Look at me!

As many of you know, I don't cook. My sister Lacie still makes fun of me for asking how high to turn the stove when boiling water. Although the sign in my kitchen still rings true: 'I kiss better than I cook', I'm actually becoming quick domesticated since being a part time stay at home mom.

In fact... (drum roll please)..... I made bread! And not in a bread maker. In fact, not even with a bosch or kitchenaid. I hand kneaded it. Twice. Its not all in the pic, but I ended up making three loaves, a dozen rolls, and a dozen bread sticks.



I know, I know.... you're impressed right? Me too! Usually I get bored if anything takes longer than 20 minutes. This took literally ALL day and I had a blast. Plus, it tastes divine. I am so stinkin proud of myself! *Thank you to whomever gave me those pastry towels that have sat in a box for 3 years. Sorry I laughed at the thought of using them*

Zane has always been better in the kitchen- thus the following canning projects that have taken every minute of the last month.



Okay, now to admit a not so shining moment. Hudson won't eat very many foods so the doctor suggested hiding things in pancakes. Haha, this was not very well hidden and Hudson would have nothing to do with it.

Happy Birthday Hudson!

One year ago, this cute little fighter joined our family. Look how much he's grown.

It has been so fun watching his personality emerge. He is stubborn, persistant, and has selective hearing- but he is also snuggly, smiley, giggly, and all boy.

He doesn't do things unless he wants to and he'll dig his heels in if you try to push him. He hasn't showed much interest yet in verbal communication since mom and dad respond exactly how he intended to his grunts and screams. However, he is constantly making sound effects while he plays.

He is a picky eater, hates to get dressed, insists on sleeping in our bed (with his hand over my face). He loves bath time and is obsessed with books.

We use a lot of reverse psychology already since he's only interested in doing things when I say 'no-no'. He is incredibly observant, studying everything without a sound. He's cautious and looks to us for approval before doing anything he's unsure of.

Hudson has made our lives so happy. Yes, being a parent is hard- but somehow even the hard is good and we are so glad he's in our family.

Happy Birthday buddy! We love you!!

Ode to Second Grade

I love my job! I love second grade. I love second graders. I love teaching children who want to learn. I love working half day. I love being home with Hudson more. I love leaving to work 5 minutes before I have to be there. I love it!

Seriously, I will NEVER go back to teaching 6th grade. Yes, I managed. Yes, I even did I stinkin good job of making those kids behave if I do say so myself. But now that I have experienced bliss, I realize that last year was *#@! and I am never going back.

I have traded in glares for smiles, gossip for giggles, 'you're ruining my life' for 'you're the best teacher ever'. Oh, I just love second graders and their thank you's and obedience, and hugs (every time we transition activities). I'll take thier runny noses and pooping thier pants (yes this has already happened) to thier back talk and passing notes.

Sigh.... I love you second grade.

CUTE

Is this not the cutest thing you've ever seen. I want one. Oh, wait that's how I got the dog. P.S. he's free to anyone who wants him.