A Time Capsule Surprise

On Friday my school came together for a very special reason. Together we put items in a time capsule to be buried in our new school. I was amazed with how respectful the students were as our principal named each item, had a student stand up that had the item to show, and then tell why it had been chosen.

As I was sitting there I had one of those, "Hey, I've seen that before!" moments when a picture was shown. It was the picture I took when Ryan's boss had taken Mallory, Miles, and I up for a plane ride back in September. Our principal mentioned that I had taken the photo (and then it felt like all eyes were on me...which I am not comfortable with) and explained how. I looked over at Mallory and she looked at me. I gave her a smile and a thumbs up.

I was very thrilled inside to know that down the road (not probably while I am living) that a new generation will open that time capsule and see my picture along with my name. They will learn what life was like for us at our school and in our community in the year 2009. Can you imagine the changes they will see?

I feel more than honored to be such a part of something special:).

A Special Quilt...Times Two

Last spring I went to Amish country with Ryan's family and fell in love with a Very Hungry Caterpillar quilt that was hanging in a store we like to visit now and then. Needless to say I ended up purchasing all of the material that day and headed home with a big smile and full of dreams to finish it. With the help of Ryan's mom I ended up finishing the quilt in October and decided to wait until Christmas to give it to Miles. When he opened it Christmas morning I was so excited to see his face. The quilt now follows him throughout the house. I see that as a compliment:).

While quilting my quilt Mallory began to find the excitement for sewing as well. She sewed scrap pieces of fabrics together creating amazing things (an indian, a blanket for her stuffed animals, a blankie for her to sleep with to name a few). In the end we found our way back up to that special store for Mallory to choose fabric to sew a rag quilt for her cousin. She decided to make it for him since the quilts her grandma made for her and her brother are so special to them. I thought that was a great idea.

We chose the fabrics and the cutting began...cutting...cutting...cutting until finally it was all ready. Mallory sewed the two squares with the batting together. There were quite a few of them (and tearing out mistakes became a little tedious but taught her to take her time) and I thought we would never see the day where they were finished...but low and behold...it was my turn. At that moment Mallory and I took all of the quilting squares and tried different layouts until we were happy with one.

During this process, which my sister had no idea was going on, we learned the news that baby number two was on the way for my sister. Mallory's first words (which I could not share with my sister at the time) were, "Oh no! Now I have to make another quilt!!!!"

I had fun sewing the squares together and began to watch it take shape. The bigger the quilt became the more excited Mallory was (and me too). Finally, the first of December brought about a finished quilt. Mallory wrote a letter to Payton, her cousin, and we included pictures of her making this quilt for him.

We shipped it off and on Christmas morning it was opened by Payton. We sure to hope he feels love from us when he uses it. It is a very soft quilt and the monkey print is too cute!

I guess now we need to be planning for our new family member...a girl! Oh what fabrics will Mallory choose for that one?

The Frosty Whiteness

On Monday morning we were once again greeted with a two-hour delay due to fog. Unfortunately this has become quite a normal thing. In fact, when we are up at a normal time Mallory has demanded more than once that I check the computer to make sure we have school. I am ready for a normal routine again.

When I looked out the window I noticed the trees were wrapped with white. This is when winter is beautiful...it really takes the chill out of the air for a small moment. Mallory, Miles, and I took enjoyed the scenery and talked about the trees all the way to both of their schools. It was quite spectacular.

Coming down the road to school was breathtaking. I stopped in the middle of the road (which made Mallory more than a little nervous) to get out and snap a few pictures. The sun shadowed by the clouds was an added bonus.

-17 Degree Day = A Day Off

On Thursday I heard (along with my students) that school was going to be delayed two hours before we left for school. I was a little surprised by this because I cannot remember this ever happening in my teaching career. The actual temperature was supposed to plummet overnight and I guess they were being cautious. Well, I received my call at 7:00 that school was cancelled. Miles was thrilled (he tells me quite regularly that he does not like to go to school). Mallory on the other hand was not.

We stayed in our jammies (a perk on those cancelled days) and made our wish list of things we would like to accomplish during our day together. Miles decided after breakfast that he wanted to play with Playdough. Mallory joined him shortly after her "he always gets to do what he wants first" tantrum. (I am pleased to say that was the only tantrum of the day...now that is progress). Mallory amazed me with her amount of creativity by making me an ice cream cone and Miles made me some hot dogs. They had a lot of fun.

Miles had a haircut appointment that was moved up so we all bundled up to make it through the "warm" part of the day (a plain zero degrees) to make him look like a little man again.

After spending time with Daddy at lunch it was time for "happy nappy". Miles and I settled in for story time while Mallory spent her quiet time in the living room. I was so surprised when she screened a phone call and it was Ryan. I was very proud of her:)...my little girl is growing up.

Miles brought tears to my eyes. As we were laying there talking he said, "Mommy, I do not like it when you leave me at school. I don't like to say hello to my friends but I like to play at school." I told him that I get sad when I leave him too. He said, "I like being home with you because mothers keep you safe. I like being home. I love you so much." Now how can you not be brought to tears when a three year old says such big words? I realized through tears what a big responsibility I have...to keep my children safe and Miles already realizes it. He is absolutely amazing.

When I came out from Miles' room Mallory and I baked cookies with her Easy Bake Oven. I love buying the cookies that are already made for you for her because it simplifies the process a little bit and it makes her happy too. She told me that she was ready to be a big girl.

She was invited to her second sleepover in a week (she did not go to the first one because we had family come in from out of town unexpectantly and Mallory made the decision to visit with family instead of going to the party...what a big decision). She decided that she wanted to try to spend the night. Ryan and I decided that it was her choice (it is so hard for me to let go) when she was ready to pass this milestone in her life. We just wanted to make sure that when she did we were comfortable with the family she would be staying with (her life is too precious). Well our time was spent talking about what to take. She wanted to take her bear, Plumpy, because she wouldn't be getting a backrub and wanted to take the quilt I made for so she would be surrounded with my love. Another teary-eyed moment there...I think my children are working together today.

We finished making the cookies and she told me she wanted to take some to her friend's mom to say thank you for having her over. I was shocked because I never even mentioned doing that. She's got it...I am so proud of her. When Miles woke up we had a quick snack, loaded up the van, and headed to Mallory's big girl moment. She was so excited that she bounded up the stairway without us. Miles and I got our hugs and kisses and left.

On the way home Miles was very sad because he wanted more kisses and hugs from Mallory. I quickly changed the subject and began talking about what he wanted to do the rest of the evening. When we got home the two of us worked together to create a Thomas track in our living room and waited until Daddy brought us home our dinner (Miles wanted him to choose). The rest of the evening has been spent playing many games with Miles and wondering how Mallory is doing.

It is now 1:16 and the phone has not rung...I think my little girl is growing up (sniff...sniff...watery eyes)...

Snow Falling = A Day Off

This morning during my shower I found out that we had a two-hour delay. At that point Mallory was already up so we just continued about like it was a normal morning. Miles woke up on his own a little while later. Ryan went to work and I began the task of getting us all around. I really figured that the chances of school being canceled were not that great. I had everyone dressed, hair brushed, potty breaks taken care of, breakfasts eaten, and teeth brushed when I decided to check to see if school was on. Well it was closed. I was quite shocked because we were one of very few schools who delayed and then to cancel. Oh well I roll well with the punches:).

So we all wormed back into our comfy clothes and began to have fun. Miles dumped his GeoTrax in the middle of the living room and started going crazy building and Mallory was on the computer. Finally I suggested to Mallory that she should bake today. Boy was she every excited! She baked a chocolate cake, a yellow cake, and peanut butter cookies. The girl was on a roll! She looked so cute all dolled up. She could be the next Rachael Ray (oh wait, she doesn't bake)...maybe Emeril...yes, that's it!!!

While Mallory was baking the house was unusually quiet (except for the Jonas Brothers CD - I have to admit I don't mind that one). I went back to M & M's bedroom to find Miles. He had all of the stuffed animals surrounding him in the closet and was building a house. That boy sure does have a good imagination!

Later he was calling my name. I went back to find him on Mallory's bunk. He said (all proud like), "Mommy, I climbed all the way up there!" He was pointing to the side of the bunkbeds. After inquiring if he used the ladder he told me no. Sometimes I do not want to know all of the details. I told Ryan what he had done and Ryan said, "Well, at least he's a good climber." YIKES!!! In case you are wondering, I did have the conversation on how he could have broken a body part. I know that my little monkey is destined for a cast. I just hope my stomach will be strong when it happens (Yes, I am preparing for the worst here).
Right now the house is quiet because Mallory and Miles are watching the Tinkerbell movie. They both like it and it settles them down for a little while. I really do not think that Miles will be going down for a nap so this is a good alternative to keep his busy body from moving...for a little while.

A Winter Wonderland...On Ice

This afternoon Mallory, Miles, and I headed...once again...to Mom and Dad's house. You have to understand that we have been waiting for the ice to be just right for skating and the time has come. Mom and I cleared the ice (it snowed a little bit last night and this morning) and then I put skates on too. Mallory fell a few times. It amazes me how good she is getting.
Mallory figured out rather quickly that the snow was perfect to make a snow fort. The snow cannot be packed at this point to make a snowman, but the top is crusty enough that you could break it up to create snow blocks. Mallory began working on her fort and then with the help of Mom began expanding her domain. I do not know who was having more fun...Mom or Mallory. They had so much fun doing this together.

Miles on the other hand was having some fun on his own. He kept telling me that he was making "SuPolar Espress". Don't ask me how...but it made sense to him. He has such an amazing imagination for his age. He pretty much played by himself (I took the opportunity to skate) and was having a great time. He did run on the ice and slipped a few times too. Miles was content with his bucket and shovel. From time to time I looked over at him and would see snow flying through the air. Too funny!

Oh...to be young again! Mallory took this opportunity to get a little snow water to drink.

Believe it or not but the snow fort ended up being even taller than this picture! Now Mom and Mallory have plans to paint it somehow.

We know that the snow and ice will not be leaving us this week. The forecast is anything but warm for us (it is supposed to be near zero a few days this week...that is not counting wind chill) here. Mallory and Miles are hoping to get out on the ice again next weekend. Who knows what we might do then?

A Surprise Visit

Yesterday morning I found out that my cousin Aaron, Amy, and Elsie would be visiting from Colorado. It had been over a year since we had seen them. We went out to Mom and Dad's house in the afternoon after Miles' nap to find their car in the driveway. Mallory was very excited and Miles, well he was a little on the shy side. It took him a little while to come in the door. He did eventually get over it.
We all bundled up and headed out towards the lake. Mallory was very excited to skate for the first time this winter. I decided to try out Ryan's skates for myself. With all of us working together the ice was cleared in no time...especially when Dad got home from work and brought the snowblower out (he fell in the slush when he made it down the seawall). We had so much fun on the ice together.

For some reason Miles was not very fond of Elsie Jean out on the ice. Miss Elsie helped herself to the snow that Miles had been working to put in the middle of the snowtube. For some reason that set Miles off on a crying spree that lasted quite a while. I am thankful for the picture Mom took of this moment. I always seem to have happy faces in my pictures...a not so happy picture is needed every once in a while to put things into perspective.

After I don't know how long we came in and had some hot chocolate. Miles' cheeks were so red and his hair was every which way. Mallory, Miles, and Elsie had fun chasing each other throughout the house. Elsie used Mom as a base and was saved a few times as well.
When it was time to go Elsie wailed, "I need my grandma!" She broke my heart! She said that over and over and over again. It was all Mom could do to keep it together. I guess that Mom made quite an impression on Elsie Jean. The above picture was taken before the storm of Elsie's leaving.

It was so nice to visit with the three of them even if it was for a short amount of time.

Four Beautiful Walls

(Mallory took this picture of me and insisted that I put my thumbs up. She knows how exciting this is for me.)

This year has been different teaching. I know in the distance there is a new school being built. The feeling I have inside brings me back to my senior year of high school. I feel as though I have senioritis. I am working my tail off to give my students the best education possible but I know the stuff that lines the walls of my classroom will soon be where it belongs...in a cabinet. I cannot wait!!!

Earlier this week I went through the new building for my third tour and boy has it ever changed. My wing is always ahead of the others. I guess that makes me special:). My principal was kind enough to invite Ryan to come along since he drives by the school many times on a daily basis. He was thrilled with her invitation and jumped at the chance to come.

I was not prepared for the progress that had been made on the inside. Some of the wall coverings were up and the colors looked so nice. We have a lot of different blues and tans and it sure does look nice. It amazes me each time I walk in the amount of work that has been done.

This time as I walked through the hallways a different feeling came over me. I know this is my future but it just seems surreal at this point. I have been in my building for fourteen years now and I have to admit that I am getting a little sad about leaving my building (I am a very sentimental person) but am very excited about having a building that will help me to teach my students more effectively. What could be better than that?

Anyhoodle...when I walked into what will be my classroom I was stunned! The ceiling tile was up, the wall covering was up, the tackable wall surface was ready, and my oh my...what do my eyes see????? A WHOLE WALL OF STORAGE!!!!! Can you tell I am excited about that???
Here is my wall of storage. The door is on the left and the sink area is also on the left. Isn't it the most beautiful thing you have ever seen? Trust me...it is for me!!!

This the right wall (as you are facing the cabinets). All of the tan you see is tackable surface so I can decorate 'til my heart is content. The chalkboard is a nice size too. It seems to stick out a little bit.This is the wall opposite of my wall of storage. The bookshelves are all built in and one each side of the heating column are smaller bulletin boards. I like my view but I do not think I will receive much sunlight. I am not going to complain though.

This is the left wall as you face my cabinets. Once again, the tan is all tackable surface. The white is a small dry erase board. Oh...the possibilities!

Everything in this new building is being planned out so wonderfully by my principal. She is working hard to make sure we get good quality things that will last long after our teaching careers are past us. I cannot wait!!!

Just the Two of Us

I am excited to say that FINALLY after ten years Gail and I have a picture with just the two of us!!!!! (Thank you, Mom) This is my scrapbooking buddy (by the way...we are way overdue to get together) and my best friend since middle school. Can you imagine the stories she could tell you about me? What about the stories I could tell about her?

I honestly could not have a better friend. Maybe we do not talk very often (being a mom comes first) but I always know Gail is there for me. That is priceless. Thank you Gail for your listening ear, your inspiration to be a good mom, and for always believing in me. I do not know what I would do without you.

Our Birthday Girl Turns Seven...Take Two

We had two separate birthday celebrations for Mallory this year. The second one was with my family. We went to Mom and Dad's and celebrated with Grandma Leanne, Grandpa Ed, Uncle Paul, Melissa, Uncle Casey, Aunt Gail, Jared, Josh, Abigail, and of course us (Ryan, Miles, and me).

Mallory was very excited to spend time with her "cousins" and other family members. Uncle Paul brought his Wii and took on Mallory, Jared, and Josh. From what I saw, he received some extra schooling on some of the games. It was fun watching them have a good time together.

Thanks to everyone for making Mallory's birthday so special (from party number one and party number two). Ryan and I try hard each year to make sure the Christmas tree is down and that her birthday is not shared with Christmas in any way, shape, or form. I really do not think she would care though. Birthdays are special...especially when you are surrounded by family and friends.

Bringing in 2009...For the First Time Ever!!!

Mallory was more than determined this year to stay up to see the ball drop in New York.

When Ryan came home from work on New Year's Eve Mallory and I hopped into the van and headed to the grocery store. We had fun buying plates, napkins, and cups to help celebrate the occasion. Then...we loaded up the cart with those yummy snacks, soft pretzels, root beer for root beer floats, pizza rolls, popcorn puffs, and I think that may have been all. We came home and started down the snacking road.

After snacking all four of us played "Go Fish" and were surprised with how well Miles played. It was a lot of fun. Then Mallory, Ryan, and I played "Sorry Sliders". That was a lot of fun too. Then it was movie time! How could anyone go wrong watching "Toy Story 2"? I love that movie.

At that point Mallory was starting to lose her drive. She asked, "Mommy, do you want to play Monopoly with me?" Ryan and I looked at each other because we both had this feeling she was not going to make it.

Miles went to sleep around 10 and Mallory covered up and watched television for a little while. Every once in a while Ryan or I would ask, "Mallory are you still awake?" We would get a hand raised and that was her signal that she was still with us.

She ended up making it to 2009 and was so excited. I think she was a little disappointed with the ball dropping thing (I wonder if she thought it was going to be a playground ball dropped from the top of one of the tall buildings in New York?). We opened the door and let her listen to some of the noise that was happening outside and then it was off to bed. She did it!!!