Lynn Turns the Big 40!

I've been accused of a lot of things.  Most of them true although I'll probably deny I had anything to do with them.  One I hear a lot is that I'm a cradle robber.  Yes, me.  I guess first of all I had to go on a mission to Oklahoma to learn to like cowboys (because before that I would rather puke than kiss one...)   AND then I had to realize younger may be better.

Lynn is exactly 18 months and two days younger than I am.  When I turned 40 he planned a big party for me and called old friends to make sure they called to harass me.  I thought there was NO WAY I could do anything like that for him.

I was wrong.  A little e-mail to the CVMA class of 2015 and he got enough attention alright.  One friend gave him plastic dinosaurs so he wouldn't be alone as a fossil.  (I like that one best...)  Ever since my b-day Abby has wanted to buy an old guy cane for her dad.  We came through on that one too.

However, we spent the evening of his birthday a "Battle of the Bands"  Listening to our little boy blow his horn.  To tell you the truth, I don't think Lynn would have liked anything more.  He's an amazing dad and sure loves, gets a kick out of, his kids.

Here's to 40 more!  (Maybe a few more than that too...)

Pictures coming as soon as I find my camera...

Living in a Small Place

One of the things about living in a small place is...you can never get away from each other.  It's true.  There is nothing quite like instant messaging your husband on Facebook and having your 13 year old son, or 10 year old daughter walk in the room and read over your shoulder.  They should have red ears.  It's like I tell them:  Don't snoop in Dad's vet books unless you are prepared to handle what you read. :)

The tweens have cabin fever plus add the maturation hormones and whoo-ee! Cat fight.  Not to mention the sly brother who stokes the animosity.

I, personally, hide in my room reading whatever book I can get my hands on so I don't have to listen or watch whatever is currently on Disney.  Sometimes I imagine I'm in the Caribbean with Brook and Jaci and don't remember I have children. 

Chin up...I saw a bunch of crocus popping their heads up in the  flower beds at the doctor's office today.  too bad it was too windy and chilly for a walk.

I keep repeating...3 more years, 3 more years, I can do this small place 3 more years....

I LOVE when people I know post old Photos on FaceBook

My sister, Irene, posted this picture on Facebook today.  I was so glad she did.  My kids are growing at such an alarming rate I often forget how cute and little they were.  Life was so hectic and I was so sleep deprived at this time in my life I don't think I fully appreciated their cuteness and innocence.  The twins were probably only a month old at this time, Brayden may have just turned 3 and I was still recovering from being hospitalized and very sick after the twins were born.  Thank goodness Irene and my other sister Elizabeth came and stayed a few weeks with me (both for 2 weeks back to back).  In case you are wondering: Abby is in yellow with apnea monitor leads peeking out from her shirt.  Elise is in red, a pound or two heavier than Abby. 

Family Photo Op

We went on campus at MU to have these pictures taken for the family Christmas card, which didn't make it out....again.  They will probably go out for Valentines Day...again.

We are standing in front of the "pillars".  Mizzou originally had the first journalism school west of the Mississippi.  The building burned down and the pillars were left behind.  Now, they are a historical monument on campus.

Brayden and I tease each other about who's taller.  I always say,"I'm the mom and I'm still taller."  He says, "Not for looong!"  I think he may have passed me up. Sniffle.  He has hairy legs, too.

Sometimes getting a picture of our kids is REALLY hard.  So, I just told them to do "whatever".

Brayden's sense of humor.

There is a tradition on campus that if you rub this statue of the Governor's nose before a test...you will get an A.

My pink princess.

Merry Christmas and things I'm thankful for...

It has been an amazing holiday season away from our extended family.  I have absolutely LOVED spending all my time with my children and husband instead of heading from one family party to another.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I enjoy spending time with my family but it often feels like we squeeze it in to such a small space during this season.  My favorite things are camping out with the Barton family near Bear Lake or up above Ogden. 

I honestly didn't think I could make Christmas happen at our home this year.  Money has been a big deal since we moved.  I took over a $14,000 cut in pay and became an nontenured teacher once again.  It's OK.  I need to prove myself to people who don't know a thing about me.  I will and money will be easier to come by.  I got paid on the 20th of this month and Lynn and I did some power shopping.  I actually think I like putting off my shopping.  It was a lot less crazy.

We spent Christmas day at home together.  We got to go to just Sacrament meeting on Sunday.  Lynn is all for turning into the rest of the Christian world and making it a Sunday tradition to just do Sacrament meeting.

Later, we had a guy from our ward who lives alone and our the missionaries assigned to our ward over for dinner.  We played some board games and can I just say...fun, fun, fun.

Thanks to many a Nerf gun fight in our tiny duplex my Christmas tree is broken on the bottom.  However, my kids will tell you this was the best Christmas EVER!

Bring on the Turkey!

Quote from Abby on Facebook, yesterday, "Oh finnaly Thanksgiving break. I can sleep in for 5 days straight.Then there is the food part don't get me started on that. Even though I won't eat it at grandma's doesn't mean I won't eat it. P.S I like music on I-pods mom so get me on for christmas."   Is the kid mine through and through or what?  Love my girl!

Here's her post today, "I'm going to be on my mom all day tomarrow until she gets the cranberry relish done. I love my grandma Evan's cranberry relish so my mom better make it. I only get it one day a year so it better be good. I hope thanksgiving dinner will be good at my neighbors house the Snarrs house. Actully I hope it will be GREAT!"  funny baby!

What are We doing in Missouri?

I had forgotten what it's like to teach a new grade. Oh, how I'd forgotten. It's been 9 years since I had to learn a new set of standards for a grade, the way the students act, etc. etc. etc. Put on top of it all a new school district and a new state. I feel like I've been trying to drink from a fire hose. I'm finally becoming successful in abating my thirst. One thing I'm finding out is how much I really enjoy teaching. It's true. I do. I think I'm finally at a place where I think it's fun to teach. It only took 18 years to get here, but I'm here.

The kids LOVE Missouri. Brayden is a Hornet at Fulton Middle School. He's an 8th grader in a small town middle school. He gets to play the trumpet with the High School Band at the Homecoming Game this month. He also gets to go to school on A and B days like we did when I was in school. He's bringing home better grades, YAY!

The twins go to school across the hall from me. They enjoy hanging out in my room after school playing on my SMART board. I like the fact they play on my SMART board. Then they can teach me how to use it.

Lynn hangs out at Mizzou in the anatomy lab. He spends quality time with his dog and his cat and tiny little cells in the micro anatomy lab. So far, he's doing well and we are VERY proud of him.

Maybe my fire hose will quit spraying up my nose and I will be able to post a bit more often!