Fall Fun!

Fall is our favorite time of the year! One of our favorite fall traditions is visiting Ranalli Farms in Tontitown. We took pictures, picked out pumpkins, and bought a delicious cinnamon roll. We made some great memories. Here are some of my favorite photos:

Season of Change.

This will be my last week as a Leverett Lion. Crazy, huh? I started off the year as a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant/Interventionist. Then, my principal asked me if I would consider teaching 5th grade math and literacy half the day. Apparently the person they hired for that position wouldn't be allowed to teach a certified job because she participated in the early retirement buyout that Fayetteville offered last year. Of course I said, "Yes"! I was hoping this would be a stepping stone to a certified job, and it may have been. I was also excited about the pay increase. I would have been called a "Certified Interventionist". Unfortunately, because I am not certified for 5th grade the job wouldn't count for my NTL, which meant that I wasn't certified at all. And, because I switched positions with someone, my Kindergarten position was no longer available. My principal tried to make my schedule compensate for the extra work, but in the end it was not worth my time or the money. I was working 7.5 hours and only being paid for 6.5 hours. I was driving 45 minutes each way. And, I was taking stuff home with me every night to plan for the next day. I have enjoyed my short time at Leverett. All of the faculty and staff were really nice and supportive. I met some great students and learned SO much in a short time!

The plan for now is to stay at home with the girls. I have really missed spending time with them and have realized that this is a time I will never get back. I have been working full time and going to school full time since before they were born. We sacrificed a lot to finish school. Now we are going to sacrifice a lot so I can stay home. I might try to sub or get a part time job, but my number one priority is spending time with my girls!

Kinnison and Kimber are doing great. They are growing up so fast. Kinnison is going to be 5 next month! That seems impossible. One day I can't get her to do anything I ask and the next day she is my helper doing things without being asked. She asks tons of questions. She loves to learn! She also loves to dress up right now. She is taking gymnastics again and has really improved her cartwheel. Kinnison constantly surprises us with how much she retains. She remembers everything!

Kimber is also going to gymnastics and is learning a lot. She still loves to play with baby dolls. She is really into movies right now. She likes Blues Clues, Backyardigans, and Finding Nemo. Kimber constantly surprises us with how funny she is. She makes us laugh all the time. She is talking non-stop. She is saying some really funny things. A few examples:

"Me like puddy" I like pudding

"Oh, me die" Oh, I died (off of a movie)

"Nee Nigh" Night Night

I am so blessed!

Happy Fall Y'all!

'Tis the season to be jolly! This is my FAVORITE time of the year. I made it all summer without an air conditioner downstairs. I think I deserve an award. Those of you who know me know that I hate being hot. I cannot wait for the weather to cool down! I enjoy spring and a few things about summer (staying home with the girls), but I countdown to fall all year long. I also countdown to Christmas. I just love this time of the year!

I have some exciting news...I GOT A JOB! Two weeks ago the principal from Leverett Elementary called me at 8:30 p.m. to setup an interview. I interviewed the next day at 8:00 a.m. She called me the next day and offered me a job. I started last Monday. I am an Instructional Assistant/Interventionist. Everyone there has been really nice and helpful. And, today the principal asked me if I would be interested in teaching a few hours as a certified interventionist. Of course I said, "YES!" I am excited and nervous. This will be a pay increase and more importantly it will give me experience to prepare me for my job hunt next year. I will be teaching 5th grade math and literacy!

I took the girls (and myself) to the doctor today. We all three have a sinus infection. We all started to get sick on Saturday and just couldn't beat it. We are all on antibiotics now and will hopefully start feeling better soon. Two nights ago Kinnison was trying to let Tator in the house and somehow fell and hit her face on the concrete floor. I thinks she was trying to stand on or climb over the dog food container. She has a lovely black eye. Dr. Lee checked that out for us too. Luckily she didn't break anything or damage her eye. Dr. Lee was so busy today and he took his time, talked to the girls, and let them play with his stethoscope. He always pretends to find animals in their ears and they think it is hilarious. His staff is wonderful too. They are always so sweet Kinnison and Kimber. We are so blessed to have them here in Prairie Grove!

Thanks for stopping by!

Redneck Romance.

Luke and I went on a romantic date last Saturday. We decided to go for a romantic drive to the farm instead of the typical dinner and a movie. On the way to the farm we stopped to snap a photo of the new barn. It was kind of hazy, but the picture is still beautiful.

We proceeded to drive to the farm. We circled the upper field and then parked in the very spot we were married. So romantic. I snapped a few photos of the house and the barn.

Then, we turned up the music and enjoyed the view. We even took a nice leisurely walk before it got dark. I walked to the suburban and a large piece of hay went through my flip flop and into my foot. Because we haven't gotten much rain this summer, the cut hay was more like sharp thorns sticking out of the ground. It hurt. But, my sweet hubby rubbed it for me. Finally, the sun went down and we sat under a blanket of stars. It was breath taking. Sitting at the farm, feeling the cool breeze, and looking up at the stars brought back so many childhood memories for me. It brought tears to my eyes. Luke and I laughed and reminisced. We circled the field one more time and decided to head home. On our last loop I spotted a skunk. Luke shot at him, but missed. He was disappointed that he missed a shot in front of me.

Mom and dad asked us to stop at the house to make sure all of the solar yard lights were working. Luke started working on one of the lights so I decided to walk around the yard to check out the remaining lights. There was a nice breeze that night. I heard a noise. I tilted my head back to look up at the leaves rustling above me. I said, "Oh honey, I love this breeze, I love this tree, I love everything about this place." Then, I heard the rustling noise again. I turned my head to the left and saw a VERY large armadillo digging in the flower bed about 15 feet away from me. I screamed and ran to my man's side. He told me to go get the spotlight while he got his gun. I grabbed the spotlight and it wouldn't work. So, I jumped in the suburban and quickly turned the headlights on the armadillo. Luke fired once and hit it. It went wild. It wedged itself between the tree and my mom's clematis. I screamed at Luke, "Kill it before it tears up the clematis." If you have ever killed an armadillo you know how resilient they are. This one was no different. He was doing backflips and running in circles and even charged Luke a few times. This armadillo was huge! Luke fired again and again and again. Fifteen shots later the armadillo finally died.

We had to remove the armadillo from the yard. We decided that the log my dad would be cutting up in the morning would be the ideal place to put him. We didn't have any gloves so I had to dig some napkins out of my glove box. Luke held the armadillo while riding on my trailer hitch. So romantic.

As if the night wasn't romantic enough Luke shot another armadillo on the way home.

I felt bad about putting the armadillo on the tree and didn't want to scare my dad half to death. So, I called my dad and told him about the armadillo. His response was, "Beautiful". I think he appreciated the company.

Funk.

I am in a funk these days.

My Grandpa still isn't feeling well. I hate that he feels bad and is in pain. The doctors want to try a shock treatment to see if that will stop his heart from going into A-Fib. Hopefully it will work. If it works he will be able to stop taking the blood thinner that is causing other issues.

I still don't have a job. I have applied for everything out there; aide jobs, sub jobs, certified jobs and even a few at Tysons, NWACC and UofA. Hopefully I will find something soon. I am so thankful that I have a husband who is willing to work extra hard to make ends meet. He is totally supportive of me and I am so blessed to have him in my life.

Today would have been our baby's 3rd Birthday. Happy Heavenly Birthday. We love you!

Coupons & Samples!

I love using coupons and getting free samples. Here are some of my favorite sources:

Just ordered this coupon booklet!

https://thepromotionaloffer.com/hmsdrtv/?source=cascadepacs

Awesome coupon book with a lot of savings! (Tide, Pantene, Ect)

http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/index.jsp

Free samples and free music downloads!

http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-Free-Samples-And-Tools.aspx

Awesome coupons! I got AlkaSeltzer, Cereal, Hamburger Helper, Biscuits, Rolls, Pizza, Cookies and more!

http://www.pillsbury.com/coupons-promotions/CouponsPromotionsLanding.htm

Some of these coupons are the same as Pillsbury, but not all of them. I got Bisquick, Cake Mix & Frosting Coupons!

http://www.bettycrocker.com/coupons-promotions/coupons/coupons

Enjoy!

Southern Baked Beans

I have been making a modified version of Paula Deen's Southern Baked Beans and Luke loves them. Her version calls for one can which equals 4 servings. I usually take this dish to family get togethers and needed more than 4 servings. This recipe fills a 13x9 dish. Here is the recipe:

1 lb Bacon

2 onions diced

9 tbs yellow mustard

15 tbs maple syrup

12 tbs ketchup

3 (15 oz) cans of pork n beans

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Fry the bacon in a large skillet

Dice the onions

Remove the bacon from the pan and crumble it. I use a food processor. Leave the grease in the pan.

Place the onions in the grease.

Cook the onions until they are brown.

Mix the remaining ingredients.

Add the beans.

Mix in the onions, grease, and bacon. Pour into a 13x9 pan and bake for 45-60 minutes.

A Great Man.

I have asked for a lot of prayers for my Grandpa this year. So I want to introduce you to him. Many of you have met him. Those who meet him, love him. He is awesome! He always has been and always will be the foundation to our family.

Today we got discouraging news from his doctor. He was told he has prostate cancer. His heart condition will not allow them to treat the cancer. But, I am certain it is not his time to go. Honestly, he is one of the toughest men I know. I sincerely think he is one of the greatest men to ever live. He is hard working, honest, smart, resourceful, funny and part superhero. He knows EVERYTHING. He can tell you all about the weather, trees, gardening, cows and anything to do with farming. He LOVES children. He has always been so good to his grandkids and even better to his great grandkids. He is fun but firm. He taught us life lessons through actions and words. He has always been concerned about our well being and did everything he could to protect us and keep us safe.

I have the most wonderful memories...most of them took place at the farm. Some of my favorite memories are riding through the national forest in the scout, fishing, hunting armadillos, cooking with Grandma, eating watermelon with Grandpa, putting up hay, cutting wood, hauling rocks, picking the garden, sleepovers at the farm, and lazy days in the farm yard. We often got to travel with Grandma and Grandpa and made some wonderful memories with them. I had a terrific childhood and my Grandma and Grandpa were a HUGE part of it.

Here is a slideshow of some of my favorite pictures of my grandparents. Please continue to pray for my Grandpa and Grandma.

Thank you for the prayers for Meme. She recovered from her surgery and says she is feeling great!

A Little Update On The Girls...

Kinnison has changed so much in the past year. One minute I find myself looking at a young lady...sitting up so nicely, being independent. I can't even believe how grown up she is. The next minute, she's a complete goofball, giggling like crazy, saying nonsense words...cracking me up and driving me crazy all at the same time. She is a good mixture of fun/serious girly girl/tomboy. She has a huge vocabulary and a great heart. She is so thoughtful and generous. If she has something someone else wants she will give it to them. It makes my heart happy when she does this. She loves to sing and remembers the words to many of the songs. She is so smart. She wants to be a doctor when she grows up so she can help people and save their lives.

Some things about Kinnison:

*Knows all of her letters upper and lower

*Knows most of her sounds

*Counts to 13

*Can count backwards from 10

*Can write most of her numbers on her own

*Can swing by her self now (pump her legs)

*Loves to write and draw

*Loves to sing along to the radio

*Wishes she could start Kindergarten this year

*Loves to pray

Kimber has also grown and changed tremendously the past year…even in the past two weeks. Everyone has commented on how much taller she has gotten. She is very independent. If you try to do something for her she will say ME and get mad at you for trying to help…but at the same time she loves to be cuddled and doctored. She has a huge heart. She gives great hugs…especially at bedtime when she wants you to sleep with her. She is very nurturing. She likes to play with baby dolls and is always worried when other people have boo boos. She is super smart but still struggles to vocalize her thoughts and feelings.

Some things about Kimber:

*Knows how to count to 3

*Can identify 1,2,3,5 when you hold your fingers up

*Thinks everything is blue

*Has drastically increased her vocab since getting tubes in her ears

*Started calling grandpa “big papa” this week

*Started coloring this week instead of scribbling

*Loves to pray (can’t understand any of the words except “dankdo” (thank you) and “nanen” (Amen)

Vacation!

I am so glad to finally be home. We had an amazing time at Tybee Island. The girls loved playing in the sand, ocean and the pool. We got some great pictures of all the kiddos. My mom planned the menu for the whole week and we did nothing but eat! I think I gained 15 lbs. We walked on the pier, viewed a lighthouse and ate at Uncle Bubba's Oyster House. Mom and I got our picture taken with Uncle Bubba! I am so glad that we get to take our girls to see new places. They love to travel as much as we do. We are so blessed that we had the opportunity to spend a week at the beach with the family. Luke and I left a day early so we could go to Jamaica. We didn't plan it that way, but had to move one of the trips because of my NTL class. We woke up at 3 and drove home 16 hours on Friday. We woke up at 3 on Saturday morning and flew to Jamaica. We were exhausted! We went to Sandals Whitehouse in 2006 and decided to go there again. It was our graduation gift to each other. We had a wonderful time. We got to spend some quality time with each other and catch up on some much needed sleep. We missed the girls terribly though. It will be a while before we travel without them again. I am so thankful we got to travel to see two beautiful beaches. I am also thankful that no one had an accident or car troubles. We are so blessed!