Winter Weather

Not much is new here except for this crazy winter weather.  Yesterday we got out of school 3 hours early because of the blowing snow.  We had to get all the students fed before dismissing at 12:20, so it was hectic but we did it.  I got home just in time for my favorite soap "Days of Our Lives."  :)  Payton and I cuddled on the couch while we watched it.  Then today we had a 2 hour delay, so it has been crazy trying to get everything done at school.  Report cards are due next week and we also have conferences.  I posted some pictures that were taken tonight.  I just love how Payton sits in our laps and watches her surroundings so intently.  We went to the basketball game on Friday night, and she just sat in Chad's lap watching the game.  It was so cute! 

Another Snow (Ice) Day!

We didn't have school today.  That is our 5th "winter weather" day.  This puts us at June 2.  I know it will stink having to make these days up at the end of the year, but I have to admit, I just love spending these days playing and cuddling with Payton!  She has been sooo fun today!  Chad and I both stayed in our pjs until about noon, just playing with Payton on the couch.  Here are some pictures from today.  The doll she is holding goes with her outfit.  This was a gift from Mariea Bucklin.  It is so cute!

A Visit from Grandpa and Grandma Allspach

My parents hadn't seen Payton for a couple weeks, so they stopped by on Sunday afternoon for a little visit.  My mom said they couldn't go any longer without seeing her.  :)  I don't think you can see it in the pictures, but Payton's onesie says "Grandpa's Girl."  It's so true!

What a good "big brother" ! :)

This is Relay guarding Payton as she sleeps in her swing.  It was so cute!  He's got that look like, "Don't mess with her!" 

Christmas Pictures

Here are some pictures that we just got back today.  They are of Payton in her Christmas dress and her Santa suit.  We also had a picture taken in her tutu made by Janell.

Payton is 5 Months Old!

Payton turned 5 months old on Thursday. Since we had a snow day on Thursday and Friday, I decided to dig into her 6-12 month tub of clothes and start washing some 6 month clothes. Now they have all been washed and put away in her bottom drawer, just waiting for next month so she can wear them. At which time, I will have to put away all her 3-6 month clothes. Each time I switch out her drawers, I get a bit sad. I get that way each time she goes up a size in diapers, too. My baby is growing too fast!

What a decade!

As I was looking back over this past decade, I realized that it has been quite eventful. Take a look at all that has happened in my life from 2000-2010:

- Graduated from high school (May 2000)
- Graduated from college - William Penn University (May 2004)
- Began dating Chad (July 2004)
- Began my first teaching job teaching special education at Thomas Jefferson Elementary in Newton (August 2004)
- Grieved the loss of my grandpa -LeRoy Allspach (February 2005)
- Helped my mom celebrate her 50th birthday (October 2005)
- Got engaged to Chad (April 2007)
- Moved from Newton to Marshalltown (June 2007)
- Got Relay, our dog (June 2007)
- Started a new teaching positiion teaching middle school special education at Miller Middle School in Marshalltown (August 2007)
- Helped my dad celebrate his 60th birthday (February 2008)
- Got married to Chad (June 2008)
- Grieved the loss of Chad's dad, Gary Pietig (July 2008)
- Received my Master's Degree in Education from Viterbo University (July 2008)
- Started yet another new teaching position teaching 2nd grade at Franklin Elementary in Marshalltown (August 2008)
- Discovered we were expecting (December 2008)
- Moved into our current house (July 2009)
- Welcomed Payton Ann into the world (August 2009)

Wow - that's alot to happen in 10 years!

Snow Day!

Today we have a snow day, so I thought I would take some time to write on this blog. You can see I made our first entry on September 16, and then nothing since. So, I'll tell you what we've been up to: Payton is 5 months old now! She is so much fun. She is babbling all the time, giggling, and has a smile that will melt your heart! Chad and I thank God every day for giving us such a blessing! We have both been loving these two snow days, even though we just came back from Christmas break on Monday. :) Chad told me over Christmas break that he wants to be a stay-at-home-dad. :) He said he now could understand how I felt when I had to go back to work after my maternity leave. Payton and Chad have a special "father/daughter" bond. I just love the way that Chad dotes on her. He is such a good daddy! Our daycare provider had a funeral to go to on Tuesday, so my dad came to Marshalltown to watch Payton. He said they had so much fun. My mom was pretty jealous that he got to spend the day with her and she had to work. Well, my goal is to keep this blog up and write on it on a regular basis. We'll see if that happens. :) All for now. I better go back to enjoying this snow day cuddling on the couch with Payton. :)