Fall is here

Brennan was ready to go out and rake leaves on Saturday. We hadn't had many fall at that point yet (however today's rain and wind have changed that) so it didn't take us too long. He was envisioning the huge pile we have had in past years perfect for jumping in, however we couldn't quite make that happen from what we had! So we raked until Oreo brought us a little gift in his mouth (a praying mantis!). I love these two photos we took together. My little man is growing up!

birthday gift

A couple of months ago I was shopping in Family Bookstore. I saw this print on the wall and instantly knew I wanted it in my living room. We used to have a clock here, but after it konked out, we never had replaced it. Since we have a big clock in the dining room, we really don't need another one so close. So the wall was empty for a good year or so. I knew I wanted something there, but didn't know what. I wish I could say I have a knack for decorating, but that would be lying. I usually have to see it done somewhere else or find an idea in a magazine. I am a terrible decision maker when it comes to decorative stuff as well. I am not a visionary, I guess. Anyway, this one struck me. So I decided I would use my birthday money to get it. It was normally $150, but with a 33% of coupon that came in a flyer, I got it for $100! I was so excited! After I (my husband) hung the print, it looked really bare by itself. So I was off to find some sconces. I found these two at my favorite store, Gordmans, and once again, I scored them both for $11 after a 20% off coupon I had. The little candles are actually battery operated ones. This whole wall makes me so happy every time I look at it. It makes me feel peaceful, even when the boys are having a WWE wrestling session just inches away.

This is about as close up as I could get with my lens. And the color isn't very good either. I just love the serenity of it. I can picture myself sitting out on this porch after dinner, when I'm old and retired, enjoying a summer evening.
And best of all, one of my very favorite Bible verses is printed on the bottom of it. I was reminded of this verse at my ladies' Bible study today as we talked about priorities and how often things seem so messed up because our priorities are not in line with what they should be. Our pastor's wife, Bonnie, is such a blessing. After we study at our groups, she gets up and speaks for 20 minutes or so. When I come away from listening to her, it's all back into perspective for me. It's very simple and although her message is delivered in many forms, the heart of it is always the same. God, husband, children, and circle of influence. Those are my priorities. That is what is important. Those are my primary areas of ministry. Many times, I get way too wrapped up in all the extra garbage of the day that ultimately doesn't really matter.

Well, I need to head to bed. I stayed up way too late last night too. But the quiet hours of the night to me are what many early risers feel the quiet hours of the morning are to them-my time of peace. And there are nights I'm not ready to let go of it...even for my (new) very comfy pillow.

Still alive...

I have kept waiting to post because I planned to put some pictures on with my post. But in order to put the pictures on, I have to download them first. And in order to download them, I have to preview, folder, and delete the duds of the hundreds that need to be downloaded. And in order to do that, I need more time than just a few minutes at a sitting- which seems to be all I've had these past few weeks. So I decided to jot down some thoughts and I will download pics this week (I hope!!). My week always seems to fill up and be gone before I know it!

I've had to sub the last couple of days. 6th grade resource on Friday and kindergarten today. This Friday I will be in 4th grade. As a whole, I am enjoying the subbing as a whole. I like the variety of classes and grade levels. I like being able to leave at 3:30 with no paperwork or responsibilities. I like meeting and working with the teachers that have/have had my children. I like helping the students and getting to know them. I don't particularly like the 6 AM phone call, the not necessarily knowing if I'll be working that day or not and not knowing how to make plans, the classes with little plans/direction. But for the most part, it's been a good experience and is definitely good for me- I need to be pushed out of my comfort zone and this would qualify. I do feel it will get easier as I sub longer. Today, even, was better as it was my second time in kindergarten. I knew the snack/milk/dismissal routine and felt more comfortable with it.

I'm doing an on-line class to keep my teaching license current. It's on China, of all things. I went through the entire professsional development catalog and that's the best I could find. I was discouraged that it didn't seem they had more useful beneficial classes to offer. I haven't started any of the assignments and need to get on that.

I am writing three lessons for RBP at the moment and those all need to be done by the end of the month. I intended to get started on that last week, but that never happened so I must get busy this week. On that note, I received a package today of last quarter's RBP curriculum with my first two written lessons in print. It was a really cool feeling to see something I'd written actually printed and published! That was encouraging and felt good.

I actually got my kitchen/dining room painted (for the 3rd time, mind you)!! Finally! I have had about six swatches of color painted on one wall for over a month. I couldn't decide what I liked, but one night, one of them popped out at me and screamed, "I'm perfect!!" And I agreed. My family, on the other hand, all hated it. But I think it's growing on them, and it is perfect. I couldn't be happier.

I finally bought my birthday present. I'll share that soon with pics! I love it!

Brennan and I have been very crafty lately. I have had some projects in the works and got some time to work on those this weekend. He has enjoyed being down in the craft room with me using lots of my acrylic paints. I love watching him create. His creativity amazes me. I hope that never goes away.

Alright, enough blabbering for now. I'm hoping the next time I post I'll have pictures to accompany!

Toodles.

School picture day

Heard 'round the Hydorn household this morning...

"I hate this comb- it's for girls!" (when I wanted to run over the hair with a vented brush)

"I can fix my own collar! I'm not a baby! (when I tried to fix the collar that was all crooked)

"I already combed my hair! (when I merely tried to brush down the untouched pieces sticking straight up on the back of his head)

"This shirt's stupid!" (how dare I pick out a shirt that doesn't have a sports team or a number on it)

"Hairspray makes your hair all crunchy!" (while I was spraying- praying and hoping the hair will still look decent in 3 or 4 hours when the picture finally gets taken)

"I'm not wearing make-up!" (when I wanted to put a little concealer over the bright red pimples on the face)

"I don't care!" (said very matter-of-factly to everything I suggested about the day's grooming)

"I want pose number one. All of the others are dumb!" (even though I liked that pose the very least)

"My hair looks fine! Don't touch it! (when I tried to do some touch-up)

"I hate picture day!" (offered more than once in the 1/2 hour before school)

These choice comments were spoken by my lovely cherubs as we prepared for school pictures this morning. I, on the other hand, handled it much better as I responded with a few choice phrases of my own...

" I'm done with your attitude!"

"Let me help you!" (as I had to chase Brennan around the kitchen table while he tried to escape me fixing his collar)

"Well I do care! I'm paying $30 for these stupid pictures!"

"You're not wearing a hood! It will mess up your hair!"

"Please do not "rake" your hair forward with your fingers before your pictures (knowing his usual method of "combing")

"Smile nicely. I'm not paying good money for one of your goofy smiles. I can get that for free any day."


it's no wonder I hate picture day as much as the boys do-

And he's sick again...

A week later and the stomach flu has now hit poor Brennan. He woke up at about 1:30 last night and he (we) have had very little sleep since then. This virus has been pretty rough on him and,twelve hours later, he is just now getting to stay on the couch for more than 20 minutes at a time. Really hoping this doesn't hit anyone else. I am planning a little scrapbook getaway with my dear friend Dawn this weekend that I am so looking forward to. Gary is extremely busy at work with an employee who just recently left and quarter end stuff to do. Bradley woke up this morning with a nose full of junk, so I think his defenses are down already. And it's not even winter yet...Ugh