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!

Summer pics...

Our summer was amazing! I am sad to see it go...

It's been a while...

Today was a good day! Without going into the long past months that I haven't posted anything, I though I'd just upload a great picture of my kids in our backyard having some summer fun!

Happy Birthday Wesley!

Wes is 2!

Who's 2? Wes is!

Clever little cupcake cake. Wes is head over heals for trains!

I know that I say this every year, but I can not believe how old he is getting! He's grown so much since last year! Today Wes can count to ten, knows his left from his right, says his ABCs, can identify all his letters, and is working on his address. He is a delight to play with and a handful to say the least. He's learning his boundries and pushing the limits with every decision. He loves to play with his trains and chasing after Brenden and Annie. I am a very blessed mama! Today I am a proud mama of an amazing 2 year old!!

It's been a while...

I could write a lie, something very poetic and lovely, but the honest truth is I haven't really had anything great to say. You know the old adage, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Well that's kinda where I've been. Don't get me wrong, I have a great job, a lovely home and an amazing family. That's what really matters right? Mmm...

I've been in a private slump. I've been working through it and I'm on the upswing. Life has just handed me a stack of cards that I'm not really sure how to play. This December has been the toughest of my life. Yes, I do know that it's the middle of February. The anniversary of mom's death had me really low. I'm not sure why this year was any different but it just felt heavier. Then her mother unexpectedly passed. I want to say that she died of heartache but I'm not really sure why it was her time. I know that I have no idea of the bigger plan and I am looking for the bigger lesson, but I am a little lost. I felt my most vulnerable and then I was thrown another curve to navigate. This is what life is like. But really? Not really sure where I'm going with this but today is tough. Guess today is just gonna be a rough one, could be the rain who knows. Pity party! Table for one!

Wesley

Wes is at a golden age where he is learning to play by himself. It's tough for him when Annie and Brenden need alone time, but he's finally loving his room. We brought all of Brenden's firehouse toys and Wes is in love! So much fun watching him play and have fun! I can't believe he's almost two already. Where does the time go?

Most wonderful time of year...

Christmas is my favorite time of year! This year has been no exception! Thanks to Papa and Sandy, we have a count down timer that is checked often. The tree has been decorated and the presents wrapped. I must say this year is running smoothly. I'm on schedule to get out cards, gifts are ordered or being made, and lists are being checked off. Because we don't have traditional t.v., the kids have no idea what new toys are out and are asking for things that they really want to play with. Amazing really! Last week I looked at my school calendar and realized that I get out a day and a half earlier than Brenden and Annie. YES! The only things missing, dare I say it, is the snow! I know that I may be crazy, but I just can't get enough of that lovely white stuff....All in all, things are going really well for this mama.

Birthday party

If you know anything about me, you know that right now I'm running on fumes. I've finally uploaded/downloaded all the pictures from this month! Here are a few without my ramblings...