My "First" Field Trip

      Today we took my first full field trip as a teacher, and it was crazy! We went on a field trip while I was a student teacher, and that was a lot of work, but it wasn't nearly as much work as today was. Let's just say, these sweet babies wore me out! I am so thankful for my 3 parent volunteers, or I would have really been out by now! It is 4:30 in the afternoon, and I could so get into bed!

     We travelled to Donnell Century Farms in Jackson. We had a lot of fun. It was a little bit hectic because it doesn't seem like there was any schedule or anything, but the kids got to do a lot of fund things. There was a play rotation of 3 stations and an educational rotation of 3 stations. The play rotation consisted of a playground made from hay and farm equipment, including a tire pit (but my kids didn't get a chance to play on the tire part), a hayride that included a story trail, and a giant "pumpkin pillow", basically a bouncy house without the house. The kids had a lot of fun. After the play rotation, we had a picnic lunch, then we quickly headed to the educational rotation.

     During the educational rotation the kids went through a series of buildings that taught them about different aspects of the farm like where produce comes from, where we get beef, and where we get milk. Then there was a soybean station here the kids got to plant soybean in a water gel so hopefully they will sprout and they can have a plant at home, then there was an animal feeding station. We were very rushed through the educational station, and still ended up back on the bus 15 minutes late! It was very, very, very hectic, but the kids all seemed to enjoy it, and that's all that matters. I can't believe I only have 3 more weeks with these babies. They are my first group of "my kids." I am going to miss them, but I have to say I am looking forward to summer vacation. This teacher is tired!

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

     Since last Saturday, I feel like we have been running full throttle, and I am a bit worn out today! Saturday, we went to go get a lawnmower and weed eater because Spring is here in full force and this is our first Spring/Summer having a yard to take care of. The whole process took a lot longer than expected, so we ended up going all day to get it and by the time we got home, it was time for dinner, then Rylee's bath time and bedtime.

     Last Sunday, we made the 3.5-4 hour drive up to my parents' house to visit with them and my grandmother and half-sister. It was good to have family time, but because Ryan works third shift now, he wasn't able to come and I missed him. Plus Rylee was a bit of a handful the whole time because she doesn't do well in unfamiliar situations, so it wore me out a bit more having to deal with her on my own. We didn't make it home until nearly 9, then it was bedtime to prepare for the long week ahead of us.

   Because we had such a busy weekend, I tried to spend family time and relax a bit after work each day this week, but it was a tough week. We have our big SAT 10 test coming up this week, so last week we were reviewing and practicing, and it was just tiring. My kiddos were worn out, and I was definitely worn out. 

     Yesterday was a bit busy as well, I got up with Rylee at 7 and I instantly started to clean the house because it hadn't been cleaned in over 2 weeks due to us going-going-going. It needed it badly! Then I played with Rylee for a little bit, and spent about an hour of quality time with Ryan and Ryles. After that, I got ready to go to a dear friend's bridal shower. I enjoyed the shower, and it was fun to watch her get so many nice things to start her new life as a wife. After the shower, I headed home for a bit, then Rylee and I headed to Katie's 8th birthday party, we picked up Mary and Bailey along the way, and off the luau we went. We had a lot of fun at the party, but we didn't get home until almost 9, and by then, Rylee and I were both tired.

      This morning, we slept in until 8:30 (woo!), then we got up and got ready to go to church. We had an amazing service. I really love our new pastor, Brother Josh. He is so passionate about everything he preaches. His messages always have a way of hitting home and making you want to act on what you've heard. After church, Bailey and Rylee "found" a kitty in the parking lot (it was the pastor's kitty from next door). They had a blast chasing it and trying to catch it. Ryan picked it up for them to let them pet it, but they had more fun when it was down so they could chase it. Poor thing! Then we headed to lunch with Nonna, Granddaddy, Mary, and Bailey at Pizza Hut.

    Since we got home, we have been relaxing. Rylee and Ryan both laid down for naps. Ryan has to start his work week at 10 tonight, but he still has a few more hours of weekend left. While they napped, I laid out in the sun and listened to music. It was great to just be still for an hour. Since Rylee has been up, she has been playing and playing outside. She loves being outdoors, and I love seeing how happy she is out there. Our plans for the rest of today include grilling out dinner, and just enjoying each other's company. It sounds absolutely perfect to me! :)

16 Week Baby Update

     Yesterday, we went to the doctor for Baby Massengill's 16 week check-up. He/she is doing great! Heart rate was 140 beats per minute, and all the screening results for chromosomal birth defects came back normal. So far, so good! We scheduled our gender ultrasound for May 10. I cannot wait to find out what gender our precious little baby is. I've been hoping for another little girl from the start. I love being the mommy of a little princess, so having another would be twice the fun. Plus, I don't think there is any greater blessing in life than a sister. My sisters are my best friends, and I would love for Rylee to have that experience. But of course, we would love a little brother just the same. Ryan and his family are all hoping for boy. I guess it's an ego thing for men to want a little legacy. Either way, I feel that this little addition will complete our family. If we are not completely done growing our family, we are at least done for a while.

     This little sweetie is going to be an amazing big sister. I can't wait to see her in action. I have no illusions that she won't be jealous at first, but she is such an independent little girl, that even if she becomes more needy, I feel like it won't be a problem to give her some extra attention and take care of the new baby, too. Luckily, the due date is during the school year, so she will be going to preschool during the day, so I have bonding time  (and nap time!) with the new baby, but when she gets home, we will have lots of family time, too. I couldn't be more excited, and I can't wait to meet our newest love, but for now, I'm focusing on Rylee and making sure she is as prepared as possible for the changes to come.

Sesame Street Live

     Yesterday, we took the kids to Memphis to see Sesame Street Live at the Fed Ex Forum. At first, I think the Moms were more excited than the kids, but as we told them about it over this week, they got more and more and excited. By the time yesterday rolled around, Rylee was so excited she could barely sleep; I had to bribe her to get her to get a nap in before the 5:30 show. 

    First we headed to the gift shop. Kade and Bailey both opted for Sesame Street binoculars, but Rylee wanted a plush Zoe doll. She is a stuffed animal type of girl. She has tons, but she could never have enough in her mind. She has carried that doll around since the moment she got it. When we got in our seats, the kids all waited anxiously for the characters to come out.

     From the minute the curtain went up, Rylee was in awe of the show. She sang along, laughed, danced, clapped, and just watched in wonder. She loved it all, except when the characters came into the crowd. She said, "I want to see them. I don't want them to get me." I love her little mind. When we got home, her only complaint was that she wasn't able to go on the stage and "play in Elmo's World." I'm assuming she only wanted to play in it after the characters were gone.

     This week has been busy trying to get back into the routine of going to work and Rylee going to school. She cried Monday and Tuesday, but the rest of the week she was happy to go, and today she even asked if she could go to school. I'm glad she likes where she goes. I hope she always loves school, it sure makes it a lot easier to send her there, when I know she's happy. :)