Heated Floors and much much more!

If you ever have the option to get a bathroom (or kitchen) with heated floors DO IT.  And you don't have to thank me! LOL! :)  We LOVE our heated tile floors!  Seriously--there are times that we are freezing and walk into the bathroom and it is warm and cozy.  The floor is warm and the whole room just is cozy.  The other night I was struggling with a tight chest--the floor was on, the heat was on, and I ran what was going to be a bath with some essential oils (but I ended up just hanging out in the bathroom) and it was helpful and warm and soothing.  Jordyn even joined me in the bathroom for a long time--and I caught this super duper cute picture of her:

This weekend we had to change our plans for the Hot Chocolate race.  Originally we wanted to run the 15K.  However, I hadn't trained at all and time (and motivation) just wasn't there.  I was prepared for the 5K.  Slowly but surely I could do it--and it would be fun!  Justin was even going to run with us!  HOWEVER, something came up and my mom needed to stay home.  Mom watches the kids when we run--SO, not having her there put us in a predicament.  SOO--we did decided to WALK the Little City 3K walk.  So--we signed up the boys and made sure we could take a stroller on the course.  And we had a BLAST.  We left Friday about 6 and got to my Dad's about 3ish.  Left for Chicago about noon on Saturday and enjoyed the expo and China Town.  Ate some absolutely amazing pizza and headed back to the hotel for the night!  The race was a ton of fun but COLD.  Jordyn was SOO COLD by the end of it.  We got back and came back on Sunday evening.  Got home about Monday!  I got to snuggle and relax on Monday!  Woot! :)

Christmas is coming!  I am excited--but it also is a bit stressful!  This year the boys are getting a big gift together---and then a few small gifts.  I think Jordyn is going to get a potty! LOL!  And a few other things from us!  We always get Christmas PJ's, socks, and underwear for everyone!  It's the yearly replenishment! LOL!  And we will probably get each of them a new outfit.  But honestly--my mom and mother-in-law are really good shoppers and they won't need much else.  Like I said--the boys are getting a big big gift and so that's the big thing from us! :)  I got Justin wireless Beats earlier in the year--but I will probably get him something small.  He has most everything he could ever want so...

This Thanksgiving will be interesting as far as scheduling for my 2nd job goes.  I will be interested to see what my hours are as we are open a typical holiday day on the day after and open for about 8 hours the day of Thanksgiving.  It will be interesting how the day unfolds.

Owen is doing basketball this year!!!  Ya, we haven't EVER done basketball as Noah wasn't ever interested (and still isn't) but, Owen WANTED to do it--and kept asking about it!  So why not right?!  LOL!  It will be an interesting adventure that's for sure!

We had conferences for the boys last week!  Both boys are doing well--Owen is in the right placement as far as Kindergarten and resource services--and Noah is doing well in 2nd grade!  Of course both boys are really doing very very well in Math (Noah was the only student who got an A+ on his last math test!)--and struggle more with reading.  Both Justin and I are not strong readers and struggled in school with reading as well--so it comes as no surprise.  They are doing well and Noah's teacher said she is noticing him having more difficulties with concentrating.  Much like what was happening for him last year when we STARTED his meds--so I called today and we are going to adjust accordingly. 

My classroom is going well!  I need to do some re-teaching of expectations I think.  As a class we are struggling with just basic rules and procedures.  I think partly because we have gotten into a groove and partly because they are getting lax about what they know they are supposed to be doing. Overall I still love it and it's going well! :)

Jordyn is lovely.  Crazy and stubborn.  And WALKING!! FINALLY! LOL!   And she isn't slowing down anytime soon!  She is trying to run with her brothers and its funny!  She has also mastered going up AND down the stairs.  She will sometimes sneak upstairs--but we watch her go down the stairs although she did perfect tonight!  The boys are also always looking after her!  OH--and she is giving lots of kisses lately! Love it!  She is at such fun age!

Anyway--this has gotten so long!  I hope you all have a fabulous Friday! :)

Fall Fun :)

With Fall upon us I find that it is a wondeful time of year for our family.  There is so much to get out and do, the weather has been absolutely to die for, and it is just a great time of year to be with each other.  Work has settled in and my 2nd job isn't crazy yet (it's retail).

This October we have done so much--but in particular we went to a pumpkin patch called Vala's.  It's in the same area that my in-laws live and its a HUGE pumpkin patch.  The downside is that it is pricey but--we spent 6 HOURS there and only got to HALF of the pumpkin patch.  Now mind you we took it slow, but still!  It was a TON of fun!  I have pictures so stay tuned!

October is also halloween party month!  This year Jordyn is a fairy/butterfy, Owen is Captain America, and Noah is my mom's dog Bailey (whom he loves dearly!).  This past week we had our annual trick or treat event at the school I teach at!  It was a ton of fun and the boys had a BLAST!  However, I hadn't gotten a chance to do Noah's costume yet.  A few years back I made Owen a dalmation costume to match Noah's fire fighter costume!  It was super easy so I knew HOW to make it--but I just hadn't gotten the time to get the supplies and sit down and do it.  So--low and behold on Thursday (the night of the event) I went to Walmart to get everything.  My hope was to just be able to get the jist of it done and then I would paint it at a later date.  Well, I was pleasently surprised because I was able to get it all finished by the time the event started!  It turned out perfect and Noah LOVES it! :)  YAH! 

Jordyn has also started to WALK!  Eeks!  She is totally on the move and wants NOTHING to do with people holding her now.  Such a little sassy thing.  She is just full of spice.  The boys were not nearly this spirited at this age! LOL!  And she doesn't just want to walk--she wants to RUN.  Seriously.  She is MOVING and there is NO stopping her!  She has also decided that napping is not her thing :(  Poor girl was so tired tonight she went to bed at like 6:30. 

Kindergarten is good.  2nd job is good.  Justin is good.  We are good.  Life is good.  :)

Ok...as soon as I get the pictures uploaded I will update this post!  However, my new computer is taking forever to upload them!  So stay tuned!

When you love what you do...

I am now 9+ weeks into my 1st year teaching kindergarten at my school.  In the beginning it was a lot of work, however....I loved it.  It is still a lot of work...but I STILL love it.  I am just in love with teaching Kindergarten.  I LOVE it.  I love the age, I love the content, I love that I can have fun with my students and be silly and talk about my kids and they love it.  We have so much fun--and my students seem to all enjoy school!

Ever heard the saying "When you love the work you do, you don't work a day in your life?"  That's totally how I feel.  As a working mom I often think about being a stay-at-home Mom.  While I definitely would love the freedom and the opportunities to spend and stay with my trio--I honestly LOVE what I am doing--so it doesn't feel like I am going to work.  Ya, I don't exactly like getting up every morning and it gets daunting day after day.  BUT--my Mom does such an amazing job with not only the boys but with Jordyn.  And Jordyn absolutely loves her grandma (the boys do too!).  I know they are in such great hands!

As a working mom I think about all the things I am "missing" out on--but, then I think about all the experiences I am having at school.  When a student who has been struggling starts making HUGE strides (true story here!), when they are constantly sharing stories with you, when you celebrate loosing a tooth!  When you can be silly and crazy while learning to count to 8!  And then, I realize...

I am right where I need to be.  A mom to three AND a kindergarten teacher.  Because by golly gosh--I love my trio AND my kindergarten students!

Bedtime randoms :)

Justin and I have always snuggled with and stayed with our children until they were asleep.  I guess I shouldn't say always--as there was a time we didn't, but I would say at least ever since Jordyn was born we have.  It's a way to ensure that everyone calms down for the evening and honestly--it's quality time for us.  We often have the best conversations when the boys are avoiding sleep.  And jordyn loves the snuggles and prefers not to fall asleep alone.  I know this isn't right for a lot of people, but it works well for our family.  BUT all that said-I have a lot of time in the evening to sit and think.  It's kind of nice to unwind with them.  Most of the time I think about random stiff.  With the boys I almost always try my hardest to turn my brain off and rest.  Get ready for bed.  It is honestly a rare occasion that whom ever is snuggling with the boys makes it back downstairs! LOL!

Often with Jordyn I sit and play around on my phone and the Internet.  Other times  I take in the moment.  It seems as though she is growing at the speed of light.  That like has taken off on hyper speed!  I  constantly amazed at the new things she learns and the little person she is becoming!  

The boys are doing well!  Owen has done a complete change as far as behaviors at school!!  Which is SOOO awesome to hear.  He is also remembering what is being taught!  I am so glad that we didn't wait any longer!!  At this rate he will be able to graduate from his resource classes in no time :). (He has resource services due to his preschool IEP!  And trust me-it's better to provide those services then to take them away and he need them later on!). He is just doing so well!  Noah is doing well also!  He loves his teacher and I have been enjoying listening to him reading more challenging books :). He seems to be making great progress!  Now to make sure we practice his spelling words!  Spelling is not his best subject (nor is it mine by a long shot!). Poor Noah had a massive migraine tonight :(. But as of 9pm he woke up feeling a bit better!  He is back to sleep but I am sure will be starving by the morning!  

School is going so well for me!  Seriously I love it!  Assessments and all :). I got a new student today and that is going to be a challenge--BUT--if my job wasn't challenging it would get boring!  Ok-I lied, I don't think my job could ever be boring-but, you get what I mean :)

Justin and I are still struggling with our budget.  It just seems to be out of Wack and we can't seem to get it back in sync :(. The next few weeks I think we are going to go to all cash envelopes just to get it back on track.  Hopefully that will help!

Anyway this mobile update stuff is driving me crazy so I am going to wrap this baby up! Have a great one yall!

Unprocessed October 2014

Justin and I have been slowly embarking on eating healthier.  It's been a VERY slow process.  Especially for Justin.  Whole foods.  Vegetables.  Cooking from Scratch.  It's something Justin and I have always struggled with.  I love whole foods and vegetables--Justin on the otherhand--runs away screaming like a little school girl at the sight of green anything.  Thankfully--things are changing and he has began trying more and more things.  He even ate an ENTIRE SERVING of peas the other day.  Like woah.  The Justin I met 12 years ago would have NEVER EVER put them anywhere near his mouth! 


When I purchased the 100 Days of Real Food cookbook a few weeks back I was super excited!  I loved that there were super easy, super yummy looking recipes in it.  It was something that we COULD do.  And even with our crazy busy life.  And then my husband started to read it.  Like read it more than I did.  Especially the 1st half of the book--where it talks about all the stuff food has in it.  And ya...HE started to change.


And then...I mentioned the Unprocessed October challenge.  And Justin wasn't sure.  Then, last weekend we had Jordyn's baptism--and we cooked unprocessed foods--easily and quickly.  And, he was sold.  And then last week we got to talking about grocery shopping and finding recipes we could make.  And he found some...lots actually.  That were simple, quick, and sounded delicious. 


Is it going to be easy?  No.  Are we going to be perfect?  No.  (Hello French vanilla creamer I have yet to figure out a better substitute).  BUT--we are going to try.  We are going to put our best foot forward and give it a go.  And we are allowing ourselves one cheat/out to eat meal a week. 


Justin told me last night--that he didn't want to just do 30 days--but for us to make a lifestyle change.  And I totally agree with him--but first--let's get through 30 days! :) 


We are excited and I plan on blogging as we go! :)  It should be a good move and hopefully it will help me shed some of this crazy weight gain that has been going on with me lately!

Crazy but calm

When I posted this on twitter just a few minutes ago it really struck a cord with me.  This weekend has been just that--crazy but calm.  My life in general has been this...crazy but calm.  We are getting in our grooves, settling into new routines and new procedures. 


Teaching has really settled in as well--going from 25 students to 19 has made a HUGE difference and I am surprised at how much calmer it is with 6 fewer students!  At school as well we are finally getting into a good groove and I am just now able to really start into the curriculum.  (Not that I haven't already been doing that--but I feel like we are really going to start digging in now that procedures and behaviors are in check!  Conferences are already this week!! (We do them early so that the older students have a chance to improve on those things that are needed before the end of the quarter/semester) 


Noah is doing well!  He is loving his new teacher and we are back in the groove as far as reading homework.  He is also really starting to find a love of reading and that is just amazing.  We work hard at home to make sure that he is reading and writing as those are the 2 things he struggles the most with at school.  He is still taking meds and they continue to make a huge difference.  His teacher mentioned this week that he struggled a little bit a few days this week so we are going to keep a good eye and adjust if needed.


Owen has had a rougher start to the school year.  He really was (and still to a point is) struggling with attention and being able to attend to the lessons.  Which then makes it extremely difficult for him to do what he needs to do.  At one point he was crawling under tables and refusing to do what the teacher was asking him.  We talked to the dr. and has his teacher take some data--and it was very VERY obvious that he had pretty severe ADHD.  Now, this is nothing we didn't know before.  Preschool is a whole different ball-game.. and Owen has always been very much so "on the go".  ADHD also runs very rampant in our families...and with Noah's history as well...when we went in for his check up we decided the best option at this point is to try meds.  NOW--I completely understand that this is VERY controversial.  We have chosen this because it is the best option for HIM and his academic needs.  Owen wants so badly to do the right thing--he WANTS to be good--he just struggles with having the ability to *stay* in control.  In just over a week it has made a complete AMAZING difference.  Owen is able to attend to his teacher and the lessons she is teaching, he is able to follow directions without having to constantly being redirected.  He is still his silly, fun-loving self.  It has truly been a game changer and I am hopeful that this will be a positive move in the right direction.  They have also added a few services to his IEP just to help him.  That's a positive for Owen about already having an IEP in place--the process to add (or get) services is SOO much simpler.  It's pretty awesome for Owen! :)


Jordyn is getting HUGE.  Seriously--she is already almost 15 months old!  I don't know what happened there--but I just love this stage!  She is such a spirited little one.  And has quite the temper! LOL!  Today we had her baptized so that was awesome!  She did such a great job!  She is trying to walk and will take a few steps here or there--but still prefers crawling! LOL!  Silly goose! 


OOooooo!!  We had some excitement the week before last!  Owen ran into a trash can after boy scouts the Tuesday before last...yep, you guessed it--the trash can won and Owen had a pretty good sized gash on his forehead (which obviously meant that he bled ALL OVER the place...oh so much blood!) Thankfully--they were able to glue it back together!  Whew...that was our first "boys will be boys" trip to the ER! (And not to say that this is something girls can't/don't do, because trust me I am sure that girls do just the same amount of damage to their noggins! LOL!)


Otherwise--life is pretty dandy!  This weekend was crazy in the respect that Friday night I had a passion party and the boys had a football game, yesterday was the Race for Hope 5K, and today was Jordyn's baptism.  However despite the craziness--we have had time to cook, clean, and enjoy each other's company!  It really was crazy but calm! :)


Until next time!  Love ya'll! :)

Long time no blog!

I apologize, life has been insanely busy for me!  Between the first few weeks of school, the boys' first weeks of school, attempting to keep our house sort of clean, trying to cook/eat at home more, and just enjoying life with my family.  

So, what's new?  On Monday my class will go from 25 wonderful students to 19. The district has approved and moved FAST to get a 4th section of kindergarten!  Like-I first heard about this on Tuesday-my other k peers last Friday (I had already left for the evening).  So that is super exciting but super sad at the same time.  I have a great group of students and I had to choose some really great ones to go to the new classroom.  Ugh-it was hard!  But, I know I will see them around!  

Noah is doing really well in school!  He is getting into a nice groove for his classroom!  He is loving 2nd grade and his teacher!

Owen is struggling a bit more.  If anyone knows Owen-you know how stubborn and down right naughty he can get.  It's part of his personality--but I think it's also part Grandma Ginnis! :P. Anyway-he jad been having some trouble, we go to the dr for his annual check-up on Tuesday and will be talking with her about what the best route will be for him.  I am not opposed to going the route of meds as it has made a night and day difference for Noah and Justin also needed meds during his school years.  I just want to make sure it is what's best for Owen.  My mom told me that it's one of those--you won't know if it will make a difference until you try it.  So, we shall see what the dr recommends for him!

Jordyn is stubborn and fiesty as always :). She is growing like a weed and is getting really brave with walking--but nothing full-time.  She will take a few steps here and there.  Otherwise she has such an amazing personality and it is so fun watching her grow and turn into a beautiful, fun loving, sassy toddler! 

Justin is doing well!  Trying to figure out his new role as Cub master for Boy Scouts and at work has been given many "projects" on top of his daily work!  His bosses trust him to get it done and are always happy with his work!  He loves his job and continues to be very happy with what he is doing!  He is also adjusting to life without a 2nd job.  This is pretty much the first time in 7+ years he hasn't worked 2 jobs!

As for me--I am doing well!  I switched up my anxiety meds and it had helped SOO much!  I have been struggling a bit with sleep-but that could be a million different things!  I have also been having some wild dreams! LOL!  I may give some melatonin a try if I can't regulate it on my own!

Overall--life has been a ton of fun and I have really been enjoying it!

Until next time!