Boom Blox July 20, 2009

Last night Ben/I were able to enjoy a fabulous evening w/Rachael/Greg.  We went out to Alicia’s and then enjoyed a few Wii games.  Rach was sweet, because she got Hannah/I a few happy gifts (including Enchanted which I LOVE, AND some froggy classroom stuff-very cool!  She also got Hannah some glow sticks which kept her occupied during the meal-along w/some uber cute shades). 

We came back to the house, and Hannah had to show off during worship-which was so cute.  There’s a part in the worship where Joash becomes King, and we’re all supposed to clap.  Hannah wanted to make sure that everyone was clapping-including her dolls.  She went around and clapped all of their hands-so sweet!

They brought a few Wii games, and they showed us a funny game w/rabbits (I can’t remember what it was called).  It had rabbits that tried to kill a duck with plungers.  Very odd, but funny!  My personal fav. game was a lot like Jenga-it was called Boom Blox.  It was fun!  I was the worst-but it was still a great time!  You had to point/aim/and try to knock down as many of the “Jenga” pieces as possible (it’s actually opposite of Jenga-but it looks like it).  I had a hard time knocking the pieces down.  I guess it was because of my wimpy throws ;o(  Oh well-I’m just glad they came over, and we hung out.  Thanks guys for a great night!

Well-Hope you all have a wonderful week!  I only have two weeks left of summer break, and I’m going to make the best of it.

More From VBS July 20, 2009

Kristi was nice enough to send her VBS pics. out to the moms in her class, so I was able to get a lot better pics. than I actually had.  Enjoy!

Here’s my little one going full blast in the make shift slip n’ slide.  She was soaked/covered in grass clippings by the end of this activity.  However, she was in heaven, because she loves playing in water.  This activity was probably one of the most fun for her.  She continued to stay involved, and she had a smile from ear/to/ear the majority of the time.  Mommy, however, was a little under prepared for the “fun”.  I forgot her bathing suit, towel (though I did have a change of clothes), AND Kristi had to give me a diaper, because I forgot to pack them.  I had to squeeze Hannah into a size 3.  She normally wears a 5, and her little patootie was sticking out of the diaper.  Luckily she made it home w/no accidents.

Ohhh-love the grass clippings!

BOOM!

This shot speaks volumes!  You can’t see Hannah, but she’s on the left side trying to offer Ainsley a sponge ball.  You can tell by Ainsley’s body that she isn’t very trusting of Hannah at that moment.  Hmmmm-I wonder why???  I don’t blame you Ainsley!  To my daughters credit-she was trying to share.  She’s good at that!

See-so sweet!

Enjoying snacks w/Hannah/Steph/Ny. 

THANKS KRISTI FOR THE PICTURES!!!!!!!

Floaties, The Fourth, and VBS July 17, 2009

We’re still having an awesome summer, and I don’t want it to end.  I can’t seem to keep upw/it though.  It’s going faster than I can type.  I know I said that in my last blog, but it’s true!

I’ll sum up our last few weeks w/pics.

We’re still hanging out at the pool when we can.

Hannah is getting very independent, and rarely likes to be held onto when we’re in the pool.  She loves hanging out next to the stairs, or the baby area.  She’s also gone down the slide a few times, but doesn’t like it when her head goes under water.

I’ve had a few opportunities to hang out w/close friends, and that’s always a bonus.  Rome is on the left/Kathy on the right.

I TRIED to take Hannah’s 18 mos pics, but I’m not sure if I still want to go get them done.  It was REALLY hot when I went, and she didn’t want to cooperate.  Let me know what you think.

I didn’t think they were that good when I took them, but when I looked back at them-they don’t look that bad.  I dont’ know-I need input.  She’s wearing her 4th of July outfit, because it was around that time-I thought I’d kill two birds w/one stone.

We took Hannah to Chuck E. Cheese.  This was her face when Chuck E. performed.  Ben kept say, “I’m trying to stay positive!”.  He’s not one for sticky or loud places.  Hannah had a good time.

This whole week we’ve been at VBS (Vacation Bible School).  It’s been a lot of fun, and Kristi/Lee Ann have done a wonderful job running the pre-school program.  I feel REALLY bad, because Hannah has been beating up the other kids (mostly Kristi’s little one-Ainsley).  I’m not sure why she’s picking Ainsley, or why she’s hitting anyone.  She goes right up to them and starts smacking them in the face and poking at their eyes.  Ugh-very embarrassing! 

Hannah was the youngest one participating at VBS this year, and that might have something to do with it.  It was very physically exhausting for me, because I had to wrestle a lot w/her to stay w/the program, sit in her seat, pay attn., etc., but I know she had a good time.  I could tell, because she’d get excited whenever we’d come into the church (a little late-but we were there).

I’ll show you pics. when she’s “playing” nice ;o)

Here’s Hannah w/her teacher from school Ms. Steph.  Hannah ADORES Steph.  I’m chopped liver when Steph is around. 

Here’s Hannah and Nylaya (Steph’s little girl) coloring at VBS.

Hannah was very sweet w/Eva until today (the last day of VBS).  She’s been very gentle, until she decided to knock her over and then try to sit on her. Please keep in mind that these kids are about 1/2 a yr. older than her.   Ugh-again embarrassing.  However, in the middle of the week she was giving Eva all of her pretzels during snack.  She kept putting them into Eva’s mouth.  I’m glad that she shares!

Poor Ainsley!  This is the little girl Hannah kept picking on.  SORRY KRISTI!!!!

Here she is shaking her groove thing to the Crocodile Dock music.  All week they told stories, made crafts, colored, sang songs, played games, had a snack, AND watched a Chadder’s video everyday.  She really did enjoy herself, and I’m glad I took her.

Info. w/out pics.-we’re still working on the potty training-though we’re not pushing it.  I actually do have a pic. of her on the potty, but I don’t want to post it on the net.  Anywho-we ask her regulary if she needs to go, she’s been wearing pull ups, AND she’ll spend up to 45 min. in their at a time.   However, she hasn’t gone all week on the potty.  I’m not stressing about it -it’ll happen when it happens.   

I talked to my friend Angela, and we’re meeting up on the 27th.  I’M SO EXCITED TO SEE HER, AND HOPEFULLY MY OTHER FRIENDS!!!!! 

Well-that’s what I’ve been up to lately.  As always-I’d love to hear from you!

Have a great week!

Brandy

So What Now? July 8, 2009

You may ask what I’ve been doing with my summer.  Well, mostly getting caught up with errands/tasks that don’t get done during the school year.  One major assignment that I’m working on right now is trying to potty train Hannah.  This is day #3!  Day #1-she went potty TWICE!  Day #2-once, and today-NOTHING!  I say, “Do you need to go pee, pee?”  Her response, “NOOOOOOOO!”.  We’ll spend about 30-40 min. in there, and she just wants to play.  I finally give up, put her diaper on, and 2 min. later she’ll go to the restroom in her diaper. 

She LOVES her chair.  I went all out, and got her the fun one that sings a song to her if she goes, and has a funny little face w/a toilet paper holder.  She doesn’t mind sitting on it, and she understand “going pee pee”.  We’ll see how this all plays out.  I know it’s still early.  I’ll keep you posted.

One part of this experience is funny-she’ll try to put her “baby” on the toilet, and then makes a “Psssshhhshsh” noise” as if the baby is going potty.  Nobody told her to do that-pretty funny!

The Summer is Almost Gone July 8, 2009

I’m so sorry it’s taken me so long to blog.  The summer is slipping through my fingertips faster than I can tell stories.

My trip back home was great.  I was able to see many friends/family that I haven’t seen in awhile.  We did/saw a lot ;o)

I’ll capture moments in pics.

Hannah was able to reconnect with her Prokop cousins

While we were in IL, we took the cousins to a place called, “Kiddieland”.  It’s basically a little park w/rides, a train, etc. for little kids.  Ben’s mom wanted to take the kids before it closed in Oct.  They had a wonderful time!

Hannah is such a little dare devil!  She was all about going on all of the rides (including the saucers-SHE LOVED IT!).  She had to go w/her aunt Jen, because Mommy can’t do rides like that ;o)

We also took the kids to the aquarium (SHEDD), but this is the only photo I got.  We’re not aloud to use flash in there-so the pics. didn’t turn out.  Anywho, it was a free day, so it was crazy crowded.  We still had a great time.

It was great that we got to hook up w/a lot of IL friends (well-not everyone is in IL anymore).  Ben was able to hook up with many of his guy friends at the beg. of the trip.  Of course there are no pics.), but we did snag a shot w/some of our close friends.  Becki/J have their little one-Teagan, and we were also able to hook up w/Holly.  She’s actually in CA right now, but was back for graduation. 

We tried to get a shot of Ben going down the slide-but nope!  He’s SOOOO fast!

We were also able to meet up w/Becki/J/Teagon later in the week.  The Museum of Science/Industry was also having a free day-so we took the kids.  It was also crazy packed!

Hannah and I were able to go to WI campmeeting this year which was a lot of fun.  I spent the majority of the time chasing after Hannah (she likes to scope the area out).  It was all good though, because I was able to hang out w/family, and see some old friends that I hadn’t seen in a very long time.  I’m hoping to make it a tradition!

Hannah also enjoyed herself!  Do you notice how dirty she it?  Yep-it was camp all right!  Check out the shoes!  I had to throw them away!

We stayed in a Best Western while we went to camp.  My aunt Robyn gave me some mags to check out, but I think Hannah enjoyed them more than me.  She kept pulling them out of the diaper bag, and she wanted to “read” them.  I thought it was funny-so I took a shot.

My family came to the pool at the hotel, and we had fun splashing/getting each other wet.  From left-me/Hannah, my Gram, Steph (my cousin), and Cody (my cousin)

It’s always so great to go back home, because I get to see my old gang.  I miss them so much!  These are the type of friends that you’re away from for 1/2 a yr., but when you get back together it’s like time never passed.  They’re the best!  From left-Jules (Julie)-holding baby Sam, Amy, Chris, and me.

We chilled at Amy/Adam’s for a couple of days.  It was great to see the gang again!  Chris/Jen brought their new little boy Sam (on the right), and we got to spend time w/Renee (w/the sippie).  Of course there was a lot of great time to be had w/Nolan/Danny (Amy/Adam’s kids).  We’ve got a whole series of shots where Danny/Hannah are fighting for a toy back/forth.  They’re perfect playmates!

Chris & Jen w/Sam (so cute!)

We spent LOTS of time out by the pool (you know how I love to show pool shots).  Here’s Danny/Amy out by the kiddie pool.

Nolan’s a GREAT pic. taker.  Every time I took a pic., he’d pose and say, “Cheese!”

Hannah enjoyed going down the slides on her own.  Such a big girl!

We were also able to see my sister (Amy), and my soon-to-be brother-in-law (Adam).

They’re really good/sweet to Hannah.

It was Danny’s b-day while we were there, so we went to a place called, “Stonefire!”  It was awesome!  I wish there were places like that when I was a kid.  It’s basically a glorified Chuck E. Cheese’s.

This was such a wonderful trip, and I’m thankful/blessed that we were able to go.  For those of you who read my blog that I saw-thanks for the wonderful memories!

Summer and The Midwest June 11, 2009

I’ve been having the best summer!  I’m working on getting new glasses (finally), Hannah/I have had much fun in the sun, “Fiddler On The Roof” was amazing, and I’m going back home to the Midwest on Saturday.  We’ll be gone for a few weeks, so I won’t be blogging after this blog until July.  Ben will be with us for the first week, and then Hannah/I will be together for the second week.  We’ve got so much planned, it’s crazy!  I’ll give you all the fun details when I get back!

Here’s for now:

We finally got Ben to go to the Splashpad.  It seems as though I’m spending my summer there.  It is good times.  Hannah has a nasty little habit of getting into everybody elses stuff that’s there-good times.  Ben’s dragging her away from somebodies belongings here.

I’m sure she was in to somebodies shoes at this point-she loves shoes!

Here’s my new glasses!  I love them!  It’s been a process, because they got my prescription wrong, and they messed up my insurance.  Hopefully we’ll get it all figured out.  In the process-I’ve had my eyes dilated for the past 2 1/2 days-not fun-but I’m looking forward to my new-unscratched (from little hands) lenses.

My pictures from, “Fiddler On The Roof” didn’t really come out-but you’ll get the idea.  I went w/my great friend Rome (next to me), her mom (to the left of me), and Milina-a co-worker of mine who’s very sweet!  I’m telling you-if you haven’t seen it, you need to go!  It’s now a personal fav. of mine.  This is Topol’s final performance-and he makes the show!  He was the guy who was in the original.

Auh-back at our second home!  Yep-the Splashpad.  Hey-it’s free, and Hannah loves it!

This time Hannah had a play-date w/Ainsley.

They splashed and had fun in the water.  You’ll see my great friend Kristi (I keep spelling her name wrong-I think I got it right this time ;o)-w/Ainsley in the back.

Good times!

Ainsley was pretty timid to go away from her mommy, but she spent a good amount of time hanging out next to the water sprinker in the middle of the Splashpad.

Meanwhile, Hannah made friends with random chunka/chunka children.  She also proceeded to take the kids toys which made one little girl very angry.  She attempted to take their water buckets.  Note to self-get Hannah water buckets. 

Thanks for a great day Ainsley/Kristi-we need to do it again w/the boys!

I look forward to showing you lots of pics. from our Midwest trip.  Hope you’re having a wonderful summer!

What A Wonderful Stress-FREE Week June 5, 2009

There won’t be a blog on Sun., because I’m going to see, “Fiddler On The Roof” Sun. night.  I’m really looking forward to this show!

Auhhhhh-I love my job, but boy do I love summer more!  This week has been filled with rest, Hannah, friends, Hannah, fun, and well-Hannah!  I love being able to stay home with her.  We’ve had a great time together, and it went so quickly.  We’ve gone to the Splashpad (again), cleaned out our guest bedroom (a different type of anniversary gift-Ben was getting overwhelmed w/the clutter ;o), cooked a special meal for Ben on our anniversary-Hannah “cooked” also, swimming, and we checked out a couple garage sales.  Check out the pics.:

Back at the Splashpad.  I had to put on her sunglasses, because she kept trying to take another kids glasses off of her face-not fun!

“Cooking” for Daddy

Time-out from cooking to be silly w/mom

Silly time w/dad

Swimming w/her buddy Allison

R&R w/mom in the pool

We’re still at the pool, but she kept trying to run around by the fence.  She’s so curious of her surroundings.

I love this shot!  My friend Lee Ann has a walk-in closet, and she put a kitchen set in their for her grandaughter Ainsley.  So, Hannah/Ainsley hung out in Lee Ann’s closet after we went to the garage sales.  It ended shortly, however, because Hannah kept attacking their cat Romeo-poor Romeo!

They’re very good cooks!

They also played outside w/my friend Christi’s boys-Brandon/Caedon. 

They look tough in their pictures!  I tried to take some outside shots of Ainsley/Hannah, but they didn’t really turn out.  I’ll show you the best one of them playing in the sand box.

I had to try to lighten it up, because they were in the shade.  It actually came out better in the Sepia.  It’s cool, because it makes it look old fashioned.

Anywho-we had a great week and I hope you did also!

KISSES AND HUGS!

8 Years and Strong June 2, 2009

Wednesday (June 3rd) will be our 8th anniversary!  It’s crazy to think that in October we will have been together for 12 yrs.  The Lord is good!

Hannah’s Newest Stats June 2, 2009

I forgot to post Hannah’s newest stats.  First, we’ve been dealing with skin irritations ever since she was born.  We knew that her skin was highly sensitive, and we’ve done everything we could to prevent break outs.  Two weeks ago she broke out really bad on her back.  When I took her to the doctor, and the doctor was able to actually see it (she didn’t have break outs during her other visits), we found out that she has eczema. 

Ben/I both have sensitive skin, and when I read up on eczema that info. I found stated that it could be genetic.  Ben has told me of stories where he had to wear socks on his hands, because he’d itch his skin in his sleep until it would bleed.  I’m wondering if he had exzema when he was younger (I guess it can fade away as you get older) and he never knew.  It’s a bummer, because I’ve had many students who have exzema and it’s not fun.  Dr. Kwak said to put Lubriderm on her skin regularly and to use Cortizone.  We’ll see what happens.

Other stats-She’s 29 lbs., 2 feet 10 inches, and doing very well!  They say that you’re 1/2 your height at 2 yrs. old.  Hmmm-she’s only one-and her height right now puts her at 5’8” when she’s an adult- It’s not a scientific fact-so we’ll see.

I actually have a funny story about this very topic from today.  When Ben goes out of town, Hannah/I go on a mommy/daughter date.  We went to Gymboree Outlet to see what sales were going on (awesome sales-check them out!).  While she was camped out at the T.V./I was looking through the racks-she started pulling one of the other babies hair.  I swiftly ran over/stopped her. 

 I apologized to the mom, and she said that it was “OK” because she had an older brother, and blah, blah, blah.  We got to talking, and I found out that Hannah/this little girl were the same age.  I’m not kidding when I say that this child was 1/2 of Hannah’s size.  I actually laughed out loud when the mom told me how old she was.  I didn’t mean to be rude, but it was crazy to think that they were the same age.  She told me that her daughter was small for her age.  It was crazy to see them next to each other.

Have a great week!

Summer is Finally Here June 1, 2009

The one major perk to teaching is having the summer off.  I know many people think that being a teacher is SO easy.  That’s why so many people with different degrees decide, “Hey, I can teach!”.  They then suffer through a year of unmanaged children, because they have no idea how to run a classroom. 

Well, I’ve got news for you-it’s hard work.  Some years are easier than others. However, all teachers wait with anticipation for those final words to come from their lips, “Have a wonderful summer!”.  We do love our students greatly, but everyone needs a break.  Well, I finally get mine!  It’s just begun and it’s already been filled with fun times.  I still needed to work this past week after the kids were done, but I was able to squeeze in some “Hannah”, friend, and family time.  I’ll have pics. to share, but first I have some exciting news:  I’m no longer teaching 3rd/4th grade at The Oaks. 

Next school year I will be teaching the following:  5th-8th grade Reading, Language, Spelling, Handwriting, and Art.  The 5th/6th grade will be my homeroom, and I’ll also be teaching them Social Studies, P.E., and Bible.  I’ll need to work something out for planning periods so there might be one of those subjects I don’t teach or combine, but I’m pretty excited.  I won’t be teaching Math/Science which is a major bonus, because those are subjects I don’t feel strong in.  It’s funny though, two of my parents thought that Science was one of my strong subjects.  That cracks me up!

Also, my sister is now engaged to Adam.  I feel comfortable blogging about this since she’s had two days to tell people, and she posted it on Facebook.  I’m really excited for her, and it’ll be great to have Adam officially be a part of the family.  She doesn’t have any details yet about anything, but I couldn’t be happier for her.

Well-that’s all my big news to share-here’s our most current pics:

Having fun at the Splashpad in our neighborhood

Brrrr-that water is cold in 95 degree weather ;o)

Note the skinned knees-I had to take her crocs off, because she kept falling in them.

Cooking and playing dress-up

Cooking for Mommy-MMMMM-YUMMY!  And no-she’s not wearing a hair piece.  That’s her real hair up top w/all the curls.  I had just taken her hair out of a pony tail, and it was all puffy when I took it out.

Still cooking!

She loves her Dora glasses.  Actually, she’d love any glasses!

I had to get a shot of her sleeping-she looked so peaceful!  Do you like the “Frog Bear”?  Rachael got that for Hannah a few weeks ago.  Hannah won’t sleep w/out it (at home anyways).  We’ve got a little song we do with it and dance it around her face-she loves it!

We went to Allie, Alex, and Romina’s birthday party today at, “Pump It Up”.  Here’s Hannah with her birthday friend Allie.  They had such a great time!

Here’s Ben going down the slide w/Hannah.  I’m really not sure why he’s holding her like that.  We laughed when we looked at the pic.  He didn’t realize he was holding her like that.

Ben dunking Hannah in the basketball moonwalk.

Here we are going down with Allie.  Allie always wanted to go down with Hannah.  She’s a sweet friend!

Here’s the birthday crowd (from left to right) Allie, Romina, Rome cool friend Susie, and Alex.  I just met Susie today, but I’ve heard a lot about her through Rome.  She seemed really sweet, and the type of person I’d get along with really well if she lived closer.

Hannah’s enjoying her cupcake.  I think she looks like my uncle Craig in this picture!

Well-that’s all I have to share for now.  Have a wonderful week!

Brandy