Friday, January 30, 2015

So Long January

Well, it's almost the end of January. I can't believe it has went by SOO fast.
 
Yesterday seriously felt like Christmas. Now, it's February.
 
Take time to slow down.
 
I think that is why God gives us sickness in the winter months. We have to slow down. But now, I am really praying "God, we've had enough sickness. Please help us stay healthy."
 
We have caught every bug in town. I think if there ever was a down side to being a stay at home mom while your children were babies it is that when they get to school, they will be sick. A lot!
 
 
We have played a lot of puzzles, read a lot of books, and got many ideas from HGTV.
 
We have had a few snow days. We were well enough to go outside and play. I stayed on the porch and kept the house warm, and made the hot cocoa. Lots of marshmallows go with it :)

 
Karson is such a wonderful helper. We have taken our HGTV ideas and put them to good use. I love the show Fixer Upper and have used the ideas for our home. I love new rugs. The really brighten up the room.


 
We had a one on one time one weekend this month. We went house decoration shopping, and to a hot dog stand.




My parents have a hot tub in their sun room. It is nice entertainment for the boys in the winter months. They enjoy a nice long soak. 


Of course we have to keep up with our duties around the home. Chicken catching and feeding is one of them. 

Kipton loves the chickens. He is very good with them as you can see. 




Hope your staying healthy and that February is good to you!


Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Celebrating the 100th Day of School

The 100th day of School came fast this year because of an early school year (August 5th), and no snowy days. The big day was on Tuesday: January 20th, 2015.
 
The weekend before, Karson and I began on his 100th day of school project. Each child was to bring a poster that had 100 objects on it. It was very fun to do with my own child :)
 
 
He LOVES his teacher this year. He wanted to do something about fishing at first, but changed his mind when he saw all of the Valentine's materials at Hobby Lobby. He wanted to do hearts for his teacher. Kevin said that wasn't very "boyish", but that is what Karson had in his heart.
 
It turned out pretty cute!
 
I have bragged on Karson, and I won't spare you it all but he has SOARED through Kindergarten. Not a single complaint, or bad day has come his way. This has been a HUGE difference from preschool. He had a hard time with separating from mom and brother most days. I would cry and pray to God that he would change. God didn't want to change Karson until he was ready. He did change, in his time. With God's help, he changed and realized Mom will never forget him and will always come back to pick him up.

 
Karson made a 100 hat at school. He is always so nice to share with little brother. I really pray for Kipton for next year. He will be going to Kindergarten, and boy do I pray. Hard and clear for God to hear my prayer.

Karson at school with his poster. 

I actually missed the 100th day of school at the school I am teaching at. My whole family had the stomach bug 2 days prior and my turn fell on the 100th day. I was so bummed to miss it, but when I returned I got some pictures of the kiddos with their posters. 

Here is one. 

In my class we have been working on addition and this was a fun activity. Counting with marshmallows on hot cocoa cups. They really enjoyed it! My students have come a long way since August! I am so proud of them. 



Hope your 100th day was special and your schooling is going well. Whether it's in public school, or homeschool it's all in the best for the kids. 

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Going back to Teaching Full-Time

I haven't wrote on how I've went back to teaching school full-time this year. Of course, it's been quite the change from being a stay at home mom for the past five years, but I've learned it's a good change.

Days are not what they used to be. I don't have small babies anymore.....sighhh. 

The boys are now 5 and 4 and while that's still young, they are both in school. I prayed and prayed about when I should go back to work, and GOD really put this opportunity right in front of me. 

I always thought I would still stay home while they were in school, but it's just not meant for our family anymore. My time is up. I'm ok with that. It's part of life, and it's been a good change for us all. 

Here are a few glimpses into my day. Friday's always look like this! Getting ready for the next week of Kindergarten. I really enjoy my students and I have a small class of 10 this year. 


Once I figure out how to "blank" the faces out of my students, I will post some pictures of activities we have done and learning we have accomplished. I know I wouldn't want pictures of my own boys on the internet, unless they were being posted by me so I want to give that same safety to my student's parents. 

One thing I find strange, is that ALL kids LOVE these Yoohoo drinks. I had really never heard of them before. In Kindergarten you have snack time everyday before going home, and most kids bring these as their snack drink. I have never tasted one, and just can't bring myself to. Kevin said they are great, but only in the glass bottle. Who knew??


For Christmas, Kevin got me a new printer and laminator. I have had fun with it! Pretty dorky, I know.



Kindergarten is much more than just  letters, numbers, and teaching children to read. It's learning how to be a civilized, well mannered citizen. For some kids, this comes easy and for others, well not so much. Lots and lots of training! :) I am really enjoying it, and look forward to what GOD brings me next year. 

Let me know if you are a teacher, and any advice you have for me going back into the teaching workforce :)

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Goodbye 2014

Wow, where to start? I had a post typed about half way through remembering month by month the year of 2014 for our family. 

However, I realized many things while writing. There was way more good than bad. Most of it is boring to most of you, and there are some things that happened that I really don't want to be thrown around on the internet. 

It was a good year. 
It was a HARD year. 

But, in the end it was a blessed year. We all survived. We are all together. 
We came closer to Jesus. Period. That's what is most important. 

Does it matter that Karson cried almost all of his 4 year old year at preschool when being dropped off? Nope.

Does it matter that Kevin got laid off for a month, and I was worried sick? Nope.

Does it matter that "mommy should stay home" got changed this year? Nope.

But, what does matter is that our oldest son came to accept Jesus into his heart and that brought us all to realize that we needed to be baptized along with him and take the first step in obedience towards what God says. 

That's what matters. 

I am thankful. So thankful. 

Happy New Year!

Theme Song of 2015