end of the month checkup

It's the end of the month so it's time for my goal checkup. Goal 1....have 6 people over. Well, I've had 3. I'm not sure if I will make 6 with our schedules, but I'll try. Goal 2....6 projects. Let's see...boys room painted, deck stained, flower bed updated, shutters painted, front porch painted....yep, 1 more to go....really 1 1/2 as I have some touch ups on the front porch. Goal 3....lose 10 lbs.....I'm happy to say I have lost 8, even though it should be much more. I've really been working, but I'll have to work harder as I've accepted a 10 lbs in 10 weeks challenge by a group of ladies from church. Wow, wouldn't that be great to have lost 18 lbs by November 1st? Dream on, Jennifer!!!!!!

Welcome to third grade

I am amazed already the difference between second grade and third grade. Gone are the phonics pages and now we have English!! Last week he brought home subject/predicate stuff. Ok, my mind really has to be thinking now. Today, Joshua had his first ever history test. I was quizzing him last night, and I'm thinking....this is just chapter one. He was learning about the Constitution, the articles of confederation, the mayflower compact, the great compromise. He learned about Roger Sherman (don't think I heard of him), Daniel Shays (ummmm), George Washington (there's a name I know) James Madison.....whew!!! I was never good at history. Luckily, he got an A- in spite of my lack of knowledge. He has already learned 3 verses, had a history test, and tomorrow he has a spelling and math test and we are only in week 2!!! Monday he has an English test. Like I said, it is a huge difference....almost like he skipped a grade. I'm in for a ride this year. Maybe we'll just learn together!!!!

my temporary life....and my news....

I could really get used to this lifestyle. I can't tell you how much I dread going back. I thought I'd post what I've been doing with my time....but first of all, let me tell you my news..... I am teaching keyboarding to the third grade class (Joshua's). I'm actually co-teaching because we have 16 kids that need help and we definately need two people in there. The two of asked were asked to stay and help the 4th graders and then the 5 and 7th grade (they are combined). I am volunteering to do this, but I thought it was more thing to put on my ever so impressing resume (ha ha ha). There goes my Mondays once I start work as I will go straight from preschool and teach all day long!!!
I start my morning by trying to get snacks ready and three lunches packed, breakfast made, and the kids out the door by 7:45. My Mondays are kinda full, even with my days off because that is also my grocery day (although that will have to get switched now). I've been walking 2 miles every morning as soon as I drop the kids off. I love this time to myself....to let go of everything...stress, etc. (from trying to get everything done in the morning). Unfortunately, I am not losing any weight (and I have been trying all summer). If it isn't a Monday, I usually come home (or run errands) shower, clean house, get dinner prepared for the evening, and I am doing some small projects. I enjoy having TV on in the background or listening to Philips Craig and Dean, or other music. I love this time because once I leave, it's time to sit in carpool line and then start homework for three kids....and then I feel worn out. I hope to have lunch with some friends and enjoy the next few days. September 14th will be here before you know it.

Happy 12 Year Anniversary....

Sometimes I can't believe I've been married 12 years, other times I think we've been married longer that that. 12 years ago today, I walked down the isle, and married my best friend. The day to me was magical. It was perfect. I love you Jack!! Happy Anniversary!!

You're still the one) You're still the one I run to The one that I belong to You're the one I want for life (You're still the one) You're still the one that I love The only one I dream of You're still the one I kiss good night (Shania Twain)

You're still the one, and we're still havin fun!!!

The First Week

The first week of school went pretty well. I adjusted to getting up, getting lunches packed, and out the door. The kids enjoyed their first week and all have AWESOME teachers!!! Jenna has come home every day and "crashed". I do hope she will adjust to this. Joshua thinks she needs to stay in preschool since she is so tired!!! Jenna suddenly looks all grown up, especially when she puts on her uniform, and when I see her walk into school with her backpack, and when she waits for me in carpool line.

I have TOTALLY enjoyed my week.......so much that I dread going back to work. I get to take my morning walks to myself, clean house, run errands, do whatever I need or want to do. I also have volunteered at school already. I just love this time. I feel when the kids come home, I am so ready and refreshed that I can dedicate the rest of the time to them!!

I dread going back because.....my three year old class has 12 this year instead of 10. I know that doesn't sound like much but when you add an extra 2, that can change everything. Not to mention that two of them have mental problems (sorry....don't know how else to put it and I'm not sure if it's autism or something else). My four year old class started out really good, and I was excited but I have lost 4 of the kids already......4 GOOD kids. (including the twins) So, that makes me very sad and very nervous. Plus, I'm going to miss this "freedom" that I have had.....but I know that we NEED the extra money, especially if we are even going to THINK about taking the kids back to school.

First Day of School

My baby started kindergarten yesterday!!! I did ok because Jack was off with me. Today, I'm keeping busy by volunteering and some other stuff, so I'm sure it will hit me later this week. The kids were all excited to go and we are blessed with FABULOUS teachers for all three of them. I couldn't be happier. Poor Jenna came home and fell asleep. I guess she has to get adjusted to the new schedule.

The Last Day of Summer Vacation

Yesterday was the last day of our summer vacation. We were action packed with things to do. First of all, Jack took the day off and we watched Joshua finish up his last day of the British soccer camp. After that, Jenna and I went to lunch and then headed over to "all about me" where girls can get there nails done, facials etc. I had a mom at preschool give me this gift card and told me to spend some quality time with my daughter. Since Jack was off, we took advantage of it. I got to get my nails done too. Jenna actually got her fingers and toes done (I only had my fingers). She got a little robe and some soda in a glass. My co-worker and her daughter, Kelsey showed up, so we really had some quality girls time. We ate dinner and then headed to SCS to meet our new teachers. I'm very happy with all of them. Joshua's teacher is a pastor's wife, Jacob's teacher is young but very experienced and SO sweet, and Jenna's is from our church. After we finished meeting them and looking around we ended the night with a treat from the Dairy Queen.

British Soccer Camp

The week before school has been the busiest!! Joshua has had British Soccer Camp at the Y this week from 9-12. He really has enjoyed it. I could listen to the coaches talk for hours with those accents!! He is learning you don't have to score a goal to be a good soccer player. Yesterday he got MVP of his team even though he didn't score!

Relief From Heat

Our AC went out Monday night. It was hot, hot, hot!! Thankfully our friend Rudine had invited us to come over to use their neighborhood pool. We went straight from soccer camp and spent the afternoon. The great part is that we had the pool to ourselves....can you imagine that? Jenna surprised me by going off the diving board! Jacob saw her do it and tried it himself. I couldn't believe they were willing to go, but they did.

Soaking in the Summer

We had a great weekend. We spent Friday and part of Saturday shopping for school things. We got some REALLY great deals!! Saturday we went to Chili's for dinner and then went to Cary to watch a Carolina Railhawlks game (soccer). I was surprised on how much I liked it. We also surprised Joshua because we asked Travis to come. He had no idea until they walked up that they were coming. It was fun watching the game and catching up with Traci.

Summer Fun

We're trying to soak every little moment in of the last days of summer vacation. Yesterday we went to Shelley Lake in Raleigh and I walked as the kids rode their bike. They really liked having a new trail to ride on. After we were done my mom met us and we fed the ducks. They were very excited to do this. I gave them a few minutes to play on the playground before we left, but we didn't stay long as it was wet. Today, we are off shopping to get things for school....the supplies I didn't get for free (very few) socks, underwear, shoes etc.

New Decor

I've been wanting to do something with my plain walls. My friend Sara came to the rescue. We went out last Thursday night and found some things at Target, Ross, TJ Maxx and Pier 1. I think she had more fun since she was spending my money!! Seriously, I stayed on my budget and I think my walls look a lot better. Now I want to do my kitchen! I also want to get a new entertainment center so that I have another full wall to work with! Thank you so much for all your help, Sara!!! Here are the before and after pictures.