Living and Loving

HELLLOOOO everyone from Pensacola!

I am sitting on our balcony of our apartment enjoying the wonders of God and the peace before the kids wake up. Now when I get to sit alone in silence my head wonders. Yes, I should be cleaning and I am I have the basket of clothes on the side of me and I fold a bit of clothes as I think of how I want to word my blog and I have dishes washing. Yes, I should be doing my lesson plans and getting ready for next week, but I am taking some me time right now.

Life in Pensacola is wonderful. I finally have a job, Brady's job is going nicely, the kids are getting adjusted to their schools. It is just grand here.

We have found a church that we love. I work on Sunday mornings as the nursery director and on Wednesdays the boys go to cathecism and I teach. It is AWESOME that our little family gets to attend mass every Sunday. That people was a big answer to a big prayer I have had since the day I married my big guy. I have prayed so much for us to be able to all go to mass every Sunday for a while. God made that happen and that has made me happy.

I am sure many family members were not happy about out decision to move so far away, but I hope they see that we are happy and are loving our lives here in Pensacola. This was a great move. It has put much change in me. I know that it's hard to see, but it is doing us a great deal. The boys are learning, we will not see eye to eye on every thing, but we are learning together how to love each other better. They are learning how to forgive and forget. I am learning (slowly) not to get bent out of shape so easily. We have been here for 2 months and I have to say I am able to see much change in our boys. Yes, they still fight and give each others bruises, but that's all siblings. It's a work in progress. When they miss back home we let them get on the phone or we sit and cry it out with them. It's a huge adjustment and it is a one day at a time process, that the Aymonds are doing.

It's nice to be able to sit with Brady on a Saturday evening an watch TV. Yes, it would be awesome to be able to go somewhere nice with him, but him being home is the best. Family dinners at the dining room table, family game nights, family movie night.. YES PEOPLE THIS IS WHY WE MOVED TO PENSACOLA! There is a repeating word.... FAMILY! Our little family of 4 needed this move so we could be a family. Louisiana wasn't giving that to us. Big guy was always gone...always working and he was missing out on all the ups, downs, challenges, and triumphs. Now he is able to participate in all. That is what made us decide to move here.

To my friend who told me that moving will make our little family of 4 closer.. AMEN sista! AMEN!

Our move was not meant to hurt anyone or make anyone sad. OUr move was meant for us to find our family, our happiness, our lives! We have found it! We pray in stays and continues to grow. We hope our families see how happy we are and be happy for us! We love all of you! But, sometimes the baby bird has to move away from the nest in order to find what it needs and learn to grow on its own.

Ok my oldest little one is stirring so momma mode needs to kick in! BE happy for the Aymonds. We are living and loving our NEW life as a family!

Our new life

Yes, it's been a while! I was getting settled or trying to get settled.

We have been here for almost a month and it still doesn't feel like home. Just feels like we are on an extended vacation. I guess if I had a job I would feel more like a home.

Yes, you read correctly, I am a unemployed teacher who has become a stay at home mom. I don't know how to be a stay at home mom. I clean, cook, and surf the net for employment. That is my life right now. Ummm yeah not for me!

We have found an awesome church. I am really trying to become involved with church. I applied to be a religion teacher assistant and to help with the nursery during Sunday mass. I felt a connection immediately to do all this. God is working.

Speaking of God, I am truly relying on Him at this point. I pray plenty. I pray for guidance. I pray in thanksgiving for giving me the blessings I have earned, I pray for help and control. The same words keep coming to me Be still and listen. Be patient! I am really trying to be obedient, but whoaa it is tough.

I am seriously trying to be a better momma. I have been trying to control my nagging.But, it is happening to slowly for me. I realized that telling my kids I want them to do something instead of do it is helping. PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE seems to help with one, but not the other.

It's tough to divide up my time with the two of them. Little man goes to PRe-K class from 8:15 until 11:15 so he has my attention from 11:15 until 2:10 and before I bring him to school. We play Wii or read stories. Things he likes to do. But when middle man comes home I like to give him the attention he needs. I want him to know I am listening to HIM. But, it is hard cause Little man gets jealous. So I usually cut Middle man's time and we do something all together. Mostly vegetate on the couch cause thunderstorms pop up right as he gets off the bus. Then, we do homework (if you are a parent of one of my former student's.. I apologize for giving homework) It has just been reading so far so not too bad cause little man loves to be read to. But, I know when math, science, SS and other things come home little man will be doing all he can to get my attention.

Life was rough the first couple weeks and we are starting to get in the swing of things. We are getting situated with everything. Middle man loves his school. Little man is having trouble cause he is smart and knows Momma is home and I could be with her, Big man seems to enjoy his new job (doesn't seemed as stressed out), and me I am applying to jobs, visiting the technical college to may be pursue a nursing degree, and well Keeping it all together.

The best thing out of this move is I am finally getting my whole little family to church on Sundays! That in my opinion is the BEST!

Since I have time on my hands I am going to try to write weekly possibly twice a week. Stay tuned for adventures of Three guys and a girl as we live our new life in Florida!

Sunshine state of mind!

So my days as a Louisianian are slowly lowering and I think it's time to write this blog. I have been pondering the words to say, but nothing seems to sound right in my head. I wrote a letter to my co-workers at Ossun, but I didn't hit on each individual that I owe thanks too. I haven't spoken up about the thanks to family as well. So here I go. It will be a long blog people so get ready.

Who do I start with.. Ok my Acadiana Moms friends... When I decided to help with the website, I never thought I would meet such great people.. Nancy aka Nana- You have been one of the biggest lifesavers for me. You helped me in a time of need and to that I am GRATEFUL! I could never thank you enough for taking in my babies for 2 weeks! That is just AWESOME. Carlie- Thanks for being an ear to listen and advise. You were also very helpful. Chicken queen and Dame of the Ducks- Thanks for letting me share my teaching experience with you. I loved sharing with you both. Heidi- I thank you for helping me with ideas for work! Erin, Kym, and Kami-Thanks for the late night talks and support as well. You are all awesome. Sorry I only made one T-Coon breakfast, but I loved every minute I shared with you all. Karin-My margarita soul sista! I loved our chats and exchanges of ideas for school. I enjoyed watching your kids grow up. Late night chats will have to continue. Gina- You are a rock for me. Thank you for helping me to ALWAYS keep my Faith. I hold you in a special spot in my heart. Your wise words will always flow in my head. THANKS! All the original Acadiana moms! THANKS for the fun times!

On to my teacher friends. I have lots of you. Marie- I have always enjoyed working with you. Thanks for entrusting me with your"special" students. I enjoyed being able to experience it. Mrs. Susan Lanoue- May be this year Michigan will beat Ohio! I'll miss our rivalry. Jessica and Polly-I don't know what I will do without little gifts (even the disgusting ones). You two are awesome. Thanks for making work enjoyable. Adrienne Dominque-I'll miss our "porch" discussions. Ok bitch sessions! It was nice to have someone from the bayou to work with. Susan Tilly- I'll never find shoulders to fill your spot. You are wonderful and I appreciate the ears and shoulders you lent. God Bless you! Bern- You are the most positive person I know. Thanks for sharing it with me.

Angela - I can never thank you enough for all your help. You have been there for me from start to finish at Ossun. God gave me a great angel here. I would have lost my mind if you and Casey would not have been there for me.

Casey- Just like Angie.. you are God sent! I totally will miss all the help you gave me. I needed you so much last year and I was so glad we were able to work together again. I will miss you and Angie.

Ossun family I love ALL of you!

Now for my family. Without these people our move really would not be happening.

This move is happening because my husband was blessed with a talent. God has made a great plan for him and this is just one part of the plan. Since I met Brady he has always talked about working for a big newspaper. I see this move as part of God's plan to get him to the BIG newspaper. Talent from God is what he has.

But, you see the plan started with his parents giving him life. They have worked hard these past few weeks to help us with the move. They have packed, cleaned, taken care of the kids, and repaired.I am grateful for all there help. I know this move is tough on them, but they are handling with awesomeness.

My brother, Tim, THANK YOU for helping us with some of the repairs. I hope this move makes us even closer. I'll miss you and I can't wait to see my little niece.

My brother,Justin- Thanks for offering to come help us move into the upstairs apartment in Pensacola. I appreciate it.

My mom and dad- Thanks for your help as well.

My boys- You poor darlings have been neglected these past few weeks and I am so sorry. I am sorry for yelling and fussing so much and for stupid stuff. I love you both and all I want is the best for you two. You two are my life now and I live it just for you! I know we will all have a great time living there.

If I missed you, it wasn't intentionally. There are so many people I would love to thank and hug. I hope if you are ever in Pensacola you look me up. I will always welcome everyone with open arms. I now bid goodbye to the lovely state of Louisiana. It will always be "HOME" but now I will visit when I need a fix.

Now I am in a "Sunshine State of mind!"

All too quickly!

Well looks like we are moving to Florida! Yeap, that's right, we will be Floridians! But, gosh this is happening all so quickly.

Big guy got the call with the offer. More money, Tuesday through Thursday home by 8, and off on Sunday and Mondays! He had to be told to sign the paper. I refused to let him pass up this chance. These people called him to work there, not him looking for the job. That folks in my opinion is a chance of a lifetime. Getting out of the humdrum lifestyle we are in and finally getting to spend time as a family.

I know our family is little saddened by this move, but to me this is the best thing to happen to us.

Family is pulling in to help us. Big guy's mom, dad, and brother have helped in many ways.. taking the kids, packing some boxes, hauling some boxes for storage, and just being there. My brother came today to help fix two light switches. FAMILY that is what it is all about.

I finally see what I want for my boys coming to life. I see my boys finally being able to have friends in the neighborhood. They get to experience the adventures of moving. I think this will help our kids.

But the move is happening so quickly. Big guy has to be there by August 8 and well I am having trouble getting a job because I don't have a Florida address. We have to get an address so we can register the kids for school. OHHH my... my head is spinnning just thinking about it.

We have been trying to purge and pack. It is happening (so I am told) but I am not seeing it. I feel there is still so much stuff we are keeping. UGHHH! Wish that darn money tree would grow so I could just move and get NEW stuff. But, yeah not that lucky.

I am excited and sad all at the same time. Sad as I box up the memories we made here, but happy cause we get to make new memories. There is only one being I owe thanks to for all this.. GOD! He has blessed my husband with a strong talent. This talent has opened a wonderful door for us to walk through. I am pretty sure He isn't going to make it easy for us, but I know that those crosses are so that I remember to keep God close. I am sure these past few days there was only one set of footsteps in the sand, but I know it is because God is carrying me. Thank you Lord for this blessing you are bestowing on me. I glorify your name and sing your praises.

God bless all my friends and family. You have helped me to become the person I am today. I cherish each of you dearly.

His message to me!

Woke up this morning with 20,000 things in my brain. I decided to sit quietly and do nothing. I got the urge to read in my bible. When I opened up I opened to Deuteronomy Chapter 31:6-- "Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God who marches with you; he will never fail or forsake you."

This was what I needed from my God. I needed it to be sent from HIM. Everyone has been telling me this since the whole things started. I believed it in my heart, but my head kept me from believing it completely. I need God to send me a sign. I feel more at peace after reading this.

Brady has his interview today at 1ish. I hope it goes well. This is when we will find out for certain that this will happen. Also when we finally get a sale on the house and I get a job.

Praying is all I can do now. Praying that everything falls into place. Praying we get the house fixed up as much as possible to be able to sell it. Praying praying praying.

But, somehow I think I am praying for the wrong things. I keep praying for money to fix up the house, I keep praying to sell the house. When I should be praying thanks for giving me a roof over my head and the job to make the money to pay for it and the few repairs we are making on it. I should be praying for the people who are unable to have the things I have because of lack of income or will to try.

I truly believe God will do His will! I need to remember that suffering is part of life and that Jesus suffered for me.

I need to stay positive and just let God do His will.

Now, I am off to have breakfast and get in my closet to rid myself of clothes and stuff I don't need. I will bring it to Goodwill in hopes that someone who is less fortunate will be able to use it.

God bless! May He continue to bless you in all the ways you need!

Changes and questions

Yes, I know I have not posted here in forever. Life is just too hectic to stop and smell the roses sometimes. But, today I decided I need to do just that. I need to get my thoughts and feelings out.

Things are happening right now in our little family that I am trying to put into perspective. Lil guy is starting pre-K this school year, Medium guy is going to second grade, and big guy just got offered a possible new job.

I am trying to get my p's and q's together cause this possible new job is in Florida. I have applied for my teaching certification there and applied in needed counties. (That is hard to type when you have been in parishes all your life.) I have been looking at schools' scores to see whether or not my children will have a good education. Also looking at housing, but that is not on the top of the list of things to do.

This possible change has me feeling weird. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. It is a change that I think will do my guys and me some good. If the hours big guy was quoted are true, this would be a BIG BIG BIG help in my happiness. I love having big guy around to help with the little guys. I also think it would take some of the negativity away from our lives. It is a something we need, but alas it may not happen.

See we bought a double wide mansion and placed it on a dump lot. The people who set up our mansion must not have been able to read cause they blocked it wrong so the mansion is NOT leveled. Of course the pieces that hold the home still are cemented into the ground and well It would be a headache to level oh and money! SO needless to say our home is not in the greatest shape.

We have been here for 8 years and well things are falling off. Big guy and I are planning on doing some of this work to replace, but things like a cracked bathtub, screwed up plumbing, unleveled doors and oh a dishwasher that cannot be fixed unless you tear apart the cabinet are wreaking havoc on us. Not to mention we are both not handy people. I am sure we can read a couple handyman for dummy books and figure it out, but we don't have time or that green stuff called money.

We would have to sell our house the way it is. YEAH RIGHT! I just don't see it happening. But, I will leave that to my best friend in Heaven. He will lead me to the right paths.

May be if I want this so badly, it will happen. Oh and I do want this so badly. I keep telling myself God will not lead to a path that He cannot get me through. My Faith and trust is in HIM!

So if you know a good, cheap handyman or woman who would like to help us out with these repairs or show us what to do, give us a holla!

You are ALL invited to PENSACOLA if we move! Just call before you come so we know to go buy food and sleeping bags. If we don't move y'all are still invited to visit, just give us a heads up so we can buy FOOD and figure out sleeping arrangements. We love company.

Nicole's kids

Really enjoyed photoing these three beautiful children. Loved the practice and hope they are liked. They were so awesome!

More of my photgraphy

These are of my one and only nephew, Hadlee. Oh I can squeeze him right now!

I KNOW, I KNow

It has been a very very very long time since I posted. Today, I am not writing a post about family life, but rather show off my work I did Thursday.
A friend of mine allowed me to photo her son to practice my photography hobby. I am posting some for you to see. This is Heath and we did his "senior pictures" in downtown Lafayette. I as well as his mom are impressed with the pictures. If you like and want me to photo your kid, so I can practice give me a shout out. Right now I am not charging. It's all for fun and practice.

Time to catch up!

Didn't realize my blog has been out of commision for so long. OK yeah I did, just never had the gumption to sit and write a blog. But, now I feel bad cause I didn't even post about our trip to Disney World.. which was great!
So I guess I will start there....

On July 11, 2009 at 1 AM we took off for Disney World. We figured we would get the kids in the car and they would sleep until we at least got to the beginning of Florida! Well we were wrong by about 2 hours. They woke up about an hour or so before we got into Florida. It was 5:30 AM we stopped for gas and a bathroom break and that was all it took to get sweet Logan into his I am awake and ready to play phase.
Brady decided to try to get some rest since he had been up since noon the previous day. I drove us all the way into Florida until it was time for a lunch break. We were about an hour or so away from Disney World when we stopped to eat lunch at the rest area.
When we drove into Disney.. the boys got excited and both Brady and I teared up. It was what we wanted for our boys and it was happening. We checked into our hotel...Pop Century 60's wing and got settled. Our park passes didn't go into effect until the next day so we just hung around the hotel.. and napped. We took the boys around the hotel to visit the different eras. Then we decided to take the boys swimming in the Hippy Dippy pool after we had pizza. If you really budget yourslef you can eat at Disney for cheap. We ordered a large pizza and an order of breadsticks for $20. We bought ourselves a souviner Disney mug that was refillable for our whole trip.. so this also helped on saving money. We swam and settled in for the night.
The next day we headed to our traditional first day park.. ANIMAL KINGDOM!! We were there for rope drop and it was phenomonal. We headed to Dinoland and was able to ride our first ride Triceratops Spin... not once but twice. We got off and got right back on. Then we headed over to Kali river Rapids which we rode 4 times in a row. Brady rode with Kaleb twice and then I rode with Kaleb twice. The ride kept us cooled down for most of the day. We made haste after Kali River Rapids and headed to the safari ride. It was awesome to see the boys' face as we witnessed sightings of so many exotic animals. Logan was thrilled as well as Kaleb. After the Safari we headed to Festival of the Lion King (my personal favorite). We were in the Lion section this time which the boys had fun roaring.
I'll finish later because the boys are ready for their naps!

I know, I know... why so long in between

Well to all my readers (how many of ya'll 2?) sorry my posting has been so far apart. Just hasn't been much to write about.
So let me see.... the last time I wrote was my first week off for summer vacation... Oh yeah I finally have a nephew! Hadlee Joseph Lyons was born on June 4th. He is a doll and a sweet baby!
On June 6th until June 10th we spent our time in Chauvin at Mom and Dad's. We had much fun. We took the boys to the zoo.. Oh wait no.. The zoo was CLOSED on a Monday.. So we headed to the Riverwalk and had lunch and then we walked the 5 blocks to the children's museum.
The boys really enjoyed the museum as well as Brady, my mom, and I. There was a part of the museum that mimicked the set of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. It was complete with the Trolley seat and the Land of Make Believe. It was a 30 something year old's childhood dream come true. We have pictures to show just how much fun was had by all!
Let me think about June... Oh we spent Father's day at Brady's mom and dad's watching the boys swim and play in their new but second hand clubhouse. We love when people with older kids get rid of their toys..especially big expensive play sets. The whole swimming experience lead to a discussion of my mother-in-law's friend's daughter having a huge pool for sale. My brother-in-law bought the pool and NOW the family has a pool that takes up just about all of my in-laws' backyard.
At the end of June I got to attend a family reunion and see cousins I haven't seen in over 15 years or so. It was nice to be reunited with them and to see my aunts and uncles. Not to mention I finally got to see my Nanny that I haven't seen in a good 6 or so months. It's really hard to visit with a two year old who is always on the run and can't leave momma's smell for too long. That same weekend I was able to visit with two of my real good friends. Laine, Toby, and I had a wonderful time catching up. We laughed and laughed.. and remembered just how funny Toby can be. Although our dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings in Houma was not the best our time together was awesome.
Friday, Brady helped his dad build the deck for the pool. They worked really hard whild Kaleb, Logan, and I swam... Well Logan really didn't swim much. But, yesterday.. we celebrated our independence a little late. I made a slow cooked roast beef, three pies, and shrimp wrapped in bacon for us to enjoy. We swam as a family and wore the kids out. It was mucho fun with the family.
Now the next two weeks are the weeks my husband, sons, and I have been waiting for... we leave for Disney World in 5 days! That's right Saturday we leave to hang with the Mouse, cross swords with Cap'n Jack, go on a safari in Africa, and travel the world in 1 day at probably 1 or 2 in the morning. Hopefully our trip isn't too bad. At least we got the DVD players to work again. I'll post pictures and a blog upon our return.
A few more weeks and I return back to the classroom. I am really excited and ready. Hopefully I get some planning done.
Ok going to let everyone's eyes get better and going to go clean before we leave. Everyone continue to be loved and to loved.. Smile because the world smiles with you!
Oh and Nanny I know you are reading this... I am doing much better! I figured out how to handle it! If it gets bad again I promise to do what you said! LOVE YOU!

I forgot a picture

Pictures of down the bayou!

The ups and downs of life

Excuse me if I ramble in this blog because I am not quite sure what I want to write about.
This week was my first week off from work. Though I have many more weeks of summer left I wanted it to be somewhat special for my little family. Brady was off Monday- Wednesday which is VERY VERY VERY rare. And we didn't do anything super special except for take a trip down the bayou.
On Monday we dodged rain storms and made our way to the mall. While there we visited the arcade. After 5 dollars in the arcade we walked the mall. It was pretty quiet for day that everyone usually has off. We then had dinner at Logan's Steakhouse and a trip tp the much dreaded Wal-Mart for Pull-ups. We had decided that this night was going to be Family Movie Night so we took advantage of the $1 RedBox. We rented a cute little movie named Bolt. We got home everyone got a bath and together as a family we watched Bolt. It was awesome and the kids sat entertained the whole time.
Tuesday we headed to my mom and dad's to spend some time with my grandmother. The following day she was having a valve replaced in her heart and she wanted to visit with her grandkids before the surgery. Visit with her grandkids she did. Brady, the boys, and I got there first. After being there 10 minutes my baby brother, his ever so pregnant wife, and my Godchild arrived. About 5 minutes after they arrived, my middle brother, his wife, and their 3 girls arrived. I think my grandma wanted to cry because we were all there..well excpet for my poor younger brother who had to work and was dying to be there. While MAw-Maw visited with my sisters-in-law and the newest baby girl in our family the rest of us headed outdoors with Paw-Paw and the kiddos. I had fun chasing the kids trying to get some good pictures of them all together. I got a few and then my little neices decided they would pose for me. I'll post some shot after I write my blog. We knew Maw-Maw had to be up early so we took our family party up the road to Mom and dad's house were we all ate dinner. Mom had not prepared for her whole brood and had to pull leftovers out the freezer.
Wednesday was a tough day in my life. The night before we had explained to Kaleb we were down the bayou so that momma could go to Maw Rene's surgery at the hospital and that he and Logan were staying at Maw-Maw Rita's with Daddy. HE replied with the most gut wrenching answer...Is Maw-Maw Rene going to Heaven? WOW! My child related hospital with death and I didn't even know what to say. We explained that it was just surgery and maw-maw would be fine. But, in my head I was thinking along the same lines as my son. WOuld she come out of this alive. She is a woman who has many allergies and has a hard time with medicines.
OK back to Wednesday.. I woke up at 3:30 AM to get ready to travel with my mom to the hospital to be there for who ever needed my shoulder to lean on. We walked into maw-maw's holding room about 3 minutes before they took her to the back. I got what I needed to give me the courage to make it through the operation---her smile. We walked out and began our wait. Memories flooded over me.. my dad had the exact same surgery and the thoughts of the wait and what we saw and heard after the surgery worried me. My dad hadn't seen himself after his surgery was he going to be able to handle seeing his mom this way. My aunt hadn't witnessed the traumatic experience either and i knew it would be hard on her. So I did what any normal worried granddaughter would do.. I tried to get every one to laugh. And I did get to look more at ease. I walked with my grandpa up and down the halls of the hospital making him laugh when I said "Paw, I'm not the young girl I use to be... My bladder doesn't hold well anymore.. I need to pee." My grandpa laughed so hard. I promised him he could buy me lunch in the hospital cafeteria later and he laughed again.
The best thing I witnessed while my grandma was in and coming out of surgery was the love my grandpa's family has for him and my grandma. While sitting there waiting for the surgery my grandpa's sister and her husband showed up and sat with us while we waited. So did one of my grandpa's younger brothers. It was great to see them there because it showed how much they cared and it showed that they realized how much my grandma loved them. All of my grandpas brothers and sisters showed up at the hospital. Only 2 could nto make it and one was because he was working and the other was because she just can't travel much anymore. But the LOVE and Respect for each other were there. They each shared our joy, our comfort, and our worries. That is what a true family does in these situtations.
I witnessed many things that day and one day I may share it with people. But I first want to share it with my grandma when she is ready to hear it. Right now I want her to recover well and continue to be our rock for our family.
Oh let me get to the Brady staying with the boys. He has the magic touch. Logan slept until 9 and Kaleb until 10 that day. I was back at my mom and dad's by 1.So Kuddos to my husband for doing such a fabulous job with the boys that day. He was very nervous about it. You did well darling.
We ended our mini vacation with a trip to Lakeside Mall to get our Disney gift Cards to spend in Disney World. That is right in 42 more days we will be leaving for Disney for a week. The boys are excited. They have been behaving very well this past week.
I really wanted to write about something else tonight, but the words just aren't coming to me the way I want it to read. I may write another blog this week.
I want to just take the time to Thank God for getting Maw-Maw through the surgery and a wonderful recovery, for guiding Brady when taking care of the boys and for letting him understand my need to be at the surgery. I want to thank my friend Gina for helping me out with my problem I was having. You hit the nail on the head and you gave me the guidance I needed. THANKS! I pray that Gina's baby goes through training well and he serves his country the best he can. Semper Fi Nolan!
I pray for Kami and Ken. My God bring you peace and guidance through this diffcult time. If not Kami, I will buy him a blow up doll and you can live with us.
Thank you Lord and thank you my family for being there for me!

Another chapter complete

August 2008
































May 2009











This week marked the end of another chapter in my life as well as another chapter in Kaleb's life.
I completed my 9th year of teaching and my first and last year of teaching 2nd grade. Kaleb completed pre-K. It was bumpy week with lots to do.
I had to pack up my classroom and move all my stuff I have accumulated in the last 9 years out of my small butler (portable) building into a huge classroom with extra storage room. I am in paradise again. Not only do I get to be back in the school building I also get to teach 5th grade AGAIN! Glory be and the SAINTS be PRAISED! I am overjoyed.
I also had to complete records for the end of the year. I was very proud of the fact that 3 sets of parents came to me and said THANKS for all you did for my child. I cried with one mom when she said she didn't quite know what I did for her son, but she said he has grown up more. She was very pleased and begged me to travel to 3rd grade and to keep following him until he was out of our school. I had a parent write a wonderful letter to our principal telling how much she was grateful for having me be her son's teacher and helping to get the help he needed for reading. These things make me feel good, but it's my job. That is what I am supposed to do as a teacher..help my students as best as I can.
Yes, I had cried many tears during this school year because my class was overwhelming, but I now know why I was put there. I honestly think I was there to handle some of these kids and to help them see that education can be fun. I asked my little second graders what did they enjoy the most about 2nd grade and their responses were not about recess and making friends. They enjoyed playing a math game called "squat" and doing learning contracts which was basically centers with fun activities and they go tot choose which they could do. THEY LOVED LEARNING!
I am glad I had that impact on these kids. I am so ready for next year. I have started mapping out my lessons and just can't wait to work alongside my 5th grade peeps again.
Today was bittersweet for me. I lost yet another dear person to me. No she didn't pass on, but she decided it was her time to put her teaching career to rest. I am honored that she confided in me about her choice. Asking me for prayer and guidance made me feel special. She was old enough to be my mom, but she is a dear friend. One of the few people in my teaching career I could count on to give me a shoulder lean, laugh, and cry on. I tend to gravitate to the wiser teachers. Once my first wiser teacher left me to lay her teaching career to rest, I was pulled to Mrs. Brenda. I shared my life stories with her. She was my rock when I was weak and tired at work. She pulled me through. She was joy to work with. My Priscilla has joined the ranks of many men and women who have given their lives to help young folk... and believe me this lady gave to these young folk. I am proud of her. She held strong 'til the end and I am glad she was sent her sign to put her at peace. (Stupid Math) Priscilla if you are reading this (because I know it is a challenge to figure out technology) thank you for being there for me! It was a pleasure to work alongside you during the toughest times. I am honored to have been the person you shared many things with. I miss you dearly, but heck I know where I can get my drink on!
Ok enough about me let me share my baby boy's milestones he reached this week. On Monday Kaleb completed his 1st year of school. On Tuesday we attended his Pre-K graduation. We laughed! We smiled! And I cried. I had many emotions going around my head. My baby boy is growing up! When his pre-K class sang Angels among us .. I cried. All I could think about was all his "angels" who are amongst him. And at that point my grandma made her presence known. I felt it. She was there and she was smiling ear to ear with me. She was hugging me and telling me he was going to do well. He definitely had one angel with him that day. I am so proud of my boy. He was disappointed to not have been chosen to be Crusader of the month, but I promised we would work on how to get that honor this summer.
He is a very determined little guy. His daddy took him bowling as a gift from us and when I got home from work he asked me to take his training wheels off his bike and help him learn to ride a two wheel bike. On the same day my baby became an offical Kindergartener he learned to ride a "big boy" bike. Man, these milestones are killing me. I just hope he slows down for a while.
This blog is horribly long and my eyes are puffy because of all the tears I just shedded. I am leaving some pictures to show KAleb's growth from the beginning of the school year to his graduation. Hope everyone enjoys there summer.

A new thing for me!

1st picture- Kaleb's homerun

2nd picture- Kaleb making friends with the other team.

3rd picture- And he swings with good form

4th picture- He actually caught the ball.

Kaleb chews on his glove the entire time he is out on the field.














Photo collage of my boys





















The many faces of Logan Timothy















Kaleb James my first born.









I have watched a few of my friends do this and I have also tried it last summer, but now I think I want to put this into effect at our home to see if it makes my life easier while working. I know I only have 2 weeks left of work, but maybe if I do it all summer I'll have it down by the time school starts in August and I can freeze Brady some little homemade TV dinners.
Ok OK I know ya'll are dying to know what it is... I decided to meal plan. Not every meal because breakfast and lunch are usually the same everyday, just dinner. The meal that is the most hectic and easily a takeout fast food meal. I think if I set the meal up and prep for it the night before I will be able to conquer this idea.
So I am starting Monday. Thought maybe if I post it.. I'll stick to it. So here is our menu for this week.
Monday- T-Ball game at 6 need something to pop in the oven and cook. So we are having Pigs-n- a- blanket with chips.
Tuesday- Chicken Helper Fettuchini
Wednesday- Ground meat spaghetti
Thursday- Baked fish and scalloped potatoes
Friday-- Tball game at 6:00 so we are having meatballs and mac and Cheese
Saturday- Crockpot chicken- Super super easy- probably corn on the side
Sunday- Tacos
I have almost all my ingredients for the week..with the exception of taco seasoning and shells for Sunday, but grocery shopping will happen on Saturday! This should also use up my meat in the freezer so I'll be looking at the weekly food ads for meat sales this week.
I'll probably end up using all my fish before I can get some more. Wish I had some shrimp to put in the freezer. May have to send in a call for some next week.
I am posting some pictures of Kaleb's t-ball career. He is liking it, but has anger issues when he gets out. Thank heavens it is almost over. Also posting some projects I have worked on.

New pictures of my boys

3 guys and a Girl - I realized I need to shed my pounds again.









The best picture we could get of the two boys together for Easter.