I'd love to tell you that I haven't blogged since September because of how busy I have been -- which is true!! However, I'll have to admit that I've tried multiple times to sit down and write. It is my therapy, after all. But, not until today have I been able to remember which email I used or what my password is for my Google account. HAHA!! Really?!?! Would I make that up?! I finally discovered that AHA!! I have it written down in a notebook at school. So here I am....
I wouldn't even know where to begin with my ups and downs over the past 6 months. My emotions have been all over the charts. But today is one of those days where I felt the need to sit and write my feelings down because of how blessed I am feeling. Just a few of my blessings today - my boys, having the BEST job in the world, my amazing co-workers, laughter, music, no headache today, and most of all - health!!
Our school (thanks for a caring co-worker) started a charity project today. Each grade will be having Penny Wars with each other raising money for Witten's Warriors. This is a group started by parents of Witten who has cerebral palsy. As we were skyping with Witten's mom today, it takes me back to all those feelings and emotions of having a child with "issues". It makes my heart hurt for parents and families of those who struggle. But it also makes me count my blessings. Things could always we worse. Some days it is hard to remember that, I know. But there is always someone out there that is hurting more than you, struggling more that you, and who needs prayers more than you. My prayers are with the Cochran-Bray family, McAllister family, and with Witten's Warriors.
Love, hug, and kiss those around you!!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Refreshed!
Amazing how 24 hours with life long friends can leave you feeling completely and totally refreshed! I met up with 4 of my best friends from HS last night for a "slumber party". And thank to technology, we even had one of our friends join us via Skype from Arizona. It always amazes me that no matter how long it's been since we've seen each other or talked, we always pick up right where we left off. I have no doubt that these ladies will always be a part of my life and that they will forever be there for me when needed.
We shared a lot of laughs (ALOT), advice, stories, pictures, good food, and bottles of wine. I have no doubt that we could have stayed there for another 3 days and not ran out of things to talk and laugh about. We even made it past midnight - impressive for 40 year olds, huh?!?! We all agreed before we left today that no matter how crazy, busy our lives are -- we will make this a new annual tradition. Life is too short and you never know what may happen. I walked away feeling refreshed, blessed, and loved! Thanks, ladies, for being YOU!
We shared a lot of laughs (ALOT), advice, stories, pictures, good food, and bottles of wine. I have no doubt that we could have stayed there for another 3 days and not ran out of things to talk and laugh about. We even made it past midnight - impressive for 40 year olds, huh?!?! We all agreed before we left today that no matter how crazy, busy our lives are -- we will make this a new annual tradition. Life is too short and you never know what may happen. I walked away feeling refreshed, blessed, and loved! Thanks, ladies, for being YOU!
Sunday, September 8, 2013
What a Week!!
To say that this last week or so has been an emotional roller coaster may be a slight understatement! So hard to believe how ones life can have so much sadness and happiness in a short period of time.
It all started with the heart break of a young man who is SO special to us. It's so hard when there's nothing we could do but comfort and console. So much pressure for such young people.
We enjoyed a great Labor Day weekend with our friends and family. Helping out by working in the Little League concession stand, then playing in the bags tournament, and taking my turn in the dunk tank to help out the newly formed GT Dance Team. Finished the night with supper with great friends! I didn't make it to the street dance because I had no voice. Too much cheering the night before :)
Labor Day Monday started off great! It was Jace's 2nd birthday and the house was all ready for his big party. I ran a complete 5K that morning. When I finished, I went back and finished again with an amazing young man who has taken control of his life by getting himself healthy. It was his first 5K and I was honored to cross the finish line with him. A couple of minutes later, I gathered my things and saw that my mom had tried to call me twice. I didn't even need to call her back - I knew what she had to tell me. Our family had lost an amazing man that morning - Uncle Patrick. Even though you know that it's coming, it's never easy to accept. Finished the day with Jace's party with our families and then some rides at the carnival.
Tuesday night was amazing! We surprised a dear friend who has terminal cancer. We picked her and her daughter up at their house in a limo, enjoyed a nice ride around the lake, and then headed for a spa night full of pampering. It was so fun to spend time with Gayle and see the smile on her face. I hope that we made many more memories for her and Molli both.
Took off Thursday to head to Des Moines for Pat's wake and funeral. So many great memories of a man who brought a smile to your face and always made you laugh with a joke or a story. We shed tears but we laughed which is exactly what he would have wanted. Standing in the back of the church at the end of his funeral surrounded by the Bormann family and hearing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" is something that I will never forget. You could feel his presence there looking down on all of us.
And then last night we threw a surprise 25th Anniversary party for my sister and brother in law. It was so much fun to see the surprise on their faces and also the smiles on everyone else's faces as well. Enjoyed a great night of celebrating with family and friends. Maybe even a little singing and dancing mixed in there!
So, when I stop and reflect on this last week, there are so many things that stand out. First of all, faith always comes first. But right behind that is FAMILY! I am so blessed to be surrounded by an amazing family - and I am truly surrounded by it! The priest at the funeral talked about dealing with good times and also adversity and how it makes us who we are. I have NO doubt that my family will always be there for me and me for them as well. A special young man's words will stick with me for a long time. "Thanks for being there. I just needed to be with my family."
Another thing important to Janet & Patrick was their life long friendships and their loyalty to these friendships. I, too, am truly blessed to have friends that I know will be my life long friends! I am so fortunate to have family that are also some of my best friends. And others who are like family by always being there for me - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
So, although it's been a roller coaster ride, I walk away with knowing that God has blessed me with my family and friends, I was blessed to have an amazing uncle in my life for almost 41 years, and that you truly have to celebrate every day as if it's your last. Even in sadness - there is something to celebrate!
It all started with the heart break of a young man who is SO special to us. It's so hard when there's nothing we could do but comfort and console. So much pressure for such young people.
We enjoyed a great Labor Day weekend with our friends and family. Helping out by working in the Little League concession stand, then playing in the bags tournament, and taking my turn in the dunk tank to help out the newly formed GT Dance Team. Finished the night with supper with great friends! I didn't make it to the street dance because I had no voice. Too much cheering the night before :)
Labor Day Monday started off great! It was Jace's 2nd birthday and the house was all ready for his big party. I ran a complete 5K that morning. When I finished, I went back and finished again with an amazing young man who has taken control of his life by getting himself healthy. It was his first 5K and I was honored to cross the finish line with him. A couple of minutes later, I gathered my things and saw that my mom had tried to call me twice. I didn't even need to call her back - I knew what she had to tell me. Our family had lost an amazing man that morning - Uncle Patrick. Even though you know that it's coming, it's never easy to accept. Finished the day with Jace's party with our families and then some rides at the carnival.
Tuesday night was amazing! We surprised a dear friend who has terminal cancer. We picked her and her daughter up at their house in a limo, enjoyed a nice ride around the lake, and then headed for a spa night full of pampering. It was so fun to spend time with Gayle and see the smile on her face. I hope that we made many more memories for her and Molli both.
Took off Thursday to head to Des Moines for Pat's wake and funeral. So many great memories of a man who brought a smile to your face and always made you laugh with a joke or a story. We shed tears but we laughed which is exactly what he would have wanted. Standing in the back of the church at the end of his funeral surrounded by the Bormann family and hearing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" is something that I will never forget. You could feel his presence there looking down on all of us.
And then last night we threw a surprise 25th Anniversary party for my sister and brother in law. It was so much fun to see the surprise on their faces and also the smiles on everyone else's faces as well. Enjoyed a great night of celebrating with family and friends. Maybe even a little singing and dancing mixed in there!
So, when I stop and reflect on this last week, there are so many things that stand out. First of all, faith always comes first. But right behind that is FAMILY! I am so blessed to be surrounded by an amazing family - and I am truly surrounded by it! The priest at the funeral talked about dealing with good times and also adversity and how it makes us who we are. I have NO doubt that my family will always be there for me and me for them as well. A special young man's words will stick with me for a long time. "Thanks for being there. I just needed to be with my family."
Another thing important to Janet & Patrick was their life long friendships and their loyalty to these friendships. I, too, am truly blessed to have friends that I know will be my life long friends! I am so fortunate to have family that are also some of my best friends. And others who are like family by always being there for me - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
So, although it's been a roller coaster ride, I walk away with knowing that God has blessed me with my family and friends, I was blessed to have an amazing uncle in my life for almost 41 years, and that you truly have to celebrate every day as if it's your last. Even in sadness - there is something to celebrate!
Monday, August 5, 2013
Oh, August!!
Well, it's here!! There's no denying it --- August has made its appearance! First things first - I LOVE my job as a teacher. I wouldn't trade my profession for anything. So please don't judge me for the rest of my blog. I love my job and my school "kids" but I love my summer time with my own kids even more!
I love my early morning workouts with my bestie on MWF and my BURST sessions with other amazing friends on T and Th! I love sleeping in on the weekends on my days of rest. I love coming home to a quiet house after my workouts. I love that I can get so much done before the boys even wake up so I can spend more time with them. I love that they can sleep in and stay in the jammies until lunch (or later). I love sitting outside watching them play and seeing what they'll come up with next. I love those moments when I'm watching them that they say or do something that makes me smile to myself and gives me that warm feeling in the bottom of my heart. I love lazy days like today - laying on the couch watching Family Fued with the boys. I love reading my book on the deck with a glass of wine at night. I love that we eat some nights at 8 p.m. because we're all so busy outside. I love having a "clean" house at night when I go to bed. WE love taking vacations with great friends or just little trips here and there. I love that MOST of my summer-to-do list jobs are complete. I LOVE summer!
Yes, we are in need of some structure and routine again. Yes, it feels great to start thinking about shaping young minds. But until I go back (Aug. 16th) and the boys' go back to school and daycare (Aug. 21st), we're going to continue to squeeze as much in as we can. This week will include going to see Smurfs 2, shampooing our carpets, a trip to Mankato to watch the Vikings training camp, scrapbooking, and loving life on the farm.
I guess NEXT week, I'll start concentrating on my LOVE of being a 3rd grade teacher.
I love my early morning workouts with my bestie on MWF and my BURST sessions with other amazing friends on T and Th! I love sleeping in on the weekends on my days of rest. I love coming home to a quiet house after my workouts. I love that I can get so much done before the boys even wake up so I can spend more time with them. I love that they can sleep in and stay in the jammies until lunch (or later). I love sitting outside watching them play and seeing what they'll come up with next. I love those moments when I'm watching them that they say or do something that makes me smile to myself and gives me that warm feeling in the bottom of my heart. I love lazy days like today - laying on the couch watching Family Fued with the boys. I love reading my book on the deck with a glass of wine at night. I love that we eat some nights at 8 p.m. because we're all so busy outside. I love having a "clean" house at night when I go to bed. WE love taking vacations with great friends or just little trips here and there. I love that MOST of my summer-to-do list jobs are complete. I LOVE summer!
Yes, we are in need of some structure and routine again. Yes, it feels great to start thinking about shaping young minds. But until I go back (Aug. 16th) and the boys' go back to school and daycare (Aug. 21st), we're going to continue to squeeze as much in as we can. This week will include going to see Smurfs 2, shampooing our carpets, a trip to Mankato to watch the Vikings training camp, scrapbooking, and loving life on the farm.
I guess NEXT week, I'll start concentrating on my LOVE of being a 3rd grade teacher.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Slow down!!!
I cannot believe that it is July 16th today! Where is the summer going?!!? Life has slowed down a bit with baseball and tball done and over for another year. We've been staying busy with some projects around the house and outside, swimming, and going to some movies. I am LOVING all this time spent with the boys. Oh, there are days, don't get me wrong! But I feel so blessed to be able to spend my summers at home with my boys and completing projects that otherwise would not get done.
One of the big projects I'm trying to get done with summer is the boys' scrapbooks! Ugh - what a task! I got so far behind when Jace was born. But it is something that I love to do and I only pray that the boys will continue to treasure them as they grow up. It is so fun now to watch them as they look through them and ask questions or talk about how they remember the events.
Now we gear up for our county fair this week. Drew has been working so hard with Carissa, his bottle calf, to get her ready. He's been washing her and leading her around on the halter. We just got back from taking 2 projects down for "judging". Since he is a Clover Kid he doesn't truly get judged but gives them great experience for when they are official 4-H members.
Jaxson lost his first tooth last week. This was the day after we went to the dentist to find out that he has 2 cavities. One of these has infection in it so...... we go back on July 25th for a "baby" root canal. I don't care if it's baby or not -- it's not going to be fun. I just pray that he does well and can't feel a thing (oh, and that I don't pass out). Thursday we go for kindergarten shots.
Jace continues to grow and grow. So does his vocabulary! He learns a couple new words a day. Unfortunately for us, he favorite word is "NO" which is usually said loud and with attitude. I'm afraid the terrible twos have started a couple months early!
All of these things, force me to accept the fact that our boys are growing up TOO fast. I've realized that I see "growth" in other people's kids but it's really hard to see it in your own kids whom you see every day, all day. Same goes for my 3rd graders at school. I try to enjoy every minute with them because I'm afraid if I blink too much or too long -- they'll all be in HS or college.
Life is too short -- we've realized that in our communities in the last couple of weeks. We've lost some dear people at WAY too young of an age. So I try to enjoy every minute with them because I'm afraid if I blink too much or too long -- they'll all be in HS or college. Mike and I laugh thinking about what we'll do when they're gone and we have a quiet, boring life again :) Not something I want to even start to think about....
One of the big projects I'm trying to get done with summer is the boys' scrapbooks! Ugh - what a task! I got so far behind when Jace was born. But it is something that I love to do and I only pray that the boys will continue to treasure them as they grow up. It is so fun now to watch them as they look through them and ask questions or talk about how they remember the events.
Now we gear up for our county fair this week. Drew has been working so hard with Carissa, his bottle calf, to get her ready. He's been washing her and leading her around on the halter. We just got back from taking 2 projects down for "judging". Since he is a Clover Kid he doesn't truly get judged but gives them great experience for when they are official 4-H members.
Jaxson lost his first tooth last week. This was the day after we went to the dentist to find out that he has 2 cavities. One of these has infection in it so...... we go back on July 25th for a "baby" root canal. I don't care if it's baby or not -- it's not going to be fun. I just pray that he does well and can't feel a thing (oh, and that I don't pass out). Thursday we go for kindergarten shots.
Jace continues to grow and grow. So does his vocabulary! He learns a couple new words a day. Unfortunately for us, he favorite word is "NO" which is usually said loud and with attitude. I'm afraid the terrible twos have started a couple months early!
All of these things, force me to accept the fact that our boys are growing up TOO fast. I've realized that I see "growth" in other people's kids but it's really hard to see it in your own kids whom you see every day, all day. Same goes for my 3rd graders at school. I try to enjoy every minute with them because I'm afraid if I blink too much or too long -- they'll all be in HS or college.
Life is too short -- we've realized that in our communities in the last couple of weeks. We've lost some dear people at WAY too young of an age. So I try to enjoy every minute with them because I'm afraid if I blink too much or too long -- they'll all be in HS or college. Mike and I laugh thinking about what we'll do when they're gone and we have a quiet, boring life again :) Not something I want to even start to think about....
Monday, June 24, 2013
What schedule?!?!
I LOVE summer and all the craziness it brings!! But for those of you that know me -- not being on a schedule can sometimes simply annoy me. Why is it that as soon as summer vacation hits, all schedules go out the door? Meal schedules, nap schedules, bedtime schedules, etc. I look at the clock at breakfast time - 9:30!! Lunch - 1:00!! Naptime for Jace - 2:00!!! Supper - 8:00!!!! Bath/Bedtime - 9:00 IF we're lucky!! My kids sleep in until 8 or 9 in the morning?!?! These are the days when I am so thankful that I have one of the best jobs on the planet -- being a teacher and being able to stay home so we have time to "recover" from these schedules. A good nap about every 4th or 5th day is required by all.
On Sunday, we will officially be done with baseball and tball games. I'm hoping that will help things a bit - not as many late nights or fast food meals. ICK!! It will be July 1st before we know it and I don't see summer or life slowing down too much.
So for now, I'll just buckle up and enjoy the ride! Who needs a schedule anyway?!?!
On Sunday, we will officially be done with baseball and tball games. I'm hoping that will help things a bit - not as many late nights or fast food meals. ICK!! It will be July 1st before we know it and I don't see summer or life slowing down too much.
So for now, I'll just buckle up and enjoy the ride! Who needs a schedule anyway?!?!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Hooray for Summer!!!
Today was our first "official" day of summer vacation. Vacation - an interesting word. Here is the itinerary from our first day of "vacation".
6:30 a.m. Up to shower and get ready before the boys wake up
7:00 a.m. Jace awakes
7:30 a.m. Drew & Jaxson wake up
8:15 a.m. We are all dressed, had breakfast (except Mom of course) and headed out the door.
8:20 a.m. Drop Jace off at Grandma Joyce's
8:30 a.m. Arrive at summer school - Mom to teach and the big boys to learn
9:20 a.m. Grandma picks Drew up from summer school to meet Grandpa Dale to take Drew to Explorers Camp
10:10 a.m. Mom and Jaxson leave summer school and go get Jace from Grandma Joyce's
10:30 a.m. Arrive home to have a quick snack and start a load of laundry
10:45 a.m. Leave for Emmetsburg to run some errands and get groceries
11:45 a.m. Play at the park - which I might add is RIGHT by the tornado siren which sounds at noon
12:01 p.m. Leave park because Jace is traumatized by the noon whistle :)
12:30 p.m. Pick Drew up from Explorers Camp
12:45 p.m. Eat lunch and find tick #1 in Mom's hair
1:00 p.m. Big boys play the Wii, Jace plays with his farm, and Mom plays Candy Crush
1:30 p.m. Jace goes down for a nap, Mom folds laundry, Drew complains about being bored already, and Jax plays more Wii
2:15 p.m. Jace is still sleeping, Mom is still folding laundry (and watching Teen Mom 2 shhhh), and the big boys have set up their "hurdles" outside
3:00 p.m. Jace wakes up and we are now all outside being eaten by gnats and playing, find tick #2 on Jace's leg
4:30 p.m. We go inside for a snack and to "relax" for awhile - find tick #3 on Jace's head
5:15 p.m. Get Drew ready for baseball practice and take off for the ballfield
5:35 p.m. Return home and Jace and Jax go with Dad while Mom gets in a 2 mile run
6:05 p.m. Mom returns and starts supper - National Burger Day so burgers of course
6:20 p.m. Jaxson returns home while Dad and Jace go get Drew from practice
7:00 p.m. Dad, Drew, and Jace finally return home to supper on the table
7:20 p.m. Dad and Drew leave to go AI a cow
7:40 p.m. Jace, Jax, and Mom take care of Drew's bottle calf - bottle and fresh water
7:55 p.m. Drag Jace in the house because we're being eaten alive by gnats
8:00 p.m. Jace plays in his farm, Jax plays the Wii, and Mom plays Candy Crush while hooking up wagons for Jace
8:40 p.m. Bedtime snack, pjs on, teeth brushed
9:10 p.m. Jace and Jax to bed, Mom blogs, and Dad and Drew still aren't home yet
Can't wait for Day #2 of Summer "Vacation"
6:30 a.m. Up to shower and get ready before the boys wake up
7:00 a.m. Jace awakes
7:30 a.m. Drew & Jaxson wake up
8:15 a.m. We are all dressed, had breakfast (except Mom of course) and headed out the door.
8:20 a.m. Drop Jace off at Grandma Joyce's
8:30 a.m. Arrive at summer school - Mom to teach and the big boys to learn
9:20 a.m. Grandma picks Drew up from summer school to meet Grandpa Dale to take Drew to Explorers Camp
10:10 a.m. Mom and Jaxson leave summer school and go get Jace from Grandma Joyce's
10:30 a.m. Arrive home to have a quick snack and start a load of laundry
10:45 a.m. Leave for Emmetsburg to run some errands and get groceries
11:45 a.m. Play at the park - which I might add is RIGHT by the tornado siren which sounds at noon
12:01 p.m. Leave park because Jace is traumatized by the noon whistle :)
12:30 p.m. Pick Drew up from Explorers Camp
12:45 p.m. Eat lunch and find tick #1 in Mom's hair
1:00 p.m. Big boys play the Wii, Jace plays with his farm, and Mom plays Candy Crush
1:30 p.m. Jace goes down for a nap, Mom folds laundry, Drew complains about being bored already, and Jax plays more Wii
2:15 p.m. Jace is still sleeping, Mom is still folding laundry (and watching Teen Mom 2 shhhh), and the big boys have set up their "hurdles" outside
3:00 p.m. Jace wakes up and we are now all outside being eaten by gnats and playing, find tick #2 on Jace's leg
4:30 p.m. We go inside for a snack and to "relax" for awhile - find tick #3 on Jace's head
5:15 p.m. Get Drew ready for baseball practice and take off for the ballfield
5:35 p.m. Return home and Jace and Jax go with Dad while Mom gets in a 2 mile run
6:05 p.m. Mom returns and starts supper - National Burger Day so burgers of course
6:20 p.m. Jaxson returns home while Dad and Jace go get Drew from practice
7:00 p.m. Dad, Drew, and Jace finally return home to supper on the table
7:20 p.m. Dad and Drew leave to go AI a cow
7:40 p.m. Jace, Jax, and Mom take care of Drew's bottle calf - bottle and fresh water
7:55 p.m. Drag Jace in the house because we're being eaten alive by gnats
8:00 p.m. Jace plays in his farm, Jax plays the Wii, and Mom plays Candy Crush while hooking up wagons for Jace
8:40 p.m. Bedtime snack, pjs on, teeth brushed
9:10 p.m. Jace and Jax to bed, Mom blogs, and Dad and Drew still aren't home yet
Can't wait for Day #2 of Summer "Vacation"
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