The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Mother

I should have known that when my first glimpse of morning looked like this... And when I caught mine and John's lucky time on the clock like this...   That my day was an awesome one. The school day went smoothly, with my to do list all checked off, I headed out the door at 3:30.  I was able to pick up Bailey and Savannah at school by 4:00.  We were home in time to finish off chores and even just hang out and relax for awhile.  Lorelei definitely had a relaxing afternoon...she slept from 4:00 till 8:00! How's that for an afternoon nap!  (Hope she sleeps tonight, we'll surely get in some extra snuggle time!) I had energy to whip up a Pinterest dinner and dessert!   Mini corn dog muffins... Banana muffins using cake mix...   Baths are done, jammies are on, books are read.  Tomorrow is picture day, so clothes are not only laid out...but ironed too!  We even put sponge rollers in Lorelei's hair!   Fe...

I've been swept away by this haze of school days since the Tuesday after Labor Day weekend.  Seriously, each week goes by faster than the one before.  Every time I turn around it's Friday again (who can complain about that right?).  Something happens to time once school starts up...I know it can't possibly be true, but why does time suddenly seem as if it's in fast forward.  Makes me think of one of John's favorite movies Click (mine too), with Adam Sandler.  Days zoom by in the press of a single remote button. The problem in real life...no pause button.  I feel like I can't catch my breath and keep up with this life of mine, flashing before my eyes.  Normally, as many of you know, I try my best to capture my life's moments via camera.  It's the closest thing to a pause button I have, but this month has been such a blur, I've barely taken a photo to catch these moments.  It's really been a great first month back to school, and I really can't ...

After what seemed like the most exhausting week of the year, the Boyen Bunch welcomed the 3 day weekend with open arms!  It was a great back to school week and everyone seemed to adjust pretty well, we were just really tired. First day of school pictures! 1st grader 6th grader  2nd grader 8th grader     We had no real plans for the weekend and that was fine with me.  The fun just unfolded on its own. Barbie started her weekend off by taking a relaxing dip in the pool, in my kitchen sink!  Yes those are dirty dishes next to their pool! We headed downtown for a fun trip on Saturday afternoon to Ace Mart Restaurant Supply. We could see the Tower from the parking lot! Lorelei and Jonas had fun trying on chef coats. So helpful and sweet! Chef Jonas Chef Lorelei! After we headed to The Point Parks and Eat for some food truck grub. Playing in the HEAT!! Isn't she pretty? Sunday we decide...

Savannah's all ready...asleep in her bed. Lorelei's dress all laid out... ...sweet dreams in her head. Now the boys aren't as ready...Bailey's stuff is a mess! But he's calm and not stressed, showered and stinking a bit less. Jonas is all smiles, he says he can't sleep.  But I bet in a few minutes, I won't hear a peep. This poem is a bit silly, but comes from the heart...because tomorrow another school year will start!!  :) Happy back to school everyone!

This week is already a blur and it's only Wednesday.  Just like I said before, time seems to be in fast forward once school starts again!  The final prep for back to school at the Boyen's has started! Sunday, we had a family trip to Office Depot for school supplies and haircuts for the boys.  John came along for school supplies, which was a great help, however it still took us nearly two hours! Monday, I returned to work for teacher prep days.  I'm teaching 3rd grade this year, which is a change again for me.  Yes...I am a gypsy teacher, changing grades yearly and schools too.  But this year starts my 3rd year at Carson.  I've never been at any elementary school for more than 2 years.  I taught for UTSA for 3 1/2 years and that was a major record!  I'm excited too, because I know this group of kids coming into 3rd because I had them back in 1st!  Our new team is off to great start. After a full day of data, staff development and...

...has been full of last minute appointments, regularly scheduled lessons and some back to school prep. I have not done any back to school shopping yet, I am avoiding it like the plague!  I guess because then I'd have to really admit school is starting soon.  I keep getting asked if we are excited for school to start...sadly none of us are.  Well, at least excited isn't the word I would use...looking forward is even a bit too strong.  In general we all love school, I know I certainly do love teaching and am looking forward to teaching 3rd again.  I think what we don't look forward to is the balancing act that going back to school causes.  It seems somehow, when school starts it is like life suddenly moves to fast forward.  Days and weeks fly by...summer is slow, and leisure.  But so it goes, I start back tomorrow (with a leadership day) and Monday starts the teacher work week, which is the kids last week off.  They don't even really get to e...

*I started this post on June 18.  Must have got distracted by something!?  The moments range from May till July.* Being a family with 4 kids ranging from 13-6 years old, it seems that someone is always having some kind of major or minor milestone, even John and I. First dance for my shy girl. Big 6 year old! Solar car race. Daddy's birthday! Rainbow party for Lorelei's birthday. Lovin' her party. Mother's Day! First book report and diorama! First swim of the season. Spring concert for Bailey. Reader's theater and end of year program for Jonas. Kinder program. Kinder grad! 5th grade grad! First gymnastics meet. Baby girl lost her first tooth! Father's Day goodies for John. Lazy days of summer begin... For the baking birthday girl. Luau themed 11th birthday party. This momma loves a themed party!  Yummy Hawaiian pulled beef! We girls loved the luau. L...