Spring fever anyone...?

I'm telling you - if I make it through this week, it will be a small miracle! Anyone who works in close contact with children will attest to the fact that when large weather changes happen, strange behaviors begin to emerge. Behaviors that are slightly irritating and extremely difficult to handle! This Friday marks the beginning of spring break and I simply cannot wait!

I'm still alive...

So if you ask my parents I am a terrible blogger and they have stopped even checking my blog! Yes, I am still alive and yes I am still updating my blog! Things have been slightly flipped upside down lately - in the past two weeks I have packed, moved, and unpacked again! To top it all off, I have spent two of the past three weekends at dance competitions cheering on my girls! In fact, I'm in the car on my way to Chicago to competition this weekend. With my new phone I should be able to update much more frequently! Actually, I might even be able to update again this weekend! :)

Yes, I'm still alive!

Seriously! I cannot seem to find enough minutes in the day to get everything done - and blogging seems to be at the bottom of my list! It has been a crazy few weeks - including alot of hours spent working, a weekend in Disney World with the high school dance team I coach, and moving. Let me tell you - I cannot wait for things to settle down, even just a little!

I hope to find some more time soon to blog - just wanted to give a little update! :)

Much Love!

God Bless America

What an incredible honor it was to watch history unfold today in America! I have to admit, no matter which candidate you voted for, there is something exciting about Barack Obama. Something calming. Something reassuring. Something inspiring. There is nothing better than a living example of the "American Dream"...growing up, dreaming, and achieving - it reminds me of the power in dreams and inspiration.

Watching the inauguration today was even more special for me because I was blessed to be able to share the experience with my 5th grade class. The entire election process has been exciting for them. We spent alot of time discussing the candidates and their opinions on many different issues. We watched very closely on election day - and we celebrated when the results came in. And today, we watched as President Obama was sworn in. They clapped and cheered when they were excited, they listened very carefully and absorbed what they could of his speech, they stood and they sang - I have to tell you, I had tears in my eyes.

Again, whether I agree or disagree with the outcome of the election, it was simply amazing to me that those 27 students will never, ever forget where they were when they watched Barack Obama become the 44th President. They will never forget what they saw, or what we talked about, or how they felt...and I stand in constant amazement that I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of that...and that it's my job to be a part of it.

I have the greatest job in the world. :)

Disney On Ice

There is just something about Disney that makes the child in everyone come out. Yesterday afternoon Kevin, Kaitlyn, and I enjoyed Disney on Ice. We found ourselves laughing, clapping, and cheering for those silly characters. We especially enjoyed it because we are taking a trip to Disney World in Orlando this summer and Kaitlyn has never been ~ let me tell you, that child is beside herself!

In the meantime, Disney on Ice filled the small Disney fix...for now! :)

Happy Birthday, Maicey!

It seems impossible that one year ago tonight, we welcomed our sweet Maicey Kay into the world! Looking back, it's difficult to remember our lives without her big blue eyes and sweet giggle. She has certainly filled our days with smiles and love ~ and today we had the chance to celebrate all the wonderful things that are her! I count it among my greatest blessings that God has entrusted such a sweet baby to our family and I cannot wait to watch her grow as each year passes.
Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl! I love you to the sky and back! :)

Happy New Year! (...a little late)

Evidently I am a terrible blogger! I cannot seem to find the time to sit down and blog nearly as much as I'd like to - but here are some promised pictures from our New Year's Eve!

We began the night with dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, The Machine Shed. It is a down home restaurant here in Iowa that is known for it's family style fixin's...served family style! Each of the servers wear red and white plaid shirts with jean overalls - I must say I admire their bravery, because I would not be caught dead wearing something like that!

After dinner, we all headed back to my parents house for a "Wii are ringing in the New Year" party and family sleep over! I have to say, we had a great time! (If you look closely at the picture of Rob, you will see the shirts we made especially for the night!)

This New Years was even more fun because our cousins Kelly and Dale were home with their two girls - so we got to spend more time with them! We pray that 2009 will be filled with many more hours of laughter and love with our family and friends!