Licking the Bowl & Elmo

I hadn't make brownies in a while so I decided to make some the other night. Usually Peter licks the bowl, but looks like Isabella beat him to it. Actually, he was at work and I just figured she'd enjoy it. I was right! She actually stuck her whole head in the bowl to try and lick it. She went straight in the tub after this messy dessert!

Today was Brock's 1st birthday party. Shannon had an Elmo birthday part for him. It was so cute. She even had a fish bowl on the table for the kids to look at. Except Isabella had never seen a goldfish in a tank so close to her with no lid! She tried really heard to get both hands in the fish bowl. We quickly moved to the floor instead or that fish would of had a short life. Here are some pics from the day.

Living Above the Line

Well, today marks my official last day off for the summer. Tomorrow I head back to MCE and get ready for a new school year. I went to an inservice today entitled "Quantum Learning". It was all about how to understand our brain and how children learn best based on brain research. I guess I have to admit I wasn't thrilled to be at an inservice on my last day of summer vacation, however, as the morning went on until lunch I realized there was more here than just learning about the brain. I sat and listened to this woman talk about living "above" the line. She took some time talking about this and how we as adults can use them in our own personal life as well as the classroom. Above the line meant joy, power, and freedom. Below the line was denial, justifying inappropriate actions, and having a don't care attitude. The line itself represented "choice". We choose how to respond to life, either with a bad attitude, or a realization that even if we don't like the situation we're in, this was it, and we are to make the very most of every opportunity, even if we don't agree or like it. Or even if it is hard. We accept it, we choose to have a good attitude, we choose to not go around and talk negative to others or about others. I could literally feel my heart beating and an anxious feeling come over me. I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to me. I began to realize this whole Quantum Learning idea was Jesus. He is our example of how to live "above" the line. I turned to my friend and co-worker and said this is all about HIM, without the speaker actually saying it because we're in a public school system. There was much more to this inservice than what I've just shared and I am so very glad I went to it. I know I will be blessed this year because the Lord has gone before me and prepared my way for a great year. Regardless of how difficult it may be at times, I have to take ownership of my attitude and my actions and not blame it on anyone or anything else. And most of all I have to make sure I resemble living "above" the line for my students and my family as Jesus did for us.

Be Aware!

Last year I was leaving K-mart parking lot and this man urged me to listen to his sob story. It went like this: "I'm so sorry, but I cannot get a hold of my wife on my cell phone and I am completely out of gas. I've never done this before and I am so embarrassed. Would you please give me a couple of dollars so I can make it home? I am really sorry, I can't believe this. I am so very embarrassed to ask you for money." He acted really sad, so I think I had a dollar or two on me and I gave them to him. Well, quite coincidentally, I had the very same guy do the exact same to me today at Target in Rivergate! (This is a year later!) He was driving a different car (blue or gray mini van) and he gave the exact same spill! I just looked at him and said "Have you ever done this before because that is the exact same story I heard not too long ago!?" When I quickly pulled off I realized it was the exact same guy! He has dark brown hair, dark complected, white guy who looks slim. I got home and called Target security and they said he probably goes around to different parking lots and that's how he makes his living. Just be on the lookout for this guy or anyone else that has a story like this. Security said he will more than likely only target young females. So, be on the lookout, please!

Children's Consignment Sale

For anyone that may be interested or just likes to check out consignment sales, my friend Alison's sister, Brea, owns the Encores and More North Children's Consignment coming next weekend. It will be located in Rivergate this time. I went to the spring sale this past year in Hendersonville and it was extremely huge! If you're a new mom, child under 18 mo., you can go to the pre-sale next Friday night at 8:00pm. Leshia and I will be meeting up there if anyone else wants to meet us. For more info., go to Encores and More North website.

I didn't do it!

Isabella has found a new toy to play with, the toilet and toilet paper. She loves to unroll it, tear it, and eat it. I caught her in the act this morning and got some on video. She cracks me up with her head shaking. I guess she's heard the word no quite a bit lately. :)

Here's a few pictures we took of her this afternoon. She loves books, bubbles (see last picture closely), food (especially pasta!) and her pink phone. What a girlie girl!

Cheerio Mess!

Look familiar Anna? As soon as I turned around and saw this scene I immediately remembered Sadie with the Doritos. :) Ithought I'd give her the box of cheerios to take a few o's in and out of the box, but she had another idea. Poured them all over the floor. It's a little crazy making dinner these days. If she's not on my hip she's right under my feet. I've found I can do just about anything one handed. Do the laundry, vacuum, take dishes out of dishwasher, make the bed, and the list could go on and on. Maybe I just need to do that all the time, or risk a cheerio mess like this one...................

1 year pictures

Isabella had her 1 year pictures taken today. She did so good! This picture session was the only one where she was fully rested and ready to go! It was still pretty tough getting her to smile though. We tried to make silly noises, clap, and shake things to get her to smile, but she just looked at us like we were crazy. This first picture was taken with Tessa too. It was the only we got of the two girls together. Tessa wanted to play with the legos in the waiting area instead of getting her picture taken. But that's ok, we'll try again next time. After the photo session we went to eat at Red Robbins with Gigi, Aunt Benda, and cousin Tessa. It's our monthly outing with the girls. They love it there.

Isabella and her Gigi.

This was at Red Robbin. Their expressions are exactly the same. Too cute.