Good times

The last few weekends have been filled with birthday parties, fishing, and bbq's.  We are so blessed to have such great friends in our lives.  Our kiddos were able to swim, run, climb, play chase, jump, and just have fun.  Here are a few pics from our fun times.

I did make brownies for the bbq....I was just running behind and did not bring them.  I am posting as proof that I did them....LOL!!!

After one of our long saturdays we took baths and made some popcorn and watched a movie.

I forgot to mention....we lost a tooth....our first tooth:)  We had one tooth removed and spacer put in, but this was Breken's first tooth that he lost:)

Little things

I know people find peace in places that comfort them.  I tend to find peace at the just right moment when I need it the most.  After all, God does work in mysterious ways.  Our life is far from normal, but to us it is perfect.  A little dysfunctional, but perfect to us:)  I took a picture of two places that remind me to calm down and remember that things will get done.  May not be on my time, but things will get done.  I take a moment to thank God.  I also take a moment to pray for my friends, family, and for those who are need of prayer, healing, and guidance.  These two places are my comfort zones.

The P is for our last name and there are four of us that make our little family complete.  

My willow trees are my saving grace.  They are just so simple and powerful.  

Book leveling...finished

We will be incorporating a balanced literacy program into curriculum this year.  The whole idea is awesome.  The practice is still a little confusing and kind of scary.  I know that it will all work out as things do, but the unknown does make one a tad bit nervous.  Or at least me!  My sister in law and I completed leveling my books with a level it app and the scholastic website.  I was amazed at how many books I had, but at the same time, it was unsettling at the lack of books that I did not have.  I know that I have not been teaching long.  However, having a dynamic classroom library is important. Anyways, we completed the task and my bins are done.  I will take a shot of my classroom when it is decorated.
P.S.  My leveling is no where near the awesomeness of some of my colleagues.

a few books

a few more books

books...books...books

adding a sticker so the book does not get placed in the wrong bin

the leveling

The final piece - labeled bins:)

4 inches....

     We cut four inches off of Anistin Grace's hair the other day.  I would have loved to have put pictures of this great moment, but my sweet daughter cried the WHOLE time.  The WHOLE time.  Being a teacher in this great community I felt the need to explain the haircut as my sweet daughter cried the WHOLE time.  People kept staring and I kept reassuring her that we have done this before and the nice, sweet lady is not going to hurt her.  Our normal stylist was out and so I think this had a lot to do with it.  We missed you Mrs. Vickie....and we missed you badly!
      Anistin's hair is beautiful, but since she has been swimming all summer.....green hair has happened.  I would have just let it go.  However, with weddings, birthday parties and get togethers, I needed to take action and take action fast.  Sorry gang....no pictures to enjoy this happy time.  Did I mention she cried the WHOLE time?  Blessings to all!

Summer fun

This summer has been laid back.  I finished summer school and we have finally had the opportunity to just hang out.  We have been swimming a lot.  Hanging out with friends and family.  Going to the movies.  Playing outside - while it is cool.  Cooking.  Earning a stripe in karate.  Train rides.  Reading.  Grilling.  And relaxing.
Anistin Grace is so proud that she can write her first and last name.  She does it ALL the time.  Her attitude towards school and school work is way different from Breken.  Breken would rather watch t.v., swim, and play his video games.  Same household, same parenting - two totally different kiddos.  We are blessed!

Happy 4th!

I hope you all enjoyed the 4th this year.  We sure did!  We were able to hang out with some friends.  We ate sausage wraps, stuffed jalapenos, chips and dips, and homemade ice cream.  The kids played outside and the adults visited.  At the end of the evening - fireworks!  We took our camping chairs and sat in the middle of the road and enjoyed the night sky light up.  One of the neighbors had a radio playing patriotic music.  It was neat.  My kids really enjoyed themselves.  We were with great friends, and our little family, and we were taking in every bit of why we celebrate the 4th - independence.  Independence to choose.  Independence from others.  Independence to celebrate.  Thank you to all those who fight, have fought, and may choose to fight for our country.  God Bless!