Valentines Day and A Lot Less Hair

Bailey and I have made valentines for the last couple of years, and we spent some time searching for a fun idea this year.  I needed to make them for my students, and Bailey needed them for her classmates.  This was our final product:

They are little pants with Smarties on the back.

Not sure why these are upside-down, but you get the idea.

It says "Happy Valentine's Day Smarty Pants"

Another year of not giving store bought valentines!  I am pretty sure none of my students or Bailey's friends cared, but I took pride in them. 

In other news, we had been talking about trimming a couple of inches off of Bailey's hair.  Then one weekend she decided she was done with long hair.  She found a picture she liked, we took it to the salon, and the rest is history. 

Before

Another before shot

During

After!  She loves it!

Adventure Day!

A few weeks ago I was tired of staying inside because of the cold weather.  The weather man was calling for a bit of warmth on Saturday, and I decided we needed an outing.  I was sort of thinking a little hike or something, but once Miles got a hold of the idea things grew.  And grew.  After studying maps and taking a trip to the shop to discuss possible outing locations with his coworkers, Miles decided on a small stocked pond not far out of town.  We invited our friends the Sloans and the other Muschas, and the guys continued with the planning.  I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into.  We started referring to it as "Adventure Day."  Saturday morning came and we put on layers of clothing that could get wet and muddy.  We filled the back of the truck with supplies and headed out.  I was slightly worried that we wouldn't make it along the muddy road, but we arrived at our destination.  I had to accept that we would all be covered in mud by the end.  It turned out to be a great day!  The kids had so much fun. 

On our way!

We made it!

Testing the ice.

Not quite enough snow, but they tried.

We had enough food to last us a week.

The portable potty seat came in handy for many of the kiddos.

They guys entered into a rock throwing competition that lasted for some time.

The kids made it to the top of a "mountain" and went exploring.

The Big 4-0!

Well it happened.  There was nothing I could do to stop it.  I turned 40.  I could have denied it for a year or two and maybe gotten away with it, but I decided to embrace it instead.  I wasn't afraid to let people know I was turning 40 and wanted to celebrate.  The fun started on the weekend before my birthday when about 15 of our friends got together for the evening.  We started at our house with appetizers and drinks (cranberry pomegranate martinis - yum!) and then headed out for a nice supper.  We arranged two babysitters at our house and people could drop their kids here for the evening.  There has been a strange smell in the basement ever since, but that is another story.  After supper a few couples kept the evening going at a local tavern.  A heated girls vs. guys shuffleboard tournament took place, and I am fairly certain the girls won. 

On my actual birthday I was surprised by a very nice (all black decorations) party at school.  We had chocolate milk and chocolate muffins for breakfast and then delicious dirt and more chocolates later in the day.  Black streamers were all around the teachers lounge.  I threw myself a party with my kindergarteners because they love celebrating birthdays!  I filled them up with sugar then sent them home.  That evening Miles and the girls took me out for pizza and games.  All in all a great day!

But the birthday celebration wasn't over.  I didn't know it, but my family had been conspiring with Miles to surprise me in Miles City.  I knew something was up because Miles was cleaning the house and getting the guest room ready, but I didn't know what was about to happen.  My mom, brothers, and sister-in-law showed up at my house for the weekend!  It was so wonderful to see them, and a very special surprise.  I just knew I was going to like being 40!

My friend Jami had a bottle of wine delivered to dinner because she couldn't be there.  Miles helped me drink it.

Josh tries his best to intimidate Jenny during shuffleboard.

Dustin is hoping Rachel doesn't know his puck off the board.  She did.

Miles and the girls played video games a few nights later.

Does anyone have a quarter??

Uncle Traig!

My wonderful brothers and my beautiful daughter!

Thanks for coming guys!

And you too Mom!

Josie astounded everyone with her iPad capabilities.

Laura made a cake and cupcakes!

A little playdoh with Grandma Lynn.

Silly faces!

Saying bye to Uncle Shane.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of my birthday.  It was a very memorable one!!  Oh I almost forgot, Miles had a birthday three days after mine, but his wasn't quite the milestone that mine was.  He's younger than me, as he would be happy to tell you.  Happy birthday to him too!

100th Day of School

It doesn't seem possible, but Bailey has been a 1st grader for 100 days.  I can't say I have been a kindergarten teacher for 100 days because I only teach 2 days a week, but I did get to help Bailey celebrate.  And by help I mean I was lucky enough to put 80 pony tail holders in her hair.  She was supposed to bring or wear 100 of something, and she originally wanted to wear the holders on her arms like bracelets.  Unfortunately they were too tight and she had to take them off.  So with about 10 minutes until we had to be at school she decided she wanted them in her hair.  She kept 10 on each arm, and I frantically put 80 in her hair.  It was a rush, but we pulled up to school right as the kids were heading inside.  Happy 100th Day!

NDSU Wins 4th FCS Championship!

Miles, Bailey, Travis, Tyler, Caden, Grandma Kate, and Grandpa Wayne took a trip to Texas to watch the Bison play for their 4th FCS Championship.  It was a great game, and NDSU won!  It was a special weekend for the kids and adults.

The Quietest Week Ever!

Miles loaded up the girls and Winston and headed to Harvey a couple of days after Christmas.  They stayed for a week!  The house was incredibly quiet, and I filled my time with projects, sleeping, and lots of Netflix.  I enjoyed the "break" but I was ready for them to come home.  Despite the very cold weather in North Dakota, everyone had a great time at the farm. Josie keeps saying she needs to go home to Harvey.  She has also informed me that I can't go with her, only Dad.  I am trying not to let it hurt my feelings. 

Josie was so proud of her tower.

Dad braved the cold to do some pheasant hunting.

Bailey also braved the cold for ice fishing.

BRRRRRR!

Hanging out with Grandpa.