Karaoke Fool

Beau LOVES to sing and dance. His new favorite songs to sing to are "Mellow Yellow" and "Cake by the Ocean".  I love seeing the innocence in him when he sings and dances. It is the sweetest thing :)

Issac Hoven: A Heart of Gold

     Last week was the hardest week I have ever had in my teaching career, by far.  One of my sweet, smart, loving, compassionate students was killed in an accident last Saturday evening. I received a phone call that night letting me know so I wouldn't have to hear about it via social media. I instantly was sick to my stomach. Not only was this a student of mine, but his mom teaches with me at school. I instantly thought of Beau and Baine, and wanted to get to them as soon as I could to hold them and never let go.
     Isaac was such a free spirit. He didn't care what people thought of him and made no excuses for who he was. He had such a great faith in God, and was always open to talk about it at school with his peers. His favorite fashion statement was to wear slicky pants with a polo shirt. That was Isaac. A totally awesome kid, who wasn't afraid to show exactly who he was, and didn't care what others thought of him. I will never forget the last conversation I had with Isaac. It was the last Thursday, at the very end of 8th period, right before the bell rang. The students were putting their chairs up and anxious to leave for spring break.  A few students were gathered at my desk to share their weekend plans, including Isaac. A classmate said to Isaac "you are kinda weird you know". Isaac simply replied, "Wouldn't the world be such a boring place if there were no weird people in it?" He then told me "Have a great weekend Mrs. P! See you next week!".  And that was it.  That was the last moment I had with Isaac. The last chance I would have to see his bright, shining smile that always brought laughter and joy into my classroom.  The last time his classmates would have their goofy, funny friend to share stories with. The last time Isaac would ever make my "Top 20" list.
     2 weeks ago was the end of the trimester. Isaac had been working hard all year to make my "Top 20" list. And honestly, he definitely could have been on it the whole year if he wanted :)  Right before Isaac passed, he made "Mrs. P's Top 20".  He was SO EXCITED! He asked me if he could take a picture of it, and of course I said yes. He will now and for the rest of the year, remain on my Top 20 list.
     Issac you are loved and will be missed by many. I believe with my whole heart that you are in Heaven looking down on us now. I pray you guide your family and give them signs you are still here and looking after them. Your heart was definitely made of gold, as you were a donor and are now saving other lives.  We miss you, and definitely will never forget you.

Baine at 17 Months

I truly cannot believe Baine is 17 months already. I still think of him as my little baby.  I can assure you, little and baby are definitely not accurate descriptors of him these days. He is quickly packing on the pounds and sprouting up! He is now in the 90th percentile for height. So instead of being short and chubby, he is tall and chubby :)  

Baine you are our child that keeps us on our toes. You are constantly getting into things, like the toilet, running toilet paper all over the house, playing in the trash can, dumping water/drinks everywhere, etc. While you go a million miles a minute, you are still such a good "baby". You still nap 3 hours everyday, and need at least 12 hours of sleep at night. You now know when you are tired, and will tell us when it's time to go to bed. When we ask if you if you need to go nigh-nigh, you will start waving your hand, grab your blankie and bottle, and go walk into your room. While you don't talk a lot yet, you are definitely smart and are so good at communicating in other ways with us. You know how to get your own snacks out of the pantry. If I ask you if you pooped or peed, you will grab your diaper and show me you need a new diaper.  You are better at drinking out of a sippy, however you still prefer your bottle! If I could describe you in one word, it would be MONKEY.  You are always climbing and jumping around. You can climb the bunk bed like its no big deal. You have mastered climbing up/down stairs, and have even mastered climbing out of your crib. Your eyes are as dark as night, and they definitely melt my heart. Your ornery smile always tells me when you are up to something and your naughty laugh gives you away!  You have recently rediscovered your mamaroo swing, and insist on drinking your morning bottle in it while it swings, barely, kind of, not really at all since you are over the weight limit :).  You are such a big boy, and I need time to slow down a little. 

-wears size 4/5 diapers

-24 month clothes

-favorite food: scooby snacks and mac n cheese

-favorite thing to do: TAKE A BATH

Nosey Rosy

Beau is such a nosey rosy.  Joe took him to the dr. a few weeks back, and he insisted on being right next to the nurse to see what she was doing at all times and kept asking a million questions about what was going on.  When Joe went to get a hair cut, Beau tagged along and decided to help Amy out. He wanted to wash Joe's hair and be in on the action.  He is definitely our "hands on" child!

NCAA Tournament Time

 We went to Joel and Allison's Friday to watch the basketball games since we weren't able to actually go to the games---darn kids :).  Beau loved playing with the little kiddos and even made sure Paisley was having fun by sitting by her for dinner.  Hadley and Baine joined in for the double-date fun.

Daddy's Little Helpers

Now that it is finally getting nice out, Joe and the boys have been working outside in the yard and cleaning the place up a bit. Beau truly loves to help Joe out in any possible way. Joe bought a new sprayer for the yard, and he insisted on helping Joe put it together. Baine just wanted to make sure the wheels were able to spin :).  Since I was gone Saturday for my sister's birthday, Joe and the boys did a little yard work, and went out for a "boys only" breakfast :).  

Joe not only had Beau and Baine helping do yard work and hauling loads in the gator, but he also made sure to teach Beau how to play frisbee, which is now his new favorite activity outside, other than swinging!

His favorite treat: Mickey Pancakes!

Reilly's St. Patty's Party 2016

 Two weekends ago we had the Rielly's St Patty's party. It was such a great day! Joe and I love this party, as we get to see many friends we don't often get to see, and it is always such a great time. Cheers to the Irish and another successful party :)