We've watched this a million times today...Noah loves watching himself! Please excuse my fantastic singing voice!

Is it snowing yet???

Well I'm ready for another snow day! All my teacher friends would probably despise me for saying that, but I can't help it! I am absolutely exhausted from working 5 days in a row, all day....I know, you may roll your eyes now,my husband does every day! But seriously this was a really long week, I can't even make it through the Olympics at night, by 9, I'm done! Not tonight though, ROBOTS is on...go figure a cartoon movie can keep me awake! I don't think it helps that my dear little guy has not been feeling so hot! He started Wednesday with that never ending cough.

The kind of cough that wakes you up at 5:30 in the morning...I think both are faces looked like this! Of course nothing else was wrong with him, besides being a little cranky...but that seems to be the norm around here lately! Oh how I wish kids had some special button or light that went off when they are doctor's office worthy. I can't stand going to the doctor and "it's just viral, wait it out". So anyway the cough got a little better by Friday, unfortunately the crankiness was still around and I can only describe him as having a certain "terdness" about him. But he had acquired a new ailment by bedtime...a fever....which he has carried into today all day. Don't ya love how the minute the doctor's office is closed they get sick?!?!

Poor kid...I don't really know what's wrong with him. Every time I ask him what hurts, his first answer is "eyes" and then he moves on to "nose" and then names every other body part he can think of...so I'm not to sure how accurate that is! I've spent my day trying to entertain and manage meltdowns. He does pretty good till his Motrin wears off, then he's cranky and clingy. I won't complain too much about the clingyness, I love holding him, even if it only lasts five minutes.

He has not been sick enough though to stay out of time out. He told me today "hit, pinch, bite, time out", at least I know he does know what to do to be in time out...he's just not to sure how to stay out of it! But the boy can sure say "thank you". So at least if he's gonna be in time out he can be polite about it!

*We are really going to have to work on Noah's picture taking....or my camera abilities, or maybe I'm just really talented at getting that "special" look caught on camera*

Mrs. Blaine....life saver extraordinaire

It just doesn't get any better than this! My job is great, but as with any job I get frustrated sometimes because I don't feel like I'm actually doing my job...or helping all the kids I could, or getting too caught up in awards assemblies to remember who I need to talk to. But then there's notes like this that help me so much. This child will never know how much a note like this means to me, this child will never know that the note lifted me out of a funky spot, and they'll never know that this note will probably be kept forever. This note also helps me remember that I don't have to complete grand tasks or work 60 hours a week to make a difference, all I have to do is listen...and that's what makes me a life saver :)

Good Morning Mrs. Blaine!

When I first started working in a school, I cringed any time I heard the kids doing that sing-song phrase to the principal. They sounded like a bunch of little robots. But I have to say after 4 years, I've learned to love it. Monday we had our awards assembly, finally after what seems like a year of snow reschedules! I have the fantastically nerve wracking job of calling all the names and awards. When I get up and say good morning, my kids all yell back, "Good Morning Mrs. Blaine", and I just can't help but get this super cheesey grin on my face...like I'm 5. I love that I don't just teach 25 kids, I teach 600 kids, I know 600 kids, and I have 600 great little friends! During that same day I got some of the best hugs from kids and acutally got to do my job for a little bit. I love days like this. It helps me remember why I do what I do. It makes the 3 years and no raise worth it, I know that I help these kids and I make a difference in their lives....I know it everytime I hear that little robot chant..."Good Morning Mrs. Blaine"

Woodstock HIghlights

Noah and Nana at lunch...say cheese!

Playing with Aunt Cay Cay

Playing with Grandaddy's boots!

Thankful...the only was I can describe this.

Noah has been cow deprived since all this snow. On our ride home everyday we pass cows and we always wave to them. Well since december all the cows haven't been out in the fields, so I figured there had to be a place Dad could take Noah to see some up close. Which brings us to Georgia the cow, Noah didn't say a word when we saw the cow, but once we got in the car, all he could say was "cow".

What I Love About Woodstock

VA...that is! I've come to visit Woodstock since, well birth. My dad is from here and I remember when I was younger this was a magical place. My grandma had the neatest house, I remember thinking my grandparents lived in a mansion because their house had those big columns out front. Whenever we'd come up here, we'd visit my grandparents and then go visit the family, who really aren't family, but I didn't know that until I was like 10.

Here I sit, many years later and I think Woodstock still is a magical place. Noah and I came up for the weekend, we needed a change of scenery. My grandparents are now gone, and the big house with the columns belongs to someone else, but there's something about this place that's fun and relaxing...and extremely "country". Those family/friends live across the street and now my son gets to come up here and play with all the cool toys. Although I think he's got it better. There weren't any 4 wheelers around when I was little, our cool toys were tire swings and watching our Dad's clean deer...I told you it's country up here!

There's something about here that just says "family". I've just spent the past two hours with my Dad watching TV, which I never do. I got to see my sister and go shopping with my mom (that's nothing out of the ordinary, we do that anywhere we are).

Favorite part of the day - Noah is so tired, his naps are all off, he's been too excited to sleep. So we finished dinner, barely, got a bath and then Noah convinced Dad to put Blue on for him. My Dad figured sure, he'll pass out now...he obviously isn't aware of Noah's fascination with Blue! Anyway, best part, my Dad sat on the couch holding Noah and watching Blue for 30 minutes, he rocked him hoping he'd fall asleep. Of course he never went to sleep, but they were so sweet sitting together.

There's just something about this place, it makes you slow down and enjoy each other. Maybe there's just nothing else to do or maybe it's the fresh mountain air! Whatever it is, I'm glad we came here this weekend!

Sorry no pics, the same picture has been loading since I started typing...you'll get to see later!

***another side note, there were no misspellings found in this post, my mom will be so proud!***

Do A Little Dance

Noah did something this morning that just made me think about life....I know that's a little profound...but what can I say my kid is a genius! Noah's been doing really good at going potty. We started out with stickers when ever he went, but now he's kinda over it. This morning Richard got him up and took him to the potty, I was in the other bathroom getting ready. I hear the potty sing it's little song (meaning he went), and in to my bathroom comes running a pantless little boy. He asks for my hands and says "ance" (dance). So off we go, we have to get Daddy along the way and we all report to the kitchen to do the potty dance, which is a celebration of going on the potty. It's a crazy dance, and honestly I'm usually a little worried that someone is going to pee on my floor while celebrating (Noah, in case you were wondering who). But how often in life to do we stop to celebrate something so small like going to the potty, which I know is a big deal to a little kid. But do you celebrate getting to work on time? Remembering all your groceries at the store? Your children not yelling all day? I think there's so many things in one day we can celebrate and be thankful for...just imagine your day without them...it's scary! So take some time today to celebrate something and do your own little potty dance, in honor of Noah!

NO MORE BLIZZARD BLOG!!!!

We finally returned to school today, and I do still know how to get there! We got to go in two hours late, which is fabulous! I get to sleep and I get to wear jeans! And if you work in a school you know we live for any day we can wear jeans...when you don't get a raise in three years, you have to be happy with the small stuff! I'm absolutely exhausted...my six hour work day wore me out, that's the most work I've done in a week and a half! Two hours late the rest on the week..two more jeans days!

Blizzard Blog...ummm...10ish-12ish

So, I finally slacked off...not that I think anyone will be too upset with me...and don't worry, I wasn't back at work...we're still off! Got another 3 inches yesterday! Last time I was stressed and losing my mind. Thank goodness for Church on Sunday! Always nice to go and remember just how blessed you are instead of stressing about how many magnets are on the kitchen floor!

So here's the update! Sunday was Valentine's Day, and if you remember we already got our V-Day gifts, so it was just cards for all.

Noah reading his card. He did get some books, which he was pretty happy about! We then headed out to my Mom and Dad's house to eat V-Day dinner..mmm...lasagna!

Super-Noah! The many uses of couch parts!

Any true "Blue's Clues" fan would know that Noah is sitting in his Thinking Chair!

Richard helped Mom and Dad set up their Wii, that was their V-Day gift to each other, but I don't think my Dad realized it! Noah is helping Nana with her baseball pitching!

Yesterday we were home again, Noah was supposed to go to daycare for his Valentine's Day party and I was supposed to stay home and get my school work on. I have an awards assembly to organize for Thursday, but as we know, Motherhood is not predictable or planable (new word for today :) Noah woke up with a fever and in a rotten mood...so no daycare for him! We dropped off the party goodies and then drove to C'ville to drop off Richard's work stuff he left at home...what would he do without me!

When we finally got back home, Noah decided his baby needed to eat lunch. He strapped him in the chair and started to feed him. He then stopped and helped baby bless the food. I didn't tell him to do this, he just did it on his own. My heart about exploded, I'm so excited that he is going to grow up and remember to thank God for everything, even the baby's food! I did get a picture on my phone...but I haven't quite figured all that out yet!

Don't forget a drink for the baby!

Oh..my side trip today! Whenever I have to make a trip to C'ville I stop at Target...much to my husband's dislike...but hey, he made me drive there! I never buy movies, but it was only $9, so I did! Also got .74 cent gloves for Noah!!!

Richard and I watched Up last night. LOVED it! When Richard laughs out loud, you know something is funny! It even made me cry...which is not a surprise! The best part is the dog with the talking collar. Totally reminded me of Kapone, who is currently laying on my feet! I'm always yelling at him to get out of the way (because he follows me everywhere) but the movie made me feel guilty about it and that I might be hurting his feelings! I know you are thinking she has officially lost her mind...yes I have....I haven't worked in 12 days now, including weekends. So I vow to be nice to Kapone and feel special because at any given time inside my house someone is following me, be it human or K-9!

Ok...must go work on school stuff, in case we ever get to go back to school!!!



Ah-ha I figured it out! How sweet is he!!!! Ok really school work now!

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Blizzard Blog Day 9

Well I lost it...I know every mom has been there before, but I feel alone on this one. My throat feels 100% better, but I don't. I still feel worn out, and so tired. I even tried to nap today, but that only lasted 20 minutes, Noah started crying, I woke up and then started thinking about everything I needed to do. And my last straw today was a box of Stove Top. I finally decided what we were having for dinner, I was trying to get it ready and no Stove Top...I think I slammed a few things and just started crying. Hmm...and I wonder where my son gets this from! My husband isn't the most feel sorry for you kind of guy, and that's all I wanted (my mom has called everyday to check on me, she knows how to baby me). So he decided the way to fix the problem was to go to the store...of course I'd already figured out how to fix my problem...but I think he wanted out. I don't really blame him. So them left me and I finished making dinner, Richard just called to check and see how much longer till dinner...hmm. I hate when I flip out, but it's hard being a mommy and being sick...especially with my child who seems to forget he has a Daddy. Good thing we have church tomorrow, this girl needs some badly!

So let's focus on the good parts of today!

Noah on his "herse" (horse).

Kapone playing catch with the snow.
He played so hard, he lost his head!

Another one who played hard, I didn't think we'd ever get him in!

Valentine's Day goodies for Noah's school...hopefully he'll get to go on Monday. This is the first time we've done Valentines for Noah. I let Richard pick them out...note to self, next time if he picks them out, he gets to put them together! All that folding and the tattoos to put in...ugh!

No Mommy and Noah picture, it's the three Blaine's today. The boys got back, Noah with a real ride on horse (I think they are called hobby horses), I guess we can retire the broom now! Looking back it was a really good day, yes my kid is a little loud and moody, but so is his mother. I need to keep remembering that I'm not perfect, no one really expects me to be, except myself...to quote Francesca Battestelli "perfection is my enemy"!

Blizzard Blog Day 8

So when I started this, I really never assumed I'd be doing this a week later! It hasn't snowed in 48 hours!!! You'd never know it buy driving around here, my car still has a hard time on our road. I felt better this morning, and made the mistake of thinking....I'm all better, let's go!

We met up with some friends today in Culpeper, for all our sanity. What a great drive... snow covered fields for miles. We took Noah to "Fun and Beyond". It's a big warehouse with a bunch of blow up slides and bouncy houses!

Noah and the ladies! He loved these tables...all those slides and this is where he wanted to sit!

It took him a little while to get adjusted...especially since the first one we went in, was definitely not for little kids whose Mommy's have to help them through. I ended up having to climb a wall and hold Noah at the same time...hear me roar! We learned quickly wear to go!

A more Noah friendly slide!
Going down head first! Every time he'd get to the bottom, he'd say "ouch, sorry, gen"!

Taking on the big slide! There are 11 steps up, we counted them, every time :)

Here he comes!

Figuring out he can do this all by himself! Watching him makes me realize how quickly he's growing up!

I'm not sure who was more exhausted...Noah or me...too bad I didn't get to nap in the car! Since we've been home, I haven't moved far from the couch, I'm exhausted and not feeling so hot. But I wouldn't have traded this day for anything. I'm thankful I had the time to do something like this with Noah, and I'm glad I could save Richard's back by not letting him play today! I think he was chomping at the bit to get in though!

He wouldn't look at the camera, he was too occupied with his Elmo remote. My boys let me eat dinner on the couch and even served it to me! Funny how I get so frustrated during the day with them, and I have moments like today when I have to put myself in check and chill out because I'm getting annoyed at silly stuff, but I know in a week I'm gonna miss them like crazy and wish I had another week like this one!

I can always can't on Kapone to look!

bLIZZARD bLOG dAY 7

Almost didn't make this one! Getting all wrapped up in Grey's and phone ringtones...yes I'm getting sucked into my phone as well! Came in super handy today! Richard drove me to my doctor appointment today, I did finally go, and I do have strep. I hate when the nurse calls you back right away and then you sit in that room, alone for 20 minutes waiting for the doctor. So I took advantage of our unlimited texting, and was "talking" to Richard. We starting playing I spy, via text message...it was great, time flew by...what a creative hubby!

Noah went to daycare today...he missed his friends, I just know it! And check out what he made for us.He's so talented!

I also did a little animal rescue today. Our friend "binkey" (monkey) went for a swim today, but not in the little potty, he went for the big one...with a little help from Noah. We think Noah was just trying to show him the potty because he was having a very in depth conversation with the monkey, and in he went. Guess I should be thankful it was the monkey and not Noah!

On a side note, Noah's doing a great job on the potty, went like 6 times today!

Here's some more of our adventures today!
Noah's cleaning...watch out he's dangerous with that broom!

I don't even know how to explain this...Richard lays on the floor, Noah lays on Richard's belly and then they kick their legs like crazy...I don't know, maybe it's a boy thing!

Apparently the hallway was just too long for Noah tonight. He was on his way to dinner with his bib...but needed a break I guess?!?!

Yay, Mommy and Noah picture. He makes me laugh when we do this now, because he wants to see the picture afterwards, and then says "gen" (again). So we have a million of these pictures, which I have such a hard time deleting! Hoping tonight will be an okay sleep for us all, Noah's doing that whimpering cry in his sleep....I hope he doesn't get sick! Home again tomorrow...hoping to venture out for some more fun!

Blizzard Blog Day 6

Not to much to share today. I was sorta out of commission, not that Mommy's ever really get to be sick. Had a rough night sleep last night, so at 5 this morning I gave up and enjoyed the next two hours in quiet...just me and Kapone. I'm not sure if it's strep, but it's something that makes my throat hurt a whole lot. So Daddy was on full time today, thank goodness he was home!

We had more snow today....I don't even know how to measure it anymore (so here's the grill again) notice how high the snow is against the rail. In fact it didn't even seem like it really snowed that much because it only lasted 8 hours opposed to the recent 36 hours! Richard got to go play on the four wheeler and plow some more, while Elmo babysat Noah for me, since I was fading in and out on the couch....good thing my kid's a Blaine and completely zones out when he watches TV.

Daddy and Noah went and played outside for a while. Noah was thrilled because Daddy could make snowballs for him. At one point when I looked out Noah was chasing Mandy with a snowball, squealing with delight.

They did finally come in! Snack time...resting that big old noggin on his hands! Then my fantastic husband went to the grocery store...took Noah with him and got everything on the list! What a lucky girl I am. He even made dinner when he got home!

There is no Mommy and Noah shot from today...I'm slacking, plus I look rough today! I didn't wear real clothes either...but I think it's okay since I'm technically sick! Noah is going to daycare tomorrow, he needs to see his friends for a day and I'm not sure if he'd survive one more day at home...he's getting mighty brave!

Like that action shot?!?!

Blizzard Blog Day 5

Well folks, there's at least two more days of Blizzard Blogging to do...they just cancelled school for tomorrow and Thursday...oh boy! This time around the winter weather warning is between 7 and 14 inches.

Our dear Nana sure did provide some relief for me! It was nice to have someone here to help entertain...especially since my child started off in a rotten mood yesterday.

She came bearing Valentine's gifts...a Blue movie for Noah...always a winner! We got to keep Nana all night, and she even took Noah with her this morning so that Richard and I could run some much needed errands! Did I ever mention Richard took vacation this week...little did he know he'd be stuck with me all week! I finally ventured beyond my driveway for the first time since last Thursday. It was kinda nice to see a paved road! It was also kinda nice to have 2 hours to myself without anyone yelling for poptarts or milk!

Valentine's Day arrived today in our house, well at least for Richard and I. We finally got new phones!! (I make it sound like it's been forever, it hasn't even been two years, but when yours is shattered in the front it feels like forever!) We got to pick out new phones by ourselves and we got to go to Walmart - by ourselves - I could have done without the Walmart trip....but that's where we got gift number two! New curtain rods and blinds for the living room! If I had to watch the curtain fall one more time, I might have lost it! We made our family rounds, visiting everyone we could while we were in town, and then took off for home, getting home just in time, the snow started as we pulled in the driveway! This was one worn out little boy! He looks so sweet when he's sleeping...don't they all. Please note the one shoe off, he ALWAYS takes that shoe off in the car...odd.

We got home, ate our dinner, had a few time outs. Does anyone ever feel like their child lives in time out? I get so worried he's going to be a bad kid...Richard keeps assuring me that they all do this. Tonight it was throwing his plate on the floor and hitting. I keep wondering if time outs are doing anything, he's usually over there babbling away to the dogs. It got to the point I've taken the carpet away he sits on because he plays with it and wraps himself up in it. I wish I could not stress it...but that wouldn't be me if I wasn't stressing about something.You can always count on Noah to help out!

Trying to keep him occupied while Daddy finishes the blinds...we pulled out all the animals and read to them.

He's an excellent reader...can't you tell! At least the book is right side up!

Is it just me or does his face say "My mom is a nut and is driving me crazy!" All is good now, Noah just came to tell me goodnight, gave me a kiss and told me I was "pity" (pretty)! I love that kid, even when he is a stinker...goes for the hubby too!