYGqkdvKsQk/TwHR5ZAvCyI/AAAAAAAAAoc/pk6Fqy2BthQ/s320/DSCN1731.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff and I on Christmas Eve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jeff hates having his picture taken, and rarely lets me get him in a good shot. (This one was taken by Evan! It helps to have someone else in the house who can click the shutter in an intelligent way.) I am always a little sad when I see slideshows of couples at weddings, because pictures of Jeff and I are few and far between. Our slideshow would have maybe five pictures. So, I am super thankful to have captured this. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a girl!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My brother Creighton and his awesome wife Lindsey are expecting a baby in July. This is my Mom discovering on Christmas Eve that IT'S A GIRL!! We have 6 boys and now 2 girls as grandkids in our family. This was a huge Christmas gift for all of us. I can't wait to see these two become parents.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0WAbj3eJCZo/TwHS_NPg1eI/AAAAAAAAAo0/EsTUDitNScA/s1600/DSCN1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0WAbj3eJCZo/TwHS_NPg1eI/AAAAAAAAAo0/EsTUDitNScA/s320/DSCN1784.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sammy feeding "Elizabeth"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Someday Sammy may kill me for posting this picture, but I love it. This year, my Sammy who is my rough and tough football obsessed boy, asked for a Baby Alive. Jeff was slightly horrified and asked him why. Sammy said, "I want to practice being a good Daddy!" And how does that not melt your heart? I love this about him, so Santa was on a mission to find a Baby Alive. He named her Elizabeth, and I love watching how careful and gentle he is with her. He is going to make a FANTASTIC husband and father someday. You're welcome future daughter in law!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YsTZH0j5-PI/TwHT0olwT0I/AAAAAAAAApA/UNyRL1LjPPc/s1600/DSCN1739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YsTZH0j5-PI/TwHT0olwT0I/AAAAAAAAApA/UNyRL1LjPPc/s320/DSCN1739.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan's favorite gift of 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This year, despite my protestations, my brother Creighton and my BIL Luke bought Evan a TV for his bedroom. Creighton also gave Evan an XBox 360 to go with it. Evan loves his new additions to his bedroom...I'm just sad we may never see him again, as it's hard now to get him to come out of his room! :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VERY early Christmas morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This year my choir at church sang at midnight Mass, so this picture was taken very early on Christmas morning, after "Santa" had made his delivery. I love this moment...everything frozen in a cozy Christmas scene, before the fun begins.<br />
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I hope all of you had a great Christmas too...I'm just sad we have to wait a whole year for it to be back. I truly believe it's the most wonderful time of the year!!Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-38645846595333290462011-12-31T15:21:00.000-06:002011-12-31T15:21:22.715-06:00Good Bye 2011One of my favorite bloggers, Audrey McClelland from <a href="http://momgenerations.com/2011/12/last-day-of-2011/" target="_blank">Mom Generations</a>, says at the end of the year she likes to look back at three things: health, happiness, and family. I really like this idea...to me these are some of the most important things in my life, with the addition of faith.<br />
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I struggled with my health this year. In light of my Dad's death at only 58 from genetic heart issues, I am hyper aware of my health. I know that what I do now can greatly affect how much time I get to spend on earth with my precious family. My PCOS is getting worse, and I know this can also impact my heart health. I feel great that my new diet, which is really more of a lifestyle change, is helping this. I've already lost 10% of my body weight. I have an appointment scheduled with a new specialist next week, and I going to be picking the brain of a very wise friend who also has PCOS to hopefully get more of my symptoms under control. It's my goal in 2012 to do everything I can to get healthier.<br />
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There isn't a day that goes by that I am not thankful for my family. We have had our challenges this year with both Evan and Charlie, but Jeff and I took positive steps in helping our children to improve in their academics and their behavior. It's been hard, but I am so proud of us for working hard on these things. Parenting...no one can prepare you for how HARD it can be!! This year, I want to be more purposeful and present in my actions as a Mom. Too many days I am just trying to get by and get through. I don't want to waste my time with them.<br />
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And my husband...my wonderful husband. Jeff is the greatest gift I will every receive from the Lord. Having this man to walk next to in this journey is a blessing I am thankful for EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. I try not to ever take him for granted. I fall more in love with him every day I have the honor of being his wife.<br />
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Happiness and faith have been so intertwined for me since September 28, 2010, the day my Daddy went to heaven. In 2011, we continued to heal. We are learning to be happy again. But I have learned you never ever stop grieving, and the hole in our family will always be there. You just learn how to cope with it...which for me is through faith. It brings me such comfort to know that my Dad's life and death, and how it intertwines with my own, was known by God and in His hands long ago. It brings me comfort to know that God is working great things in my heart through this experience, and that He has never left my side as we move through this new life without my Dad. And above all, I take joy in knowing I WILL be with my Dad again, and I want him to be proud of how I carried on and the life I lead after he had to leave. It's my goal in 2012 to make choices that both my Heavenly Father and my Dad will be proud of.<br />
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I'm looking forward to 2012. I am hoping to have a year of growth. I want to be a blessing to those around me. Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-61497265169479084352011-12-30T09:33:00.002-06:002011-12-30T09:42:25.788-06:00Company Girl Coffee AND a Long Overdue Update<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homesanctuary.com/rachelanne/"><img src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z209/rachelanneridge/Picture2.png" /></a><br />
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</div>It's been forever since I've done two things...<br />
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1. Post something new on my blog<br />
2. Participate in <a href="http://www.homesanctuary.com/" target="_blank">Company Girl Coffee</a><br />
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SO, I am going to try starting off 2012 the right way by doing both. Welcome to all of you Company Girls! Please take some coffee (mine is Starbucks, fresh out of my coffee maker~wish I could send you some!) and relax with me for awhile.<br />
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So much has been happening here! Charlie is LOVING Kindergarten. So much so that he wanted to go back to school the Monday after Christmas. Crazy, right? He is doing a great job with learning to read, which is such a relief to me. Evan, our oldest, was diagnosed with a learning disability when he was in Kindergarten. School has been such a struggle for him, and it breaks my heart! I have been praying hard for Charlie and Sammy that they will not have this hardship in their lives.<br />
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I have finally started to achieve one of my New Year's Resolutions for 2011, even though it happened late in the year. I went to my doctor at the end of October, and told him how extremely frustrated I was with dieting. I had been running 3 miles, 5 days a week and doing Weight Watchers for months and I was GAINING weight!! Can you believe it? I was ready to give up completely. My thought was if dieting makes me gain weight, I'm going back to eating whatever I want! Dr. A put me on a low glycemic index/Atkins type diet, and suddenly the weight started melting away. Since November 6th, I have lost 21 pounds. Such a relief!! Since my Dad died, I've really been trying to get my health and weight under control, and I am so glad to finally be on the right track. (Also, it's been lots of fun to get new SMALLER clothes for Christmas!)<br />
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So, with one of my long time goals on the right track, I am recommitting to making Sanctuary in my home in 2012. This is an area I really let slide this year...as usual I am having a hard time balancing work (I am a teacher and always have lots of work to do at home, as well as at school), being a wife and mom, and somehow keeping my house clean. I am looking forward to working with Rachel Ann and the other Company Girls at <a href="http://www.homesanctuary.com/" target="_blank">Home Sanctuary</a> to achieve this!! <br />
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Happy 2012 everyone! My prayer for my family and yours is that it's a GREAT one!!!<br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=122672" type="text/javascript" ></script>Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-88988367903281930582011-09-28T08:14:00.001-05:002011-09-28T08:15:26.510-05:00One YearOne year ago today, at 10:45 AM, I said good bye to my hero...my Dad.<br />
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I miss him. Every single day. I think about him all the time, I pray for him all the time.<br />
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The thing I've learned about grief this year is that it doesn't really go away or get better. You just learn to live with it, and it becomes your new normal. I hate having to have a normal that doesn't include my dad.<br />
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I love you Daddy. You will always be my hero. I love you to the moon and back.Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-67482073055419232482011-09-04T12:01:00.001-05:002011-09-04T12:02:13.605-05:00Hello FALL!It is the most glorious of fall days here in Nebraska. Yesterday morning dawned hot and muggy, much like the rest of the summer here in the midwest. Around 3:00, a cold front blew through with some pretty strong winds, and a few raindrops. When it had past, miracles of miracles, the humidity was gone, the sun came out, and it was beautiful!<br />
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We left our windows open over night, and it was so nice to air the house out and turn off the A/C. Today, as I type this, my windows are still open and there is a beautiful cool breeze blowing in. I did some fall deep cleaning yesterday, and when I was finished, I treated myself by getting out my fall decorations. Here is my mantel...<br />
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I am a summer girl at heart, but I do love fall as well. I love the apple orchard and the pumpkin patch, and all of the fun activities that go along with the great weather during this beautiful season. And after three months of sizzling Nebraska summer heat, we are always ready for a cool down.<br />
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I think we are all finally on the mend around here. Charlie and Sammy are both slowly getting over their bout with croup and high fevers. Jeff and Evan are feeling better too. Me? I am marveling over the fact that I am the only one who <i>hasn't</i> gotten sick. (Knock on wood!) Maybe after 12 years of teaching my immune system is FINALLY getting better!<br />
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My family is coming up on some tough days during the month of September. September 13th would have been my Dad's 59th birthday. Our first without him. On the 28th, it is the one year anniversary of his death. Both come with an aching sadness over not being with him. I feel strongly that on both days we need to create some new traditions...traditions that focus on celebrating Dad's life, and not just remembering his death. Because his life was so much more powerful, positive, and beautiful than the 8 weeks that took him from us. So, on Dad's birthday I invited my family over to have Dad's favorite meal of fried chicken and cherry pie. On the 28th, we will meet at the cemetery and hold a prayer service, and then we will go to Dad's favorite restaurant and remember good times and the many reasons why we love him so. On both days, we will be together, and I am certain beyond certain that Dad will be with us too.Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-6212029407291162322011-08-30T20:18:00.000-05:002011-08-30T20:18:33.727-05:00SighWe have only been back in school for two weeks and 2 days, and we are already knee deep in germs here at our house. Sammy came in and woke me up at 2:00 in the morning, sounding like a cross between a pack a day smoker and a barking seal. He also had a fever, and raging case of the croup. (Only 4 kids in his preschool class were well enough to come to school today!) Jeff stayed home with him, which was nice for Jeff since he is a dealing with a nasty cold himself.<br />
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Evan has been falling asleep in the car on the way home from school everyday, as he also has a nasty cold. So far, only Charlie and I are safe. Fingers crossed.<br />
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I can't believe this is happening in August! I've said it before, and I'll say it again...my kids have the worst immune systems EVER. And they certainly didn't get that from me! ~<i>cough~</i><br />
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I'm off to stock up on orange juice and chicken noodle soup.<i> </i>Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-8522142794411979232011-08-27T09:12:00.001-05:002011-08-27T09:13:26.785-05:00School StuffI have been away from this blog for way too long...but school this is year is making SO.DARN.TIRED!!!<br />
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I don't know if it is the added responsibility of having two in school this year, or if I was just way too lazy this summer, but every night has seen me ready for sleep by 9:00. <br />
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Charlie, for the most part, is loving Kindergarten.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here he is with his new teacher this year. I think he is learning a lot already! He loves art class, library, and math, but was horrified to discover he has to go to music classes. After he went to music the first time, he told me "Mom, can you believe this school wants to teach me how to <i>sing</i>?!!" He is also not a fan of the After School Care program that he goes to for about half an hour after school until I can pick him up. Hopefully as he gets used to the routine, this will get better. Evan was a good big brother and went with him to After School Care the whole second week of school just so Charlie could feel more comfortable. I love it when they love each other!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My class is awesome this year! They are already so well behaved and eager to learn that it has been fun to go to work everyday. I also have a student teacher for the first time, and that has been so much fun! She is already an outstanding teacher, and I am learning a lot from her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Evan is not loving Junior High, which makes me sad, but when I think back on it, I don't know many people who do. I can't think of one person who says "I would do anything to go back to Junior High!" It is such an awkward stage of life. I suppose it is something we all just have to get through. Having him be a grump everyday after school has been a little tiring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I became an Aunt again this week when my sister had her 4th...little Leo John. It was exciting to meet him last night. One of my favorite friends at school had her baby not even 24 hours after my sister, so it has been raining babies this week! Unfortunately for Jeff, I now have some major baby fever. Sadly, we are done adding to our family, so I am concentrating on my three awesome boys who keep me hopping...such as when Sammy threw a major fit before school yesterday when he didn't like the clothes I picked out for him for school pictures. He told me "Mom, you just don't know ANYTHING about good clothes!" Holy cow! From my 4 year old BOY! He is such a fashionista!! I don't know what we'll do when he has to wear a uniform to school next year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-84352534089785742972011-08-08T21:16:00.002-05:002011-08-08T21:17:26.585-05:00Back to Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZZdsGGMYTs/TkCT8nc3HNI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/GAmooY8WfPY/s1600/sammy%2527s+first+day+of+preschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZZdsGGMYTs/TkCT8nc3HNI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/GAmooY8WfPY/s320/sammy%2527s+first+day+of+preschool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Today was Sammy's first day back to preschool. (I can NOT believe this is his last year! My baby is growing up way too fast!!) I love, love, love that all of Sammy's back to school pictures have included his faithful stuffed best friend Lammie. My Mom and Dad brought Lammie back with them from Ireland when Sammy was one. Lammie has gone EVERYWHERE with us ever since. Sammy has never been to school without him, he comes on vacation, and rides in the car. If Sammy is there, so is Lammie. I think one of the hardest parts of Kindergarten next year will be leaving Lammie behind.<br />
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Aspen loves to get in on a good picture too, and usually tries to shove his way in when I am posing the boys. I love this dog. He is the perfect addition to our family.<br />
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Work was okay. 5:30 came way too early on the alarm, that's for sure. Charlie wasn't too impressed with the After School Care program, and he managed to loose his glasses by 10:30 in the morning. After a hunt on the playground, we found them abandoned on a nearby bench. It will be a miracle if those glasses make it to the first day of Kindergarten.<br />
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The worst part of the first day back to school is that you have to get up and do it all again the next day. Somehow, day 2 is always worse.<br />
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I'm already looking forward to the weekend!Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-39050854111000923802011-08-03T09:50:00.001-05:002011-08-03T09:54:35.315-05:00My ClassroomMy awesome husband took Monday and Tuesday off from work so that I could go up to school for two days without the kids to put my classroom back together. This task is the worst of the whole school year for many teachers.<br />
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At the end of every school year, you are required to take everything off the walls and pile the furniture into a ginormous pile at one end of the room. Why? Supposedly so that the custodial staff can clean carpets and do repairs. All of this means that when I first enter my classroom at the beginning of the year, it looks like this:<br />
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Most people assume that teachers are given ample time to put their room together during the week teachers are back but students haven't yet returned to school. WRONG WRONG WRONG! That week is so packed full of meetings you can hardly remember your own name as you run around from one thing to another. I always go up to school for two days the first week in August to get things started.<br />
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Lucky me...on Monday when I was there to move this furniture mess the outside temp was 105 degrees...AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS BROKEN AT SCHOOL. Fun times!! I knew since Jeff had taken the day off I couldn't give up and go home. So, I shoved and pushed and hauled (and sweated my brains out) until the room looked like this:<br />
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Let me tell you...moving filing cabinets and a teachers desk are not easy. I have no idea how I will do this job when I am 60.<br />
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I worked all day on Monday and Tuesday, and am so relieved that my classroom now looks like this:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The math calendar/class meeting area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my desk area. To the left is the desk my student teacher will use this semester</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the right (with the big table) is my small group area, where I will meet with reading and math groups. On the left is our cozy book corner, where kids will spend time curled up with a good book.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a view of the front of the room. The thing with the pink sheet over it is our computerized chalkboard called an ActivBoard. I don't ever use chalk anymore!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the student desks. I always have 30 kids in my room, so the desks take up a lot of space. I am going to start the year with this horse shoe formation, but later I will group them into groups of 5 desks in a pod.</td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-56867680134209412462011-07-30T09:37:00.000-05:002011-07-30T09:37:24.738-05:00Back to School CraziesWe have been busy this week. Busy as in the back to school crazies. This week we got Charlie and Evan squared away on uniforms and school supplies. Having two kids to get ready for school this year was a LOT more work that just one. Charlie is super excited about Kindergarten though, so it was fun to see all of the preparations through his eyes. He just shone with excitement when he saw himself in his uniform for the first time. He had a blast picking out every green school supply he could find. (Apparently green is his new favorite color).<br />
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It never fails that every summer around this time I start my back to school nightmares. Dreams where I am trying to set up my classroom, and my class suddenly appears out of nowhere and the room is a disaster. Or sometimes I dream I get lost on the way to school the first day. Or that I make it to school but can't seem to find my classroom. I think I have anxiety dreams about going back to school because I have such a hard time saying good bye to summer. I absolutely love being home with my kids. I love having the time I need to focus on our home and daily chores. I love not having a frantic schedule. Besides our financial need for me to work, teaching for me is more than a job. I truly feel like it is a calling from God. I know I wouldn't be fulfilling my mission here on earth if I wasn't teaching kids to read.<br />
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Monday and Tuesday I will be setting up my classroom, and I know I will feel better after that. Having that monumental task under my belt always makes me feel better. I wonder if the students and parents realize that most teachers are just as nervous as the kids on the first day of school ? :)Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16320399.post-8761594021106105162011-07-15T22:52:00.001-05:002011-07-15T22:52:52.938-05:00Splish SplashI am sad it took me half the summer to accomplish this, but I am so glad this is ready for us to enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzMZB1Nslk8/TiEHBaDYJLI/AAAAAAAAAms/kp7wqbTCir0/s1600/pool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzMZB1Nslk8/TiEHBaDYJLI/AAAAAAAAAms/kp7wqbTCir0/s320/pool.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's just one of those above ground pools, but we have wanted one for years. It took Evan and I 3 1/2 hours to put it together, and at several points it took all the patience I possessed to not swear a blue streak in front of Evan's young ears. The pool box boasted it would be "Easy as 1, 2, 3!" to put together. WRONG! But I had a bee in my bonnet, and I was determined to do try to complete it myself. I hate having to wait for other people to help me do things. Jeff and I aren't the handiest of people with tools and projects, and I have to ask my brother for help quite a bit. I don't want to overburden him, so I am always tickled with myself when I can do things without help. I proudly texted this picture to my brother and let him know he was off the hook tomorrow.<br />
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The boys took their maiden swim this afternoon and loved it. We are expecting temps this week over 100 degrees, so hopefully this will help us stay cool.Mom23Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467610535447956609noreply@blogger.com1