Lake of the Ozarks Camping

 This past weekend we went camping at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri with Tony and Shannon. We had a blast! The adventure started with a crazy drive that criss-crossed the state via state roads, local roads and even a GRAVEL road! After arriving at our beautiful site, we spent the hottest weekend exploring local caves, swimming in the lake, renting a pontoon boat, roasting marshmallows, playing catch and having an all around great time.

Until next time!!

I'm Back...

It has been 5 years since my last post. So much has changed. Today is just a test run...

teacher vs. mama

It is no wonder that often I am caught between being a mother and being a teacher. I have said many times that I can not do both well at the same time. One day I'm a great teacher and I am frustrated and yelling at my own children. The next day, it flips. This is not something that I am proud of, but it has been my reality for a while.

Now picture my lovely children coming home with homework and looking at me like I have 6 horns growing outta my head when I ask them to do certain skill that I know full well are best practice . Brenden HATES the fact that I am a teacher! He and I have struggled with this fact. WELL, today was amazing! I picked him up, we came home and he did homework while I cooked dinner. There was no yelling and no eye rolling...by either of us. He finished his spelling, math, and journal (2 days early) without a single problem!!! I am claiming victory.

I have been teaching for a couple of weeks now, but tomorrow I send my little ones back to school. This night is a stressful one for me. Did I remember all the supplies? Are the kids going to like their lunches? Did I pack enough food? Are they going to like their teachers? Will the teachers love my kids? Oh dear. This list is long...

I know they will be fine...they will be great. Brenden is now a 4th grader. Wow! I can't believe I am saying that. He is excited, finally, for school. I am so very excited for this school year for him. The love, really just a mild like, is there but it is deep. This is his year! Annie is in 1st grade and she loves  school. She is bubbling at her brim! And Wes, this year he is going to preschool without me. He has been with me for 2 years now and he is ready!

My hopes for my children are simple. Be safe, be happy and love what you are doing.

Loss of innocence

So Bren has been struggling with the whole idea of Santa, the tooth fairy, and the Easter bunny. He says he's just not sure that they are real. He has some very valid points. I mean, we all know that these guys don't exist but that's where the magic comes in. He is so much like Troy. He has to be able to prove it in order to believe it. I have been gearing up for "the talk" but I don't think i am the girl for the job. I want my little boy to just be able to believe for a few more years! I will think of something good and keep you updated. Just know that this mama is sad and excited for my boy...

So I have been a little (a lot) remiss in updating my blog. I am sorry. I just didn't think that people checked it. So, I'm back and will try to stay as current as possible!

Most recent has been our Easter. Despite a few setbacks, Wes had to go to the clinic because of pink eye and our power went out for a couple of hours, we had a lovely day! The kids dyed eggs the night before and we had a Easter egg hunt after the sugary breakfast wore off! I will download pictures as soon as possible!

Happy birthday party!