My Brave Little Babies

     Took Hales to her 6 month check up today. She, in the doctor's words "is growing beautifully!"  Always something us parents LOVE to hear. She weighed in at almost 15 lbs and is 25 1/2 inches long. The only issue was that she has developed thrush, something very common in babies, apparently. The doctor said if it wasn't bothering her eating then we should boil her bottles, nipples and pacifiers every night, and keep her pre-made bottles in the refrigerator...to keep the yeast from growing. It should clear up in a week, two at most. But please pray for Haleigh and that this will go away quickly. Even though it doesn't bother her most of the time, sometimes when she sucks to eat, I can tell it causes her some pain. 
     She did very well with her shots today and only cried for a few minutes afterwards...my little brave girl. Noah also got a shot today (flu shot) and my big boy didn't cry at all. Quite the little hero, haha. I'm guessing that's why Bop handled them so well...she saw her tough brother handle it like a champ before she had to get hers. There are advantages to having two kids. *grin*  
     Anyways, it's off of here now to relax. It's been a long day and I'm looking forward to the start of a new one! Which I am sure will begin BRIGHT AND EARLY, as always. Night everyone!

I'm Tougher than I Thought

     Yesterday I spent my afternoon at the dentist office getting a tooth pulled. I was more freaked out over that than I was getting my c-sections, although it turned out to not be as bad as I thought it would. The worst part of it all was being numb...only because I HATE that feeling. She prescribed Vicodin for the pain, but I haven't taken any only because I haven't really had much pain. I mean, yeah, it hurts, but nothing compared to healing from my c-sections, lol.  It was pretty awesome though, because when I got home, Caleb told me to take the evening off. I think my jaw hit the floor when he said that, only because I NEVER get to take any time off. That kind of isn't much of an option when you're a Mom. I sometimes get a break from the kids, but I never stop worrying about them...like I said, full time job. It was harder than I thought it would be. When he first told me I was soooooo excited. But then, after about an hour of laying down, I kept wanting to get up and check on the kids. I would hear Noah cry and I would leap up and run into the living room...where Caleb was already consoling him and giving him lots of cuddles. Eventually, I put my headphones on because that was the only way I could relax. I woke up feeling better today than I have in a long time. My mouth was really sore but I took a couple of Ibuprofen and I am as good as new. 
     When Caleb gets off work today, my parents are coming over. My Dad is going to help Caleb fix the car while Mom snuggles with her grand babies. In my opinion, one of the better ways to spend our time, haha. Well, I managed to get both of the kids down for their naps at the same time (a rare occasion) so I think it's off of here to straighten up and watch an episode of Life Unexpected. 

Money Equals BLAH!

     I'm up earlier than I'd like to be but praising God for it....because that means more time with my kids. Going to the dentist this evening to have a tooth pulled (and getting my wisdom teeth out sometime in January or February). I just feel so overwhelmed by all the bills that keep coming in right now...we had to pay quite a bit out of pocket for my eye issues because we don't have vision insurance. So, I guess we'll be adding that if I have to have lasik done next month. And then I've been having all these anxiety issues so my new anti depressant is going to be an extra $20 a month...which really isn't bad because without insurance it would be around $100 per month. I just feel really guilty because with all of my issues I feel like I'm stealing away money for the kid's Christmas presents. And I know that opening gifts isn't what Christmas is about, but still...I remember how excited I got last year watching Bug open his gifts...and now we'll have that times two this year. :-)  I know everything will work out, but I was born a worrier so it takes a lot of effort to put all my faith in God and His will. I guess that's why it's called faith, though, right? Well, I guess I better get off of here because Bug wants me to color with him...his new favorite thing! Have a blessed Monday, everyone. 

Sippy Cup Milestone

Praising the Lord

    Haleigh is eating stage 3 baby food finally. So, I think I am going to ask Dr. Beazley on Thursday (that's her 6 month well visit) if we can start mashing up "big people" food and feeding that to her instead. I'm just so thankful we started her on baby food so young, so hopefully by the six month mark the learning how to eat from a spoon phase will have passed and she can focus on more (less goopy) food, lol.  Plus, we have entered the dreaded teething phase...but we have TWO teething. *sighs*  Some days, I think I will lose my mind, but I never do....*grin*  so that's a plus. 
     Didn't get much couponing accomplished today because we spent most of our day in Craig. Today, my Poppy (stepdad's dad) got baptized...in the creek. It was definitely a bit chilly today but the shouts of "AMEN" and "HALLELUJAH" kept us all warm! *smile*  I already know it's going to become one of my favorite memories. I can't thank God enough for my salvation, and for another family member entering into the family of God! Praise the LORD!!!
      Anyways, it's off of here to cook dinner, give the kids their baths, and try to have a conversation with hubby consisting of more than one word responses. Have I mentioned how much I really HATE Fantasy football? 

Rain, Rain

     Currently listening to Bug throw toys around in his crib because he is procrastinating nap time. I have no idea how a child can wake up at 6am or before and never want to take a nap. Some days I wish I could bottle all of his energy and use it for myself, lol. Meanwhile, Haleigh Bop is sleeping away through all the noise...which I'm pretty certain she gets from her Daddy! 
     Is anyone else out there in the Roanoke Valley getting so sick of this weather? I feel like I haven't seen the sunshine in over a week and I miss it! Boo! :-(  Guess I shouldn't complain because we've really needed the rain for quite some time now...just will be happy when I don't feel like I live in Forks, Washington. (For those of you who don't get it, it's a Twilight reference...I'm such a geeky nerd). 
     Anyways, it's off of here now to try to walk my little boy to sleep...and if it doesn't work, I' guess I'm going to have to give into his picketing and give him what he wants, lol....NO NAP!  :-) Have a blessed (and very rainy) day everyone. 

For the Love of Sweets

    Just wanted to take a minute to put the word out there for a friend of mine (Aleisha Daniels). Please take a minute to check out For the Love of Sweets and support this great endeavor. Thanks so much!!! 

UPDATE

    Spoke with my doctor again this morning who called me to inform me he had set up an ecocardiogram for next week to test for any heart issues. I told him how well the anti anxiety meds had helped and so that ruled out a heart problem. Now, I have to continue to take xanax for the next week and taper off of it after that. If I don't have anymore anxiety issues then that will mean it was hormone related (apparently around the six month mark is when most women drop most of their prenancy/postnatal hormones). If I begin having attacks again, then that means it's depression and I will be starting on Pristique. This is a very hard thing for me to admit, because I don't "feel" depressed. Hopefully, though, it's just a hormone issue and all will be good. Just wanted to give everyone a quick update on how things turned out this morning. Needless to say, my emotions rode a roller coaster today. 


**Just found out my thyroid levels came back normal. :-)  

Anxiety...

    I took my Xanax last  night and after taking it, I'm pretty much convinced what I've been experiencing have been anxiety attacks. I went to sleep for the first time in over a week without much trouble and slept NINE HOURS!  No racing heart, no dizziness, or chest tightness; and woke up feeling WONDERFUL. I can't describe it really, other than "mellow". Like, Noah woke me up this  morning screaming because he wanted to get out of his crib and normally that really sets my nerves on edge, but this morning I found myself laughing about it. Then, he has thrown at least three tantrums already and I'm not in the least bit fazed. It's a strange feeling to be so groggy but yet, I have so much energy. It's nice to not feel stressed out and I've been feeling like that for a LONG time...at least since Hales was born. I refused to go the doctor (as I HATE going to the doctor) but I'm glad I did. It's so nice to finally have something to keep me from "crying over spilled milk" shall we say. 
     And there is still a possibility that my thyroid will be abnormal, but if so, then that's probably the cause of the anxiety. Just will have to start taking another pill to regulate that and I should be good to go. I really do appreciate all the prayers and support I've gotten from everyone regarding this. It means so much to me to have all my prayer warriors out there. 

????

     Well, it's been quite a day. For the past several nights, every time I lay down to go to sleep I feel like I can't breathe right. The best way to describe it is that my heart beats really fast and hard; so much so that I can feel the pounding in my neck. Then, my chest starts to get really tight and then I get dizzy. Most nights, I've been doing my breathing exercises from yoga and it calms me down enough that I can sleep. Well, last night that didn't work and my chest was so tight I couldn't take in a deep breath. Made an appointment with the doctor this morning and went in for that around 11. He listened to my heart and did an EKG, which, Praise the Lord, came back normal. Since I have a history of Thyroid ism in my family he ordered bloodwork for that and I should have the results back on Friday. He said his best guess was that I have an anxiety disorder. I told him that I don't have any triggers that should cause that, but he informed me that there doesn't have to be one. He seems to think that even though I may not realize it, I am putting my body through a lot of stress. He says I go and go all day, keeping up with the children, our home, trying to keep schedules straight etc, etc, so the only time I really have to sit down and relax (my mind included) is at night when I am trying to fall asleep. He said there was a good possibility that I have so much on my mind that I'm physically unable to fall asleep, which is a major cause of stress....which can lead to panic attacks. Learn something new every day! So, he prescribed Xanax which I'm really not too excited about taking, as I hate to be reliant on any medicaiton. But, if this is going to make me a better Mom and wife, then I will deal with it.  I just feel so guilty about this, and I'm not quite sure why. I guess I feel like I should be able to be "supermom" all the time, and when I get sick, I beat myself up over it. I think in my mind I rationalize that I don't have time to get sick, but I don't know. Hopefully I will have the answer soon...if this anti anxiety medicine works, then that will be great. Thanks for all the sweet words of encouragement and prayers. God bless you all. :-)

A New Look

    I ventured to the hair salon today...a place I've become quite unfamiliar with since have children. I used to get my hair done at least every two months back when I was in college, but that's pretty much next to impossible with two under two. But, yes, I decided I absolutely had to get my hair cut so I left the kids with hubby and headed off. Let me just say this...I have NEVER had my hair cut much above my shoulders, but I really wanted to try something different. I got it cut into a bob with medium length layers and drumroll please.............I. LOVE. IT!!!!!!  It's really cute and completes the "mom" look, lol. Anyways, just wanted to update since in my last post I was pretty much a bundle of nerves about making a new change. Here is the final product (although I will probably style it a bit differently). 

Before

After

Coffee Queen

     So, last night hubby took me to Best Buy to pick up a couple of things. We had originally discussed buying a new TV (50-60 inch) but couldn't find a TV stand that worked for us. Basically, it has to be tall enough that Noah can't reach the TV and have plenty of storage for PS3, controllers, DVD player etc. We ended up going ahead and buying a Keurig though and I am THRILLED with it. Basically, it's the easiest way to make coffee...put the k-cup in, close the lid and bam....your coffee is ready in less than 45 seconds. Hubby was pleased because this will drastically cut down on my Starbucks budget, lol...I won't even discuss how much I spend at that place every week. :-)
       It was great waking up this morning and seeing that setting on my table. *grin*  Can you tell my husband totally spoils me? I am so blessed. Anyways, it's off of here now to wake up Halebop. I think she would sleep all day if I let her. Have a wonderful day!!
PS...I am going to the hair salon this evening and getting something completely new...it's going to be super short. At least for me, because I don't think I've ever had my hair cut much above my shoulders...and I might chicken out on the haircut I want because it is pretty short. :-)  I will try to post pictures this evening or tomorrow.

Little of This, Little of That

     Yesterday was horrible. I seriously couldn't wait until bedtime because both the kids pretty  much whined or screamed the entire day. I really felt sorry for Halebop because she is teething and the poor little thing just drools all over herself ALL DAY. I have to change her like 3-4 times a day because she soaks every outfit within a couple of hours. Noah, on the other hand, got spoiled at his grandparent's house this weekend (and I'm thankful he has such wonderful people in his life who love spoiling him) but it makes it hard when he gets back home. He whined about EVERYTHING all day long. And honestly, it was a bit frustrating. He knows how to "talk" now...or at least knows enough words to let me know what he needs or wants, but yesterday he refused to say any of them. Instead, he would point at something and whine...and let me just say this; I am NOT a fan of whining. Crying doesn't really bother me, because generally it means he is really frustrated over something, or doesn't feel well. Whining on the other hand just means he is being too lazy to use his words. And I'm not saying this goes for every child, but I know my little boy VERY WELL, and this is the case for him. 
      Today, though, I am determined is going to be MUCH BETTER. I am really hoping I can get the kids outside for a while because that really seems to help their attitudes. I can understand that, because whenever I'm stuck inside it pretty much drives me crazy. I love being in the outdoors, simply because it's relaxing and I don't feel so "closed in". But recently, it has just gotten so chilly; Noah does fine with it, but poor little Hales can't stand the cold, so I have to bundle her up in super warm clothes and a jacket (which she hates, lol). But I'm sure she will get used to it after a few days. I think I'm going to try to make a trip to the library this morning so Noah has some new books to read. He LOVES the library....my own little English Major, haha. 
     Hope everyone has a great MONDAY.

     We had a great time spending some time together last night while the kids stayed with their Nana and Papa Scott. :-)  We didn't really do too much since I wasn't feeling the greatest. Hubby took me out to eat at TGI Fridays (we had a $5 off coupon, lol) and then we went to Wal*Mart at 8:00 last night. And for those parents out there, you know that's TOTALLY unheard of. We are normally tucking our little ones into bed around that time. Then we rented some Redbox and headed home to snuggle up and watch movies. I didn't sleep very well last night and I honestly think it's because I missed the kids. I normally stay so busy taking care of them that it seems overwhelming to have a ton of time to lounge around doing nothing...not that I didn't enjoy it, of course. It was just weird. 
     Today Hubby worked some overtime this morning so I stayed at home, curled up on the couch, Facebooked and watched Netflix. When he got off of work we went to Target and Wal*Mart in Roanoke in search of STOK black coffee shots...and no one has them anymore. I can't stand them but hubby likes to "STOK his cokes" with the stuff. We headed to pick up the little ones and took Noah by "warbucks" (his term for Starbucks); he LOVES it there...especially their old fashioned doughnuts. YUMMY!!!  
       All in all, I would say it was a great weekend...with beautiful Fall weather. It was actually a nice change to pull out my autumn attire and wear some new things; especially now that I've lost down to a size I feel comfortable with. For now, it's off of here to get ready for bed. Night, night!!!

My Babies

Date Night

    Another week of sticking to our new rule...one night out a week for Mommy and Daddy. As soon as the kids wake up from their naps, I'm taking them over to Craig and dropping them off at my parents. :-)  Little Bug is so excited to be spending the night with his Nana and Pawpaw. And I am very excited to get a much needed break. I still don't know what we are doing for sure yet, but I do know it will involve hubby taking me out to eat somewhere, haha. And then we may be meeting up with some friends! 
     I walked outside this morning and couldn't believe how cold it had gotten. I actually had to bundle the kids up in the fall clothes and jackets just so they wouldn't get too chilly. Noah loved it, but Hales was less than thrilled when I tried to zip up her jacket. She pretty much whined until I took it off of her....an hour and a half later. Oh the joys that come along with cold weather. :-)  

Good Morning Wednesday

     As I sit here and listen to Wilbur sing for probably the 100th time this week, I have to gently remind myself that one day I will miss this stage. But right now, if I have to watch Charlotte's Web one more time, I do believe I'll go crazy! *smile*  Noah is OBSESSED with that movie. He snuggles up with me on the couch, eats his breakfast, and we watch the same movie. Every. Single. Morning. Even though it annoys me to no end, it makes me happy that my son finds so much  joy in something so simple.
     And little Miss Haleigh's personality is HUGE now. She can pretty much maneuver to get wherever she wants and if she can't, or we won't give it to her (mainly food...since she would rather eat ours than her formula) she SCREAMS. I don't mean crying either...just bats those beautiful eyelashes and yells out her frustrations. I try not to laugh because I don't want her to scream about things if she doesn't get her way, but it is so darn funny. It's hard not to giggle. :-)
      Well, it's off of here for now but I hope everyone has a good Wednesday. Just to greet you the same way I am greeted every morning by my dear friends the Wiggles *eye roll*, here is a little song for you.

Accomplishments

HALEIGH IS SITTING UP ON HER OWN!!!  I just couldn't wait to share the good news. Not only is baby girl sitting up on her own, she also started feeding herself too. We invested in some bottles that she could more easily grip and, taaa daaaa....she's a pro now. *grin*  I am so proud of her and very excited about all the things she is accomplishing; and only a teensy bit sad that she is growing up so darn fast.

My Weekend

     We didn't win the big diamond yesterday but we did have an awesome time. The best way that I can describe it is "the amazing race" downsized to a two hour adventure. We received text messages telling us the destination, then were sent clues we had to solve at each location. The game was based on how many different locations you were able to make it to and how many of the clues you solved correctly. We earned 42 points and the winner had 101, so we weren't really in the ball park. :-)  Either way, it was a great way to spend some time together. Corned Beef and Co. hosted the after party so we got free food too, and lots of it; pizza, quesadillas, meatballs, chips and salsa, and the list goes on. 
     When we got back home, we headed out to Once Upon a Child to get the kids halloween costumes, which are ADORABLE!!! We picked out a bumblebee costume for Haleigh and a frog one for Bug. They were $11.00 total but I had a $5.00 off any item coupon, so the total came out to be $6.00 for both costumes; and Noah's was from Old Navy so I was pretty happy with that. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE that store? I spent $50 last week and got the kids fall and winter clothes, and that was like five-six outfits a piece. So yeah, it rocked. 
     Today hubby and the kids are out couponing because I was sick to my stomach again. :-(  I will be so glad to find out what is going on with my body. Caleb just called and said he was able to get $50 worth of stuff for $3 and got $12 in Extra Bucks back. He will use that money to buy the other items on our list, so we will actually only pay $3 for $70 worth of stuff today....he is so smart. :-)  Maybe I should hang out here more often and let him handle the sales; he does such an awesome job. I can't believe it but in the last six months we've saved over $1,000 at CVS, and almost $600 at Kroger. Sometimes I ask myself what took me so long to start using coupons. I might not have any debt right now if I had figured this out a lot sooner in life. :-)  
     Well, it's off of here to lay down and rest until this queasiness goes away. Hope everyone had a great weekend and has a wonderful Monday!

SO EXCITED FOR TOMORROW!!!

     Seriously? This is like the third night in a row I've been sick to my stomach. It's getting super annoying. Oh well. Hopefully it's just some weird virus or something and it will go away soon. I really need to be on my game for tomorrow's Diamond Dash. I just can't wait. I've got my tennis shoes out and ready to go...and that's saying something since this girl wears flip flops about 99% of the time (even when there is snow on the ground!). I can't wait to write all about it when we get home tomorrow. We went by Fink's this evening and got our second clue for the dash tomorrow...I was puzzled but Caleb figured it out in literally about five seconds. And that is the reason he is my partner...well, and because he is my hubby! *grin*  
      Anyways, it's off of here now to put Bugs a Million to bed and beat Caleb at some Scrabble. GO ME! 

One Day Left Until Diamond Dash

    Even though I don't really care about winning the diamond, I DO care about getting some alone time with hubby, lol. From the sounds of it, we will be literally running around downtown for a couple of hours tomorrow in search for this ring. I am super excited to be able to do something that sounds like so much fun with my amazing husband!!! And if we do win it, there goes all of our current debt! So, I win no matter what.
     Getting ready to put Bug down for his nap after he finishes eating his corn and green beans. I'm so blessed to have such a good eater. He would rather eat fruits and veggies over junk food...and I do wonder how long that's going to last! :-)
     

This and That

     Today was a pretty good day up until this evening. I just have so much going on right now and sometimes it overwhelms me. I've got my own personal issues I'm dealing with so when certain people are rude to me over things I can't control, it makes things seem so much worse. I just can't understand why some people act the way they do at times, but forgiveness is key to happiness, so I will move on and get over it.
     I took the kids to Wal*Mart today all by myself and they were SO GOOD. It really surprised me because Noah has started into what I like to refer to as the terrible two tantrums, and I'm serious when I say that kid acts like he has schizophrenia. One minute he is all giggly and happy and in the next breath he is freaking out because he dropped a cheerio on the floor. It's absolutely exhausting. His pediatrician laughed when I explained his behavior and said it was absolutely normal at this stage, but oh my goodness. Today there were minimal tantrums and he was awesome. I couldn't stop telling him how proud of him I was. :-)  And little Miss Hales has a huge personality and isn't afraid to show it. *grin*  Just writing that sentence brings a smile to my face because she is such a happy little girl.  She is also a mischievous one. Not even six months old and she is already picking on her brother to the best of her ability. Ohhhhh, the joys of sibling rivalry.
     Well, it's off of here for now.  I'm not feeling the best this evening. Going to watch Project Runway and head to bed. Night!

Picniking....Noah and Haleigh Style

Blessed Beyond Belief

     Who knew that one woman's heart could be so overflowing with love?  Growing up, I never would have imagined the blessings God had in store for me. At the age of 24, I am married to an amazing man and have been given two absolutely precious children. Some days I just can't wrap my head around it. I have no clue what God has in store for my future, but I believe with my whole heart that it is going to be filled with love and many more blessings. This was on my heart today so I just wanted to share. 
     Please say a prayer for me. I have been having some personal issues with my health recently. Setting up a doctor's appointment to go and see about it, and praying that it's nothing serious. 

Blah...

    I'm currently not feeling the best. :-(  I think I might have a virus or something because I've been achy and super tired all day. No nausea, though, so I'm thankful for that. I guess it could be that I'm sleep deprived, as that tends to make me feel bad. I haven't gotten a full night's sleep in I don't know  how long. And it's not really the kids faults...mainly the neighbors upstairs. I hate complaining because we live in such a wonderful place now,but I'm a very light sleeper so any noises bother me. The one advantage I've had is that I started taking Melatonin on occasion so it's been helping me to sleep. Anyways, I think I will get off of here for now so I can go lay down and maybe get to sleep a little early tonight.

New Photos

Bugs a Million

My Precious Baby Girl

Random Thoughts of the Day

      I think last night was the latest I've stayed up in forever. :-)  I didn't go to bed until 1ish because I was so excited about working on my blog. I still have quite a bit of work to do on it, but for now, I like it. It's a lot less boring than it was before.
      Before I start into anything, I would like to ask for your prayers for the Persinger family. Their Grandpa passed away and I know they need the Lord to bring them through this rough time. 
     Today is Labor Day which means my hubby is off from work, which rocks. We had planned on cooking out today but since we awoke to a rainy mess, I think we might just grill in, instead. I do hope it lets up because we really want to take the kids hiking and today would be absolutely perfect if the drizzling and rain would stop. 
     This blog post is super stream of consciousness this morning; I apologize for that. I'm just really exhausted and am in desperate need of sleep. 
     Off of here now to wake up hubby and baby girl; the two lazy bones of the family. *grin*  Nah, they just really like their ZZZs. Happy Labor Day!

Picnik-ness

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

     In reference to the date hubby and I have chosen to go on today. We decided on hiking and it's going to be 90 degrees and humid as H-E double hokey sticks. But, at least we will hopefully sweat off a few pounds, lol. This past month, Caleb and I are finally putting into effect which we had always discussed before having kids; that we would go out on a date together at least one night a week. Up until this point, we never really stuck to that, simply because I refused to let anyone keep the babies without me being around. I was an over protective parent and it really had started to take its effect on me. I was constantly stressed out and was snippy with Caleb, which always made me feel horrible because I never wanted to be that way with him. But now, that I'm finally over pregnancy and postnatal hormones and have been willing to ease up and leave the kids with sitters, I'm a brand new person. I'm being totally serious, too. I was a weepy, stressed out mess, but now, I am so happy most of the time. Small issues don't really effect me and I'm finally starting to feel like I can balance two under two, be the wife I need to be, and that makes me feel amazing. I am so thankful God has blessed me with the role of being a stay at home mom, because I really love it. There are rough days, but that would happen no matter what my role is life was. I just can't believe that God has blessed me with so much.
     I've been wanting to write these thoughts down for so long, because I constantly have people tell me that my life seems so perfect.  It's perfect because it's in God's plan for me but it isn't always "perfect" in the sense that I am far from it when it comes to parenting. I cry. I get frustrated and lose my temper. I have days that I wish I did have a career. I argue with my husband on occasion over silly little things that don't really matter.  Life, on this side of Heaven, can never actually be perfect, because sin exists. But, I honestly feel that I am living out God's will for my life. I never thought I would have the option to stay at home and raise my kids, but since this is the role God has placed me in, I trust it's the perfect career for me right now. 
     I also believe that God is leading our family to homeschool out kids, and I will joyfully do that. That, along with other things, may change in the next several years, but in everything I do, I want it to be for God's glory. How could I not want to do that? He has given me everything and praising His name seems so small compared to what He has done for me. I hope each of you has a wonderful weekend!! God bless you all.

Cheering from my Keyboard

http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/commentary/wb/297477

      This was written by my high school history teacher. And let me just say this; as someone who has always thought standardized testing was STUPID I was cheering him on with every single word. Mr. Crenshaw was, and is, one of my favorite teachers on my road of education. He is passionate about what he does and I hate seeing him, along with other teachers, forced to mold their teaching towards SOLs. And hopefully, one day soon, there will be a change made. Go Mr. C!!!!