This is something Bryce's daycare lady shared with me today:

...conversation with 2 year old...whats your name? "Bryce", what's your other name?... "Lowenbach"....whats your brothers name? "Cayden", whats his other name? "Brother", whats your moms name "Carrie", whats your fathers name? "Coach" Thought you would like this Carrie!

What a little man!

My kids make me laugh:

What Bryce said, "Dad, will you fart me like ketchup"

Cayden had to spend a recess inside today reading because he forgot to bring his signed reading slip to school. He said, "I didn't really mind because Ms. Cary brought me the second Harry Potter book." Apparently, staying inside to read wasn't much of a punishment for him...

My Job

I just have to say that I love my job. I don't love every single minute or every single day but I really love my job. And, yes, I'm mad that the recession has so affected what my school is able to afford especially because at the end of the year it is my salary that gets cut. However, what the recession has not affected is my passion about my mission as an educator. I (and all my teacher friends) still spent countless hours outside of the classroom to make sure that the education that the students get is "priceless". Most of us spend more hours now than ever because we have kids who need us more than ever. Of course I am not perfect. And, I guess I feel that I need to say it because I am tired of people complaining about public education. We are a state government funded institution and therefore, in the big picture, we all decide how much support we give public education. Most of us are voters and all of us have a voice. If you think there is a better option than public school - fine, just please don't bash the teachers and schools in the process but know that we do take it personally if you move your child somewhere else. Teachers are THAT invested in our jobs and we are doing a heck of a job (if I don't say so myself). I chose this profession and so I try not to complain too much about it. Yes, I have big classes. Yes, teenagers can be difficult, Yes, my job is stressful, No, I wouldn't change my profession. Please don't think I am some superhero. My job also allows me to spend lots of time with my own children and I laugh a lot during the day and I don't have meetings all day (shout out to my non teacher friends), and there are plenty of other benefits that make it a perfect career for us. I do believe in the mission of public school and think that along with parents we can teach kids and make the world a "nicer" place. I just had to get that off my chest so thanks for listening.

Like Father Like Son

Jeff's clean clothes pile.













The top of Cayden's bed.

Not all the similiarities are positive ones.

These are pants. Cayden's pants to be exact. I just bought these pants 4 weeks ago.

They are now TOO short. They did fit 4 weeks ago. He wore them just 3 weeks ago when we had a couple of cold days. Now, they are at his ankles. What the hell? Seriously? If you know anyone that wears an 8 slim please let me know because I will have to get the next size up obviously.

Happy

I am Happy.

Why?

Because we finally got a piano

And.....

I am taking lessons with Cayden

I have always wanted to take lessons but just never could growing up. I made myself a promise that someday (yes SOMEDAY) I would do it. Now is the time. I am sure that 34 isn't too old to learn (keeping my fingers crossed)? So, to sum it up - having a piano makes me happy. I love listening to Cayden play and I love doing the simplest things on it myself. Jeff on the other hand.....

All He Wants for Christmas (early please!)

Cayden lost his second top front tooth yesterday while at the lake and out on the boat. It has only been noticeably loose for a couple of days. This is an unusual turn of events for him because normally he holds onto his loose teeth for weeks before they finally drop (literally) out. His last tooth was so loose and stuck out so bad we called him snaggletooth for a good two weeks before it finally came out. The tooth even resisted coming out after Jeff tied a (full) Gatorade bottle to it with floss. The floss broke but the tooth remained. We are ALL grateful - especially Cayden- that dad won't have to try and yank this one out.