Lauren Sawyer and Family

School Days

2011-10-03T16:20:00.001-05:00

I would like to pat my self on the back today! I believe this is the first day I covered everything on my lesson plans! I worked hard last week to micro plan bc I keep planning too much! I love having only one set of kids, it's just the time management I have to work on still! We actually did science and social studies today! Woohoo!!!

Sam

2011-10-02T21:41:00.001-05:00

I'll have to update the family pictures ASAP! I feel bad I have none of Sam! So here he is!

The boys!

2011-10-02T21:33:00.001-05:00

Hard to find a picture with all their faces!

Blogger app!!!

2011-10-02T21:29:00.001-05:00

So my last few posts all say something like I think I'm going to start blogging again! Apparently I did not stick to it though! Well this is my first blog from my phone app. No promises this time but I do miss blogging!

What's new...
Sam is 19 months old
Max is 5
Ben is 4
I'm teaching 4th grade again at FMIC! This is my first year to teach ALL the subjects! So far I love it! A little more planning but many more rewards!
Jacob teaches in the evenings at asu Paragould and keeps Sam and Ben in the day!
Max is in kindergarten!

I guess that catches us all up!

Wonderful Weekend

2010-07-25T11:19:00.004-05:00

Wooo Hooo new background! Two days in a row. I think I am going to like this again! We are having Jacob's family over today for lunch. I think I am going to hook up the sing star too. We are going to have so much fun!!! I had a GNO Friday night and it was awesome. Can't wait to do it again. Jacob too ALL the boys to the river and I got to sleep all night and stayed in bed till noon. Man what a good night's sleep can do for you. Not ready for this weekend to be over.

Think I may try this again!

2010-07-24T22:47:00.003-05:00

So yeah it has been so long. How about the short version. Had my 3rd baby! Bought a new house. Quit working to stay home again! Have a wild and crazy life that I love. I think since I am staying home I will try to blog more often. Might even replace some of these old pictures one day. Can't wait to check out everyone else's blogs!

wow march 4th

2009-11-08T00:37:00.002-06:00

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 ...

2009-03-04T19:22:00.002-06:00

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...

2009-02-15T21:29:00.003-06:00

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.:)

2009-01-30T22:34:00.002-06:00

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.

2009-01-25T21:56:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-24T14:43:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-24T14:29:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-21T19:18:00.003-06:00

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. ;)

It's been a while.

2008-10-03T21:13:00.002-05:00

Well I think it has been a month since my last blog. I looked all over for my camera, but who knows where that is. So it looks likes just words again. Ben turned 1 last week, it makes me happy but a little sad. I can't believe it has been one year. I told Jacob we can have more since he is staying home with them, but that got a VETO. Anyway, I'm not really serious about it. Maybe someday! :) School is going great. So to all the teachers out there ARE YOU KIDDING ME WITH ALL THE PATHWISE CRAP? I can not believe all the paperwork that no one will ever look at. UHG. oh well it will get done eventually.

So since I have caught every one up to... today. I came home to an empty house. Amazing! Jacob took the kids to the river for the weekend. I will probably go tomorrow. I can't thank him enough for all he is doing , and I know he does not expect it but, he is doing great. Tonight I went to the Nettleton Homecoming, my sister Alex was a maid and got the Maid of honor. I am proud of her too. For all that know her she is Senior wow talk about feeling old. Well I am going to watch tv and veg on the couch for the rest of the night. Maybe I'll get some new pics up next time.

WOW!!!

2008-09-02T22:24:00.002-05:00

I have survived two weeks of school. I think I am going to make it! It has been crazy but fun as well. We braved the weather predictions tonight and took Max and Ben to the Nettleton vs. Jonesboro football game. They loved it!!! It sprinkled a little but was overall a great night. Too bad for Nettleton, but they did a great job. I think we will be going to a lot more football games. I can't believe I forgot my camera. Max was cheering and dancing in the stands. Ben did the same, they both loved the band too. I hope I can get some cute pictures to show off soon.

The last Saturday

2008-08-16T21:05:00.002-05:00

We made the most of the last Saturday before school starts. Max slept until 8:00 and Ben and I slept until 9:00. It was great Jacob was awake when Max got up so he let me sleep in. Man it was nice. Considering that I went to sleep at 9:45. I was very well rested. After we got up and around we went to John and Dia's house for a swim. Well Jacob and Max swam while Ben played with toys. John grilled hamburgers so we ate lunch there too. Then we came home for nap time. The kids napped while Jacob and I just laid around. After the kids woke up we went to Mau and Nicole's house. We had homemade pizza it was yummy! After the kids played the Wii the adults played sing star. I lost as usual but it is still a lot of fun. Max is so funny he wants to sing too. I wish I would have had my camera. Since they have been home with Jacob they are very interested in music.

So, I can not believe that school starts in 2 days. WOW! I am excited but nervous. I know it will be fine, but still, it is my first year. I know I have said it a lot but Jacob is doing a great job at home. It is amazing he keeps all the clothes washed and the dishes done. He has them on a great schedule and they love it. I am still a little sad about being gone so much but at least I know they are in good hands. They will start Mother's Day Out in September on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Max went last year and loved it. Ben has never stayed without us so we will see how that goes.

Open House

2008-08-14T20:46:00.002-05:00

OMG! I survived my first open house. It was pretty crazy but good. We had a great turn out . I was not expecting so many people or so much inforamtion. I will never remember any of it. Oh well. Hopefully I will get to come home at a decent time tomorrow. I do have to thank Jacob he has been going it alone most of the nights and has done a wonderful job. I don't know how people do it alone.

2008-08-10T21:31:00.002-05:00

My boys.
All the cousins, Max, Ben, Lola, Elliette, Justus, Eva, Jude
I thought this was good but Jacob, closed his eyes.

These are just a few of my favorites from the beach trip.

Orange Beach 2008

2008-08-10T20:47:00.002-05:00

A Family Shot
They loved playing in the sand!
This is one of my favorite pictures of the week.
Max had a great time.

The whole gang.

We spent four night and five days at Orange Beach in Alabama. We had a great time and got some good pictures. We went with Jacob's parents and his brother's family. Max and Ben loved being with their cousins and grandparents all day and night.

Working Mom?

2008-07-29T22:57:00.003-05:00

I am sitting at the computer, relishing the quiet time. All the boys are asleep for the night. I spent my first full day away for the family today. I had inservice this morning and then I work on my classroom this afternoon. I got on a roll and stayed later than I planned. Now that I am away from the kids in the day I wonder when working moms rum errands. I need a new swim suit for the beach, but that is really not a family fun trip. I could have gone this evening but I just hated leaving again. I guess it is something I'll just have to get used to.
Jacob took Max to the Brian Kinder concert at the library thus evening. They loved it. We were all going to go put Ben fell asleep and we did not want to wake him. So I stayed home since they had been here all day. Grandpa went to and he bought the kids two CDs . We can't wait to listen to them for nine hours straight.

Getting Started in the Classroom

2008-07-28T22:13:00.002-05:00

This morning I went to a workshop in Harrisburg. it was not too bad, we got to make swords and shields so that was pretty fun. I brought mine home for Max to play with and he loved it. Even though it was made out of poster board Ben still got hurt, but not too bad. Jacob had lunch ready when I got home. I was so happy! After a brief lunch I went to the classroom. I still mostly just stand and look at things, but after a while of that I started organizing. There is still some to do, but at least I got started.

This evening we went to Justus's birthday party. Pizza, cake, and ice cream what more can you ask for. He turned to big 1-0. I can not believe it when I first started dating Jacob he was 1. I can't believe my kids will grow up this fast too. Elliette play the Wii with Max for most of the night and he hated to leave, he kept saying"we'll play it when we come back, Jude's turn." I think he is going to be a gamer. Ben, well he is still cutting teeth but it is getting better. He slept till 6:30 this morning so that is great.

We are going to gulf shores on Saturday so for the rest of the week I am going to try and alternate between packing preparing my classroom. I am excited and nervous about suck a big trip with the kids, but I think we are going to try and leave at about 3:00 in the morning. This is going to be a whole family event. MeeMee, Grandpa, John, Dia, Jacob, Lauren, Justus, Elliette, Lola, Jude, Max, Eva, and Ben. Fun Fun Fun !!!

A weekend at the river.

2008-07-27T21:54:00.005-05:00

Well it has been a few days since my last post. We left Thursday afternoon and went to Spring River. Jacob's parents (MeeMee and Grandpa) have a house up there, so we always decide at the last minute to go or not to go. We packed up Thursday afternoon and hit the road, it only takes about 1hour and 15 min. to get there so it is not too bad. Before we even went to the house we stopped at Hardy Beach for a quick swim. This was a great decision. Max and Ben loved the water. We found a shallow spot for Ben to play and Max put on his floatie suit and played in the deeper water. We all had a good time. It was a great way get out our energy and kill time before bed time. Grandpa was at the house when we got there.

Friday daddy and grandpa took the boys swimming and let me sleep in. That was nice! Then later in the day the men took a fishing trip and I kept the little guys. After they had a nap I tried to take them swimming by my self. We lasted about 10 minutes, it was a first and probably the last for at least a few months. Max called MeeMee adn asked her to come play with us, so of course she could not resist. She came up after work. It was nice to have refreshed troops to entertain and care for the boys. She is always a big help!

Saturday we just took it easy. We played on the porch and in the kiddie pool. MeeMee, grandpa and Max spent a lot of time fishing. Pretend fishing that is! This was Max's game of the weekend. After nap time we cleaned up and headed back home. It is always nice to be home.

Today we went to church with Jacob's family. Elliette was baptized so it was a special day. We also had pot luck afterwards. I love pot luck especially when it is a surprise. We spent the rest of the afternoon at MeeMee house. Max had a great time playing (or watching anyone who would play) video games. His favorite is WWF. I can't believe this. He is so into the moves that he has to try them out on daddy. I took Ben to Walnut Street with me to help keep the nursery for evening church. When I asked Max to get ready to leave he said " you leave, I'll stay with MeeMee." So he did. Pizza for supper and we finally headed home.

2008-07-22T23:46:00.002-05:00

We all went to the library this morning for the last week of story times. We were running a little late as usual but we got there in time to hear one story and make the craft. I am going to miss taking the boys to story time. They love it, no matter how crazy it is trying to get there by 10 it is worth it. I think daddy will enjoy it in the fall. The rest of the day was filled with a lot of crying. Ben is kind of sick and very fussy. I wish I would have had a camera to show the next scene. We were all cranky so I broke out the candy jar. Max and I had suckers and Ben got some raisins. Well Max got distracted and left his sucker on a plate lying on the couch. Ben spotted the sucker and made a dash for it. He was so proud! He stood at the couch with his treasure for about 30 sec., until max spotted him. Then the war was on. The sucker ended up in the floor (then in the trash) and the boys ended up covered with stickiness as well as my couch. but know Ben has had a taste of the good stuff, we will never be able to eat candy in front of him again. After we got the messes cleaned up we all took a nap! getting both boys to sleep at the same time is a beautiful thing. I love naps. This afternoon we all went to Feed some animals at a friends house. Max played with a Bearded Dragon and a Hedgehog! There are also fish , snakes. and frogs. From there we were off to VBS. I go the best picture of Max and Eva on the swing set. They are just the best of friends these days. I think we are going to try the magic show in the morning I hope they like it. Then I have a feeling we will head to the river after VBS tomorrow night. It is much easier to take 100 degrees when you can jump in the river to cool off.

So Far So Good

2008-07-21T21:25:00.004-05:00

I loved these two pictures!
Well I loved all these pics! Ben wanted Max's corndog soooo bad he kept chasing him around trying to grab it. Max had some nap time bed head going on.

So this blog thing is pretty cool. I have figured out how to do everything that I want to do, at least for now. I did spend way too much time changing and playing with things today. So I have to say this is much cooler than my previous internet time waster--Facebook.
We got a new toy for the boys so that kept them busy most of the afternoon. They are huge foam blocks for them to climb on and they love them. Of course they only really liked them when they were in the middle of the living room. I moved them to a safer spot where they can not fall off and they were not so much fun.
This evening I went to a Pampered Chef Bridal Shower. It was nice to have someone cook a different meal for me. The best part was that Jacob took the kids to VBS and by the time I got home he has already put them in bed. I love coming home to a quiet house! I have to say that he is really taking over as his new role of Mr. MOM. To be quite honest I think he may be better at it than I ever was.

Give it a try!

2008-07-20T21:37:00.004-05:00

O.K. This is my first attempt at blogging. I have been inspired by friends and family. We will see how it goes! We spent all afternoon at MeeMee's house. Playing with the cats, looking for condo's and not taking naps! We are trying to put together a last minute trip the the beach before summer is over. So I spent a while on the computer looking for an inexpensive condo that will sleep all 13 Sawyers. The kids played with the kittens, they love them. Even Ben! I said we are not bringing any more animal home with us, but it is hard to say no to those cute little kitties. 5 of the 7 grandkids were there and Max and Ben had a blast. We always love spending time with the cousins. Max and Eva are becoming best buddies. I love it! They just started getting close and they are hilarious. Ben did not take a nap until after 4 so I am a little worried about tonight. My boys like their naps. Alright lets see how the rest of this site works.