Write Me...Write Me Not

Well, my weekly blog goal is not quite happening for me.  I think perhaps, with all the homework and lesson plan writing I've been doing, writing just doesn't seem fun right now.  So, with that being said.  I think a pictoral post will do - with some captions, of course.  I don't want to leave you totally in the dark. 
Here we go...I think we'll work our backwards.  :)

This was what we woke up to this morning.  Although, I shouldn't complain - it's been a mild winter.

Bear and his "Angry Birds" Valentine Box. 

When family visits - it's time to dance! :)

Oh no!  It's the Paparazzi! 

Helping out (and having fun too) at the church family Valentine's party.

Cavy @ Basketball

Miss Shay & her Daddy attended the Daddy/Daughter Dance  :)

They had such a good time.  :)

One silly birthday boy turned 13...

The Four Amigos....Oy!

Little Miss taking the ball down the court.  :)

Our little players after their games.  :)

Birthday fun fit for a teen (sigh).

Unbelievable weather for Janurary!

We had a lovely Christmas, followed by a not so nice week of the stomach flu.

Spending time with family made Christmas Eve extra-special!

Bear played at the Candy Cane service. :)

The kiddos love dressing up and playing a part in the Nativity Story.

I couldn't get Bear to go up and join in the fun...  :(

The older boys took part in one of the candlelight services with their dad (who sang).

Miss S had her winter dance show.

Here she is with her flowers.

And with one of her biggest fans.  :)

This picture just makes me smile.  :D

Mr. B's winter concert.

Bear was "Joseph" in our church's Christmas program.  He was so cute!  He was mad at me when I told him this, but I couldn't help but think he looked like Linus from Charlie Brown Christmas. 

See?  ;)

I suppose it gets tiresome when mom always has the camera pointed in your direction. LOL

And this, my friends, is ME.  :)  The kiddos in my kindergarten practicum class did a unit on "Community Helpers."  One of the helpers was a teacher - so they drew me.  I asked them if they gave me a haircut (see the drawing - that's not a lot of hair - ha!).  They simply explained that I always wore my hair up when I was there - and they were right.  :)  I sure do miss those kiddos!

Our Thanksgiving table. 

Some cousin fun. :)

Wow!  I think that acutally covered all of my missing time.  Hooray!  I guess I'm officially caught up (for now).  Thanks for checking in with us.

Blessings,

Stephanie :)

Ouch! October!!

I was looking at my Facebook info this morning and saw my poor blog link just staring at me, begging to be clicked on.  One click was all it took to send me reeling in a slight state of shock.  Has it really been almost 4 months since I have posted anything?  Ugh!!  Well, that tells me a few things - first of all that blogging has not been on the top of my list (guilty), we have been super busy with the kids (always), I am up to my ears in homework and housework (surprise, surprise), and there are not enough hours in the day (duh).  If only I had an assistant - or maybe a clone..perhaps then? 

First day of school.

This is what trying to get everyone to look at the camera usually looks like. :)

School is in full swing for myself and for the kiddos - they are in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades this year. I am technically a "Junior" this year and this is my 7th consecutive semester of school. I have another year of classes and this time next year I will be finishing my last semester of classes at Grand View and will be gearing up for my spring semester of student teaching. I'm going full throttle - I am taking 7 classes this semester and will be taking 6 classes (17 credits) next semester (and yes...summer classes will follow). I'm doing my best to keep my head above water (and I'm already 1/2 way through this semester - hooray). 

Summer 2011

State Historical Building

The kiddos are doing well - we just wrapped up football season for the 3 boys, and Miss Shay has a few more weeks of soccer.  They are looking forward to Halloween and are staying busy with church activities.  Since I last posted, they have sang twice (as a group) at church.  I just love seeing them sing together - especially to praise God.  It gives me all kinds of warm fuzzies and reminds me of how extremely blessed we are!! 

Church soccer - Cavy & Coach Daddy

We finally got to go and visit my dad's memorial bench.

Alden, Iowa - my dad's birthplace

Church soccer!

My monkey

Mr. Cavy recently turned 7!  My baby is no longer a baby!  Thankfully he still refers to himself as my "baby" and that, my friends, makes my heart go pitter-patter.  We've been so scheduled with sports, we have not had Cavy's "friend" party yet...I'm working on it.  :) 

The hubby visiting with Miss Main.

Football!  Mr. B looking way too grown up!

Bear baking cookies.

Before painting Bear & Cavy's room (it was still powder pink from the previous owners)/

After - a nice, neutral, boy-ish tan. :)

Are you ready for some football?

Bear on the field.

I guess I should update on the hubby too.  He had a medically-induced crummy end of the summer.  In August he found out that he had been watching around on a fractured foot (for several weeks).  So, he got to enjoy wearing an orthopedic boot (which lead to aggravating a prior back issue).  Things were pretty touchy (and sore) for awhile, but he is doing so much better now (thankfully). 

Lil sister in big brother's gear - she just about fell over!  Ha!

Happy 7th to my forever baby!

Papa's birthday!

Mr. B in action (closest runner to the camera).

Go Shay!

Miss Jones - #16 (for her bday).

Cheering with Just for Kix!

The kiddos at the pumpkin patch.

Run, Cavy!!

And there, my friends...is a very short update.  But hey...an update is an update! ;)  I can't promise to be diligent with blogging in the weeks to come, but I will try to get back into it.  I miss my posting!  I hope YOU are doing well.  Thanks for checking in with us.

Blessings,
Stephanie