Things we've learned this school year!

SUMMER-SUMMER-SUMMER-SUMMER!-schools out let's rock the house!

I felt like the high school musical movie today as I was counting down the minutes until my last final was over. I am so excited for summer to begin at my house today. This school year summer has a new meaning for me.

So here we are at the close of the year!

Steve is 60 pounds lighter than he was when we all started school in August! (Yeah steve)

Things we have learned this year!
Caroline finishing 1st grade-1. I have learned to spell words correctly.
2. To read chapter books

Leah Beth finishing 4th grade-1. I have learned to-1. to do fractions
2. do long division
3. how to build roller coasters out of connects.
4. how to do long multiplication

Andrew finishing 7th grade-
1.Teachers always don't agree with you anymore.
2. I learned about every country in the world.
3. More about percentages in math.
4. Breaking up with girls isn't very nice to do.
5. Armpit hair doesn't always grow in 7th grade
6. Having lockers isn't that bad.
7. School goes by fast!

Blake finishing 8th grade-
1. Triangles have a lot of formulas
2. how to make a leaf press
3. how to make a solar oven
4. middle school goes by very fast.
5. you have to train hard to become a wrestling state champion
6. I am ready for high school
7. most of high school won't be as hard as Mr. Nicolas
8 I will miss both Mrs. Levi (who passed away this year) and Mr. Leach (who left for the war this year)

Gretchen finishing I am not sure what grade! Classified by hours as a senior with 120 something credit hours but with all the changes since many of my classes were too old I am more like a junior!
1. I have learned it is hard for me to ask for help but it is necessary.
2. To dig deeper than I have ever had to do.
3. That I can pass math if I study harder than the norm!
4. To depend on the Lord's help in all things.
5. That happiness doesn't come from others or things that it comes from within (although i have learned this before i relearned it this year!)
6. that building a relationship is necessary before you can teach anyone anything that they will remember.
7. that is doesn't matter how long something takes as long as it is done correctly! (I like to just get things done fast)
8. to not text message while driving-it is like driving drunk!
9. to appreciate life each day more fully-my health-my ability to communicate with others-to walk, drive-all the things that come so easily-this year I witnessed so many with disabilities in observations that made my life seem so simple.
10. I have learned that by not ever skipping class you will get a better grade even if you don't do as well on the exams!-attendance matters!
11. That having a math tutor is expensive even if it's your own son!
12. that the Lord is very aware of me and knows me and my needs.

Can't believe my Blake is graduating middle school tonight-on to high school we go!

Sent from my iPhone

Schools out...School starts back!

Grades are in!!!

1.Evaluations strategies-B

2. Survey of the exceptional child-A

3. Art for teachers-A

4.Geography-B

5. MATH-B+

6. Effective Instruction birth -5-B

I know McKenzie's gonna die when she sees I made a B+ in Math!!!!!!! I thought I was going to pass out. I had to make a D in the class since it wasn't in the teacher program it's a gen ed class! I really thought the highest I would get is a D+. I went into the final with a D+ thinking oh well!!!!

I started back today with Math for teachers and a communications class! OH BOY! 3 weeks of craziness!

Andrew started his first job today. He got on at the local park with Blake score keeping. We are so excited for him.. I can't tell if he's more excited about the free food or the pay check.

Finals over-Homemade yogurt and laundry detergent!

I took my last two finals yesterday!!!! YIPEE...felt like a load was lifted as I walked across campus. I actually did a shout out. People there already think I am looney so why not! You know how those older wiser learners are!!! Wondering what I made in math I can't wait to see my grades. I start back Monday for the may school. It's three weeks of all day pure torture school! Another Math class-Math for teachers! (what a cute name) and Speech (I guess so we'll know how to speak in front of kindergarten children!) 8-4. I am having to get people to help with my kids to pick up. I hate asking people for help and I have severe mother's guilt because the kids have so many field trips and parent picnic days in may that I will have to miss...so note to self...when I am a teacher don't have family picnics in the day time when families can't come! (guess you can't please everyone!)


I was waiting to get out of school to try these two really new cool recipes. I can't believe it worked. Steve and the kids rolled their eyes at me last night as I created these new potions! But it worked so they can just roll on baby!!!!

I am posting the recipes on our family recipe blog here







We actually had fun making slime and I think it might even save us some $$$$$$That's always a plus!
2 1/2 weeks of school for the kiddos! Can't wait for swimming, scouts, beach, cousins, efy, family time, staying up late, sleeping late, going to nana's!

Being Noticed!

This week I have noticed my double digit kids are starting to notice me! I have gone for years without any recognition from the way I look! So I hear this week-my boobs are starting to sag...I might need to go buy a new bra or if I would just exercise that would help....It looks like I might be getting a double chin and I really really need to shave my legs! Those lines on my stomach are disgusting! Some gray hair is starting to show around my ears! I have a new wrinkle and I need to go get some new clothes! Brutally honest! If they only knew what this body looked like before them!

Funny kids-and random updates

Caroline
"I think Daddy is grumpy sometimes cause his daddy died" (23 years ago)

Andrew
"Girls mostly like me because of my body" (OK)

Blake
"Mom, did you know when Thomas Edison invented the light bulb it didn't look anything like bulbs look today? It was shaped like...(this is where I started to trail off and stop listening!-oops!)

Leah Beth
"What kind of snacks are we having before dinner? How about after dinner? Ok then what's for dinner?"

This morning Blake wasn't getting up for school so I ask, "Andrew would you stick your head in Blake's room? I haven't seen him this morning." (meaning would you see if Blake is up and if he's not ask him to get up.)
Andrew walks over to the bedroom door, opens it, sticks his head in and closes it back. I looked at Andrew in a few minutes and said, "I still haven't seen Blake did you wake him up?" Andrew, " NO mom you just said stick your head in!" Ha that's what I get!

My hub has lost 58 pounds with the Rutherford County Biggest Looser competition. He doesn't look the same! Wow He has seven weeks left to go. Way to go steve I am so proud of you. One day I'll take his picture and post it.

I am almost done with classes. I have my 4th final today and two more next Thursday the 7th. I am so sick of school and to think I start back to summer school on the 11th. At least I get a day off!!!!

Good Luck Blake!

Blake left yesterday for nationals! I miss him already it didn't feel right dropping of the kids minus one today! Minus one lunch box-reminder to make your bed- minus one...hurry up and get ready-minus one stinker aggravating me!

Good luck Blake..I hope this is a good learning experience for you and you enjoy every minute of the ride. We are cheering you on and can't wait to get text messages in between matches(so that means-do not leave us hanging). You are amazing!

So I hear "CHICKS DIG SCARS"

Since when does he care what chicks dig!!!



One week and a half till nationals...blake's face and another wrestlers knee came in contact this past weekend. 7 stitches OUCH but it doesn't matter cause did you know chicks really dig scars!!!!(mommy's don't dig scars)

Passing Passing Passing!!!

Over the next couple of weeks it is vital that I pass an important test so that I can continue my early childhood education. I hadn't intended on writing about this simply because it is kind of embarrassing but as I thought about it I wanted to remember how hard this day-week-month in 5 years from now and the purpose of my blog is to journal /scrapbooking any way so I guess the embarrassing parts along with it all are just as important.
The test is called the Praxis I. Some colleges call it the PPST. Once I am finished with all my classes I will have to pass a Praxis II before I can actually teach but for now passing the Praxis I is very important. If I don't pass it I will be not be admitted to the next part of the teacher education program. With only 12 classes left...I sure don't want to give up now.
If I were 19 again I would've taken this test all in one-it's cheaper and you only give up one of your days. But for me who has huge test anxiety and loss of major brain cells I split my test up into three parts. A passing grade is a 173 in math, 174 in reading and 173 in writing. Some of my college buddies have had to take it several times until they passed it and knowing this gave me some anxiety plus it is not cheap-$80 a individual test. I took the writing in Jan. thinking writing would be the easiest of the three and FAILED-made a 170. I was so discouraged. I seriously had doubt if I couldn't pass the writing portion how could I pass any-During my spring break week I fasted, prayed-and prayed some more!!! I passed writing with a 174! I was so excited. I took the math on Monday and failed...but knowing the writing was behind me I still felt like I maybe can get it!!! Today I went back and was scheduled for the reading. I pushed myself to the limit this entire week-after the kids were in bed I would do my regular homework and then study hard hard hard for this reading portion. Before the test I found myself in a mess thinking why am I spending all this money...what am I doing...who am I kidding-I should just give up now! I was seriously a mess! I tried to clear my head and remembered my goal of being a teacher not this crazy test. I was in the bathroom trying to pull myself together when I felt sure I needed to pray. So here I go kneeling in the bathroom floor at the testing center praying for mercy on this test! I had the most powerful peaceful feeling come over me as I pleaded with the Lord to take away my anxiety and help me to pass this exam. I took the test and past with a 177. I sat in the test seat and cried!!! I was totally lead by a greater power! The man in charge of the testing center said "uh are you ok?" (embarrassing) So 2 down and 1 to go. I may have to get a math tutor in the next few weeks for this crazy math one but at least I feel more confident that it can be done. My heart is full as I feel sure I am about to move on to the next level. My kids have been amazing as they have prayed for mommy to please pass her important test. Steve has stepped up to the plate to help me meet this goal we have set together. I can't wait till I can blog that the math is behind me! What a great day that will be!!!

House for sale!!!

The house went on the market Monday! This is a big day for our family after spending weeks getting it ready. Still there are things on our to do list...but we decided we may never sell if we don't get it at least on the market! We have been crazy busy trying to clean up and clean out...while I am trying to take test and write papers! The kids have been amazing and goal oriented. They have been motivating me and keeping my focus in check. They love going to the land and can't wait to get there for good. Everyone seems so excited..I however have been sad tonight as I sat in my studio room. I have spent so many hours in my room. This is why I loved this house so much when we moved here!!!! Bitter sweet!!! I know it's the right thing-sometimes it's just hard to let go...me and change...it takes awhile for me to adjust!

Although I will still take pictures I won't have an indoor studio once this house sells...big bite for me to chew!!! I am planning to close the business as I get closer to graduation. I still have 3 semesters so I am still trying to pay my way through but I will be doing that as an outdoor photographer after our home sales!!! And though I can't wait to have the same work schedule as my kids when I am teaching and I look forward to never working a saturday-I won't miss the hurry up and clean up someone's coming for indoor pictures.... I will miss the convience of walking down the stairs to work and not worrying about the weather to make extra money!!! I am excited for our new phase and look forward to meeting the family that will enjoy this house as much as we have!!!

Tattle girl

Caroline says this morning on the way to school, "Mom, Dad ran a red light yesterday. I just thought you should know about it."

Happy Birthday The big 13!!!

As of Sunday, March 22, 2009-I am the mother of two teen-agers!!! Andrew turned 13-the house is still rocking to the sound as he is letting us all know he's a teenager and should be able to watch PG-13 movies now without question!!! I don't know if we'll ever recover! What was I thinking when I had a baby when Blake was just a one! Two boys on a mission in a few years is not going to be easy on my heart!!!

Andrew is the most crazy, loving person I know. He is consistent with one thing...making me laugh every day. Just when you think life gets a little dull here comes Andrew with something crazy. Like-when in the world am I going to get my armpit hair....my body would be so much hotter with armpit hair!!! (OooooKkkkkk-I never know what to say-so I laugh) He seems to be a great mixture of Uncle A, Uncle Bill, Papa, and his cousin Bryan. I am just not sure which one is most like. He's very random like his papa-he's always saying the craziest things!!! I love his personality! He is the light of our lives and a joy to watch grow. If you are his friend on facebook you'll know that he is weekly changing girlfriends-we laugh so hard when he's "in a relationship" again!!! (I don't know where he would get such a thing) He is very smart bringing home straight A's and studying very hard. He has one more year of middle school! I am so grateful for his light of christ that he is always trying to choose the right and that he has a conscience when he chooses wrong. He teaches me unconditional love. He loves everyone so much and wants them to be happy!!! He worries about everyone-his aunt brandi and cousins are in texas he worries until they are home-he prays for his uncle bill daily while he is searching for a job-he prays for me to pass the praxis! He is always so thoughtful in remembering his family and friends always. Andrew Warren....I am so proud of the teen-ager that you are! I am excited to watch you grow-your light shines so bright. I am so lucky to have you for a son!

STATE CHAMPION!!!

Today all Blake's hard work paid off. It was an amazing day --one of those days a mama will not forget! I wanted to write about it while the feelings are fresh!

Blake has had an amazing season! He started out this year wrestling for the middle school. He told me all summer this was going to be his year! I have to say...I was proud of his desire but I felt nervous for him. Compared to years in the past...he won some but nothing really major!!! I seriously had my doubts! As he started out the year he decided on his own to cut out sugar and junk from his diet and eat healthy during the weeks when he had big tournaments. He took salad, fruits, whole wheat wraps and veggies in his lunch box. I was amazed. I couldn't even eat as healthy as he was eating. He said he could tell a big difference when he ate well and got enough sleep! He didn't loose any of his middle school matches the whole season. AAU season started with a bang as soon as middle school ended. I was tired....feeling done I really pushed for him to take a break. He said he wanted to try for state!!! He went on match after match...ended up loosing only 3 matches during AAU! But he still kept pushing on! Soccer season started and I really expected state to go by the wayside...still he pushed and worked harder! He would go to soccer then have a high schooler to work him out for wrestling! Running on the weekends, working out in the garage-he was persistent and proved me wrong.
I can't believe his desire and motivation. He has been an amazing example that we can do anything if we put our mind to the task! Today Blake won first place at state. It was a special moment for our whole family-Leah Beth, Caroline, Andrew, Uncle Bruce, Parker , Steve, and I couldn't sit still. Tears of joy and excitement for this amazing hard working 14 year old filled the gym as friends and family watched him succeed to something he had worked so hard for. Blake, you are truly incredible! Everyday I watch you in wonder! Way to go! Like Uncle Bill says sometimes you have to loose to win...all that hard work from last year and loosing made you decide you wanted to win and today you put the theory to the test. We are so proud of our state champion!

land closing and date night fun friday!

This morning we closed on our land! We have been so excited to finally get some land before our kids are all grown!!! I am pumped to have a creek for some creek pictures.

The dirt mounds in the front where we will one day put our house!!!

Next we had a fun date night with some of our buddies. Thanks to jack and rhonda for helping us stay on track and set a date to get together! It is always so much fun to hang out with them! We had our kids go to other people's houses and we hung out and played some games. That Bruce and brandi won and won and won!

This is the fruit loop on a toothpick exchange game

Jack and rhonda exchanging their fruit loops!

Steve and Gretchen fruit loop on a toothpick pass!
Bruce and brandi kicking tail in the fruit loop pass!

team work to get a note off the ceiling fan!

Heather and Rhonda going for the ceiling fan!



Rhonda feeding Jack!

Brandi feeding bruce

Feed your spouse...the wife hidden and had to feed her husband without looking!

Steve trying to swallow!

Hold an apple together and run so many feet together!

apple game

pudding feeding-heather stuffing it in!

apple running-the matheny's came up with their own strategy..he picked her up so they could go faster!

Roll the uncooked egg to your spouse and then your spouse rolls it back to you!

Picture below!
Gretchen, steve, jack, rhonda, brandi, bruce, michael, and heather!

I forgot this game...it was pretty funny getting these feet developed at walgreens! The woman at the check out just laughed and laughed

Pick the feet game! We had 1 minute to write try and guess who's feet where who's!

Bruce and Brandi where the winners of the night. They are quite the competitive two and keep us laughing the whole time!

Thanks to all our good friends and family! Even though everyone is so busy it feels so great to take time out and be together to celebrate good friends! Thanks for the memories! We love you all!

Can't wait for April!