the parents, our boys, two dogs, and some toys

Superheroes on Parade

2012-02-02T04:37:00.000-05:00

Our street has never been safer since these guys hit the scene.

Red Nose Run!

2012-01-29T08:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Jon had winter band camp, Grandma Cathy took Andrew to karate, and Ethan and I did this 5K:

Here's a pre-race shot taken by a fellow runner. It's terrible, mainly because I was wigged out about my lack of preparation for this one. [sigh]

But, it was okay, and fun, through some beautiful sections of downtown Columbia. The only nasty parts were two hills right at the beginning. And my time: worst ever. [again, sigh]

As I was limping my way up the hills, I developed a list of race pet peeves.
(1) People wearing really obnoxious cologne TO A RACE. Said people were always just a little faster than me, too... not fast enough to pull way ahead; just speedy enough to be a few yards in front of me the whole time. Ick.
(2) Really fast people with "See Ya" printed on the back of their shirts.
(3) Really slow people who stay to the left. Giant 2-year-old in a stroller coming through, folks!!
(4) People who run with their dogs. Dogs are not meant to be long-distance runners! 3.1 miles is WAY too much for these little guys. They are only running the whole time to please their owners. My only hope is that the dog people walked part of the time and I just didn't see that.

Enough complaining. I still love racing. Here's a list of great things about racing:
(1) I need the race date as a goal and training motivator.
(2) Spending the morning with really fit and inspiring people.
(3) Post-race endorphins.
(4) The majority of the race fees go to help local charities. Yesterday's was for the local Ronald McDonald House.
(5) Goody bags with good coupons and cool samples.

After yesterday's race, we enjoyed watching more runners cross the finish line. And eating Fruit Loops, of course.

Jon and I are doing another one in two weeks. And I WILL be prepared for this one.

Daddy's Performance

2012-01-25T06:36:00.000-05:00

Jon's high school African drum and dance ensemble performed for Andrew's school last Friday. I understand that the show was loved by all! Here are some photos the preschool teacher snapped.

typical long, lazy weekend

2012-01-18T21:03:00.003-05:00

This past 3-day weekend was fun and relaxing.

On one of the days, Andrew got me up at the crack of dawn, which I was not happy about at first, but it meant an early trip to Starbucks and thus accidentally stumbling upon this amazing sunrise across from our home.

Then, considering Andrew's recent interest in all things Star Wars, I decided it was time to pull out my figures from the 70's. They are basically in mint condition, so I am still pretty protective of them. Jon, who had never seen the inside of the Darth Vader case, was more excited than Andrew!

And of course, Maddie was as beautiful and photogenic as always.

Sunday.

Here's sleepy, beautiful Dora hound, who really just wished I would either throw the tennis ball or go away.

Ever watchful and hopeful, that hound.

Being back to the grind again yesterday wasn't easy, but we are back in the groove again. Still, we are looking forward to mid-winter break!

Goodbye, curls.

2012-01-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

It was time. Ethan received his 3rd ever haircut today. His curls were gorgeous in humid weather and anytime he sweats, but when the air is dry, the poor kid's hair was just plain scraggly. I put it in a ponytail today right before the venture to Sport Clips.

Here both guys are right before facing the scissors.

Ethan was a champ, as usual.

Andrew was, too. They were both tickled by the clippers, though!

It's so sad to see them looking so grown-up. Since I can't change that, then here's to some clean-cut boys. And the curls WILL return, just in time for warm weather, too.

i heart my new camera...

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

...and charismatic subjects and mild weather and beautiful sunsets.

Free Wheelin' (aka Pedestrians Beware!)

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

in the backyard with sticks and such

2012-01-12T17:59:00.000-05:00

I don't think we are going to have a winter around here. But that's okay. We have been thoroughly enjoying the backyard and the new camera!

carry you? (as this daddy's boy says)

2012-01-12T05:42:00.001-05:00

First Photo Contest

2012-01-10T00:31:00.000-05:00

our eldest opted for a quiet moment recently at a local pizza joint.

This photo was submitted to the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

spaghetti.... a photo story

2012-01-09T21:49:00.005-05:00

Wrapping Up 2011

2012-01-04T01:09:00.001-05:00

The last couple of days of 2011 were busy and fun. Santa ended up saving the boys' big gifts until the 27th due to a rainy Christmas and our being out of town on the 26th. Ethan scored a fire engine and Andrew's take was a Cars 2 bike.

Later that week, it was off to the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens.

And finally, the night before Auntie and Grandma Diana left town, we played a lot of Setback and got into a massive Jenga game.

We ended up stacking the tower as high as possible (with some levels consisting of two blocks, rather than one, or else we could have built the thing even higher). This was a first for Jon and me. Grandma Cathy ended up volunteering to knock the thing down when there were no more moves to be had.

So now, of course, it's back to school for all of us. The holidays sure were fun, though, and full of great memories.

Andrew's First Karate Belt Advancement!

2012-01-03T23:34:00.000-05:00

The biggest deal in our household these days is Andrew's first ever belt test, which was last Friday. He advanced to the next level, which is a white belt with a black stripe. I am learning as I go in regard to all the levels and their history, but nonetheless, we are very proud of his focus in this activity. He really enjoys his time there.

Here are some photos from the big event, which was extra wonderful because both of his parents, both grandmas, his brother, and Auntie Christina were all in attendance!!

camera love

2011-12-30T15:04:00.000-05:00

experimented with the new canon at the mellow mushroom in this afternoon's perfect light

a post on friendship, trust, and the melding of the digital world and the "real" world...

2011-12-29T18:40:00.003-05:00

This is a very special envelope.

Here's why.

I have a special blog friend. I have not met this person, but we have been following each other's blogs for over three years now. I wish I could remember how or why I stumbled across her blog (or did she stumble upon mine first?) but I suppose the history is unimportant here; we have enjoyed each other's "company" and the triumphs and challenges each other's families have faced. Our interest in blogging alone has made us friends.

My blog friend lives in the opposite part of the country. She is an amazing woman who always puts family first but still manages to weave in many wonderful charitable opportunities. She is generous and selfless and kind. She is very wisely guarded about her name and names of her family members. I wish to respect that and avoid blowing her cover.

That is all the more reason that I find this envelope really interesting.

A year or so ago, she found me on facebook and suggested we open that level of trust by becoming fb friends. I then learned her real name, and many other interesting things about her and her family.

Then, a month or so ago, a situation arose where she needed to mail me something. So, I sent along our snail mail address. The item she sent actually arrived from a secondary source and that was that.

THEN, the other day, much to my excitement and surprise, I received a Christmas card, in the actual mailbox, from my blog friend! It was really neat seeing her handwriting and return address for the very first time, as well as hold a photo card in my hand, rather than viewing her family photo on my computer, as I had done for so many years.

I love that we are friends, and I know we will meet in person someday. But for now, I will say how happy I am that we have agreed to trust each other on a new level and merge the digital world with the real, meaningful, fun world of written correspondence. Thank you, friend.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-27T21:06:00.000-05:00

Happy holidays to all the readers out there! My mom and Jon's sis are in town. And as you know, Grandma Cathy has been here since May. So, our winter break has been filled with friends, family, and FUN.

Loot! (Many of these photos have been taken by my very own Canon Rebel T3 EOS 1100D.
Best Christmas EVER, thanks to the hubby!)

Antics

Love

"LEON" (this one's for you, Aunt Phyl) :)

Comedy

Very unique gifts

Yummy Christmas eve meal

Jon's favorite game: Catch Phrase

And just like last year, we took the family to the Great Wolf Lodge the day after Christmas. It was really, really fun for all. Andrew LOVED all the slides.

Here's one little EJ in one big water park.

Here's a video of the kids checking out their loot first thing Christmas morning:

Hope your holidays are/were wonderful and I look forward to us blogging together in 2012! :)

Christmas Card History

2011-12-21T05:59:00.006-05:00

I love good, old-fashioned written correspondence. Have since I was a little kid in the pen pal stage. So, by nature, Christmas cards are my thing. They are too pricey or time-consuming or 1950s for some folks, especially with our internet age, but I enjoy them still. I love sending and receiving them.

So, last night I took a trip down memory lane. Since I have a long-standing relationship with the amazing company that is Shutterfly, it was easy to locate all the cards we have sent over the years. Looking at them all brought back many, many happy memories.

We were all about...

...our marriage in 2003...

...traveling in 2004...

... a new South Texas life in 2005...

... our first children (two puppy dogs) in 2006...

... our first baby in 2007...

... a move to South Carolina in 2008...

... our second son in 2009...

... settling in to SC life and my new teaching position in 2010...

... enjoying the wonderful world and all its blessings in 2011.

As you reflect upon 2011 and years past, may those thoughts bring you much happiness, as well.

Warmth

2011-12-17T13:19:00.000-05:00

There is warmth all around.

First, even though it's corny, I'll state the obvious reason: the season. I love sharing in the warm, fuzzy feelings most of us get during this holiday season (once I can relax that the winter concert has been successful). It's my second-favorite season to fall.

Second, it is because of the unseasonably warm temperatures. Yesterday it reached 77° around these parts, and I took this photo in the late afternoon.

Today, I was extremely warm because I took the boys for a gorgeous run at Clemson Extension, which is some "wilderness" right smack-dab in the center of our city.

Another warm moment occurred because of how daggone funny Andrew is. He had a bathroom emergency situation right after the run, so we found the nearest tree and made it happen. Right afterwards, he said, "I think the tree is going to be mad at us."

Ethan got very sleepy, as usual, on the run. I am warmed by his innocence and sweetness and his ability to go with the flow.

And of course, the warmest thought of all is that today marks the first of 16 STRAIGHT DAYS of NO SCHOOL FOR ANYONE. YIPPEE!

More Beautiful Karen Johnson Images

2011-12-16T18:09:00.006-05:00

Karen Johnson took more beautiful photos of the boys on October 15. Ethan was in the better mood that day, so that's why there are more of him. Karen is amazing! She can be found at kkjimages.com.

Home Project #5: Re-covered Dining Chairs

2011-12-14T23:00:00.002-05:00

I found the perfect material and have done one of six chairs.
Here is BEFORE... the drab, cream upholstery that caught every single possible stain.

And here's the same chair after.

I will post a final pic when all six are done. (Wonder when that will be?!?)

Over the River and Through the Wood

2011-12-11T06:12:00.001-05:00

This is the final Thanksgiving post of the year. Thought I'd get it posted before December 25. The drive to WV was great, thanks in part to vans with video and audio entertainment systems. Along those lines, the great drive credit also goes out to Sponge Bob, Mickey, Sirius radio, Harry Connick Jr, and the headphones that made it all possible.

The mountains in VA were gorgeous, as usual. Andrew and Ethan really enjoyed the tunnels.

Once in Morgantown, WV, Jon and I treated ourselves to the usual yummy breakfast Shmiscuits.

And Keglers' wings could not be passed up, either.

After the wonderful meal on turkey day, our nuclear family took a much-needed walk on MB & Al's gorgeous property.

We loved the time with family and friends. Here are our very best friends. I was bummed that the lighting was weird and this is the best photo of all of us. But, it is also funny to me, like we are taking part in some alien invasion.

Adios, Thanksgiving 2011. Bring on the Christmas postings. I am ready!

Backyard Brawl 2011

2011-12-05T21:05:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving week, we taught Monday and Tuesday and then headed to WV early Wednesday morning. There was family and warm houses and turkey and other wonderful time with kids and relatives and such. My favorite photos of the trip, however, were of the WVU/Pitt game Friday night. It was the first WVU (or college football, for that matter) game for Jon and me since the same exact time 6 years ago. THAT one was COOOOLLLLD. This one was gorgeous! We had a great time at the game, as well as the other two evenings we were in Morgantown. Thanks to the family who looked after our boys so we could enjoy long, lost time with good friends for three days in a row!

Jennifer and I were totally psyched about our 21-20 win over Pitt.

Beautiful things about last Tuesday, November 22

2011-12-01T17:54:00.001-05:00

I know. The post title is weird. The reason is that I MEANT to post these on the actual day but it was the last day of school before our Thanksgiving trip to WV and life got away from me. Sometimes, in that situation, photos become the permanent prisoners of my computer, never to be seen by anyone, even me, ever again. But sometimes the day is so sweet and special that the working mama needs to go ahead and post the inspiring things about it, even if they are nine days after the fact.

Alas, here are four things I loved about Tuesday, November 22:

The Turkey Trot: A one-mile run our PE teacher put together for the last day before break. All grade levels ran during their related arts time and then we convened
in the multi-purpose room to sing turkey songs before the awards ceremony.
The weather was gorgeous and everyone involved had a great time!

A love note given to me by a first grade music student. A girl. She must've really liked the music lesson last week. Kids are so sweet and funny and uninhibited.

Flowers from my principals to congratulate me on boards.

Two gorgeous boys peacefully watching a Christmas movie together.

Ignore the toy mess; just focus on the peace.

National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT)!

2011-11-20T06:39:00.001-05:00

Good luck charms work. Remember these guys, from this photo taken this March 31? That was the deadline for submission of this blue box, THE box, containing many, many pages of carefully constructed and edited portfolio entries on different aspects of my music teaching. I had Andrew and Ethan touch it before I headed to the post office and I am so glad I did!

The process was really, really difficult for me. Last year marked my 12th year as an elementary music educator, but I felt like a first-year teacher (and this bunny) in many ways.

I had just come off of three solid years as a stay-at-home-mama (wouldn't have traded those years for the world) and the transition was not an easy one AT ALL. I was so happy to have a job again, but quickly realized much had changed over my three-year teaching hiatus. I was in a new school in a new district in a new state. There was so much to be learned about the way this new bunch of folks did things. My confidence level about teaching took a major nosedive.

But, the state was offering a wonderful financial opportunity to teachers who tried to achieve national board status. I couldn't pass it up. So, I threw another log on the fire and went for it. Stress level = instantly WAY HIGHER. I did not expect to achieve it on my first try (we have three years), but I was still cautiously optimistic.

In addition to the portfolio entries that I mailed at the last possible second on March 31, there were some dreaded tests. I went to a computer assessment center one Saturday in May and took six 30-minute exams on music history, applied theory, diagnostics, and a few other facets of teaching.

The long-awaited scores were supposed to be posted Friday. So many candidates checked for their scores, the website crashed. It was still down yesterday. This morning, however, it was up and running! I logged on to see this very exciting greeting:

After checking my scores in disbelief about a million times, I read this sentence on an attached letter. Aaaaaaaaah.

This achievement means a lot of wonderful things for my career and for my family. I am so happy and relieved and thankful and proud.

Good luck charms work. Period.

Beautiful Run

2011-11-18T18:01:00.001-05:00

I've been trying to run a lot, but usually can only fit it in at 5:00 am, in our dark neighborhood. Since the weather has been so gorgeous around here lately, I treated myself to a rare weekday daytime run the other day, and took a couple of shots of the pretty landscape.