Hannah is 1!

I can't believe one year ago, at about this time, I was holding my brand new little Hannah in my arms for the first time. She has grown so much since then. I love you Hannie!

I don't think you're a stalker...

This was Philbert's Valentine's Day gift. I got this idea from Flamingo Toes. Philip and I met at a conference our sophomore years in college. We went to different schools. Philip went to Concordia and I went to UWEC. We talked for HOURS on Saturday night. Then on Sunday when everyone was heading home Philip was super awkward and didn't get my email address. So I walked up, told him it was nice to meet him and that was that... or so I thought.

About two weeks later I got an email from him that started with "I hope you don't think I am a stalker but..." Philip did lots of detective work to figure out my email address. He knew I was from Mankato, he knew I was Megan, and he knew I was the editor of my high school newspaper. He found my first and last name on an old issue of my high school newspaper and then looked me up in the college directory. So I don't think he's a stalker. I am glad he tracked me down. :)

The blue and red lines are sewn on the machine. The words were all sewn by hand. I wrinkled it up before I framed it so it looked more like notebook paper. It was a fun project and Philbert liked it. :)

Happy Birthday Hannah!

Happy Hannah!

Hannah REALLY enjoyed her cake!

The monkey cake MawMaw Vickie made. It was grand!

Ella and her Godmother, Renee. She loves Renee. For many reasons, but I think a big one is because she always seems to have a snack for Bean. ;)

Aiden tried the fun to be one hat on. He's got a few months to go, but not far off!

Today was Hannah's birthday party. Her actual birthday is not until the 22nd, but we celebrated with friends today. It was a grand time! We all had yummy R&R BBQ, slaw, beans, & hush puppies. Maw Maw Vickie made the cutest monkey cakes and cup cakes for the party. Ella Bean originally planned to eat all the cake by herself, but decided to share in the end. It was very kind of her. Our party favors where yummy, yummy cake pops made by my co-worker, Janelle, who owns Peace, Love, & Cake Pops. They were a hit. Hannah got very thoughtful and wonderful gifts. We are lucky to have so many great friends!

Adventures in North Carolina...

My friend Amanda knit the cutest pair of longies for Hannah. I love them! In exchange I'll be making a dress for her daughter. Gotta' love bartering. It's the way to go! :)

Hannah got a Hoho for Valentine's Day. It's From A Little Bit Funky. She loves it because its' so soft and huggable.

When you ask Bean to smile big, this is what she does. LOVE it!

Let's Hear It For J & J!

I am a special education teacher and most days I LOVE the teaching part of my job. (The paperwork is another story for another day!) Well yesterday I got to celebrate two exciting milestones with two special students. (Who I will refer to as J #1 and J#2.) I've been teaching J#1 reading for the past four years. He's been working his tale off for four years. When I started teaching him he was 2 grade levels behind in reading. Well last week he read on grade level! He is reading 5th grade level material at the appropriate rate. YIPPY! I am so proud of him. J#2 has a hard time controlling his temper and can get upset really quickly. Well, this past quarter he did not have a SINGLE outburst, not one! That is such a big deal! I got to watch him use the techniques he's learned to calm himself down and he's a pro. I am so proud of both my boys! So to celebrate my fellow special education teacher and I had a pizza part with the boys. They were so excited. They built their own pizza on the Papa John's website. It was a grand time to spend with them. They are so proud of themselves and they should be. :) :)

So if you ever wonder why teachers do what they do, this my friends is why we do it.

Look What I Learned from Julianna!

Julianna showed me how to make the cutest shirts with freezer paper and paint. :) (Check out her blog to learn how!) Here are pictures of the girls in their new, matching outfits. Ella was sad because she did not want to pick up her toys, but she wanted her picture taken anyway. Oh Bean!

Here is Hannah in her new outfit. She was pretty happy! The pants have a cute heart on the leg, but you can't see it in the pictures.

Now I have so many other ideas! :) But first I want to get a Silhouette.