Long Weekend

We might not be the most exciting family, but we have fun where ever we go! From me making Utah make a normal face in a picture and not noticing his goofy sister making this silly face! Tod wearing Utah's glasses home from the gym.

I was bored and took this picture.
Tod said something VERY VERY VERY funny and Utah and Tuesday completely lost it! "I WANT A HAM BUR GER!"

New Hair!

These colors are exactly right.. not the best camera.. red, very blonde, honey color, and my dark hair.. fun color and cut...

Grateful Journal

I have spent a lot of time this week completely stressed out and focused on the outcome of some assessments and classroom management changes my team has made.. and I think I may have lost sight of all the things I am grateful for and all the things that make my life ROCK!

1. My family... obviously everyone lists this as one of the things they are grateful for.. but I have decided to be very specific.

Tod is the most generous, hard working, and kind man I could ever imagine spending my life with.. his daily effort to make sure the family is safe, happy, and balanced is tremendous and something I hope I never take for granted. I find such peace and joy in each day we spend together.. I love you.

Utah is such an awesome young man.. he is working hard at school, athletics, and he is respectful and well mannered (at least when I am watching :-))! He has made good friends at KMS and we are excited that this year is going to have such a positive impact on Utah and his future!

Tuesday being in Fayetteville has been AWESOME! She comes home and hangs out with us on the weekends.. spends time with the little brother. She works hard at two jobs, saves money, has great friends, and makes sure she is always connected to her family. She is open and honest about her choices and decisions. We are so thankful and proud!

Hannah is SOOO far away and we miss her deeply. We want her happiness and hope that in the months to come she finds her way to the place she wants to be to begin working on her future. We are proud of her recent effort to save money, live on a budget, and start making long-term plans for her education. We wish she was closer to home.. but her happiness is more important than our wishes!

2. My job... I LOVE my job. I am so blessed to be at KMS and have such a hard working co-teacher. Karen has phenomenal ideas.. is open to new ideas.. and is willing to do whatever it takes to make a difference for the child as a whole. Our focus is on academics, of course, but as we work with these students and make connections, we realize that there is more to them than a student and reaching diverse aspects of a students life is a tremendous strategy to guide a student to success.

Also, the support system at KMS is exceptional. This being my second year at KMS, I am still learning the middle school model as it applies to Kirksey students. The team across the hall (Wildcats) has been willing to listen and guide as we have faced challenges unique to being such a small team. I am frequently found in the hall asking for direction from Teresa and Julia when faced with a student's behavior or classroom challenge that is new to me. Thanks ladies!

These ladies also put up with my son and his friends coming to my classroom after school each day to get a snack before practice. Utah seldom comes to see his mom and I love it when he does.. and each teacher seems to understand how important this year is to me and my relationship with my son. You are the best, KMS!

3. My friends.. wow, you listen and listen and listen... you rock... Jan, you are a prayer warrior that I cannot imagine my life without the blessing of your friendship, laugh, and prayer. Sarah.. you trust my judgement, listen, and discuss with me things that most people consider 'off limits' in friendship. Amy.. my goodness, I miss you and it was awesome seeing you this weekend! Elizabeth.. you are a true friend that I enjoy spending time with, sharing ideas with, and laughing... thank you for sharing Emmet with us! Vicki - we have missed you and am thrilled to get to see you more often now!

I have made so many new friends this year with Utah transferring to Kirksey... you guys ROCK! Thank you for opening your heart to a newcomer!

4. My extended family.. you guys are so far away.. but only a phone call away. I look forward to the upcoming deer season and spending time with each of you! Utah is so excited about getting his deer rifle ready for deer season... see you soon! We have to get that hitch on the truck before we leave, though!

5. Our health.. our healing.. our safety.. our peace... our sacrifice.. our role models.. our security.. so much to be grateful for... God is GREAT!

Hubb is a dork!

This was the silliest picture of Hubb ever... he was sound asleep, snoring like an old man, and his tongue was hanging out of his mouth. What a goober! He is so silly! He is 6 months old, barely, and is at least 80 lbs. He wouldn't hold still at the groomer Saturday to get weighed.. so it is an approximation!

Things are busy as ever around here right now... teaching on a two person team has been awesome and I couldn't have a better team teacher. We have gotten three new students this week and it has really changed the dynamics of our team (in an great way) and we are adjusting our blocks and plans to fit the new students needs. Teaching on a two person team also has some significant challenges.. though we only have 46 students.. we only have two people on the team and we still have to plan for the same events. We are working on our awards assembly and it is a lot more work with only two teachers involved in the details. We are both also planning for three subjects while working on several committees. We also have three subjects each to plan for... so.. it is a little stressful, but I am loving it at the same time.

Utah is loving Kirksey. He is back with his friends and really has exceptional teachers. He works hard in his classes and is doing very well in each subject. The culture at KMS is truly a blessing to our entire family. We are very hopeful that we can continue the blessing next year and have Utah stay with his friends at RHS. We know this is going to be a challenge for our family, but we know that if it is God's will, the challenge will work itself out without us trying to be in control. It is difficult for me to let go and let God.. but this is a good example of me learning to allow God to be in control. We fought so hard to get a house in a specific district and then everything changes.... such is life... we need prayer on this one...

We are only 7 weeks from our vacation to the Mayan Riviera... we are excited, though I am sad Tod isn't coming with us for this trip.. but we are blessed that he wants us to be able to go and enjoy ourselves. I feel a little guilty spending the money now that it is all said and done... but know that the time with Tuesday and Utah will be precious and irreplaceable.. we will miss Hannah, though.

Hubb starts his obedience classes this month.. thank goodness... he is quite obnoxious these days! We have found ways to spend more time with him and have him in his house less often each day... but he is still a giant 6 month old puppy who wants to run and play... even if he is inside!

Happy Birthday Sarah! Happy Birthday Wes!

We are blessed....