1st grade.

Just some of the fun we've been having in 1st grade lately... 

Thank you, Dr. Jean, for this idea! There is a different word written on each side. They just sit there and flip them and read them, over and over. 

We made Fruit Loop necklaces for the 100th Day of School! So fun! (This was back at the end of January)

We also made 100 pancakes! (to go along with the book, "The Wolf's Chicken Stew.") 

I decided whipped cream was easier than messing with syrup. =)

Love these little people... but I'm getting awfully ready for Spring Break! =) 

These aren't 1st grade, but these 2nd grade Haiku poems in the hallway made me smile...

Now I am finished. =)

new smile {again!}

11 months ago... Sophie got a new smile. 

In those 11 months, we've had lots of rubber band changes... lots of wire changes... a few tears... some ibuprofen... and lots of Sonic visits after we left the dentist. 

Today... she got another new smile. And as much as I have loved her colorful rainbow braces... I think I love today's new smile even more! 

{Last picture with braces!}

{She even lost a couple teeth during the process! Ones that were already loose and ready to come out.}

{There were still a few tears...}

{No more brackets, but still glue and pencil marks}

{And a few more tears...}

{This has to be the worst. part. ever. Over 20 years ago and I still remember the horrible gagging feeling as they make the impressions.}

{We couldn't love Miss Anna any more! She's been working on my kids since they were 3 and she does such an amazing job with them!}

 {The second tooth got sucked out during the impressions. There's a third one left that is super loose... barely hanging on.}

{Love this sweet girl and LOVE this sweet smile!}

{And she's pretty excited to get her pink and black zebra striped retainer in a couple weeks! Complete with sparkles... and her name on it!}

vintage k-state.

My dad graduated from K-State in 1977. (I think) 

My mom found this shirt the other day, mixed in with some of my sister and I's old doll clothes. 

I'm guessing one (or both) of us wore it in the late 70's. Awesome. 

It's now one of Gretchie's favorites. 

"I got my K-State on!"  =)

valentine's day.

Nothing like the cute, creative things I've seen on Pinterest lately, but hey... they had fun. And... I didn't have to be involved. (and on the day that they were making these... that was a good thing.)

We took our 60 1st graders on a walk to a nearby nursing home to deliver Valentines. So much fun! No one got run over, which is always a good thing.

I managed to snag the Valentine that started out "Good luck at the nursing home" and ended with "I really hope you don't die." Yep. Really.

My valentines to the kids were a hit. So easy, too! (and cheap!) Thank you, once again, Pinterest!

Do you see the creeper back there? It's like one of those creepy internet pictures. 

Our favorite 1st grade little brother! Joey! =)

And my guy? He delivered my coffee that I left at home this morning... cooked supper... cleaned up... and let me be lazy this evening. Delightful gifts, if you ask me. =)

counting cows.

Gretchie's really the only one that will sit and look through "Hereford World" with Corey. She's pretty good at identifying cows and bulls. (We've never really told her the difference... she might just be a good guesser. But her favorite is counting them... 

14... 14... 14... 14... 14... 14... 14-10.
Apparently we need to practice our teen numbers a little more =)

no motivation.

 This may have been me today...

And this is me tonight... 

not good.

I pulled up the blinds in the living room this morning... only to see this... 

No idea what happened here. The kids swear there was no wrestling/window kicking going on. Pretty sure the dog can't be blamed. The cold?? I have no idea. But it's going to be a problem. This window is old. And big. And has leaded glass above it.

Not a cheap problem, I'm afraid.

madison.

Meet our newest little family member... 

Madison Layne 

7 pounds of pure cuteness. 

The one upside to an emergency c-section... no smooshed baby face. 

She is seriously the prettiest little thing.  

I could not believe how bright eyed she was! 

Gretchie loved the little bow on her hat. 

Poor Lawson had to keep his distance. Yucky coughing germs. 

He kept trying to sneak closer and would promise me that he wasn't breathing. =)

I'm pretty sure we're going to have to go visit again soon. 

I could have snuggled this little miss for quite awhile.  

Welcome to the world, Miss Madison! 

We are so, so glad you are here!