What on Earth Have We Been Up To Lately?

To sum it up, we've been busy, busy, busy....and having lots of fun!

We'll start with me...

I am getting ready to start my 13th year of teaching!  I am still teaching kindergarten, and I absolutely love it!  Kindergarten is my calling :)  I have the ENL inclusion classroom for kindergarten, meaning any student that speaks multiple languages is placed in my classroom.  The question I get continually asked when people find out that I am the ENL inclusion teacher is, "how many languages do you speak?"  English, and a teeny, tiny bit of Spanish.  We don't speak other languages in my room, we immerse the students in English (with lots of visuals).  I have such a diverse classroom, and it is truly amazing to see all of these students blend together in one room and turn into a classroom family! 

Jeremy and I have never been "unhealthy", but often lose track of our health and fitness when things in life creep up on us.  We made a decision in February that we can't lose track of ourselves anymore.  If we want to be true role models for our children, health and fitness is also part of that.  We have made a lot of changes in our lives, and are now working out 6-7 days a week!  It has been such a wonderful change in our lives, and a true bonding experience for us.  I am by no means health expert or trainer, but in some upcoming posts I will post what I have discovered about myself and what seems to be working for me.



Jeremy....

Due to our change in health and exercise, Jeremy is running the best he has in a few years.  He often runs during his lunch break to save time at home for family time.  He is the best husband and father I have ever known!  I don't just say that because I am married to the man, but it is so true!  Anyone who knows him can see his love and dedication to his family! 

 

Jeremy started a new job in December.  He still works for the state, but he is in a new role and at a new location.  He loves his new team, and is doing a great job in his new role!  It is wonderful to see him come home at night satisfied with his job.  Since I last posted he became fully vested with the State as well!  We are so proud of him!

Jeremy and I just returned to reality from a cruise.  We left the kids with my parents and headed out for 7 days.  It was AMAZING!  For the past 6 years, we have taken a "just us" trip every other year.  It has been great for our marriage, and I advise all couples to try to take some "just us" trips as often as you are able to!

 

Miss Macy....

 

Well, there is a lot to tell about Macy....and I will save the medical for it's own post later.  Otherwise, Macy is doing great!  She just finished 3rd grade.  She had an amazing school year with an amazing teacher!  She only missed 2 days the entire year and had perfect attendance 3 out of the 4 quarters.  That is quite the feat for Macy!  She also finished the school year on the honor roll.  This success was quite a turn around from our challenging 2nd grade year.  Second grade can be an adjustment for all students due to the independence and responsibility expected, but it was a big challenge for Macy. With the help of her teacher, we ended up pursing testing for Macy and discovered that she has some cognitive challenges.  She had some challenges with her processing speed as well as her short-term memory.  Due to these challenges she qualified for an IEP.  Her IEP allows her some pull-out assistance with math, as well as tests.  It has been great for her! 

 

She is extremely excited to start 4th grade.  She is in many activities, and even took to a new sport since my last post.  I can't wait to tell you about all of her fun activities she is in in an upcoming post!

McKenna....aka Big Mac...aka Macaroni...

 

Well this little girl is full of spunk...just like both of her Grandmas!  She is quite the athlete as well! Last time I posted McKenna was only 3......she is now "five and a half"!  She always adds that "half" in there, lol!  She is getting ready to start kindergarten this year, and couldn't be more ready.  She is reading some sight words, as well as sounding out simple words.  She loves to learn!  She is constantly playing school, hospital, and anything make-believe with her sister than she can think of. 

 

Lately she has been testing us with a little attitude.  I remember Macy going though this as well, but sometimes with the gap in the girls' ages I forget about it until is slaps me in the face.  Don't let me fool you, she is as sweet as they come....but in the comfort of her own home she likes to give a little sass.  McKenna is also involved in lot of activities and sports, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Sadly, in April, our beloved dog passed away.  Tucker was 12 years old, and came to live with us as a puppy, only one week after Jeremy and I got married.  He was the best dog in the world, and is extremely missed by all of us!  We love you Tucker!

So in a nutshell, we are doing FANTASTIC!  We've done numerous vacations, trips to the lake, special outings, concerts, family fun activities, and the list goes on.  We are a very busy family that thinks family time and life experiences are some of the best things we can give our girls!  Check back in a few days for our next post:  Macy Our Medical Miracle.