Yes, we're still here!!

Okay, it's been a long while, I don't keep up with the electronic world like I should obviously.  So as you can see from the pictures we recently went on a Disney Cruise for 5 days and 4 nights followed by 3 days at Disney World and needless to say it was a blast!  We all had so much fun, I wish we were still there! =) 
I also recently broke my left ring finger playing softball with my high school students on May 11 had surgery and two pins were placed that evening.  I got the pins out Monday, but the splint stays for 2 weeks, it's been a long nearly 4 weeks already.  Anyway, that made it a little interesting on vacation but thanks to Glad press n seal, it stayed dry and I was still able to enjoy the water.
We saw shows on the cruise, ate too well ;), went to the Atlantis resort and the Disney island Castaway Cay, saw tons of characters, rode nearly all the rides we could at Magic Kingdom, visited Animal Kingdom, saw the light parade and the fireworks, stayed at the awesome wilderness lodge and enjoyed pool time as well, and so much more.  It was really an amazing family vacation!
I also wrapped up my first year of teaching which went well and I'm looking forward to the year ahead, but I'm going to enjoy as much of the summer as I can in between working.
We're hoping to go visit Michelle, but we're also in the midst of building a house so it's a bit chaotic around here and we've been very busy with everything, especially the trip and the house. 
It's amazing how much my priorities have changed, instead of wanting a too large fancy house, I'm very content with a house we won't be separated all the time in and is a good size for us and functional, can't stress the need for functional over looks and wanting to be close spending as much time together as possible, we already spend enough time apart with our schedules.  So, that's changed but it's only because I want to have a lot of family time in the house when we're in it and I also have NO desire to clean more space than we need, I have grown to despise cleaning the house but don't want to hire a stranger either so a not so showy house it is! ;) 
I am so looking forward to having a house though it's not even funny, having more space will be so amazing I can barely stand my excitement and I'm ready to break ground, but we're probably about 2 months or so from that yet, so I'll just keep being excited.  I will probably post too many pictures of the progress it will be annoying so if you still read bear with me, I'm just excited to not be on top of one another any more!

Disney

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Disney from phone

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Is it Already Fall?

Time seems to moving faster than ever and my kids are growing so quickly. Work has been keeping me super busy, but the kids come with me to as much as possible. They are definitely going to grow up in the Ag department, but at least they tell me they have fun. I'm the trap coach this year so that keeps me rather busy aside from other FFA activities.
The past couple of weekends we've traveled back and forth to Jefferson City to visit the family and to take Tyler's senior pictures, I'm by no means a professional photographer, but I think they're pretty happy with the results! :)
The kids have learned how to pedal their tricycles so that's been a huge accomplishment over the last few weeks and they're so proud of themselves, it's the best to watch them this summer going on their trikes or driving around the little gator and truck. I'll admit I've fallen behind on doing good at taking their picture and videos so I plan to try to improve that, I'm afraid if I don't get those things to document their life right now I won't remember all the little things I want to which is partly why I try to do the blog to have a record of things for them, I just need to start making time for everything I want to do and quit going with the flow on the nights/weekends at home I guess, but I just don't have much left for free time anymore. Being a working mom is way more difficult than I thought, I mean balancing my time that is. I suppose I should have chosen a profession that is less demanding on my time as I frequently am doing things for it on nights and weekends, but I do love what I'm doing and all my "kids" at school.
This week we're thinking of going to buy the newest blackberry's for me and Andy, we'll see, I'm not sure I'm sold on the idea of getting new phones.....
We are also looking to buy a new vehicle for me soon I think, so I'm looking forward to that, just not the payments! We're hoping to build next spring I guess, at least that's what we've decided for now unless the perfect place comes up for sale. We definitely need a new place that's for certain!
The kids and I are in my friend Angela's wedding in a couple of weeks, I hope they do okay, it'll be their first big performance like that and they're kinda shy so we'll see!
Went ahead and decided to put out my fall/halloween decorations, the kids were so excited and it feels so much like fall I couldn't resist. I have to admit I really like this cooler weather!

Pictures

Where we've been

So this has been a wild summer. We bought season passes to the landing (water park by Mark Twain Lake) and have went a lot, but would like to have gone more, time has just flown by. Before I started my job we squeezed in short trip to Kansas City and another short trip to see my sister in Lousiana and we got to see alligators and had lots of fun. We spent the 4th of July weekend with friends and worked around home and the kids got their first experience with sparklers and the lanterns that float like in the movie Tangled which was a lot of fun. Since starting the job, I've been gone some which has been hard and time has gone so quickly I blinked and it was August. I haven't done a good job taking pictures lately, but do have a few to share of randomness throughout the summer. I will post them shortly. Other than that we've spent our weekends at home, visiting mom and dad in Jeff City and we even enjoyed one day out on the lake with friends, just us adults! ;) It was an enjoyable time. I think we didn't do much of anything but we've been to the movies and fun things. We had prospects of a new home but it was off the market just about before we began to look into it, so that was disappointing, but we're still not sure if we want to build/buy any way so it was probably for the best. We're also looking into a new car, but have no idea when we'll decide to bite the bullet on that one! LOL! Between county fairs and everything else the life of an ag teachers brings it's been a crazy summer full of fun and life is good. It has been hard leaving the kids, but the job has been rewarding so far and really does make the time away worth it. This week we'll be traveling to the Marion County fair to watch my students show and the kids will be along to enjoy rides and the motocross Thursday evening. Then on to the state fair next week! Then things really get interesting as school begins and I really see what it's like to be an ag teacher! Although I'm excited about a new car and a new home, I'm not sure when/where those directions are leading just yet and that's okay, I'm still enjoying the ride and can't imagine that a different car or new home or anything else would make this life any better than it already is. Although if anyone reads this they may throw up in their mouth a little, I'm gonna get mushy and say I'm truly blessed with a wonderful husband and two great kids, they really make life worth living.

KC Fun

This last weekend we went to the Cards vs. Royals game in Kansas City and watched the fireworks after the game. It was a blast and the kids had a lot of fun and got very spoiled. We stayed at the Holiday Inn right next to the ballpark with the water park but didn't have time to enjoy the water park so we just used the indoor pool. I'd have been more bummed if I hadn't bought us season passes to the Landing this year! =)
We went to Cabela's and did some shopping on Saturday before heading home as well. It was a great little getaway in the midst of a crazy busy summer.
Between weddings and holidays our weekends are booked until July, which is crazy because then I start working full-time! In the mean time I'm just trying to enjoy what little full-time mom time I have left with the kiddos and we're really enjoying ourselves. I've wasted all of today uploading pictures and updating computer stuff. I hate being inside when it's nice, but that's why these things never get done. I also realized when updating that I haven't done the best job of taking pictures, so I will try to do better at that and at uploading those. Felt good to get all 500+ uploaded to shutterfly and my sharing site, blog and facebook though! ;)
I'm sort of counting down the days until work, I'm excited. Another income means some big changes for us, I'll be getting a new car within the next few months which is very exciting, and hopefully this time next year we'll be able to finally start building a house. It's been a long wait, but it's been worth it.
In the mean time, we're baking and enjoying time outdoors, swinging, riding horses and just having fun. We have been enjoying our little garden and flower beds too! =)
We have a trip planned to Louisiana to visit Michelle sometime June and plan to go to the St. Louis zoo and some other fun places this summer so hopefully they'll be some great pictures and stories to share!

Kansas City Trip 2011

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Kids 2011 Birthday-Easter-Graduation

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It's Been Such A Long Time...

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted in 2011. I feel very bad at this! I am I guess! Anyway, well, I haven't downloaded pictures off of my camera from Christmas or the kids' birthday yet to upload to here or facebook, it may be next year before I get there at this rate. =(
So, since I have no pictures to add at this time I'm going to give a head's up on our crazy schedule/lives since December.
We had great holidays and the birthday parties for the kids went very well. We did the usual two birthday party, the first on their birthday at the Christine Grandparents' home and the next the following Saturday at the Hogg Grandparents' home to celebrate Grandma Loretta's birthday that day as well.
The kids were of course spoiled as ever and were very excited about their birthday and turning 3. My goodness how the last few years have flown by.
I also started student teaching on January 3 and have been very busy ever since starting this 16 week experience, yet here it is, nearly over.
The funny thing is that Andy started working in a small town very close to Center so we've been traveling in the same direction yet again. He looks like he'll be headed towards brookfield soon and will be working there for quite some time if all goes well.
The kids have enjoyed the snow days and playing, although the recent warm weather has been much better and we've done lots of playing outside and going for walks, working on our garden, etc. It's really wonderful to have them at this age where we can actually go and do things all together as a family and the kids have lots of fun.
I also took them roller skating for the first time in February with my FFA kids in Quincy, IL., to Scotty's Fun Spot during National FFA Week. That was a lot of fun and well enjoyed it. the kids were SO tired afterwards, they fell asleep and didn't wake until the next morning!
It's been a very busy time for me and I started the job search, luckily Monroe City was hiring for two ag positions and I was offered one position and accepted. I signed my contract a couple of weeks ago and it was approved by the school board so I'm officially an ag instructor for the 2011-2012 school year starting July 1.
That's exciting and nerve racking all together, but mostly exciting. I'm just hoping we learn the ropes quickly enough! =) So before I start working full-time, I'm going to be spending part of my days at Monroe City learning in May/June and the other soaking up sun and having fun with my kiddos. I'm planning to get a season pass to the Landing and use it a lot before July 1 and use it some after that, but my weeks will be full so that only leaves the weekends.
I also graduate on May 13 (yes Friday the 13) so I will finally have my master's and school work behind me. I started shortly after the kids were born, so this is quite an accomplishment for me and I'm going to go ahead and walk and enjoy the pomp and circumstance because I feel like celebrating! =) I also think it'll be neat to have my kids cheer me on, however graduation doesn't start until 8 so they may fall asleep before I walk across the stage, though I hope not!
I am also busy getting some things ready for Easter, already bought Emma's dress last month but need to get Weston's outfit.
This week will be State FFA Convention and my last busy week as a student teacher. Next week is my final week, but I won't be teaching any classes and am only there for 4 days. Then I'm pretty much tying up any loose ends that need to be taken care of before graduation and enjoying some time at home with the kids.
For anyone who may be interested in what I'm teaching next year I have my schedule and will be teaching Ag Science 1 (two sections), Horticulture (greenhouse), Ag Business, and 7th Ag Exploratory Class. I am excited about teaching these classes and think it will be a lot of fun. I also have an SAE period and a planning period. I am excited to be back at Monroe City, I made connections there when working at the paper and am happy to be able to see those people more often. I am a little bummed that I will be gone for MVATA Convention for ag teachers during the Cole County fair as we've enjoyed being down there and riding rides/watching tyler show and just having fun the last few years, but my kids are planning to stay with grandma and grandpa then so they'll still enjoy it I'm sure.
It's been a rough year for sickness, which I think is partially due to the fact that my kids have never been at a babysitter with other kids so their being exposed to a lot more than before, just little things and pink eye, but it's been kinda non-stop between the 4 of us, so I'm hoping the warm weather brings that to an end.
I know this post has been all over the place, there's been a lot happening and not a lot of free time as my weekends have been full of practice contests and then spending whatever time I have off the computer and with the family and trying to do laundry and a little cleaning. My house was very neglected during the last month and a half or so, but made up for that yesterday. ;)
Tonight we are going bowling for the first time with some of our friends (well it's the kids' first time anyway) so I'm hoping that goes well and is an enjoyable experience! So, for now that's life and I'll try to get better about posting and making time to get pictures up, but it will probably be after the next two weeks and student teaching is over and I have some more free time.

Pictures because, well, it's been a while ;)

Movie Time

So yesterday while Andy finished up some Christmas shopping the kids and I went to see Tangled. It was such a cute movie and a fun treat for us! This is the 3rd movie we've seen at the theater. The first was Toy Story 3 this summer with daddy too and they did great! The second was with Andy's niece and nephew (Despicable Me) but it was in 3D so it was a little harder for them to sit the whole time, but Tangled was great and with me by myself they couldn't have been two better kiddos! So proud of them!
Also, we've been using the potty for 4 days now, even Emma! So we're on the right track to being potty trained, not sure how much longer it will take, but so glad we're starting! =)
The kids are super excited for Christmas and really want presents. I've told them the presents under the tree are for Christmas, and they don't touch them, but they sure are ready for some to be for them! ;)
They sure are growing up quickly. So glad we're spending this fun time together before I start student teaching in a couple of weeks.

Andy's Deer from Bow Season

Ups and Downs

So, we got some new furniture which was awesome, except that they had to replace the couch because the first had a bad frame, but all is good with it now. Just waiting on the new recliner... that has been an experience I could write a major blog about, but as they say if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. So I'll opt to just say I love our new couch and tv.
On another note, I've been home all week with two sick kiddos. They both have been very sick and it's been a rough week so far with very little sleep. I think we are finally turning a corner though and I'm hoping tomorrow will be a better day. Before all the sickness set in though on Sunday I was able to enjoy hunting with my husband and shot a doe opening day. Would have preferred a buck, but hey it was better than nothing and I still have 2 tags! =)
So now I'm sitting here watching Cinderella because Emma wanted to watch it, then tomorrow night it'll probably be Toy Story as that was Weston's pick and we won't have time for both this evening, I'm hoping for an early bedtime! =)

What's Going On

So, it's been a crazy busy semester. I actually am barely able to get anything done and feel like I'm being pulled in a million directions, which is why I'm ecstatic to say I only have 2.5 weeks left! I still commute to Jeff City one day next week, but the last week and a half only to Columbia! Yay! I am so ready to be done with classes and ready to move on to student teaching. Even though that part makes me nervous, I know it will be my energy going in one direction, rather than student, teaching assistant, assistantship work hours and extra problems hours work on top of being a mother of two and wife. I thought this semester would be my easiest, hahaha, not so much.
Okay, that's enough venting about school. So we had some mice in the house, ended up needing a new dresser! But we went shopping last week and Andy will be bringing home the new dresser, couch and recliner tomorrow! I'm very excited for new furniture.
I've been trying to upload some pictures from this fall but it is taking a long time for some reason, so hopefully I'll get a couple more blogs up and be fairly caught up on life blogging wise for a couple of weeks any way! =)
Saturday is opening day of rifle season and I'm super excited. I love deer hunting! I just hope my buck fever is somewhat reduced and I can actually get a shot on something this year! There is also a craft type show going on in Shelbina Saturday morning so I'm hoping I can work it to swing over there, I don't want to miss out on scentsy and miche bags and all the fun things in store there!
I know, I know, I may be the only one to say this, but I can't wait to decorate for Christmas. It is my favorite time of year and knowing it's only about 2 weeks away form Thanksgiving is sooo exciting! I actually have bought a few things already so I think I'll be in great shape for Christmas this year and get done well ahead of time.
I'm taking a break from facebook until December 8th. Hopefully that will mean more time to get some blogging done as I slack here and getting all my school stuff finished I am done on December 8th with the exception of one final on the 13th. I can't believe how often I was checking it and on there, really a good thing to break for a while.
Emma and Weston have been doing very well. Still no success on potty training, but I'm hoping once we're home and not driving every week we can get that lined out. I sure am ready to be done with that! Weston was said when I took down the halloween decorations and wanted his pumpkins, but he's looking forward to Christmas decorating I think. I cannot believe my kids are going to be 3 years old in a couple of months. Time really has gone by quickly. I am anxiously awaiting May and the end of my master's program, even though I've enjoyed my time at MU and all the wonderful people I've met these last 2.5 years. I hope the new year will be less stressful for myself and will present a job opportunity so we can finally start putting down plans on a house. But, I must say, not having a house has been well worth all the time I've had at home with my kids, they really amaze me even though they do make me want to pull my hair out some days, they always make a day so much better. Well, I better get to bed, long day tomorrow as we are headed to the pediatric allergy specialist all afternoon. Check-up for Weston and initial appointment for Emma!

Raggady Ann and Andy

This year for Halloween I had my mother-in-law make Raggady Ann and Raggady Andy costumes for Emma and Weston. I think they turned out great and they enjoyed wearing them! We had a much better time trick or treating this year and still have lots of candy! =)

The Zoo and City Museum

Emma didn't like standing next to any of the statues, I guess they scared her. But we got a few pics, none of the whole family though. =( Oh well, I guess the gorilla is taking my place in this one! hehe!

Emma and Weston LOVE carousels!!

Seeing the animals was a blast! The kids really enjoyed the zoo! Especially the train and the carousel!

Daddy and I had fun too!

City Museum

Weston checking out the turtles at the City Museum in St. Louis. We decided to have a short weekend getaway a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. We were supposed to go to Grant's Farm instead of the City Museum, but it was closed to the public the day we planned to go. We did go on to the zoo and petted the stingrays and saw animals, despite some misty rain and cooler temperatures. I think the kids had the most fun swimming in the hotel pool!

Potty Training

Today I broke down and bought pullups that came in a special Toy Story and Disney Princess boxes and prizes in an effort to get the kids to go potty on the potty. I'm not sure if it will work but I am so ready to quit buying diapers/pullups for these two. So, lets keep our fingers crossed for me that this will work! =)

~Updates~

So this summer was crazy. Weston fell and ended up with a large hole in his tongue where he bit through it. He then developed impetigo, which caused his mouth to look horrible. Luckily once we got out of the emergency room and then into the pediatrician, it didn't take long for him to get back to normal. Although he did receive two stitches in his tongue, which was a traumatic experience for all of us to say the least. I am going to post the pictures but they aren't for the faint of heart as they are rather yucky. They go backwards in order from when he was getting better to the first morning after he got stitches. If you think it was weird of me to take pictures, well it was a good way to show his dad who was at work how he was doing and also we could send them to the pediatrician so she could see what was going on, not always easy to describe over the phone....


Following Weston's accident, we had a great rest of the summer. We enjoyed going to the Cole County Fair to watch Tyler show his pigs and spent several nights enjoying rides! We also spent one evening at the Miller County Fair, although we only were able to ride a couple rides there.

We also enjoyed participating in parades in support of Amy at both Clarence Homecoming and Old Settlers.



Andy and I took the kids to their first movie at the theater back in June and saw Toy Story 3. It was great and the kids loved it so I decided to take them and Si and Savanna to watch Despicable Me. It was a cute film as well, but I wish we wouldn't have gone to 3D as Emma and Weston didn't really want to leave their glasses on (they are pretty uncomfortable). I got this picture of Weston in the lobby with the Woody and Buzz Lightyear cut-outs he liked so much.
Although I didn't take pictures, we went to the Landing two days this summer with Elizabeth and her kids and had a blast! Can't wait for next year!
We also just enjoyed lots of time at home together swimming in grandma's pool, swinging, playing outside and doing some crafty things indoors. This was an absolutely great summer for us and I hated having to return back to school. However, the semester is going by fairly quickly and I'm nearly done with my massive amounts of driving to Columbia and Jefferson City, so I'm thrilled for that!
Since returning to school, I was invited to join Amy, Si and Savanna to MU's home opener game against McNeese State. I had a great time and only took one picture from my blackberry, but will share our view from the stands! It was a special 4-H function and we got t-shirts and walked around the field before the game, which was pretty awesome!
Also, I should be blogging far more often as we finally upgraded our internet and I can actually do things at home such as upload pictures! =)
Last weekend we made a trip to St. Louis which included going to the zoo and City Museum. That blog is to come this weekend!
We also are going to have new family photos taken in the near future, so hopefully I'll get some of those posted and we are going to the MU homecoming game (which I bought Weston and Emma some cute new MU apparel for) which will posted as well in a few weeks! =)