Walking with Janea

Janea and I took a walk on Saturday afternoon...here's just some of the gorgeousness that we saw as we walked. This has been the prettiest Spring that I can remember!

Love it!

My Little Author

Saturday, I accompanied Janea to the Young Author's Conference in Warrensburg Missouri. We had a nice time listening to famous authors and learning from people in the book world. It was fun and exciting to hear the authors of tomorrow. Janea had her story "published" in the Young Author's Book. I'm such a proud Mama! Way to Go Janea!

Death and Taxes

The only 2 things you can count on they say is "Death and Taxes."

Well, I really hate Taxes but I certainly am glad to be ALIVE!

Loving the gorgeous weather this week, loving my great kiddos, missing my husband who has been working lots of overtime this week and Loving that we get a DATE night this Saturday!

If it's my time to go it's my time to go but I am loving Life and not really thinking about Death right now!

I am hating the Government and having to pay my taxes but I am glad that we're not in an upper tax bracket and do get quite a few credits which make it so much easier!

And yes, I did owe this year and yes I delayed until the last minute....

Funny Things

Today the following stuff happened that I found funny:

* Jaron totally was nuts during AWANA and started chasing these little flying bugs all around completely oblivious to the world around him. (we were outside for game time)

* Listening to my children"help each other" and accomplish things

* I told one of my AWANA kids that I was old and she said "your not old...you still have all your teeth!"

* I walked into the AWANA room and discovered one of my AWANA leaders lying on a table while his Spark was saying verses...he looked like he was sleeping or dead.

Parenting Struggles

I'm feeling defeated tonight.

My kids won.

They didn't want to clean.

They didn't clean.

They did homework, they took their baths and showers and then headed to bed before they picked up the living room.

And I let them.

I let them get away with not following through.

I'm feeling like a failure as a mom right now.

My buttons were being pushed and I took the easy way out.

I hate feeling like this.

Happy Birthday!

My Younger sister turns a BIG number today...one I hit 3 years ago! SO Happy Birthday Wendy! So here's some reasons that I love my sister today on her big day...hehehehehe

1. She's my sister! Thanks Mom and Dad for her!
2. She makes me laugh faster and harder than anyone else on the Planet! You get her, mom and me together and watch out!
3. She has good taste!
4. She is a good listener
5. She is a good Friend!

Love ya sis! Hope you have a wonderful Birthday! I mailed your card late so it will get there next week...sorry...I forgot to buy stamps....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Soaring

I was driving home today from a very long day at work. Today was Parent Teacher Conference Day and I have the most students in my class and so my conferences seem to take the longest...I didn't leave work until nearly 7...way later than my normal 3:50 time of heading home.

I'm driving home and enjoying the beautiful sun kissed skies, and I saw the most wonderful sight. A beautiful hawk just soaring through the air. Dipping, coasting, gliding, hanging...it was so awe-inspiring. It was truly a majestic sight!

Honestly, its moments like these where I am just in shock that anyone could believe that their is not a Creator. There is no such thing as chance and I can't believe that chaos can create beauty. It's amazing that someone would think that thinks happen without design and intelligence behind it.

Musings on Being Tired

You know your tired when...

*you put clothes in the washing machine and soap and don't turn it on.

*your sitting and listening to you son read and YOU fall asleep.

* your kids tell you that it's bedtime and they don't mean for themselves.

* you run out of pithy and witty sayings...

Good Night World....see ya another day!

The Up Song

" Mrs. Jonathan you need to play the UP Song"

The Up Song? I don't have a song called the Up Song...

well they found it and it's actually from the Opera "Carmen" and it's so fun to hear my whole class sing along to classical music. They sing along quietly until the real dramatic parts and then the whole class sings at the top of their lungs.."Duh Duh Duh DUH!"

I'll try to upload a musical clip of the song they sing

What I Hear

The gentle whirring of my fan as it blows a delightful breeze on me.

My children playing together so nicely and being kind.

The wind outside the window that is blowing quite hard, we may have thunderstorms tonight or it may pass us but the breeze is quite brisk.

A quiet not overly busy evening....just what this momma needs!

Being Regular

NO, this is not a post on digestion and the like.

One of my kids in class today told me he was glad I was back and that are day would be "regular". I had taken a couple of days off last week and my class missed me. One boy in particular hates when I am gone and he was so happy that I was back and that we would have a "regular" day, when I asked him what he meant by that he told me.

"Mrs. Jonathan, a regular day is when you are here and we do all the things that you have us do and you say all the things you always say and it's just good".

So here's to having a Regular day! Hope that you have someone tell you that they really like regular days! My heart was full of joy due to this little boy's statement and it was a normal regular day and I think I liked it!

Easter Eggs

We went to Grandma's House Today! We spent the morning dyeing Easter Eggs! We had so much fun! Thank you Grandma for letting us come and hang out at your house and have a good time together!

We used Christmas Mugs to dye our eggs.!

Our Beautiful Eggs in Lovely Colors

Finished Product!

We love having fun with Grandma!

My Surprise!

They bought me a beautiful Tulips plant! I love it and the beautiful blossoms! Thanks family, I love you too!

Can You Guess What I Got?

The kids and Dan went shopping yesterday and brought me home something??? Can you guess what it is????

Rooster no more!

Jaron's hair was very Rooster-like! He has several cowlicks that cause his hair to stick up very funnily. He also hates to brush and style his hair so that makes his hair look untidy and like we are bad parents...so we buzzed him....got rid of all the hair!

Jaron before we started!

Daddy getting it nice and smooth!

SO MUCH BETTER!

The buzz is the best thing for Jaron as he really hates getting his hair washed, hates Mom combing it too. So now he has hair that is easy maintanence! I love that!

Lets Go Fly A Kite!

It's SPRING BREAK!!! At least for the kids, and so Dan and I are both taking time off of work to hang out with them and get in some good quality family time! Dan loves to fly kites and yesterday was warm with a breeze and we decided to go and hang out and fly kites. It took us quite a few attempts to get the kite up into the air but once one was up, Dan attached a second one too it and we had fun flying the kites! I'm not as into kite flying but I do love taking pictures and so I spent time with my camera getting fun shots of my family! It was a lovely evening activity!

Jaron watching the kites

Dan, Janea and Jaron trying to get the parafoil up in the air!

Jaron had fun chasing the kites tail!

Still trying to get it up! Jaron's turn to hold the strings!

Daddy finally got a Delta kite up!

Janea holding the parafoil so that Dan can attach it to the Delta!

Janea flying the kites that are together, they would dive and roll so you had to be on top of it!

Dan and Janea flying the kites!

I found my shadow and took a picture to prove I went too...that's the only bad part of holding the camera...where's MOM?

Here I am!

Today we are going to go and see a movie that Janea earned for school and spend more time as a family together! I am so grateful that we are able to take time off together!

Confessions of a Kids Mom

Confession #1:

I know all the words to the theme songs of Wizards of Waverly Place and iCarly. All of them...and then they run through my head at inopportune times...it's embarrassing.

Confession #2:

I can quote entire episodes of Spongebob...and sometimes I watch the show when the kids aren't even in the room...and I think it's stupid but I get caught up in the episodes.

Confession #3:

I have tackled my daughter in order to get to read the next book in whatever series we are reading so that I get to read it first...it's true, I'm not joking...I took Janea down to get to read book 4 of the City of Ember series first!

Confession #4:

Sometimes when the kids do crazy things my first thought is "Where's my Camera?" instead of helping or disciplining them depending on the situation.

Confession #5:

I am thankful to be my kids mom and my house would be a whole lot more empty if I didn't have them in my life.

My New Toy

My Birthday present from Dan was a new camera. I took it to school this week to get snapshots of my classroom. I am enjoying experimenting with all the different things it can do and to see what types of pictures I can take. I am totally loving it! Here's a few of the over 100 pictures I took. (most of the pictures were pictures of my class and I try not to post their images to the web)

This is the tired swing that hangs in Playland.

The coconut tree that is in my classroom, our theme is Under the Coconut Tree.
This is one of my students who was reading a book on the carpet...he was being stubborn and only peaking out at me now and then and I sorta captured his image!

One of the boys in my class was building with alphabet blocks and I decided to lay on the carpet and try and get some interesting angles of his building.

I'm really enjoying this new phase of picture taking for me and I am enjoying looking for a new a more clever snapshot! It's so much fun!

Whew...what a week...

I'm feeling tired today.

I had a really long week this week. My class has needed me to be extra firm today and I am tired. The week wasn't bad, just busy with lots to do and lots of noise. We've had lots of changes in the weather this week also which I think was contributing to the craziness. We got to play outside today and I was so glad!

It's Friday and I am thankful to be home. Dan is working overtime tonight and while I will appreciate the extra money I am missing him. I look forward to Friday's and getting to hang out with the whole family.

Jaron and Janea are on Spring Break starting the afternoon for a whole week! Dan's taking the whole week off to be with them and I am taking Tuesday and Thursday so we can have some fun as a family. It'll be a good thing.

Loving the Spring Weather we are having today, it's a littly breezy and cool but the sun is shining and it makes for good spirits. Hoping for good weather next week so we can spend some time at the park with the kids. It'll be good. We need some fresh air and exercise!

A Good Reminder

My Verse Today on my Verse a Day Calendar:

As for God, His Way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.

Psalm 18:30

9 weeks

9 weeks until Summer Vacation!

9 weeks until the end of the school year!

Is it too early to start the countdown....I think it's too early but I am really looking forward to summer.

I love warm weather, sunshine, swimming, and having fun outside.

I like warm rain and thunderstorms in the early evening.(with no flooding of course!)

I dislike fickle weather...where its warm for a day and then cold again...it gets on my nerves.

I'm looking forward to just being Mom for a while and not hearing..."Mrs. Jonathan, Mrs. Jonathan, Mrs. Jonathan, Mrs. Jonathan...." all day long...

9 weeks...please go quickly....please....I'm begging!

Weather's Mind Games

Saturday it snowed.

Sunday it was cold

Yesterday was nice.

Today was great....

and tonight...my house is HOT....like I'm sweating right now because it's so warm.

I think the weather is Bi-Polar....but I'm not complaining....I'd rather be warm than cold!

Winter's Last Stand (hopefully)

These are the sights I woke up to yesterday morning. We had a full on SNOW storm on the FIRST day of SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Between 6-10 inches fell in our immediate area with more to the south of us. It's already starting to melt, but Friday afternoon Dan and I went for a lunchdate and it was nice and warm and SPRINGlike. I guess WINTER wanted to make sure that it got it's last HURRAH!!!!

I'm hoping once again for warm temperatures and NO MORE SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring Break Accomplishments

I will admit that I have the ability to overlook, ignore and postpone places in the house that need attention. It's a problem that I am working on. Well, since I was on Spring Break and had lots of time on my hands I decided to tackle a few areas that were in need of some serious attention. They had gotten completely out of control! So here's the fruit of my labors....a nice clean laundry room and a more organized office! The next steps are to keep them this way!

Laundry Room Before: I couldn't even walk all the way in without stepping on a pile of laundry!

The dryer was overrun with piles of mismatched socks, and other piles of misc. clothing

The office before: Piles of junk, cord everywhere and so much Dust!

The Office After: I cleaned up all the dust and made sure that the surface areas were clutter free!

There is a bucket for headphones, cell phones, MP3 players and all the USB cords that go with them.

The Laundry Room After: The Floor is clear and the rug down. I can walk and turn around with out stepping on anything that I should not step on.

I have a graveyard for lost socks, only one pile of towels to put away and I have room for the laundry supplies I use on a regular basis! I also rehung most of the hanging clothes in the closet, the ones hanging are the ones waiting to be ironed

I'm feeling proud of my accomplishment and inspired to attempt more areas of the house as I have time and energy. The kids and Dan have also been very impressed with my actions and that is so helpful in helping me maintain my motivation!

Really?? Already??

Today is Friday.

That means it's the last day of the school week of Spring Break. It's almost over. Monday I go back to the reality of my job.

Not that I hate my job or dislike going to work. I enjoy working and I enjoy my class, but this week has been SOOO nice.

I have gotten to shop, got my haircut, spent time with my family, cleaned up areas of my house, rested and got refreshed but that's over come Monday.

Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

Also, it's supposed to snow tomorrow...it's been 65 today but a cold front and SNOW are going to be here tonight into tomorrow....honestly, Missouri weather is so insane!

AWANA Grand Prix

Well, we survived.

Janea didn't win anything.

I didn't win anything.

Jaron took second place in design for his dragon.

It was fun.

I'm really tired.

That is all

Mid Week Break

The kiddos have off today from school.

It's professional development day for them. I don't understand why it's midweek but it is. Oh well.

Tonight is the Awana Grand Prix at church so in a few minutes the kiddos and I will head over and work on getting things set up today. I feel it is very important for the kids to see my serve and to serve the Lord in a non-glamourous way. It's very important for them to see that the body works together to put things on and that it takes many people doing small things to make it go smoothly.

So we will work this afternoon and tonight we will race!

Feeling Productive

Today I have spent the day cleaning up the house. The living room is looking FABULOUS!!! I have even been cleaning the carpets...getting the winter yuck up!

My next project is the laundry room...I'll take a before and after pic is I survive the process. The room is small but it's gotten bad.

Later in the week I plan on tackling the bedroom and my closet!

Mom's Spring Break

My school has Spring Break this week.

My kids don't.

I'm home and the kids are at school and the husband is sleeping.

It's quiet, peaceful even.

I'm going to rest and relax today.

I may clean today.

The possibilities are endless.

I'm excited to get to recharge my batteries.

Girls Night Boys Night

Tonight is Girls night/Boys Night.

Janea and I are headed to see Calvary's play "The Misadventures of Two Men from Verona".

Dan and Jaron are staying home and playing Wii...

Should be a fun night~!

Side note....today Spring Break started at 2:45pm. Can I get a "Woot Woot"

Yummy

Recently I've been making some Macaroni Grill meals.

They come in a kit with yumminess that you add a few simple ingredients too and voila! a homecooked, super yummy Italian meal!

I made Chicken Alfredo with Linguine tonight...so good, so filling, so wonderful!

Brotherly Love

Tonight, Janea fell down (still not sure why she fell but she just fell down) and Jaron hearing that she had fallen comes running and asks is she's bleeding...she tells him no and he starts rubbing her arm and says so sweetly..."it'll be okay Janea...it's alright!"

I love watching those tender moments

The Power of One

"The Power of One is a song about me having the power to change the world, about you having the power, about everyone having the power. The power of one really does start simply with me. I CAN make a difference in this world we see. What I'm trying to say is that you have the power! Don't forget that what I can do you can do too.

The Power of One is a good song to sing. For it involves more people in our school than just me. The chorus reallysays that we all have the power of one, even in a group. I know I have the power of one you do too."

Janea Jonathan--essay written for the Music in Our Schools Month and performed at the 4th grade concert March 9th, 2010.

I'm so There Right Now

Ever have that day when you can't drag yourself out of bed when your supposed to? I'm so there right now.

Ever smell something and then realize it may be you where it's coming from? I'm so there right now.

Ever look at the kitchen and realize the kitchen isn't going to clean itself and you really are going to have to clean it? I'm so there right now.

Ever have your husband tell you he's out of socks and underwear and if you love him would you please wash some tonight? I'm so there right now.

Ever tried to get up the motivation to move the laundry from the washer to the dryer and pryaing that a magic fairy would just totally come and take care of it for you? I'm so there right now.

Ever wish you could just be Mary Poppins and snap your fingers are have things fix themselves magically? I'm so there right now

33 Good things

Today I turn 33. Wow...that's a big number. Well, instead of dwelling on how old I am I have been thinking of 33 blessings in my life. Here goes:

1. Salvation--honestly, life would be so much harder without this one...I can't imagine no hope.

2. My husband

3. My kids

4. My parents

5. My Sister

6. Dr. Pepper...seriously, I'm an addict.

7. My church

8. My job

9. My awesome coworkers in Yellow hall

10. Technology...I can keep up with people all over the world easily and quickly...so cool!

11. A good book.

12. a warm blanket

13. Dark hot chocolate covered in whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce...so good!

14. Hugs and Kisses

15. Mexican Food...I love it!

16. Not having to cook!

17. A comfortable bed.

18. Music

19. My BIBLE...this one is higher but I left it off...oops...

20. Indoor Plumbing...especially on cold nights!

21. Hot Showers

22. Jeans...so comfy!

23. Digital cameras...I got a new one for my birthday!

24. DVR's....I like getting to watch one show while I tape another...I'll admit it...it's selfish but who cares!

25. Washing Machines and Dryers...even though laundry can be never ending it's so much easier than it used to be

26. ideas, thoughts and creative outlets.

27. singing

28. automobiles that run!

29. air-conditioning---I love summer but hot humid summers are more bearable with A/C.

30. Playing volleyball

31. ice cream

32. Nintendo Wii...it's fun and the whole family gets to play!

33. that I have a whole year to fill with new memories and fun things!

My Son

My son is a NUTBALL!

I'm saying this because I am overwhelmed by just how crazy and absurd he can be. When he is in a good mood he is stinkin hilarious.

One of his new favorite things is to have me talk about my day at school. He likes to hear all about the craziness that goes on in my classroom. I have a loud, fast moving, active classroom. He's been to my school, he knows the kids in my class and he loves to hear stories about them. It's almost obnoxious because he likes to hear them over and over and over and over again.

Today he told me something and when I said "Oh Really?" he replied.."well, if I'm lying, I'm dyin'" I was in shock...where did he learn that and how is it he has wonderful timing on the whole thing.

We're working on his spelling sentences for homework tonight and he's trying to make them all have something to do with UNDERWEAR! Boys, they are so crazy sometimes!

I'm thankful for the opportunity I have to be his mom and work to mold him into the person God wants him to be. He's such an amazing kiddo and while we have our days when I really want to ship him to Timbuktu, I know that I need to be with him and help him grow up to be an awesome young man!

3 for 3 on Good things

Every day this week I have had something good happen to me!

Monday: I won the pendant giveaway on my friends blog....if you are into crafting at all you really need to check out www.sharesomefun.webs.com for some great ideas and a way to meet other crafters. This month's theme is cake decorating...I'm thinking I may try it!(A co-workers birthday is coming up!)

Tuesday: The Pre-Kindergarten classes totally dominated in PENNY WARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We won the total money raised and the most pennies! WAHOO!!!!

Wednesday: Today I got an email from our insurance company and our next 6 month premium will be going down...so starting in April I will be saving 20-25 dollars a month! Totally digging that.

So I am hoping for something good to happen on Thursday and Friday before my birthday on Saturday!

WAHOO!!!

MY CLASS WON PENNY WARS!!!!

We won the competition and we raised the most money!

WAHOO!!!

I'm very proud of all of them! Makes me happy and makes me smile!

Help...there's a Cranky 7 year old and he is calling me MOM!

Jaron is cranky tonight!

He wants to build a clubhouse with his sister. Janea doesn't want to. He's channeling a 3 year old and throwing a temper tantrum!

I think if I was given the option of sending him to TIMBUKTU I would. Wait, he's calming down.

All right, I guess I'll keep him.

The Irritation of It all

I'm frustrated tonight...I think it's PMS.

I'm sure the whole world needs to hear that but frankly I don't care...I HAVE PMS. I'm crabby, irritable, and all I want to do is eat chocolate under the covers and read a good book and have all the stress in my life go away!

That isn't going to happen. I'm the mom, Dan's at work and the kids would either kill each other or burn the house down if I was to retreat into my own little world. Mom's can't retreat, it's not an option. So instead of retreating, I am doing other things. I worked out for 30 minutes and I boxed for 18 of those. It's calming to hit something even if it's just a virtual punching bag. I'll fix the kiddos food and then we all ill clean up the living room, work on homework and get ready for bed.

I'm also going to go to bed early tonight. I think I didn't get enough sleep last night and that is causing me to be more cranky. I'm hoping that this little girl problem I'm having will be temporary and I can relax for another month.

There are day's when I really want to hurt EVE...that's all I'm saying.

The Heart

The heart is an amazing organ, pumping blood and moving it through the body.

The heart is the emotional center of our feelings and we take things there.

Hearts can change and grow or they can harden and be unshakeable.

Our pastor this morning spoke on Roman 12:14-16 and the attitude of the heart. It has really made both Dan and I think about things and reexamine issues in our life. Makes us look at hurts and problems that have been around for 6+ years. I think there is some softening going on with hardened hearts. I'm not getting my hopes up but there has been discussion of things in a new and encouraging way. I'm seeing the hand of God work on both my life and the lives of my family. There is Hope, not that I had given up hope but I had resolved myself to be okay with things that I thought couldn't change.

My heart tonight is full of joy and love. I am excited to see what God has planned for us in the near future. I keep thinking tonight of Jer. 29..."for I know the plans for you, sayeth the Lord...plans to proper you and do well by you!

Thank you God for the way you love us hard hearted people and the way that only you can truly make things change!

Thanks Babe!

The kids were stressing me out a little bit this afternoon.

Dan has taken them out for awhile so that I can have a breather! A much needed breather!

Thanks Babe!

Love IT

It being Clearance racks...LOVE THEM!

Today Janea and I went to get her some new shoes and a present for a birthday party she's going to this afternoon.

Well, since we were there I checked out a few things...here's a rundown of what I got Janea:

1 brown hooded sweatshirt zip jacket...$5.00

1 denim jumper with matching shirt...$5.00

black sparkly leggings to wear under jumper(it's short but with leggings will be so cute) $3.00

Purple pajamas--$5.00

and since I looked for me too..
1 button down shirt for work...$3.00

So I got 5 total clothes items and spent a grand total of $21.00. Not too shabby! I love end of season clearance!

Great End to a Busy Week

It's been Spirit week...Monday Pajama Day, Tuesday SuperHero Day, Wednesday Sports Day, Thursday Crazy Day and We finished up the week today with Hat Day! Great fun, cute hats...loved it. Makes for a very fun week but a very long week!

Dan's put in a TON of over time this week and he is working tonight and I was feeling tired and not wanting to cook and I hadn't seen my folks in over a month so I called em up and wanted to know if they wanted to get dinner with me and the kids. Well, they were all over that and they were planning on going to the local BBQ place --Odens--and I said that sounds good so we all went out for dinner together. Such a good time of talking and sharing and hanging out. My dad's arm is getting better and he's got this wicked scar that does funny things when he moves his arm it's kina crazy! My mom's been busy with Drama and picture taking and I am busy so it was nice to share our lives! The kids enjoyed seeing Grandma and Grandpa and we all enjoyed some yummy Food. A great end of the week and I didn't have to cook! I love that!

Thanks Mom and Dad for dinner! I love you!

Sunshine

I am so thankful that God created Sunshine and Light.

Sunshine is wonderful, even the coldest day doesn't seem as cold when the sun in shining. Today was cold with temperatures below 40 degrees, and yet I didn't really need the heater on in my car and my mood was good. I think it all had to do with the sunshine.

We have had sun for several days this week and it has helped me to maintain a more positive outlook on life!

I'm also enjoying that the sun is staying out longer during the day and that when I leave for work in the morning the sun is starting to peek out...guess I'll be needing some new sunglasses soon!

Top 5 Today

1. My favorite school lunch! Cheesy Tator Franks...a hotdog split in half with mashed potatoes and cheese on top...so good..I think I ate 4(don't tell the cook)

2. No traffic coming to or going from work...and I didn't have to stop for red lights...major blessing this morning since I was running late!

3. MID WEEK of Spirit Week! We had fun for the first 3 and my favorite day is tomorrow!

4. Penny Wars...most of my kids brought pennies today! Hopefully we can pull out a win!

5. Sunshine and blue skies...still cold but at least it's not gray today!

Can I Get a High Five

Today I was Super Teacher and rocked it in my Super Hero Suit.

I got the mail, the oil change and all in under 30 minutes

I made a fantastic dinner for my family.

I just need to clean the kitchen and then I get an all new episode of LOST...after homework.

Its been a GREAT day!

Weekends are Fabulous

I love the weekend.

I love spending quality time with the whole family.

I enjoy being with my church family.

I enjoy not having a definite schedule and the flexibility that allows.

I 'm soaking up the peacefulness of it all.

It's so wonderful!

I need a HUG!

I had a rough day today.

I'm stressed and tired and ready to just throw in the towel.

I'm feeling overwhelmed by a situation where there is no solution. Everything we try is simply like putting a band-aid on a gunshot wound and hoping it all gets better. Doesn't really work.

I don't like feeling like this

I want answers and strategies and things that will make my classroom run smoother and bring me a little bit of peace.

I also need a naptime option since naptime is becoming passe...that said...I ...

Really just need a HUG...preferably from my husband, but he is at work right now so that will have to wait.

A Good Kind of Hard Day

I hate it when my class is crazy and one of my students is having a hard day. I have one little boy currently in my class who is dealing with a lot. We are working with his parents to find out what is going on. Its deeper than simple behaviour issues. It's probably something neurological and we are in the process of diagnosing him. This is a long process, filled with questions, tests, and observations before you can get an answer. There isn't going to be an easy fix with this, and I know this and am working with the family. That said...today we had an observer come in to spend time observing his behaviors. The thing I hate about classroom observers is that often when they come they don't observe the desired behavior because the children put on their "best" face...you know the perfect little angel routine. Well, today that didn't happen. My student was his typical self if not a little bit worse than normal! Made for a really long day but I am relieved because now that this process is occuring maybe we can determine Effective techniques for dealing with him. So it was a Hard Day and yet it was a GOOD day because the issues that I needed looked at were seen! I'm tired and thankful all wrapped up into one.

So Sweet

My dear hubby gave me my favorite sweets for Valentine's Day. A 2lb. box of See's Candy! Oh so good...he went for the bigger box so I would have plenty to share! YUMMY!!! Thanks Honey! I love you!

Remember When?

Do you remember when you used to get 2 days off in the month of February?

I distinctly remember when we used to get Lincoln's Birthday and Washington's Birthday off. Now we get one holiday for all the President's...President's day.

That's okay...I'll take the day off anyway!

Happy President's Day everyone!

An Ode to Saturday

Saturday...your a wonderful day!

Your lack of items scheduled allows me to sleep in.

The cartoons on TV keep the children entertained in the early morning hours.

The hours are able to be filled exactly how I choose to fill them.

I get to rest, relax and unwind

Oh how I love you.

Why Wednesday?

Explain to me why Wednesday's that I am planning on going to AWANA turn out to be the craziest, most hectic days for me?

I'm exhausted and we have Sparks tonight.

I think their are forces at work that cause little children to be rowdier, more hyper and just little monsters on Wednesdays because they don't want me to be 100% for church tonight.

Well, they aren't going to win...I can take them! And I'll be at AWANA tonight too!

Pendant Giveaway!

A friend of mine started a website for crafting and has a giveway for a cute glass pendant!

Check out the following website and give your imput to win a free pendant!

http://sharesomefun.webs.com/apps/blog/show/2793587-pendant-giveaway

Happy Entering

Things that make me go UUUUGHHH!

1. co workers who are hyper sensitive and fly off the deep end when they just need to chill, relax and think about the situation.

2. children who cry and cry and cry when they are in trouble, as if crying loud will make the time out faster.

3. the way my students can whine my name so that it's 5 syllables Mrs. Jonathan, comes out MIIIISSSUUUSSSSS JJJOOONNNNAAATTHHAAANNN! and they don't just say it once its repeated over and over and over until I am ready to SCREAM!

4. the theme song music to Super Mario Bros Wii...it's annoying when listened too over and over and over.

5. taking a shower and then realizing all the Clean towels are in the dryer and not the cabinet~!

6. cold weather, no sunshine, and snow that is just there....it's like living in a snow globe...

I've been trying to focus on God today and just live in Peace with my creator...but oh it's like things are hitting me on all sides today...I'm ready for bed...not heading there yet but I am so ready!

Perfect Peace

Life can be stressful.

Life can be tiring.

Life can run away when you least expect it too.

My verse for the Day is Isaiah 26:3
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because I trusteth in Thee."

I'm focusing on pleasing God and working to be the best I can be as I focus on Him. I'm not going to let the world or life cause me to be stressed but I am going to focus on the Shepherd to lead and guide me where I need to go.

Feeling Saucy!

Dan and I spent the evening creating a homemade BBQ sauce. It's got quite the kick and is super yummy! Not bad for our first time creating sauce from scratch!

Sickness 1 Jaron 0

I took Jaron to the local Urgent Care Clinic this morning. He has had a fever since Thursday and last night he started complaining about his throat hurting. My momma radar went into high alert and so a trip to the doctor was warranted. Well, 2 1/2 hours later we find out that he has Strep Throat. So he will be on an antibotic and hopefully well enough to go to school on Monday.

Janea and I are off the library and to fill his prescription. He's hopefully going to be on the mend now!

Winter Wonderland

It was a beautiful day!

The snow falling in large, wet flakes. Sticking to the trees and grass, accumulating and looking so serene.

I took my class out in the snow, it was the perfect snow weather. The weather right at 32 degrees, no wind, just falling wet snow! It was so fun! Even me a beach loving California born girl enjoyed the snow today!

I could enjoy another snow like this one. If I had too.

All in all it was a good day!

Snowy Friday

Another winter storm is working its way across the area.

It's going to snow for most of the day.

Another 2-4 inches are expected.

No snow day but a snowy day.

I guess the groundhog saw it's SHADOW!

When it Rains it Pours

My kids are trying to outdo one another in stressing me out I think.

Jaron gets the stomach flu, out of school for 2 days goes back, no problems.

I get sick, get over it, all better Back to work...raring to go.

Janea gets the stomach flu, is out of school one day and is feeling yucky but can't bring herself to stay home today, decides to go at the last minute...fine, I hope she's good.

Jaron gets a fever and has to stay home for the afternoon and tomorrow.

Will it never end??? Please say they will get better and stay better... I can't handle this for too long.

Three for Three

Last Wednesday, Jaron came down in the middle of the night with a stomach bug...missed 2 days of school.

Monday, I woke up with a stomach bug, and I missed half a day of school.

Tuesday night, Janea starts with her turn with the stomach bug and is home from school today.

I'm really hoping it is just 3 for 3 and not 4 for 4. I hope Dan doesn't come down with this nastiness. I'm getting really tired of the puking and cleaning up after sick kids and the messes that just seem to multiply when your not feeling good.

I am thankful that someone is home during the day so that when the kids are sick we don't have to take off of work, but I am getting tired of the illness being in my home.

Happy Birthday MOM!

Happy Birthday to my Mom!

We love you very much!

Please don't see you shadow today!

Already?

I can't believe tomorrow is the First day of FEBRUARY!

January has flown by! I can't believe how fast this month has gone by. A few snow days, Martin Luther King Day and other days off have made this month seem speedy quick...so much faster than December.

Tomorrow is the 100th day of School...the school year is almost over!

I'm craving Spring...and the warmth it brings but I know we have February to go and that it is still Winter...and the weather people say we could still see some snow this year...though weather people are often wrong so I don't know what to think. I don't put any faith into Groundhogs or any of the craziness that go with it but I will be calling my Momma to see if she sees her shadow this year!

I will freely admit that I like to watch TV. I have shows that I follow and when they are done for the season I get frustrated that it will be such a long time before I get to watch them again. Well, LOST is back for its final season on TUESDAY!!!! I'm very excited since the show ended in such a weird way last season...I'm debating whether to wait and watch with Dan or just watch it all by myself and discuss it later. I'm also excited since V will be returning to air in March...it's exciting to have my favorite shows back on.

Speaking of TV...Dan and I have been enjoying watching BBQ Pitmasters, the only down side is it really makes us want to eat some barbeque...a trip to Famous Daves or Oklahoma Joes may be in store for us in the near future.

The kiddos are excited since we are attending a birthday party for one of my students today. He's having a party at Chuck E Cheese and they are excited to go and help him celebrate turning 5!

Well January, it's been a good month! February I hope you bring some warm temperatures and little snow...I have high hopes for u!

Library Love

Janea and I love the Library.

We love going through the shelves and picking out new books to read.

We love discussing different titles that might be a good choice.

We hate not finding the book we want yet find joy in finding a different book really close that looks good too.

We enjoy checking the books out and then sitting down in a comfy spot with a new book and opening the pages to read.

Libraries are just one of our favorite things!

Thankfulness

Thank you God that today is over and I am home!

Thank you God that my boss was able to help smooth ruffled feathers and my co-worker is being friendly again.

Thank you God that Jaron is feeling better and able to go to school today.

Thank you God that tomorrow is Saturday and I can sleep in and rest.

Thank you God for libraries and books and ability to read.

Thank you God for cheese, especially the melted kind!

Thank you God for my great kids and their great days.

Thank you God for free pizza and not having to cook dinner.

Thank you God that my dad came through his surgery and didn't need morphine and that the external pin is OFF!

Thank you God for everything.

Cry? Laugh? Scream?

I need an emotional release.

I'm feeling frustrated, tired, a little bit sick, tired, confused, hurt, tired, preplexed, annoyed, tired, happy, sad, and tired...I mentioned tired right?

Life is hitting me with both barrels right now. Especially the work side. Being a working mom is tough. I have to balance life, the kids, my school kids, projects, dinner and all kinds of other stuff. So here's a look down the barrels...

SICKNESS: Jaron got sick this week. Up in the middle of the night puking sick. My kids really don't get sick often and I am so grateful for this. They are generally healthy but every now and then sickness strikes. So Tuesday late night was spent caring for my puking boy and washing bedding. This accounts for the tired. I need at least 6 hours a night to feel good. Anything less than 5 and I start really feeling messed up. I can function but things get thrown out of whack. I did go to work and make it through on about 3-4 hours of sleep...makes for a very long day. Last night I slept good but as the morning today went on I really started going downhill and now I am battling the chills, wishing for my bed and praying for a quicker Friday.

WORK: There are changes happening at work. We have an overabundance of younger aged children and not quite as many Pre-Kindergarteners, while we have 2 Pre-kindergarten classes and one Preschool class. My boss came up with a solution and has had me working with her to make it happen and figure it all out. So now we are going to have a larger pre-K class(my class) and I will have an assistant to help keep me in ratio, and the other class will have a few Pre-K kids and the older Preschoolers who are Pre-K age but not going to Kindergarten next year. It's going to be an upper level transition room. My co-teacher in Pre-K will have this class...well, she isn't taking the change with grace and dignity and now I am walking around work feeling like I have a target on my back or I am invisible. It's an uncomfortable feeling, one I am not used to and I don't feel like it is deserved. It's frustrating, I just want to teach and have a well run school and the pressure this is putting on me, on top of not feeling good is overwhelming to me. It's like living in a pressure cooker.

So in the mist of this staring into the barrels of the temptation to just throw in the towel and break I am going to be thankful for these things:

• my kids are healthy, Jaron is feeling better and we all can sleep.
• my classroom is going well, I have a new student starting Monday and my God will help me to meet the needs of the students whether they started with me or are transitioning back into the room.
• my boss is super supportive and sees my point of view and knows that I am not instigating nor trying to make the situation any harder than it needs to be
• I got to chat with a dear friend half way around the world this morning!
• tomorrow is Friday and then I will have 2 days to recharge my batteries and get to feeling better, a chair, book, hotchocolate, hot tea and a dinner out may be in order.
• I was able to leave work early to take care of my son and got to get some love from my man that helped since I really felt like I needed a hug.

Mom?

Yes, Jaron?

I threw up in my bed.

You what?

I threw up in my bed and on a towel.

Are you okay?

Yes, Can I sleep with you?

Okay...

2 hours later....

OH NO!

What's wrong?

I gotta throw up!

hour and a half later...

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!

That was my night...Jaron got the stomach flu last night and puked in his bed. So at 2:30 this morning I was stripping his bed and washing sheets.

At 4 I was helping him again.

at 5:30 I was really hating my alarm clock.

I got 3 good hours of sleep and a few cat naps. Jaron stayed home today with Daddy since he was sick. Good news...he has kept down all things since this morning! Hoping the worst is over! His appetite isn't back yet but he isn't quite so pale.

I went to work...and boy was I tired. I am staying home from church tonight and hoping for a full nights sleep and that Janea and I don't get what he has or if we do we can wait until Saturday!

OOPS

I wrote a post for this blog but then realized I posted on my other blog instead.

SO if you want to read my thoughts for today please visit my other blog...Changing My Thinking

I See Skies of Blue

The day started with Sunshine!

I can look out the window to a blue sky mixed with clouds of white.

The hue is gorgeous and makes me smile!

What a wonderful thing that God makes us new every morning and causes the sun to shine.

" And I think to myself, What a wonderful World!"

Fog

Our area of Missouri has had fog every morning for 10 days!

Fog can be both beautiful and dangerous. It's gorgeous to see the low lying clouds and when it freezes on trees and poles it's reflective quality is truly unique. It's dangerous to drive in especially when your car is the same color!

I'm looking forward to seeing the sun...for bright days rather then the gray and fog. I'm craving Spring right now.

Fog is also good for lazy days around the house. After cleaning this morning I spent a well deserved afternoon curled in my chair with a blanket. I had yummy hot chocolate and 2 good books!(I'm sad to say that I read 2 full books today) It was a wonderfully relaxing and battery recharging afternoon. I'm looking forward to maybe getting to some of the same tomorrow!

What a Week!

Life is crazy this week.

Work has been crazy this week.

Mismatched schedules, lots of afterschool activities, sick bosses.

I have survived.

I'm excited for tomorrow and the lack of activities.

A chillaxing day, a catch up day, a restful day!

I love Friday nights and being home!

Fat

I'm feeling fat right now.

I'm not fat, but I am feeling it.

I have to figure out what is causing this bloated yuck feeling.

It's driving me crazy.

I really don't like it AT ALL.

I need more FIBER....I need more Fruits and Vegetables...I need something...

Any ideas or suggestions???

Yes, it's a Workout

I was skeptical about my Wii Fit if I would really feel like I was getting a workout. Well, it is a workout, especially when you give it your best...my routine right now is doing the Basic Step to warm up, the rhythm boxing, a few "fun" activities and then finishing up with a run. I did the long Island Run tonight and by the time I was done, I was hurting and breathing heavy and sweating...it definitely is a workout!

Incentive Earned

The kids and I went and saw this movie this evening. It was cute! The kids had a great time! I so enjoy getting to reward good behavior and doing something fun with the kiddos.

Incentives Package

I have been after Janea to clean her room for about 2 months. I help her and it gets messy immediately afterwards. It's a little frustrating.

This weekend Jaron has been on task....he cleaned his room, he's been picking up toys in the living room before bed, he's even vacuumed because he wanted to.(I've honestly wondered who he is a couple of times because I couldn't believe how helpful he has been) I decided that if Janea can get her room done then I will Reward the children with a movie.

They are dying to see Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeakel and there is no school today so if they can get their chores done by 2:00 then we will go and see the 4:10 showing of Alvin. Well, it's not even 9 yet, Jaron is dressed without prompting and Janea is in the process of cleaning her room.

Gotta love a good incentives package. I will gladly sit through the movie if it means that my children are happy helpers...Dan and I were discussing this, it's not bribery but rewarding a good job.

Wow...

January is half gone!

This year is already starting to fly by. I can't believe it. The kids are back to school, I am back to school, Dan is working and we are all trying to start having better habits.

The kids have been spending lots of quality time with their Dad and the Wii. My aunt had sent Christmas money for the kids and we used it towards another Wii remote. So now we have 3. All three of them can play together! It's a good and noisy thing! The game of choice is Super Mario Bros for Wii...it's a lot of fun but they can be rather rowdy with it.

I'm starting to build better habits for myself. Please check out my cleaning blog for my progress and successes and failures.

My sister called me today from her vacation in Puerto Rico...I'm so jealous of her getting to go to a warm climate! I am wishing for some warm weather right about now! However, she really needed a vacation and so I am happy that she has gotten this break!

We are thinking of taking a mini vacation during the kids Spring Break...if they get a full week...snow days may have interfered. So we are waiting and debating about what to do. Dan will take some time regardless since he doesn't get the holidays the kids and I do. So we have things to look forward to in the near future!

This year is off to a good start!

MMM...MMM...Good!

Guichos Mexican Food Takeout+pizza= YUMMY!

I didn't have to cook and we all ate food we like...a good night at my house!

Differences

I've been exploring the concept of difference.

I'm fascinated with how different the genders can be, siblings can be, animals can be.

I love how God created everything to be just a little bit different. We are not clones or copies of one type. We all are unique people, with unique quirks and things that make us interesting. No two people are exactly the same. Even twins are different. This is so fascinating to me on so many levels.

In my classroom the differences between boys and girls was quite interesting. During Free Choice time today all the boys chose to go and play with toys on the carpet. Legos, pyramid blocks and building wheels were all used to make cars, trucks, airplanes, and other cool sculptures. The girls though were writing and coloring and using crayons, markers and colored pencils to make their creations. All the students were being creative, just in different ways.

I'm so thankful for the variety of differences in this world and how God makes all of us just a little bit different from the people around us. Makes life fun and interesting!

1 + 1 = Happy

This morning on my way to work I had 2 happy things:

1. Dan took the garbage to the curb during the night and I didn't even remind him to do it. I thought for sure that I would have to take it before I left for work and he remembered and I didn't!

2. I was driving and looked in my rearview mirror to turn on my defroster and I found a message in the ice....I LOVE U!

I was feeling very loved and special thanks to 2 of the simplest gestures of love by my man!

Getting Back to Normal

I am sitting at my desk at school.

I have been teaching all morning.

My classroom kids are all here with me.

It's been a good day.

It's getting back to normal.

My classroom kids are slightly more cranky than normal.

They are excited to see their friends.

They are enjoying making one another laugh and enjoying their company.

It's getting back to normal.

My morning was a little rushed.

I worried as I left.

The kiddos made it off to school without a hitch.

It's getting back to normal.

The snow has finally stopped.

The sun is going to shine.

The temperatures may go above freezing.

It's getting back to normal.

How Do you Spell Relief???

Remember that old commercial where they ask "How do you spell Relief?" And people would answer and say...R.O.L.A.I.D.S. well if you were to ask me how I spell Relief...it would be R.O.U.T.I.N.E.

School looks to be on for tomorrow! WAHOO!

No more being cooped up from the frigid cold and snow days!

Don't get me wrong...I enjoy a good snow day...but we had 3...about 1 more than I like...and the kids got an extra week of break.

I am looking forward to being back on a routine, to knowing what to except during a week, and having less "free" time on our hands.

I know many people aren't looking forward to going back to school but I am!

Wii...will...Wii...will...

Fight! Laugh! Drive me Crazy!

The boys are working together to try and get some secret sections on the Super Mario Game we have and oh my goodness it's challenging...they argue, laugh, argue, cry, argue...get frustrated...yell at the game all for FUN!

I'm sitting in a chair watching and listening to them.

It's both fun and annoying all at the same time

Crazy Adventures on A Cold Day

Okay, our adventures weren't really crazy, they were just ordinary errands and getting the car looked at but it's more fun to say they were adventures!

When Dan got home Early Thursday morning after driving in a bad storm he told me that the turn signal in his car was broken. I took that to mean that his turn signal wasn't working(which it wasn't) and that it was a little fix...he thought the switch was broken. He was right. I called and got the car in today to the mechanic and the multi switch on the car was broken. They got it fixed right away...which I am grateful for...and it didn't cost as little as I had hoped but not too much either, very thankful for that!

Well, after driving the car to the mechanic and leaving it there, we headed for the bank, and then my sweet husband put gas in my car...I hate pumping gas on a Frigid day and was so thankful that he did it for me. It's been in the single digits here in Missouri...and that's just cold. Thankfully the wind hasn't really been blowing to badly when we were out so with lots of layers on its bearable. And we all are wearing lots of layers!

The kids played in the snow today...this isn't good building snow but we have huge drifts around the house that are fun to stomp through and make paths....they were really cold when done but they had fun, and they got out a little bit of their cooped feeling. Janea and Jaron both are tired of being stuck in the house all day. It makes not only for long days for Mom, but they are just crabby.

So all in all it was a day of adventures...tonight its a yummy dinner and then hanging out as a Family! That's a good Friday!

Cold!

My nose is cold.

My toes are cold.

My fingers are chilly.

I keep adding layers of clothing...it's not really helping.

There is a chill against the walls.

The floor is cold.

The kids have taken to sitting on the vents at times.

The floor by the door is covered by a blanket to keep out drafts.

The laundry room door window is an ice sheet.

The bathroom is bearable with a space heater on when using it.

It's COLD!

Safe and Warm

Dan is home safe...got home around 4 this morning. Had trouble getting into the driveway due to the layer of thick ice from the snow plow but he is home. Safe and Warm...he's asleep now, the kids are still asleep, I wish I was asleep but I woke up when Dan got home and was unable to go back to sleep.

I think I'll make some hot chocolate, curl up with a book or a taped show on the DVR and wait for the kiddos to make their appearance.

It's going to be a cold one today...glad for a snow day and a warm house.

A Storm is Brewing

We are about to get another big dose of winter weather.

I'm home today since my school, the kids school, and about every other school district I know of cancelled school for today.

We're supposed to get snow and then an Arctic Blast will move through with gusting winds and brutally cold wind chills. That will happen tonight and there is a chance of blizzard like conditions over night...when Dan is driving home....so I will be in watching and praying mode tonight as I askGod for safety for my husband as he drives home from work. He's a good driver and careful but the weather is so yucky and I am worried about visibility for him.

I haven't seen weather like this in many years and it's a good thing we don't have them every year, cuz, I might lose my sanity...

The Never Ending Winter

Okay, I will admit that I am probably exaggerating...but seriously, it feels like this winter is never going to end. We are only technically 15 days into "WINTER" but for the past 15 days we have had ice, snow, cold, snow, brutal cold, wind chills below zero, snow, and tonight we are bracing for another round of SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The kids have another snow day tomorrow. I may have a snow day tomorrow, or I may not, being a small private school we don't have the same issues as other schools and so we don't as readily cancel, but we may, I'm not in charge of the decision. The weather people are predicting Blizzard like conditions for Wednesday Night/Thursday morning...so some worrisome nights for Dan.

I'm just not enjoying this winter at all. It's full of things that make me tired...so I am off to snuggle up with a good book...or just sleep.

Seriously???

The kiddos have a snow day tomorrow...and there is no snow.

They should call it a COLD day...I think that is why there is no school.

So now I am trying to figure out what the kiddos are going to do tomorrow since I will still have school. Oh the joys of teaching in a district that isn't your kids....what to do? what to do?

My little Bookworm

Janea is becoming quite the bookworm.

Library visits are becoming part of our regular routine.

She is sitting in the chair in the living room with her nose buried in a book. I think a bomb could go off and she wouldn't even notice...

She is so much like me at times it's scary!

Just for Me

So I started a new blog today.

It's just for me, for my thoughts and feelings about cleaning and the stress that is caused by being a "MESSY" person. Too often I add the cleaning stuff and my stress to this blog and while it does have a place, it's not the funnest of things to read. Therefore, this blog is going to be about family stuff and my new blog...Changing my Thinking...is going to be just for those times when I need to talk about my struggles with house cleaning. House cleaning may find it's way to both blogs.

Feel free to check out my new blog as well as coming and seeing what's going on in the life of the Jonathan's!

Team Work

All night tonight the boys have been playing Super Mario Bros for Wii.

It's been an interesting experience to say the least...well, I gotta go, Jaron's heading to bed and I've got to play...

Welcome 2010

All day I have tried to think how I would start my blogging this year. Do I change it? Do I keep it the same? Do I add more pictures? Do I not use pictures? What to do, what to do??

Do I have an answer? NO, so I think I will go with the flow, whatever strikes my fancy, talk about the things that I feel need to be talked about. Vent if necessary too. It's my blog and I can use it the way I need it.

I've never been a good journaler. In fact I stink at it, I can write something every now and then but for some reason I can blog, and I do blog and I enjoy reading past entries and see how things have changed and ways that I have grown as an individual. It's also fun to read things about the kids then and compare it to the kiddos now. So I am embracing the year ahead. I am looking forward to the things that strike my fancy to write about. I look towards seeing if I can continue to post more in the year to come. My first year of blogging, I was okay at it. I started in late April early May and I had around 80 entries. In 2008 I had around 230 entries. 2009 ended with around 256 entries. This year I am going to try to hit the 300 mark for one year. That's not an entry a day, but it's a goal to keep this record of our lives.

Welcome 2010 to my blog. I look forward to seeing what is in store for me and my family in the coming year. I'm honestly looking forward to seeing what God will do and what's going to be on the horizon for this year.