Showing posts with label What's Up Wednesday

WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY

in , by Gavin and Kylie Plus 4, 4:25 AM

Attempting to get back into the swing of things around here because it is something that I really enjoy.  I love writing, I love sharing what's going on in our circus, and I love creating a "baby book" for my kiddos.  Because let's be real, the actual book never even got bought, let alone filled out.  I feel like our spring is really starting to ramp up and I can feel the excitement of summer creeping in.  Now I just need some nice weather to show up and actually stick around.


I am linking up with Sheaffer Told Me To and Mix and Match Mama so make sure you go and check out their posts as well!

What's Up Wednesday!

in , by Gavin and Kylie Plus 4, 7:22 PM

It's is time for another What's Up Wednesday and I am linking up with Shay from Mix and Match Mama!
1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
 This week has been super crazy because I had my last week of golf league and then conferences at school late one night.  It has consisted of crockpot meals and leftovers.  I think Gavin made them some hotdogs in the microwave even last night when I wasn't home.  There is no tired like beginning-of-the-year-teacher tired, friends, so we are limping into the weekend.


2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:
Oh how I loved every minute of summer with my kids.  I loved letting them wake up late, our slow mornings, long walks, being outside all day, and catching a nap every now and again.  Don't get me wrong, I love my job and feel called to do it, but there is a piece of me that wishes I could stay home with my kids.


3: WHAT I’M LOVING:
I have loved getting back in a routine and feeling super accomplished throughout the days.  Something about being back at work and still keeping our house afloat makes me feel like Superwoman some days.  There are those moments where I feel like I'm not sure how I'm going to do it all, but it always seems to get done and that's a good feeling.


4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
We've continued to spend quite a bit of time at the river.  Treyton is working hard on learning to water ski and has skied with me several times, practices on land, and was brave enough to try it on his own a couple of times.  He was SO close to getting up!  I know he will get it next year for sure.



We also have been working hard on our yard and pond.  Gavin drained it at one point this summer to fix the beach and a leak we had found.  It is pretty much full again but we have spent countless hours raking moss out of it, pulling weeds, and fine tuning everything.


I also started back to school mid August so getting back into our school routine has been an adjustment for sure.  My 4:30 alarm clock, getting out the door on time, and then getting supper on the table before my kids turn into rabid animals seem to be my biggest hurdles!

5: WHAT I’M DREADING:
Treyton starts preschool in a week and I am dreading those first few days.  I know, without a doubt, that he will love it once he gets into the swing of it, but he tends to be pretty shy and nervous about new things.  Daycare will be dropping him off so I'm praying that makes it a bit easier on him.


6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:
My school to do list doesn't seem to be getting any shorter and there are days that feel super overwhelming.  It will all get done but I feel like I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off most days.  Being daycare drop off and pick up doesn't allow me to sit down very often during the day!


7: WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:
As much as I am dreading those first couple of days of preschool, I am also soooo excited for Treyton.  He is ready for school.  I know he will love getting to be with some of his buddies, and he is just in a phase of soaking everything in.

8: WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:
To be honest, there is NOTHING on tv right now!  Gavin has been watching a lot of Two and a Half Men, which I can't stand, and I have been so tired that I've been watching a lot of the back of my eye lids as soon as I sit down.

9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
I have been playing the Vitamin String Quartet Radio station on Pandora in my classroom and my kids have really enjoyed it.

10: WHAT I’M WEARING:
All the flowy (I don't think thats a word!) dresses as it has been warm and my classroom isn't air conditioned. 

That's all for today!!!  Hope all is well!


What's Up Wednesday

in , by Gavin and Kylie Plus 4, 4:00 AM
I am linking up today for WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY with Shay and Sheaffer.
1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
I am currently involved in Kara Swanson's 4 Week Spring Challenge that includes her Spring Meal plan.  You can find her on Instagram or Facebook.  Her website is www.lifewelllived.fitness.  
This week we're eating--
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Shrimp Veggie Tacos
Honey Mustard Bacon & Avocado Salad
Bruschetta Chicken
Burger Casserole
Strawberry Avocado Chicken Salad

I was needing some "light" summer meals that I could grill with and this meal plan has done the trick.  Not only have I really liked the structure, but she also provides a grocery list.  I simply sat down with the list and ordered my groceries online from HyVee!  Simple is my go-to!

2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:
This past weekend!  I have a final Easter recap coming later tomorrow but I just love holidays with our families!  We got to be will all three sets of our parents over the weekend and family time is the best time!
Everyone in this picture was very reluctant to take it but I like to be in a picture every once in a blue moon.
Getting to do some new traditions with Treyton...and him actually enjoy them...has been so much fun!
All the Easter egg hunts!
And the fantastic weather that allowed us to be outside most of the weekend.  Hallelujah!

3: WHAT I’M LOVING:
This spring weather!!  We have been outside a ton and my kids have gone to bed wonderfully.  
4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
Last week was all things Easter and this week is the beginning of planting season for Gavin.  He has been at the farm quite a bit getting things ready to go.  Planting season is hard for Treyton because he can't as easily go help like he can with harvest due to the chemicals and lots of getting in and out of equipment.  I am hoping that his sandbox and the nice weather will help keep him occupied at home without Daddy being home much in the next couple of weeks.
Gavin sent me this picture tonight as they were burning the CRP so I could show Treyton what they were doing.  I always pray the next picture doesn't involve the fire department.

5: WHAT I’M DREADING:
We missed nine days of school due to our brutal winter so my students are going to school until June 7th and I have to go back June 10th.  We were supposed to be out in May and I know that that last week in June is going to be slightly miserable.

6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:
I have to do some state testing with my students individually on Thursday so I am working on my sub plans for that day.  I like to get my next week planned out as well so I will be working on those today as well.

7: WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:
I'll be perfectly honest---I'm really excited for summer! I feel like it is right around the corner and this warmer weather really has me itching to be at the river, camping, and spending all day with my kiddos.  I love my job, don't get me wrong, but I REALLY love summer!
8: WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:
I'm slowly working my way through Kristan Higgins's Now That You Mention It.  I have really liked it.  I just fall asleep within seconds of turning on my Kindle every night so it has been taking me forever.
9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
My windows are open as I'm typing this and hearing the birds outside and the frogs down at the pond is so lovely!!
10: WHAT I’M WEARING:
I have finally got to break out some of my Spring clothes and put away all of my sweaters and winter clothes.  It has been a very welcomed change!

Have a great Wednesday!!  I'll be back tomorrow with the last part of our Easter weekend!  

WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY

in , by Gavin and Kylie Plus 4, 5:00 AM
Today, I am linking up with some Sheaffer and Shay for WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY!
1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
Tuesday: Chicken Cordon Bleu
Wednesday: Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Thursday: Roast with Sweet Potatoes and Carrots
Friday: Steaks, Mashed Potatoes, and Roasted Veggies

I have a post for the chicken cordon blue and the crockpot chicken tacos coming today and tomorrow!

2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:
Warm weather in general!  I was just telling Gavin that I feel like I am in a bit of a funk because everything is so out of routine and dependent upon bad weather.  I REALLY enjoy the summer at home with my kiddos and playing in our back yard, going to the river, camping, and having a bit of a tan.
3: WHAT I’M LOVING:
I am loving my girls' personalities really starting to shine.  It is really interesting how they have flip flopped temperaments several times throughout the past year but I feel like they are becoming themselves now.  Taylor was really tough as a baby.  She was either sleeping or crying and her cry was more like a screech.  Trynlee was such an easy baby (as easy as a 5lb baby can be) and was perfectly content as long as she was fed.  In the last month or so, I feel like they have really switched.  Taylor is fairly easy going, good at entertaining herself, and loves to eat and sleep.  Trynlee, once very laid back, is all of the sudden really feisty.  She hits and laughs about it, yells no, and has a strong opinion about things.  She also is overly dramatic if a toy gets taken from her or she can't get something she wants.  Don't get me wrong, she can be hilarious and such a snuggler as well.  It will be interesting to see if it stays like this.
Tryn has quite the facial expressions!
Oh Tay! I can hear her cry to this day!
But now, she's so silly, independent and so so happy!

4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
Long story short---shoveling, moving snow, and playing in the snow!  We also have played ALL.THE.GAMES about 100 times, and are looking forward to warmer weather.

5: WHAT I’M DREADING:
We have a trip coming up and I am dreading flying with our three munchkins.  We have flown twice with Treyton but its just a little bit different when you're outnumbered and they're all so little. It will be much better than a 20+ some hour car ride but the thought of being confined for several hours makes me a tad bit nervous.  I also am dreading packing ALL THE THINGS!  I did order these packing cubes though after reading rave reviews on them.  I will make sure to post about everything we used or bought for our trip in case you also have an upcoming trip as well.


6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:
Report cards and conferences!    Our first set of conferences got postponed due to the weather (see any common theme around here-LOL)!  I'm also doing my best to have all of my lesson plans done for before break and for the week following break.
I do all of my plans on Planbook.com and LOVE it!

7: WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:
I'm really looking forward to our upcoming trip {minus the travel} and a wedding that's coming up.  Both involve family and that in itself is exciting for me!
My cousin is getting married, and I'm excited to be apart of their big day!  This picture is super old and we both look like babies....and well rested!  Lol .

8: WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:
Gavin and I watch 3 shows each week.  We record them all so that we can watch them after our kids are in bed and so that we can fast forward through the commercials....or we likely fall asleep.
MacGyver is just a tad bit dramatic, maybe a bit cheesy, but I look forward to what MacGyver can come up with each week.  I'm sooooooo sad that Jack left the show though.  He may have been my favorite cast member.  Desi is doing a good job of filling in but it's just not the same.
Hawaii Five-O might be my favorite and Steve is just a smidgen cute. :-) There are always several different twists and turns going on and some dramatic save typically happens at the end.
I like the original NCIS as well but we have been hooked on NCIS Los Angeles for a couple of seasons now.

We apparently really like "cop" related shows!  Any other suggestions?  All three of these take place on Friday and Sunday so then we go the whole rest of the week waiting for the next episodes.  

9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
Currently....Iowa basketball on the tv and Treyton yelling from his bed to come put the skid loader track back on.  #nothappening

At school though, we listen to a lot of Amazon Music.  It is included with Amazon Prime and there aren't any ads.

10: WHAT I’M WEARING:
I'm still loving all of the stuff I got from my last Stitch Fix.  You can read about it HERE.

My favorite jeans are also from Stitch Fix and are the brand Kut from the Kloth.  I have been able to order them from Nordstrom.  They're a bit stretchy but don't get saggy. 

11: WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:
I don't think we have anything actually planned this weekend which is a good feeling.  Let's be honest though, I really need to tackle the pile of laundry that is waiting patiently to be folded. ;-)

12: WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:
My birthday!!  ;-)  And seeing my brother and his girlfriend!  We haven't seen them since Christmas and we miss them and their naughty pup, Eddie.
13: WHAT ELSE IS NEW:  
I think that is all I've got for today!

14: BONUS QUESTION: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOARD GAME TO PLAY WITH YOUR KIDS:
Oh man!  We are just getting into the world of board games, and I am so excited!  Here are some of Treyton's favorites.
If you click on any of the games above, it will take you right to Amazon, if you're interested!
© Gavin and Kylie Plus 4 · THEME BY WATDESIGNEXPRESS