McCrakensX4

Project 365 ~ Weeks 5 & 6

2012-02-12T19:14:00.006-08:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 29/365
Sunday January 29, 2012

Yet ANOTHER Pinterest recipe...Cookies & Creme Cupcakes...oh so good!

Monday~30/365

Monday January 30, 2012

At school we will soon start learning about needs vs. wants. During this unit all 5 Kindergarten classes will be working, managing and stocking in our grocery store! We have been collecting empty clean boxes for a few weeks; the next step is sorting and organizing. The kids are so excited!

Tuesday~31/365

Tuesday January 31, 2012

In my last 365 post I shared that my class collected over 100 cans for our local food bank to celebrate our 100th day of school; well this morning I took the donated food to the food bank for the actual donation!

Wednesday~32/365
Wednesday February 1, 2012

Learning 2D shapes vs. 3D shapes in school during math.

Thursday~33/365
Thursday February 2, 2012

Happy Groundhog Day!

After reading stories and predicting whether the groundhog saw his shadow or not, we went outside to see if we could find our shadows...and we did!

After school I met Crystal for our once-a-month happy hour at our fav restaurant!

Friday~34/365
Friday February 3, 2012

Today was National wear RED day in support of American Heart Association so I sported my red heart pin.

Saturday~35/365

Saturday February 4, 2012Basketball Week #4

The boys' team is awesome...they really play well together. Today they once again went up by more than 20, so we are not exactly sure of the 'actual' score, just just know that they won...and they won BIG!

Sunday ~ 36/365
Sunday February 5, 2012

Didn't do anything special for Super Bowl Sunday...just watched the game and enjoyed some very yummy homemade brownie ice cream sundaes...and yes this is yet another recipe from Pinterest...chocolate chip Oreo brownies...OH MY YUMMIESS!!

Monday~37/365
Monday February 6, 2012

While the boys were at basketball practice I went to my parents' house to see my dad! He is doing awesome since his surgery!

Tuesday~38/365

Tuesday February 7, 2012

Since I didn't have a picture for today I took one of our family room and all of the odd furniture! We had a big blue chair once upon a time, but since my boys do not know how to sit down nicely it has broken...sad but true...so we were lucky enough to be given another couch for free...hence the reason of 2 couches. Plenty of sitting space at the McCraken House!

Wednesday~39/365
Wednesday February 8, 2012

Today I went Valentine's Day decoration shopping with another teacher for our school sweetheart dance. She & I are in charge of the school Sweetheart Dance this year, so while we were out shopping I found these super fun aprons and thought they would be fun gifts, along with cupcakes, for some of the teachers at school!

Thursday~40/365
Thursday February 9, 2012

Thursday we had a safety assembly at school and McGruff was there!

Friday~41/365
Friday February 10, 2012

Friday after school was our PTA Sweetheart Family Dance. It was so much fun! I even cut a rug with some of my kinder students!

Saturday~42/365

Saturday February 11, 2012

SUPER busy Saturday!!

Bright and early Saturday morning I met friend, Stacey, at Paradise with these 2 cuties! Muffins, hot tea and good friends make for a great start to my day!

After my morning girl time, the boys and I headed to team pictures for basketball.

An hour later we then headed to their game, where they DOMINATED once again! Their team is playing so well together...fun to watch for sure! They won again...and BIG by more than 20 points.

After the game we headed home where I spent the afternoon making 8 dozen cake pops for a certain special birthday boy who turned 5....his only request...cake pops! After dinner and presents they kids watched Tom & Jerry on the side of the house in the backyard...so much fun!

And while the kids were watching Tom & Jerry, I was sitting by the fire with my feet up, enjoying good friends and a nice glass of wine!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365 ~ Week 4

2012-01-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 22/365
Sunday January 22, 2012

Brendan's hiding place during a game of indoor hide-n-seek!

Can you find him?!

Monday~23/365
Monday January 23, 2012

Brendan made his pillow pet into his newest friend "Dallas"

Tuesday~24/365

Tuesday January 24, 2012

Tuesday was the 100th day of school (only 80 more school wake ups left, but who's counting?! Oh that's right...ME!) and one of the activities we did as a class was a food drive. Our goal was to donate 100 cans of food to our local foodbank. We met our goal by collecting 103 cans, but before donating them we used them to make groups of 10 and 5 and learn and practice place value!

Lots of fun activities learning about the number 100...100 dots, 100 fruit loops, drawings of what we will look like at 100 years old, 100 I Spy collage, 100 counting bags, 100 count snack bags to sort, count and enjoy...I heart the 100th day of school!

Tuesday night was our school's PTA spirit night at a local restaurant, which also happens to be our family's fav pizza joint! We saw lots of teachers and friends from school and of course our principal was there as well. Here she is posing with the boys and some of their friends.

Wednesday~25/365
Wednesday January 25, 2012 When I need a few minutes to transition into another lesson or activity, white boards are a God send. I can have them practice writing their sight words, sentences, cvc words...of course this all comes with the promise of a free draw (if they work quietly) for the last few minutes!

Wednesday night is ZUMBA night...I heart zumba! I go with another teacher and another coach's wife. SO.MUCH.FUN.

Thursday~26/365
Thursday January 26, 2012

Yesterday (Wed.) my dad had major surgery...full knee replacement surgery to be exact. He now has a bionic left knee with the right one to be fully replaced this summer. We went to visit him in the hospital today and he was doing great. He had already had a few rounds of PT by the time was got there and was scheduled for his 3rd round that night and had walked twice. This gadget is amazing. It doesn't hold his weight totally but gives him the confidence that if he does fall it will catch him. When we were there he walked 243 ft. (yep...they count the feet every time to keep track)

Here he is walking towards Brendan...he did so great! He is supposed to come home this weekend.

The boys posing with their gimpy grandpa!

Friday~27/365
Friday January 27, 2012This is how we all feel on Friday nights...LITERALLY!

Saturday~28/365

Saturday January 28, 2012

Basketball Week #3

Above...Colin at the free throw line (which he missed by the way...aaiiirrrBALLLL)

Below...Brendan sending the ball back into play

This game started off very sllluuuggggish, and was quite boring the first half. The 2nd half things picked up a bit. The boys' team was up the entire game and pulled out a win 33-18 making their season 2-0-1 thus far.

Great Game Scorpions!!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365 ~ Week 3

2012-01-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 15/365
Sunday January 15, 2012

sooooo....my new favoritest addiction...PINTEREST...can I just say...OH.MY.GOODNESS...it's everything I didn't know I needed to know...recipes, projects, school stuff...anything and everything!

Well I found it this weekend and that is where I was ALL weekend!!

I couldn't stop myself...I tried to stop...honestly...I DID...but it just kept sucking me back in!

With an extra day off for MLKjr Day I had to try out some new recipes...3 to be exact! Sunday morning I made a breakfast ring...it was yummy but would have been even yummier if I would have had the bacon that was called for...next time!

Recipe #2....crescent s'mores...oh my yumminess...the boys LOVED these!

Recipe #3 I tried on Monday afternoon...did I mention how much I am loving my new addiction?!!

Monday~16/365
Monday January 16, 2012

Monday morning found Brendan and me at the dr. He has been complaining for a while now that his feet have been hurting me. I know I should have taken him, oh I don't know, a year ago when they started hurting, but I am the kind of mom who is like...you're ok, walk it off!! And I was RIGHT!! $25 later the dr confirmed my guess all along...growing pains. Sadly Brendan has to play and live with the pain or stop playing...I am sure you can guess what his answer to that was! He is just too pointy, big, gangily, and gawky for his own good...but he should grow into it soon!

Recipe #3 brought out my much loved red mixer for Krispy Kreme Donut Muffins. So very easy to make. Although I was a bit disappointed that they actually were not indeed Krispy Kreme donuts they were still pretty yummy...right down to the glaze!

These bad boys were taking into school on Tuesday...I didn't lose all that weight for nothing!!

Tuesday~17/365

Tuesday January 17, 2012 Tuesday brings us back to school after a lovely 3 day weekend. We are learning about weather in science and literacy, so today we ventured outside to read the story 'What Will the Weather be Like Today?'. After reading the story we brainstormed what our weather was like and then the class was able to draw and write about it in our school's courtyard.

Wednesday~18/365
Wednesday January 18, 2012

I have been really good at making dinner every night since the new year. I even made it tonight...but something just wasn't right about it. Didn't taste good, I think it was the sauce (I made beef enchiladas) so we ended up ordering pizza. I went to pick it up, but it was sent out on delivery by mistake (which we NEVER do) and because we never have it delivered it was sent to the wrong address (our old address) and an hour later this is how we received it. Oh yea, we have a credit for the next time we want pizza!

Thursday~19/365
Thursday January 19, 2012

Look what I received in the mail today...I heart the mailman! It was my MIL old phone, which she gave to me since she got the iPhone4. I am a little excited as I have a dinosaur phone. Now to just find the time to get to Verizon and have the number changed.

Friday~20/365
Friday January 20, 2012 Not gonna lie when I say I totally forgot to take a picture for my post on Friday so when I was down loading pictures the only ones I had were from my classroom. I decided to do some 'FUN' literacy centers today...yep I said the 'F' word...FUN! They had so much fun trying out some new (to them) games and were learning all the way!!

Saturday~21/365

Saturday January 21, 2012

Basketball season week #2

I must say that I am LOVING that the boys are on the same team this season...so much easier! They were up against a tough team this week and it quickly turned very aggressive. The boys powered on and the game ended in a tie...22-22.

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2012-01-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 8/365
Sunday January 8, 2012

Early Sunday morning Gramma headed back to Michigan and reality began to set in that today was our LAST day of Christmas Vacation...nnnoooo...say it ain't so! With that being the case, the house was cleaned, laundry was done, and grocery shopping was did!! I always go through ad papers and price match at Wal-Mart...so that is what I did! With price matching and coupons I am able to save a little bit in our grocery budget which seems to get bigger and bigger with 2 growing boys in the house...they are eating me out of house and home!!

Monday~9/365
Monday January 9, 2012

Monday night is our basketball practice night...are they really old enough to do shirts vs skins??!! Where oh where have my babies gone....sigh.

Tuesday~10/365

Tuesday January 10, 2012

The moon as I was driving home tonight...so big and beautiful up in the sky.

Wednesday~11/365
Wednesday January 11, 2012

Came home for a quick minute before heading back to school for the PTSA meeting (yes, I am on that too!) and captured this picture of a dad & son moment. They were wrestling around on the couch and the minute I got my camera out Brendan tried to hide...I love how he is peeking around Ryan. Can't believe he is gonna be 12 in 2 months!

Thursday~12/365
Thursday January 12, 2012

So we are back into the swing of things with school and life. We are HALF way through our school year...yep...you heard me right...we have 90 school days left until summer vacation...but who's counting?!

No slowing down now...lots of whole group learning going on in my kinder class...all about weather, temperature, bears, fiction vs. non-fiction. For what ever reason they LOVE using post-its notes, so I have been doing a lot of charts lately where they can write/draw things and categorize their answer...yep...lots of learning going on!

Friday~13/365
Friday January 13, 2012

Today was Quarter 2 Awards Celebration at school. Brendan received Principal's Honor Roll for straight As and Colin received Honor Roll for As & Bs (bummer no pic of him!)

GREAT JOB BOYS!!

We left school early today and headed to PCH for Colin's check up with Dr. B. His results came back normal...Thank You Jesus...and he is doing just fine. Dr. B said he is naturally weening himself off of his meds since he has been gaining weight with no up in his meds. Because of the great results no need to see him again for a year unless we see a seizure (which we haven't seen in a year!).

Saturday~14/365

Saturday January 14, 2012

Saturday was the start of Basketball season in the McCraken House...thankfully the boys are on the same team, which makes Saturdays so much easier for me! They are on the Scorpions. Real jerseys this year as the PHX Suns are sponsoring our rec dept basketball this season. We are Jr. Suns.

They dominated on the court beating their opponents by more than 20 points (after one team is up by 20 they stop putting points on the board). We think the Scorpions scored at least 60 points but the final score read us winning 33-13. Both Brendan & Colin scored and played a very good game!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365 ~ Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 1/365
Sunday January 1, 2012

We headed to Grandma & Grandpa's house this morning for a yummy New Year's breakfast...Belgian Waffles!

Monday~2/365
Monday January 2, 2012

What a YUMMY way to start off 2012...We scream for Ice Cream!! Gotta love 70* days in January!!

Tonight brought us to the first basketball practice of the season...and here we go!

Tuesday~3/365

Tuesday January 3, 2012

Tuesday was a S.U.P.E.R. lazy day...we cleaned up around the house to get ready for Gramma's visit and just hung around in our jammies all day! Colin wasn't feeling so hot either so he camped out on the couch sleeping, resting, watching TV and reading!

Tuesday night brought us to SUGAR BOWL time...Michigan Wolverines vs. Virginia Tech Hokies. I snapped this pic of the coin flip on TV because my FIL was on the field representing UM; he was just inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame last month in New York. The Wolverines beat the Hokies in an OT win...GO BLUE!!

Wednesday~4/365
Wednesday January 4, 2012

Wednesday afternoon we met long lost friends at the bowling alley for some friendly games on the lanes! All of the boys played football for the same team once upon a time, until we all went our own ways...one moved out of state, one moved up in the division and my boys stayed down a level. It was a fun afternoon filled with lots of laughter and catching up!

Thursday~5/365
Thursday January 5, 2012

Thursday we went to the Wildlife Zoo & Aquarium with Gramma; who is visiting from Michigan. It was a beautiful day to visit with the animals! Above they are watching some Monkeys monkey around!

Colin feeding the giraffes at the giraffe house! (this is my fav part of the zoo!)

After walking around we went to lunch...the boys posing with Gramma after a yummy meal at the aquarium.

Friday~6/365
Friday January 6, 2012

Colin's yearly EEG was Friday morning at Phoenix Children's Hospital. He had to be sleep deprived meaning he, well WE, were up until midnight the night before and up at 4am before his appointment. We had to be at the hospital by 7:30am for his 8am test. (we find out his results next Friday when we meet with his neurologist). The rest of the day we chilled out with gramma; until it was time for basketball practice and then pizza for dinner!

Saturday~7/365

Saturday January 7, 2012

Saturday was our final day with Gramma so we headed out to lunch then to play some BINGO to support the American Cancer Society.

After lunch & BINGO we came home to hang out and have some family time chilling out playing Quelf, watching TV (football of course!), laughing and playing...trying to squeeze out every last minute of fun with Gramma before she heads back to Michigan in the morning.

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2012-01-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 359/365
Sunday December 25, 2011

I love to the excitement of the boys' faces the minute they see the tree...Ryan walks them backwards and then turns them around so I can snap a picture; growing up I can remember my parents doing the same thing to my sister and me...great memories for sure!

The boys with their loot...Brendan got an iPod Touch & Colin got an electric scooter and they both received cell phones.

Ryan opening one of his presents...I choose this one because of his look...he actually knew what the gift was as he picked both books out!!

Ryan bought me a beautiful charm bracelet from Brighton with a ballet pointe shoe and 2 purple stone spacers...I love it!

This has now become the image at our house...oy vey!!

Monday~360/365
Monday December 26, 2011 Brendan received lots of Legos for Christmas; this is one of the sets he built...the king's castle from the Kingdom set.

Tuesday~361/365

Tuesday December 27, 2011 Tuesday I met a high school friend that I haven't seen in over 20 years for lunch (long story short...her parents retired here and live a mile from me!!). It was fun to catch up....so much fun that I didn't even have the thought to take a picture. And then for dinner I met my friend Crystal! Along with dinner we exchanged Christmas presents and this is what she got me...YUMMO...she knows me so very well!! Thanks Crystal!

(and yet again we were so busy gabbing away that I neglected to take a pic :( )

With all of the Legos that both boys received for Christmas, my living room floor looked like this for a few days...it was driving me crazy with a capital K! It has since been cleaned up thank you very much!

Wednesday~362/365
Wednesday December 28, 2011

I got the babycakes machine from my parents for Christmas. Since I did not get outta my jammies on Wednesday I decided it was a great day to give it a try! So much easier than the other way. I so like the hand rolled ones as well, they are much richer and more dense, but these are faster and lighter...just as good...in a different kind of way!

I made about 5 dozen lemon cake pops dipped in chocolate and did it in less than 2 hours!

Thursday~363/365
Thursday December 29, 2011

Brendan received SkyLanders video game for the Wii from Gramma & Papa this Christmas. It is a very cool interactive game that uses different characters. In the starter kit that Brendan got there was 3 characters...of course he wanted more so today we headed to Wal-Mart so he could use his gift card that was burning a whole in his pocket. Well needless to say we went to not just 1 BUT 3 Wal-Mart and 1 Target looking for these {apparently} coveted figures. We hit the jackpot at the very last Wal-Mart and the boys found and bought 8 of the million that are available!! They spent the rest of the night in front of the TV playing the Wii!!

Friday~364/365
Friday December 30, 2011

Friday late afternoon, Ryan and I headed out for an early dinner at one of our fav places...RED LOBSTER!! YUMMY! Family friends of ours gave us a very generous gift card for Christmas...Thanks Morgan! After gorging ourselves on yummy crab legs and shrimp we walked around Barnes & Noble and Target!

Saturday~365/365

Saturday December 31, 2011 We planned a quiet evening in as a family on New Year's Eve but plans changed and Colin went and spent the night at his friend's house...so it ended up just being the 3 of us. Brendan & I watched the new iCarly and just before midnight (NY time) we turned it on CNN to watch the ball drop. (it was 10pm AZ time)

We are so very excited to see what new adventures God has in store for our family in 2012!

Wishing you and your family a blessed 2012!

Happy New Year!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365 ~ 2 Weeks Worth

2011-12-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 345/365
Sunday December 11, 2011

Ryan snapped this pic of me and cousin Kristy as we headed to the airport...it was time for her to head back to CO. We had lots of fun hanging out for the last 4 days though!

Monday~346/365
Monday December 12, 2011

This week was Secret Santa week at school. Today I received this cute snowman mug filled with hot coco & candy canes!

Tuesday~347/365

Tuesday December 13, 2011

In Sc. Studies we studied Holidays Around the World...each kinder teacher choose a tradition from a different country; I taught the Legend of the Poinsettia from Mexico. We read the story, talked about the tradition and made our own poinsettia...best thing...I actually got to talk/teach about the birth of Jesus! The kinder students also learned about traditions from Greece, Germany, Italy and Australia.

Wednesday~348/365
Wednesday December 14, 2011

Colin Boy lost another tooth. Sad thing though...the tooth fairy didn't come the night he lost it...sad but true...but the trooper that Colin is waited it out until she finally showed up. And since she was late, he earned an extra $1!!

Thursday~349/365
Thursday December 15, 2011 Thursday afternoon we had a special all school assembly outside on our basketball courts...as a school we raised so much money & did so awesome on both of the fall fundraisers that we earned this totally awesome BMX bike show.

There were 2 riders who did tricks and stunts for about 45 minutes wowing the kids (& teachers!)...best tricks...doing a front flip and jumping over our principal!

Friday~350/365
Friday December 16, 2011 In Germany (of our Holidays Around the World) the students learned about the Christmas Tree...they were able to decorate their own tree and then 'snow' paint it using an actual bough of a Christmas Tree...I must say that this was one of my fav projects of the season; I just loved how they turned out!

Saturday~351/365

Saturday December 17, 2011

Saturday night I scored FREE tickets from the Epilepsy Foundation of AZ to the Coyotes hockey game against the NY Rangers. Since Ryan doesn't like heights and these were upper level tickets, Kennedy came with us. We did lots of cheering for the 'Yotes!

Sad to say that they lost with .01 seconds on the clock...bummer!

Sunday ~ 352/365
Sunday December 18, 2011 Sunday was baking day!! My mom, Kennedy, the boys & I spent all day baking tons of cookies, making peppermint bark, peppermint thin mints, dipping marshmallows and pretzels....lots of fun for sure!

Monday~353/365
Monday December 19, 2011

Monday night I finished up the finishing touches of my students' presents for their parents. They made snowflake ornaments with their pictures on them. They glittered them too. I was putting the hangers on them with my hot glue gun! They turned out so pretty!

Tuesday~354/365

Tuesday December 20, 2011 Tuesday was my class Holiday Celebration and gingerbread decorating day! We had lots of fun getting messy! I also received some gifts...this clock was a gift from 4 families...isn't it amazing?! In the 15 years or so I have been teaching this is the first time I have received something so touching...I love it!

The kids' finished houses ready to be sent home!

Wednesday~355/365
Wednesday December 21, 2011

Wednesday was donate a $1 and wear a holiday hat...so here is me in my holiday hat!

Thursday~356/365
Thursday December 22, 2011

Last day of school for the calendar year 2011...YaY! Brendan also designed, built & decorated a gingerbread house in his class! I think he did a great job!

Later that night was the annual cookie exchange I always attend...SO.MUCH.FUN. 20 ladies talking laughing and eating...it's gotta be a good time! I came home with about 9 dozen yummy kinds of cookies! (not like I need anymore cookies or anything...but oh my yumminess!)

Friday~357/365
Friday December 23, 2011

A new indoor trampoline place opens up by our house next week...we were fortunate enough to be invited to the friends and family pre-opening event. The boys were able to jump for about 2 hrs for free...they had such a blast! This place is way cool...a huge jump space, 2 dodge ball courts, a basketball court, and a foam pit! Next time I'm jumping!!

Saturday~358/365

Saturday December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve at Grandma & Grandpa's house. Our tradition of pizza dinner and gifts from out of state aunts & uncles! Thanks Aunt Judy & Uncle Frank and Aunt Mary Ann & Uncle Bruce.

Afterwards we came home to get ready for some of Ryan's students to come and hang out! And since Morgan helped Ryan pick out my gifts they wanted me to open at least one while she was there! I opened a new COACH purse...OH.MY.GOODNESS....I {heart} it!!

And keeping with tradition with opening presents from out of state family, the boys were able to open their gifts from Gramma & Papa, and Aunt Jenni & Uncle Brett.; here they are enjoying their gifts...Brendan got Skylanders for the Wii and Colin got City Legos Space Station from Gramma & Papa and movie tickets from Brett & Jenni...Thanks everyone!

Before leaving it was time to snap a pic of Ryan and his girls, Morgan & Brooklyn...but Brendan wanted in on that as well!!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Family Christmas Pictures ~ 2011

2011-12-14T00:02:00.000-08:00

Project 365 ~ Better Late than Never!!

2011-12-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 324/365
Sunday November 20, 2011

Sunday night brought students over to hang out...I love being the hang out house!! We had some snacks and dinner and lots of laughs!

Monday~325/365
Monday November 21, 2011

Brendan is REFUSING to but his hair and it's KILLING me!! (pick your battles...pick your battles!)...so...every morning he wakes up with major bed head. I took this picture to show him how bad his hair actually looked since he couldn't see it in the mirror!!

Tuesday~326/365

Tuesday November 22, 2011 The school where I teach & the boys attend was awarded an A status and Excelling school...isn't that awesome?! Today was our Excelling celebration...we had an Olympic themed day with a parade of scholars, gold medals, the passing of the eternal flame of knowledge and donuts!! It was an amazingly fun day! Here I am with my class and the flag we made representing our class.

Wednesday~327/365
Wednesday November 23, 2011

'Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all through the house...pizza...it's what's for dinner!!

Thursday~328/365
Thursday November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday~329/365
Friday November 25, 2011

Once the wishbone dried out the boys were able to make a wish...Brendan was the wish maker this year!

Saturday~330/365

Saturday November 26, 2011 Saturday I made another entire Thanksgiving meal to share with some of Ryan's students...I must say that is way much better tasting the second time around!

Sunday ~ 331/365
Sunday November 27, 2011
I finally put up our family portraits that were taken over a year ago!! I went to Michael's on Thanksgiving night to get an AWESOME deal on frames. I am loving the way the layout turned out!

Monday~332/365
Monday November 28, 2011

Monday night was WCHS Wildcats Varsity Football banquet...this year it was held in the gym at the school and catered by a Mexican restaurant. Here I am with Tyler, one of my favs! Ryan is trying to set him up with a scholarship so he can play ball in college.

Tuesday~333/365

Tuesday November 29, 2011 Dr. Joy came to talk to all 5 kinder classes today to press the importance of staying healthy, washing hands, covering our coughs & sneezes and getting our flu shots.

Wednesday~334/365
Wednesday November 30, 2011

Since changing schools, the boys have been bugging to ride their bikes (we live about 6 blocks but across a super busy main road with no light or cross walk). I held them off until after football ended...I mean really, how could they ride bikes with their HUGE football bags!! So today was the day. I planned on riding my bike too, but half a block from the house, my tire popped off the rim, to I drove and they rode. They loved it!

Thursday~335/365
Thursday December 1, 2011

Every year I make these with my kinder class...a count down mouse to Christmas!

Friday~336/365
Friday December 2, 2011

Friday was our city's annual tree lighting ceremony. No body wanted to go with me, so I went by myself {tear} and was able to hear some great music, see some beautiful lit up hot air balloons, and feel the Christmas cheer as they turned on the lights for the first time this season!

Saturday~337/365

Saturday December 3, 2011

Saturday was the boys' CATS football banquet...nothing fancy...just a potluck at a local park where the parent's could chat and the boys could play football...cuz it's all about football!! Here are the boys with their coaches.

I received this, totally unexpected, from the team for doing the job nobody ever wants to do...TEAM MOM. (another mom & I stepped up to the plate when crickets were sounded!) It was a roll of toilet paper (for a crap job that nobody wants to do! lol) and a $25 gift card to Applebee's!!

And the boy's trophies

Sunday ~ 338/365
Sunday December 4, 2011

Sunday we met my parents at their clubhouse for our annual Christmas card picture taking in front of the fireplace! Here are my mom & dad with the grandkids.

Monday~339/365
Monday December 5, 2011

Colin lost a bet to Mrs. K, a teacher at school, so he had to wear a Packers Jersey on Monday as his payment...he didn't mind!

Tuesday~340/365

Tuesday December 6, 2011 We spent 26 hrs in New York City on Tuesday & Wednesday. We were there to honor and celebrate my father in law for being inducted into the college football hall of fame. It was so much fun...although I wish we had more time to see the sights! The dinner was formal so we were able to dress up! Above are my in-laws and all the kids with their spouses!

Ryan & I

Wednesday~341/365
Wednesday December 7, 2011

We walked everywhere we could Tuesday after the ceremony and Wednesday until we had to head to the airport. We saw Rockefeller Center, the tree, the ice rink, the Today Show being taped, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square and all of the fun shops, Central Park, 5th Ave, Madison Ave., Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, ate in a NY deli, and were driven around in the KRAZY (the a capital K) traffic!

Ryan & I in front of the tree & skating rink at Bryant Park

Thursday~342/365
Thursday December 8, 2011

Thursday my (well actually Ryan's) cousin and her son were here for his basketball tourney. Kristy stayed with us and since I was her ride, I was able to see Derek in action...here he is (#35 in maroon) getting the jump ball! His team went 2-1 this weekend.

Friday~343/365
Friday December 9, 2011

Friday the entire fam went to see Derek & his team play and after go out to dinner. Brendan and Colin love hanging out with Derek!

Saturday~344/365

Saturday December 10, 2011

Saturday was our annual WCHS Football Christmas Party. Lots of laughs with good food and great friends! These are just some of the yummy desserts at the party!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-11-20T00:02:00.000-08:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 317/365
Sunday November 13, 2011

Sunday night one of Ryan's old student's came over for dinner. The boys love Diana and were so excited that she came over for tacos! She graduated last year and is attending ASU this year.

Monday~318/365
Monday November 14, 2011

Monday night Ryan & I headed to The Men's Wearhouse to order a tux for a formal dinner we are attending in December...Oh La La!! We are flying to NYC for a quick overnighter to see his dad inducted into the college football hall of fame. We are SO very excited as we have never been there before.

Tuesday~319/365

Tuesday November 15, 2011 I took this pic Tuesday morn before heading to school...I loved the silhouette of Brendan sitting in front of the tree playing.

After dinner I dusted off my running shoes and took a power walk with a fellow teacher. I am sad to report that I haven't worked out in like forever, so tonight was a great night to start up again. Andrea & I power walked around our sub...we were amazed that we could talk as fast as we could walk!

Wednesday~320/365
Wednesday November 16, 2011

If I haven't said it before...I'm gonna say it now...I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new school that the boys and I transferred to this past August. The teachers, admin, students and families are ALL amazing. We actually do educationally fun things...I know, imagine that! I had worked at my other school for 4 years (in the same district) and we were never allowed to take field trips...not the case at my new school!

Today was the annual Kinder Field Trip to the FARM!!! So much fun! 5 classes went with at least 10 chaperones from each class went to enjoy a fun filled day learning about corn, vegetables, animals and so much more! We also got to go in the corn maze, feed the animals, pick fresh veggies, play on the playground and take a train/tractor ride. I had as much fun as the students did!

Above it a class picture right after we came out of the corn maze (so much fun!) and below is my class in the HUGE vegetable garden. We got to pick beets, squash, cucumbers and cilantro.

(I took close to 300 photos for my class facebook page!!)

Thursday~321/365
Thursday November 17, 2011

I needed a picture for today so right before I headed off to bed I snapped one of my Christmas tree from the bottom looking up. It finally has been fully decorated, but this is the only part of my house to be in the festive mood so far! I was unsure about putting it up so early, but now that it is up, I am loving it...what's a few more weeks to enjoy the season!

Friday~322/365
Friday November 18, 2011

One Friday a month we dub it DONUT DAY...today was that day! At our local supermarket they have a promo going that when you buy a dozen donuts you get half a dozen more for free...18 donuts for the price of 12...can't beat that! And the teachers and their kids are loving it too, as we share (otherwise I would EAT THEM ALL!!)

Our school held a toilet paper drive to help a local homeless shelter this week. Apparently this is a yearly drive and they compete against a few other schools to see who can collect the most rolls of TP to donate. Our school has one the TP Trophy (oh yes there's a trophy!) 4 out of the last 5 years! Last I heard we were in the lead this year as well! The class with the most collected rolls gets to mummify our Principal too!

Well...my class didn't collect the most in the school, BUT we did collect 158 rolls...I think they did a GREAT job! And for a great cause!

Saturday~323/365

Saturday November 19, 2011

This morning I registered the boys for winter basketball season which will start at the beginning of January and run for about 9 weeks or so. Thankfully this year they will be able to be on the same team. Every other year we get to waive Colin up to the big boys team since he only misses the cut off date by a month. Makes our Saturdays so much easier. They will be playing for the same coach they played for last year...he is a great guy (who is also their baseball coach)!

It was also Mom/Colin Boy day to make his Christmas wish list. I went with Brendan last weekend. We started out at Wal-Mart before heading to Target, Culver's for lunch, then to Hobby Lobby and finally Toys R Us.

So now both boys have their Christmas Wish List complete!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-11-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 305/365
Sunday November 6, 2011

Sunday was a super lazy day at the McCraken house...it started off with some french toast {YUM} with left over Italian bread and then led into laundry and cleaning and lesson planning and anything else I could do in my jammies! It was also clean the football equipment day! The boys' season ended yesterday with a HUGE win over another pee wee team in their association, and with that we are done with football, so that means it's time to clean the equipment and get it ready for hand-in which takes place on Tuesday night. Ryan's season is done too and his team's equipment hand in is Wednesday...and the only thing left is party time!

Ryan being silly wearing one of the boys' helmets!

Monday~306/365
Monday November 7, 2011

Last week I posted a picture of Brendan and his friend Jack, the 2 spelling bee representatives for their 6th grade class; well this morning was the school wide spelling bee. There were 2 class representatives from each class from grades 4th-8th. I was not able to attend {insert sad face here} since it was during school hours, but thankfully grandma came to the rescue and was able to cheer him on (and take some pics for me! lol) He didn't fare too well and was out in the first round, but nonetheless I am very proud of him for getting up there and doing his best!

After school and my meetings, I came home to hurry up and wrap up a birthday present and get it in the mail for Model's birthday; you may know here as Mimi's middle child! I am TERRIBLE when it comes to getting boxes to my BFFs on time back in MI so I was determined to get it to her before her big day! (and I did it!)

Tuesday~307/365

Tuesday November 8, 2011

Football equipment hand in day...they were sad to see it go, I am happy to have less mess and grass in my house!

Today was the day that my kindergarteners turned in their Tom Turkeys in their Thanksgiving day disguises to hide from the farmer. I think they did great and I got some really creative disguises, with my favorite being the bush! Others included a football player, a football field, a pig, a dog, an hot air balloon, a peacock, a star wars clone trooper, Elmo, a rainbows as well as the cereal, pasta and rice decoed ones!

Brendan posing with our principal Mrs. T. She is sporting a Wildcat spirit shirt because of a little wager she lost this football season. You see...her hubby coaches football for one of Ryan's in-district rivals so at the beginning of the season we made a friendly little wager...loser had to wear winner's spirit shirt. Well here she is...sporting one of mine since WCHS Wildcats TRAMPLED over the stallions of SRHS a few weeks ago! I think she wears it well...don't you?!

Wednesday~308/365
Wednesday November 9, 2011

Tonight I met Crystal for our monthly happy hour meeting...I am loving this happy hour thing btw! And she brought me this....OH MY YUMMINESS!! This is my most favoritest kind of candy and you can only find it at Christmas time! Thanks Crystal...you are amazing!

Thursday~309/365
Thursday November 10, 2011

Since tomorrow is Veteran's Day, today was the last school day of our week! Can I get a WOO HOO! The end to a very short, but busy week...so it was decided that mom didn't have to cook tonight {thankyouverymuch}; so Jack in the Box was brought home to feast on picnic style while watching football (shocking, I know!). I {heart} curly fries and definitely do not indulge in them as much as I should!

Friday~310/365
Friday November 11, 2011

Today is Veteran's Day {thanks to all those who have served or are serving to keep me & my family safe, especially my papa and dad...YOU ROCK!} and since we have no school we, my mom, sister, me and the kids, decided to go shopping. We headed to the mall...OH.MY.CRAZINESS...it was like it was the week before Christmas.

And while we were walking around looking at the Christmas decor and listening to the Christmas music (already)...guess who we saw...that's right...

SANTA CLAUS

...are you kiddin' me?! The elf said he has been there since November 4th. I was shocked!

Saturday~311/365

Saturday November 12, 2011

Busy Saturday in store for the McCraken family...it started out on the football field...wait deja vu...our season has ended, so why am I on the football field this Saturday??! Well good friend Bric plays in a different league on a different team and had a game so the boys, of course, wanted to go...cuz what's a Saturday without being on the football field?! Apparently I will never know!

Then after lunch it was that time again for our annual mom/son Christmas list trip! This is when I go with each son to stores of their choice so that they can write our their Christmas wish list. It also includes either a fun snack or lunch date as well! Since Brendan is the oldest, he was up first. We headed to Toy R Us, Wal-Mart, GameStop, Hobby Lobby, Micheal's and he picked Starbucks for his treat. It was a fun time with my eldest...next weekend...Colin Boy's turn!

When Bren & I got home I found Colin and Ryan pulling out the Christmas tree...WHAT?! He {Ryan} has been bugging to put up the tree for almost a week now...so the sneakily little thing that he is pulled it out while I wasn't home! So, yes, it's November 13th and the McCraken's have their Christmas tree up and decorated...sigh...

...it does like very festive though...I do have to admit!

I also tried my hand at making cake pops. I love to bake and have been wanting to try these for forever. The cake is lemon cake with butter cream frosting dipped in mild chocolate and while chocolate. For my first time I think they turned out great and they taste amazing! I will make them again definitely; Brendan is asking for chocolate as he is not a lemon fan!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-11-06T20:28:00.001-08:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 298/365
Sunday October 30, 2011

Sunday night the boys drew, cleaned and carved their own pumpkins into jack o'lanterns. This is a first for the carving. They did pretty good considering! (lol) Colin's is the one of the left and Brendan's is the one on the right.

Monday~299/365
Monday October 31, 2011

Monday night daddy made it home from football practice just in time to see us off trick or treating...in our house it is ALL about the candy!! Grandma & Grandpa came over too...daddy and grandpa handed out candy while grandma and I walked around with Frankenstein and the football player!
got candy?!

Tuesday~300/365

Tuesday November 1, 2011

Tuesday during practice Colin took a helmet to the knee. He was down for about 10 minutes (a scary 10 minutes!) but was able to walk off the field on his own. He spent the rest of practice watching from the sidelines with ice. We had him checked out the next day with WCHS's athletic trainer who diagnosed him with a badly bruised knee.

Wednesday~301/365
Wednesday November 2, 2011

Wednesday morning was our school's 1st quarter honor roll assembly. Brendan made Principal's List (all As) and Colin made Honor Roll (all As & Bs). So proud of my boys!!

Today we also got back their picture retakes....SOSOSO much better than the originals...dontchya think?!

Thursday~302/365
Thursday November 3, 2011

Brendan & his friend and classmate Jack....these 2 are the 6th grade representatives from their class who won the spelling bee...they have been practicing together before and after school each day preparing for the school wide spelling bee which will be held on Monday Nov. 7th.

Friday~303/365
Friday November 4, 2011

Friday night led us to WCHS's first play-off game in 2 years. We played a team that we had lost too earlier this season, but the coaches and players had a great week of practices and were really pumped up. The captains at mid field for the coin toss.

See #12...yea, that's our kicker...a sophomore...oh yea, she's a girl!

(and she's AWESOME!)

Ryan's defense was on fire tonight...allowing only 28 points by the coyotes...they only gave up 140 total yards averaging 2.8 yards per carry...too bad the offense wasn't as on as the defense was...

Putting the quarter back on his back...again!

We ended up losing, but Ryan was pumped with the way his boys played! The Wildcats ended their season 7-4.

WCHS Wildcats 0 - CHS Coyotes 30

Great Season Wildcats!!

Saturday~304/365

Saturday November 5, 2011

Saturday it actually felt like fall here in AZ...temps in the 60s...I wore a sweatshirt and it was football weather! Too bad it was the last game of the season! lol

The Cats were up against the Lions; the other pee wee team in their league. The team and both boys had an amazing game...they both started on both sides of the ball; and since we were up by so much at half time, they were putting all of the players in at all positions! Both of them were able to play running back for a carry and Colin tried kicker for a kick off!!

CATS 38 - LIONS 0

And just like that our football season has come to an end. All equipment will be handed in on Tuesday and banquets will be the first weekend in December.

What will I ever do with all of my free time?! lol That is until basketball season starts!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365 ~ 2 Weeks Worth

2011-10-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 284/365
Sunday October 16, 2011

Sunday afternoon found us at our friends' house for wings and nachos...can you say YUM?! I can...Rog makes the absolute BEST wings anywhere...they are so very yummy! After all the food I found this kid sporting these...I ♥ this kid!

Monday~285/365
Monday October 17, 2011

Monday we got back the boys' school pictures...can you say...ARE YA KIDDIN' ME??! Colin's wasn't too bad, that was until you looked at the 8x10 and saw the HUGE line of sweat that ran across his entire forehead, complete with little droplets running down his face. Seriously photographer...you didn't see that? You couldn't tell him to wipe his brow?? just wonderin'...

And then there was Brendan...not too much to say about that one...hhhmmmm

...needless to say that they will both be having picture retakes on Wednesday, thankyouverymuch!

Tuesday~286/365

Tuesday October 18, 2011Tuesday I introduced my kindergartners to their new writing journals! They were so excited, and it's a great way to see their writing skills improve! I get goose bumps just thinking of all the progress they will make by the end of the school year!

Wednesday~287/365
Wednesday October 19, 2011

Well today was picture re-take day...the both decided not to gel up their hair this time and that they wanted to wear their football jersies...whatever...all I can say is that at least I get a discount since I am a teacher! lol

Thursday~288/365
Thursday October 20, 2011

Anther Thursday night...another football practice. Since they massacred the last team they played, we are still having football practice...next game...Saturday against a team that barely beat us the last time we faced off. One game elimination...Let's do this CATS!

Friday~289/365
Friday October 21, 2011

Friday night was our last home game vs. another in-district rival..the Stallions from SRHS. It was also Sr. Night. There was A LOT of cheering going on in the stands as we trampled the Stallions 41-28!! This was my fav pic of the night...my 3 boys at the after game party celebration!

Saturday~290/365

Saturday October 22, 2011

Saturday took us back to Buckeye, about an hour away, to play a team that barely beat us about 4 weeks ago. The CATS were hungry for some Wolverines and were looking for a WIN but sadly we could not pull it off and lost in the 2nd round of the play-offs. Colin was one of the captians this game.

CATS 12 - Wolverines 20

Great job boys!

Our season is done with the exception of one last bowl game in November!

After the game we headed to the Little Scholars & Cheer Jamboree. This is a celebration for all of the cheerleaders as well as all of the Scholar Athletes in the Pop Warner organization. Brendan was nationally recognized since he was in the top 4% of the players nationwide with his grades. (that is the reason is ribbon is orange).

Colin received 3 medals...one for their play-off game and 2 academic medals for being on the honor roll (all As & Bs).

Brendan also received 3 medals...one for their play-off game and 2 academic medals for being on the Principal's honor roll (all As).

Sunday ~ 291/365
Sunday October 23, 2011

Unbeknowest to Ryan, I was making Monkey Bread and unbeknowest to me, Ryan stopped at McDonald's on his way home from football on Sunday morning...so this is what we feasted on!

Monday~292/365
Monday October 24, 2011 This week was Red Ribbon week at school...Say NO to Drugs! We also had spirit week that went along with different Say NO to Drugs slogans; today's slogan... "Don't get mixed up with drugs"...hence...mix and match day! I played the part well, dontchya think?!

Tuesday~293/365

Tuesday October 25, 2011

Throughout the year we teach Character Counts using the 6 pillars of character; trustworthiness, honesty, caring, responsibility, citizenship, & loyalty. We also have to do 30 minutes a week on anti-bully lessons. This week I chose to read a book titled "Words Are Not For Hurting." I stared with a big, smooth red heart. We read part of the book and then talked about ways people use hurtful words; each time someone said a hurtful word it crushed/crinkled our heart. Then we talked about helpful words and how it makes someone feel better when we use nice words instead of hurtful words. The heart showed that even when we say we are sorry our heart will also be a little crinkled because of the hurtful words. This lesson was powerful and taught my students to think before speaking.

Wednesday~294/365
Wednesday October 26, 2011

Wednesday was 'Use Your Head' in our Say NO to drugs campaign...hence...Crazy Hair Day! Lots of fun for sure! The boys chose sparkly purple spikey hair today!

Tonight was also our PTA's family spirit night at Red Robin...YUM! It was lots of fun to enjoy a yummy meal with friends from school!

Thursday~295/365
Thursday October 27, 2011

Thursday was my Pumpkin Fun Day at school! The afternoon consisted of a variety of pumpkin/fall related activities. One of the stations was the Pumpkin Exploration Station...2 big pumpkins in the sensory table they could explore!

Friday~296/365
Friday October 28, 2011

Friday was a very busy but very fun day! Today I was able to chaperone Brendan and his grade on a field trip. The 6th grade went to JA BizTown...a 'real' town set up to be run by students. They have been preparing for this for the past 4 weeks. They were the employers, employees, citizens, shoppers, everything! They even had to interview for jobs. Brendan was the flight instructor for US Airways! He did a great job and had so much fun! They learned how to open a checking & savings account, learned how to budget and manage their checkbook/debit card, and how to manage their time. I facilitated the bank and was so very proud of the boys and girls who worked there as it was the busiest business in town!

Brendan & I after I bought a flight lesson! This was the mock airplane he used!

After that fun day, we headed to Ryan's last regular football game of the season. It was an away game where both teams were 6-3 and vying for a spot in the play-offs...you win, you go; you lose, you don't.

WCHS's defense came out strong and it was an AWESOME game!

WILDCATS 49 - TIGERS 23

And the Wildcats go 7-4 and make the play-offs!!!

After the WIN...

...me, Dawn & Robin (other coach's wives!)

Ryan & Tyler (one of my fav players!)

The boys & Willow the Wildcat

me and my coach!

Saturday~297/365

Saturday October 29, 2011

Saturday was the Fall Festival at the school where I teach and the boys attend. It was so much fun and a gorgeous day! Colin enjoying so yummy cotton candy!

Brendan on the rock climbing wall

The boys taking a ride on the giant trikes!The day was so much fun, in addition to a bunch of carnival style games, they had face painting, a haunted house, hippity hops, a costume contest, giant hamster ball races (SO much fun!)...the boys were having such a great time that we ended up staying the entire day!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-10-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 277/365
Sunday October 9, 2011

Sunday Colin & his friend Kyle asked if they could wash my car...who was I to turn down their want?! They ended up washing my car, Ryan's car and Kyle's mom car! Great way to keep cool on a HOT day!

Monday~278/365
Monday October 10, 2011 Fall Break...Day 1...Colin & I headed to my mom's house to visit and have her take in some of my skirts. While there Ryan surprised us in between football meetings and practice.

This picture courtesy of Colin!

Tuesday~279/365

Tuesday October 11, 2011

Fall Break...Day 2...the boys & I headed to the movies to see Real Steel. This was not my first choice in movies, but after seeing it, I was very glad that we went and saw it....so very good!

Wednesday~280/365
Wednesday October 12, 2011

Fall Break...Day 3...my morning was all about this cutie and a coffee date with his mama at one of our fav spots! Loved to be able to catch up with fer while enjoying some hot tea and a yummy pumpkin nut muffin!

After lunch I took the boys and a friend up to Culver's for free custard. When you donate 2 cans you get free custard during the month of October! So very yummy!

...after our ice cream date, the boys and I headed to Kennedy's volleyball game. She and her team did GREAT...won both games. She is an amazing athlete.

Thursday~281/365
Thursday October 13, 2011

Fall Break...Day 4...since I was up at the butt crack of dawn and had nothing to do, it was deemed paint the football banner day! The weather was so nice I was able to take it outside on the drive way and paint it there. I think this is my most favoritest banner I have painted this season so far! The boys had a friend over most of the day as well and then football practice that night.

Friday~282/365
Friday October 14, 2011

Fall Break...Day 5 (final day, so sad)...found us at Cereta's Chocolate Factory. They are a small family owned chocolate factory that still hand makes it all...YUM! On the ultimate chocolate pizza tour we were able to tour the factory, sample some of the yumminess and the kids were able to make a chocolate pizza of their own. Since it was Friday and still GAME day (for Ryan) it was another coach's wife and her kids (Emma, Nash & Bric) and us! We all had a great time!

Brendan making his choc pizza

Colin making his choc pizza

After the chocolate factory we headed to Scottsdale for an away game where we were treated to dinner by the WCHS football boosters...so very thoughtful and very good! And then is was game time!

Ryan watching as his defense put a pounding on the Wolves of DMHS.

A little blurry but it was a HUGE sack!!!

...Final Score...

WCHS 48 - DMHS 23

It was an AWESOME game!!

Saturday~283/365

Saturday October 15, 2011

Saturday leads us to Play-off Game #1 for the CATS! They were up against the Bruins and were ready for a fight. In their league it's a one game elimination...so it was put up or go home!

The boys on the sidelines

Both boys in on stating defense...the played an AWESOME game...

...bring home a V.I.C.T.O.R.Y.!!!

CATS 34 - BRUINS 0

...and that brings us to game #2 of the play-offs!

WAY TO GO CATS!!!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-10-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 270/365
Sunday October 2, 2011

I spent most of Sunday doing my regular Sunday chores, laundry...blah...along with watching the TV series of Friday Night Lights, which was recommended to me by another coach's wife. I can't believe I have never seen any of this series before...it sucked me in! I am in the process of watching season 2 this weekend! I also watched the movie, but am liking the series much better.

Monday~271/365
Monday October 3, 2011

Sunday, along with doing my chores and watching my new fav TV series, I made a homemade oreo cheesecake! It wasn't too bad for my first attempt...the boys loved it and that was all that matters! Can't wait to try my hand at some more flavors!

Tuesday~272/365

Tuesday October 4, 2011

This week we have had a major change in the weather...I am LOVING it! Cooler...feeling a little bit more like fall! Well with the fall like weather also brings rain; so at practice I spent some of the time in the car...when it slowed down a bit, I braved the element and went to sit with my umbrella for a bit! I came home a stacicle!

Wednesday~273/365
Wednesday October 5, 2011

Wednesday we went to Target to pick up Colin's prescription so before we left we ventured to find the Halloween fun...along the way we found this....

CHRISTMAS stuff...already!

Thursday~274/365
Thursday October 6, 2011

Thursday after school and after the boys got picked up for football practice I met Crystal at our fav happy hour place...Macayo's!! It has some very yummy mexican food with half off appetizers! Great meal and company for $5...can't beat that!

Friday~275/365
Friday October 7, 2011

Friday we left school a tad bit early to head 3 hours north to Kingman to watch Ryan and the Wildcats take on the Bulldogs. We went with the head coach's wife and her kids.

It was a tad bit chilly...55* at kickoff...bbrrrr!!

Ryan's defense dominated...the Wildcats had a GREAT game! So sad that the quarterback was on the ground more than he was on his feet!

WILDCATS WIN!!!

WCHS Wildcats 54 - KHS Bulldogs 16

Saturday~276/365

Saturday October 8, 2011

The CATS had a fantastic game on Saturday as well bringing home a VICTORY over the Stallions 21-0!

GREAT JOB BOYS!

This was their last regular season game and with Saturday's win they will head to the play-offs!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-10-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 263/365
Sunday September 25, 2011

Sunday was a sad, but bittersweet day at the McCraken house...Kayla went back to live with her mom and sisters. After 7 months it was time for her to go back. I am hoping and praying that she takes back all that she learned while living here. I will miss having another girl in the house.

Monday~264/365
Monday September 26, 2011

Monday was the start of WCHS's homecoming week! Each day was spirit day on campus and each night they had something fun going on...Monday night it was the powder puff football game, Sr. girls vs. Jr. girls and some of the varsity football players cheered them on! Here is the ending stunt of their halftime routine...it was quite funny!

Tuesday~265/365

Tuesday September 27, 2011

With October right around the corner, so is Breast Cancer Awareness month and with that brings pink socks to my football players. They received their socks and helmet decal at practice on Tuesday night. They will wear their pink socks the remainder of the season to promote awareness.

Wednesday~266/365
Wednesday September 28, 2011

Our science unit at school is on Living vs. Non-Living Things. On Wednesday we 'planted' lima beans in ziploc baggies with wet paper towel. Hopefully we will see some sprouts in a few days!

Thursday~267/365
Thursday September 29, 2011

Thursday was Apple Fun Day in Mrs. McCraken's kinder class! Our afternoon was filled with all things apples! They did math, science, literacy, and art...one of the favorite stations was the apple tasting and graphing station! Red apples were the favorite this year!

Friday~268/365
Friday September 30, 2011

Friday night brought us to the WCHS Wildcat homecoming game. It was a GREAT game and WCHS pulled out a VICTORY against the Eagles 44-13! This was the first time we were able to go onto the field after the game, so you can bet I took that opportunity to snap a few family pics with the scoreboard behind us!! Great Job Wildcats!

Saturday~269/365

Saturday October 1, 2011

Saturday was a noon game and it was HOT! Even though the CATS couldn't pull out a win, losing 13-6 against the Ravens, both McCraken boys had an outstanding game making their blocks and tackles. Brendan is above making his tackle and below is Colin getting in on the action. Ryan and I were so proud of the way they played yesterday.

After the game the team had a photo op to showcase their pink socks and their support for breast cancer awareness...even the cheerleaders got in on it with their pink socks!

Cousin Kennedy was able to make it out to the game along with grandma & grandpa. After they showered up, the kids and grandma headed to the movies and dinner.

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-09-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

I am such a slacker...I didn't post last week thinking I would just do I 2 week catch up, but not thinking I deleted my memory card to make room for my football pics...oh well! I will start where I left off!

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Saturday ~ 255/365

Saturday September 17, 2011

Saturday night the boys and I headed to Movie Night Under the Stars at the Stadium! We watched Rio on the jumbo tron (which we had not seen yet, believe it or not!) It was very good and we all enjoyed ourselves!

Sunday ~ 256/365
Sunday September 18, 2011

Sunday was picture day for the CATS...I love these pics that I took of the boys...too bad Bren decided to be a brat and close his eyes. I wouldn't keep them open for the life of my camera! Hopefully he cooperated with the photographer since the pics were ex.pen.sive.

Monday~257/365
Monday September 19, 2011

Monday I started partner reading in my class. This was a first for the year and all of the students loved it!

Tuesday~258/365

Tuesday September 20, 2011

Colin at football practice...love this kid!

Wednesday~259/365
Wednesday September 21, 2011

Wednesday was picture day at school. This was after school (since I lost track of time before school and missed my photo op!) Before school their hair was all gelled up and looking good.

After school we headed to WCHS to catch part of the frosh game. The boys (Colin especially) loves to be on the field whoever is playing! We left at halftime to WCHS losing :(

Thursday~260/365
Thursday September 22, 2011

The boys doing some tackling practice at Thursday night's practice. Brendan is the one on the far left and Colin has orange socks on.

Friday~261/365
Friday September 23, 2011

Friday Night Lights...Coach Mac and the Wildcats!

Ryan talking to his defense...they played a hard game on Friday to a tough team. Ryan's defense held them to only 41 points...the lowest point total of the season. WCHS lost to the Cougars 41-7.

Saturday~262/365

Saturday September 24, 2011

Saturday found us back at the football field for the boys' game. It was a HOT one as the game started at noon. Above is Brendan.

The CATS score!

Colin waving the CATS flag in VICTORY!!

The CATS beat the Kings 13-0.

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-09-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 248/365
Sunday September 4, 2011

Sunday I co-hosted a baby shower meet & greet for our newest Wildcat...introducing Charley Claire...She slept for most of it including, the impromtu photo shoot after the presents, food & girl talk! Here she is posing with Brown Bear, something I took for a school project actually!

Monday~249/365
Monday September 5, 2011

Monday, since it was Labor Day & no school, my mom, the boys & I headed to the movies...the boys went to see The Smurfs & my mom and I saw The Help...gotta love $5 movie mornings!

Tuesday~250/365

Tuesday September 6, 2011

Tuesday night at football practice...I am SSSOOO ready for it not to be 110* anymore...blah!

Wednesday~251/365
Wednesday September 7, 2011

Wednesday at school, another kinder class joined my class in a little science experiment on the 5 senses...What's under the red sheet? Using their 5 senses, the students had to predict what was under the red sheet...after making their predictions, we found out that it was a popcorn popper...so popcorn and an episode of Magic School Bus for all!

Thursday~252/365
Thursday September 8, 2011

Thursday after school our 1st grade team along with the PTA hosted a root beer float party for families...I helped out at the fun event taking pictures of all of the yumminess!

Friday~253/365
Friday September 9, 2011

Friday = Game day

WCHS Wildcats vs RJK Cougars

Above is one of Ryan's players taking out the quarterback...NICE...quarter back sack!

At half time the Wildcats were ahead 14-0 and then they suspended the game due to lightning...that meant all fans had to leave the stands and wait in the parking lot for at least 30 minutes...here are some of the coach's kids taking advantage of our car's DVD player.

After about an hour of waiting they officially suspended the game due to lightning and the impending storms. The second half was scheduled to be played Saturday morning at 10am.

Saturday~254/365

Saturday September 10, 2011

So here we are...Saturday morning at the 2nd half of the WCHS Wildcats vs. the RJK Cougars

They started at the 3rd quarter with the Wildcats being up 14-0.

The Cougars came out with some motivation and scored on their first 2 drives. With about 2 minutes left to go in the game we were up 27-20 but there were some Cougar tempers flying and there was not 1 but 2 fights on the field (one being a bench clearing brawl). After the 3rd attempt to kick off after they scored and more unsportsmanlike conduct penalties (on them, NOT us!) the officials called the game....WILDCATS WIN!

After Ryan's game ended the boys and I headed over to their game. It was a HOT one...they were playing at 2pm about 40 minutes away.

CATS vs WOLVERINES

Colin was a captain today and both boys played awesome! (look for more to come this week in a Football Frenzy post!)

Sadly the Cats could not pull out a win and lost to the Wolverines.

Cats 6 - Wolverines 8

Always good sports though

Some friends came to see the boys play today! It was a nice surprise! Too bad we couldn't pull out a win...we'll get'em next week!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-09-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 241/365
Sunday August 28, 2011

Sunday was a lazy day today...we were all still recovering from the late Friday night football game, early Saturday morning football game and the HOT HOT HOT. Above is how Brendan spent most of his Sunday...in his pj's, watching TV. (not sure why I couldn't turn this pic...oh well!) Below is Colin...he is obsessed with these spirit cups their football team is selling.

Monday~242/365
Monday August 29, 2011

Monday we did story sequencing at school for one of my most favoritest book...Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?

Tuesday~243/365

Tuesday August 30, 2011

Tuesday night at football practice, the boys were practicing hitting, blocking and tackling. Here is Colin dominating!

Wednesday~244/365
Wednesday August 31, 2011

After school on Wednesday the boys and I stayed after to paint these spirit signs for their football team! They came up with the sayings, I painted it and then we all glittered!

Thursday~245/365
Thursday September 1, 2011

Football fundraisers...I have told you lately how much I loathe fundraising?? I know I know, it gets the team much needs funds for all sorts of fun things, but you can only ask someone so many times to buy something...sigh...

Friday~246/365
Friday September 2, 2011

WCHS Wildcats played their in-district rivals on Friday night...here is Ryan giving his players praise after they recovered a fumble. Sadly we could not pull off a win, this being the first time in 6 years to not win...blah. I hate to say it but we lost to VV Monsoon 20-7.

Saturday~247/365

Saturday September 3, 2011

A late night on Friday and an early morning on Saturday did not make for a very happy mommy...but I did it. I was in bed about midnight, up at 4am so we could be to the field & ready to go at 5:30am for a 7am kick-off. WELL...they boys played AWESOME and the Cats came away with a WIN...28-0...so I guess that made up for it! (ok maybe not...I came home and spent the rest of the day in bed sick...blah!)

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Saturday on the Field

2011-09-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Last night (well last Friday night) we were at Ryan's home opener and because we are in the middle of a heat wave and a week long heat advisory, kick off was pushed back by an hour, starting at 8pm instead of 7pm. And because of the late start, we had a late finish...sigh. We got home after 11pm and their game on Saturday was at the butt crack of dawn...for an 8 am game we had to be at the field by 6:15 am...ssssoooo.... that means we were up and out of the house by 5:45 am.

SO...with that being said, the boys made a 'dead man' out of their uniforms so they didn't have to think when they woke up!! lol

Saturday August 27, 2011

Cats vs Suns

We have moved up a level in our association, last year we were on a jr. pee wee team...this year we are pee wee! And with moving up that means a new team; we had been Cobras for 3 years...NOW we are CATS!

Some of their teammates moved up with them, and others are new to play with, but the kids are really working well together and I am excited for a great season!

Brendan is still #80 and Colin is still #60, although they are both playing new positions this year!

...coin toss...

One of the coaches getting them ready!

It was H.O.T. On our way to the field at 6am it was already 96*.

Standing on the sidelines

It was so hot, that I didn't even get a lot of pictures. We came home after being outside for almost 5 hours spent. We all showered up and spent the rest of the day chillaxin'.

Sadly the Cats could not pull out a win on their home opener...they were up against a bigger, faster, stronger team.

Cats 0 - Suns 19

Better luck next Saturday!

Friday Night Under the Lights

2011-08-31T19:55:00.000-07:00

...AND here we go again!

It's FOOTBALL season and I am loving it!

Ryan before school in his new WCHS gear!

Friday August 26, 2011

WCHS Wildcats vs. DV Skyhawks

The boys are once again ball boys for the Wildcats at home games. They LOVE this job!

And here come your 2011 WCHS Wildcats!!

Ryan's defense came out strong as did the offense! We scored on the opening drive! It was SO very exciting!

Ryan's Defense looking to him for the call

Time Out

Talking to one of his players on the sideline

2 of Ryan's players taking down a Skyhawk

The field from our seats!

Ryan's defense ready to strike

...and strike they do.

...and again...

We were up 21-14 with 6 minutes left in the game but sadly we could not hold on and lost the game to the Skyhawks 21-28...sad, but they do show promise!

WCHS Wildcats 21- DV Skyhawks 28

Even the ball boys got in on the good sportsmanship!

...until next Friday when we play our in-district rival the VV Monsoon!

Project 365

2011-08-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 234/365
Sunday August 21, 2011

I started reading this book this weekend and I cannot put it down...so very good. I want to finish it so I can actually see it in the movie theater before it leaves!

Monday~235/365
Monday August 22, 2011

This week is predicted to be H.O.T....the hottest we have seen in a lloonnggg time. With our humidity (which we rarely have) the heat indexes have been to high that we most likely will have no recess for the entire week. Today was the first day...the kids liked it since they got to 'play'!

Tuesday~236/365

Tuesday August 23, 2011

Tonight before football practice the helmet decals were put onto all the boys' helmets. They look like the same decals as the last 3 seasons except they say Cats instead of Cobras. They are a copy of the Florida Gators helmets.

Wednesday~237/365
Wednesday August 24, 2011

This week the boys are down to only 2 football practices a week (thankyoujesus!) so instead of practicing some football we went to watch some football (oh lucky me...like I don't have anything else to do!) And with the heat, Ryan's practice was pushed back later so we were able to get there and see most of it. The boys even helped out in some of the individual drills!

Thursday~238/365
Thursday August 25, 2011

Tonight it was just me and Ryan for a few hours! On Thursdays the boys go to practice with another player and his dad (I take them on Tuesdays) and Kayla was at a friend's house, so we had a picnic dinner in bed, he played on the computer while I read! So very relaxing!

Friday~239/365
Friday August 26, 2011

...and so it begins...it's officially football season. Tonight was the Wildcat's home opener against the DV Skyhawks. The Wildcats looked great, coming out and scoring on their opening drive, but could not hold up the lead and ended up losing 28-21. It was a late night for us too...with the heat advisory the district pushed back kick-off by an hour so we started at 8pm.

Saturday~240/365

Saturday August 27, 2011

And that brings up to Saturday and the boys' first game of their season. We had the early game...thankgoodness...and had to be to the field by 6:15am. (at the time the temp was 96*). It was HOT and they were tired (from being at Ryan's game until 11pm) and it made for a long morning! We all came home exhausted and gross! The boys sadly lost 19-0, but looked good...we shall see next weekend.

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-08-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 227/365
Sunday August 14, 2011
Sunday afternoon the boys and I headed to the mall where the Lego Store was holding a 2 day build-a-thon. It was pretty cool...they got to go into a special roped off area and build whatever they wanted. We were there about an hour. Colin built the word Lego and Brendan built a robot.

After they were done building their creations went on display and they each received a Lego master builder certificate. It made for a fun, relaxing & cool day that was cheap!

Monday~228/365
Monday August 15, 2011

OK...I must admit that I actually took these pictures on Sunday evening but I realized that I had no pics for Monday so I am using them today instead...
I had the pleasure of meeting the newest WCHS Wildcat fan...Charley Claire! Isn't she the cutest! I brought her and her fam some yummy dinner on Sunday night and was able to snuggle with her for a few minutes before it was time for her to eat! Above is Big Brother Owen loving on her...doesn't he look so proud?!

Tuesday~229/365

Tuesday August16, 2011

While looking through my pictures, I realize that is it truly football season since most of them are dealing with football!! Here is Colin during practice as center; this is his back-up position this year. They boys are doing great and having lots of fun!

Wednesday~230/365
Wednesday August17, 2011

Saturday I pulled out our Dora dollhouse when we had friends visit and I found Brendan playing with it before school this morning! He had brought out all of his action figures...he has such a great imagination!

Thursday~231/365
Thursday August 18, 2011

Thursday night the boys had a scrimmage in Scottsdale (which is not close!) and sadly I was not able to go...I had Curriculum Night at school...so I was sending them with another player and his dad. I did receive text updates through out the night and learned that they did great and dominated the field.

Friday~232/365
Friday August 19, 2011

Friday night was our annual Jog-A-Thon and official weigh in certification. The boys all received team shirts to wear so they matched and jogged/ran/walked for nearly an hour and then after we all caravaned to the football office for weigh in. Pop Warner is a weight-based/age-based league...this weigh in is their official weight and then before each game they weigh in as well...they can't weigh more than a certain amount or they can't play. All of the CATS made their weight...so it's official...our season starts this Saturday!

Saturday~233/365

Saturday August 20, 2011

Saturday we had another scrimmage, again in Scottsdale, and it was HOT! We were playing a team in our weight class but not in our association, which means this would be the only time we play each other. The coach said if we could hold our own during this scrimmage then our season was gonna be a GREAT season (I guess the Raiders are one of the top teams in the state).
Above is Brendan resting in between plays. He is a starter for both the offense and the defense this season.

Colin is #60 and is playing defensive tackle here...let me tell you...this boy LOVES to hit!

One of the Raiders sponsors is Powerade (yea...they're fancy) so both teams were given Powerade and had their picture taken after the game in front of the sponsor banner.

OH...did I forget to mention that WE DID AMAZING...and we beat the RAIDERS??!!

Yea...it's gonna be a GREAT season!!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365 ~ 2 Weeks Worth

2011-08-14T00:02:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 213/365
Sunday July 31, 2011

Getting ready for first official day of football practice...they go helmets only tomorrow so mouth pieces are a must. They have to be boiled in water for 30 seconds and then they bite down to get their impressions...that's it!

Monday~214/365
Monday August 1, 2011

Last summer fun movie day...we usually go on Wednesday but this week I start back to school for teacher meetings on Wednesday so the theater was nice enough to let us come today for Alpha & Omega.

Tuesday~215/365

Tuesday August 2, 2011

Colin at practice looking all intense

Wednesday~216/365
Wednesday August 3, 2011

This was the storm that was brewing as we headed home from football practice tonight...lots of thunder & lightning...pretty freaky stuff.

Thursday~217/365
Thursday August 4, 2011

Thursday was meet the teacher night at school. Above is my classroom awaiting the parents to arrive. I was able to meet 21/22 families. So excited for school to start!

Brendan's school supplies...not exactly these but the visual that his teacher left out on meet the teacher night...I took the pic so I could remember!! lol

Friday~218/365
Friday August 5, 2011

Remember the candy bar Whatchyamacallit?? Well now there's Thingamajig!! Pretty Yummy!

Saturday~219/365

Saturday August 6, 2011

OOOHHHH...one of my most favoritest stores EVER! I ♥ Lakeshore...I had to go in with a list, a plan and a budget!! I did stray for 1 item, but it was on sale so I HAD to get it!! I could have spent all day in there and spent a whole lot more money...but I did good...less than an hour and only 4 things...YAY me!

Since the store is about an hour away and close to my sister's house, we met up and went for some yummy fro yo after our shopping!! The cousins had fun even though it was only for a short time.

Sunday ~ 220/365

Sunday August 7, 2011

'Twas the night before school...

Monday~221/365

Monday August 8, 2011

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Ryan and Kayla...sophomore

Brendan...6th grade

Colin...5th grade

Mom and her boys on the first day of school at a new school...it's gonna be a great year!

Tuesday~222/365
Tuesday August 9, 2011

2nd week of football practice...2nd day in full pads

Colin doing a lineman drill

Wednesday~223/365
Wednesday August 10, 2011

I was taking pics of all my bucket toys to make labels, and since I hadn't taken any other pics today, dinosaurs is what you get!! (this is 1 label out of 50!)

Thursday~224/365
Thursday August 11, 2011

Colin and 1 of his many bruises...this boys looks as though he has gotten beaten up...football is kicking his butt, but he is kicking right back!!

Friday~225/365
Friday August 12, 2011

Colin and his cool do!!

The boys sporting their new Hawk spirit gear...Get Your Hawk On!!

Saturday~226/365

Saturday August 13, 2011

Poor Ryan...he is so exhausted...between starting school and football practice, he had early morning practice this morning...he has been napping on and off all day today whenever he found a quiet moment!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

1st Day of School 2011

2011-08-13T17:13:00.001-07:00

...'Twas the night before school and all though the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse!

Monday August 8, 2011

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Kalya ~ Sophomore this year!

Ryan posing with Kayla before leaving for school

Ryan & Kayla leaving for school!!

Colin doing the customary 1st day of school pose!

Big man on campus this year...upstairs...yep...

5th grader!

Now to the side so see his backpack all laden down with supplies!

Brendan & Colin together

backpack to backpack

Brendan's turn...big 6th grader this year

...turn to the side please!

I didn't get a chance to take pics of them in front of the school as I park in the back and we go in a different way...so this is them BOTH of them going up stairs to the middle school wing...sigh...

I can't believe my babies are old enough to both be upstairs!

Brendan outside his classroom

Brendan and his teacher Mrs. Haven

Colin outside of his classroom

Colin & his teacher Mrs. Kelley

The boys with our new principal...well not new to the school but new to us since we are new to the school! She is so nice and we are all excited to start our new adventures as Hawks this school year!

Before kissing them both and sending them off to their first day as Hawks!

Everyone had a GREAT first day of school!

Project 365 ~ 2 Weeks Worth

2011-07-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 199/365
Sunday July 17, 2011

Ryan left for football camp this morning...a day before our 13th wedding anniversary! I married my hubby in July so my anniversary wouldn't have to compete with football...what a silly girl I am!!

Today was equipment pick up day for the boys...the football season is just around the corner...lucky me!

Monday~200/365

Monday July 18, 2011

Monday we had a haboob...or dust storm...here in the valley...it's crazy when it rolls through.

Tuesday~201/365
Tuesday July 19, 2011

Tuesday was field trip day at Tutor Time...we headed to a local chocolate factory...YUM! The kids (and us!) were able to take a tour of the factory and make their own chocolate pizzas...I made mine for the boys! I could have stayed there all day...it was my heaven!

Wednesday~202/365
Wednesday July 20, 2011

Wednesday after our summer fun movie we headed over to some friends who also happen to be a coaching family where 3 coaching families sans coaches met for fun, pizza, and swimming!

Thursday~203/365
Thursday July 21, 2011My room...my new room...I had the use of a pick up truck this week so I moved my room full of boxes that was in my garage to my classroom. Lots of work ahead of me!

Friday~204/365
Friday July 22, 2011

Before picking Ryan up at school (home from camp) the boys and I headed once again to Peter Piper Pizza...gotta love free pizza coupons!

Saturday~205/365

Saturday July 23, 2011

You know it's football season at the McCraken House when...they are watching TV in football helmets!! lol

Sunday ~ 206/365

Sunday July 24, 2011Colin at running camp...it's HOT out there...blah...and I'm just sitting!!

Monday~207/365
Monday July 25, 2011This has become one of Ryan's new fav meals!

Tuesday~208/365
Tuesday July 26, 2011

Tuesday was my last day working at Tutor Time...I only worked half day and after I was done I met Crystal for lunch at Wendy's (a fav of mine!). We sat at the restaurant for 3 hours catching up!

Wednesday~209/365
Wednesday July 27, 2011Colin had his 6 month appointment with his neurologist this morning...it went better than expected! Dr. B said Colin is actually weening himself off of his meds naturally because of his growth & weight gain...and since he has been seizure free for 6 months, there was no changes in his dosage...another 6 months seizure free and a clear EEG and we can possibly look into lower his dosage...GOD IS GOOD!

Thursday~210/365
Thursday July 28, 2011Brendan has really fallen back in love with his legos this summer...there are usually creations in every room of the house!

Friday~211/365
Friday July 29, 2011

Brendan and his all seeing eye!!!

Brendan in his new favorite store of ALL time...the new Lego store at our mall...so much fun!

Saturday~21/365

Saturday July 30, 2011Colin is such a funny kid...Saturday we had the WCHS football kickoff party for the 2011 football season! He found this costume at the coach's house that it was at and walked around for awhile sporting it!! lol
And here are some of the coaches' wives! These ladies are my life line during the season!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

WW~Colorado Cousins

2011-07-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

Kristy & Stacey...the baking queens!

Colin, Ryan, Derek, Brendan, Kristy, Kayla

Tough Boys!!

The McCrakens

Stacey, Ryan, Kayla, Brendan & Colin

Aunt Lyndi & Uncle Bill

Kristy & Derek

Project 365

2011-07-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 192/365

Sunday July 10, 2011

Sunday at midnight while you were all sleeping, we were on our way...to Colorado! The kids slept, I dozed and Ryan drove and we made it to CO by early afternoon! This year we decided to go through Utah and it was B.EA.U.TI.FUL!

Most of the highway in CO followed the CO River...God's country for sure...amazingly breathtaking.

By this time we had been in the car almost 12 hours...I was T.I.R.E.D.!

Monday~193/365
Monday July 11, 2011

Monday found us at the pool for some fun in the sun! The boys had lots of fun and after splashin' around and lunch we headed to...wait for it...GOLDEN SPOON!! (we used to have a golden spoon by us but sadly it closed April 1...we have been going through withdrawal!)

Tuesday~194/365
Tuesday July 12, 2011

Tuesday afternoon (after splashin' around in the pool some more) we headed to The University of Colorado's Pearl Street. Pasta Jay's became a fav the last time we visited CO, so of course we had to stop back this time around for some very yummy Italian food.

After dinner we headed down Pearl Street to see what we could see. One of the landmarks is the split boulder.

Lots of fun shops, cafes, people and performers

Brendan & Colin waiting to see what this guy was gonna do...he started to stretch so we thought we were gonna see something...but we got nothing! After waiting a few minutes we left.

After our fill of Pearl Street we headed home to feast on this A.MAZ.ING. homemade cheesecake. Ryan's cousin Kristy makes homemade cheesecakes and sells them (0ne of her clients...the restaurant we ate at at Pearl Street, Pasta Jay's). She made this one specifically for Ryan...butterscotch oatmeal...and let me tell you...it was better than amazing!

Wednesday~195/365
Wednesday July 13, 2011
I also did some baking while I was there too...I have posted about Hungry Girl before and her cakes (since I love to bake) and had to try cupcake recipes that I got in an email. I made 3 different kinds...coconut fluff, boston creme pie, & banana split. They were easy and SO YUMMY! My favs were the coconut fluff which uses angel food cake!

Thursday~196/365

Thursday July 14, 2011

Thursday was our last full day in CO...and since the weather was no cooperating the boys and I headed to the movies to see Cars 2...very cute!

And later that night Kristy, friend Alissa and me had a wine, cheese, bread and fruit party! So fun and so yummy!

Friday~197/365
Friday July 15, 2011

Friday it was time to sadly say good bye...we left about 7:30 am and finally rolled in around 9pm that night. Loved this snow covered mountain in July!

This was at a rest area...loved the mountain in the background...as you can see the kids could care less about picture taking at the point in our vaca!!!

Saturday~198/365

Saturday July 16, 2011

Soooo...not sure how addicted to facebook you are, but here at the McCraken house there is usually someone on it all day...whether it's Ryan, me, Kayla or the boys. The games are one of the favs and BINGO BLITZ has become the new fav...very addictive I tell ya!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-07-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 185/365

Sunday July 3, 2011
Sunday afternoon Colin & I headed to the city aquatic center...lots of fun and a great way to cool off on a hot day! Colin loves the deep well & diving board...here he is showing off. I caught him in mid front flip...how's that for talent?!

Monday~186/365

Monday July 4, 2011Hope you had a fantastic 4th!! We chilled for most of the day as Ryan was not feeling all that well. We did however make it to our city's fireworks. They had a great showing that lasted about 25 minutes and having great seats always makes it better! We met family friends and above are the kids ooohhhhing and aaaahhhing!

After the show we let them light sparklers in the parking lot. Brings back lots of memories!

Tuesday~187/365
Tuesday July 5, 2011

I came home after a lllooonnnggg day at work (7am-6pm) to some severe weather. The boys were so excited to see it coming in on the TV and then running outside to see it as well. We had a MASSIVE dust storm...over a mile high and 50 miles long...crazy. I tried to get pics of it, but it was too dark. The next morning my car looked like it had been given a dirt bath. Monsoon season is pretty scary here at times! (below is a pic of the dust storm on the breaking news...doesn't really give it justice)

Wednesday~188/365

Wednesday July 6, 2011

Wednesday I walked out of my bedroom to find that the 3 kids camped out in the living room the night before! Too funny! I quietly woke the boys so we could get ready for our summer fun movie. After the movie we headed to Peter Piper Pizza where the boys enjoyed free pizza and tokens. Great summer day!

Thursday~189/365

Thursday July 7, 2011

After work on Thursday I met the fam over a another family's house for dinner and swimming. We have known Rog & Maren since moving here in 2004...their oldest daughter Jordan & Brendan were in the same private kinder class at KinderCare and we have been fast friends ever since. Well Rog is an am.az.ing. cook. He made his infamous chicken wings (YUM) and grilled out for us! They spoil us for sure! Thanks guys!

Friday~190/365

Friday July 8, 2011

Friday I got to have some ME time...some much needed me time. After all of my errands, I headed to the nail salon for a much needed pedi....aaaahhhh...haven't had one of these since last October. I LOVE fancy feet!!

Saturday~191/365

Saturday July 9, 2011

While you are reading this...we will be on our way to Colorado. Yep...family vaca time! We are all so very excited! For the next week we will be living it up CO style!

Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-07-03T09:57:00.001-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 178/365

Sunday June 26, 2011

Sunday found us at the park in the 114* heat for the first football conditioning session of the season. This is the first year that we have done this kind of thing before practice actually begins. The boys loved it but were sore the next day!

Monday~179/365

Monday June 27, 2011

I came home Monday from work to find this HUGE red mark on my Colin boy's face...yep...him and dad got into a wrestling match and the carpet won! OUCH!

Tuesday~180/365

Tuesday June 28, 2011

Tuesday I was one of the drivers on a field trip to Fry's Marketplace (a local grocery store) with Tutor Time. The kids were able to tour the store, learn about healthy eating, feel a lobster and try out some yumminess including a mini strawberry frappicino from Starbucks. It made for a very fun morning!

After work and dinner we headed, once again, back to the park for football. This will happen twice a week. With a new season starting, new cleats were a must.

Wednesday~181/365
Wednesday June 29, 2011

Wednesday after our summer fun movie we headed to friends' house for lunch, swimming and hanging out. Great fun for sure!

Thursday~182/365

Thursday June 30, 2011

Thursday I took Kayla to Kohl's to find a dress for a wedding that she was attending and while there I also found this big red dog...I love when Kohl's has story characters for $5...they make a great addition to my classroom and make story time even more fun! I heart Clifford!

Friday~183/365

Friday July 1, 2011

Friday afternoon we invited a new coach to WCHS and his family over to meet and visit. It's always fun to meet new friends, especially when they have the same interests! Coach M, his wife Jen and cutie pie daughter A, came over and brought these summer yummy, and HUGE, cupcakes to share! Makes me even more excited for the season to start!

Saturday~184/365

Saturday July 2, 2011With the heat of the summer, we spend a lot of our time inside. This is a daily scene these days at the McCraken house! Most days Brendan doesn't even get outta his pj's! Oh well...such is the life of summer vaca!

Join in with Sara ...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-06-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday ~ 171/365

Sunday June 19, 2011

Here's hoping all of the dads out there had a fantabulous day! After meeting my parents for brunch we headed home for some dads day pictures and of course my boys have a hard time taking pictures without goofing around!

So Brendan decided to take matters into his own hands...can you guess what he did??! lol

Monday~172/365

Monday June 20, 2011

Poor Colin...he spent the night at a friends house last night and stayed up WAY to late so when he came home today is was nap time for sure!

Tuesday~173/365

Tuesday June 21, 2011

Can you say goofball??

Wednesday~174/365
Wednesday June 22, 2011

Happy first day of summer!!

Thursday~175/365

Thursday June 23, 2011

Can you see what I see?? It's not every day I open up my freezer to find one of these inside...well OK...maybe I do!

Friday~176/365

Friday June 24, 2011

Friday I promised the boys I would take them ice skating. They have been asking since we went in March; and the best part...I had free skate passes. They had a blast (and I really enjoyed watching them have so much fun) and they stayed on their skates a lot more than on the ice!

Saturday~177/365

Saturday June 25, 2011Saturday I spent the day watching and playing with these 2 cuties...their dad is a coach with Ryan and they had an all day passing tourney along with a big man comp. WCHS did well in both events...it's looking like a promising season so far!

Join in with Sara ...It's not to late to join the fun!

Welcome to the SNAKEPIT...

2011-06-22T00:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday night found us in downtown Phoenix at US Airways Center to watch the Arizona Rattlers play some arena football! This is a first for the McCrakens and we all had lots of fun! Thanks to Hud for the free tickets!

We got there about an hour before kick off so the boys were able to go close to the field to watch warm up...so close that as the team ran on the field they high fived the fans!

Getting ready for kick off

Arizona Rattlers vs San Jose SaberCats

Coin toss...the Rattlers won...the chose to defer. Oh the reason for the title of Welcome to the Snakepit??? Yea...that is what they call their home field..get it...rattlers...snakepit...bbbaaahhhaa!!!!

And the game begins...

Now this isn't like the football that I know and love...so the entire game I was asking Ryan questions right and left...which he was not so happy with but answered anyways!! This is 8 man football where players play both sides of the ball. They play on a 50 yard field instead of a 100 yard field and the clock doesn't stop. There is no punting and the score is usually very high!

Although there are different rules there are cheerleaders...even in arena football and since AZ is the Rattlers their cheerleaders are the Sidewinders (another kind of snake!). Here they are performing one of their routines. (the changed into these outfits for this specific dance. The wore black dance pants and white tops)

Throughout the game they had fun things going on...one of them being the 'fist pump cam' and guess who made the jumbo tron???...

...that's right...the McCrakens! Brendan & Colin pumping away and you can see me taking their pic and Ryan on the other side of me!! To say that the boys were excited to make the big screen would be an understatement!!

Oh...and there is no out of bounds...if they hit the wall OR go over the wall then they are out of bounds and if the balls went into the stands the fans got to keep them! Sadly no balls came our way!

And when the final second ticked off the clock the Rattlers came away with a VICTORY! The nearly won with a last minute touch down and I do mean last minute...it was more like last 20 seconds!!

And with that win brought the Rattlers the honor of being the West Division Champs!!

After the game players from both teams met at mid field to pray...thought that was so awesome!

What a fun {free} family event!! We all had a GREAT time!

Project 365

2011-06-19T17:56:00.001-07:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO THE 2 BEST DADS I KNOW!

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday~164/365

Sunday June 12, 2011

These toys have been on my coffee table for a week now...I don't mind so much since Brendan has been playing with them. I love it when he finds toys he hasn't played with in forever and they are like new again!!

Monday~165/365

Monday June 13, 2011

Yahtzee has become the new family fav game this summer! Colin rediscovered this game in our game closet...it's been fun!

Tuesday~166/365

Tuesday June 14, 2011And this has become my new fav toy in the kitchen! I don't know why it's taken me so long to renew my love with it...especially in our heat...NO oven! Today before going to work I put in 4 frozen chix breasts and 1 jar of salsa. When I got home din din was done! It was so very yummy on a warm tortilla with cheese & sour cream!

Wednesday~167/365
Wednesday June 15, 2011

Wednesday = movie day in these parts...Megamind was on the agenda...this is one that we have never seen and I must say that I even enjoyed it!

Thursday~168/365

Thursday June 16, 2011

Thursday is field trip day at Tutor Time and today we headed to Peter Piper Pizza with 56 school agers. It was lots of fun...we got to tour the restaurant and they each got to make their own individual pizzas. If you do not know; this is similar to Chuck E. Cheese; so while waiting for the pizzas to bake they got to play in the game room!

Friday~169/365

Friday June 17, 2011

Colin has been bugging to go back to the skate park so Friday night we headed there before it got to late (since the later it gets the older the boys get...if you know what I mean!) We stayed for about an hour and he had a blast...'cept for the fall he took! (he's ok!)

Saturday~170/365

Saturday June 18, 2011

Saturday was a busy busy day at the McCraken house. First on the list was momma's workout and then home to grab the McCraken boys and head to football registration. Here are all the helmets in the equipment room where they were fitted for everything that they will need when practice starts...which will be here before we know it...Monday August 1 to be exact!

After spending the afternoon at a friend's dance recital (no photos allowed) we headed down town to experience arena football for the first time! It was so much fun! The Arizona Rattlers played the San Jose SaberCats and beat them in the final minute of the game to become the West Division Champs!

Join in with Sara ...It's not to late to join the fun!

Colin Boy & Camp Candlelight - 2011

2011-06-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

This year Camp Candlelight was moved closer to home, an hour and a half instead of a three hour drive each way. {thankyouverymuch!} Chauncey Ranch is now where Camp Candlelight calls home!

First thing...getting his bunk all set. And when it was all said and done, he switched bunks 3 times, but finally found one that suited his needs!

Colin has been talking about going back to camp since coming home from camp LAST summer! He was so excited!

Ryan & Colin after we got there. It was a lot different than drop off last year; last year they had an orientation for parents and this year it was just drop your kid off and...bye!

And of course a pic of me and my Colin Boy!
So after a few pictures and a lot of prompting we said our good byes and kissed and left.

So after a week away we headed back up north to pick up Colin Boy....He was so excited to see me and grandma but was sad to say good bye to his counselors...

Above is Rachel...the counselor that he had a crush on last year! She was back and couldn't say enough good things about Colin!

This is Tyler...one of the counselors in his cabin.

More good-byes...so sad to say see you next year!

Here is Colin with the Camp Director

Another one of Colin's counselors, Frankie

And here is he is posing with the camp doc

Last counselor in his cabin, Cameron...Colin loved hanging out with all of these guys!

Finally some pics of grandma & me!! Thanks for the love!
The entire way home Colin was non stop talking about all of the great adventures he had...they went horseback riding, canoeing, zip-lining (little jealous on this one! lol), rock wall climbing, hiking, gold panning, swimming, played paintball, played basketball, archery...just to name a few! Wish I went to camp like this when I was kid!

Catching a game before heading home with another camper

Until Next Year....
THANKS CAMP CANDLELIGHT...FOR A GREAT TIME, GREAT MEMORIES AND GREAT FRIENDS!

Project 365

2011-06-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday~157/365

Sunday June 5, 2011

Sunday was the day that we drove an hour and a half north to drop our Colin Boy off at Camp Candlelight {a camp especially for kids with epilepsy}. He was SO excited; this will be his 2nd time going away to this camp and has been talking about it since coming home last summer! So here he is sitting on his bunk waiting for us to leave...which we finally did!

Monday~158/365

Monday June 6, 2011

Monday Crystal and Z came over for a bit. She brought me a bag of books for summer reading to borrow...happy sigh! And while we were chatting it up, Z was working out! Look at that strong boy!

Tuesday~159/365

Tuesday June 7, 2011Well...today was the day...I started my summer job...GASP (i know!)!!! Once upon a time I was the curriculum specialist for Tutor Time (before the boys were in school and I was teaching kindergarten). So today I spent 7 hours in a training...a training of most everything I have already learned. The best part...I got paid for it.

Wednesday~160/365
Wednesday June 8, 2011

Wednesday it was Mom & Brendan day! We started out the day with our summer fun movie, Ramona & Beezus and then headed to lunch at Sonic and then to friends' house to hang out!

Thursday~161/365

Thursday June 9, 2011

Thursday was my first 'official' day on the job. I am working part time (3 days a week) in the school age room. I will be one of the drivers for the field trips as well...which I am most excited about! I drove these before when I worked for them...it's like riding a bike! We went to the movies and saw Diary of a Wimpy Kid with 52 kids!

Friday~162/365

Friday June 10, 2011

Friday was the day my family became one again! My mom and I drove up to pick up Colin Boy. The talked non stop the entire way home! He had a FANTASTIC time!

Saturday~163/365

Saturday June 11, 2011

And this is what happens when you leave your camera unattended!! Above Kayla had her friend spend the night and they snagged my camera to take some shots for facebook and below Colin surprised me while I was hiding out in my bedroom reading a magazine!!

Join in with Sara ...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-06-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday~150/365

Sunday May 29, 2011

This weekend we rediscovered our game closet! Saturday night we played 'life' as a family of 5 and had lots of laughs; well tonight Colin Boy pulled out 'mancala' and played at different times with me & Ryan.

Monday~151/365

Monday May 30, 2011

Monday brings us to Memorial Day AND Colin's 10th birthday party. We had all of the coaches and their families over for a baseball themed party {did you expect anything else?!!}

Tuesday~152/365

Tuesday May 31, 2011Tuesday night brings us to a double header at the baseball field for playoff game #2.

1st up...Colin & the Cubs up against the Rookies...Sadly they couldn't pull out a win and lost 10-4 ending their path to the championship game. Above is Colin playing first base...he dove for a ball (which he missed) and that is the reason for all of the dirt.

Next up...Brendan & the Cardinals and they were up, once again, playing the Red Sox...this is the THIRD time playing this team. They held tough and close but in the end couldn't pull off a win and lost 10-8. Above is Brendan pitching (look at the tongue!)

With 2 playoff games & 2 losses the season is over...whatever will I do with all of my free time?! Until August 2 that is when football season starts!!

Great Season Cubs & Cardinals!

Wednesday~153/365
Wednesday June 1, 2011

Wednesday was the start to our Summer Fun Movie. 10 movies for $7. This is the 4th year for this fun weekly outing. Mind you they have seen most of the movies that they show, but how can you pass up a deal like that! Some of the movies on the list are Romana & Beezus, How to Train Your Dragon, Megamind, just to name a few.

Thursday~154/365

Thursday June 2,2011

After not working out for like forever...I finally started working out again this week...let me tell you...I AM SO SORE!

Friday~155/365

Friday June 3, 2011

Friday my mom, sister and I along with a bunch of their friends headed here...Charming Charlie, a MEGA store that sells any kind of accessories you an imagine...jewelry (in ANY style & color), belts, shoes, purses, scarves, hairbands...SO MUCH FUN! We spent 2 hours there!

Saturday~156/365

Saturday June 4, 2011

Saturday late afternoon into the evening found us on the football field for a 7on7 passing tournament where 16 teams participated in {non-contact} passing games and a big man comp. WCHS did very well coming in 2nd in the big man comp & showing promise with their passing game. Here is Ryan watching his defense shut down KHS's offense! This is {almost} making me excited for football season to begin!! Way to go Wildcats!

Join in with Sara ...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-05-29T00:02:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Saturday~142/365

Saturday May 21, 2011

Saturday night we headed to the baseball stadium for Movie Night at the Stadium. Our city does this twice a year (wish it was more) for a free fun family event! Tonight they showed Despicable Me on the jumbo tron. We take a picnic basket full of snacks and our blanket and lay out in the outfield under the stars to watch the movie...love it!

Sunday~143/365

Sunday May 22, 2011

This was my first book of the summer...I L.O.V.E. to read and don't have much time for it during the school year, but you can bet your bottom dollar that I make up for it during the summer! Since school got out I have finished 2 books and am half way thru #3!

Monday~144/365

Monday May 23, 2011

A few weeks ago I went to a home show for Thirty-One. It's kinda like a pampered chef show but for purses and bags and things. I fell in love with this company with all of their useful fun bags that you can personalize. They have tons of sizes, styles and color combos. I got this bag to use as my school bag; it is huge on the inside with lots of outside pockets and I had it personalized too! The Thirty-One stands for Proverbs 31 in the Bible which I love! I am thinking of having a home party since I am falling in love with them!

Tuesday~145/365

Tuesday May 24, 2011Tuesday night brought us to Brendan & the Cardinals play-off game. In this league there is a one game elimination so we kept our fingers crossed and cheered on the Cards...and they brought home a WIN! Way to go...next playoff game...Tuesday Night vs the Red Sox.

Brendan had a great game...above is one of his hits of the night!

Wednesday~146/365
Wednesday May 25, 2011

I met my good friend Crystal for lunch today here...YUM! We caught up as we feasted on the all you can eat soup, salad & chips with salsa! Good fun! Love spending time with my friend!!

Later that day found us once again at the baseball field to watch Colin & the Cubs take on the Mariners for their first play off game. Colin had a great game...above is him on the mound...he LOVES to pitch!

The team after the VICTORY!!

Way to go boys!

Next game...Tuesday night...Yep...double header on 2 different fields!

Thursday~147/365

Thursday May 26,2011

Ryan & I took time for ourselves and headed out on a date! A real date...with NO kids! Can't remember the last time we did that...just the 2 of us! We headed to the movies and then out to lunch! It was great fun and I realized how much I miss spending time with my hubby.

Friday~148/365

Friday May 27, 2011

Friday I was trying to find fun CHEAP things to do. I am already tired of hearing 'i'm so bored' and it's only one week into summer vaca!! So we headed to a free splash pad with Crystal and her son, Z. It could have been boring for the boys but they embraced the moment and had lots of fun!! So much fun in fact that when we had to leave after 2 hours they didn't want to go!

...and then after dinner Colin asked if I would take him to the skate park. Well mind you that we are a very SPORTS oriented family, but skating is NOT one of those sports!! Colin has been dabbling in skating and is really enjoying himself! We were there about an hour as he worked on his skills!

Saturday~149/365

Saturday May 28, 2011

This morning I decided I would bake some blueberry muffins....OH YUM! They didn't last very long after they came outta the oven!

So as most of you know, I am switching schools and with that comes packing and moving and I have a TON of stuff! Well my entire room is packed in boxes in my garage. One of the boxes happened to be open and this is what Brendan found...his old train set (which I had hijacked for my classroom)! He has been having a blast all week setting up different tracks and playing with his old trains!

Join in with Sara ...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-05-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday~136/365

Sunday May 15, 2011

When I woke up this morning this is what I found in the living room...Brendan on the computer!

Monday~137/365

Monday May 16, 2011

Today starts the last week of our school year. Above is another volunteer, Ms. Jan, reading one of her fav stories to the class and as a good bye present she donated the book and coyote to my library...Thanks Ms. Jan for all of your hard work and dedication...you are greatly appreciated!!

Tuesday~138/365

Tuesday May 17, 2011Months ago Colin threw this sticky man to our very high ceiling...AND it's STILL there!! We have been waiting for it to fall, but to no avail it's still hanging around!

Wednesday~139/365
Wednesday May 18, 2011

Wednesday was graduation day in our district. They rent out The University of Phoenix Stadium (where the AZ Cards play football) and hold all of the high schools graduations there. There were 3 staggered ceremonies and this year Ryan's school's, WCHS, was the last one starting at 7pm. This year the admin asked Ryan to be a name reader...ooooohhhhh...big time! He had to read 225 names and did amazing! He was able to wear his robe and masters hood as well.

Thursday~140/365

Thursday May 19,2011

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

YAY!!!

Ryan and the kids before they left in the AM

Kayla is now a sophomore

Brendan is a 6th grader

and

Colin is a 5th grader

OMGosh!!

Way to Go Guys...YOU ALL DID AWESOME!

The last day the boys are Jets...next year they will be Hawks...we are all very excited about the move!

Friday~141/365

Friday May 20, 2011

No kids today...teacher work day.

For me...packing and moving day!

I was the first teacher to have this room...the building is only 3 years old...I loved that room!

Here is a pic of me and Hoj, one of our PE teachers who is moving back to MI...he will be missed!

Saturday~142/365

Saturday May 21, 2011

SOOOO...I am trying to figure out how to down load my pictures from my camera to my external hard drive using a new school laptop....I am tired of trying so I am gonna publish this without my Sat pic...but will continue to work at it and hopefully next week I will be able to publish my 365 post with this day and the entire next week!

Join in with Sara ...It's not to late to join the fun!

Project 365

2011-05-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

A picture a day for 365 days...a year's worth of fun!

Sunday~129/365

Sunday May 8, 2011

Since Colin's birthday was a Tuesday this year and Ryan had spring football practice and the boys had their spring band concert that night we decided to have our family birthday dinner for him on Sunday...that means presents and cake!

Here he is opening up some presents...he got roller blades from grandma & grandpa, video games from gramma & papa and a whole mess of bey blades from us!

Getting ready to blow out his candles on his double chocolate cake...YUM!

And since it was Mother's Day as well...I needed a picture with all of my kids!

Monday~130/365

Monday May 9, 2011

Every Monday my mom comes to my class to volunteer. She was a great help this year and the kids adored her! Well this Monday was her last day as she will be outta town tomorrow...so here is the class saying their good byes!! They almost knocked her over with this group hug! Thanks mom for all of your help this year...it was greatly appreciated!!

Tuesday~131/365

Tuesday May 10, 2011 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY 10 YEAR OLD!!

Here he is enjoying a birthday doughnut on the way to school! They were also watching the movie Annie, which was another birthday present!

Here are the boys after their performance getting ready to listen to the honors band. They both did an amazing job!!

Wednesday~132/365
Wednesday May 11, 2011

Well it's official...I am transferring schools AND I am SO excited about it!

Wednesday after school, Colin and I headed to my new stomping grounds for a tour and for me to meet my new kinder team. While there, the principal took Colin on a tour of the campus and showed him his new room and gave him a school tattoo...from Jets to Hawks!

Thursday~133/365

Thursday May 12,2011

Brendan's last book report of the year....a box report...his job was to read the book and then draw pictures with enough detail to retell the story. He got an A+...Great Job Bren!

Friday~134/365

Friday May 13, 2011

Friday I was able to chaperone Colin and the Jets Choir on a field trip! It was so much fun. Our school choir along with another school choir went to a senior living village to sing for the residents. They did such a great job! Above are the 2 groups singing We Are the World (which Colin had a solo!) and below is of me and my Colin Boy before we left to go back to school.

Saturday~135/365

Saturday May 14, 2011

Most of Saturday I spent in my classroom packing up. Sadly it will be sitting in my garage until I can get into my new room at my new school....but not until the other teacher moves out. I am hoping to be able to move in the week after school gets out...to at least get it out of my garage and the heat. Our last day of school is this Thursday May 19 and I have to have everything out by Friday afternoon...I got a lot done today but still have a lot more to do!!

Join in with Sara ...It's not to late to join the fun!

Yeah...I'm a Ladies Man at 10!!

2011-05-11T00:02:00.000-07:00

My Baby Turns....10!!!

2011-05-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

My Baby turns 10....WHAT...my Colin Boy is 10!! Oh My Word...He's 10!! First the other one turned 11 and now here is my baby and he's 10...sigh...

...10 things about my 10 year old on his golden birthday...

1. He is a fun lovin' kid always with a smile on his face

2. He is a great swimmer and loves to be in the water...{looks pretty good in a swim mask too!}

3. He can do anything he puts he mind to

4. He is a tough kid with a very gentle and kind heart

5. He is an amazing athlete

6. He is a lover...loves to hug on anyone and snuggle snuggle snuggle!

7. He is one of the strongest kids I know...physically, mentally and emotionally

8. He gets excited about the little things in life

9. He loves all things sports related and would rather be outside than inside

10. He is a God fearing, fun loving, wonderfully kind hearted 10 year old!!

Happy 10th Birthday Colin Boy!!

We LOVE you so very much

and hope you have a

great day!!