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! 

One week down...a lifetime to go :)

A week ago Thursday was my 1st day as an "official" kindergarten teacher!  I LOVE it.  Seriously.  It has been far from stress-free.  And I have a student that is completely placed wrong--but, even with the challenges that I have--it's perfect.  Today we finally got into a groove.  We got our lessons in--we got through the normal things as quick as we are supposed to..I have *extra* time--when normally I am short on time.  It was AMAZING.  Seriously--it was amazing.  And I can't wait to see how the rest of the year unfolds.  I have a few students who are going to need some extra love--and the majority of my class is going to need some pretty intense academics--BUT--I have an amazing group.  And we are going to have a blast I can already tell! :)

Noah AND Owen started school on Thursday.  Yes--BOTH boys started school.   Originally the plan was to have Owen spend another year in preschool--but last week (On Noah's birthday actually) our school decided to split the very large (we are talking 28 in our teeny tiny school district) into 2 small classes.  With this decision Owen's preschool teacher called me almost immediately to see what our thoughts were.  Owen is sort-of ready.  Yes--he isn't perfect, he doesn't know all his letters or numbers--but he loves school and loves learning.  And he is SMART.  He will catch up and as long as his teacher is able to get through to him, he will do such a great job.  He is as ready as he will ever be :)  His teacher agree's and the biggest reason for holding him back is because he wouldn't do well in a class of 25+. 

Noah is now in 2nd grade!!  Crazy right?!?!  Here he is Thursday morning:

He is SOO excited for 2nd grade!  I can't wait to see how the year turns out! :)

Here is Mr. Owen!  He was SOOO nervous for his 1st day--but he did such an amazing job and is totally pumped up for Kindergarten!

And here they are together! :)  So excited for school!

Funny note to that--I currently have 25 and we are getting new kindergarteners every day.  Although I have 1 student moving to another classroom and another that I was told today is going to a different school because downtown denied their transfer into our school :(  I like the idea of 23--but it won't last long I am sure!!

A week full of school 1st and lots of fun!  I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! :)

Happy 7th Birthday Noah!!

My big man is turning 7 today!  I am absolutely amazed at how much he has grown, changed, and become such an admirable young man!  He has had his fair share of struggles--and still can be tough sometimes--but he is such an amazing soul.  He loves deeper than many, worries like I do, and cares so so so much about so many different people/things.  It's amazing.  Noah will be starting 2nd grade next week!!  It's amazing to think he is already 7 and in 2nd grade!!  Wowzers!

From my baby:

To my big boy!

Happy Birthday to my leading man!! :) 

When you run without technology!

I am the person who ALWAYS runs with music.  I ALWAYS have my phone when I run.  A pair of headphones and a great pandora station to listen to.  If I am not listening to music I am usually running with someone--and even then when Dad and I run races together I often find myself listening to music. 

Last night--my dear darling children built a fort in our living room--and enjoyed a "movie in" aka--netflix on my phone.  They were getting along, having fun, and enjoying whatever they were watching (ironically enough I believe my BOYS were watching Barbie's Dream house.  :P)  When the rain let up and Justin (my wonderful husband) said he wanted to run--I asked him (ok--told him really) that I would prefer to go.  I hadn't been running in almost a week--rain, heat, humidity, dizziness, and a whole slew of other things had prevented me from running.  I NEEDED to get out there.  I was super crabby and just needed some space.  Well, I started getting ready and asked the boys for my phone.  I got it and the bar was barely there.  So--I plugged it in...4%.  Crap.  I got ready, and checked it again.  6%. Crap again.  There was no way I could go on a 30 minute run with that battery.  So--I had to make a choice--run sans technology or not run at all.  For the forementioned reasons...I choose to run.

And run I did.  It was INCREDIBLE.  I have been using the couch-to-5K app for my runs.  I LOVE the Couch to 5K.  It's such a wonderful app for many many reasons.  BUT--since I didn't have my phone--and I was only armed with my handy dandy polar watch (which I got a few weeks back and really like!) I figured I would take a tip from an article I read the other day: run until you can't run, walk until you are in control, and repeat.  So--that was my plan.  I have a 2ish mile route I use for my runs.  So I set out.  I walked until I got to the road I usually begin running on...gotta warm up my legs a little bit.  It was actually kind of chilly out!  I was surprised!  I walked for about 4:30.  Then I started running.  Slow and steady was my goal.  Keeping my breathing under control.  Make it to the end of the road. (The road turns)  I could do it. 

I made it to the end of the road.  I was feeling good--in control.  My legs were a little tired--but I was in control.  I wasn't going fast by any means!  Heck I was actually going quite slow.  BUT--I wanted to maintain the control.  So I continued.  Could I make it to the sign?  Got it!  Still feeling alright--my legs were a little bit better--still in control.  Could I make it to 10 minutes of straight running?  Yep.  Got it!!  I was excited about that--I debated at this point what I wanted to do.  If I wanted to keep running or start alternating running and walking.  I assessed myself--how did my legs feel?  Actually good--I could even push a little bit harder!  How is my breathing?  Wow, I am really in sync and my breathing is in control.  How am I feeling overall?  Strong.  I kept going.

And going.  And going.  I kept finding my legs going in and out of strength vs. tired.  I pushed through--reminding myself that it gets better--don't stop now.  I made it to my usual "ending" point on the couch to 5K app...and kept running.  My goal--the house for sale on my route.  I made it--could I make it to the house with the ramp?  Eeks!  I am getting there!  At this point...I was past running a full 20 minutes.  I haven't done that in AGES!!!  AND I was still feeling good--my legs were feeling good.  I was in control.

I ended up running all the way home.  Not stopping until I hit my front steps!  I was SHOCKED!!  I hadn't run like that in a LONG LONG time.  It felt good.  I felt IN CONTROL.  I was in a groove.  Even after I finished--I contemplated running the last 4 minutes to make it to 30 minutes.  However, I was already home and I could hear Jordyn fussing inside.  I walked a little bit to let my body cool down--and then went inside and stretched.

So...why did I write this huge blog post?  Well--not only am I super proud of my controlled run.  I have to say--running sans technology was pretty amazing.  I enjoyed being one with myself and nature.  I enjoyed hearing my foot steps.  I enjoyed just running.  No distractions.  I felt like I was more in control--and less likely to give up.  I was pushing myself--constantly evaluating how I felt and how my breathing was.  Listening closely to my body's signals.  I really think--I am going to start running sans technology.  It was exhilarating and refreshing! 

Have you ever ran sans technology?!  What did you think?  Would you do it again?

(On a side note--while I plan on running sans technology--I won't *really* be running completely sans technology like I did yesterday.  As I will carry my phone to be safe.  If something happened to me I would want to be able to call for help or have someone be able to track me!)