sioux falls...

I failed at photographing our time in Sioux Falls.  Since I didn't have the nice, big camera, I slacked-off.  Wish I would have captured a bit more...at least Julia came through with a boat-load of pictures.

We'll begin with Ben's bug bites...

Oh, and here are a few more...

Next up, I had a chance to go on a nice date with these three.  We had a delicious dinner and then hit up a movie.  Good times!  ;)

Finally (yep, that's all I captured), we've got the group pictures - minus the bride and groom.  My bad!  These guys were such troopers...most of them had just woken up and we were on our way back to Minnesota with Patti & Jason.  So, it was now or never.  (Blake is missing from this photo.) 

Here's the next family portrait minus Scott...but now you're able to see Blake in the mix.

We were teasing Scott that perhaps he should simply have his own solo shot.  I think he liked the idea.

Now, for a much better section of photos, I would encourage the rest of the world to take a look at the fun here.

I would like to think that we were having way too much fun to stop and take pictures.  Although we certainly had a blast, I think that excuse is rather weak. 

I had no clue that Sioux Falls could bring so much joy to someone's life...I think it might have something to do with the entire Iversen clan!  :)  We were blessed beyond measure to spend a few days with these fun folks who love each other and Jesus.  I can see why Ben has enjoyed them so much over the years!  I can't wait for the next big event.  (Hint, hint: Janelle, Blake?)

for evie & ella...

Uncle Ben and Auntie Anne ran into the Backyardigans while on vacation.  So, these pictures are for Evie & Ella.  We love you both and can't wait to see you!  :)

suggestions, please...

The summer is right around the corner - Thursday at 9:26am is when it truly begins for me.  In the meantime, I've got some things to do here at work (yes, I'm here on a beautiful Saturday).  My room has to be cleaned, my grades posted, papers graded, books organized, supplies tallied, etc.  To keep me sane - and motivated - I want need some new music.  So, please feel free to leave me a comment with your recommendations!

I promise to think of you as I close-up shop for the year and blast my music!  :)

following directions...

...or not!

Here's what we did in class today.  This lesson never gets old, NEVER!  :)

(Please excuse the quality of these photos.  I had used the Print Screen option to make this show up.)

Any of you actually follow the directions? 

I had 2 kids in my 1/2 block (of 32) who did what they were supposed to.  The rest of the class simply untied their shoelaces, crawled under their desks, spun around a few times and failed to carefully read the assignment.  Regardless, this task always creates great discussion...and a reminder as to why we read directions!  

a few of my summer plans...

The countdown is on...there are only 17 days of school left (including today).  So, with more free time on the horizon, I've got a few creative plans.

• I would really like to make a cover for my camera strap.  This one is pretty cute and so is this one!  It's also possible that I'll modify mine to include a ruffle.  We'll see.
• One of my missions this summer is to make enough cards to last me until next summer.  This is a simple design that's super sweet!
• Every spring, I host a classroom party.  We celebrate everyone's birthday on the same day...that way those born in the summer aren't left out.  This little party looks similar to an end-of-the-year celebration.  We play games, create teams based on birthday months, and enjoy some yummy snacks - what's a party without food?!?!  I want to make these for the annual celebration.  They would hold-up well and keep me from having to buy streamers each year.
• Some people belong to a book club, others are party of a dinner club.  However, I'm thinking I should start some sort of craft club.  One of the first projects I would tackle?  This one!  It looks so cute...and seems pretty simple too.
• I would love to have these on hand for those rare occasions when we have folks over for dinner.
• This is a brilliant idea!  I need to get these made ASAP...that way I can use them throughout the summer.
• I wonder if Gavin or the twins would find this book to be kind of fun?!?!
• When the sun finally decides to stick around for a while, I want to try this little recipe.  It seems easy enough.

There are a ton of ideas I have saved here on my computer.  Perhaps I'll post a few more as I get a bit closer to summer vacation.  In the meantime, please feel free to share any ideas you might have!

can you imagine...

...how much fun this would be!  :)

When you get to the post, make sure you scroll down to the actual video footage.

(This was posted on one of the crafty blogs I read.  I couldn't pass it up.)

what's one to do...

...when there's no Home Group on the first Monday of the month?  I probably should have graded papers, cleaned house or finished up some laundry.  However, I decided to put my creativity to use.

Let me introduce my meal planning menu board.  I had set of pictures framed in our kitchen already, but I had been wanting to do something different.  I contemplated changing out the three pieces of artwork that were being showcased, but that didn't seem too exciting.  This is a bit more fun, and useful too!  :)

(These pictures were taken once it was dark outside, so the flash had to be used...it left some crazy images on the left side near the knives?!?!  Strange.)

Notes:

• I don't often follow recipes...hence the open spaces where I wrote in some items.  If I need the recipe, I can easily clip it to the proper clothes pin.
• Since it's just the two of us, we're not all that great about sticking to our menu each week.  Instead, life comes up...which is something we enjoy!  So, this makes it easy to move things around without having to think too hard.  :)  
• Saturday and Sunday are great days for consuming leftovers from throughout the week which is why I combined the two on my chalkboard.
• I'm linking up to this blog (below) for the first time ever...could be fun!  :)  

All it took for this project was some chalkboard paint (already had some from another project), clothes  pins (I've had those FOREVER), a bit of acrylic paint to transform said clothes pins, glue, the already-mentioned-frame, and a bit of chalk (again, something I had in my crafting stash).  Super easy project and I think it will come in handy.

Now I'm going to try and fall asleep...