words

I am working on a bulletin board at school...

It doesn't really have a title or anything...just a big bulletin board by the entrance of school that "belongs" to the counselors.

So I saw THIS...and decided to try to make my own version.

It is not done yet...so I can't show you...but I have come across some great food-for-thought as I have been putting it together...so thought I would share some of that.

Geez...for those of us who have kids/work with kids...how true is this?

Loved this book...loved this movie.

 

Happy Friday!

PARTY

On Saturday afternoon, we were off to a birthday party! It was for our friend Morgen, and she had her party at the same place Keatin had her party in August...the ISU gymnastics facility! My kids (the 2 small and 1 large...that would be Josh) were all excited to be back again!

I feel like in August, Will spent a lot of time running around on the floor...but this time, he loved jumping in the foam pit and testing out the big trampoline.

(OK - I didn't realize it until right now...but took this picture of Will running...and do you see my other 2 in the background? Geez...)

Waiting for the "rules"...Will was so cute, wanting to sit by all the big kids...

I think Keatin's favorite spot was the trampoline...she tried a few other things, but kept going back to the trampoline.

Once we were done playing, it was time for gatorade, cake, and presents!

(Did you notice Will loved the cake?) Ha! :)

Hope everyone has a great week!

from head to toe [by: eric carle]

Performed by Keatin and Will Barber. :)

Take 1

Take 2

I...

...am here!

Poor blog - no new posts or pics from me lately. :(

So sorry.

And I can't even blame it on being super busy. I guess I have been working on making my teaching portfolio digital (AKA - putting it all online)...but unless you have NOTHING else to do in the world, you probably don't want to read that. :)

Oh - and we are closing on our house one month from today...on Valentine's Day...I know, we are romantic like that. :) But personally, I am getting SO excited to move/be in the house! I am trying not to have unrealistic expectations of what it will look like when we first move in...because I am sure there will be 101 things I want to do with decorating/making it our own...but even if it is sparse at first, it is ours...it is new...and I just can't wait to have my "family" in our "home."

School is good...lots of flu/sick kids...but no sick kids at our house (knock on wood). I realized I may have to work a few days this summer...but as long as I get paid for it, I am cool with that.

I will try to get some pics/video of the kids tonight...just for all the grandmas and grandpas out there who want to get a glimpse at their sweeties. :) Maybe they will dance for me...because we do that on a daily basis. :) My co-workers don't believe me when I say Will has some stellar dance moves.

Oh - speaking of Will...he went pee on the potty last week! So exciting! I made a HUGE deal out of it, gave him a prize, praised him, everything...and do you think he will even try again? Nope. Sigh...

And since I don't have any pics of my own children to share (I know, bad mom)...I will share this image I stumbled across this morning. LOVE IT. Shared it with all my coffee drinking friends. Coffee makes my mornings happy...and this made my Monday morning! :)

Happy Monday!

happy monday!

OK - I stumbled across this...please don't tell me I am the only one who can relate to this on a daily basis. :)

hello araina

Over the weekend, we headed to Cedar Falls to visit the Carlsons and the newest addition to their family, little Araina. We had a great visit, as we always do. :)

Saturday afternoon, we made all the kiddos lay down for a nap. Pre-nap, the 4 big kids were cuddling on the couch. :)

After nap time, Keatin got to hold Araina...and she basically didn't want to let go of her the rest of the time we were there - ha ha!

We played music and danced...

...and Will even helped entertain Araina!

This lasted about 30 seconds...then Will told us he was "ah done." :)

And these are our lazy New Years Day at home...just doing daddy's hair.

And don't judge...if pink princess hair styling tools make this boy happy, who should mess with that? :)

bye, bye 2012 - hello 2013!

Happy 2013! Josh and I went out last night for New Years Eve - it was a lot of fun! But I am obviously too old...as I needed a nap today - ha ha!

2012 was a great year for us and as in years past, we continue to be very blessed! I took a new job (after 7 years at my old position) and we started the process of building a new home (which we will move into in February)...and I guess those are the "big" things from the past year. We spent lots of time with family and friends...and I pray 2013 brings lots of happiness, growth, and success for our family.

I can't really remember making or keeping a new year's resolution in recent years...which I guess means I am no good at them - ha ha! But if I was to make a resolution, it would look something like this. :)
1. Practice kindness...have a kind heart in everything I do - at work and at home.
2. Practice patience, especially with Keatin and Will.
3. Work hard - use my knowledge and skills to most benefit the students who need me.
4. Smile. :)
5. Be positive.
6. Hug, kiss, and tell my kids and husband I love them EVERY day, multiple times a day. They are my light. And I KNOW there are kids I work with on a daily basis who do not hear those words or get those hugs at home...so I want to love on them some more this year too. :)
7. Be grateful.

Tomorrow I head back to work...welcome 2013!