My Day in Numbers

7... preschool students in my classroom
6... water balloon ice balls we played with today
18... outside temperature in degrees Fahrenheit
23... minutes to get ready to go outside
0... "real feel" temperature with the wind blowing
17... minutes we played outside in the snow
134... things I need to get done this afternoon
1... tired teacher who had fun outside today

Wordless Wednesday

I Love This Baby

(and the Mama carrying him!)

Beautiful Boating Days (Kern Series, Part Two)

On a beautiful July day, Ryan finally joined the ranks of Papa's boys who got a ride in the boat. Micah had his ride here. It was only right that Ryan had his turn also. Ryan and Micah... the only boys in a family otherwise outnumbered by females. For several months, these two best buddies had been talking with anticipation about riding in Papa's boat in the summertime.

No more waiting. The time was finally here. Ryan and Samantha were so excited! Well, except for the brief meltdown Ryan had when he was unhappy about having to wear the lifejacket. Mini tantrum averted... let's get this show on the road! Ryan's ready!

  

 

 The smile tells it all!

 

Anchors aweigh!

  

 

And a good time was had by all....

Birthday Bash (Kern Series, Part One)

Yes, I'm playing catch-up on blogging. Yes, it's been four months since we celebrated Ryan and Samantha's birthdays, but better late than never, right?

I hope so.

A new puzzle...

...and Lincoln Logs from Auntie Rah.

Ryan's favorite... new trains!

Ryan loved his homemade card from Samantha...

...and was completely thrilled with the Tidmouth Sheds from Mommy and Daddy!

Blow out those candles, Ryry!

Cutest three-year-old around!

Barbie pool...

...and a new Barbie from Auntie Rah!

Make a wish, Samantha!

A very sweet seven-year-old.

The Buck Stops Here

It's deer hunting season eve. It's the time when avid, die-hard hunters are sharpening their knives, checking their guns for the umpteenth time, packing lunches, snacks, and hot cocoa for a day in the woods, telling tales of "The Hunt of 1957" (or some other magical year), and dreaming about that trophy buck.

I am not a hunter. I have never donned the brilliant blaze orange apparel required for a day of hunting. Never once have I sat on a teeny tiny deer stand to freeze my extremities. I have never experienced the pride and joy one gets after bagging their first deer.

Until last night.

Traveling home after a ladies' dinner at my church, I was less than a quarter mile from home when I spotted a car on the side of the road. As I passed, I spotted a dead deer behind the car. A big deer. I wondered if the driver needed help, so five minutes later, Dad and I were back at the location but the car had gone. Dad checked out the deer and found that it hadn't been dead too long. A nice, big buck with both antlers broken off. (I have yet to go back and check the ditch to see if I can find them.) After a few phone calls (thanks to a tip from our neighbor), I was speaking with a conservation officer, getting permission to take possession of the deer. They are mailing me the license tag. Me--the non-hunter. I made the call... I get the deer!

So, here's my hunting claim to fame. I can't guarantee I'll ever have another deer to pose with, no need for a taxidermist any time soon. Like it or leave it, I got my deer with no blaze orange, no license (until it arrives in the mail), no bullets, no gun, and no smashed car!

I think this picture is hilarious! It looks so sneaky or something. Almost like Dad and Uncle Eric were gutting a deer before the season opened or something.

 Getting ready to hoist it up.

  My trophy buck!

Happy hunting tomorrow to all you real hunters. Be safe!