Long Weekend

We spent our long weekend relaxing and hanging out with friends. I know I am putting a lot of pictures into blogs/notes (my blog uploads automatically to facebook), but lately my only facebook access has been through my phone, and thus I can't upload pictures that way. This way our family across the country can still see pictures of the kiddos. Both kids are battling sinus infections that are oozing our their eyes....so not joking. They are both now on a highly powerful antibiotic so hopefully they both start feeling better soon!

For both being sick, they're behaving fairly well.

I have a pictures of TJ wrapped up like this, in the same towel even!

TJ got a Cars 'pishing fole.'Practicing his casting in the front yard. He is doing pretty well considering he is 3. All 3 of my kiddos!Tossing a football, probably at Eli's head.
Uncle Kerry was trying to coax the kids to actually run THROUGH the sprinkler, not just around it.

Ayron, torturing our children.

Tj sporting a dirty face and new 'do.

Waiting for water balloons to fall from the sky.

Watching the water ballon fight from the comfort of her bouncy chair.

They were attempting to play catch, which really turned into TJ beaming the ball of Eli's head.

Butt cracks!

Shiver Me Timbers!

Our church has been doing a series called "Pirates of the Caring Church." After church on Saturday the kids had the opportunity to have their pictures taken with the pirates and get a gold doubloon. TJ has recently gotten into watching Disney Channel's "Jake and the Neverland Pirates." I thought that the pirates at church might freak him out since they weren't cartoon drawings, but he walked in after church and exclaimed, "PIRATES!!!!!!!!!" He was thrilled he got a gold doubloon like Jake gets on the tv show.

Still Amazes Me

It still amazes me that two goofy looking people like Ayron and I can make such cute kids....then again, I am a bit partial!

I was up most of the night thinking and praying about the victims of the tornado that struck Joplin Missiouri last night. I am running low on sleep, but my mind will not stop racing.

I am watching the tree across the street. It is swaying in the morning breeze. The bright green leaves are stunning against the blue sky background. It seems peaceful outside. The kind of morning where I would like to do nothing but sit in a hammock and read a book. Yet I know that storms are on the way. My morning text message from the local television station warned me of today's storms. So do I sit here in fear knowing what is coming? No, I have decided to focus on what I see, blue skies and swaying trees.

How many of us get wrapped up in what we think is coming our way? How many people were truly worried about the supposed rapture that was supposed to take place Saturday? Who sat by their clocks counting down the minutes?

Who lives their life in constant fear about what could happen instead of focusing on what IS happening? Why waste what time we are given worrying about what is next? Why not take advantage of the time we have been given? Take time to focus on the swaying tree, not the supposed storms that could be coming.

Real Men

A friend, let's call her B, like to exchange silly stories about our husbands and their antics. It occupies our time at work. We both know that our husbands are great men, but it is also nice to share frustrations with someone.

While surfing the net the other day, I came across this article/video. (I know that Facebook imports my notes from Blogger, so I hope the link transfers properly). The article was interesting to me, and not because I follow Idol, because I don't. It was Chris's back story that got me. Maybe the back story hit me because I watched my brother in law stand by his wifes side when she was in a terriable car accident, who knows. The lyrics of the song hit me too. It just made me think that real men don't leave, even when times get hard.

In a world where divorce seems to be the norm and for idiotic reasons (Note: I do feel that in certain situations, divorce is better for all involved, but in today's society it seems like one minor disagreement leads to divorce) it is nice to know that real men still exists. I see these real men when I look around at my family, church and my friends. I know they aren't going anywhere, no matter how difficult it gets. So to all the real men out there, thank you! You are appreciated!

What Are Words

Anywhere you are, I am near
Anywhere you go, I'll be there
Anytime you whisper my name, you'll see
How every single promise I keep
Cuz what kind of guy would I be
If I was to leave when you need me most

What are words
If you really don't mean them
When you say them
What are words
If they're only for good times
Then they don't
When it's love
Yeah, you say them out loud
Those words, They never go away
They live on, even when we're gone

And I know an angel was sent just for me
And I know I'm meant to be where I am
And I'm gonna be
Standing right beside her tonight

And I'm gonna be by your side
I would never leave when she needs me most

What are words
If you really don't mean them
When you say them
What are words
If they're only for good times
Then they don't
When it's love
Yeah, you say them out loud
Those words, They never go away
They live on, even when we're gone

Anywhere you are, I am near
Anywhere you go, I'll be there
And I'm gonna be here forever more
Every single promise I keep
Cuz what kind of guy would I be
If I was to leave when you need me most

I'm forever keeping my angel close

I Love My Job (Not Being Sarcastic Either!)

I love my job. It has its struggles, but I love my job. For those who don't know I will attempt a Reader's Digest of what I do.

I run a school in Steuben County for students who struggle with the traditional academic setting. I work with students that range in age from 6th through 12th grade. Some students have issues with the law, some just can't hold their tongue in check when in school. I work with the students that most teacher try to avoid. I love my job. I love the non traditional student. At times the drama here can be RIDICULOUS but I think I might be bored if I were in a traditional school teaching the same thing for 7 hours a day. Due to the ratio of students to teachers (7.5 to 2) I am able to get to know my students on a more personal level.

I get emotionally invested in my students. I have tried not to, but it's not possible. It kills me to know the struggles they are dealing with, and at such a young age. I was fortunate enough to be raised in a home where my parents were married, had jobs, and cared about me. I was able to have a nice roof over my head and clothes on my back. I had food in my belly and parents that made sure I stayed on track academically. Growing up, I might not have appreciated all that I had, but I do now. Basically, I had people that gave a darn about me and held me accountable for my actions. I thought it would be easier to just not care about the kids and get jaded, but I can't do it. I do know that at time I get jaded, but I honestly try to avoid it. At times I wish I didn't care, it would make this job a lot easier, but I know these kids need someone to care about them, so I care. I know this will keep me awake tonight, but I am willing to shoulder that burden so that they know I care.

I know that for legal reasons I cannot share what I am dealing with today, but I can ask for prayer for my student. They are struggling and my staff and I finally pulled them aside and pieced the puzzle together. We are figuring out what the next step is. It could go in so many different directions and we are trying not to get ahead of ourselves. So I am doing what I do best, asking for prayer.

Do You "Martha?"

Decades ago, a woman named Martha opened a small popcorn stand in Auburn. It was just a small building (some might call it a shack) with a few lights out front. While the surrounding buildings have changed (to an extent), Martha's hasn't. I remember Martha becoming ill and passing when I was in second grade. I only remember this because my second grade teacher was taking Martha to her doctors appointments.

I remember asking my dad to take me up to Martha's to get some popcorn. At the time I just wanted to see what the hype was about. I wasn't impressed. It was popcorn. Couldn't I just make this at home by throwing some Orville Redenbacher in the microwave? The atmosphere and charm were lost on me. I was 9 so forgive me. Fast forward about 17 years.

Last summer Ayron, TJ, and I began biking up town at least 2 evenings a week (they are open Wednesday through Saturday) to get some popcorn. The stand is now ran by Jack and Ruth Randinelli (with help from their daughter, Kim. Kim was Ayron's band teacher in high school). They are the perfect grandparent type. They know EVERYONE and don't forget them from one season to the next either. On a nice evening you can find Ruth in the stand making her carmel corn or pouring freshly melted butter over a brown sack of popcorn. Jack can usually be found sitting outside on the bench reading a book or discussing classic cars with my husband. TJ will often ask to go visit Jack and to eat some popcorn. He loves being able to sit at the picnic table with his own bag of popcorn and bottle of water. Last summer he could often be found talking with Vince (friend of the owners) about the finer things in a then 2 year old's life.

Five days ago, we restarted the Martha's tradition with our children. While I am sure Isabella wasn't too impressed with the outting, TJ was thrilled. As soon as he heard me told Ayron that Jack and Ruth would be up town he began to beg to head up to Martha's. If you are in Auburn on a lovely summer evening, I encourage you to go buy a bag of popcorn and just sit. Watch the customers that come to the stand and how Jack, Ruth, and Kim personally greet each customer. I would much rather walk up town instead of turning on the microwave! The first time we let him have his own bottle of water. I was sick of his backwash in my bottle! (2010)Chilling at the picnic table with his own stash of popcorn. (2010)

Relaxing on the bench outside. (2010)

First trip to the stand for 2011. I can't believe how different TJ looks from the pictures from last summer. The stand isn't any wider than it looks in this picture, and it doesn't need to be any bigger! It has been open for years and will hopefully be open for many more!

Moody Monday

I am a bit moody today, and while I have valid reasons to be, I decided to cheer myself up by looking at pictures of the kiddos. Here are some more random pics from the recent happenings in our life that make me smile!

He is such a little ham!

Easter morning...not sure what he is trying to "Ta Da"...maybe the fact that the hallway walls need repainted?

I love how he is pointing at Isabella. The looks on his face just says, "She's crying, shut her up!Apparently Easter egg hunts are easier if you are pantless, wearing your grandmother's rubber boots, and watching Curious George. All set for library graduation. He was happy that I let him stand on the bench!She isn't really a big fan of the dog yet....and he isn't a big fan of her colicky screaming fits either!

Driving the "Gator" at the Froggy Family Kite Fly event. Look at the excitement on his face!

Learning how to skate outside. He had skated inside the house, and did just fine, but he is still a bit cautious outside. We are trying to encourage him to be physically active and develop a love of all sports. He recently got a soccer goal, his skates, and now a 12" kids bike. The bike throws him for a loop. On his old tricycle he could pedal backwards and the bike still rolled. With the new bike, he pedals backwards and the brakes stop the bike from moving!

Isabella Dawn Reeves

I have decided to relive Ella's birth and post some pics. I can't believe she is almost 7 weeks old already. Everyone has been telling me how much she has changed, but I wasn't see it. Now that I have looked back through the pictures, I see it! We were fortunate enough to have Stephani take professional pictures during the labor and delivery. She took a TON of pictures, so it is hard to choose just a handful, but I think I have picked my favorites to share!

I was admitted to the hospital on March 26 (Taylor's birthday) and started taking meds right away. I opted for a pill instead of the pitosin because I didn't want to be tied to an IV all night. We had our friend, and Ella's Godmother, Dawn, join us during the whole process. It was a good learning experience for her...she is pregnant with twins and due in October.

That night we struggled to fall asleep. It was the oddest "3 some" that room had ever seen. I was in the hospital bed, Dawn claimed the couch and they brought in a cot for Ayron. In order to have me sleep they gave me Ambien. I had never had Ambien before and now I understand why you are not supposed to take it and then operate heavy machinery! That stuff can mess you up! I was still having troubles falling asleep so our nurse came in (Jessica H. is THE best...so is Heather H.) and tucked us all in. She even let us listen to the heartbeats in Dawn's stomach!

After laboring thru the afternoon of the 27th, Ella was born at 5:57pm. I am sooo thankful that Dawn was there for the birth. She was awesome at whispering "sweet nothings" in my ear during the intense pain. I used the birthing stool (I tried finding a picture of one similar to what I used, but I can't. Imagine a purple glittery toilet bowl with the front half cut out) and Ayron actually delivered Ella. I remember the mid wife (God Bless Stephanie VanderHorst!!!) telling me to look into Ayron's eyes....the look of panic in his eyes was not helpful! Come to find out, she had just told Ayron, "I will do all the medical stuff, you just worry about not dropping the baby." I guess that explains the look of panic in his eyes! We learned that Ella had actually managed to tie a good sized knot in her umbilical cord. We aren't sure how long it was there, and am actually happy we didn't know. I didn't effect her development and we had a normal birth, so it was one of those moments where we blissfully ignorant. In the end, it was all worth it. Here are some of my favorite pictures!

Look at how concerned Ayron was! I think he was watching the monitor and the heart rate.

Proof that I did lean, both physically and emotionally, on Dawn. I am on the stool and she is sitting behind me so I had something to lean on. I didn't smoosh her babies either...too badly.Ayron delivered his daughter. It was the coolest thing! I wish he could have done it with TJ, but TJ's delivery was a bit more complicated, ok, A LOT more complicated!Ella's jump rope, er I mean umbilical cord! We have no clue how long she had it in a knot, but it didn't affect anything! She looks EXACTLY like TJ (right after he was born) in this shotAll cleaned up and ready to meet the family. Look at that cleavage!TJ ran in and immediately jumped on my stomach! When he left the room he proudly threw his fists in the air and yelled, "WE DID IT!"Can't tell I planned his outfit for the day can you?! Aunt Natty got him this shirt when she found out we were expecting.If I had to put the photos in order of my favorites, this one would be #1!!!This one ranks #2. The Reeves with their 4th grand daughter...that's a lot of wedding dresses for Grandpa to buy!

She still prefers to be held by grandpa over grandma. Always has and probably always will. I think she likes the deep sound of male voices....that could be a problem once she's older!I LOVE this shot too. They were chatting in the hallway while I was feeding Ella.

Paddle Boat For Sale

My father in law is looking to sell his Leisure Life Sun Lounger paddle boat. It is a 5 person paddle boat with 800lb limit. I am going to hopefully get a picture of it tonight. Since they moved out of the house that had a pond, they no longer need the boat, nor want to store it. If you are interested, contact me!

My Talented Family

So apparently, my family has decided to make some youtube cameos and videos. Here are some of my favs!

This is my cousin Chris. He wrote this piece for his senior project.
http://youtu.be/pr1Eg5LEoF4

The CIA agent is my now adult (really makes me feel old to admit he is 18) cousin, Aaron. He was helping out a friend. Aaron's brother, Ben, makes an appearance during the soft pellet gun scene.
http://youtu.be/7UD308W1LYA

Why Can't I Let Go?

So this weeks marks a huge change in our lives. Ayron and I are both back to work and have two children. Ayron's work schedule is a bit odd, but it's a job and he loves it. I got used to getting all the chores done before 9am when I was on maternity leave and it is make me neurotic that I can't do that now that I am back at work. I like having a clean house, even though I know no one expects me to, especially since I have two kids, a husband, and a dog.

Ayron does chores when he is home, but I come home and pick his efforts apart. Why do I do that? Why can't I just be happy that he did the laundry? I found myself getting upset because he waited until yesterday afternoon to do laundry. I was upset because I would have done it in the morning. WHO CARES?! I should have just been happy he did the laundry! I freaked out because the end of the counter had a pile of disorganized paper. Looking back now, I wonder, "Why the heck did I flip out?"

So how do I learn to let go of this....I don't even know what to call it...control? Why do I feel the need to be superwoman and have a spotless house, no dirty laundry, spotless kids, and dinner on the table? Who am I trying to impress? I wasn't this way before, but suddenly I am. It's aggravating because I know it grates on Ayron's nerves. I think I am super uptight this week because this is the first week we are both back at work and the kids are at my mom's/babysitter and I want to prove to myself I can do the whole "working mom" role. I know if I can't find a way to relax I will burn out, and fast. If I burnout, I will be of no use to anyone.

I'm Baaaaaacck!

So I am officially back to work today. It's been a crazy past 3 months (was only off of work for 6 weeks). We have had 2 deaths, one birth, two major car issues, a niece hospitalized, a new job, schooling completed, terminal cancer diagnosis (family member), jaundice, the flu, hip issues, etc.

While I am happy to be back at work, I am a bit overwhelmed. I got here super early and just walked around trying to get back into the teacher/case manager/life manager frame of mind. It is amazing how much can change in 6 weeks. The little things got me. All of the bulletin boards are different (good thing) yet the room looks the same. The board in my office is plastered with information and I can't even decide where to begin so I just sit, staring at it. It's like information overload. I don't even know some of these students! Heck, I have two kids in court today, and the one kid I have never met and have no clue why he is in court!

But alas, I am back, and happy to be wearing actual clothes and away from diaper changing for awhile.