Looking at the Calendar

I looked at the calendar and realized that I am a very bad blogger as I last posted in June and now it's ALMOST JULY!

Can we say busy?

Yes we can!

This has been a very busy summer!

So Far this summer:

The kids have gone camping twice.  Jaron caught 1 fish, Janea 3 fish.  They had a great time with their grandparents and I am grateful for the time they have with them.

The Firstborn well, she is now officially a TEENAGER!  I am not old enough to have a teenager!  I can't believe how mature and awesome she is and I am looking forward to seeing how she will grow and change.

Dan and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary by going out for a steak dinner and seeing Monster's University without the kids.!  It's amazing how far we have come in our marriage and seeing how much better friends and partners we are as the years go by.

We spent the 4th with friends and had fun lighting off fireworks and such, Jayden isn't a huge fan of the noise though.

Jayden has moved into pullups and we are beginning the potty training process.

School starts for me the 5th but for the big kids on the 15th.  So we are gearing up for the new school year and hoping we get everything done!

It's a crazy life, but it's mine!

A Month of "Mayhem"

Anyone else feel like the month of May is moving too fast?

It's only the 7th and I already feel like it should be over.

May is important in our family for many different reasons but this May is extra hectic....so far this month this has happened.

May 2-3:  "I HATE SHAKESPEARE"--Janea was in her first school production as a middle -school student.  She did a great job!  I am one proud Mama and look forward to supporting her through many more productions!

May 3-5  Fishing with Grandma and Grandpa!  We went down for Kids Fishing Day at Bennett Spring...love this place but it was COLD!  We got a record snow in May here in the great midwest!  Usually the first of May is warm and nice...this weekend not so much but we still had a great time and the kids enjoyed fishing, feeding the fish and hanging out with their grandparents~

May 4th was also a big day as my wonderful parents celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary!  I pray that Dan and I are able to have as productive a marriage as my parents have!

May 6th--Beautiful weather returned and we decided to enjoy an evening at the park.  Jayden loves the park!  As we were going I remembered that our church had a fundraiser for our Mexico team at Burger King...so we went and supported them and I didn't have to cook.

This week has brought Wax Museum of Famous Missourians for Jaron and he dressed up and did a speech on Walter Elias Disney for his Famous Missourian.

Janea is finishing up her Map Testing and working on finishing the school year with many research projects.

Wednesday is AWANA awards night for Jaron

Thursday is Dan's birthday and Muffins with Mom for me and Jayden at our school.

The weekend ahead is full of Mother's Day and Calvary's commencement for my parents....and until school's out I don't think we get to have a breather as we have upcoming meetings and inductions into NJHS for Janea!

Thankful for a busy month and enjoyable things!

BUSY

So I am  busy right now.

Super Busy...you know the kind, lots of stuff going on, lots of programs for the kids, lots of places to go, lots to do...BUSY.

I'm rushing here, I'm trying to do this, I'm trying to finish that, I'm going so fast I don't know if I am coming or going.  I'm BUSY.   And it's not the good kind of busy...some of it is, other is not.

I've got stuff for my class at my school:

• Mother's Day Projects
• Finishing Portfolios
• Finishing Lesson Plans
• Finalizing Summer Stuff
• Keeping up the the Schedule
• Parent Teacher Conferences

I've got stuff for the Big kids

• Janea's in drama, so that means play practice, chauffeuring her to rehearsals, late pickups from school, Saturday workdays
• Jaron will have a 504 meeting for some issues he is having and that means taking time off work and finding childcare
• Youth Group
• Last nights at Awana
• Going on a weekend with Grandma and Grandpa
• Projects, Map Testing and Finals

I've got stuff with Jayden

• Muffins with Mom
• Parkwood Sunday
• Well baby checkups and special outings to the park

I need time with the hubby but we are currently juggling all the little stuff.

It's busy...and I feel like I am failing.

But I'm not,

I'm making the time, I'm trying to meet the needs of the family.

I'm a little stressed but I am trying to prioritze and make sure that the important stuff gets done, that I am meeting all the needs of the emotions and not just focusing on the checklist.  It's hard, but I am doing it.

So we are Busy...and we will make it to SUMMER!!!  Only a few weeks left!

Busyness and other whatnot

So here it has been about 2 weeks and I have fallen off the blog wagon...but not really.  See I've wanted to blog, had some posts in my head but honestly, we have been soooo busy this month!

So here's an update:

I turned 36 on the 6th...yes, 36...and I am old.  This birthday has been rather hard and I really don't like that I am now closer to 40 than 30 and it's mind boggling how old I am.  Dan and the kids took me out for dinner on my birthday and my folks had the kids and I over on the day after my birthday.  

Dan and I decided it was time to get me a new camera for my birthday!  HOORAY!  My other camera wasn't closing in the battery hatch and so I downsized to a small compact point and shoot with more features than my other one and better resolution.  I love getting to play with my new toy!

Friday the 8th Janea had a debate tournament at her school.  They were hosting so judges were needed.  I went to the evening session and judged storytelling and I enjoyed it very much, The firstborn and I didn't get home until rather late though and so the next morning was very tiring as the toddler decided to get up at his normal time!

 On the 9th we had AWANA Grand Prix...and Jaron raced his car...didn't place well but that's okay. Janea and Dan stayed home with Jayden since he and the car race wouldn't have been a good fit.

Sunday the 10th Dan and I got to go to the Matinee performance of Calvary Bible College's Seussical.  It was a lot of fun and nice to be out together without the kids.

 This week was weather week in my classroom and on Monday night I made Rainbow stew for Rainbow day.  The toddler decided that he needed to try it out for me and pose for the camera at the same time

The toddler is fascinated by all things big kid and this week he also decided that he needed to do homework with his brother.  

  

I can't believe my baby is going to be 2 in just under a month.  It's been a crazy busy month and it isn't slowing down at all...but that's a snapshot of my life right now!

The Art of a Deal

I'm working on having the big kids help more around the house. 

I'm offering not only to pay them but also I'm negotiating with them.  That really is working for the 10 year old...I mean, he is setting tables with me not even having to ask right now...I'm hoping this lasts!

I'm offering trades...one of the chores they don't like for something that I do...an even exchange as it were.  

The firstborn hates....I mean HATES....to load and unload the dishwasher...I don't get it...I used to wash all the dishes by HAND...she has it easy peasy lemon squeezy compared to my time.  I don't mind that...but I hate doing other things...so I have offered her a trade.  She picks one of my chores and does it willingly in exchange for me not having her load and unload the dishwasher!  

I'm hoping it works...she is still thinking about her trade item.  We will see what happens.  If this works I may negotiate for other items.  

I want them to help but I am tired of nagging them...hopefully this will make it easier for everyone.

Stressful September

Can you believe it's been a month since I last posted?

I can't....I've been so super busy and this honestly been unable to find a good time to sit and update.  Jayden is in bed early so I can post.

Kids:

Janea., where to start?  Busy with school and all the craziness that goes along with the 7th grade.  I am not ready to have a child in the throes of teenagedom....it's a challenge and a blessing all wrapped into one.  It's crazy how much life changes from 6th grade to 7th grade.  We also have a bunch of youth group fun added and now it seems like life is hitting with both barrels all the time.  She is also a super big help with her younger brother and Dan and I have started to be able to go out and leave Jayden with her(locally of course) and gets some alone time.

Jaron...he turns 10 in less than a month!  What is this...can't believe how old he is and how he is also maturing.  We are in 4th grade, great at math, getting better at language arts and enjoying life.  We are working on finding not electronic ways to entertain ourselves.!

Jayden...17 months of energy, spitfireness and busyness.  He is learning new words and songs, really enjoying school and thinks his Daddy hung the moon!

Parents:

Dan is busy with work and working on some new and exciting endeavors.  That's all I can say right now.

I've been super busy at work and dealing with craziness of all sorts.  I have a really great class but we are struggling with some challenges, and I dealt with a HORRIBLE coworker for 3 weeks.  Things have gotten better since the coworker has been let go, but life is just generally busy and I am struggling with understanding how to balance home life, and work in a toddler friendly manner!

Busy Boy

Jayden loves to help in the kitchen and be doing whatever I am doing.  One night as I was cleaning the kitchen he was simply in the way and so I decided he needed to be kept occupied.  I filled up the sink with warm soapy water, filled it with containers he could pour and dump and let him have at it.  Kept him occupied for at least half an hour and I was able to finish what I was doing! 

Where does time go?

I can't believe it is almost the end of August already! 

We've  been so busy this month that I am just now getting caught up with blogging.  So I will write a few posts tonight and then post all at once!

What? Really?? Am I that Late???

So I decided to take a peek here on the old blog and realized that I haven't posted anything in the month of April...lots has happened and I have recorded nothing....nada, not a letter, comma or anything...so if anyone is still reading this....here's a little bit going on with us.

Saw the HUNGER GAMES movie and I was very pleased with it...sat in the 2nd row and got a neck cramp but other than that I really enjoyed the movie.

Easter Weekend...Birthday weekend.  My sister and Jayden share a birthday and so we had a super busy weekend.  Friday we had the day off for Good Friday and so my mother, Janea, Jayden and I went to get her a dress for the Spring Masquerade Banquet that Calvary was having...then we went back to Grandma's to dye eggs.  Saturday the big kids got to go to the Kaufmen Center and see Narnia the Musical and then everyone came over to my house to celebrate Jayden's and Wendy's birthdays.  Complete with cake, icecream and a yummy bbq dinner!  Then on Sunday the whole family was over again to celebrate that Christ is Risen!  It was a  busy and full weekend.

Jayden is now one and not quite walking.  He's still rather chicken to try and take steps but we are making progress as he did walk 3 or 4 last night to get to his water table.  My parents got him this AWESOME water table for his birthday and since it's still too cold for waterplay we have legos and other toys in it and it's a great height for him to pull up on and work in.  He also got 2 toy cell phones that he really enjoys playing with.

I have lots of pictures but I am currently not on my personal computer so I will have to wait on them.

Well, that's a little bit going on with us...hopefully I will post sooner rather than later...

Time is slipping away!

I can't believe that March is almost over!

I've turned 35 this month, my baby is almost a year old and walking! 

Life is just moving so fast!

What....February is over on Wednesday???

I've been meaning to post...really I have.  However the timing of said posts have not been working and I just realized it will be March before I post my February stuff unless I sit down and blog.  So I will be posting a lot of quick posts today and hopefully when I look back on the year I won't be so behind in what I am thinking and doing!

What a Week

I have had a VERY long week for different reasons.  It's not necessarily been a bad week but a very long one.

Monday:
Today was more stressful than normal because a coworker lost her job today.  It was the right move for our school and it was deserved but it's always stressful knowing something is coming and then seeing it play out.  Then you also have the added stress of how that person is going to react to the news.  I hope that it continues to be a good and easy transition. 

Tuesday:
We had a good day in my class, the kids had a good day at school, we had an okay dinner, life was normal till around 6:30...then I started feeling bad.  Very thankful Jayden went down for a nap easily and slept okay. Momma was definitely not up to snuff.

Wednesday:
I woke up feeling AWFUL.  Wednesday is also my highest number day at school and knowing this I made an attempt to go to work.  My bosses could totally see I wasnt' feeling good and they let me go home early.  I got home around 1:00 and after eating some lunch I slept for the entire afternoon.  I was so thankful for rest, for a great babysitter to watch Jayden, and then for AWANA that night for the big kids.  I was able to rest and start to feeling better.

Thursday:
My day was fine...but yet again I inserted my foot in my mouth in regards to my feelings.  Dan doesn't react well to things that I say sometimes and I made a statement that he didn't find good and it made for a stressful evening betweent he two of us.  Marriage can be so hard sometimes.  I am thankful that we have worked through it but I hate that feeling when we are in the middle of it all.

Friday:
Long day at work...due to rain!  It rained all day long!  Rainy days when your stuck inside is more challenging especially with a lot of boys in the classroom.  Dan also had a more stressful commute since he took the van and the van's windshield wipers don't always work and he wanted me to be safe.  Once he got home we all went out for dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings and boy was it a nice meal together without anyone having to cook.  Another bonus--PAYDAY!!! 

The weekend is full of birthday's, friends, family and hopefully I will get all the laundry done too.

What???

Really, it's the 28th of the month already and I am so behind on blogging.

I think that working, having a small baby and busy big kids have made for me not getting on the computer as much.

Hopefully I can update soon.

I really haven't forgotten, I promise!

January is Flying By

Wow!  It's been crazy around here.

Life is moving rapidly and I feel like I am constantly playing catchup.

Jayden turned 9 months old on Tuesday and I tried to take his picture with his bear but it didn't happen.  He was cranky and disagreeable so we will try again hopefully this weekend.

Work is going good, the kiddos are back in school and Janea hasn't gotten the chickenpox.  Dan is busy, I am busy and on top of everything I am taking a class for work online and it's good but makes for busy days.

Looking forward to a three day weekend and getting things put away and organized around her. 

As I said...it's a busy crazy life....thankful for my life but sometimes it moves faster than me.

What's up with the Jonathan's???

So what has been happening with us this month you may be asking...Where has Erin been and why isn't she posting???  Well, I've been a little bit busy....and here is a short rundown of our busy life!

December is a super busy month full of rehearsals for programs at church!  I was privileged to sing in our church choir and our annual cantata was December 11th!  It went very well!  I was very happy to sing!  That same afternoon we got to go see SEUSSICAL the Musical thanks to cheaper tickets through my school!  It was a great show and the big kids, Dan and I enjoyed it very much(even though we had to sit on the floor)

Thursday the 15th I noticed that Jayden had woken up with a few spots, I thought he might be having an allergic reaction from something he ate and so I took him to the babysitter and I thought nothing of it....well, that afternoon he started running a fever and low and behold he had the CHICKENPOX!!!!  Where he got them I don't know!  So I spent some time at home taking care of a cranky baby and doing my best to keep him comfortable!

Sunday the 18th was the kids program Sunday Night at church!  They did a great job!  I totally enjoyed it and was very proud of both of them!

Last week was full of Christmas parties at school, last minute of shopping, my work holiday party and lots of busyness!  It was a crazy week!

This week is going to be spent cleaning house, getting some new routines into place and enjoying my week off work!  I am thankful to have a Christmas break again and getting to spend time at home with the big kids!  It's going to be a good week!

Gotta Post

I'm so behind in my posting!

I have lots to update on and I need to change the blog for winter but life has been crazy and hectic and busy and I haven't had time.

Jayden is sick tonight and we will be staying home together tomorrow so hopefully I will have some time to post again...

We are still here...just super BUSY! 

Someone Stop this Crazy Thing

Just realized that I hadn't posted since before Jaron's birthday so I will be posting a lot of new posts catching everyone up on our life.  I sometimes feel like George Jetson...."Jane Stop this Crazy Thing."

ugh...ugh...ugh...

that's me grunting like a caveman.

I was up for about 2 hours last night with gastrointestinal distress.

I was glad when it passed.

I did get some sleep but I am quite tired this morning.

On a completely different note...
my oldest and youngest seemed to switch places this morning.
Janea was all about getting up and ready and Jaron was being a little slothlike this morning...usually it's the other way around.

I just realized Jaron really isn't the youngest anymore...I'll have to find something different to call him...

Went shopping online for baby bedding...it's stinkin expensive! I don't know what we are going to do...I just know I am not spending a ton on bedding that the kid probably won't even appreciate....just so I can have a cute room for him.

We think we have a name...and I am being outvoted...the kids LOVE it...Dan likes it and I guess I will have to get used to it...Janea and Jaron are already calling him by this name so I guess that's that!

Dan's been sick all weekend...he's been like a hibernating bear...staying indoors, grunting alot, sneezing and coughing...I feel bad for him...he's been kinda out of it this weekend. He's off to work today and I hope he feels okay.

Jaron's better...just a virus I guess...but he did enjoy getting to go to my sonogram with me and my Mom.

Well, the baby is kicking and I just realized I gotta get my lunch ready for work...off I go...

Over Already???

Is the weekend already over?

Weekends are never long enough...especially when they are full and busy!

Saturday:
I had Christmas Cantata practice in the morning.

We ordered pizza for lunch...Papa Johns...super yummy!

I took a nap...love it!

We got ready to go run some errands...we went to the bank and things...and then decided that we should go see the lights at Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake....so pretty, so fun...such a long wait! Usually when we go the wait isn't too bad, this year it was longer than usual or just seemed longer since I needed to go the bathroom about halfway through...having a little person jumping on your bladder like a trampoline makes for terrible bathroom pains! So on the way out we stopped at CVS! So I could go potty!

Played Monopoly Streets as a family!

Sunday:
Church I love worshipping with my church family

Lunch: Taco Bueno...so yummy

Shopping with Janea: Got her a few new tops and a pair of pants, some girl stuff and a present for a family member!

Resting for a while!

Grocery Shopping...Walmart was insane!

So tonight I will take it easy and relax and prepare for the week ahead!

Aaahhh...

That's the sigh of relief from me...

I am done working until Monday....and boy am I glad!

Tomorrow, we are cooking and hosting my family for Thanksgiving. Looking forward to it.
Tonight I am going to hang out and relax....hoping for a better nights sleep tonight.

Thankful for Thanksgiving and getting to relax at home!