So, the old Su is back...at least I would say she is most of the time.

Sheryl Crow said, "Every day is a winding road." I believe it. On Tuesday it was announced that our beloved principal Ms. Smith had been given a new position at central office. :( We will have an interim principal beginning on Monday. It has been interesting and definitely a time of questioning. Our new supt. is a difficult man to understand. Good thing I work for Jesus.

The other night Bucky said something that made my heart skip a beat. "Can I have the old Su back?"

We were on our way back from a late night run to Robbie and Lori's house to swap out food , something we often do, and we were hand in hand and all was right with the world. Then he said it. "Can I have the old Su back?"

I didn't really know how to respond. But I knew what he meant.

I've been grumpy. I've been moody. I've been a way less-than-perfect mother. My good deeds have all but gone by the wayside. I've been short with Bucky. I say things I don't mean. I never relax. Simply put, most days I'm a mess.

The cause? Oh, I guess any number of things. I love my life. Oh, how I treasure it. I am just.....tired. Spent. Exhausted. That particular day I'd arrived at school before 7, had a meeting at school until 5, had to come home and bake monkey bread for small group at 6, attend small group, go get the boys at the baby-sitter's and then try to come home and get things laid out for the next day. Shew!

There's school, meetings, kids, church, cleaning, grades, nurturing Adam and Luke, laundry, refereeing fights, church, conversations with Bucky, things I want to do personally, and the list goes on and on. I'm just tired.

I guess I'm trying to find balance. I think I need some sort of release or hobby and I'm not really sure what that is. I want it soon though.

Not every day do I feel like this. For example, tonight I feel very positive and in control of things. That is, for a brief explosion when Adam and Luke were fighting over flashlights. Seriously?

Anyway, I'm not saying any of this for a pity party. I'm saying this because admitting it is the first step to recovery. At least, that's what I've heard. I know every woman feels like this at some point. As Bucky says, I've got to "rise above."

My favorite verse lately that I've have almost literally held on to is this: "Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." Psalm 105:4

Here's wishing that the old Su takes up permanent residence at 120 James Way.

Here I am. I have been meaning to blog but just haven't made the time. Lots has been going on with my crew. Here's the low down.

We are in our new house. We are loving James Way. The backyard makes me so very happy. Just today Luke and I took advantage of it. He can really hit the ball. I love pitching to him. He likes it just a bit outside, just like Adam did at that age. We really labored on Labor Day, but there are lots more things to do here. Little by little they will be accomplished.

Adam is doing well in Kindergarten. He is learning lots. Vocabulary-out of this world! Had his first hnting experience last weekend and loved it.

Luke is doing well. Bucky and I are working towards a more positive attitude toward the terrible twos. We are dealing with some official fits. Wow! We had his "dandelion" hair cut today. It is precious. Can't wait to share some photos on here of lots of things but especially of some pictures KK took of the boys last weekend. They are great!

Callie is a new dog. She loves having some freedom back yet she still wants to be wherever we are.

Bucky is fine. I am fine.

Can't believe I actually blogged. Now to do some things before bed.
Later.

A Full Plate

Things are buzzing with our lovely family of four! Our plates are full....and sometimes overflowering if we're honest. Here's a run down of things in Whirlin' Sterlin' lately.

Adam is loving Kindergarten.....all except the get-up-early-be-in-a-good-mood part. We've really had to change his bedtime. Right now he is going down at 8. Some days are better than other. I got a really great note from his teacher and she says he's doing well. We are proud.

Luke is adjusting to the new two year old room at daycare (now called "school" to match Adam) and he seems so grown up. When I pick him up I sometimes can't believe he is so big. The other day he was swinging by himself. He's had some issues with hitting but hopefully we can get those resolved. His hair is whiter and spikier than ever. I'm using gel on it on pretty regular basis to help. Hopefully I can tame it.

Bucky is staying busy with ending summer programming and planning fall programming. The Amazing Race went very well. Tonight is the awards program. He is also the football chaplain of the MC Indians football team. He goes to practice on Thursdays and Friday game nights.

Josh Powell. Do you know that name? He's the new superintendant of MC Schools and him coming here has had a big, no huge, impact on my life as a teacher. He wants to help bring up MC test scores and will do whatever it takes. Translated, that means I have LOTS LOTS LOTS LOTS more to do and MUCH MUCH MUCH higher expectations to deal with. It's crazy. Teaching in RC was like teaching in Heaven. Seriously. Teaching in MC in great as well. It just seems there is more responsibility and things to do. Plans, formative assessments, web pages, instruction driven by data, busy planning times, no meetings during school but after, no flip flops for Pete's sake, new Common Core Standards, and the list goes on and on. And did I say I had a student teacher? She is super and giving her guidance is one more thing on the list. Add to this the fact that ARW is with me after school ready for snack, drink, and entertainment. Shew! Don't get me wrong. I love all I'm doing. This is true! God created me to be a teacher. It's like having my own talk show. It's just that beginning of the school year struggle to find out how to get it all it. Mrs. Smith has given me some responsibilities as well--I'm on her "best and brightest" list (a Powell thing). Needless to say, this girl has no trouble falling asleep at night.

How's that for ranting and raving? On another note, we'll be moving to 120 James Way very soon. I love that address! A shout out to Jamestown for sure! God is funny like that. Reminds you of where you've been and where you're going.

More later.

Is this not the CUTEST ! It's a little something I did to put on my new teacher blog for school. And with that being said, I must go do some laundry. No time for fun......except to say that we will be MOVING VERY SOON! You can google 120 James Way Mt. Sterling and check out our new place. We are excited and feeling very blessed! Good ole Holt Avenue has been lovely and we think that James Way will be a place where more great memories are made! :) Praise the Lord!

tammynischan.blogspot.com

When you have time check out this blog from a KCU professor's wife. I think it was Janette who wrote about it one time and I check it almost daily now. I cry pretty much every time. She's a mother, a teacher, a writer, and her life has had many uphill battles. She writes beautifully about it all. Sunday's post was very inspiring.

I am up early so Adam can go to JumpStart at Camargo. It's a program to help incoming Kindergarten students get familiar with the school and teachers. He is pumped. In fact, he wanted me to write down that I needed to get him up early today. Like I'd forget him! I will work in my room while he is there from 8-12. We will go some days this week and some next week.

We have some houses we want to look at hopefully this week. I am anxious and nervous and scared all at the same time. I know God has the right house for us. Patience, right? It's funny to think that I didn't even want to set up Luke's crib (and just use the Pack n Play) since I thought we'd only be in this house for a few weeks before we found one. Ha! It's a year and a half later.

Luke is pacifier free. Luke is using the potty on a pretty regular basis. Luke is talking so very much and so very well. Luke is having a nice July and will turn two this Sunday. We are having a Mickey Mouse party and hope to have a great time!

Bucky is busy with Amazing Race, softball games, and (still more) youth group trips. It sure makes the time go fast.

Well, time to get up Adam.

I can't believe July is flying by. All the fifth grade teachers met today to talk about the upcoming year. I love a fresh group of kids but can't believe summer is almost over. I'm going to try and enjoy each moment!

It's been an interesting couple of weeks since vacation. Bucky made cameo apperances here on Holt Avenue in between Summer in the Son, Spirit Song, not to mention work and the Amazing Race. The boys and I are doing the summer reading program at the library, had VBS, go to the pool often, and also have been to Cynthiana.

Luke is taking more and more and he's quite the conversationalist! I love to hear him talk. He can pretty much tell you anything. He's also been using the potty some. One day he went three times. Not bad for not even being 2! We have taken the pacifier away. He used it at naps and bedtime and some other times but today is day seven without it. Yay! He clings to his blanket and often has two or three toys with him in bed but all is well. I have noticed that he now wants me more often and I hear, "Mommy!" A LOT! Hopefully this will get better.

Adam is having a nice summer. He loves the Amazing Race and he's Bucky's big helper. He really likes to go to the pool. He is water dog. Of course, Luke is making every splash with him! We've not seen Cars 2 but we've not made it yet. Better do it soon!

That's about it. Luke has gone down for nap, Adam is playing his Leapters and I see some rest in my future. I'll be up and out early for a devotion group. Looking forward to it.

Hodge Podge of Pictures

This post is all messed up but I just can't seem to get it right. Gotta do the mothering thing so good luck looking at all these. Sorry for the jumbled mess. Adam playing games at Dollywood. He made 2 of 3 shots.

Technology!

Clay and Adam at Lost Treasure Golf

Adam playing in the backyard.

Hugs on the Ballfield

Luke had a blast playing in the water at Gran and Granddads recently. I love this face.

Luke playing games at Dollywood.

Well, the pictures are on our computer but their organization is lacking. As a result, so are the pictures in this post. I may have to delete them all (1500!) and try again with Bucky's assistance.

This first one is of us at our small group Rootin' Tootin' Shootin' Cookout and Luau. One of the guys in our group is a cop and his wife carries a gun with her all the time. Needless to say, we've all been intrigued by this. They invited us out to their property to shoot and eat. It was a blast. I shot a .22 and a .32 although I really don't know what that means. This was my first attempt at shooting.

Adam had a great season on the Diamondbacks.

We are home from a lovely trip to Pigeon Forge. We've been home since Saturday at 2 and my house looks like we've been here and not cleaned for two weeks. Guess this will be my project for today.

This is a new computer and I haven't made the time to figure out how to do pictures on it the best way. My memory card has WAY TOO MANY photos on it and I don't want them all on here. So....hopefully this week I'll find the chance to work on that. There's lots of pictures I want to post.

Hello, all. I can't believe it's June 13th! Summer is off to a nice start for us. I had two trainings last week but we did manage to get to the pool two days. The boys do well. Adam is pretty much self-sufficient and Luke has no fear. He loves the baby pool but really enjoys jumping into the big pool. At home we do odds and ends. The boys play well alone and often play well together in spurts of time. Seems like they each want what the other one has and that usually ends with me playing referee. Luke takes a nap every day so that helps with things, mostly my sanity.

Luke still has his pacifier. I don't mind him to use it at naps and night but I prefer him not to use it during play time, etc. It truly does provide him comfort so I don't know how it'll go after vacation when we take it away. Yes, after vacation. Who needs the extra stress? I know I don't!

Well, not really in the writing mood. Suffice it to say that it's summertime and the living is easy. :)

Good ole Luke. You just never know what he might be up to. :)

Adam and his friend Cody. This is what I live with! Ha Ha! This was supposed to be a "good" picture.

Adam lost his first tooth! Tooth fairy brought ten dollars--she must have not had change. :)

Luke and Poppy at the game. Adam sporting his Reds jersey.

Gotta love a little boy in a jersey and Levis!

Adam at the creation museum.

Buck and Su

Adam's first tball game was last night. He had a large fan club and did exceptionally well. Both hits went into the outfield. He loves to play. It's funny because he loves to bat but in the field he's often just still. The other kiddos all run and dive for the ball and that's just not Adam's personality. One time he did get a ball and threw it to first and he wasnt' looking.

Tomorrow will be our fourth day of testing. Testing seems to wear me out more than actual teaching. I think the kids are doing pretty well. Some have overwhelmed me and some underwhelmed me.

The iPhone is going okay. I can do all I need to do. It's bigger than my old phone and that's different and sort of hard to get used to.

Luke is doing great! He's so busy but he's been reading books and playing with a Handy Manny toy of Adam's for some time. Some nights A and L are constantly getting into it and other nights are lovely. We might meet up with Bucky and the kids for Destination Unknown if this good night keeps up. Berryman's is their destination and it's a local Dairy Queen-like restaurant with old time decor, Coca Cola, etc. He's going to talk about not living the past/holding onto mistakes.

Better go. Here comes Luke with a book he wants me to read. :)

This is my with Amanda Nornhold. Our boys love Amanda and we do too! She's a basketball player and playing tennis for the first time this year. We went to watch her on Thursday and the boys had so much fun. It was at Easy Walker Park and they ran and played. Will, another one of the boys' favorite people was there as well and so they were in their element. I don't think we could survive here in MoCo without Amanda and her mom, Becky. Seriously. They help out tons with A and L and love us so much. Follow the Leader. So thankful for a sunny day so they could play. Adam legs are getting so long.

Here they are watching Amanda. Luke was convinced he could climb his way to the top. I love the tippy toes!

Our testing theme this year is, "Get Your Engines Revvin' in 2011!" We had Biker Day on Friday and my friend Gwen came through with these fun clothes and wig. The sleeves look like tattoos! Lots of people asked me if these were my weekend clothes. No! This is so polar opposite of me it's not funny.

Luke and Adam snacking at their new, oh-so-cute picnic table. Thanks, KK! This picture proves the point made by Kim that if you want both boys to smile in a picture you've got to have food.

I have a new phone. Well, actually it's Bucky's old iPhone. Who's excited! I think I am. It will be different but texting is about to get so much easier I think. I'm not up for renewall til September so this will be a great and CHEAP way to make sure I like it.

Here are two more pictures I wanted to share. I love this one of Luke. He cracks himself up!

This is the boys at TK's, one of their favorite places to go.

Easter 2011

Easter 2011 was simply great! We had an awesome service at church, we ate wonderful food in Cynthiana, and got to be with family. Really, it was an awesome day. Here are the boys after church. This wooden fence is a favorite spot of mine. Well, we tried to create warm, fuzzy memories by dying eggs. It was not as picture perfect as we would have liked it but oh well.

Luke did fairly well with the eggs. We stuck him with yellow and figured it would be the lightest color if he did make a mess.
Easter morning. You'd think the boys sleep on different continents the way they are dressed. :)

Adam is so silly. He held up some of his treasures.

This is Adam with his friend, Kaden. Kaden and his mom have been coming to church. It's sweet because Kaden came because of Adam. Neat!

We had to hunt eggs inside at GCC. It was still fun and the boys got plenty.

Mr. Luke. This kid is energy on two legs. He definitely stretches me to new heights when it comes to parenting. I've got a feeling I'll be ready many books on strong-willed children. Shew! Good thing he's cute.

Adam Rees


I played Miryam in our Easter drama. Bucky totally dug his role as a Barbarian. Notice the spear?

Random News from the Happy Walters

• We're enjoying the Cadbury Mini-Eggs as of late. Bucky especially loves them. I'm liking the new Diet Caffeine Free Ale-8.


• Bucky just read the first bullet and rolled his eyes. I told him I'd been doing laundry for so long (forever last night and all morning today) that I had the right for foolishness like this.


• Adam's playing on the Diamondbacks again. We went to practice the other night and he was dressed like it was the world series.


• Luke has fallen/tripped several times in the last few weeks and seems to always fall on right eye. Today's cut bled and bled. It looks worse than it is. Maybe it will look better after bath time. He's due for a hair cut soon.


• Adam is registered for Kindergarten at Camargo. Wow.


• Bucky has been "nesting" lately. He's cleaned/gone through some things at work and done various projects here like cleaning out drawers and working on drains. Spring cleaning, I guess.


• CATS test will be soon upon us. Three weeks I guess. Hoping my kids can really show off what they know.


• I am recovering from a no-fun bought with poison ivy. This is my first time ever having this.


• We had a great meal last night. Bucky grilled out burgers and we also grilled up some onions. It was VERY VERY delicious. On that note, it seems like we can't go through a meal without running out of something. Whether it's a staple like bread, or something random it seems my Walmart list is ongoing.


• Adam has a bday party to go to at his favorite gym, TK's. Then we're meeting Kim in Lex. and she'll have him for the night. She has some fun things planned.


• This coming week will be the second week in a row where we are literally gone every night. In fact, last night (the one night we've all been home) Adam says, "Who's watching us tonight?" I told him that we'd be home. "Why? I want someone to come watch us!" We've always wanted our boys to be this way (fluid, flexible) but they love it too much maybe! We are blessed with lots of great help!


• Buck and I are both in the Easter drama. I play Miryam and Buck is a guard. I think it will go well. Can't believe it's almost Easter. We hope to get the boys some Easter things after we drop of Adam to Kim. It will be neat to just have Luke tonight and tomorrow. He is becoming so fun--and talking up a storm. You should see him read his books. He gets into it!


• Okay, better go. I've got several things to do before we head to meet Kim.

We spent Friday night in Lex. at Hyatt Place with Mom, Dad, and Kim. We had a ball. We ate and swam and just enjoyed the time together. Here are few pictures. We stopped at Barnes and Noble on Saturday. Luke loved all the books. He was especially fond on the Mickey and Elmo books.

Adam was in heaven with all the trains.

Luke had all he could take. He fell asleep almost as soon as the car headed towards MoCo. He didn't even get the chance to open his new book.

Adam was asleep too.

Adam fell asleep too. Nanny used to read us a book about a boy who took his football everywhere with him. Adam even sleeps with his!

Big Blue Brothers Gotta Hug! Let's just hope they'll be hugging on Monday night for the championship! Go Cats! Adam sporting his Final Four t shirt Bucky brought home for him the other day.

Adam plays basketball ALL DAY LONG. Seriously. The other day he went to a two hour open gym at the church with some of the kids and then came home to play ball. He is "eat up" with it as the old saying goes. His latest thing is dunking. In fact Luke calls basketball "dunk" now because of Adam. He plans out all his moves, wants me to pass the ball to him, and is always looking for an audience to see his lastest dunk. Most kids play dress up. My kid plays ball.

As far as his attire, perhaps he does play dress up. He wants to wear all his ball clothes. Can you believe he wanted to wear this outfit to a UK party tonight?

Fact: The shirt Luke is wearing is a shirt that I wore when I was his age. How cool! Going retro! Luke has to dunk too!