School Bells Ring

Okay I've been terrible at updating my blog. The last time I wrote, it was cold outside. I'm ready for that cold weather to return! I will say that the Texas heat wasn't near as bad this year as it usually is. I am thankful for that. We spent most of June at the pool. By mid July we were wanting to do more fun things. Landry did learn how to swim this summer. That was a huge accomplishment! We went to Sea World for our first ever family vacation. I think it was great (other than the 100 degree weather!) We also visited some family that live close to San Antonio. I think the kids had just as much fun at their house feeding the cows and catching grasshoppers as the had at Sea World. We missed Uncle Jakie this summer. He landed a summer internship in Austin. We were able to visit him on the way to Sea World. The kids sure did miss him!

Before we knew it summer was over! About a week and a half before I had to go back to school for staff development, I started to get a head start on unpacking my new room. Our principal made some changes and had me move two doors down. I spent two days (not really a full two days because my children wouldn't stay up there that long) putting things up on walls, unpacking some boxes. Friday after I left, my principal called and asked if I wanted to teach 3rd grade. I've taught 1st for 5 years! I know how to teach 1st. I'm comfortable teaching first! But I decided to stop outside the box and tell her I was up for a challenge! And it has been a CHALLENGE! They are much more independent but still loving (at times). Most of them can read. The ones who need extra help have already been identified and are getting help (that was a huge struggle in 1st grade!) However, the pressure is OVERWHELMING! I have 20 kids who HAVE  to pass the Starr test whether they are good test takers or not. The state of Texas has decided to attach test scores to teachers' teaching certificates. I want so badly for these kids to be successful. I'm continually working towards figuring out how to get through to them. I could go on and on but I will just say that I definitely have my work cut out for me this year! I sort of feel like a new teacher again.

Colt started the employee preschool program at a school that is less than a mile from my school. Landry is still at the daycare in Forney. Jared has started sharing the morning responsibilities with me by taking Landry to school and I take Colt with me. So far Colt has gotten two sad faces at school for not keeping his hands to himself. But it's been two weeks since hes gotten a sad face so hopefully the punishment worked. Colt turned 5 and Landry will be 3 next week. Time sure flies by. Landry is definitely my challenging child to say the least. She pushes everything to the limit (including her mama and daddy!) But she is just so stinkin cute, I can't ever get too upset with her.

These pictures are in no particular order

Sunday brunch with the family

First day of Pre-School

feeding the ducks

Cool kid in the pool

Someone found a baby frog

Taking a ride on a trailer with some friends

We're at Sea World

Brave boy about to ride a water roller coaster

Awesome dolphin show

They were amused!

Landry's first roller coaster

Colt finally was convinced he could hold a grasshopper w/out it hurting him

swimming with daddy

Our Sunday best

lunch at memaw and pepaws

Birthday boy

Birthday boy with Chuck E Cheese

Oh, one more important detail, Jared and I started attending a new church. We have really enjoyed it. It's a little different than what we are used to but they have an excellent children's program which is so very important to us. I'm sure I've left out some details but duty calls. It's the kids bedtime. The older they get, the more I realize how much I appreciate their bedtime. Colt loves to say a prayer with us every night and now Landry is starting to want to pray too. The quietness in the house when they're both asleep  is pretty great too. :)

Spring is here!!!

Well, Jared and I are really enjoying life. Sometimes I feel like I'm too lucky because God has blessed us so much. Other than my kids driving me crazy sometimes.... or most of the time... I think we are so very lucky to have what God has given us.
We just finished Spring Break. I have to admit that in the past, I was desperate to go back to school because my 1st graders were a whole lot easier to handle than my own kids! I know it sounds crazy, but it's true! BUT I can say that this was not the case this week as I was coming back to school. I love my job but my kids were so much fun last week. I think since Landry is getting older, it's easier for us to do fun things. This was our week

Monday we went to the zoo. When we got there, it was 46 degrees! Very cold!! But it warmed up and turned out to be a beautiful day. I had some helpers too. My niece, nephew and one of their friends joined us.

 We got to feed the giraffes! Colt was a champ. Landry was a little unsure

 Here's the whole crew looking at the penguins. Too cold for me!

 Colt is being eaten by an alligator!

 My son cannot take a serious picture! He's always a goofball!

 We were riding the train. They were both amazed.

 My monkey

 She was looking at a huge snake!

 They all got into a twister machine. It blows wind hard enough to make you feel like you're in a twister.

 Petting the goats

 CHEESE!!!

Landry got up close and personal with the goat

 Tuesday was my birthday so I dropped the kids off with my niece and got a massage,, manicure and pedicure. So I don't have many pictures from Tuesday. This is Landry saying she's taking a nap while we were at Colt's practice. It was a little chilly and below is just a picture of my precious kiddos. My mom just got this outfit for Landry. Super cute!
 Wednesday we went to the Kylde Warren park that they just  built in Dallas. It's on top of 75 across from the museum.  I wasn't too impressed. They only had this one piece of playground equipment and it was a little dangerous. Landry got so high she was out of my reach! They did have food trucks that were really good (but too expensive)

  Thursday, we all went to the dentist. Landry was concerned for her brother but Colt did so good. This is his 3rd time going to the dentist and he's always such a pro. Landry will have her turn at the end of this year when she turns 3.

We also had to figure out how to waste some time cause Luke and Lex  both had an appt too so we found a park nearby

 Friday night we went to our favorite Mexican Restaurant. Of course, daddy always sits by Colt. He's not near as messy as a certain someone else. :)

 Saturday we spent the day trying to fix up our flower garden and finished the day at the park. We've never put much work into our flower bed. But I wanted to make an effort this year. IT really is a huge EFFORT! We spend all day getting grass and weeds out of the flower bed. I planted marigolds, salvias that were already grown. I also planted some iris bulbs and some morning glories. I'm anxious for everything to bloom. Sunday we started the garden in the back. Last year, we did okra. This year we're going to try peppers and okra. Jake has also been growing some squash for one of his classes. He'll bring that home soon. There's such a sense of pride in growing your own food. Hopefully the Texas heat will allow some good produce this year!

This isn't really before. This is after all the grass and weeds were out. Also  Jared trimmed up the bushes.

This isn't really a good finished product. We got a medal gate with a star on it for decoration. I can't wait to see what it all looks like when the iris's come in and the morning glories wrap themselves around the gate.

Well, this is kind of a long story. Colt had been getting in trouble at school for playing too rough with his friends. So memaw got him a surprise but couldn't give it to him if he kept getting in trouble.So he had to have 5 consecutive days at school without getting in trouble. He finally earned his prize which is a spider man sleeping bag. He loved it!

Date night for Valentines

Colt started tball. He's only had one practice but has another one this morning. We can't wait for the games to begin!

My sweet girl. This is actually a video but it only posted the pic I'll try to post the actual video. Hilarious!

I took Colt with me to my hair appt so he could get his hair cut.

This is what Colt looks like when he chooses his own clothes

For the most part, out life has been pretty uneventful (which we like). Landry has been sick a few times but nothing terrible. Maybe she's finally outgrowing getting pneumonia all the time (knock on wood). I actually have 2 1/2 sick days left at school. This is my 5th year teaching and I don't think I've ever had any left after Christmas. I might actually take a day for myself in the Spring!
Jared's loving his job. He's not driving anymore (thank goodness). He's managing the shop. He sent me an email the other day just to say "look, I have my own work email like a real grown-up" HAHA. If you know my husband, you know he's really enjoying 'being in control' of the shop. My job is great. I guess I don't have to keep it a secret anymore. I'll be moving to a different grade next year. I'm not sure what grade but either 4th or 5th. I'm really excited but very nervous! I've spent the last 4 years teaching letters and sounds. Now, I'm afraid I'll have to reteach myself what 4th and 5th graders learn before I can teach it. But I'm ready for the challenge and new adventure. I'll graduate in December with my masters in curriculum and instruction. Not sure what I can do with that but for now, I'm going to stay in the classroom. So that's about it for the Crafts for now.