A Necessary Journey.

I wonder where I am headed, she thought. 

I cannot wait to find out.

I am on a necessary journey. 

I finished a profound book today by my absolute favorite children's book author, Kate DiCamillo.

Thankfully, this title found its way into my hands just when I needed it the most.

'Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?'

It's a book that I absolutely cannot wait to share with my new class this year.

I hope that they can feel it as much as I have.

I'm sure that when I crack the pages for the first time they may think that I am reading them a 'babyish' book.

I'm almost positive that they'll roll their eyes at my character voices and my emotion as I read the words with excitement and reverence.

I can't say that I blame them.

I mean, I remember getting embarrassed over little, trivial things when I was their age.

But you know what, I am not going to mind one little bit!

Because you see, these kids that I have yet to know on a deeper level (I have to admit I know many of them already!) are already making me smile!

A little over a week ago I found out that my request, dream, journey, ect., was coming true.

Although I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching 7 and 8 year olds the past few years, my heart has always been pulled by my very first teaching experience.

Back in 2003, I didn't realize that those 10 and 11 year olds would shape my future quite as much as they did.

I had an excellent, inspiring student teaching experience all those years ago and although I know that I will never have that same class again, I thank them for helping me know where I truly wanted to be.

So, for me this school year, random hugs and silly giggles will now be replaced by eye rolls and sarcasm and I cannot wait because....

Day 49. 2012.

I have been extremely busy the past month, and today was one of the craziest days of them all!

Here's a true, 'day in the life' glimpse at my everyday....

My 'littles' aren't so little anymore...



1st grade field trip.

I had a great time skating...wish I could say the same for my son, but it wasn't really his cup of tea!

at the zoo...

Tough guy faces!

Last day of kindergarten 2012...{sigh}.

I am having a hard time accepting that I have two kindergarten graduates now!

Singing skinnamarink a dink...notice little Miss straight face on the far left?

Can you tell that she was a wee bit tired?!

Getting ready to walk the hall to 1st GRADE! Yikes!



We came home and couldn't stay inside on such a wonderful day so we ventured down to play on the bales while watching Uncle Brent plant their soybeans.

My kids love their cat, you can't tell or anything can you?!

I think all three of them are going to love the fact that they grew up on a farm, someday.

Tonight, I was having a blast just watching them!

While Madi went to spend time in the tractor with her dad, the boys and I had a great time together playing and being silly.

I love days like this!

Day 47. 2012.

Last August, our small community was devastated by the loss of one of our beloved teachers.

Mr Pfeifle was a first grade teacher and although I didn't know Paul very well, I do know that he had a huge heart and loved working with kids.

His student's loved him as well and it was a loss that was felt by so many, both young and old.

Yesterday, our school broke ground for a new sledding hill in honor of him and I had the chance to take a few photos of the ceremony.

I am so proud to call the community of Pelican Rapids and Viking Elementary School my home!

This is truly a great place to live and work!

Everyone who attended formed a heart on the future sledding hill...sorry for the low quality but I snagged this from another site, because I was in this one!

Day 46. 2012.

Whew, I knew going into this week that it had all the makings to be epically busy but now that it is here, I can see that indeed it will be a week to remember!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention a certain little man in our family 'graduating' from the 3- 4's pre- k.

Yup, that would be my son standing there with a smirk on his smug little face....



it's like he's saying, 'I dare you to make me sing.'


I know that I am in for a long school career with this child of mine.

My other two, so far, like school and for the most part enjoy attending.

The little man, on the other hand, will throw massive temper tantrums at the mere mention of the simple statement, 'Ty, it's a school day today.'

{Sigh}.

It isn't that he doesn't enjoy it once he gets there, his teachers tell me that he is happy and talks to them and his peers a lot once we leave the room.

I do believe at the tender age of three, though, that he understands exactly how to push our buttons and make us feel like horrible parents.

He is one smart cookie.

After his 'graduation', I realized again just how fleeting my time with him (and his big brother and sister) is.

That is why when Tyson insisted that I 'pway farm wif him' tonight before bed....

I just couldn't say no.

He proceeded to show me which tractors and trucks I could 'have'.

Even though I really liked the green combine, he convinced me that green was a boy color and was therefore his, and that since the red combine was a girl color that it could be mine. Where do they come up with this gender stuff at such a young age?

Day 33. 2012.

The kindergartners went sledding on Friday and I got the chance to go with them for a little while...so happy they were able to get out one last time before the warm weather melted all the snow away! Crash! (no one was hurt, I promise!) ..I just love their expressive faces!