Thankful

     On Friday the nation was rocked with the horrible news of a tragic school shooting in Connecticut. All school shootings are tragic and gut wrenching, but this particular event truly stopped me in my tracks. I can't quite pinpoint why, but I'm thinking it's because it happened in an elementary school to students who are the same age as the students I see everyday. When you read what those staff members did to protect the lives of those kids they were entrusted to, you find yourself shaking your head in agreement. As I read the words and the scene plays out in my head I know that I would've done the same thing those staff members did. It's just simple, those kids in my room are not just students, they are my students. I've never met a single teacher who doesn't think the same thing.  At times like this though, we are forced to stop and rethink our priorities, AND change our attitudes. 

     This week before Christmas our district has a FULL week of school. Monday through Friday. I will admittedly  tell you I was a bit discouraged wondering how I was going to get my little friends to stay focused and keep their excitement about Christmas at a manageable level. Now, I will admittedly tell you that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else these next five days. I will take extra care this week and know how blessed I am with such a great group of kids. If I don't get a single point across to those kids all week, I still count it as a great week, simply because I am able to spend it with them.

      I will be thinking and praying for the staff, the families and all the lives that were affected by the tragic events. I can't even imagine their pain, and loss.

THE .... FLU...

Flu: 3 Binkleys:1

Jon, Elli and I all got the flu. It's miserable. A 20 month old child with the flu is possibly THE worst parental experience. Well OK now that I'm pondering it - it's probably not that bad, but in the moment it was horrible. She can't tell me she's sick, until the vomit is all over me. She wakes up puking, then we have to clean the bed. She wants chocolate milk so badly, and you so badly want to throw it out the window because of the smell. The only thing worse than a 20 month old with the flu? BOTH adults in the house also have the flu. She pukes, I puke, Jon pukes. It's a vicious cycle. 

We've been puke free for almost 24 hours (everyone knock on wood). My headache is now a dull pain rather than the pounding tribal drum that it's been the last 12 hours. I was even able to tolerate a little sunlight today. 

Harper has won the prize as the only Binkley not knocked out from this horrid experience. A HUGE thanks to Mamo Denise who took Harper and kept her while the three of us curled up in misery together.  This marks the first time in MANY years that either Jon or I have gotten the flu (because we admittedly refuse the flu shot) but it is important to note that Elli had her flu shot last week. Coincidence? I say no...

Meet Gina!

So... in my quest to find low fat recipes I have stumbled upon a new favorite blog...

I happened to find her blog through pinterest (imagine that) and I've been addicted ever since. I've tried about 15 of her recipes from her site and I haven't had a bad one yet. Some of you may know that I was banned from Racheal Ray's recipes several years ago by Jon. My cooking skills and her recipes were just not a good combination. Well not Gina! She uses ingredients I can pronounce, and fresh things I can find in my small town grocery store.  Even my red meat, fried food, coated in butter loving husband has enjoyed everything I've made from her. Yay! Best part?? For someone like me who needs those nutritional facts, it's listed on every recipe!! She's given me the opportunity to spice up my kitchen skills and keep everything low fat. I just might be in love....

Check her out! Meet Gina from SkinnyTaste!

This is how we do it...

It's been a while my friends, and in true Kali form I feel it's appropriate to update you in "list style". So this is how the Binkleys did Fall 2012...

#1. For my birthday in August we took Harper to the opening Mizzou game with Amy, Steve and the boys! Even though it rained, we had a blast!

#2.  We've had a fun time filling our new house with newer furniture and making our house a home. Here the girls are enjoying the new couch sporting their USC gear from Uncle Brandon. (Don't get used to them like this, they are true Tigers - just ask their Dad)

#3. We've had fun raking ALL the leaves in our new yard. It's incredible how we can spend hours blowing & burning leaves, and two days later it looks like we haven't touched them! The girls (and even Jon) had some serious fun jumping in the big piles

#4. We celebrated the marriage of two sweethearts (The Egnews). Their rehearsal dinner was in the Mizzou pressbox, which was pretty fun!

#5. Our sweet niece Abby celebrated her birthday on October 29th. We spent the afternoon at Grandma's and the kids enjoyed Loft House cupcakes! Delicious!

#6. October went out with a bang as we went Trick or Treating on Halloween! We have a butterfly fairy and a witch. Harper had a blast and Elli is enjoying the fruits of her sister's labor.

Harper "flying"

Parental Nightmare

This blog post is not for the faint of heart. In fact, if you don't have children, you should probably stop reading now. If you have continued reading even if you don't have kids, this is your final warning. You will probably think I'm disgusting and even hear yourself uttering the words "why is she blogging about this?"

Jon and I have a parental nightmare on our hands. Our dear, sweet, tubby, giggling little Elliette is a -- wait for it -- night pooper. Yep, you read that correctly she is a night pooper! Why is this a parental nightmare do you ask? Well let me tell you. It all should be prefaced by stating that our dear, sweet, tubby, giggling Harper woke up every morning from the time she started sleeping through the night dry as a bone! She would quickly fill her diaper after waking up (which is why cheap diapers never worked for her), but I digress. When Harper was in the middle of potty training I was getting frustrated at her inability to EVER go #2 on the potty. So we started reading blog after blog. Jon stumbled upon a parent sounding board in which a parent was venting about the problems their toddler was having pooping in the middle of the night and not waking them up! They would wake up the next morning finding little "treasures" in their son's closet. Can you even imagine??  Well a few months ago our little Elli started  pooping in the middle of the night. She doesn't wake up, she sleeps right through it and it's a disgusting, sticky mess by the time we realize what's happened the next morning. I'm freaking out that this will continue after two and potty training will take on a whole new nightmarish meaning!

If you made it this far - you must be parent - and I hope you are laughing. At this point, what else do you do?

Hello?! Can you see me?

Squint, no really squint. See that blur of a blog that's frantically bobbing up and down on the horizon? Yep - that's me! I eat, sleep, kiss on my kids and work. I promise updates are coming - maybe in November? ha. Until then, here's the shortened version.

I love my job - but I feel like a first year teacher all over again! My girls are adorable and growing like weeds. Harper is loving every minute of preschool (she's superstar of the week - if you see her this week she's bound to tell you). Elli is loving her new sitter and starting to say one-two word sentences. We are thoroughly enjoying our life at the moment!

First Day Jitters

If you're not familiar with the book First Day Jitters you should read it. It's a great story for all ages. It is a picture book - I wouldn't want those of you who read my blog and are NOT teachers (there are a few of you!), to hunt it down and be disappointed. 

I started journaling my adventure in my new classroom a couple of weeks ago. Then friends, I left you hangin! How rude of me. These last few weeks have honestly been a whirlwind. New employee training, Granny's funeral, more employee training, open house, and now tomorrow - First Day of School! Yikes! These last few days have been long ones, but I'm just as excited and nervous as our main character in that book First Day Jitters.

I'll be learning right along with my little 2nd graders tomorrow. I'm SUPER excited about my kids, my school, my curriculum, my team, I think it's going to be an awesome year.

Here's a sneak peek of my room as I left it tonight after open house (it's still a tad messy from the crowd). 

Highlights would include my huge bulletin board above the bookshelf. It's titled "Binkley's Learning Pad" and I'm planning on using that space for anchor charts made with my kids during whole group reading instruction. My class library, which says "read it, read it" to go along with my frog theme. The biggest change for me this year - no teacher desk! I'm using my guided reading table to house a few teacher items I might need, other than that what belongs to me, belongs to my kids. We share our space equally! 

Two personal goals this year (well two that I can quantify at the moment) would include: 

1. Mastering my new 2nd grade curriculum - and by mastering I mean knowing my standards as thoroughly as I did my 4th grade ones

2. Beefing up my primary library! My books are all chapter books!

A wise theater mentor once told me that nerves are a positive thing. They keep you on your toes, and keep your mind sharp. Those "first day jitters" have nothing on me. Bring it on 2012-2013 school year - bring it on!

My Tribute to Granny

Domingo (Sonny) & Eloise Dasal

On  Wednesday night, August 1, my Granny, Eloise Dasal, joined my Papa in heaven. She just turned 92 years old.  This is my tribute to her.

When I started this post, I wanted to outline Granny's life in details. I wanted to share her and my Papa's love story that started in WWII, and their journey of raising six sons. I wrote it all out, line by line. Then I placed my finger on the delete key and held it there for a very long time. In writing my memories of her I got lost in the details, the pieces of colorful thread that wove her life together. When I got to the end, what caused me to hit the delete button was that it wasn't the thread I needed to pay tribute to. It was the beautiful quilt those pieces wove together that deserved all the justice.

Granny was a strong willed, God fearing, southern belle, that stared adversity in the face (often with a hand on her hip). She was proud of who she was and where she came from. She deeply loved her Sonny (my Papa). Her greatest accomplishments came from the lives of her six sons. It was those boys who relished spoiling her, and those boys who, in her frailest moments on earth, held their Mama tight and told her it was OK to let her go.

I know that today was really difficult for many family members, but I realize that today might have been Granny's best in a long time. Today she got to love on Papa, whom she'd been separated from for almost 9 years. She was able to look into her baby girl's eyes for the very first time. Most importantly, today she was able to stand in the presence of God. How much better could it get for her?

Granny you were loved and will be missed by many. I am forever grateful for the woman you chose to be, and am honored to be but a thread in your life quilt. I love you!

My Little Diva

I finally successfully loaded my little diva's videos. I giggle each time I watch these, and I also tremble slightly in fear because I know what true drama queen we really have.

This first video was taken back in the winter time at our home at the Lake. She is "rocking" out to Strawberry Shortcake's "Sunshine girls". Her dance moves are mimicking the moves on the TV. It's pretty classic.

My favorite part is the robot(ish) dance moves and the quick bite she must take mid dance. This picture was taken the week before Berry Beach. She was "getting ready" for the beach. Yes those are Jon's hunting socks and I have NO idea why she has them on with her swimsuit.

This clip was taken the week we moved. She is singing along to Barbie's Princess and the Pauper.  Her Blanky is serving as her dress and she has on high heels if you can't see them. Not nearly as fun as "Sunshine Girls" but equally entertaining.

Watch out world - here comes Harper!

Diary of a Wimpy Classroom - Day 1

First let me say that I don't blog about my classroom. Not that I don't love reading teaching blogs, but let's face it - I'm not that creative. I don't write classroom blogs - I read them! haha! Today was Day 1 in my new classroom. I had moved in all my boxes in June, however I hadn't touched anything since then.  As I walked in today I was completely overwhelmed. There was stuff everywhere!! Since I'm moving to a new grade level I wasn't sure what to keep and what to throw away. Let me give you a sneak peek. 

Later in the day I learned that the teacher who was in this room before me had been in the room for 18 years. Yikes! Like a true veteran teacher - NOTHING went to waste and EVERYTHING was saved. Let's just say I had a lot of work ahead of me. With Harper's help I slowly made my way around the room throwing things away, rearranging, throwing more things away, breaking down boxes, throwing more things away - you get the picture. I've had quite the day. Below is the video just before we left for the day. We still have a LONG way to go, but some progress is better than no progress! 

Aftershock

When someone experiences a tragedy, life is inevitably categorized into the "before" and "after" moments. The before moments being the tasks at hand that seemed to daunt your day or your week. The small fights you have with your spouse about picking up dirty laundry or washing a dish off in the sink. At the time, it was what consumed your day, your thoughts, even your actions. Then tragedy hits. Now and forevermore you will remember those consuming tasks as miniscule in hindsight. Why didn't I just let the dirty sock roll off my back? Was it really that big of a deal to have two dirty dishes in the sink? Did I remember to say "I Love You" before he walked out the door? Now life is looked at as the after moments. You can't help but compare the two lives as they drastically differ from  each other.

Yesterday my sweet, loving 51 year old cousin Jeff died of a brain aneurism. To say that I'm heartbroken is an under statement. Jeff was more like an uncle to me than a cousin - he was the oldest grandchild and I am the youngest. I'm having a hard time processing the fact he's gone. It just doesn't seem possible. I'm heartbroken for my Uncle Don and Aunt June, who are having to take on the task of burying their son. I'm heartbroken for Diana, his only sister, who was so close to him. I'm heartbroken for his wife Susan, who loved him dearly and enriched his life. I'm heartbroken for my parents, who loved and treated Jeff as a son. I'm especially heartbroken for his sons, who will now pass every milestone with their dad as a memory. It doesn't seem fair, it doesn't seem possible. 

If anyone knew Jeff, they knew that he was one of the best storytellers out there. He could get a laugh out of anyone - he truly enjoyed it. I know that my Uncle Moose, Janetta and especially my Grandma Ruby welcomed Jeff with loving arms yesterday. He's probably got them on the floor rolling in laughter. Until I see you again Jeff - I love you!

Jeff Lincoln

Parenting 101

I took a child development class in college where a very wise professor told us that before people have children they make a "mental" list of all the things they'll never do as parents. Then once they have kids they mentally check off each item on the list as they do them. For example: My kids will never eat macaroni and cheese with hotdogs for dinner, speed ahead 5 years and as I'm grilling hotdogs I mentally check off that item. Or, I won't allow my children to be that loud at a restaurant -- 5 years later I'm bribing my kids with horrendous things like ice cream to not scream or say "poop" so loud that the next table wants their food to go. The "list" could go on.

Look at that expression. Her eyes could tell a lifetime of stories and she's only 3. I've been reading blogs and trying to research best practice strategies for handling children with a "strong personality". Everyone tells me that it's such a blessing she's so adamant in her way, that she will stand her ground and  not sway to peer pressure. I just can't seem to wrap my brain around that. Harper is extremely verbal, probably past her age in speech which makes discipline hard. I'm not sure she cognitively understands what she says or how she acts. It's a fine line I'm trying desperately to learn. I'm truly hoping that I'm doing all I can to teach her she can always express her true feelings to me, while guarding her tongue with others. 

Food Take II

So when I started this blogpost last week I wanted to post some videos from my phone of some of Harper's diva moments. But it won't load so I know I must be doing something wrong. I can't quite figure it out. If you know the secret - let me know! You won't want to miss my Little Diva's rendition of Strawberry Shortcake's "Sunshine Girls" or Barbie's "Free to be Me".  Trust me.

Since I couldn't quite get the videos loaded I thought I would take another stab at describing my food challenges. I don't feel that I gave my last post justice. After 6 months of eating this way I must say that my challenges really aren't as bad anymore. Now that I'm familiar with what I can and can't eat I don't spend as much time online looking up menus or at the grocery store looking at labels. Most of our staple meals like tacos, sloppy joes, spaghetti and even burgers I have found an alternative that works for me.

Like I said in my last post, we don't really eat any red meat or pork in our house. Jon still fries bacon occasionally or will buy ground beef to make himself a burger, but you won't find it stockpiled in our freezer like it used to be. I've substituted ground beef with ground chicken or ground turkey breast. Even ground buffalo works! Then it's all about finding lower fat alternatives and portion control. For instance, I buy the heart healthy spaghetti sauce and whole grain spaghetti noodles, and allow my self more noodles and less sauce. We don't get the yummy garlic cheese bread, but instead I toast whole wheat bread and lightly season with garlic powder. Summer time has been easier for eating healthy because the produce is so fresh and abundant.

Now let's talk sweets. Anyone that knows me knows my sweet tooth is hard core. I miss butter, cream and ice cream for sure. However I've found some amazing frozen yogurt that satisfies my sweet tooth! Plus the sweetness of fruit has truly helped. Fat free whipped topping mixed with fat free yogurt and then topped on fat free angel food cake is a favorite! The 100 calorie pack cookies also help satisfy that sweet craving with out going over my 5g fat limit on a snack. If I cheat - it's usually with sweets though. Sometimes you just can't say no! :)

I know you must be thinking "but isn't that hard?" The answer - yep. I have to make a conscious effort to stay positive. It doesn't always work. At first, after we would attend a function that had nothing on the menu I could eat, I would literally cry as soon as we got in the car. Please don't misunderstand I was in no way upset at the host or hostess. It was by no means their fault that I have to eat a certain way and it's expensive to boot! But it was just an overwhelming sadness I couldn't get past at first. I sorta understand all those talk show hosts when they talk about food being a drug. Now it's not as bad. I've had some time to get off the drug and watching people eat my favorite things isn't hard or sad anymore. Jon is so great too - he'll try anything! I know it's been hard for him too, but he would never tell me that. I distinctly remember when I was in the hospital shortly before I had Elli that they decided I would be on liquids only for the two weeks until I could be induced. I instantly started crying and Jon instantly looked me in the eye and said "I'll do this with you, you won't be alone - it's going to be OK". From that point on - I knew no matter what my crazy diet was, he was on board. I know he secretly LOVES going to eat someplace other than home though so he can "eat for both of us" haha!

So the Food Saga continues - but it has taken a slightly positive twist! And if you do know how to get past the whole not loading video thing - be sure to let me know!

A Tale of Two Cities

In true Kali form I thought it would be very fitting to list all the wonderful things about our new home and town and all the things I would miss about the Lake. Now, I know I can't list everything, so consider this the abridged version. 

Our home at the lake (this was taken in January)

Things I'll miss:

• My friends and family (I already miss calling Diane to hang at the pool all afternoon)
• Hy-Vee and Target being literally down the road. Although it might be a nice break for my wallet.
• My neighbors - I had some of the best neighbors at the lake. I haven't met any neighbors in Jeff City yet, but I doubt any of them will spend all day trying to coax my cat out of tree.
• Starbucks Drive Through. I'm going to miss Starbucks in general. Now I know my low fat diet doesn't allow much from there. 
• All the little dives and restaurants on the water. We didn't always hit them up because let's face it eating out with two kids stopped being fun a long time ago, but the options were nice.
• My babysitter Robin. She is just an amazing lady - I couldn't have asked for a better woman to love my girls everyday.

Things I won't miss:

• Tourists - don't misunderstand tourists are great for the lake area, but let's be real I hate waiting.
• Road Work and having to manage around lake traffic with all the road work. I was super thankful to have had Elli around the beginning of tourist season last year. I was afraid for my life! 
• Not having High Speed Internet - it really should be illegal.
• My gravel road - I haven't washed my car in a week - and it ISN'T covered in dust!!!
• Being an hour away from Sunday Night Dinner at Jon's moms. I love Sunday dinner - but leaving at 8:15 and getting home at 9:15 before the week begins is just rough! Now we're five minutes away. 
• Being an hour away from all our doctors and the hospital. Taking the girls to the doctor was an all day affair before - not anymore!

This is the real estate picture of our new house

Things I'm excited about:

• Reconnecting with friends - I've missed you guys!
• Having space in our new home. The girls have an entire room for their toys. AND the room has a door. People coming over? No more rushing around to pick up the Barbie dolls and puzzle pieces, I just have to shut the door!
• Thursday Night Live - haven't gone yet, but I hear it's fun. It's on the agenda next week.
• HIGH SPEED INTERNET! Come on - when's the last time I blogged twice in one week?! 
• A Laundry Room - not a closet an actual room with a door. Just like the toy room I can simply shut the door.
• Being closer to Columbia - shopping, Mizzou Tigers, and more friends to reconnect with.
• Did I mention we are three minutes from the Suthoffs? Harper is super excited to be so close to her cousins.

As soon as I am out of boxes I'll try and post more pictures of the inside. Until the next time.

Berry Beach!

The view from our room

First I would like you to take note of all the beautiful photos I've successfully uploaded to my blog in a matter of minutes. That's right kids - we have high speed internet again!! Goodness do I feel human. There will be another post - published shortly about the move and all the good things about our new home!

This year my dad turned the big 6-0 and to celebrate his birth we decided (all 15 of us) to go on our first family vacation! We all packed up and headed to Panama City Beach Florida to enjoy the sand, water and sun! Since Harper had no idea what the beach was, we had to talk on her level. Since her world revolves around characters like Strawberry Shortcake, we told her we were going to Berry Beach! This she understood completely because Strawberry and friends made a trip to Berry beach.

Elliette and I on the beach

 The trip down wasn't too bad, the girls were preoccupied with movies and snacks. Jon did all the driving (he's so kind). We had to stop over in Montgomery, Alabama but were able to get to Panama City Beach pretty early on Saturday. We spent our days lounging pool or oceanside and even got in a round of bowling! The trip back was done all in one day (collective sigh). We even stopped in Hamilton, Alabama to eat lunch and what was next door? A prison. Yep - I drank my Diet Dr. Pepper while watching the inmates play basketball. Very interesting.

Gorgeous sunsets

 We even had a night to take some family photos by the beach. The girls did pretty well in the ocean. It didn't even phase Harper to get saltwater in her mouth or face. She preferred the pool to the beach though because she could display her "jumping" skills and make all kinds of friends big and small. She is such a social butterfly. She would stop and talk to anyone who would give her attention. She also got some quality cousin time. Abby was so patient and kind to put up with her new shadow.  She came home with a whole new set of hand clapping games and an even stronger swimmer!

Steve & Amy 

Derek, Sam and Nathan

Dustin & Rachel

Jonathan & Abby

 Elli did pretty well in the pool. She spent much of her afternoon napping, but she enjoyed her floating seat and was content to let her sister take all of the attention (as usual). 

Beach Memories

Daddy's Girl

(this might be my favorite photo from vacation)

Mom and Dad with Elli on the boat to Shell Island

On one of the last days in Florida we took a boat ride out to a state park called Shell Island. The beach there was stunning!! We even go to watch some dolphins swim from the boat on the way back to Panama City Beach! I realize that most of my pictures in this post are of Elli. Most of our vacation photos are of Elli because Harper simply wouldn't sit still long enough to snap a photo! 

Harper on Shell Island

In all, the vacation was a blast! What a great time to spend with family. I'm really glad we did it! Only 5 days after we got back from vacation we moved out of our house at the Lake and into our new house in Jefferson City. What were we thinking?!? I guess this vacation you could call the calm before the storm. Either way - Berry Beach was a success!

Eating, Moving and Job Change - Oh my!

Wow! What a busy month May has turned out to be. Many changes are in store for our ordinary family.  My diet and pain is pretty much the same. Although I've found my choices and medicine really do help me manage my pain. I can't tell you how many people ask me "So, what DO you eat?" ha! Well, I'll tell you:

Breakfast: usually consists of cereal. There are a variety of cereals that are low fat and make me feel very normal. Otherwise, it's toast and honey (I REALLY miss butter).
Lunch: Leftovers mostly from dinner the night before. I like fat free popcorn or if I have to a lunchmeat sandwich (I'm not really a fan though).
Dinner: Salad, some sort of baked chicken or fish. There are a few frozen pizza's that I can eat a slice of. I love ground turkey or chicken for spaghetti or tacos. Fish tacos are a new favorite dinner of mine.
Most importantly to my new diet changes are snacks. I eat some sort of fruit or 100 calorie pack between each meal and before bed. It sounds strange - but snacks save my day :)

So that's it - in  nut shell. Of course there are always exceptions and times I cheat, but I sincerely pay for it, so I choose my exceptions carefully.

Our home sold and we are in the process of purchasing another one. We are moving shortly after the school year is over. Which I can't wait for!! I LOVE my summer, even if this one is going to be full of unboxing and unboxing some more.

The last little piece of change in our ordinary world is my job! I have accepted a position with Jefferson City Public Schools teaching 2nd grade. I'm a bit nervous about all the new in our lives, but I'm a champion of change. I'm excited for the new challenge that awaits!

The BEST part about the new move is high speed internet - which for you means more updates and lots more photos (since it won't take me 45 minutes to download them!)

Life Book

Recently I read a book titled Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. Hands down it was the best book I've read in a VERY long time. Such amazing characters and a perfect mix of laughter, sadness, joy and excitement! The book, set in the 1960's, revolves around a young girl named CeeCee whose childhood has suffered great tradegdy in the form of a mentally ill mother. When her mother passes away, young CeeCee is left in the care of her great aunt Tootie. Tootie is from Savannah and introduced CeeCee into a life of southern hospitality and most importantly deeply rooted love. I enjoyed every last word. One of my favorite characters was Mrs. O'Dell. Mrs. O'Dell was CeeCee's elderly neighbor and in every way mothered CeeCee the best she could while CeeCee dealt with her mother alone. When Tootie comes to take CeeCee down South it is time for CeeCee to say goodbye to Mrs. O'Dell. This part of the book truly broke my heart.

When CeeCee asks Mrs. O'Dell why she can't just live with her, Mrs. O'Dell tells CeeCee that "that's not the way it's written in your Life Book" She goes on to explain...

"Life is full of change, honey. That's how we learn and grow. When we're born, the Good Lord gives each of us a Life Book. Chapter by chapter, we live and learn." ...

What an expiring story!

Well my Life Book is getting ready to turn the page to a new chapter. The last five years I've spent my professional life working as a 4th grade teacher at a wonderful school district at the Lake of the Ozarks. More importantly I've spent the last five years developing friendships that have unbelievably changed my life. I cannot even begin to express in words what these ladies have done to mold, inspire, comfort, support, and shape my life.

After much thought and prayer I have decided my time at Osage is finished. Jon and I are moving back to Jefferson City. Mrs. O'Dell said it best when she said...

"When a chapter of your Life Book is complete, your spirit know it's time to turn the page so a new chapter can begin. Even when you're scared or think you're not ready, your spirit knows you are."

To my 4th grade ladies - you've brought such joy into my life over the last few years (and I know you will continue to do so!) I leave you with a sad heart, but a hope for what chapter is next. I will absolutely miss your faces every single day.

Thank You for all the memories we've made and will make in the future.

PS - If you know someone who wants to buy my house - let me know!

Spring is here!

It's been far too long my friends. Things around here have been crazy busy, as usual. Our littleElli Hope will be a year old in one month and I can't believe it! She is into everything these days. It's amazing how my two girls seem to be polar opposites. If I thought having the same gender was going to be a repeat, I was wrong. Harper is full of energy and craves the attention.

Elli loves to play quietly. As long as she is dry, and fed - she's pretty happy. Watching the two of them interact is quite adorable if I do say so myself.

Harper will begin preschool in the fall. I can't believe that's possible but it's true! She asks about going to school almost daily and tells me all the time how she can't wait to ride her school bus. As a teacher I already see signs of trouble - but I'm sure she will have a blast making it! The mild winter has been a welcomed treat this year compared to last year. We've only had a total of three snow days and have already made up one! I'm looking forward to time off with my two favorite girls.

This winter has been busy with birthdays and retirements. We love to celebrate with people! This photo is of Aunt Tina with Abbi and Harper at Mamo's retirement party. Those two girls are going to be great friends I just know it.

We celebrated Aiden's third birthday in February as well with a Super Why themed party that even had a performance from Super Why! What a fun celebration that was. Harper even cooperated by only helping Aiden open one of his gifts. ha!

In the next few months we are looking forward to celebrating Elli's birthday, along with a few others. My brother-in-law will be 40 next week, my dad will be 60 in May and my parents will celebrate 40 years of wedded bliss in August. What a year! I hope this wonderful weather has treated you well. I'm looking forward to all the fun of summer ahead!

Book Club!

Recently some great friends at work decided it was time to start a book club. We all read such great books and let's face it 40 minutes of plan time is just not enough to discuss a book! Our first month's selection was Ellen's book Seriously I'm Kidding. I'm going to be honest, I was a terrible first month book club member and I didn't read it. Scold away.

Seriously...I'm Kidding

However, I kicked it up a notch this month and read this last month's selection which was Bill O'Reilly's book Killing Lincoln. I LOVED it. It was riveting, intriguing and I couldn't put it down!

Killing Lincoln

I will admit, I didn't know much about President Lincoln's assassination. I mean seriously I knew that John Wilkes Booth killed him. I'm very intrigued by President's and their administrations (mostly in the past, not so much the present ha!). I learned so much by reading this book! There were so many people in on the plan, so many people who helped it come to fruition and some serious conspiracy on who helped and slid by like they were none the wiser. If you're looking for a great read. I highly recommend it! What's next month's selection? I know you're dying to know...

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Inspired by the new movie coming out, we are reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. I'll be sure to update the blog (since my sincere book club friends kindly reminded me I've been such the slacker, ha!) and let you know what I think!