I'm Gonna Miss This...

...Brendan & Colin being kids, being silly & having fun with me still hanging around!!

This was at the school's valentine's day dance (the one that I became in charge of!)
I was busy most of the night, but that didn't bother them! They had fun dancing with their friends, eating the food from the concession stand and hanging with the DJ.

I am really gonna miss the days where mom can be with them and it doesn't bother them. One day, and I am dreading that it will be soon, they are not gonna want mom hanging around them and that is gonna make me sad! So for now, I will thrive in the moments that they love it when I am there to have fun, be silly and be a kid with them!
For more You're Gonna Miss This...visit Pam.

Let Me Introduce You...

...She is known to many, but to her daughters she is mom, to her granddaughters and great grand kids she is Nannie and to her friends she is Chrissie.

I got word this morning in the middle of my Core Reading time that my beloved Nannie had had a heart attack. It was hard to think that she is over 2100 miles away in Michigan and I am not by her bedside. My mom also got the call this morning and was on a plane back home by 1:00 this afternoon. My Mom, Aunt, and cousins sit by her bedside and wait and pray, laugh and cry. She is a feisty 89 year old, next month, and she has had an awesome life. Her mind has slowly been taken away by Alzheimer's and Dementia, but her heart belongs to Jesus. She rarely remembers names and my boys and Ryan are now "The Boys". I sit by the phone praying for the peace of my family and that she can settle down long enough for all to get some rest tonight. I now ask, that you, my bloggy sisters, please say a prayer for my Nannie.

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39

Where's Mom?...2/52 Photos of Me!

Are you a mom? Are you missing from the pictures? Most moms I know are and now there is a great new meme that brings us moms out from behind the lens to in front of the camera! I know it can be scary, but it truly is lots of fun! Carin over at Forever in Blue Jeans set up this wonderful year long meme that does just that! Brings us out from behind and puts us in the spotlight! And the best part is, is that you can start whenever you jump in.

For me, this will be my 2nd week!

This picture is courtesy of Ryan! Such a flattering one, don't you think!?! This was taken on Sunday when we were having our Family Movie Day! I was taking pics of all of them, of course to blog with, (you can see that post here, if you like!) and he took this lovely one of me! I was sitting my big comfy bowl chair, munching on some yummy popcorn, rocking out to HSM3!

So give someone else the camera, say cheese and join the fun!!

WW~ A Little One on One!

'Not Me!' Monday

So today is the day that I can admit to all of the things that I have not done this past week with no judgement. It is fun and easy and almost harmless and with usually no judgement! And a lot cheaper than therapy! So these are all of the things that I did not do. There are no witnesses and you can't prove a thing!!

1. It certainly was not me who scrubbed my house for over 5 hours because we had out of town guests coming. I keep a very neat and tidy house and would never have to clean like that for anyone!!

2. It could not have been me who forgot to go to a pre-evaluation meeting with my principal on Thursday after school. This was not a meeting that had already been rescheduled once and will not have to be rescheduled again. This meeting was not written on my calendar. I DO NOT forget important meeting, especially with the person who holds my job in her hand next year. That would just be silly. I am much more responsible than that. Really.

3. It was not me who talked my family into watching HSM3 for our Family Movie Day yesterday. I have already seen it and there was no need for me to see it again. I did not talk them out of watching Madagascar 2 just so I could watch what I wanted to watch! I really do listen to my kids, all of the time!

4. It was not me who hosted a Tupperware party on Friday night. I did not need anything, I did not want anything. I don't really know why I didn't have it!

5. I did not go to a Candle Light party on Saturday morning, the day after my Tupperware party and spend money on things that I really didn't need. I have more will power than that and know how and when to spend the money, especially in today's economy.

6. I did not buy 9 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. I did not spend $4 on each box. I did not order from one person and then forget and order from another. I do not like Girl Scout cookies and did not eat an entire box of Tag a Longs the day that I got them! Seriously, an entire box of cookies, who would do that?!

7. I did not go to my book club Saturday night without finishing the book that we were discussing. Why would anyone go to discuss a book that they had not even finished? Not me!

8. So anywho, that is all I remember and I am not sitting here trying to remember more things that I did not do, so I am gonna stop! Hope you enjoyed and got a laugh, a little one at least, to get your week started!

For more fun with Not Me Monday, be sure to check out MckMama!

And until next Monday... I swear... it wasn't me!!

I'm Gonna Miss This...

FAMILY MOVIE DAYS

Today daddy suggested a family movie day.

So after church we came home...

And popped some popcorn and got some movie candy...

And popped HSM3 into the DVD player.

We camped out in our den, since that is where our new TV is and watched it as a family.

I will miss these days of family time when they boys get older and to big and it won't be cool to camp out and watch movies as a family! And when friends and sports begin to take over their lives. So for now I will smile and sing along as we watch our favorite movies together and cherish these special family days!

For more You're Gonna Miss This fun, visit Pam.

Are Ya Kiddin' Me?!

So poor Colin was feeling down most of the afternoon because his brother got invited to a birthday that didn't include him :( I know, how sad, but we tried to use it as a learning opportunity to say that, you don't have the same friends and some day you will get invited to a party and Brendan won't...blah...blah...blah.

So anywho, he was pouting and feeling sorry for himself and not wanting to do anything that we had suggested and ran into the backyard to just get away from us! So, we followed him and as we were still suggesting things to do, Ryan picked him up and threatened to throw him into the pool!!

So what does Colin do, but kick off his shoes and say yea, yea, yea! And I was like

"Are ya kiddin' me?" and of course I have my camera and....

Ryan picks him up and I was thinking, oh he is just trying to scare him...

but NO...he actually threw him into the pool!!!
OK, it is warm today, probably mid 70's, but the pool is mid 50's!

Can you say BBBBBRRRR!!!!

Where's Mom?! 1/52 Photos of Me!

So MiMi over at He & Me + 3 has been doing this great meme that insists moms come out from behind the camera. Since I am rarely in front of the camera, I thought it might be fun and join her and try to be in one picture a week. That is the object, for mom to be in just one picture through out the week and then post it and link it. You can link it over at Carin's the mom behind the camera at Forever in Blue Jeans. She is putting a Mr. Linky up every Thursday so you can check out the other missing moms out there!

So here is the first picture of this year long carnival. And as MiMi says, jump in now and join the fun! This was taken on Monday at Westgate. There are lots of fun stores and restaurants as well as Jobing.com Arena where the Phoenix Coyotes play their home hockey games. We are standing in front of the dancing fountains!

So give that camera to some one else, say cheese and join the fun!

44 Random Things You Always Wanted To Know!!

I wasn't tagged, but saw this over at MiMi's and thought since I didn't really have anything fun to post about today, that I would share 44 random things about me! So sit back, put you feet up and enjoy! Cuz you know you wanted to ask!

1) Favorite object in your room? Framed sketch of Ryan and I before we got married

2)What's your favorite ice cream flavor? Mint Chocolate Chip

3) Do you own guns? No

4) What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Cherry

5) Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Depends on what kind of Dr!

6) What do you think of hot dogs? I think I have to be in the mood!

7) Favorite song? Love Story by Taylor Swift

8) Can you do push ups? Are ya kiddin' me?

9) Can you do a chin up? Seriously?!

10) Favorite type of jewelry? My mother's bracelets (I have 2)

11) Do you like blue cheese? UUMMM...NO!

12) Ever been in a car wreck? As a matter of fact, someone rear ended me 2 Saturdays ago...YES in my new car!

13) What's one trait that you hate about yourself? Patience level is low

14) Middle name? Lynn

15) Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment-Tired, Tired, & Anxious

16) Name 3 things you bought yesterday-I didn't buy anything yesterday...How weird!

17) Name 3 drinks you drink regularly~ Water, Diet Coke, Milk

18) Current worry? Having a job next year

19) Current hate right now? Our economy

20) How did you bring in the New Year? Hanging out with family friends

21) Where would you like to be right now? On a beach in Hawaii

22) Name three people who will complete this and let them know-Any takers?

23) Do you own slippers? Yes...love them

24) What shirt are you wearing? It is pink, white and gray

25) Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No, I don't enjoy slipping off of the bed!

26) Can you whistle? Nope

27) Would you be a pirate? Not sure

28) What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing in the shower!

29) Favorite girl's name? Addison & Allison

30) Favorite boy's name? Brendan & Colin (of course!)

31) What's in your pocket? Nothing

32) Last person that made you laugh? Ryan

33) Best memory as a child? Christmas Morning

34) Worst injury you've ever had? Broken arm, dislocated knees, broken nose, stitches in chin...you choose!

35) Do you love where you live? Most of the time

36) How many TVs do you have in your house? 4

37) Who is your loudest friend? Kelly

38) How many dogs do you have? Zero

39) Does someone have a crush on you? I would hope it would be my hubby

40) What is your favorite candy? That's a hard one. Depends on my mood, but it is usually chocolate...maybe a kit kat

41) Favorite Sport team? WE enjoy all sports ;)

42) Where is the next place you want to travel to? Michigan to visit MiMi

43) What were you doing 12 AM last night? Watching Housewives of New York on Bravo. For whatever reason I COULD NOT FALL ASLEEP!

44) What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Time to make the donuts...Seriously, I can't remember!

Now wasn't that enlightening?

WW~ How High is Your New Do?!

i heart faces ~ wonder

i heart faces is this fantastic photography blogsite that offers contests each week in different categories. I love taking pictures, especially of my kids and their faces, so this is a perfect site for me to showcase my talent (if you want to call it that!!) Anywho, this week's theme is ' Wonder' and this is my photo trying to capture just that!
Brendan wondering "Hmmm...I wonder...is this sucker really cherry?!"

So check it out at i heart faces and post a photo, who knows, it might be good enough to win!

Wish me luck and I'll wish the same back to you!!

Not Me! Monday

Well, here it is Monday already and time to bare my soul for all those who are sweet enough to read and sympathize (or just to laugh!)! The cheapest therapy around...here it goes!

**It was not me who did not post at all last week. I am not a self-proclaimed bloggaholic and I have no self control, so it could not have been me that didn't post except to say that I hadn't fallen off the face of the Earth!

**It was not me who drove to the wrong school for Brendan's basketball game on Saturday. I can read maps and abbreviations. I did not drive to a school 5 miles away to find out that his game was at our neighborhood school. I did not make him so late that he missed the first 10 minutes of his game. I am a much better mom than that!

**It was not me who volunteered to chair the Valentine's Day dance at my school. I am not a sucker. I did not get stuck doing EVERYTHING because the PTSA president is lazy. I can better organize my time than that and I was not at school from 8am-9pm on Friday because of said dance. I was not exhausted and I did not fall into bed as soon as I got home.

**I did not throw a temper tantrum in front of my students this week because they would not stop talking. I did not threaten to cry if they did not stop talking and I certainly did not stomp my feet and throw my hands into the air. They did not look at me as though I had gone crazy. I am a much better teacher than that!

**I did not stay in bed all day last Sunday because I was sick. I am a mom and mom's DO NOT get sick. I did not lose my voice and had to whisper all week long. My students did not take advantage of this and that is why I did not throw said temper tantrum!

Well, that is all I can remember, so that is all you get! Hope you had your laugh, that is what I am here for! For more 'Not Me!' Monday laughs, head on over to MckMamas.

And until next Monday, it wasn't me...I swear!

It's All About the Snacks!

Same thing, different Saturday!! Every game a parent is assigned to bring snack for all the players. I was snack mom last Saturday for Colin and yesterday for Brendan. It is funny to see how they all scramble for the snacks at the end of the game! When they were smaller, we used to say that it was all about the snacks! They only played to get the treats!! Now that they are bigger, they still enjoy the treats, but they also have love for the game!!

Colin & The Green Monsters digging into Capri Suns and SpongeBob Cheeze-Its!

Colin helping Brendan pass out the same treat to the Blue Lightning!

Last Saturday, both boys were victorious, unfortunately yesterday they were not as lucky...

but as I stated earlier,

It's All About The Snack!

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Best VALENTINE ever!!

For God so loVed the world,

That He gAve

his onLy

BegottEn

SoN

That whosoever

Believeth In Him

Should Not perish,

But have Everlasting life.

John 3:16

Wishing you a fabulous Valentine's Day!

Just Thought I Would Let You Know...

...That I am still here, but hardly!! I have been feeling pretty icky this past week and didn't even get outta my jammies on Sunday. Yesterday at school I lost my voice completely and let me tell ya what a challenge that was to try and teach 18 squirrely kindergarteners with no voice!! The joys of being a kinder teacher with no aide!! So I wanted to let you know that...No I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth, but it feels as though I have!!

Hoping you have a great rest of your week!

And I promise to catch up with all of my bloggy friends this weekend!

Because as I know...Nike only knows how to schedule a coaches convention on Valentine's Day weekend and you know that Ryan is a coach...so we all know that he wouldn't miss it! SOOOO, He will be in Vegas, yes that's right, VEGAS with the other football coaches and I will be here, being the mom, chauffeur, referee, cheerleader, chef and anything thing else that I need to be, as well as trying to get myself better!!!

Blog Soon!

Before I Was A Mom...

Before I was a Mom,

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,

I had never had been puked on.

Pooped on.

Chewed on.
Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,

I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.

Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,

I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,

I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonder mentor the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,

before I was a Mom.

WW~Best Kindergarten Teachers Around!

The Eyes Have It

So this is week #4 of i heart faces photography contest! If you haven't already, this is such a cool blog to check out. Each week they have a guest judge and a theme; and all you have to do is post a picture either in the kids category, adult category and now a pets category! It is that easy and if you are anything like me, then you have thousands of pictures to choose from! So this week they theme is The Eyes Have It.
Here is a picture of Brendan at one of Ryan's football games. Not sure why he is looking so intense, but I couldn't pass this one up for the theme. He is looking as though he is looking into my soul! Or he is just mad that I won't stop taking his picture!! Anyways...

Go check it out and have fun looking at the entries...i heart faces!

i {heart} faces...pets

So if you are anything like me, then you love to take pictures. I always have my camera and take pictures of things that I don't even need to take pictures of! Well now there is this really cool weekly contest called i heart faces; and this week they are not only looking at pictures of kids & adults, but now they are judging pets too! So of course I had to try my camera out on this!!...

This is my niece's puppy Ellie. Isn't she so cute!? Whenever Kennedy comes over to visit, Ellie comes with her! She is so little (Ellie that is!) and the boys have so much fun playing with her!

So I think that this is a great option for the new pets version of i heart faces and it even fits into the kids category too...The Eyes Have It...don't you think?!

So go check out i heart faces, cuz it is so much fun!

'Not Me!' Monday!

Well, here it is, Monday again and time for the cheapest therapy around! Have a laugh on me cuz here are some of the things that I did not do this past week!

1. I did not walk out of the house Wednesday night, to take Brendan to his bball practice, wearing my slippers. I know the difference between my slippers and shoes.

2. I did not tell my son to suck it up every morning that he woke up with a nasty cough because I do not have any sick days left. I am not that mean. I love my son!

3. I did not ask a million questions to Tara over at Blog Makeovers by Tara because I am not indecisive and can make up my mind about what I wanted my blog to look like. Really I can make up my mind!

4. I did not have my kids buy breakfast and lunch at school for 3 days this past week because I didn't have any food in my house. I am a much better mom than that. I have enough food in the house to feed my family all the time.

5. I did not call and wake up my mom at 7am on Friday morning to see if she could come and watch me kids since they were sick. I have lots of days to spend with my sick kids! Thanks mom!

6. I did not hint to my mom, that same morning, that we didn't have any milk in the house. She did not stop and pick some up on the way over! Thanks again mom!

7. I did not specifically go out and buy a red shirt to wear to school on Friday for Cardinal Spirit day. I did not wear this shirt so I could wear jeans to school. I do not have enough clothes and needed to buy a red shirt so I could wear my jeans!

Well, I am sure there is more, but you know me, I have a really good memory!

For more fun with 'Not Me!' Monday, check out MckMama.

And until next Monday...it wasn't me, I swear!!

The Underdog is the HOT DOG!

...that is what Pastor Lee said as he preached at church this morning anyways! He did an awesome sermon on the story of David & Goliath from the book of 1 Samuel and how the underdog prevails.

Jesus said..."I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

This is a great man of GOD and HE is the David of the Super Bowl!

And here are 2 of the biggest Cards fans around...they are anxiously awaiting kick off!

So here is to the under dogs...

As everyone said...

Let's Go Cardinals, Let's Go *clap**clap*!!

Shock the World

It was a Fireproof Night

Since the boys played in their games and felt fine all day, med free, we let them go to a birthday party they had been invited too. And it just wasn't any birthday party...it was a sleepover birthday party! You have to know that this is the first time that my boys have spent the night at a friends house for this type of thing. Yea, they have spent the night at Grandma & Grandpa's house, at Gramma & PaPa's house, their cousin Kennedy house and even another teacher's house when I had my surgery and had to get up at the butt crack of 4 am to get to the hospital...but this was the first time at a friend's house. I was a little nervous, but packed them up and sent them on their way."Mom, stop taking our picture, and let's go already!" is what I heard while I was trying to capture the moment!

When I came home from dropping them off, this is what I found...

...candle light...

...popcorn...

...and the movie Fireproof in the DVD player!

Isn't my hubby the best!

After the movie, I pulled out the Love Dare that I had bought a while back and we looked through it together!

And then he snuck in and took this awful picture. What am I even thinking posting it!? But I know it will make Ryan happy since he took it! We had a fabulous kid free Saturday night!

Here's hoping you did too!