New Year....New Look

HAPPY 2009!

Winter Break

Corey and I recently saw the movie "Four Christmases" with Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon...VERY FUNNY! And so much like our life. We spent our Christmas this year running around to four different places...literally. It was, however, more low key and we were able to spend a lot more time at each place then in the past years. It ended up being a relaxing and fun Christmas.

I am officially on a winter break from school. I go back on January 5th. Originally we were suppose to spend next week in AZ with my Dad but since my Dad is back in MN for awhile I'm able to enjoy my winter break at home...I don't see much of a problem with that. :) I can always find something to reorganize. I made a few lunch dates with old friends and plan on using some of my time cleaning the house for Corey's 30th birthday party which will be held at our place on the 3rd. I have a feeling my 'so called' break will go fast.

Corey and I used some of our Christmas gift cards and purchased a Nintendo Wii yesterday...we haven't slept since. We are addicted to bowling and guitar hero. We've both hit the Pro-level of bowling and are in heavy competition with each other. (No surprise there!)

Quote of the Day

"Sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."
-The Polar Express

Merry Christmas!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Quote of the Day

Ms. Brower: "What does migrate mean?"

Class: "To move from one place to another."

Ms. Brower: "Good. What kinds of animals migrate?"

Class: :"Birds!"

Ms. Brower: "When the birds fly from a cold place to a warm place how do they know where the warm places are?"

Zack: "They use a map!"

Christmas gift suggestions:

"To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect."

Oren Arnold

Time for an UPDATE!

I'm sitting here looking at my living room full of Christmas boxes and I'm feeling overwhelmed. I stayed busy over my Thanksgiving weekend and never got around to decorating for Christmas until Sunday night. Corey and I took our third annual trip to Hampton Hills Tree Farm on Sunday to cut down our Christmas Tree. I have to say it looks pretty scrawny and small compared to our last years 12 ft. monster tree. We put up some lights on the outside of the house tonight. I think we need more, but I don't think we want to be climbing on the roof now that it's snowing out. I figure by the time we get all of our Christmas stuff out we'll have to take it all down again. I'm definitely cutting back this year, I won't be putting everything out. Mainly because our smaller tree won't hold all of my ornaments I've collected over the years, but because I just want the decorating to be done.

Again, I'm over my head with too many projects to work on for Christmas presents...I'm thinking I'll save money by making a lot of gifts, but now I'm looking at the calendar and wishing for more days in the month and more time in the day. I found some good deals during my "Black Friday" shopping experience. It really wasn't that bad going shopping after Thanksgiving...it was easy in and out since I was by myself. I enjoyed laughing at the psycho shoppers though...some people are crazy!

I'm excited for our 5th Annual Brower Holiday Bash with our friends. (Although by the looks of the RSVPs a lot of people won't be showing up.) We'll have to make the best of it!

Corey and I enjoyed spending more time with our families this Thanksgiving. Usually we're rushing from one place to another and this year we decided to slow down and limit our number of visits in one day. It was great! We're looking forward to having a similar schedule for Christmas.

The snow is falling outside my window right now and I love it! Maybe this will help motivate me to continue decorating. Well...I guess if I have a snow day tomorrow and don't have to go to school I'll be able to catch up on everything. COME ON SNOW DAY!

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

...my talented husband!

...having such a well behaved dog.

...Dad L., Kathy, Mom L., Dad B., and Mom B.

...being an Aunt (x3) YAY!

...my siblings.

...a great group of prekindergarteners and their parents.

...having a teaching job.

...a great group of friends.

Quote of the Day

"It's suppose to be hard, if it wasn't hard everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great."

Tom Hanks, A League of Their Own

Great Gas Prices

It was really nice to fill up with gas today and have it be $1.77 a gallon. I was actually able to fill my car (from empty) for under $30!! YAY!!!!!!!

Deep Thoughts of the Day

For Mikey B...

Deep Thoughts
By Jack Handey

"Sometimes I think the world has gone completely mad. And then I think, Aw, who cares? And then I think, Hey, what's for supper?"

"If you're being chased by an angry bull, and you notice you are also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running."

"It's easy to sit there and say you'd like to have more money. And I guess that's what I like about it. It' easy. Just sitting there, rocking back and forth, wanting that money."

Quote of the Day

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
-- Winston Churchill

WICKEDly Awesome!

WICKED

"So much happened before Dorothy dropped in…
Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for the most spellbinding new musical in years."

Being one of the BIGGEST Wizard of Oz fans you could say I was trilled when I found out that WICKED would be returning to Minneapolis from Nov. 5- Dec. 7. I was able to get a ticket to see the show and plan on attending the musical at the Orpheum on Sunday, Nov. 9th! I'M SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Quote of the Day

"Many people die with their music still in them. Too often it is because they're always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out."
-Oliver Wendell Holmes

Random Pictures...

Our attempt at getting a nice picture taken...

September Twins Game at the Dome.

October trip to the Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard

Hanging out with my favorite little guy, Parker.

Annoying the family...LOL.

Our "not so little anymore" chocolate lab, Summit.

Quote of the Day

"Being a great teacher is very challenging and rewarding work.

You have in your hands the power to influence and mould a student's mind. You have within you the capacity to instill in the child a love for learning, to keep an open mind and to keep questioning. You have the ability to promote confidence, stir thinking and awaken dreams..."

Happy 3rd Wedding Anniversary, Corey!

"Be watchful, stand firm in your faith,
be courageous, be strong.
Let all that you do be done in love."

October 1, 2005

Quote of the Day

"Everything happens for a reason."

GREAT Family Picture!

Dawne's Wedding 9-20-08

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAT!

Quote of the Day

"Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

The Last Lecture with Randy Pausch

2nd Annual "Forced Family Fun" (FFF)

Group Photos

Kirby

Nick and I having fun with the Beanbag Game.

Todd and Jackie

Jane...building the fire.

One last ride in the chair. :( It was burned.

Hey E, I think you're suppose to sit on a chair next to the camp fire...NOT IN IT!!!

Dave and Me

Jane...she loves her FFF games!!!

Corey and Me

The Brothers...Todd, Corey and Nick

Holly and Me...we were suppose to use these bands for the three-legged race,
but it got rained out.

Nora and Me...don't the bands look great!!!

The Zimmerman Siblings...Nora, Dave, and Sue



The BEST S'MORE EVER!!! (Carmel Apple S'more)

Quote of the Day

"The Human Spirit is more powerful than any drug and that is what needs to be nourished with work, play, friendship, family. These are the things that matter...this is what we've forgotten...the simplest things."

Robin Williams in Awakening.

Kids Are Quick

____________________________________

TEACHER: Maria, go to the map and find North America .
MARIA: Here it is.
TEACHER: Correct. Now class, who discovered America ?
CLASS: Maria.
____________________________________

TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?
JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables.
__________________________________________

TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?'
GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L'
TEACHER: No, that's wrong
GLENN: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.
____________________________________________

TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O.
TEACHER: What are you talking about?
DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O.
__________________________________

TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.
WINNIE: Me!
__________________________________________

TEACHER: Glen, why do you always get so dirty?
GLEN: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
_______________________________________

TEACHER: Millie, give me a sentence starting with 'I.'
MILLIE: I is..
TEACHER: No, Millie..... Always say, 'I am.'
MILLIE: All right... 'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.'

_________________________________

TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?
LOUIS: Because George still had the axe in his hand.
______________________________________

TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?
SIMON: No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.
______________________________

TEACHER: Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's. Did you copy his?
CLYDE : No, sir. It's the same dog.
___________________________________

TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?
HAROLD: A teacher

__________________________________

BACK TO SCHOOL!

Back to school I go! Here's hoping for another great year in Pre-Kindergarten.

Quote of the Day

"I beg you... to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything, live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer."
(Rainer Maria Rilke)

Random Picture

Reminder...

"Some days are simply meant for playing!"
mary anne radmacher

I love you, Corey. I really enjoyed our date tonight. (Even if you did beat me at mini golf...again.)

Quote of the Day

"Sometimes it's not about the words...it's just having someone there to listen."

Scrubs

"Diaper" Cake #2

I just completed diaper cake number two. I made this one for my co-worker. She's having a baby boy and is due September 10th. I'm really happy with how it turned out. (It's a really fun and easy way to give a baby gift.)



This was my first attempt at making a diaper cake. This one was given to my sister Stefanie at her first baby shower. (I can't wait to make her another one!)

My Nephew's First Birthday!

My nephew Parker celebrated his first birthday with the whole family today. It was so much FUN...and full of surprises. He had blue m&m's that said Happy Birthday Parker and his very first birthday cake was a giant camouflage number 1. Later he changed into his birthday shirt...he announced he was going to be a BIG Brother! Brian and my sister, Stefanie are due with their second child April 2!











Corey and I are so excited to be an Aunt and Uncle to two children in 2009...Corey's brother Todd and his wife Jackie are due with their first child in February. We are looking forward to doing lots of spoiling!!!

WARNING!!! I wasn't in a fight...I donated blood.

So...after donating blood on Sunday I've had A LOT of bruising and some pain. I went to my doctor yesterday just to make sure I was o.k. and it turns out it's possible that the needle went all the way through my vein first before wiggling it around to get it into my vein. Doing this created a hole for the blood the fill up inside my arm. (It all makes sense now...it took me forever to fill up a pint blood bag. Now I know that I was not only filling up the bag, but also my arm!)

OUCH! I didn't think it was suppose to hurt when donating blood, but I've been in pain since. My bruising is obviously getting worse before getting better. (See pictures below...)

I'm doing better today...it's now turned from a blue color to a deep purple. It'll be interesting to watch my arm change colors over the next week or so.

My doctor told me that it was nice of me to donate and better luck next time. NEXT TIME! We'll see about that.

What an interesting first experience.

Checking off my list...

Corey and I started off the weekend by attending a free concert in the park at Lakefront in Prior Lake on Friday night. The concert was a way to get people together and have "Families feeding Families". Nora, Kirby, Corey, Summit and I all brought food for the local food shelf and enjoyed great music. We also stayed up late watching the Olympics.

On Saturday Corey and I headed to Bloomington to get framing supplies to finally finish putting together the picture Mike and Aimee gave us last Christmas. (I'll have to post a picture of it later.) We stopped by Triple Play Sports on the way home to check it out. It's a sports activity place right near our house! We played a game of mini golf (I lost) and hit a few rounds of balls in the batting cages. It was a great "date" day. We had another late night glued to the t.v. watching Olympics. U-S-A...U-S-A...U-S-A!

On Sunday we went to the MN Zoo. The weather was perfect and I was really excited to go and enjoy the zoo without keeping track of 20 kids on a field trip like I've done many times in the past. The new Grizzly exhibit is GREAT!!! We were able to cover every inch of the zoo but we were a little disappointed that the Dolphin Show was cancelled for the day.
We made a stop at the Mall of America to pick up a t-shirt frame. (I got a really neat Wizard of Oz-Harley Davidson t-shirt from my in-laws and I wanted to frame it for my Wizard of Oz room.) We cooled off with some ice cream and took a stroll around the mall to check out what was new. We came to the Sears court when we noticed that there was a Blood Drive going on. I knew that I just had to do it...give blood. I put it on my check list for New Years Resolutions. I have never given blood before and have always wanted to but have been scared of the needles and the stories I've heard about the nurses missing a vein and having huge bruises. Well...I sucked it up and did it. I was REALLY PROUD OF MYSELF! I cried a little...mostly because by the time it was my turn Corey was already switching chairs (and arms) because they couldn't find his vein. I was scared and it took and little bit of painful wiggling with the needle, but the nurse I had was awesome and kept me laughing. Another volunteer kept me feeling good by serving me juice and treats. It wasn't as bad as I thought. I was really happy to know that I have now helped save a life. Even if it's only with 1 pint.

This weekend was great despite having a sore right arm from hitting softballs (it's been 11 years!!) and a sore and bruised left arm from giving blood....but I had FUN!

New Job Position!

After filling in the blanks during many meetings and taking a month to decide...last Friday I accepted a Lead Prekindergarten position at Primrose.

I've been with Primrose School of Savage for a year now and have worked in one of their Prekindergarten classrooms the entire time.

When I left the Lead Montessori position I worked in for a few years I was lost...I didn't know which direction I wanted to take with my teaching career. I came across Primrose by accident and have felt refreshed ever since. In June of 2007 I took a step back and accepted a Prekindergarten position at Primrose. I was a little nervous to see where this was going to lead...I felt like I was starting all over.

I did, however, gain so much having to take a step back and reevaluate my teaching career. I was LUCKY enough to work beside a stellar teacher...Ms. Kaehler. We clicked right away and have enjoyed bouncing ideas off of each other. I have never worked with someone like her. We are so similar in the way we both teach, plan and organize that it's scary.

When I was asked to take a Lead position last school year I turned it down. It's funny though...it was at that moment that I really understood 'teachers'. At that time I felt that I didn't want to give up the opportunity of working beside a great teacher. Last school year turned out to be a roller coaster ride of challenges. Through the ride I was able to share a seat with Ms. Kaehler. I don't think I could have made it to the end of the ride with out her help.

When I was asked to take on the other Lead Prekindergarten spot for this year it was a tough choice. It's very rare to find reliable, outgoing and passionate people to work with.


Thinking positively...I knew this is what I came here for and knew that I had to move on and continue to grow. I am still able to work with the lovable Ms. Kaehler, just not in the same classroom anymore.

I'm slowly setting up my new room for this school year and my excitement is growing!

All I can say is that with Ms. Kaehler and I together we were GREAT...but now with both of us working as Leads for Prekindergarten 1 and 2 were going to spread out our talent, organization and love for teaching and really be AWESOME!!

Quote of the Day

To realize the value of ONE YEAR Ask a student who has failed his final exam.
To realize the value of ONE MONTH Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of ONE DAY Ask a daily wage laborer who has ten kids to feed.
To realize the value of ONE HOUR Ask a couple waiting for the wedding ceremony.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE Ask a person who has missed the train.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND Ask a person who has survived an accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Random Picture

Summit and Me on a paddle boat ride at the cabin. July 2008.

Another Weekend at the Cabin

Corey, Nick (Corey's brother) and I headed to Wilmar last weekend to do some fishing at my dad's cabin on Norway Lake.

Friday night was spent indoors due to rain but the rest of the weekend was absolutely beautiful! On Saturday the Brower boys headed to Games Lake for some Walleye, Bass and Northern fishing while my Dad, Kathy and I found a hot spot for Sunfish. Well...it was a hot spot for me! I was excited to catch the most fish!! Sorry Dad ;0) We ended the day with a yummy fish fry and a bon-fire.

It turned out to be a great weekend! Of course the weekend would not be complete without a half a dozen paddle boat rides.

Quote of the Day

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."
- Elizabeth Kubler Ross

Lakefront Days

Every year around the first week of August is Prior Lake's Lakefront Days. Corey and I enjoyed many Lakefront Park activities this year.

On Wednesday we headed to the park with Summit for the Canine Carnival. There was a agility course set up along with many vendors. We also watched my in-laws take off and join in the Motorcycle Cruise.

On Friday we watched the Classic Car Cruise. It's great being able to sit in the Brower's front yard and watch the cars go by. Great fun, Great snacks, Great drinks, and Great family and friends. We headed up to the park to check out all of the cars (Todd and Corey rode in the parade with Todd's new truck...1976 Lime Green Ford Pick-up.) and we watched some fireworks. It was a great night!

On Saturday Corey, Me, Kirby, Nora, Todd, Jackie, Nick, Jeff and Eve sat in the sticky heat and watched the Parade. The parade was good but could have been better. (I think the heat got to all of us.) We went into the park and decided to try the Taste of the Lake for some lunch. Many local restaurant vendors where set up for sampling. The best was the Divine Swine. For $5 you could have a pork sandwich, cheesy potatoes, cold slaw and a cookie. Mmmmm...it was the best! We watched a Tug-of-War Contest and later joined up with the Brower's, Jeff and Eve. We stayed and listened to most of the Laker Idol Competition and heard one of my favorite performances by one of our friends, Abby. She is a wonderful singer and she always brings me to tears when she sings Somewhere Over the Rainbow. We headed back to our house for a little BBQ and to pick up Summit, then back to Lakefront for fireworks and to watch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on the big screen. It was a great night to sit outside for a movie. Cool breeze and very little bugs. Another great night!!!

A Perfect outdoor weekend!!!

Summer Fun in 2008!

Corey and I have been keeping busy this summer. Here's what we've been up to...

June:
*We only had two high school graduation parties this year. Congrats to my cousins Zach and Shannon!!

*We helped celebrate some birthdays and had some parties. Happy Birthday Zachary, Eryn, Mom L., Pete and Brian.

*I decided to chop my hair short again. I'm now happy with my hair.

*Corey was in a fun Bass Tournament on Norway Lake with my dad and his brother.

*Our home computer crashed...we lost everything! Thanks to my mom and Natalie we're using one of their old laptops for awhile. (I can FINALLY stay updated with my blog!!)

*We started our monthly Family Dinner with my dad and my sisters. We get together once a month and have dinner and catch up with each other.

*Corey and I did some camping at St. Croix State Park. We were suppose to take a bunch of high school kids from church along with us, but it was canceled at the last minute. So...we had a nice weekend just the two of us and Summit.


July:
*We did some more camping...this time at Banning State Park with Kirby and Nora. We spent one day in Duluth relaxing. Summer would not be complete without a visit to the North Shore and Duluth, MN.

*We spent some time with the Brower's watching Lakeville's Classic Car Parade and challenged each other to some Nintendo Wii. (VERY Addicting!!)

*We took the Zimmerman kids, Holly and the dogs to Lakeville's Pan-O-Prog Parade. It's a good thing the weather was nice...the parade lasted 2 1/2 hours!!!

*The Lentner Family Dinner was at our house this month. We did some grilling and were entertained by my nephew, Parker. (He's growing fast!)

*Todd and Jackie Brower had a 70's Party. From what I remember it was quite fun! :)

*We celebrated a couple more birthdays this month...Happy Birthday Mom B. and ME!!!!

*I FINALLY used some much needed vacation time.

*Corey and I spent my birthday weekend volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and relaxing at my dad's cabin.

Summer 2008 is going by way too fast!
Corey and I have some more fun things coming up in August. (Prior Lake's Lakefront Days, MN Twins Game, Parker's 1st Birthday, and the start of the MN State Fair.) I'll be sure to post more now that I have a computer to use.

My Favorite Moment of the Summer

Summit LOVES to swim after tennis balls...FINALLY!!!!

Out Of Order...

I'm sure many of you have been wondering why I haven't posted in awhile.

Well...my home computer crashed. Corey and I lost everything and have to start over. So, since it's not in our budget right now for a new computer I won't be posting for awhile. :(

Corey and I have had a great summer so far and I'm hoping to figure out a way to update and post pictures on my blog, but using the school computer on my breaks doesn't always work the best.

Keep checking back...I'll return someday. ;)

To my Dads...

Happy Father's Day to you,
Happy Father's Day to you,
Happy Father's Day dear Al and Kirby,
Happy Father's Day to you!!!

Quote of the Day

"Learn from yesterday, Live for Today, Hope for Tomorrow."

Random Pictures from the Weekend...

Parker and Summit at my mom's...celebrating her birthday!

Celebrating Eryn's 8th birthday and Zach's 9th!

Adult fun...bon-fire, s'mores, cigars and champagne!

Toasting to Eric's new job with the Fire Department! YAY!