Christmas 2016

I am so, so thankful for cameras...both the regular kind AND the cell phone kind.

As I sit and reflect on the month of December and all that we did, 

I'm amazed at how quickly I forget the little things.

I love December.

I love the decorations, 

the lights,

the gift buying,

the gift wrapping,

the family time,

and the anticipation of Christmas--the celebration of the King!

Stringing up the lights

Mr. isn't always happy with me on light day.

This year was no different.

We waited until a windy day to tackle the job.  

I removed his picture so that I could save my marriage.

So, here's Courtney working on the front window

being supervised by her Daddy.

Getting the family together for a Christmas card picture wasn't really that easy this year.

Corbin made a special trip home on a COLD Sunday afternoon in order for our only attempt to 

get a picture for our Christmas cards.

These are the best shots...

Okay..just a little bit of humor please.  

Courtney did an excellent job of hitting the timer button.

...kind of.

It was worth it.

She made us laugh.

Here's the final product...

Our 2016 Christmas Card

I've always wanted pretty Christmas bedding.

This year I broke down and bought it!

It's really pretty, and I love it.

I need to update the rest of the room now.  

(Maybe during spring break)

We had our annual Truckloads of Treasures shopping night

 with CFI and the Salvation Army.

We look forward to this shopping night each year.

It is a treat to shop for other families.

Our kids are great at helping, 

and we hope that they are learning the value of helping others.

Grandma's house decorated for Christmas!

My Daddy loved these cherries!

We bought boxes of them every year before he passed away.

Now, I buy one box each year for my little family.

None of us really like them.

We just eat them because we would have stolen them from Papa.

He's been gone for 10 Christmases now.

I still buy Momma's jewelry,

and my sister still buys her slippers.

Those were two things Daddy bought her each year.

Breakfast with Santa is also a tradition!

Each year Santa comes to school

and we have breakfast with families!

That's a LOT of kids who got to see Santa at school!!

We took the kids to Dry Gulch, Oklahoma to see 

The Christmas Train.

We had a terrific night.

The weather couldn't have been better!

It was about 45 degrees when we arrived,

but they had fire pits throughout the park

and many stores and restaurants so we could stay warm.

We ate dinner from the Chuckwagon!

They had sausage and potatoes, BBQ burgers,

or Brats to choose from.  

You could also have hot chocolate or coffee.

We ate in a barn under gas heaters.

We got to see Santa!

This was a special treat. 

We couldn't get inside to see him 

because his schedule was booked

for the night.

These ladies caroled throughout the park. 

We saw them several times. 

It was beautiful!

I got a very special Christmas treat from one of my students and his family.

Aren't they so pretty?

They smelled amazing!

I just took out the roses yesterday.

The greenery is still looking good.

I might buy some white flowers to put with them today.

This Santa was in Mr's Grandpa Roy's store window many years ago.

The kids have had their picture taken with this Vintage Santa many times.

Poor thing has seen better days.

It's really hard to keep the two parts together these days.

We love the tradition of getting it out and taking their pictures with him, though!

Almost Christmas!

This little Santa was Grandma Ruby's.

It sat under her Christmas tree on South Kansas Street every year.

When she moved from her home, we were lucky to get this Santa.

It is a treasured decoration at our house.

This is a cute NEW decoration!  

This guy was a gift from one of my students and her family.

I love his long stripey legs.

He is such a happy snowman to be sitting among the presents!

I love it when the gifts are wrapped and there's nothing more to do but wait.

And when you think about it, there's a lot of waiting to be done.

We wait to put up our decorations.

We wait for lists and ideas for Christmas gifts.

We wait in line to get into stores.

We wait in line to pay for gift items!

We wait for the arrival of Christmas Day.

We wait for the birthday party for our Lord, Jesus.

Be still my heart!

I love these two kids!!

I'm thankful that they play along with me and my picture requests! 

Visiting Great Grandma Ruby on Christmas.

She is 101 years old. 

She will be 102 in April.

We are blessed to be able to visit with her still.

These are the "Really Mom?" faces...

Great Grandpa Roy made these baby food jar trees.  Grandma Ruby's is still intact.

Ours is in the attic in several pieces because the glue got too hot and didn't hold.

That's certainly a project for another day.

Isn't it cute?

We made our annual trip around the Butler square to see their lights.

The kids don't always enjoy the trip down memory lane like we do.

Someday they'll understand.

Sister is nearly finished with her orthodontist work.

She is getting so much closer!

By the end of January, she should be finished.

Fingers crossed.

Prayers being prayed.

It's been tough lately.

While doing some cleaning in her room, we came across this gem.

She loved this binkie.

...well... until someone laughed at her.

Then she wouldn't take it.

Heehee...

It was fun while it lasted!

We took advantage of the beautiful weather two days after Christmas!!

The kids helped take down all the Christmas decorations and did some yard work.

They are the best!!!

We painted Courtney's room this week.

It went from Tiffany Blue to Worldly Gray.

It is brighter and more neutral now.

We are still working on getting things on the walls and picking an accent color.

Corbin received an invitation into an Honor Society at PSU.

We are very proud of him for accomplishing this during his first semester!

(Keep it up Brother!!)

We spent some time on New Year's Day at the pond.

Cory and Corbin played with the new drone.

Courtney got to be lazy and read for a while.

I sat by the fire to stay warm.

It was a great afternoon hanging out as a family. 

As the winter vacation draws to a close, I love that we've had this time together.

Corbin's been very busy at school, and he hasn't been around much since August.

I've enjoyed having him home.  

There's nothing better than everyone being back in the nest.

...playing together

working together

eating meals together

laughing together...

These are the things I will remember most.

Sometimes it makes me sad to think that we don't have traditions at our house.

Whatever...

We have plenty of traditions.

They're just not traditional traditions!

I am thankful for the time we have together.

I'm thankful for the fun we have.

I cannot even begin to describe the thankfulness in my heart.

We've had a terrific season together.

Togetherness...

it's what it's all about.

Christmas 2016

It was Delicious!!

Happy Move In Day!

 When we had our children (which seems like just yesterday)

our goals were to raise them with kind and gentle hearts, 

strong work ethics,

communication skills that would benefit them,

respect for all others,

 the willingness to help others,

 a love for God,

and actions which would lead others to see Jesus through them.

As parents, we work towards having our kids leave the nest.

We work to make sure they have the life skills and are responsible enough to "make it."

I know that this is what we've worked for, but how did it happen so fast?

Just two weeks ago we took this young man to college.

(Wasn't it sweet of him to have his picture taken with me on my first day of school?)

I can't even begin to express the pride I have in my heart.

God blessed us so much when he gave us the opportunity to be his parents.

Happy Move In Day!

Go Gorillas!

Go.

Do great things.

Be your best!

Make us proud.

Remember that we love you.

#FlyHighBigGuy

Summer Vacation 2016

Summer vacation 2016 has come and gone.

(WHAT?!?  ALREADY!?!????  HOW can it be???)

It was very, VERY full of activity,

but it was so nice.

I've always said that one of the very best things about being teacher

is that I have the same schedule as our kids.

I still hold this statement as truth.

There's nothing better than having time to play with my own kids!

The play has certainly evolved since they were little, 

but I still love to be with them.

Courtney had a birthday and turned 15!!

She got her driver's permit and has enjoyed driving since.

(We are still working on being safe --and smart--in parking lots.)

In July, Cory and I celebrated our 21st anniversary with a nice date night.

I had a birthday in July.

For my birthday, I asked that my family give me the gift of time.

They completely played along. 

We spent an entire weekend together.

It was a perfect birthday, and I couldn't have asked for anything more!

Corbin finished his Associate Degree this summer!

He had 2 classes to take in order to be completely done.

What a relief for him to get that out of the way.

When he starts school this fall, 

he will be an incoming freshman but will take Jr. level classes.

This Momma is beyond proud of his hard work and accomplishments!

When Corbin's finals were over, Mr. took a day of vacation, 

and we went to Kansas City for 3 days of more family fun!

We filled the time with shopping, movies, and more shopping, 

We played at Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun.

We ate some really good food!

We shopped a little bit more and then headed home!

The family time was fantastic.

I can't believe that summer is over.

Wasn't it just yesterday that school was out in May?

I can't believe how big our kids are, either.

What happened to the days of summer play?

Today, as I reminisce, I miss the days of swing sets and trampolines.

I miss the bikes and water sprinklers in the yard.

I miss the sidewalk chalk and bubbles.

I miss the kiddie pools and slip 'n slides that kill the grass in the yard. 

Those patches of dead grass were tell-tale signs of sheer childhood happiness!

I loved the sweet sound of giggling kids as they played in the yard.  

Summer vacation has certainly changed from those little kid days,

but I still love every minute of it.

I'm so fortunate to have the kids I have.

I am BLESSED that they like to spend time with me 

and that I like  to spend time with them.

I love watching them do what they love.

I am proud of them for being their own little people.

They are helpful, kind, thoughtful, fun, and FUNNY!

They will always be my babies,

and I will always look forward to time spent with them.

I'm still amazed that God chose me to be their Momma.

I'm so lucky to have that job.

I'm very, very lucky to have my teaching job 

which has always allowed me to have the same schedule as my kids. 

 It's allowed me the opportunity to spend time with them every summer. 

 Not all Mommas have the chance to play with their kids during the summer.

Today, I'm appreciating my schedule and the time I've been given.

Summer vacation might be over,

 but we've made some very good memories along the way.

I hope you had the chance to enjoy your kids, too!!

Summer is delicious!!!

We Made It Through. We Survived! (It's a LONG one!)

We survived.

I keep changing the title because we made it to the other side of so many things.

I last posted in March.  

A LOT has happened since then.

Disclaimer:
This one kind of got out of hand.
It's longer than any other post.

This will be a huge attempt to recap our Spring Semester.

We had a Staycation during Spring Break this year. 

We stayed home so the kids could do homework and relax.

Track season began at the end of February.

The kids hit the ground RUNNING!

Preseason went so fast.

Before we knew it, it was April, and the kids were at the first meet of the season!

Corbin came home with an ankle injury due to a poor pole vault landing.  Ouch.

That earned him a trip to Urgent Care to make sure  it wasn't broken.

$$ Ouch $$

The good news was it was only a sprain.

1st crutches for either of the kids.

So...we left him at Grandma's for the weekend while we took Courtney to Kansas City for a volleyball tournament!  There was no way he would have been able to walk as much as we did this weekend!

The tournament was phenomenal.  There were SO. MANY. TEAMS!
There is no way that I can put the experience into words.

 The team!

 Lunch together at Cheesecake Factory!

 Team Bonding at the Escape Room!
We heard lots of laughing in there.

 Anticipation at it's finest.

Tournament play was over for us at this point in the weekend.
I'm happy to see she was still smiling.
(Oh!  ...and she learned a new technique for icing her shins.)

Courtney learned a lot about herself as a volleyball teammate this season.
She ended up with a strained hip abductor and couldn't finish the season.
She went to the Regional tournament to support her team, but she was unable to play.
That. Was. Tough.
I was proud of her.  She put on a smile and cheered on her friends.
It was quite sad, though, when the games were over.
She knew the season had come to an end and she didn't get to finish it with her friends.

What's a mom to do when her baby didn't get to play in the last tournament of the season?
GO SHOPPING, of course!
Okay...we didn't shop much.
Actually, we only bought one pair of shoes.
We did a lot of browsing and window shopping, though.
Retail therapy is always a nice escape.
It was a nice way to end the weekend trip before heading home.

Needless to say that this injury also impacted her track season.
It was a LONG season for her.
In the end, though, injuries allowed her the opportunity to sit back and watch coaching take place.
Injuries kind of  allow you to reconnect with and re-evaluate your goals.

This was taken in my classroom after a track practice early in April.
Corbin was still using ice on his ankle after vaulting practice,
and Courtney had shin splints.
They came to my room for the small ice!
 Love them!!

Okay...moving on...

This Kid.
He let me know at 4:45 pm that he had a Spanish National Honor Society program at 6:00.
...and... if I wanted pictures, I would need to be there.  haha.
My camera and the stage lighting in the auditorium don't really mix,
but I got this one after the ceremony.

The month of May was a blur.
There were award ceremonies, track meets, big assignments, lots of homework, baccalaureate, and All Things Graduation.

Here's the birthday boy with his ice cream cake.

18 already???

Courtney with track team friends.

Prom.

This isn't the best picture, but they looked stunning!

Courtney supporting Brother during a meet in which she couldn't participate.

Corbin supporting her and encouraging her as she prepared to run.

He's always been so good to her.

She has always had the BEST brother.

The. BEST.

Track Banquet.

Both won nice awards.  

My favorite, though, was the Academic All-State Award.

They had to have a 3.7 GPA to receive this.

(Sigh...momma is So proud of her kids!)

Corbin and his Pole Vault coach!

Sign Out Sheet...nearly filled out completely.

He's ready for his last day of school at CJHS.

Picture with his Momma on his

Last day of High School.

Graduation Day Decorations.

Photo books, Sr. Pictures, and books with life advice covered the table.

Corbin's Bulldog Award is on the mantle.

He received it from the track coaches.

It is the award based on not only athletic performance, but attitude, 

willingness to work hard on and off the field,

 being coachable, treating others kindly, 

being helpful, and having integrity.

Once again...my cup runneth over.

I couldn't be more proud.

These two.  Be still my heart.

He had Stoles from CJHS and Crowder College.
He also had stoles for National Honor Society
and Phi Theta Kappa (Jr. College National Honor Society) as well as
Cords for graduating with honors from both schools and  participating in
Spanish National Honor Society.

Oh, and he wore the GoPro camera for the ceremony.
The videos are great.
He has video of the Superintendent, Principal, and School Board Members telling him "Congratulations."  It was a hoot to watch.
Even though it looked goofy, it's footage of more memories to cherish.

Programs from Crowder College and Carl Junction High School Commencement Ceremonies!

Crowder Graduation was on May 14, but Corbin was at Branson for a track meet instead.

Carl Junction Commencement was the following day.

This is the group of kids leaving for the State track Meet!

It was a fun trip for them, and a fun way to to end Sr. Year!

...and then there's THIS!...

My classroom.

This is my empty classroom.
I am moving to a different building for the fall.
It looks so empty.
I've been a resident of Room 29 in K-1 North for 8 years.
Many terrific memories were made in this classroom.
Many new friends came into my life while in this room.
I must admit that just before I took this picture I had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye.
Don't get me wrong.  I know that many new adventures await.
We will meet many new friends.
Change is tough, though, friends.
Change is tough.
I'm excited to see what lies ahead, though!

Changes are all around!
We're getting Corbin ready to go to college.
Bedding, blankets, desk organizers, Oh MY!

Courtney is getting used to the idea of Momma being her chauffeur again.
She has a new volleyball coach at school and is enjoying getting to know her.
She had pain in her hip for 10 weeks and was out of volleyball and track until the last week of June.
She is  a HAPPY girl now that she is back to normal and not hurting in her hip anymore.
She just turned 15 and earned her driver's permit.
She practices driving with her Daddy.
Most of the stories are funny and giggle worthy.
MOST of them...

That's it, I think.
It's been a very, very busy spring and early summer.
Lots of things happened.
I'm relieved to say that we made it through the month of May!
Many memories were made this year.
Many of these things are big things, but some of them are little things, too.
Lots of life lessons were learned along the way.
I can't even begin to express the love I have for our kids.
They amaze me all the time.
I admire them for their kind, loving, and giving hearts.
I admire them for being such terrific friends to each other!
They are the best little support team.
May...as crazy as it was, I'm proud to say we made it.
It was worth every single day/every single minute.
It was Delicious!

In all the crazy and busy days, remember to stop to notice the little things.
They really are the big things.
Enjoy the deliciousness, friends!!

...Shouldn't they still be this little??? .....

I'm a lucky Momma.

My heart is so full.