New Puppy

Okay, so we got a new puppy on Sunday named Cinnamon. I seem to be the only person in the household who realized how much work a new puppy is. Her days and nights are seriously mixed up and she only really likes to sleep in spurts, mainly between 4:15 and 5:15 a.m. I knew this was coming and I was prepared for it. I remember back to bringing home Ryan and Amanda and the lack of sleep that followed. It is very similar to having a new baby (except I am not soley responsible for the production of food) given the lack of sleep and up at night and the potty training etc. She really is the sweetest puppy and has a great playful nature. When she gets all this sleep business worked out I think everyone will be able to enjoy her as much as I am.

Saturday

Today we had a busy day. I woke up, picked up a friend and her daughter and met Ryan and Monica for lunch. Then we headed to the nail salon for pedicures. Nothing like it let me tell you! It is the best way to relax. After pedis, we went shopping for new living room furniture. That is going to be a feat let me tell you. We began this remodeling project and have repainted the living room, dining room, kitchen and hall bath. Only thing left to paint is our bedroom. There are a few touch up areas, and some trim left to paint and the doors, but it is looking soooo good! We are so pleased. We are going to buy verticle blinds for the windows and then will buy new drapes. After that we will move to kitchen and get new appliances (I want stainless steel if possible) and new counter tops and back splash. It's going to be a lot of work but will be sooo worth it. After all this looking at furniture, we decided on spagetti, garlic bread and salad for dinner. It was very yummy! Tomorrow is Sunday and I am looking forward to my day of rest!

Amanda's Senior Year

Wow I can't believe how time has flown by and it is already her senior year. It seems like only yesterday we were picking out her outfit for the first day of kindergarten. By the way it was a blue denim jumper and black and white saddle shoes, hair in pony tail, and barbie lunch box. She was so cute, a bit of a wild woman, but still cute. Kind of like she is now! If I had to reflect back on the most impactful memories of her life that I wouldn't mind sharing with everyone I can think of a few right off the top of my head. Like the day she decided to make a cake.She was probably 3 years old and got up before everyone else in the house, got out a bowl, a large spoon, and every item she could think of. Things like eggs, flour, butter, sugar, you get the idea; anyway she started cracking eggs and mixing things right there on the kitchen floor. She had the biggest mess you had ever seen! Well, I did not see the humor in this like I do now and called my mom to come over and help me get her, the floor, and everything else cleaned up. She offered to take her for a while, probably fearing for her safety as much as my own sanity! Another thing that comes to mind is a time they were riding in the car with my parents and saw some sheep grazing in the pasture. Amanda asked my dad "papa, why do the sheep have pricetags?" Isn't that the cutest thing you've ever heard? Growing up Amanda was a bit of a tomboy, and loved all sports. She played basketball, volleyball and softball, and loved rollerblading, and riding her bike. She didn't become a "girlie girl" till she was much older. It was surprising to a lot of us to see her carrying a purse, wearing makeup and caring about "girlie things". We don't always see eye to eye and she has always been a daddy's girl, but I am very proud of her and am looking forward to seeing the young woman she will become. There have been "bumps" in the road, but these are how we learn and grow. I thank God for her everyday and I know she is destined for greatness!

Back at work

Okay so I'm not very good at keeping up with this blogging thing. I get tired and forget to write. I have been back at work for 3 days now, and I am really feeling it tonight. I am tired and my shoulders ache. You'd think I was doing some manual labor or something, but no, just sitting in meetings all day. Some are very interesting, but the state mandated stuff is sooooo boring. I really wonder who sits around in Austin thinking up new acronyms for stuff. Must be there only job, cuz they sure find new ones all the time! Ryan and Monica came over for dinner tonight cuz I made his favorite meal (beef tips) and the receipe is on my food blog. It is so quick and easy and everyone seems to love it. Can't believe tomorrow is Thursday already. The week is almost over and kids will be back in school before we know it. Reading or not here they come. I really can't believe Amanda will be a senior in high school. Her high school years have really flown by. Next year we will be looking at colleges. It just seems to hard to believe. Where has all the time gone? Tomorrow night we go and take senior pictures.

Welcome to Destin

Well, the car trip to Destin was pretty uneventful. We arrived in Destin, Florida around 2:00 p.m. and checked into our hotel. After we changed into our bathing suits with proper attire over them, we headed out to explore the town. We decided to not ask any questions, inquire about hot spots or take a map with us. We decided to just get into our car, and look for the beach. It sounded like a good idea at the time, but looking back, maybe we should have asked for a little help. We did end up finding a public beach access, parked our car and began the hike to the public beach. We were not entirely prepared for the hike through such soft sand. It was virtually impossible to walk on and you pretty much had to shuffle your feet just to stay upright. My calves were killing me by the time we reached the water. The sand is much different than I am used to. For one thing, it is pretty close to being white, and it is clean. It reminds me of sugar and is very fine in your hands. The water was so clear you could see all the way to the bottom. This was very helpful considering the water was being overrun with jellyfish! Another thing that surprised me was the water was pretty cool and the weather is much nicer than Texas. Everyone tells me Florida weather is just like Texas, well maybe today was a fluke because there was no humidty at all. When we decided to go for a swim this evening, we had to cut it short because it was too cold! I know when we get to Orlando and walk around Disney for a few hours, I will want this weather back! We are having a great time and are looking forward to visiting with Mickey and friends tomorrow! Nite all!

Summer.....

Wow, it has been a really long time since my last post. I really don't know why except maybe I have discovered facebook. Summer is going well...we finally started getting rain. We are leaving for our family vacation on Friday morning. We are going to Florida with our first stop in Destin to see a real, pretty, clean beach. I have always wanted to visit Destin and am really excited about seeing it. After Destin we are going on to Orlando and going to Disney World. We are spending 7 days at Disney World and are staying at the Disney Resort. I have never been and have been looking forward to this for a very long time. This has been a really interesting summer. We have had problems and obstacles I hadn't thought would come our way, but they did. It has been stressful to say the least, but I feel we are past a lot of it and are looking forward to what is to come. I am always ready to go back to school, I am just not the stay at home type. I start to get really bored, and that is where I am at now. Well, I will post more after our trip.

It's been a while...

Well, its been a while since my last post. Oh well, not like anyone really reads these, right? Just good for venting and such. We are in the home stretch now with the last few weeks of school. That is good and bad. Good cuz summer is coming, bad because we still have to get all the last minute things done at work before summer. It's not like it comes at ya slow either, it will seem to hit all at once. Still have to get through Math TAKS, reading retakes, field trip, field day, and international festival. All in only 8 weeks. It doesn't seem possible, but I guess it will all be okay. Turned in my application to teach summer school in June and we all want to go to Disney in July. Have some planning to do I guess. Better get after it...

Spring Break

Okay it's 4:00 on Friday afternoon and I guess spring break has offically started. Someone forgot to remind the weather that it is March. Today is cold and rainy and yucky. I was looking forward to some warm weather. I guess I should get off of here and get my lesson plans finished so I can go home and cook dinner. I can get on the computer at home. I am not accomplising anything here.

Just chillin

Okay, not up to much, just relaxin at home watching some dumb television. Actually watching DWTS, anyone see Lil Kim give a shout out to her friends in the Federal Prision? Lol that cracked me up! Tried to do some work online, but can't log on. We had to change our passwords today and now it won't let me log on from home, crazy! Oh well, what are you gonna do? 4 more days till spring break starts, still no big plans, but that's okay. Trying to plan our summer vacation, may go to Montana, Scott's always wanted to go fly fishing, I want to see Utah and Wyoming, so we would be up for a long drive. Good thing I have the whole summer! Still in the planning stages, have also checked into a trip to Disney.....

One week before Spring Break!

Okay, just one day and one week until the blessed Spring Break! I am thrilled! I do not have ANY plans at all. Amanda mentioned going to Schlitterbahn, but who knows. I am making no hard and fast plans. I would like to sleep late and just relax. This week was TAKS week for us 3rd and 4th grade teachers and I am just exhausted. We got the option at school to make a 2O dollar donation to our schools CIS program and we can wear jeans everyday next week. How fast will I sign up? Very fast. All of us at school are coughing, sneezing, hacking, etc. We all feel like crap. Looking forward to some R & R. Did I mention my daughter got a job? She is working at Chuck E. Cheese. Stacey and I said we are going to go and bug her at work cuz she loves to come and bug me at my job....

pics from Vegas

Amanda outside of the Dolce store inside Ceasers Palace

This is mom and Bill (her new husband)

This is Amanda and her granny (the bride in Vegas)

Amanda and her dad

Okay this is a pic of Amanda and her dad in Vegas. We went to Vegas over Valentines Day to attend my mom's wedding. Never really thought I would be going to Vegas to attend my mom's wedding, but never say never, right? Did lots of walking, sight seeing, shopping and touring of hotels. Saw a great show. Didn't really lose any money gambling, would rather have something to show for it if I am gonna spend money. Like a really good meal, or a t-shirt ya know? Any way been back at work 2 full week already, been really tired, then got sick. Amanda shared her flu bug with us. Thanks alot!

Housecleaning day

Yep...you read it . Today is housecleaning and laundry day. Big whoop! It needs to be done, so here we go!!! I guess since I feel good enough to clean, I should do it. The laundry is about to sprout legs and walk away, so I guess that needs to be tackled as well. I let Amanda take my car to school today (her dad is fixing the brakes on her car), so I have no excuse. Scott did leave me his car (old cop car Impala) in case of emergency, but it's not something I want to drive unless I have to. He told me I could drive it, but I couldn't under any circumstances run the lights and sirens when I drive down the street. He is just no fun at all. He told me that just like I was 16 years old. Does he really think I would do that? (maybe??) (just once??)
Well, I guess I will have to get off of here soon and actually get to work on all that stuff I mentioned earlier. We are going to Vegas in 2 short weeks (my mother is actually getting married in Vegas on Valentines Day) I am home all day, I guess I get to be in charge of making sure we are ready to go.

Later!!!

It's Sunday!

Why is that a relavent title? I don't know. Couldn't think of anything else to put it its place, so that won out. Today we got up, went to church, lunch, and to hospital to visit friend who just had baby. Let me tell you, this is the cutest baby by far! He is sooo tiny and sooo cute. He fits perfectly in the crook of your arm. I can't wait to hold him again. I told his mommy that since I am off work until Feb. 16, I am available to come by and help. Lucky me! I just love everything about babies: the way the sleep in your arms, smile while they are sleeping, the way they smell, everything!!! They are truly a blessing from the almighty God above!

It's Saturday

Okay it's Saturday. This has been my day so far....Got up, got dressed, went to garage sale down the street and bought a treadmill they had for sale. Okay, you may ask....why a treadmill? Aren't you in a cast? Yes I am. I bought the thing for Amanda and Scott, okay? Maybe one day I can use it. Then I come home, make some breakfast, drink my coffee, take a shower, get dressed (again), play a few wii games and then decide to get on the computer. Wow, I am living the life here. I am trying to use some restraint since I tend to spend money if I leave the house. I am supposed to be budgeting my money since we are going to Vegas for Valentines Day.

We are trying to decide on our summer trip. Scott's vote is Colorado, my vote is anywhere, and Amanda's vote is Disney. I think we may go to Colorado in the summer, and push Disney to the week of Thanksgiving. I am trying to think logically about the intense Florida heat in July/August. We will have to see what happens. I do not like to stand in line on concrete in 100 plus degree weather, call me crazy if you will. We also kicked around renting a beach house and going down to (over?) Destin, Florida. I love the beach, but Galveston just doesnt do it for me. Especially after Hurricane Ike.

Well, looks like another exciting day is in the works! My best friend is headed to Belize on vaca, leaving tomorrow. Do you think anyone would notice just one extra person? Maybe I could fit in her suitcase....

Yea, good news!

Okay, pretty good news from the doctor today. I am in a walking boot, but am still supposed to use my crutches when I am out walking around. But the best news of all.......I CAN DRIVE!!!!! I took full advantage of my newfound freedom and drove over to my friends house to visit with her. She is at home waiting to have her baby, so I took some snacks over and we played Mario Party 8 on the Wii. Great fun!

Bored out of my mind.....

Okay, I'm done with all this. My family thinks I've gone completely nuts and they can't understand why I am cranky! I had surgery Dec. 18 (one month and two days ago-but who's counting) and I am still on crutches which means I am stuck inside unless someone is home to rescue me!! I am clumsy enough on two feet, but put me on one good foot and two sticks--watch out! I stumble and fall at least one time every day. I feel like a hamster trapped in a cage. I am at the mercy of my husband who works all the time and my teenage daughter. I kid you not, when I can drive I am going to drive as far away as possible and just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet of somewhere other than my house!
My friend Stacey brought me one of her wii games, Mario Party 8, and that has been great fun. At least it keeps me entertained for a couple of hours each day. I still do not like daytime tv and refuse to watch court tv or who the baby daddy shows! Well, I am hoping for good news from the doctor tomorrow, keep your fingers crossed!

Peace out!!

It's Friday, Yea!

Why am I so excited it's Friday? I'm not sure. When I typed it in, I was thinking....what's really the big deal? I don't know, really. Today I went to physical therapy and found out that I will be on crutches for another 2 weeks. Bummer! I was really thinking I would have been in a boot by now, but nope. I may not be going back to work when I was hoping to either. I may not be going back until after Valentines Day. I go to see the doctor Jan. 23 and find out if he is going to release me or not. The highlight of my week was getting a wii. It is great fun. I really do not like watching television (hate court shows, soap operas and talk shows, so what's left in the daytime?) so the wii is entertaining.
Today my best friend (we have been bff since we were 15 yrs old) picked me up and took me to the doctor, then to LaMadelines, then to see the movie "Bride Wars". It was really good and great fun. Thanks Michelle!
Tomorrow Stacey is coming over and bringing her collection of wii games. I am always up for company! Should be lots of fun, yea!
Well...I really need to get off of the computer and work on my bible study. Amanda will be home after while and there goes my quite time!

Well...today is the first day that I am offically all alone. Boo Hoo! How will I ever recover? Amanda is back in school (they had late arrival today: 10:30) and Scott is working an extra job at the bank. I am looking forward to some alone time! The pastor at our church has given us a challenge. We are reading Psalms 119, and are to read it each day and reflect on the passage. He wants us to ask the question: "What does God want me to know?" It is the longest Psalms (176 verses), written as an acrostic poem devoting 8 verses to each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. I have read it through one time, then went back to the first stanza if you will and reflected. (so far so good...) What do I think God wants me to know? Well...this is my take. We all fail miserably and will continue to do so. We are not perfect and never will be as long as we are on this earth. God made us just the way we are, and we should put all of our faith in HIM, not things of earthly value. God will never let us down.