I have decided to train for a half marathon. I am in no way an athlete, but I want to have goals and incentives to stay motivated working out, and I am hoping this will be the perfect outlet for me. On May 7th I did my first (and so far only) 5K race. The energy at the race was slightly contagious and when I finished the 3.1 miles in 31:12 I decided that I wanted to go a little bit further with this journey. I am signed up to run a 10k on July 2nd and am hoping to do my first half marathon at the end of August. I have really enjoyed getting creative with workouts. I get to spend some time alone at the gym each week, but my favorite is when I get to take both kids in the jogging stroller. AJ and Abby are starting to really like riding in the stroller, and when I am not completely out of breath we have fun singing songs and talking about nature. I can only imagine how I look a bit like the crazy lady talking and singing on my jogs! Last weekend I did my first "long run" (every week I add a mile), and for the first time EVER I really ENJOYED running. It was the first time I can think of that I wasn't thinking about how much more I needed to do to "get it over with" and was really able to let my mind wander.
AJ's birthday parties were a success! He had so much fun with his friends, and thankfully the weather was nice enough that we were able to play outside. Kids threw bean bags into tires, painting with cars, and pinned the race car on the race track. We had a second birthday party the next day with family. AJ and Abby loved being the center(s) of attention and had a blast playing with their cousin, Lauren.
This month has been much more low-key, which has been a treat! Work is winding down for me - I only have two more weeks, then summer vacation begins. I am so excited to spend this summer relaxing and playing with the kids. It seems like every summer has been stressful and/or busy - with my previous job I always needed to go into work over the summer to be prepared for the fall, and last year I needed to move classrooms, but this year I am prepared to just relax and enjoy. My parents bought an RV last year, and I am looking forward to spending time with them at various camp sites this summer. This weekend, for Memorial Day, we will have our first get-away.
AJ will start t-ball in two weeks, and Adam will be one of three coaches. I am so proud of him to step up to this role and it has been so fun watching their relationship change and grow as AJ and Adam are now "Male bonding" :) AJ is also going to start soccer this summer, and both kids are signed up for swimming lessons. I honestly think I am about ten times more excited for this summer vacation than I ever was when I was going to school :)
My Little Sweeties
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
New Plan
I can't believe it has been since July that I last posted on here. I am so sad that I didn't keep up with posting updates about the kids. I try so hard to keep our days full and fun, but that does leave little time to blog or journal. I took such pride in all the notes and records I have on AJ's first two years, and now I am coming to the realization that I barely have anything written down over the past two years (since Abby was born).
SO - moving on. I am not going to let myself feel bad about this anymore, but I am making a commitment to myself to write at least weekly some form of an update so I can remember all the sweet and funny moments that take place on a daily basis. If you are a friend and checking this site out and you realize it has been longer than a week since I last posted, you have my permission to scold me so I get back on track!
The past few weeks have been a bit of a blur. We have been getting ready for AJ's birthday party in a few weeks (his birthday is on Easter Sunday this year), a garage sale, and Easter all at once. It has been almost seven years since we have lived in our home, which meant we needed to refinance. Since we made the decision to stay here at least another seven years, we have also been motivated to fix up the house a little and to freshen it up. This means painting, re-organizing, etc. Financially we have had a few hiccups this month. Adam needed new brakes, I had several complications with my van that needed repairs, then I backed my van into Adams truck (parked in the road)! Our dryer had just died the week before and we are now waiting (and without our old ones) for a new washer/ dryer pair. We have been so fortunate to have great jobs - thank goodness we are both working full time!
We switched daycares last week. It was a very bittersweet decision. We really enjoyed Jenny and her family, but AJ will be attending preschool next year, and we found a wonderful lady, Ms. Kellie. She will be able to provide transportation one way from preschool, and Nana will be bringing AJ there. I can't believe he is signed up at preschool! The preschool he will go to will be housed at the elementary school where I work. I think I am more excited about this than he is! :)
My job is just perfect. I love the location, the teams who I work with, and the location! Previous years I needed to spend close to 60 hours per week to feel like I could not sink with paperwork, and this year 45 hours each week makes me feel like I am ahead of the game, or at least where I need to be. What a wonderful feeling that is! There are about forty days of school left at one school and 30 at the other (My position is split between a Private Catholic School and the public Elementary School. I still am able to work with students on the autism spectrum, which I love, but I also teach a variety of other needs grades K-8 in all academic areas. Ahhhh - it is so nice to look forward to going to work again!
AJ and Abby continue to be the greatest gift God could have ever given me. They make my life feel so complete and full, I honestly feel like bursting with love sometimes. My patience is tested mind you at times, but really they are such great kids! They love each other so much and over the past few months have really started to mutually reciprocated an interest and joy in playing together. (Abby used to just follow AJ around like a little puppy dog and he would get frustrated with this).
Abby is talking in complete sentences most of the time. I try to get video clips as often as I am able to - which is never enough. She is just a ray of sunshine and a true light in our lives. She is always smiling and seldom ever is upset. Abby loves to sing and listen to music, and amazingly enough she knows many songs in their entirety- including almost the full song of "Our God is Greater". Abby sings her ABC's (almost perfectly) and can count to about fifteen, usually without a mistake. Recently she has been starting to sleep in AJ's old firetruck bed. We are trying to sell it on craigslist so I can buy her a white/ girly bed, but I think she likes it extra just because she knows it used to be AJ. She is doing swimming lessons for the first time right now and adores the water. She loves to get dressed up, her fingernails painted, and to wear Adam's or my shoes. She is even starting to keep bows in her hair!
AJ continues to grow and mature at a rapid pace. He is my little negotiator - definitely a business-man in the making! If I give him a cookie, he can list ten good reasons why he should get a second one :) AJ loves the outdoors and would live outside if I let him. He loves riding his bike and scooter! He is doing swimming lessons with Abby, which is fun because Adam and I go in the water with the kids. We are also signed up for soccer and t-ball this summer :)
I have been working really hard to finally lose my baby weight. Since January I have lost 32 pounds, which sadly is only about half of what I hope to lose. My goal is to finish losing the next thirty pounds by Abby's birthday, which is what I have decided is how long I have to consider this baby weight :) I had joined a weight loss challenge class through the community education in Lakeville and won second place (I would have been first if I lost about half a pound more). The class really motivated me and taught me a lot about diet and nutrition. I have been going to the gym 3-7 times per week and am excited to participate in my first 5K next month.
Adam has been working so hard this past month - at work and on the home. I am so proud of him! He is such a wonderful father!
Okay, now I feel better - see you soon blog!
SO - moving on. I am not going to let myself feel bad about this anymore, but I am making a commitment to myself to write at least weekly some form of an update so I can remember all the sweet and funny moments that take place on a daily basis. If you are a friend and checking this site out and you realize it has been longer than a week since I last posted, you have my permission to scold me so I get back on track!
The past few weeks have been a bit of a blur. We have been getting ready for AJ's birthday party in a few weeks (his birthday is on Easter Sunday this year), a garage sale, and Easter all at once. It has been almost seven years since we have lived in our home, which meant we needed to refinance. Since we made the decision to stay here at least another seven years, we have also been motivated to fix up the house a little and to freshen it up. This means painting, re-organizing, etc. Financially we have had a few hiccups this month. Adam needed new brakes, I had several complications with my van that needed repairs, then I backed my van into Adams truck (parked in the road)! Our dryer had just died the week before and we are now waiting (and without our old ones) for a new washer/ dryer pair. We have been so fortunate to have great jobs - thank goodness we are both working full time!
We switched daycares last week. It was a very bittersweet decision. We really enjoyed Jenny and her family, but AJ will be attending preschool next year, and we found a wonderful lady, Ms. Kellie. She will be able to provide transportation one way from preschool, and Nana will be bringing AJ there. I can't believe he is signed up at preschool! The preschool he will go to will be housed at the elementary school where I work. I think I am more excited about this than he is! :)
My job is just perfect. I love the location, the teams who I work with, and the location! Previous years I needed to spend close to 60 hours per week to feel like I could not sink with paperwork, and this year 45 hours each week makes me feel like I am ahead of the game, or at least where I need to be. What a wonderful feeling that is! There are about forty days of school left at one school and 30 at the other (My position is split between a Private Catholic School and the public Elementary School. I still am able to work with students on the autism spectrum, which I love, but I also teach a variety of other needs grades K-8 in all academic areas. Ahhhh - it is so nice to look forward to going to work again!
AJ and Abby continue to be the greatest gift God could have ever given me. They make my life feel so complete and full, I honestly feel like bursting with love sometimes. My patience is tested mind you at times, but really they are such great kids! They love each other so much and over the past few months have really started to mutually reciprocated an interest and joy in playing together. (Abby used to just follow AJ around like a little puppy dog and he would get frustrated with this).
Abby is talking in complete sentences most of the time. I try to get video clips as often as I am able to - which is never enough. She is just a ray of sunshine and a true light in our lives. She is always smiling and seldom ever is upset. Abby loves to sing and listen to music, and amazingly enough she knows many songs in their entirety- including almost the full song of "Our God is Greater". Abby sings her ABC's (almost perfectly) and can count to about fifteen, usually without a mistake. Recently she has been starting to sleep in AJ's old firetruck bed. We are trying to sell it on craigslist so I can buy her a white/ girly bed, but I think she likes it extra just because she knows it used to be AJ. She is doing swimming lessons for the first time right now and adores the water. She loves to get dressed up, her fingernails painted, and to wear Adam's or my shoes. She is even starting to keep bows in her hair!
AJ continues to grow and mature at a rapid pace. He is my little negotiator - definitely a business-man in the making! If I give him a cookie, he can list ten good reasons why he should get a second one :) AJ loves the outdoors and would live outside if I let him. He loves riding his bike and scooter! He is doing swimming lessons with Abby, which is fun because Adam and I go in the water with the kids. We are also signed up for soccer and t-ball this summer :)
I have been working really hard to finally lose my baby weight. Since January I have lost 32 pounds, which sadly is only about half of what I hope to lose. My goal is to finish losing the next thirty pounds by Abby's birthday, which is what I have decided is how long I have to consider this baby weight :) I had joined a weight loss challenge class through the community education in Lakeville and won second place (I would have been first if I lost about half a pound more). The class really motivated me and taught me a lot about diet and nutrition. I have been going to the gym 3-7 times per week and am excited to participate in my first 5K next month.
Adam has been working so hard this past month - at work and on the home. I am so proud of him! He is such a wonderful father!
Okay, now I feel better - see you soon blog!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Road Trip!
July was such an incredible month! I don't remember having so much fun in such a short time. The highlight of this month was our "summer vacation" with my parents and sister (Adam went of a fishing trip with his brother and dad at the same time). Our final destination was Tulsa, OK to celebrate the marriage of my cousin Kristi and her now husband, Brian. Rather than just driving the eleven hours straight, we decided to make an adventure out of the drive and enjoyed many activities and sites along the way. We have already started talking about where we are going next year :)
One stop was at the botanical gardens in Iowa. This was a stunning place, and we all enjoyed ourselves.
AJ was throwing pebbles into the river. Here he picked up a piece of their landscaping and asked if he could throw this into the river. My answer? "no!" :)
AJ and Aunt Ashley standing next to the wall of dinosaurs.
One stop was at the botanical gardens in Iowa. This was a stunning place, and we all enjoyed ourselves.
AJ was throwing pebbles into the river. Here he picked up a piece of their landscaping and asked if he could throw this into the river. My answer? "no!" :)AJ likes to refuse to smile these days, that is why most of my pictures lately are of Abby. Here he is trying really hard to not smile.
He is starting a little smile, but is fighting it pretty good!
Giving in. I love his smile! 
Abby loved touching all of the flowers (and trying to pull the heads off the stem as well).
The kids were really good sports because it was really hot and we were in the big greenhouse here.
One of the thousand beautiful flowers.
Abby was pretty proud of herself for climbing into this suitcase.
Aunt Mary Anne drove to the interstate to meet us for a quick stretch in Missouri. What a nice little visit we had!
Kristi was married in a lovely old mansion. Here is Aunt Cheryl dancing with Abby.
One happy Grammy (and happy two grandkids).
The stunning bride (and you can kind of see the groom).
Abby had fun standing on the window ledge and looking outside. Cousin Jesse was ready to catch her here.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED seeing AJ in a tie. He is growing into a young man before my eyes!
Every night (five nights total) we went swimming in the pools at the hotel. Both kids had SO much fun, and it was a great way to get some energy out.
Here Abby is walking in the halls of Union Station, in Kansas City.
One proud grandpa. Even though the trip was a lot of "work" with the kids, it was so relaxing and I felt like I had lots of breaks with my parents and sister lending many hands. The kids LOVED all the attention and we all had such a memorable experience.
At the dinosaur exhibit in Kansas. The controls by AJ's left hand move the dinosaurs. AJ had so much fun and has since been very interested in dinosaurs and their features.
AJ looking for dinosaur fossils under the sand. 
He is starting a little smile, but is fighting it pretty good! Giving in. I love his smile! 
Abby loved touching all of the flowers (and trying to pull the heads off the stem as well).
The kids were really good sports because it was really hot and we were in the big greenhouse here. 
One of the thousand beautiful flowers.
Abby was pretty proud of herself for climbing into this suitcase.
Aunt Mary Anne drove to the interstate to meet us for a quick stretch in Missouri. What a nice little visit we had!
Kristi was married in a lovely old mansion. Here is Aunt Cheryl dancing with Abby.
One happy Grammy (and happy two grandkids).
The stunning bride (and you can kind of see the groom).
Abby had fun standing on the window ledge and looking outside. Cousin Jesse was ready to catch her here.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED seeing AJ in a tie. He is growing into a young man before my eyes!
Every night (five nights total) we went swimming in the pools at the hotel. Both kids had SO much fun, and it was a great way to get some energy out. 
Here Abby is walking in the halls of Union Station, in Kansas City. 
One proud grandpa. Even though the trip was a lot of "work" with the kids, it was so relaxing and I felt like I had lots of breaks with my parents and sister lending many hands. The kids LOVED all the attention and we all had such a memorable experience.
At the dinosaur exhibit in Kansas. The controls by AJ's left hand move the dinosaurs. AJ had so much fun and has since been very interested in dinosaurs and their features.
AJ looking for dinosaur fossils under the sand. 
AJ and Aunt Ashley standing next to the wall of dinosaurs.
School's Out for the Summer!
June was very bittersweet. I am greatly going to miss the wonderful team I have been fortunate enough to work with the past five years as well as the students whom I have grown to truly love and care for. I was so sad to end that chapter of my life, but at the same time was so excited to begin a new teaching position as a resource room teacher through the New Prague School District at a school that is only three miles from my home, and the same distance from my daycare. I am so excited that my children will one day attend the same school that I teach at, which opens up so many possibilites I didn't know would ever be a reality. I will be there for the first day for kindergarten, they can stay in my classroom after school, we will share the same schedules of summers and vacations, I will personally know their teachers, and the list goes on. Not to mention I will be there for any school performances they may be in, and can be the threat if they are misbehaving in their classrooms (my children, misbehave?)
As things started to wind down at school summer fun began to pick up. We took advantage of every day. Almost every day we had an outing, whether it was a playdate at a friend's house or went on some adventure - the water park, mall of america, the list goes on. This month we also celebrated Abby's first year with a birthday party for family and tutus. Another joyous event was watching our friend's two children the first night their new little brother was brought into the world. Adam and I share together how blessed we are with our two sweet children, and I am not sure if a third will be in our plan ever, but it is fun to think about!
AJ playing hide and seek.
Running through the tunnels at the children's museum.
Sharing a pizza.
Abby having fun in the jumper.
AJ and Abby enjoy friends from daycare. Here is Sarah, Tyler, Hayley, AJ, and Joey.
Decorating presents for Father's Day.
Meet Baby Teagan.
Abby posing for the camera. She is getting so good at that!
Dainty Abby playing with monster trucks and trains.
Abby plays so well with toys. I love watching her learn through her play. She is constantly analyzing toys and it seems like you can see the wheels turning.
We had fun playing with Aurora, our friend and neighbor. She is two months younger than Abby, but they get along great, and I think AJ may have a little crush on her :) He always gets very excited when I say we are going to see her.
Can you see the mischieve in her eyes?
Abby and Aurora checking one another out.
I love it that Adam rocks Abby to sleep most nights. This is what I came downstairs to one night :)
Abby playing at an Awesome waterpark in Burnsville.
AJ running and splashing at the water park. It is so much fun to watch him be more comfortable with playing independently and with other children. Last year he would only play in the water if I held his hand or was within a few feet of him. This year it was all I could do to keep an eye on him and Abby.
Drinking from the fish. I am sure that was sanitary :)
Friends on a Sweeney playdate.
Sleeping Beauty.
My brother-in-law, Matt, graduated from high school this year. We had fun joining in the celebrations!
Abby had so much fun walking around. Abby took her first steps at 11 months and by the end of 12 months was able to walk around very well and for long distances. It is such a joy to see how proud of herself she is and she is loving this level of independence!
It was a little bit windy :)
We had professional photos taken the day of Abby's first birthday. I loved how our cake turned out (the picture is one that the professional photographer, Jo, took at the water park on her actual birthday). Nobody wanted to cut her picture :)
Princess Abby at her party.
AJ & soon-to-be aunt Sara at Abby's birthday party.
Abby crawling through the streamers.
Abby (and AJ) couldn't wait to open presents. We caught them opening presents while we were eating cake. It was super cute.
Not sure if Abby liked her presents or the wrapping paper more.
Abby wasn't so sure about her cupcake (we got her & AJ a cupcake so they could have the whole thing while the rest of us ate cake). She liked it a lot at first, then immediately decided she didn't want the frosting on her fingers any longer.
Intrigued.
All done. 
Grandpa had fun making funny sounds with his hands. Abby found this very interesting. I remember when my grandpa (my father's father) used to do the same thing with me. 
More presents :)
As things started to wind down at school summer fun began to pick up. We took advantage of every day. Almost every day we had an outing, whether it was a playdate at a friend's house or went on some adventure - the water park, mall of america, the list goes on. This month we also celebrated Abby's first year with a birthday party for family and tutus. Another joyous event was watching our friend's two children the first night their new little brother was brought into the world. Adam and I share together how blessed we are with our two sweet children, and I am not sure if a third will be in our plan ever, but it is fun to think about!
Abby discovered toilet paper this month (better than playing with the toilet water, right?).
Abby has learned how to climb up the stairs!
Abby's first time sporting a ponytail. Here Adam and Abby are at the mall.
Abby's first time sporting a ponytail. Here Adam and Abby are at the mall.Riding her horsie.
Gotta love the bows!
AJ playing hide and seek.Running through the tunnels at the children's museum. Sharing a pizza.Here is AJ and Adam riding the roller coaster at the Mall of America.
Abby having fun in the jumper.
AJ and Abby enjoy friends from daycare. Here is Sarah, Tyler, Hayley, AJ, and Joey.
Decorating presents for Father's Day.
Meet Baby Teagan.
Abby posing for the camera. She is getting so good at that!
Dainty Abby playing with monster trucks and trains.
Abby plays so well with toys. I love watching her learn through her play. She is constantly analyzing toys and it seems like you can see the wheels turning.
We had fun playing with Aurora, our friend and neighbor. She is two months younger than Abby, but they get along great, and I think AJ may have a little crush on her :) He always gets very excited when I say we are going to see her.
Can you see the mischieve in her eyes?
Abby and Aurora checking one another out.
I love it that Adam rocks Abby to sleep most nights. This is what I came downstairs to one night :)
Abby playing at an Awesome waterpark in Burnsville.
AJ running and splashing at the water park. It is so much fun to watch him be more comfortable with playing independently and with other children. Last year he would only play in the water if I held his hand or was within a few feet of him. This year it was all I could do to keep an eye on him and Abby.
Drinking from the fish. I am sure that was sanitary :)
Friends on a Sweeney playdate.
Sleeping Beauty.
My brother-in-law, Matt, graduated from high school this year. We had fun joining in the celebrations!
Abby had so much fun walking around. Abby took her first steps at 11 months and by the end of 12 months was able to walk around very well and for long distances. It is such a joy to see how proud of herself she is and she is loving this level of independence!
It was a little bit windy :)
We had professional photos taken the day of Abby's first birthday. I loved how our cake turned out (the picture is one that the professional photographer, Jo, took at the water park on her actual birthday). Nobody wanted to cut her picture :)
Princess Abby at her party.
AJ & soon-to-be aunt Sara at Abby's birthday party.
Abby crawling through the streamers.
Abby (and AJ) couldn't wait to open presents. We caught them opening presents while we were eating cake. It was super cute.
Not sure if Abby liked her presents or the wrapping paper more.
Abby wasn't so sure about her cupcake (we got her & AJ a cupcake so they could have the whole thing while the rest of us ate cake). She liked it a lot at first, then immediately decided she didn't want the frosting on her fingers any longer.
Intrigued.
All done. Grandpa had fun making funny sounds with his hands. Abby found this very interesting. I remember when my grandpa (my father's father) used to do the same thing with me. 
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