clown nose

While going through one of my closets at school today I found my birthday treat box for the students. It was one of my students birthday today so I pulled it out and when he was digging around in the box for his birthday treat I saw this clown nose. I knew Presley would love to wear "JoJo's nose" so I brought it home for her. She thought it was so silly. She tried to eat dinner with it on, but couldn't get the food in her mouth because the nose was too big. She kept putting it on her nose, Chad's nose and even my nose. She tried to put it on Addison's nose too, but her nose was too tiny and her glasses got in the way. It wouldn't stay on. These pictures of Chad and I, Presley took by herself. She LOVES when we let us use our camera. While Presley was busy playing with the clown nose, Addison found something else fun to do. She decided that the books were easy to access if they were all on the ground instead of the bookshelf. Plus, it was just easier if the toys were on the ground instead of in the toy box. Isn't this last picture funny? I had just asked her what she did, and she looked up at me and then just smiled.

easy one

Last night I had cards with my teacher friends. We play once a month and take turns having it at each others' house. I had to take a snack to share so I threw this together. My bowl came home empty so I guess people liked it. Several people asked how to make it so I thought I'd share. It's so simple I'm almost embarrassed.

Need:

2 - 3 chicken breasts
1 container of Whipped Cream Cheese
Franks Buffalo Sauce

Boil the chicken breasts until cooked. Shred chicken. (I use food processor) Mix chicken in with cream cheese and then add sauce to your liking. I probably put in 3 to 4 tablespoons. I don't measure this so I'm not exactly sure how much. I just dump it in. Add more if you like it hot. Mix all together. Put in oven safe dish and cook for 20 minutes at 350. Enjoy with tortilla chips.

See how simple? Try it. It's a favorite at our house, especially during football or basketball games. Enjoy.

(I got this recipie from Chad's friend Nathan. Pretty impressive, huh?)

look what we found

While I was mowing the lawn tonight, Chad and Presley were playing on the playset when Chad spotted these little guys.Presley loved them! Addison missed them because she was napping. They have made a little home under the climbing wall on the playset. We didn't let Presley touch them because we weren't sure if they would get scared and try and bite or anything. She seemed content just to look at them. We had to go out before she went to bed to say good night to the bunnies. Enjoy more pictures of our afternoon here.

12 months

Today Chad took the afternoon off to take Addison to the Dr.'s for her 12 month well-baby checkup. He wasn't really excited to go in the first place, and when he got home he said he'd never take her again. He hates when they get shots, and Addison got 4. Plus she had to get her finger pricked for a blood test and apparently the nurse had to try a couple of times to get blood. He called me from the car on his way home and I could still hear Addison screaming. That could be partly due to the fact that her appointment was right in the middle of her afternoon nap time too. So as soon as they got home Chad put her down and she went right to sleep. When she got up she was just as happy as could be. Ok, here's the important stuff:

weight - 23 pounds - 90%

height - 30 inches - 75%

She had only gained 2 pounds since her nine month appointment which kind of surprised me, well I guess somewhat surprised me. She seems to be getting so much bigger now and growing up so fast, but she is also much more mobile now.

still here

Yes, we are all still here and all alive. It's been awhile. School has gotten crazy busy just like always, then throw in a case of strep throat (me), power outages due to crazy weather, camping get-aways and the blog just seems to be last on my list.

Last week I took a visit to the Dr. after feeling lousy for two days. Body aches, fever, chills, ear ache, sweats, and extreme sore throat. One look at my throat and she was pretty sure. After the test, she came back in with a prescription and a note to my employers telling them I had to be off of work the next day too. So I was off work Tuesday afternoon and then all day Wednesday. It's hard to do sub plans for kindergarten in the first place, but toss in the fact that we had only been in school about one full week, and it is just about impossible. Poor sub. I decided to attempt to go back to school on Thursday. I was only feeling a little better that morning but thankfully started feeling better as the day went on. I wasn't totally over it until Saturday. And then after my throat was better I ended up getting a cold. Go figure. I thought the medicine would keep me healthy. Oh well. A cold I can deal with. Thankfully that's almost done now too, except I wonder if the girls are getting that cold. They both had runny noses today somewhat. I would much rather them just get the cold than the strep throat. Dr. said that I didn't really need to worry about Addison getting strep but I should watch Presley. So far so good. I honestly had no idea that strep throat was as painful as it was. It was AWFUL. I feel so bad for the people who always seem to get it. No fun, let me tell you. Thankfully I am now feeling almost 100%.

We had been planning on camping this weekend and decided to go ahead and see how things went. I was feeling better so we made a go of it. Not the best weather, but we had a good time anyways. Seems like we did more eating out than eating at the camper this time. Just the way things worked out I guess. Sure do enjoy using our camper. So nice to have a "place" to get away on our own. It's different camping during school. We had to get the trailer Thursday night and load up as much as we could so we could leave right after school on Friday. It seems a bit more rushed and even coming home on Sunday we didn't stay as long as possible, because we knew we need to get home in time to empty the trailer, clean it up, get it parked over at Grandma and Grandpa Jones, and then still have time to give the girls baths, and get our lesson plans for Monday done. Thankfully Hilary called and offered to bring over pizza (because I was sick. :) ). At least I didn't have to worry about cooking dinner. Thanks!

Back to school today. One of my kids (the one who "quit" the first day of school) has already moved. Changed the whole class today. So much calmer. Amazing what one less kid who took so much energy can do to the other 22 of them. I actually think he spent more time in the office with the principal than with me in the classroom. He was...how can I put this...something else.

Back to the daily grind today with meetings after school. Ran to the store tonight to pick up some diapers and a gift for Karsen at DayCare. Found some cute boy clothes and Presley picked out a Goofy stuffed animal. Presley also found something for herself similar to this. :) She can only play with it after Addison is in bed and only at the table otherwise Addison would be putting all those little pieces in her mouth. I kind of liked shopping for little boy clothes for a change. Chad is taking a 1/2 day tomorrow to take Addison to the Dr. for her well baby (late 12 month) appointment. It's his first time going by himself and he's not too happy about it. He hates to see them get shots. I'm usually the one to do it, but since I was out a day and a half last week we thought he better do it. Hopefully he'll remember the stats to I can put them on here.

And just in case you forget what we look like... :) Here is the kids favorite thing to do lately. Dance to their cd. Every day Presley's asks for her music. This Bunny Hop song is her favorite as of late. I know they are blurry, sorry the kids just move so fast.

and Addison's dance moves too.

mourning

We're in mourning here and it's only partly because we started back at work this week. We haven't had much luck this week with our aquatic friends this week. Blue got sick Monday night and I could tell he wasn't going to make it through the night. And sure enough when I woke Presley up Tuesday morning I saw that he had in fact bit the bullet. Yellow looked ok at that time, but by Thursday morning she was looking pretty bad too. When we checked on her after school, sure enough she was floating on the bottom. I don't know if she was just too sad with Blue gone or what, but I guess it's better this way that they both go together pretty much. Presley knows that Blue got sick, but hasn't noticed Yellow isn't in her tank anymore. I think we'll wait awhile before we get more.

As for the other part of our mourning that is indeed due to the fact that we have jobs again. Teachers started back on Monday and kids came Tuesday and Wednesday for a 1/2 day and then started full days today. My room is slowly coming together. Since this is the first year that this school has had 3 kindergarten classrooms, they had to put me in a room that was used as a first grade classroom last year so that is basically what it looks like. It's not set up to have a kindergarten class. I am trying to do my best with what we have and have put a wish-list in to the principal to see if he will order some things to help out. I have 24 students on my list but only 23 have shown up so far. I only had one student on the first day walk out of my room (3 different times) and say "I quit." :) I said I quit too. :) Seriously this kid was having nothing to do with school. It wasn't even because he didn't like me or the kids. We had only been in the room for like 5 minutes the first time he left. I had to call the office and say one of my kids is gone and I'm not sure where he went. I couldn't really stay with him the whole time because I had 22 other kids who were pretty freaked out to have just left their moms. Surprisingly I didn't have any cry-ers this year until today (the 3rd day - first full day). Things are getting a little better every day.

Chad has 26 students in his class. He even has one girl that I had last year in 4th grade at my old school. I told him not to blame her if she doesn't know something. It was probably my fault because I didn't know what I was doing in 4th grade. ;) He thinks this will be a pretty good class.

The girls came in to "help" me get my room set up before our Open House. All Presley wanted to do is run around tearing all the books and toys off the shelf and get drinks from my drinking fountain. She thought that was the neatest thing. In fact, when we wanted to leave we had to tell her that there were other drinking fountains that we were going to go find in the rest of the school. She's still talking about the fountains now. In fact this morning at breakfast she told Chad she wanted to go in his class (she didn't see it yet) and get a drink from the fountain.

late

I meant to post this yesterday and not surprisingly, forgot. Yesterday was my sister Jenny's birthday. She was up north visiting family and traveling back home. Anyways Jen, I hope you had a good day. We were thinking of you. Happy Birthday to my friend and my sister. We love you.

no picture of Jenny, I don't have any recent ones that she would be happy with. ;) instead her cute kiddos.

cook-out

What better way to end our summer break than attending a big cook-out with all your friends (lots of whom are teachers too). Last night we went to our friends, Bill and Melissa's house to do just that. It was hard being able to talk much to friends as we were both chasing around our kids, but most of our friends were busy chasing their kids around too. :) We had a good time anyways and so did the kids. Here are a few pictures of the kids.

Presley was trying to walk on the slip and slide "so careful" but obviously it didn't work.

The kids are waiting for Bill to fill up water balloons for them.Enjoying the sand table, Addison especially enjoyed several mouth-fulls of sand. Yum.

Playing with Kate.Presley liked playing with Kate too. (Kate is Chad's friend Kevin's baby.)Well tomorrow we start back at school. :( Kids come Tuesday. I'm not ready yet, but I doubt there will ever be a point where I say I am ready. We did have a great summer, so I have no complaints there. I love having summers off to be with my kids. Thankfully we still have a few more camping trips scheduled for early Fall so we have something to look forward too.

good day

I think Addy had a good day today on her birthday. We didn't do anything too exciting, but thankfully it doesn't take much to make the day of a one year old. She got to play with her friends at daycare this morning while Chad and I went to school for a little bit. Then we picked them up and brought them home for a nap. While she was napping Reagan came over while Reilly went to the Dr.'s. They brought Addison cupcakes for her birthday. So when the girls got up from naps we all sang to Addison and had those yummy cupcakes. Then tonight after dinner we went to Dairy Queen to get ice cream. Yum. The girls split a small blizzard. I didn't let them eat the whole thing so it looks like they will have more yummy ice cream tomorrow too. So thanks everyone for the well wishes.

1 year

Today is my Addy’s very first birthday. I honestly can hardly believe it. In some ways it feels just like yesterday I was in the hospital delivering her and in other ways I. can’t really remember what our family like was without her. Let me go back to a year ago.

I had been having regular stress tests at the Dr.’s to check on my fluid levels with Addison. They were checking me to make sure the fluid didn’t get too low like they did with Presley. I barely passed all the tests. I was getting really uncomfortable and was ready to go as soon as they would let me. I had been talking to my Dr.’s and telling them that Chad was getting ready to start back at school soon and I really wanted him to be around when I delivered. They agreed that I was ready to go and was a good candidate to be induced. We dropped Presley off at daycare on August 9. She stayed with Mawmaw and her friends while Chad and I went off to the hospital.

We got up to my room around 8:00 or so. They hooked me up to monitors and asked me if I was having any contractions. I told them no, but as soon as my monitors were up they told me that I was already in the beginning stages of labor on my own. I didn’t even realize it. I had no clue I was having contractions. I was just uncomfortable. They let me go for a bit and then gave me a little pitocin to help me go faster. Around 2 or so I started getting into harder labor. It was getting pretty uncomfortable so I asked for an epidural. The Dr. came in and checked me out and I was already a 5. (When I first got there I was only at 1 cm.) So the anesthesiologist Chad admitted looked like) he was breaking up concrete with a jack-hammer on my back. It was awful. I guess I should’ve known he wasn’t the most gentle of Dr.’s when I was already crying when he was just cleaning my back getting it ready. He was so rough. I wasn’t crying from the pain of contractions but the way he was rouging my skin up with the cloth. Anyways, after my epidural was in I was able to rest a little bit. When I had an epidural with Presley I couldn’t feel a thing. I had no idea when or even if I was having contractions. It was different with Addison. I defiantly could still feel my contractions. They weren’t awful, but defiantly uncomfortable. Around 4:30 I was told I was fully dilated and ready to push. This time around I could tell when I was about to have a contraction and knew when to push. After I started pushing the Dr. told me that Addison was “sunny-side up”. Which meant she was looking up at the ceiling instead of down towards the floor like she was supposed to. Apparently this makes for a more difficult and harder labor. I would agree somewhat. I don’t know if it’s because of the differences in epidurals between my pregnancies or the fact that Addison was the wrong way but this time I felt a lot more and was more uncomfortable. I was in some pain. Not awful, but not fun. I didn’t have to push long or hard before Addison came out at 5: 32 p.m.

She was 7 pounds 6 ounces, and 19 ½ inches long. She was a full pound bigger than Presley. She looked a lot like Presley with lots of dark hair and dark blue eyes. We had her name narrowed down between two and Chad was the one who finally picked Addison Lee. She was a little fussy in the hospital with lots of gas. I guess it could’ve been my fault seeing as how I was lucky enough to have people bring me food almost every day I was there – McDonald’s and Hacienda might not be the best food for a nursing mom. J She was given a binky by the nurses without me asking and she took to it right away. I was nervous that it would effect her nursing, but luckily it didn’t. She ate like an old pro.

We had planned to have Presley be the first one to meet her new sister. We wanted to have time for her to see her with us before the room got filled with other family. Presley was very curious and kept wanting to look at her baby. She was so gentle with her. It’s weird to think that Addison is about at the age that Presley was when we were having her. Scary. What were we thinking having another baby when Presley was still a baby herself? Just kidding. We wouldn’t have it any other way. But we don’t have plans to repeat that this year.

She is getting to be so much fun. She is defiantly developing and showing us her own personality. She’s not one to just sit back and take whatever anymore. She is very vocal in getting her wants and needs across. She now can say: Whoa, No, Mama, and Dada, and is working on Hello too. She can wave hello and goodbye and is now giving kisses if you ask for them. She has taken a few steps on her own and thinks she can walk, but still not by herself yet. Her favorite foods are: everything, no wait, not everything, but she is a great eater. Right now she likes watermelon, yogurt, corn, peas, pancakes, cheese, pizza and turkey dogs. Her favorite things to do right now are climb stairs, bother her sister, and eat. She is growing up so fast. She is now up to 7 teeth – 4 on top and 3 on the bottom. She has several more than are close to breaking through. One thing about Addison is she is definately a 'mommy's girl'. I guess it's nice that each of the kids picked a different parent to favor because that way one of us isn't always stuck carrying two at once. :)

3 greats

great friends, great food, and GREAT movie!

We went with Bob and Nikki out to eat and then to the movie! We weren't disappointed one bit. Loved it. Hope they make more, but not sure they will or can. It was nice seeing a movie and going on a little date. I honestly can't remember the last time we went to the movie theater. I'm sure I can count on one hand the number of times we have been since the girls have been born. Thanks Hilary for watching the girls on such short notice. We appreciate it. We owe you. Are you keeping track? ;)

Oh yeah, and a big CONGRATULATIONS to the two of them on their bun in the oven. Gracie will be a big sister in March! Yea for you.

last one

Well we're back from our last little trip before school starts. We had a great time up north visiting Nana and Papa and other family. We took our camper on our longest trip yet. It took us over 5 hours, but everything went pretty good. We met Aunt Hildy and Reagan on the way up and had dinner at McDonald's for a little break. When we were about 30 minutes away Addison had had enough. She had a good cry until right before we got there and then stopped and was laughing with Presley. It was a late night for them by the time we finally got the camper set up and them in bed. They both went right down and slept in on Saturday morning which was nice. Saturday we went to eat at one of our favorite restaurants up there, Nacho's Taco House. Right after we got back to the camper and put Addison down. Chad stayed with her and I took Presley to the kids fun fair. Pictures here.

She had such a good time. It was crazy crowded with kids running all over, but we were still able to enjoy it with Reagan, Aunt Hildy and Papa. She had such a good time bouncing in the bounce house, digging for jewels (in rice) eating snow cones, getting her cheek painted, getting balloon animals, and going on a wagon ride pulled by horses. After our wagon ride, we got to pet the two horses that pulled us and that was the best for Presley. We learned the horses names were Betsy and Junior. She really liked Betsy for some reason and is still talking about her 3 days later. Sunday for dinner we got to eat at our other favorite restaurant up there, Beagio's. A yummy pizza bread with the best breadsticks ever. We packed up and came back home Monday afternoon. The girls did even better on the ride home. We didn't even have to stop to let them out of their seats at all. We stopped once for gas, but they just stayed in their seats. They both even slept a little in the car which they don't normally do. Presley was very happy that Reagan went up with Aunt Hildy for the weekend. She had a playmate!

We had a good time and are also glad to be home. Here comes school.

Yea!

I got the job that I bid on in kindergarten at Chad's school. I am so happy. If I could pick a school and a grade, this would be it! They have already moved my boxes, so now the fun's begun. I went in for a little bit today and have plans to go as much as I can the next few days too. Lots to do! I don't have the ideal room, but hey I can't get everything at once, can I? :)

Happy Birthday, Dad B.!

a little early, I know. But since we will be visiting family this weekend and away from the computer we wanted to make sure and wish Dad/Pawpaw a very Happy Birthday on Sunday! You are the best. We are so thankful for who you are and all you do. We love you and hope you have a great day!Man, I need to get some recent pictures of Dad B. and the kids. This is the best I could find. Shame on me.

little trips

Since school will be starting again soon before we know it we decided to take the girls on a little trip while we still have time. So Tuesday morning we got up and headed to Chicago. We decided to go to Shedd Aquarium for the day. Chad and I had been talking about going here for over a year and finally decided now was the time to try it out. Both girls loved it, Presley especially. Chad and I enjoyed it too. We both said that next year would be a good time to go again when Addy is a little older. But it was a good trip. It was even better that it was completely free. Well the Aquarium was, not the parking. Since we are both teachers we are considered government employees so we got in free and the girls were free too. We left our home as soon as breakfast was done and weren't sure what would happen with naps. I thought Addison may take a nap on the way, but I was wrong. We were able to see everything we wanted to and even had lunch there. Sadly we discovered we weren't really able to take pictures because we both were always carrying a kid. We took the stroller, but neither one wanted to ride in it much. I was able to use this some to help carry Addison. We stayed at the Aquarium until early afternoon. Addison slept a little on the way to the hotel but not Presley.

We got to our hotel, put Addison down and rested for a couple of hours before heading here for dinner, a favorite of Chad and mine. We both got yummy crab and the girls had macaroni and cheese. The girls were both so well behaved during dinner. We were a little worried because Presley had gone pretty much all day without more than a 20 minute nap and a rest. Addison had somewhat of a nap, but not her normal by any means. So we were a little worried they would be crazy and we wouldn't be able to enjoy our meal, but we were thankfully proven wrong.

Now we have a little over a week left before we go back. Presley is getting close to finishing her swimming lessons. She is definitely much braver in the water than she was before. She is kicking her legs, jumping in, gathering balls, swimming in a ring by herself in the deep end and even blowing bubbles. She has one more lesson tomorrow and then I think maybe 2 more next week? I'm waiting to see if I get a kindergarten job I bid on that I would really love or if I will be teaching first grade which would be ok too. We both need to get into our classrooms to get things set up. We have one more little trip planned up to my neck of the woods to see family. Should be a good trip. Where did the summer go?

push-ups

Since today was such a HOT day we tried to cool off with a little cold treat.

I got a push-up out for Presley but Addison decided she was going to have some too. I sat on the floor and let the girls share one. Addison was climbing all over me to get a lick in. So funny.

(Not quite sure what is going on with the face I am making. Notice my hand pushing Addy away? She couldn't get enough. I had to hold her back to let Presley get a lick in.)

one year

Here are the girls watching Daddy mowing the grass. I had them outside playing while he was working, but it was just way to hot today to be out for long. So we had to come in to cool off in the air conditioning and just watch Daddy out the door.Look at what a difference one year makes in terms of height. I can't get over how tall Presley seems when standing right next to Addison. The girls are just 14 months apart. I wonder if it will taper off and they will get closer in height or if Presley will be the taller of the two and Addison will be more like me when it comes to height.