wow march 4th

Sorry guys, looks like it has been too long. I have to get some knew pictures and information on this blog! Well let's see... baby number 3 is on the way. I am almost 28 weeks and so ready to have this one. I can say that the third time is not the charm in this case! Oh well it will be worth it.

School is going pretty good this year. I have a great group. The second time around is much nicer as well. It has been quite different in our house since both parents are working. Personally don't like it much. I like working, I just hate the no one is home. We have not figured out when those daily things are supposed to get done. :) Plus someone is always sick or has an appointment, therefore one of us has to take off. Well I know most of you understand all this. I just do not think it is worth it.

We are spending this weekend at the river with Jacob's brother and three youngest kids. What a beautiful day it was yesterday. The kids played outside all day! They had a blast building fires and digging in the dirt. Jacob, his brother and dad all jumped in the water like a bunch of crazies. The kids thought that was just wonderful, and of course wanted to do the same. ( we did not let them in case you're wondering) Can't wait for another beautiful day tomorrow.

What a relief ...

I am so happy to be done with the Praxis III. It really was not too bad. My class was excellent, I could not have asked them to be better. I was so proud. I did bribe them a little, but hay I think it was worth it. I have to thank Jacob, because I stayed at school late a few nights. If you were ever a stay at home parent then you understand. I can not believe that the school year is almost 3/4 over. It has gone so fast! There are all kinds of changes happening for next year, but I think in the long run they will work out fine.

On a family note we had a great snow day. Max and I built a snowman. It was very tall, but it fell over before I got any pictures. Ben well he did not like the snow too much. We spent 30 min. getting the kids dressed and Ben lasted about 3 minutes out in the cold. He is going to be my opinionated child. He knows what he wants and what he does not. Even thought he is not talking very much he makes his point quite clear. I know he is frustrated about talking, but the screaming can drive you crazy after a while. I am with you Amber I am not sure how to get them to talk more and faster. If you find a good trick let me know. We are doing some sign language, it seems to help a little. Max loved the snow, he made his first snow angel. It was too cute. I did get a few pics of him I will post later.

A Great Weekend...

We had a wonderful weekend. Friday I had flowers delivered to school, from my wonderful husband. Then my brother and sister in law babysat Friday night so we could go out. We were so tired we opted for Taco Bell and a movie at home. It was so nice, I slept until 10:00. I have decided school parties are designed to torture first year teachers. I have wonderful kids, but come party time. WOW they are crazy, I know this is true for everyone, it just takes some getting used to. So the extra sleep was greatly appreciated.

Saturday we went to a church Valentines dinner. It was catered by Strawberries, and it was very good. They had karaoke set up for the brave souls. It was a lot of fun. Even without alcohol. :) The kids watched a movie and had a blast. Fun for all!

Sunday well we woke up with intentions of going to church, but Ben had different plans. He got sick during breakfast so we decided to stay home. I think he is fine, but I would hate to give it to any one else. I hope he is the only one who gets it.

Oh and our TV broke but the in-laws wanted a new one for their basement so they brought theirs over. It was an upgrade so the boys love it. You have to have a TV when you have sick kids. I can't wait to play sing star on the new tv.:)

Well I meant to take pictures all week, but I never got around to it. I am very thankful to have the power restored to my house. We have been house hopping all week. Our house is NOT energy efficient. When we went to bed Tuesday night we still had power. That was around 10:30, when I woke up at 12:30 it was 55 degrees in our house. I have to had it to Jacob, he still made eggs and toast, with the propane cooking used for camping. He was loving the no electricity. Through out Wednesday it just dropped. So we packed up and found heat and lights. Jacob's brother's office, which is just down the road still had power so we met John's family there and stayed most of the day. That afternoon we came back home for a while. We were thinking we would sleep in our own beds, but I soon vetoed that idea. It was 45 degrees in the house. I took the kids to a friends house who had their power back on. We had a great time. The kids played and the adults played games too. We all spent the night there. The nest day we went to my moms house, they did not have lights, but did have heat. It was great till dark. When it started getting dark my kids started going crazy. I have to say they like their lights. Sooo, when we found out that Jacob's brother had their electricity b back up and running we headed to their house. The kids were very happy to have lights and had a great time with their cousins. We stayed there for most of the day. Jacob finally called our house and the answering machine picked up so we knew we were in luck. We came back home at nap time and Ben and I took a great nap. Jacob and max went to round up chain saws to clean the yard.

Tonight we are in our own beds and they boys are soundly sleeping. I have to say I was very cranky today, but tomorrow is a new day I think it will be better. Even though this week was somewhat stressful we still had a lot of fun times. We got to hang out and catch up with friends and family.

I want to thank all the friends and family that let us stay with them. I also want to thank anyone who had a part in the restoration of the electricty.

I feel a little guilty for a couple of reasons. 1. My kids and I don't do well with out electricity. I did not think we were that bad. For me it was the heat, I want to be warm. I also like my internet. Jacob and the boys did not mind this at all they would have stayed in the cold if I would have let them. The kids like the lights. From dark till bedtime without lights was not ok. Jacob well he enjoyed the time off the grid! I had to make him leave to 39 degree house. Crazy Boy!
2. I feel very bad for those still without heat and lights. I hope everyone is safe and warm.

A new do.

Well I don't have any pictures, but I got my hair done today. I have to complement my mother in law because she saved me $70. We used a frost kit and it turned out great. This is the first time I have lightened it since Ben was born. I really needed a change. After I get it cut I will be all set. Other than that today was just a lazy day. We had friends over last night and stayed up way too late. So when we put the kids down for a nap Jacob and I also took a nap. It was nice, but now I am wide awake. We played the American Idol game. It was a lot of fun.

I have to say I loved the first 2 snow days we had. Don't get me wrong I'll take a break anytime but, this middle of the week ice is not so great. It messes with the whole week. Come on who is controlling this anyway. :)

My Boys

Ben loves the rocket at Chuck E. Cheese.

What they do while I am at school. Daddy takes them all over town. They love to go hiking at Craighead Forrest Park.

You have to watch out for this little guy. He will strike when you least expect it.

Some Family Pictures

Some pictures of our family Photo Shoot. A Christmas present for my Nan. The other little boy is my cousins, son Grant.

Well I guess I have neglected this for long enough. Thanks for reminding me Shea!! I do like to see what you guys are doing, so it is only fair. I don't think I should start where I left off, but I'll hit the highlights.

I have to post a picture of the boys on Halloween. They were too cute


Thanksgiving was great. Christmas was better!

I loved my two week break. After a Christmas full of going, going, and more going. We loaded up the kids and went to Branson. We has a blast! After Branson we went to Oklahoma to visit some friends. The kids were great. I put them to bed in three different houses without a single cry. I could not believe it. The seven hour drive home well....... actually not too bad.

Work wise I am finding it hard to fit everything in. Not quite sure what to work on basic skills, benchmark, or what is actually on the pacing guide. Thinking about it makes a little nervous. I also have to schedule the Praxis III, that always gets pushed to the bottom of my list. Not too woriied about it, but it on my mind.

I will try to be better about posting these pictures are getting a little dated.

Kids Update:
Max- loves the Wii, it seems crazy but he is really pretty good. He never stops talking, and always says something funny. His new thing is to call us by our names instead of mommy and daddy. I am afraid it is going to stick. He is obsessed with boxing, no thanks to the Wii.

Ben - He is 16 months old. WOW I miss having a little baby, but I love that he can walk talk and let us know what he wants. I did not think he would ever walk, but he did. He is talking much more too. His favorite thing is to find whatever Max is doing and try to do it too.

Jacob well he is still doing a great job at home. He cooks all the time and keeps the house looking good too. He does love to freecycle. I never know what he will be giving away next. All of the baby stuff is gone. He says NO MORE for at least five years. I am working on that. ;)