been too long...

Well, i've let too long pass without posting on my blog....

I pretty much feel like i'm always playing catch up in life *i hate that*

I guess its ok though...as long as i'm "catching up" and not leaving it out all together!

I am now teaching full time (i'm filling a maternity leave for a PE/health teacher), its been a learning experience since i teach the 5-8graders too, i am just comfortable with the lil' ones (K-4th). But, i've figured it out....or at least i pretend i have! Full-time teaching, sewing orders, and of course being mommy and wife gives me a full plate. Its ok though, i have a wonderful team! My "team"= My Husband...(who also has a full plate) did the grocery shopping this week, My Mom...cleaned my house and has babysat the boys most of week, and My Mother-n-law...who keeps my boys while i work when my mom doesnt' have them. I am so thankful to have my mom and MNL as babysitters!! They show up at 7:15am at our home and love and play with the boys till 3:30pm. I'm so thankful i don't have to trust strangers to watch my kids!!!! I have been a stay-at-home mom most of their lives (only subbing for teachers a occasionally) and i hate leaving them!

Anyways...Its the Holiday season and thats what i want to get to!!
..with all that said now its on to the good stuff.....

FAMILY STUFF (not work stuff)    :)
Thanksgiving was great as always. Lots of time with the Fam and lots of yummy food!
The Christmas season has been wonderful so far!
Kolton is really fun this year because he is truly interested in the traditions and loving learning about Jesus' birth, Santa, Elf on the Shelf, driving to see lights in the neighborhoods, crafts, baking, and TV specials. Korbin doesn't really care about it all just yet, but he will!
Just a few pics to show a tiny bit of what we've been doing lately!

*above-reading The Elf on the Shelf
 Elf on the Shelf came back this year (2nd year of this tradition)
So much fun! This morning he made us breakfast! -snowman doughnuts!

 The next one is a video...i'm not sure why i had my iphone on video but i did. : /
Korbin hated Santa!

 Daddy and Kolton riding the carosal at the Bass Pro Shop

 The boys helped decorate the tree and Nick and I just sat back and watched them. I can't believe how blessed i am. Two healthy boys....thats all i need for Christmas!

Kolton told daddy how to "top" the tree.

Halloween Fun

my babies!

 

Happy Friday!

Gorilla, lions, and bugs...oh my!

This month My mom and I decided a trip to the Cincinnatti Zoo was needed!! :)

We had such a great time! This zoo is amazing, you really get to see animals close up and the exhibits are so beautiful! Korbin liked it, but Kolton he was in heaven...he LOVES animals!

 This was the most beautiful lion i have even seen. So big and truly a beautiful creature of God

 the insect wall...one of Koltons favorite exhibits. The whole place was full of bugs. It was so interesting!

 Having fun in the jungle!

Ice cream break 

 I think our ice cream break was Korbin's favorite part....that along with the train ride!

 petting a wallaby

 This is my happy boy!! I love that sweet smile!

 Korbin and Nonna playing!

 This elephant just came right up to the fence to say hi to us!

 Aunt Margie and Sheila came along for the fun!

 This was the best picture i got with my boys after about twenty tries..oh well, memory made!

The zoo was great, i love doing new things with my boys and introducing them to fun things! I can't wait to take them back already! Next time we will take Daddy (he couldn't take off work) :(

Kolton and Korbin, you had a blast at the zoo and I am so thankful for memories we make together! 

Yummy Fall treats!

The other day I came across a recipe on a blog and had to try it out. Kolton loves helping me bake, so while Korbin was napping we baked up a yummy treat!

 Here is the recipe. 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins....need i say more!

 i love my KitchenAid mixer. I have had it 6 years (it was a wedding gift) and use it all the time!

 Kolton loves the mixer too. He thinks it's "so cool"

I topped the muffins/cupcakes off with cream cheese icing and we have already devoured half of them!! 

I didn't take an after picture..i was to busy eating them....i will next time!

If your reading my blog and need a yummy treat to make..this is it!!! SOOO good!

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten things i'm loving right now!!

(in no specific order)

1. Pinterest..enough said!

2.That my boy Korbin started walking tonight! yay Korbin! (post on that tmro!)

3.Buttercream Pumpkin Candle from Yankee

4. My awesome husband

5. The fact that the "terribles" (age 2 and 3) are a stage in the past...

...i'm loving the new behavior change of my 4 year old!

-Of course i loved him at 2 and 3...i'm talking about the "fits" we went through in the "terribles". yuck! 

6. Fall crafts (a post on this later too)

7. Victorias Secret "slice of heaven" lip gloss.

8. My new found love for crock pot cooking

9. losing 6lbs...15more to go 

10. new pillows...yes pillows. 

I can't believe how much better i slept last night. Therefore, i'm thankful today for new pillows! :)

pumpkins, corn, and Cuteness.

I love the Fall of the year...Great weather, beautiful colors, pumpkins, fun activities, and football!

We started the Fall off with a trip to the Corn Maze...

 playing in the corn box. Who ever thought of this was brilliant!

 After having lots of fun the boys picked their perfect pumpkin and we headed home!

Kolton's room make-over

I decided to re-do Kolton's room into something alittle more "big boyish"(since he is four and all..lol)

He loves it, and i think it turned out really cute and perfect for him!

 that nightstand was orange, and i just painted it red to match the new bedspread alittle better.

 This is a picture of his room before...well a pic of his wall anyways! I didn't take one of the whole room, it was in bright colors and dinosaurs. The blue paint on the walls was nice but i just couldn't handle it any longer. The new beige is much calmer!!

Korbin 1st *little* haircut!

 He didn't have much that needed to be cut. But, he definitly needed a trim. 

 He really though he was cute after getting a new do!!! :)