Book of Boyd

Thanksgiving

2012-01-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

No, you didn't read that wrong, and yes, I do realize that today is the Chinese New Year and NOT Thanksgiving!!! I just was not a very good blogger this fall and never posted these pictures. So here you go, here are pictures of Killian and his class at their Thanksgiving Celebration. If I can get Chad to put the video on YouTube I will post a link in the comments, it was REALLY cute!

Mrs. Williams 1st Graders

I realize he isn't looking at the camera, but this is his thinking face and I really, really love this picture!

Another great thing about first grade is that he was thankful for all sorts of great things, like maps, wheelchairs, his brother and a hearty breakfast.

Laundry Room I can live with

2012-01-18T07:05:00.000-08:00

The "Before" Shot

Our laundry room has always been one of the worst rooms in our house, it just seems to "catch" everything. It is right off the garage so things land their on their way into the house and when I need to clear a kitchen counter the dryer seems like a great place to "stack" things... So when part of the Declutter Calendar (thank you Pinterest) said to make a donation station I took that a step further and just organized this room. Now when I come in the house I feel SO much better.... Here is the warning, if you have a weak stomach, or dirty houses make your skin crawl, look away NOW! The first step was to literally take everything out (except the washer/dryer); sort it out and throw away garbage. The calendar recommended boxes like donation, gifts, deliver and library (their ideas came from The Red Chair Blog); I took those ideas and modified to my needs, using file boxes (on sale at Office Max) and printed signs using Word. I kept boxes for gifts and donations and added my own (see system pic below.) I have a box for Emma (the dog) for her food, toys, leashes, etc; one for Scrapbooking to hold pictures, cards or memorabilia to add to scrapbooks later; one for File to help keep my kitchen more clean by holding check stubs, paid bills or documents that go in our file cabinet upstairs (but never seem to get there); one for Donate that is pretty simple, things to go to Goodwill; one for Killian and one for Cohen, which will hold their art they bring home, projects or things that I want to save to embarrass them with later in life:); one for Gifts, right now it has a couple cards in it and my mother-in-law's birthday gift we will give her on Sunday; and finally one that says Return which will be for library, borrowed things, rentals, etc. The final step was to put everything back in the laundry room and I added a basket for the shoes to collect in so we don't trip as we come in the house! A big THANK YOU to Amy at Red Chair for giving me the motivation and idea to run with.

The Supplies

"The System"

The "After" Shot

1st Grade Winter Program

2012-01-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

I have been working away at uploading, editing, labeling pictures.. so here are some from early December. Killian had his 1st grade music program at NCHS on December 5th, here are some pictures from that night!

Killian & Jackson

Killian and Mr. Myers

My handsome 1st grader!

Free Calendar Download

2011-12-02T12:26:00.000-08:00

Totally stealing this thought from my friend Elisabeth, but hey, that is the best flattery right?

Head on over and you can download (either premade or pick your own pictures!) Click here!

Meeting Fallon

2011-12-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

We have been eagerly anticipating meeting a new friend... and here you go...

Introducing "Fallon Harper Weaver" our newest little friend:)

Congrats to the entire Weaver Family on welcoming this little blessing into their family!

Halloween

2011-11-18T10:12:00.000-08:00

Weaver & Boyd Kids (our traditional picture on the porch!)

Yes, I know it is almost Thanksgiving, things have been busy alright, give me a break!!! Here are some CUTE pictures of my kiddos from Halloween (and my mom, you will love her costume:))

Cohen Claus

Killian Jones

NyNy & CoCo (someone forgot to tell them it is Halloween, NOT Christmas)

Rader's Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

I think this has already been a month ago, but let's face it, that is faster then some of the posts I STILL have to post from this summer:)

Each fall we try to go to a pumpkin patch with the kiddos, we are very fortunate that the Rader Family has really embraced their calling to open up their farm/home as a pumpkin patch and fun outing for families. Some of the highlights from this year include feeding the goats, burying each other in corn, jumping in the hay AND beating the McClure Family by almost 30 minutes in the corn maze (let's just say Killian is like me in some ways;). Here are a few pictures from our day!!!!

Halloween Celebrations

2011-11-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Both boys definitely did a lot of celebrating for Halloween, including parties at school and at Annie's (Cohen's daycare.) I will get pictures up of them in their costumes before trick or treating soon, but here is a picture Killian's teacher sent us of their class party!!!

Carving pumpkins

2011-10-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

This year's pumpkin carving took special meaning, this year Killian planted a pumpkin seed in our backyard, watch the vine grow, picked the pumpkin with Chad and then carved it tonight. It was a very large pumpkin and with some creative carving sits flat and looks like a giant pumpkin:) Cohen was SUPER excited to carve the pumpkins and very patient during the set up and cleaning out the pumpkin "guts" but not so thrilled (like his momma) to stick his hand inside the pumpkin.

This year we made it an event once again by inviting our friends John and Heather over to have dinner and join in the festivities. John brought a big supply of his scary masks and Cohen wasn't such a fan of the masks, but loved having new people to play with and the candy that Heather brought for him!

Here is the showcase of our work:

Spooky Lunch....

2011-10-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

Today we were invited to a spooky lunch at Shepard Park by our friends the Stephens Family:) Jessica went to high school with Chad and I and now we live in the same neighborhood as her family. Her kids are the same age as ours, so it makes for fun get togethers and lots of cross over in our activities, you can find Jessica HERE.
I just had to share though the spooky snack that I took, a spider web dip (aka layered tacto dip.) What did we do before Google????

Hauntcert 2011

2011-10-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight both Normal Community High School and Normal West will present their annual Hauntcert. Every year the high school orchestras put together a family friendly pops concert (with a theme) and promote it throughout the schools and community. This year's theme is animals, so all the music is somehow linked to animals, for example "Baby Elephant Walk," or the "Chicken Dance." Both schools start their concert at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and in turn can sign up to win prizes:) Check out the flyer HERE!

My Tiger Scout

2011-10-23T19:04:00.001-07:00

Couldn't resist sharing this with all my blogger friends... how cute is my little boy scout????

Family Gatherings

2011-10-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know my mom is from a big family (I mean REALLY big!) If all her siblings were alive she would have been one of 10, she is the youngest girl (at the spritely age of 68) and the second to youngest of them all. Every year we have a casual get together at my Uncle Kenney's house, although we are all spread all over a good chunk still try to come to this little event. We have even have a chili cookoff (with prize money) and a 50/50 raffle..... The family that gambles together stays together right? Anyway, here is a picture of just the people who came to the cookout. Keep in mind I am the youngest of the first cousins, so everyone younger than me is a 2nd cousin. Also our family is the smallest with only 3 children if that helps you figure out how large we are!!!

Fundraiser

2011-10-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight is my first official fundraiser for Evans Jr. High School Orchestras. If you are in the Bloomington-Normal area click on this link, print the flyer and head on out to Monical's tonight for dinner. Hey, if nothing else it is a good excuse to not cook right?

http://www.monicalspizza.com/assets/eventdocument/EJHSOrchestra101811.pdf

New School; First Concert

2011-10-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

Just an FYI (in case you care) my new school George L. Evans Jr. High School will have its first EVER concert on Tuesday night, October 11th, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the gym. The concert will feature Evans 7th & 8th grade musicians (band, orchestra and choir.) The grand finale will be the premiere of the school song (written by my colleague Josh Masterman, lyrics by none other than ME!) There will be a light reception following the concert in the cafeteria.

New "toy"

2011-09-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

So for those of you who didn't hear Chad and I had really had it with Sprint and made the jump to switch cell phone providers, for only a few more dollars a month we were able to COMPLETELY increase our package and going from dumb old phones to shiny new smart phones. Well, only 2 weeks after getting our lovely new droids Chad decided to take a swim with his at Fairview Pool (nice huh?) Thank God for insurance so for a deductible (totally not free) we were able to replace it (but still cheaper than buying a new phone.) Anyway, Chad's new toy takes some GREAT pictures with fun views, exposures, etc. Here is a cute one of the boys on the playground!

9/11 Memorial

2011-09-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

I shared this with my students today in class, it is an audio recording of YoYo Ma playing the Bach Sarabande from the 1st suite. The visual is of Obama at the memorial now set up at ground zero. If you close your eyes and listen you can hear the water from the memorial. I just found this very moving.
911 Memorial

My 1st Grader

2011-09-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

Thought I better get this up for you all before he is in 2nd grade! Here is our big kid, 1st grade. The year is starting out great for him, he has Mrs. Williams as his teacher. You can check out their class blog over here at http://www.mrswilliamsfirstgradeclass.blogspot.com/ We feel very lucky that Killian continues to REALLY enjoy school and looks forward to it every day. So far the highlights have been an increased desire and skill set with reading and two perfect score spelling tests!

What a week....

2011-08-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

Or two or three or month or two months..... Sorry I have been a deadbeat blogger. Life has been hard, very hard, frustrating, exhausting, overwhelming......I have not been myself, I am sorry that I haven't shared any antics lately. Will you forgive me?

Backwards blog?

2011-07-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

What do you think? Should I backwards blog??? This summer has been WAY stressful and WAY TO busy... I HOPE that the feeling of stress and exhaustion is over. So... here are couple pics of my little cuties after the Sugar Creek Arts Fest:)

Baseball Summer 2011

2011-06-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Well, if you follow the antics of our family on here or on Facebook you know that we have had some interesting expereiences with Killian and T-ball; so we were beginning to worry about this summer, as we moved on to coach pitch baseball. Today was Killian's first "game" as a BlueJay and he did GREAT!!!! We were so proud of him, he tried, he focused (well as much as a 6 year old can with so much going on) and he actually had fun!!!! Here are some cute shots from the day:)

Too cold...

2011-06-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe I am going to say this, but it is TOO COLD for a pool party tonight!!! Very glad (don't tell my students) that it is cancelled, I would have been the orchestra teacher in a hoodie at the pool:)
Instead I am going to eat some delicous kabobs (garlic pepper skewered pork and veggies), watch the Tony's AND price stuff for my garage sale.

Kalicocrafts

2011-06-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone, I know some of my blog readers (well the like 2 of you who actually read this) love giveaways as much as I do...... My friend Courtney over @ Kalicocrafts is having a giveaway. Hurry on over there and leave her some feedback for a chance to win!!!! Don't forget to tell her I sent you:)
If you want to check out some things she has done for me look here http://bookofboyd.blogspot.com/2010/06/thanks-court.html and stay tuned to see pictures of Cohen's super cute "Super 3" shirt he will be sporting for his birthday thanks ot Courtney!!!

Relieved...

2011-06-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

I am slightly relieved and happy to say that Unit 5 has now hired my replacement for Parkside Jr. High Orchestras... they hired a former student, Jon Daly. He is out of the country right now but as soon as he gets back I will be able to turn things over to him and focus on my NEW job at Evans Jr. High School.
I am also relieved and excited to find out that I have been named Music Building Chair for Evans Jr. High. I will head the department there next year! I am excited about that!!!!

Normal/Normal West 15 Year Reunion

2011-05-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the 2nd one.... Remember two events, two RSVP's, two payments!!!

Normal/Normal West 15 Year Reunion

Normal/Normal West Class of 1996 Reunion

2011-05-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't get an evite yet, please check out the invite page for our upcoming reunion. We have two different events, you must RSVP and pay for both separately!!!
Normal/Normal West Class of 1996 Reunion

Dear Cinco de Mayo 2011

2011-05-05T11:05:00.001-07:00

I do not like you, I should have stayed in bed... Go away now. Please and Thank You!
~Kimberly

Nice Quote

2011-05-03T08:31:00.001-07:00

“What you will do matters. All you need to do is do it.”

― Judy Grahn

Thanks....

2011-05-02T07:38:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all my friends and family who at Monical's for the PJHS Orchestra fundraiser last month. Our orchestra program profited $121 off of that event!!!!

Killian & The Sonshiners!

2011-05-01T14:55:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

This slideshow is from Killian's rehearsal and performance today at church... I hope to have a video of it up later!!!!

Grandparents Day

2011-05-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

I of course am a ~~little~~ very behind on blogging. Here a couple pictures from Grandparents Day at Killian's School, Grove Elementary. Killian has had a great year so far and is beginning to count down days until the end of the year with the alphabet, I can't believe that my little man is almost in first grade. Tomorrow for "C" day they will "Check out first grade" this year has gone SO fast!!!! Chad and I feel very fortunate that we live near our families and both of our mom's aka NyNy and MawMaw were able to attend grandparents day with Killian.

NyNy & Killian

Killian & MawMaw

Winning....

2011-04-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

No this is not another post about a certain crazy person who proclaims he is "winning" all the time.... Instead I heard something today that just struck me. Most of the time I drive around with either the radio off or low, but occasionally I will listen to music or podcasts (that Chad listened to and got me addicted to and now doesn't even listen to) like "The Parent Experiment" with Lynette Carolla (Adam Carolla's wife.) Today I was catching up on old one's and heard this episode with poker player Annie Duke. The thing that struck me was something I really needed today (it has been a rough work week) she says "Sometimes it is not about winning, if everyone wanted to win all the time people wouldn't be teachers and work so hard for crap pay." Boy did she hit that nail on the head.... Anyway, it wasn't really about teaching, it was about parenting and teaching our children about decision making. She was Celebrity Apprentice and was talking about choosing to recommend Melissa Rivers to be fired instead of Brandy who was a much stronger competitor. Her point was that her quality of life was better with Brandy on her team then it was with Melissa, even though it would have been MUCH easier for her to "beat" Melissa to "win." Sometimes we make choices because they are important to us personally and make our life better, not because they make us rich or are better for other people.

New Job...

2011-04-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Now that all of my students and co-workers know the news I guess it is fair to share it with the rest of the world. Next year I will be an Evans Eagle. I will be teaching orchestra at Unit 5's newest school, George L. Evans Jr. High School. You can check out the link to see the construction photos or click here to see a slide show of the orchestra "space" that I saw on the community tour in March. The facility is AMAZING, I am sure I will post more pictures when I "move in" but you will get the idea. My schedule will still be the same (as far as I know) with elementary schools in the morning and then all afternoon at the junior high school teaching 6-8th grade orchestra. It is going to be a challenge, but I think it might be the push I need to get refreshed and re-motivated.... More info to come, but it seems like the staff is fun and innovative and I will already know some of the students since they are my current students this year.

Well...

2011-04-19T11:13:00.001-07:00

Have you missed me? I am completely and totally exhuasted... Mentally and physically, I haven't been sleeping well, feeling well or functioning well (just ask Chad, he will atest to it.) I need a break, I need to be locked in a room given something to make me NOT think, a cozy blanket and need to sleep. I am sorry I have been absent. Lots has happened, I am so behind on here I still haven't posted from my trip to Oklahoma!!!
So, sorry.... I will try to catch you up on things soon, promise!

Flaunt It...

2011-04-08T12:05:00.001-07:00

I just posted... did you?

FREE... Yep... FREE

2011-04-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

Free 8x10 Canvas from the Canvas People, Check it out HERE! I will show you mine as soon as it arrives.... All you have to pay is shipping and handling:)

A lil' bit of Easter

2011-04-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have recently found some great new blogs, including eighteen25 which had a free download for Easter art last week, that paired with a dollar store picture frame, a little paint (leftover from something else,) a glass container (that had been hiding out under my sink,) and plastic eggs from last year and TADA:

Cute Giveway

2011-04-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

Check out this super cute giveway over at She's {kinda} Crafty wouldn't these be great to add to giveaways in my classroom or for my own kiddos!!!!
I still have to post some of my little Easter creations... boy if I only had more time I could really get into this decorating stuff:)

Tupperware Party!

2011-04-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

My niece Amber Tuttle is a Tupperware Consultant, I am teaming up with her to have a Tupperware Book Party! Click on the link to see the products they offer (I highly recommend their pantry items too, they are delicious!!!) If you have any questions feel free to email or call me... Don't forget these could make great Mother's Day presents too!!!!

YEAH... I'm Winning:)

2011-03-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

And no.. this is NOT a referral to some dorkus celebrity (although Chad has been extra fun going around "winning... I'm winning..."

I am SO excited that I won a prize on my friend Annalea's blog!!!!

She was throwing herself a little blog birthday party (doesn't this totally sound like something I would do?) and giving away presents. I was lucky enough to win one of her hand made crafts. Check out her blog, she is super fun and crafty, and a great momma... I know there is something on there you will love. And... if you are jealous of my prize you can buy yourself one for your next birthday on her Etsy shop!

Easter Time

2011-03-29T19:04:00.001-07:00

I put out my first Easter decorations today.. woohoo... I am excited to read on all my blogs on how they celebrate and the crafts they make for their homes and for gifts! One great blog, Kiki Creates is really partying it up for Easter, check her out!

Reverberation Vinyl

2011-03-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

As I type this my dear friends John and Heather are on the verge of opening a new business here in Bloomington. Heather has been one of my most dear friends ever since junior high (proof positive of the "selling speech" I give my students on how the friends they meet in orchestra are the friends they will have for life!) I guess you can say John just inherited me or I him, either way Heather has been in my life for *cough* at least 20 years... YIKES! We have literally been through so much together it is crazy... I know everyone has friends like this, but I feel very fortunate to have a friend that has been so loyal for so long.... I am writing this blog post to feature John, who is braver than most people I know. When his former employer decided to restructure their programs and employees John took a giant leap of faith a decided to be a house husband and figure out his business plan. John has been "collecting" albums for years and really is quite the music connoisseur... he has now taken this hobby and made it into a business. He started out online (which he will continue) but after building a little nest egg and having some connections on a location he is opening a real life store front in Bloomington. Here is the logo for Reverberation Vinyl

So now here is my plea... go for a visit, if you are local, please stop in, John plans to be open TOMORROW, and will be open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The address is 1302 N. Main Bloomington, it is near IWU and Mugsy's if you are a landmark kind of person. They are planning a big "party" for a grand opening a little later but would love some foot traffic to get things rolling. The link above is to their facebook page and you can also follow them on Twitter. If you have collections to sell John might be interested in those too.... Stop in, check it out and spread the word.
And John if you are reading this, Congrats Man!!! I can't wait to come see your finished place!!! ~Luv ya

Playroom Complete....

2011-03-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

Very excited to say that now the playroom is COMPLETE! The toys have relocated to the basement and the momma is already feelin' at ease with the amount of space in the front room. It is a cozy, crazy boy space downstairs and I am VERY happy with it!!! Thanks to everyone who helped out, especially my brother, Larry. I definitely owe him dinner for building a wall, hanging a light fixture and adding trim to the basement.

A baby gate and a curtain (thanks Amber) block off the "not used" side of the basement.

See even the grill is happy to be in the basement!

Reusing old furniture YEAH!

Spring Break....

2011-03-20T14:24:00.001-07:00

We are VERY glad to be on spring break, this mama definitely needed a mental break and the daddy in this family needed to spend some quality family time.... Pics from our visit with the Kalley family coming soon!

Show n Tell

2011-03-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

There are definitely some perks to having family members in all different occupations! All year Killian has wanted to take his cousin Dece to school for show n tell. In the fall we just couldn't make it work with Dece's schedule and Killian was so sad; he took a potato head Dece instead. (It was very cute, I might have even blogged about it, I will have to look for that picture.) But today was FINALLY the day, he has been SO excited that he was even singing about it last night!

Here are some pictures from his day. Thanks Mrs. Kauten for sharing:)

Happy Pi Day

2011-03-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

To all my geeky friends Happy Pi Day! Hope to find some pie to celebrate with tonight!!!

New School

2011-03-14T11:31:00.001-07:00

Here is a slide show of pictures from the community tour at Evans Jr. High School, the newest school in Unit 5. It is located on Rt. 150 and will have house students in grades 6-8; the entire facility is gorgeous!!!

Baby Skinner's Shower

2011-03-12T19:12:00.000-08:00

Cakes by Missy Baker!

Well, after what seems like months of preparation today was Ruthie's shower. We had the shower at our church in the garden room, it is such a nice space with great windows and all the right furniture. It was a bit tight with over 40 people in attendance, but was perfect for this event.
For the shower we had a nice buffet of food to start off the day, here are some pictures for you!

While we ate and after we did a few activities, one was to have guests address thank you card envelopes, another to write advice to Ruthie and Chad (so when they have a bad day they remember why on earth they did this, meaning have a baby!,) and then a game like activity with Easter eggs (baby skinner is due 1 day before Easter.) The Egg activity was this; come up with questions for the guests to answer about guest of honor, cut them into strips, put them inside plastic eggs (thank you to my Chad for filling the eggs.) Then put them in a basket, pass basket around and each guest takes an egg, they introduce themselves and then answer the question. I decided to take a different route with "prizes" and "favors." Instead of buying prizes for traditional games or giving each guest a favor a donation will be made to the Babyfold a local agency. Here is the card I put at each guest's seat instead of a favor.

It was a great shower, they received many great gifts, including LOTS of pink... I love pink... that was a really fun part. Instead of centerpieces and big fancy decorations I kept it homemade and inexpensive. Each table had a cake (made by my friend Missy Baker) one is pictured at the top of this post and here is another one!

A break is coming...

2011-03-09T11:29:00.000-08:00

Well, the past 48 hours have really just been completely crazy. On Monday night we had Unit Orchestra rehearsal and on Tuesday night we had Unit Orchestra Concert. This is a concert where we have the combined orchestras play (grades 5-8; it used to be 5-12 but we are TOO LARGE! good problem right?) With grades 5-8 from multiple schools we still had around 500 students perform a ratio of 100:1 for student:teacher. I can't complain the fact that we are growing is a great problem, but man am I tired after that! (Proud comes in a close 2nd:))
Tonight will continue with a busy schedule as I am performing tonight at church for our Ash Wednesday service. Wish me luck, it has been awhile since I have done a recital type performance.....

Progress 4

2011-03-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

Carpet/pad installed on stairs, landing and room
paint touched up (although this may be repeated)
trim (base and corners) purchased
baby gate purchased (needed extra wide)
tension rod for curtain purchased
curtain and lamps borrowed from Amber

Getting much closer to having a functional playroom in our basement, it is really looking awesome, the carpet is much softer then I anticipated. Now if I wasn't so busy this week I could finish this project up!

Less than a week...

2011-03-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

Less than a week until I host Baby Skinner's shower... the details are all coming together very nicely and I am excited for how it will look in our church's garden room next Saturday, the only thing that would make it better if if the grass were green and the flowers were blooming. Here is my latest "creation," I wanted to have a cake on every table (a way to avoid purchasing cake AND a centerpiece for each table,) so with that in mind I decided small simple cakes and cake stands were the way to go. Here is a beautiful crystal cake stand:

Retail $235.00

Although it is really gorgeous, this is NOT the option I went with, instead I went with this, Do It Yourself Priced $2 (plus tax.) I purchased a plate and bowl at the Dollar Tree ($1 each) and then glued them together and TA DA.... a just as cute, simple, elegant cake stand:)

side view

top view

Help a girl out...

2011-03-04T11:12:00.000-08:00

We all know that I am a bit blog obsessed these days (but hey, I have to escape somewhere or I would be a whole heck of a lot crazier.. and that would be BAD!) Anyway, long story short I found a new blog to follow called Kiki Creates; some fun stuff and LOTS of great links to other fun stuff and other fun blogs. Get the idea it is lots of FUN! Well, everyone is happy it is Friday and so she is having a giveaway, and if there is anything I love more than blogs it might be free stuff:) Check out her giveaway HERE and tell her I sent you then I will get more entries into the drawing, and I REALLY want these I love you because _________ prints for our bedrooms.

Quote

2011-03-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Day from Real Simple:
“What a difference it makes to come home to a child!”

― Margaret Fuller

So proud...

2011-03-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

Proud momma today, Killian came home with all sorts of cool things. First he had a certificate for participating in Young Authors. This is so special to me because participating in that program was one of my most clear memories from elementary school, I loved it. My mom recently brought in a couple of my entry books from when I was at Hudson, what a cool thing to share with the boys, thank goodness their NyNy is a pack rat:)

The next things he had came from Chess Club; he won these things and he asked me to take this picture so you know that he was excited!!! (and yes, he is in his pjs in this picture, this is NOT what he wore to school today!) I will be the first to admit that I was very hesitant when he came home from school talking about joining Chess Club, but then thought, hey I am a teacher, I know that kids who are involved are the good kids, the more a child is at school and involved in school activities the better it is. So off we went to the chess club meeting where they started explaining it to us, man that was intense!!! Well that was back in September and now here we are in March, Killian went to Chess every Thursday after school and really liked it and learned a lot, as a kindergartner you learn the basics, naming the pieces, setting up the board, how the pieces can/can't move, the rules, basic game concept and what to say during a game. (This is the lesson that made me smile the most, he told me it is appropriate to say "Good Job" "Nice Game" "Thank you.") So now, as a 6 year-old my child knows WAY more about chess than I do. He only participated in one tournament (which again I am totally fine with because did you know you have to pay to enter EVERY tournament!!!) he said it was about making friends and learning to play, oh and he realized that some of these other kids are like little chess wizards. In the end, he did win a few games, got a t-shirt, participated in his first school club and if you asked him the best part was that he had pizza today!

Painting done...

2011-03-03T19:58:00.000-08:00

Well, its blue..... not that you can tell from this... but still this is your update. Carpet gets installed tomorrow!!!

Circles

2011-03-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

Today I feel like I am totally going in circles, nothing is getting done, getting no where on time, making nobody happy... hmmmm.... insert quote here:
"Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness." Richard Carlson

Progress 3

2011-03-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

Primer Finished
One wall painted (Valspar - Blue Sail)
Carpet purchased (thank you state tax return)
Carpet install scheduled for Friday (funded by IHSA judging gig on Saturday)
Banner made.....
mommy, killian and cohen still REALLY excited.....

Stay tuned... it is still a work in progress:)

Shower Banner

2011-02-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peak at some decorations for Ruthie's Baby Shower:)

Free Paint!!!

2011-02-28T07:51:00.000-08:00

Want a free paint sample? I just ordered mine from the Vaspar website; follow this link to get your free sample AND a $5 coupon:) I just ordered the same exact color that I already bought for the boys play room (blue sail) but thought it would help for "touch-ups" since it is a PLAY room. I am not gonna turn down free paint... oh, if you don't get it today try back, I tried last week but was too late in the day, but today I hit the jackpot. YEAH ME!

Crafty... so there....

2011-02-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

Not the best picture to capture my happiness with this little project:)

So there all you haters... Just kidding... My blog obsession is really helping my house (and my shopping with the freebies and coupons.) Today I broke into my niece's house (well, is it really breaking in if you have a key?) while she was out shopping. I had her crafty heaven of a basement all to myself and got to work with the Cricut. The project above is my version of Annalea's Love Letter Banners hers are very inspirational and just make her house look like a home, so I thought I needed one:) This is hanging in my kitchen, I made it for me and two more for gifting (just using the three sheets of scrapbook paper and cutting the entire word out of each one then "trading" them to get a mix in each banner.) The yarn is from the clearance bin at Big Lots so the entire project cost less than fifty cents each... and isn't it soooo cute!!!!!
While I was there I also cut out letters for the boys new playroom that is being built and then letters/shapes for my friend Ruthie's baby shower that I am hosting on March 12th. Maybe you remember my post on making her invitations. Anyway, enough blogging, have to go kill my arms some more and finish priming the concrete walls in the basement. Til' next time ~

Progress 2

2011-02-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

Carpet is picked out
Carpet layer has been contacted
Drywall is sanded and ready to paint
Primer on 1 wall (decided this was the best idea on the foundation before painted)
Dust and gunk vacuumed up
Paint picked out and bought

This is so exciting, I just wish I had more energy right now so I could do more work!!!

A present for my husband....

2011-02-25T18:21:00.000-08:00

Don't be scared, this is a totally cooolll transformation in our house. You all know you have that one (or if you are the Boyd Family 1,000) drawer(s) or cabinet(s) that are TOTALLY scary. One of our many disaster areas is the cabinet near the sink that has the spices and all the medicine in it. My friend Erin introduced me to a new blog and of course I stalk, I mean follow, it regularly. So I saw this post on organization and was inspired. Chad swears ever time he opens this cabinet so I followed Miss Kate's lead and did a little organization makeover.... Here are the results.......

Mornings

2011-02-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Person I will never meet;
Every morning as I drive to school I see your car, a very nice well-kept car. I cannot see you for the distance is too great, I do not know if you are a man or a woman, but I know that you come everyday at the same time to the same place. It is your routine (as driving to school is mine,) and it is your life. In my heart I have a special place for you. I hope that you are there to remember, not to continually mourn and/or weep. I hope that you have lived a good life, and that the person you visit did not have to suffer. It is my hope that this person you visit can see/feel your love as you visit them everyday. My mind wanders as I try to think who you may be visiting, is it a mother, a father, your spouse, your friend or heaven forbid your child? I cannot imagine your thoughts or feelings. I just hope that somebody loves me as much as you have loved them. So although we will never meet I want you to know you have an impact on me. I hope I have/will love the way that you have loved.
Kimberly

Think positive thoughts....

2011-02-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is solo and ensemble for my junior high kiddos, please think positive thoughts that they will perform well and that I will hold up. I have been sick and I am exhausted, but I think we will all make it!

2011-02-16T14:41:00.001-08:00

Progress

2011-02-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

We are making progress on our basement toy room project thanks to my brother Larry, so far he has really done all the work and we have just provided the finances, trust me I am not complaining... Here is a look at where we are now, and yes, I realize this is WAY less exciting to all of you, but this is what is going on in our life!

2011-02-16T14:27:00.001-08:00

Hard to really tell but the far left is darker grey, middle is brown and the right is a light blue-grey color.

So excited....

2011-02-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

So if you couldn't tell from my previous post, I am more than excited about the fact that we are FINALLY getting a play room in our basement. The boys need a space and momma NEEDS her music room (front room/formal living room) back. My brother Larry has been working away, isn't that a nice thing for a brother to do, and we now have drywall under the stairs on one side and a wall. Which is creating a nice barricade between the future play space and the furnace and hot water heater.... More pictures to come as the project progresses!

Before - Boring Basement

2011-02-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

Notice the placement of the water heater and furnace, behind the treadmill, lovely decorating.....

This may be my favorite picture as it shows the crazy amount of "stuff" we have collected in the background!

And then the first step in an exciting journey, the space is cleared and there are boards and drywall in the basement, ready to be used... woohooooo.............

Worry

2011-02-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

Matthew 6:34

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Late is better than never right? This past Sunday at church Pastor Camilla gave a sermon on worrying. I know this sounds interesting, but I am not gonna lie, when I first saw it in the bulletin I thought, wow, I know that she likes football, but really do we need an entire sermon on worrying about the stinkin' Superbowl?

Well that was definitely not where she was going with this, but I once again had the feeling that Chad had put in a request for this sermon for me. I am sure you have had that feeling before (I have even blogged about it before) that the speaker is speaking directly to you. This was another one of those days, and as if I didn't already feel it Chad gave me a couple swift jabs in the side to say "hey you, this is for you." If you want to hear what Pastor Camilla did have to say you can listen/download HERE through our church's website.

I am a worrier, I classify myself as that person and so do most people who know me. I worry that everything will go wrong, it is not a great character trait by any means, but I do it anyway. This verse from the bible tries to put it into perspective for us. I have pondered this sermon and pondered worrying (I know, a little ironic right?) and in my thoughts (and time avoiding listening to playing tests) I found this site, I really really really like it!!!!
4 Reasons Not to Worry

Killian Performance

2011-02-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

This video is from the Sonshiners choir final dress rehearsal before their performance today at church!

Update on Stats

2011-02-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am VERY behind, don't act surprised, you know how I work, I operate a little behind, but when I am motivated WATCH OUT! I have been cleaning while snowed in and found the stat sheets for the boys from their last appointment (on Dec. 29th, 2010) here is what you get:

Cohen: 2.5 years old
Height: 35 and 3/8 inches (75%)
Weight: 28 lbs. (50%)
BMI: 15.8

Killian: 6 years old
Height: 45 and 1/8 inches (50%)
Weight: 42.8 lbs. (50%)
BMI: 14.58

Healthy, happy little boys = Happy Parents:)

Being productive...

2011-02-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

I will say that I haven't been a complete lazy bum on these days off, today I actually showered AND put on real clothes, I know, you are impressed right? Three snow days is crazy, but I have really loved it, I needed some time.
Yesterday despite having to "make time" to play in the snow (wink, wink) we were also productive in the fact that Killian was focused enough to sit down and write all his Valentines himself. (And they were even legible, we are definitely making progress with handwriting, thank you Mrs. Kauten.) Today we continued getting prepared and made his Valentine's party mailbox. Instructions were to cover a shoe box and decorate, making sure your name was on it. Here is the final result!!!

Ready to play... Snow Storm 2011

2011-02-02T11:13:00.001-08:00

Here are my VERY handsome boys ready to go out and play in the snow. This is also a great picture for seeing how many teeth Killian is missing:)

Someone got crafty again....

2011-02-01T10:31:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah, it was my friend Bobbie Dobill and I:) Aren't these SO cute!!!! They are for my friend Ruthie's baby shower, the party info is on the back in brown ink on a white label.

4th tooth gone....

2011-01-18T08:54:00.001-08:00

An update from last week, Killian finally lost his 4th tooth, so it is now official, he has lost all 4 front teeth, two on bottom and two on top!

Something Good...

2011-01-11T09:36:00.001-08:00

One of my goals of 2011 is to find something good in everyday. I realize there will be days when this is challenging, but I just think it is important because I want to be a less negative person this year. What are your goals for the year?

Tooth Update

2011-01-11T09:35:00.001-08:00

For all of you out there who just can't sleep because you haven't had a tooth update, I want you to know that Killian now officially looks like a hillbilly... He will be loosing his 4th tooth any day now, I will try to post a picture soon!

Merry Christmas...

2010-12-26T11:24:00.000-08:00

I hope that your Christmas was as wonderful as ours. I think Chad would agree with me that we would totally give up all our gifts just for the joy that is in the boys faces as they come downstairs on Christmas morning. What a feeling... Definitely one of the most precious of parenting moments.... Here is some excitement saved on film.

Opening Lego HP from Santa for the Wii

Cohen opening his basketball hoop from Santa

oh Killian... I heart you....

2010-12-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

I just got an email from Killian's teacher with this picture attached:

This morning when they were doing writing she told them they could write anything they wanted to write about Christmas. This is sort of like the license plate game for those of us who don't teach kindergarten, so after the picture she sent me the translation:

"Happy Birthday Jesus! You are my Savior. Have fun at Bethlehem."

Gotta love that kid:)

PJHS Orchestra "Stuff"

2010-12-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

I have my last performances of the semester coming up (thank goodness) with my holiday strings playing at the Children's Museum in Uptown Normal on Sunday (at 1 p.m.; fyi this is my way of getting away with doing Christmas music, which I LOVE!) and my PJHS Winter Concert on Monday night at 7 p.m. At that concert we are raffling off a music stand (donated by The Music Shoppe and painted by Amy Orwig) tickets are only $1 each or 6 for $5; the best part is it is 100% profit for us!!! If you are interested in a ticket (come on you know you always wanted an orange stand with a python painted on it,) email me or comment and I can get back to you with info.

Nice Quote

2010-12-16T05:43:00.001-08:00

“People need joy quite as much as clothing. Some of them need it far more.”

― Margaret Collier Graham

Kindergarten School Picture

2010-12-13T06:10:00.000-08:00

This is Killian's Kindergarten school picture from Grove Elementary (Fall 2010). It took us awhile to get the disk, so sorry about the delay... But here you go, isn't he handsome?

for those wondering...

2010-12-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

We survived the "Bowling Birthday" party. Monday was Killian's birthday, I took 1/2 personal day to go to school and take his treats as well as be able to put the finishing touches on the party. Here are the cookies, aren't they SO cute? He invited a ton of friends and got way too many presents, see exhibit B:

not sure why this is side ways... hmmm....

Sad puppy?

2010-12-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

I am home sick today, but you would think Emma was the one home sick!!!

Annie

2010-12-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

This weekend is the performance of Annie @ Normal West. Shows are tonight at 7 p.m., tomorrow at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Now if you read my previous post you will understand how I have been so busy. I am not physically conducting the pit this year, but have been involved in several other ways, let's just say I am tired from all the hours combined together, this week has been CRAZY!

Grace Family Christmas

2010-12-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

Every year (for about the last 12 years, with the exception of the year I was in labor during the performance) I have played for a concert series called Grace Family Christmas at Grace Pres in Peoria. This year they have a new (beautiful) church out on Rt. 91 (by the Shoppes at Grand Prairie.) It is a long haul but a very rewarding experience both musically and financially. If you want to see it the concerts will be televised on NBC on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. They have already sold out all performances!!!

Yes, I have been absent

2010-12-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

Is there any make-up work? Yes, ask my husband, he is not a fan of me right now. This week is musical AND Grace Family Christmas... YIKES!!! See you next week.....

Tooth Count

2010-11-30T07:02:00.000-08:00

Another guilt for the first born, Killian's lost tooth count is 2 as of yesterday... I am remembering being so excited when he would get a tooth (which came in late and it feels like he is losing them early....) Yet with Cohen, I barely remember him getting teeth, isn't that terrible???
The cute part of this (not the guilty part) is that he lost the tooth after school on the blacktop and couldn't find it to bring it home to leave under his pillow. He wrote the toothfairy a letter that he left instead of a tooth, good news it worked!!!

Santa Visit

2010-11-28T13:03:00.000-08:00

We went to the mall to visit Santa today... Everyone did well considering....

Boo sickness....

2010-11-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

Well, you may have noticed a short absence... things have been beyond hectic here. First there was work drama, not going to share, just going to say if you are not in "the business" for the kids, then get the H out!!! Then there was a visit to prompt care with both boys, Killian had sinus infection and bronchitis, Cohen had an ear infection and pneumonia... that was fun. After that we return home to really hot water, which ended up being a flooded basement and broken hot water heater, oh yeah that day was great!!!
Just when we thought things were looking up we sent Killian to school for his "feast" which is all he has talked about literally for two weeks and how he gets to be a "Canadian-American" so he goes to school only to have Mrs. Marcum (the school nurse) call me and ask me to talk to him about his tummy issues. He then begs me to not pick him up right away because the feast was about to begin, I have never felt so heartbroken for him... it was SO SAD. But, I bundled Cohen (still home sick) up and go retrieve Killian. He had picked up the noravirus that has been going around Unit 5. That was wonderful with projectile vomiting and diarrhea, within 12 hours I had it and then 24 hours after that Cohen had it. We were healthy enough to go have Thanksgiving at my parents house and a shopping marathon, but then on Friday morning Cohen was complaining about his ear again and the pain was so bad he vomited from that...so.... back to the Dr. we went. Then to top the week off Chad finally caught the noravirus by Saturday. So in case you missed all of that we were all sick (it sucked and I missed 3 days of work.) I hate to jinx it but we all seem healthy (except colds) today.

Someone got crafty...

2010-11-15T04:45:00.000-08:00

Very excited to mark something off my to-do list this weekend. Thanks to my wonderful friend Bobby, we were able to make all the b-day invites for Killian's friend party and the little treat boxes (that we will fill later with M&M's). Aren't they cute???

Sorry it's sideways (it isn't saved that way on my computer but for some reason it doesn't want to be the other way:( Bummer!!! But you still get the idea right?)

Tooth Picture

2010-11-15T04:31:00.000-08:00

It is very difficult to get pictures of one tooth or lack there of...

Wish me luck...

2010-11-11T13:08:00.001-08:00

I am bringing back the "golden days" I will be doing a kick line at the PJHS Boys Basketball game tonight for the poms fundraiser... god grant me strength (or more necessary, flexibility):)

Don't forget Cohen...

2010-11-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

I can't forget to tell you some Cohen cuteness as well... here are some fun things Cohen is doing now (and some not so cute things so you remember his wacky personality!)

likes to "get crazy"
asks if he can build potato heads, and then RUNS to the front room to start building
can hum ALL of star wars (imperial march), can sing Eminem "Not Afraid" chorus, and now is working up to "Jingle Bells"
will "shhush" you when he is "teaching" or "reading" to you
counted to 24 at church (and then continued counting and talking when the service started:))
realizes that when people laugh at him he should just keep doing the same thing over and over, and over, and over.....

Excitement....

2010-11-09T17:25:00.000-08:00

At what point did my excitement for school wear off? I have always made it a point to call going to work, going to school, on purpose, because if you like your job it shouldn't feel like work, but I cannot tell a lie, this year has been a struggle for me, it feels like work!
But just as I needed a little reminder... there is my blessing... Killian came home from school yesterday so excited, they started a new unit and it is going to be SO COOL. They learned all about the Canadian-Americans (mis-heard by Killian, really Native Americans) and he gets to learn about them and in the end they get to make their costumes and have a feast. He is thrilled that he will get to be a "canative" (pronounced k-nay-tiv) with his friends! I think after talking it through last night we convinced him that it is really Native Americans, but we are still happy to see his enthusiasm for school:)

Finally....

2010-11-06T19:05:00.001-07:00

Killian finally wiggled out that loose tooth!!! It has literally been loose since August... Pics to come soon:)

Killian Cute-ness

2010-11-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

Last night to Chad:
"Daddy, I love it when you hug me when I am cold, you warm me up inside."

Wanna Win Cool Stuff?

2010-11-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

I do, so I am posting a link to a cool Mommy blog I like to read: Inspired to Action
This blog does a weekly drawing that they like to call Motivation Monday, this week the prize is SWEET!!! It is a gift certificate for some Lisa Leonard Design jewelry. This link takes you directly to one of the things on my wish list (yes, I have a wish list on that site:) If you read in the comments from today's post you will see how I took action!!!

Two clicks

2010-11-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

In two clicks you can help my blogger mommy friend Annalea win a great big prize!!! Think of the time it took you to read that sentence, you could have already done two clicks... Hmmm... I think you can help her out, she recently entered a design contest by submitting photos of Casa Hart. If you vote for Annalea's Sunny (wonderfully decorated space) she could win a trip with her hubby to NYC. Now just think, would I give two clicks to you? Vote here: Annalea's Sunny Room