First Year of Teaching: Check!

This has been such an amazing year of teaching for me!  I was truly blessed to work in such a great school, with wonderful co-workers, and AMAZING students.  Each and every day I was excited to go to work---not too many people can say that about their jobs.  I loved getting to know all of my students and not only teaching them fundamentals of mathematics, but of life as well!  I will truly miss them over the summer.  But I couldn't have had such a wonderful year of teaching if it weren't for my mentor, Stacey.  She was wonderful and kept me going!  So "Thank you Stac!".  Yesterday (our last day of school) the kiddos decided to write me "good-bye" notes all over my boards.  Some of the messages really touched my heart...

Mother's Day 2012

This Mother's Day was so special---it was my first actual Mother's Day! :)  I loved being able to celebrate this day and be so thankful for Beau.  He truly has made Joe and I's life complete, and we couldn't have asked for a better baby. 

To celebrate we spent time by the water!  We went to the lake (Rathbun) all weekend.  It was Beau's first time being on Grandpa Scott and Grandma Michelle's boat, and I think he liked it!  The little stinker would not take a nap because he didn't want to miss out on any of the action.  On Sunday we went to Honey Creek for the Mother's Day brunch and it was delicious!  To end the wonderful weekend, we celebrated by going to Dennis and Nana Jil's pool---Beau even got a new pair of googles from Nana :)

We had to build a "wall" to keep Beau on the bed in the boat so he couldn't escape...even though he almost did!

He quickly discovered the mirror and found it hilarious to look at himself upside down and laugh :)

"Oh mom, enough with the pictures.  You're embarrassing me!"

"...but chewing on Nana's sunblock makes it all the better!"

Gotta Wear My Shades...

 

When I came home the other night from a jog, I found Beau on the front porch in his jumper "helping" daddy water flowers.  Of course Beau had to wear his shades just like daddy :)

Tulip Time 2012

 This year at Tulip Time was extra special for me---I had my very own baby to march in the Baby Parade with :).  Even though Beau did get a little overheated, he was a trooper and loved the attention!  Banx was a little doll, too.  It was wonderful to see Beau's grandparents there to watch him and constantly be taking photos...I think they are proud grandparents :)

All cuddled up in the parade :)

Two Peas in a Pod

Beau LOVES it when "Aunt" Dena comes over...because she spoils him like crazy!  As you can tell, he likes to pose for the camera--especially when he is being held by a pretty lady :)  I am so happy to see my best friend and my precious son have this special relationship.  "Aunt" Dena will always have a special place in our family!

Hungry Baby!

 

As Beau is growing, so is his appetite!  He knows that when he is in his high chair, that means "food" time! :)

Peggy's Pearls

Last night, Brook and I did the Klompen Classic (5k fundraiser in Pella during Tulip Time).  I have done the Klompen Classic in previous years, but I am so proud of Brook as she finished her first 5k!  Over 1,000 people ran/walked this year...it was a bit crowded for awhile!

Since we (Brook, my mom, Aunt Joi and I) were not able to do the Susan G. Komen walk, Brook and I decided we would dedicate this 5k to Grandma Peggy---hence our team name "Peggy's Pearls".  I know she was looking down on us last night and was so proud of us for finishing in her honor!  I just wish I could have celebrated with her after....

It's All About Me!

Saturday, Grandma Michelle and I took Beau to get his 6 month pictures taken.  He was pretty dramatic at first, acting like he "owned the show".  Unfortunately, the pictures ended up going into Beau's nap time that he usually takes during the day---so he was getting a little fussy.  Overall, he did a great job and was a complete ham for the camera!

Beau had his eyes fixed on the camera once he saw it was his turn!

He had enough waiting and tried being dramatic by holding his bottle with one hand...I'm going to have my hands full with him!

6 Months Old!

Last week Beau turned 6 months old--my how time goes by!  His check up went great!  He weighed 18 pounds and 26 1/2 inches long....we have a very tall boy on our hands :)  Happy 6 months Beau Paxton!