So sad

We found out today that we are losing three teachers at our site. This is really awful. At the start of the school year, we had to do the same thing but we did not end up losing anyone. It came down to a coin toss between the three least senior people on our campus. A COIN TOSS? ISN'T THAT JUST CRAZY?! Sigh- I hate all of this.

IKEA

We took the kids to IKEA today to check out "big girl" beds. Payton has a toddler bed now, and we keep talking about switching her over to a new bed. As you can tell from this picture, we found a totally fun one at IKEA today. This picture does not look as exciting as the bed did in the store, which we just loved. In the display model, there was a bed tent on the top (which Payton loved) and an extra mattress on the bottom with floor pillows and stuffed animals. It was such a neat little bed! IKEA is having a no-tax sale this weekend, so we are trying to figure out if we will head back there tomorrow to pick it up.

Anyone for a marathon?

We are going to attempt the Sac Cowtown Half Marathon in October. I decided for us tonight. Bring on the training!

It's been a long week

This week has been really hard- I was sick with a cold, allergies... who knows. The one highlight had to be the Farmer's Market where I was able to spend money feeling like it was going to a good place and would at least last us a week. Gas shot up to $4.15, and that just about kills us for sure.

I had my last night of Boot Camp and cannot rave enough about what an amazing experience it was. It has changed my life ( and Jon's) in the way I see myself, and they way that I view my health. That was certainly a high point....

However, we found out that Sandy will no longer be able to do day care for us next year. We are sad beyond words. There's been a lot of crying and upset stomachs these past two days. Sandy has been Pay and Sam's home away from home for so long now, and we are going to miss her more than words can say.

Thank goodness it is the start of the three day weekend as I know we all really need some time off.

Two Party Weekend!

We survived (and had so much fun!) at two birthday parties this weekend in the hot, hot weather. I took Payton to Parker's party on Saturday with a very appropriate Star Wars theme. There was a bounce house there and a ton of fun snacks, so Payton did not even notice how hot it really was. Payton enjoyed the cake-she said that was her favorite part of the day. I kept trying to get her to go inside to escape the heat, but she wasn't having it. On Sunday, we trekked up to Rocklin for Sidney and Sophia's 4th birthday party... Monica sure knows how to throw a kid's party. They had Mickey Mouse pancakes, bacon and fruit which is one of Pay's favorite meals. Payton won a prize during a game, got to hit the pinata, and ended up with a bag full of candy and a squirt bottle. What a day! Sam's highlight of the weekend was getting to eat watermelon for the first time.

And... Sam said, and continues to say MAMA this weekend. No DADA. So, our friends and family...let it be known, Sam's first word was MAMA.

Welcome, Cameron!

My friend Kristine, (who I met my first year of teaching) had her baby Cameron this morning via c-section. Here are the vital stats:
Cameron Rose, 6 lbs 11 oz. 7:47am, 20 3/4 inches
What's even more lovely is that she was born on Kristine's birthday! How neat is that? I know it will probably be a great while until you are able to check emails, read blogs and get online Kristine, but congrats! I know that you will be an amazing mother. I am looking forward to hearing updates about little Cameron.

Couldn't resist one more

Do you see how she is looking at him? Disdain? He just continues to smile at her like she is better than any toy in the world....

Proud of my sister

My sister just got back from a Yoga retreat at Mayatulum Wellness Retreat and Spa. I am so proud of all the amazing things that she is doing with her life, and this is one of them. She couldn't speak enough about how wonderful it was, and how much she learned. No cell phones or laptops for the week- doesn't that sound great? If you'd like to check out the website, here it is. http://www.mayatulum.com

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of my friends and family that are Moms. Being a mom/parent is one of the hardest jobs around (even harder than being a special education teacher!), but I am thrilled to be on this journey. I continue to be amazed by the strength and wisdom of my friends and family that have children; all of you have taught me so much.

We had a wonderful weekend at home, and was spoiled by my sweet family. Jon did not have to work at all this weekend, so we were able to have him at home the whole time! Payton did not leave his side for very long. I was able to take a spin class at the gym and have a nice run this morning and felt great. Jon spoiled me by giving me a gift card to a nearby sports store so I was able to get some workout gear and some new weights. We took the kids to have a picnic in the park, which we all enjoyed. Jon and Payton had also made enchiladas for dinner, which were some of the best that I have ever tasted! I am so lucky to have Jon as my husband. Without him, being a good Mom would be even harder.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend. If you check out the link to our family photos, you can see the whole set. Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!

One more try

Untitled from Jena Stires on Vimeo.

Video Upload-Take Two

Thanks to everyone who tried to view the videos, but couldn't get to them... I think that I fixed the problem. They were somehow set to private, while the others were not. I am posting them again, so please try to take a look and let me know!


Untitled from Jena Stires on Vimeo.