Halloween

Well it is the baby "D"'s first Halloween and I must say she looked awfully cute. I will upload a picture on Monday. Although the whole costume didn't last long, she was cute none the less. She really liked it when people came to the door. She would just smile from ear to ear.
Only the oldest boy came this weekend and as we speak he is down stairs with his girlfriend, who I have to take home in 15 minutes. It really is different having a baby and a 15 year old in the house at the same time!!!! I worry about the baby and then I REALLY worry about him. But I know that is is respectful and responsible and that is all that matters. I think that his dad and I have built an open relationship with him and hopefully that will help carry us through these awkward teenage years. I just can't imagine going through this with a girl. As my mom has said several times, she can hardly wait until the baby is a teenager because what comes around goes around!!

WOW.......

It has been a couple of days since I last posted a comment because things at work have been crazy. Unfortunately, we had to relieve a teacher of her duties and I am now back in the classroom in the mornings. I was really nervous at first and now I now I like to say, "I still have it!"

As for the family, baby "D" has officially learned to crawl on her hands and knees. It is so fun to watch her. Now of course, she gets around a little quicker than before. We are also excited for the first Halloween. She is going to be a duck. In the above picture you can see that she is wearing some Halloween clothes from her Grandma D. The boys are also coming this weekend so I am sure Halloween will be filled with all kinds of excitement!!!

Birth Mark

I took the baby to the dermatologist yesterday to have the birthmark on her leg checked out. The mark runs from her butt to her foot. The doctor said it was a vascular birthmark and close to the surface and that is why it changes colors. She is sending us to a specialist to works with children and vascular birth marks. Then the options will probably be laser treatment. I am scare and nervous for my daughter and at the same time so grateful that we went to see someone. Now, we will just pray that it isn't that serious or won't be serious as she grows up!

It happened already......

I went to pick up "D" from the babysitter last night and she cried when I was getting her ready to go home. My heart was broken. I knew this would happen. Actually, I was hoping that it would happen because then I would know that she loves daycare. I just didn't realize that it would happen at such a young age. On the flip side, I love our daycare provider and now I know that she does too.

Outside

Yesterday the weather was a little chilly so we bundled up before we went outside. "D" loves being outside. It is amazing to watch her in her walker. She zooms all over the driveway. She also enjoys chasing our dog around the driveway. The dog on the other hand, I think would rather be left alone!

Classroom Managment

As the Dean of Students, I have the wonderful opportunity to share information regarding classroom managment techniques with our new teachers. Chris Biffle and his crew are the best. I will put the link on the blog. The techniques he teaches are useful in any classroom from Kindergarten through college.

Fell Down The Steps

Being a teacher in Minnesota definitely has it's advantages! We had 2 days off this past week and it was awesome. Since my parents live in South Dakota, we decided to go for a visit. Baby "D" went down for a nap and I went upstairs to find a fan. She loves the "white noise"! As I was walking back down the wood stairs, in my trouser socks, I slipped. My feet went completely out from underneath me and I landed on the edge of one of the stairs. It was a loud boom and all I could think about was the fact that I hoped I didn't wake up the baby because I couldn't move. Then needless to say, I turned around and saw that I broke the step. I couldn't believe that I had just broke the wood step. I got up and immediately was sore. My dad gave me some ibuprofen and an ice pack. The next morning I was black and blue and today, I am black, blue, green , and yellow. I am so thankful that I wasn't holding the baby! Other than this event, being home was very relaxing and I sure wish we lived closer. Maybe some day!

Influenza shots

I just took my daughter for her "booster" influenza shot. The clinic I normally go to is out of shots but I found one that had a couple of baby doses left. WHEW! At least she is vaccinated for the flu that is supposed to arrive in December-January. I am starting to wonder if the H1N1 vaccines are ever going to arrive. There are more and more kids sick at school. It seems like the H1N1 flu will have spread before the vaccine ever has the chance of being administered.

You know my daughter is so tough, that she didn't even cry. She gets to spend two days a week with her dad instead of going to daycare, so he was off to eat lunch with her and hang out. It is so awesome that "D" can be with her dad instead of daycare. Don't get me wrong, we love our daycare provider and "D" loves her too. It is just really nice to be able to have a parent with her for part of the time!

FAMILY

Here are my boys. They are all very handsome. As you can see they LOVE the Vikings.
They each have their own little quirks that makes them each unique and loveable.
Sometimes, when I think about my family I have to remind myself to thank GOD for all of my blessings. Even though these four may drive me nuts, I love them all and can't imagine my life without them.