My Girls and Me

Holiday traditions

2011-12-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

This year Alyssa was able to be an elf at the Christmas sing along with the bigger kids. She was so happy and even though I was exhausted when we arrived, when she came out singing and skipping with a look of pure joy on her face my long day was forgotten.

Here's a holiday tradition that my mom started when my husband and I first got married. She would buy us a lenox ornament every year for our tree. We have continued buying and now have enough to fill a little tree. It makes me feel like she is still a part of our Christmas tradition but it makes me miss her too.

This year we made it the Fantasy of Lights. It's not a very good picture but you get the idea. My girls were amazed by all of the displays. Honestly, I was too. I've never been before and it was worth the trip.

A real tree and pinterest

2011-12-11T15:28:00.001-08:00

After much debate we decided to get a real tree this year. The plan was that we were actually going go and cut it but that never actually happened. We were all feeling a little sick this weekend so a fresh tree that was precut was the best we could do. Although a fake tree is not as messy I missed the smell when I walk in the house. It smells like Christmas in my house this year.

Also are you on Pinterest? If you're not then you should. Just leave your email below and I'll send you an invite. I have been ~~obsessed~~ inspired lately. So many great ideas! My latest finds have been homemade gifts for teachers at school and church, daycare providers, Secret Santa and whoever else is on your list. Here's just a few of my favorites that I'll be making. Go get inspired!

Cookie dough gift idea

Reindeer Food

Holiday pretzels

Make your own scarf

Check out her moves

2011-08-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

This video makes me laugh and I just had to share. It is very clear that I am going to be in so much trouble during those teenage years. Either that or I have a super star on my hands.

Puppies and parties

2011-08-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

I was at the vet's office this morning picking up medication for my dog. As I waited a lady walked in with her dog and the receptionist greeted her with, "Do you have an appointment?" The woman answered with yes, our last one ever. I wasn't expecting that and I felt my eyes starting to water. I tried to pretend like I was looking for something in my purse. As I left I couldn't shake the sad feeling so I let it out and cried for half my ride home. I know this may seem so silly but a few weeks earlier we had a scare with our own dog Sonny. He is fine and we just had to make adjustments to his medication. He's to hoping for many more years with my sweet boy and I just wish that I could have said something to comfort that woman. Some people may think it was just a dog but any pet owner knows that they become so much more.

On a happier note we've celebrated my daughters birthday at the zoo and it was a fantastic time!!! I love all the personalities in these pictures and the real friendships that she is starting to make now that she's in school. Not just tagging along with friends of mine who conveniently have kids. I have actually met some wonderful women who I am proud to call my friends through her. I love it!!!

Old friends are the best kind of friends

2011-07-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

There's something about an old friend. Someone that knows all your secrets and really knows where you came from. No matter how much time passes you never feel awkward and you just start up right where you left off. They make you laugh till you cry thinking about memories and things that happened, mostly good but even the bad doesn't seem so bad anymore. So say what you will about facebook and even though I don't love everything about it. I do love that reconnected me to a good friend that I have really missed. I'm loving that our girls are getting along so well and developing their own little friendship through days at the zoo, playdates at the house and next up the children's museum. It makes me happy! Sorry the picture is a little washed out but aren't they cute.

Also I know it's only July but I feel my summer slipping away. Being a teacher I am so lucky to have my summers off but I work for it during the school year. I really think teachers need the summer to recooperate and be ready for another class. I've been enjoying summer by trying to make a dent in my book list~I've read The Help, Room and now I'm starting Firefly Road. Any other suggestions.

My first garden

2011-07-06T04:04:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying every minute of summer with my girls. They get along well and when they don't I'm finding the key is to keep them busy. So today we are off to go swimming but first I have to share some garden pictures. I am so excited that things are starting to appear in my garden.

Hopefully those flowers will be turning into squash soon.

A little longer and I'll have enough romaine lettuce for a salad.

Do you see there are actual green beans growing there. I have to say that I am pretty impressed. I've never grown a garden before.

Party Like a Rock Star!

2011-06-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

Alyssa had a wonderful fourth birthday celebration this weekend, complete with a CD's for everyone to take home. We sang a little karaoke and just played in the backyard. We lucked out with beautiful weather and I think everyone had a great time.

There's our little rock star's. Please notice that she has on two different shoes which I asked her to change several times but I think she was trying to make a statement.

Such a fun day filled with great friends and fond memories!

Daisies and Cakes

2011-06-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

As the school year comes to a close so does Daisies. I am so happy that Gillian decided to be a part of girl scouts this year. She met so many new wonderful friends and it really gave her a sense of community. Next year she will become a Brownie with the same fantastic group.

It's also birthday time. It was my dad's 70th and my cousin Heidi's 40th. I bought my dad's cake. The other one below is Cake Boss Cake. You know that show on TLC. It was crazy to even see this cake it was probably the best cake I've ever eaten...definitely the most expensive too :)

So for me six days left to summer vacation and being able to spend some time with my girls. I can't wait!!!

Almost there

2011-06-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

I can't quite explain how hard this year was at school but I am so close to being done I can taste it. I had a rough crew in my class and a group that would not stop talking EVER no matter what I said, threatened, or took away.

Don't get me wrong I love every single one of them and they will all have a special place in my heart individually but as a whole I will not be sorry to see them move on to third grade. Maybe I'm sounding harsh but it's just how I feel.

So I just have to hang on until June 21st and it will be done and this is where you can find us :)

He's not my baby brother anymore

2011-05-10T03:59:00.000-07:00

My baby brother has graduated from UCONN last weekend and I'm so proud of him. This was the first time that my girls had been on a college campus and it was fun to answer those questions of what do you do here. Gillian said will,"I go here?" I wondered. What will they decide to do when it comes to college. I know it seems so far away but I can tell you right now that the past 6 almost 7 years have gone by in a blink. Before I know it I'll be dropping them at their first dorm room.

Wait for me!

2011-05-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

We've been taking advantage of these beautiful few days and getting out on the bikes. A quick ride through the park, playing on the playground and than home for dinner. My girls have really gotten comfortable on their bikes since last year. I think that Gillian might be ready to go without training wheels. She is very speedy and even though I know sometimes she gets annoyed...

She always waits for her sister to catch up. I love these moments!

I'm pouring my heart out

2011-04-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

This is year number 10 for me of teaching. So what I'm trying to say is I've got some experience under my belt. I have mentioned
before that I teach in an urban school district so really
not a lot of things surprise me anymore. This one did.
I have a student that I have been struggling with all year. Well actually I have several but that's not the point. He is constantly out of his seat, talks back and at times can be quite disrespectful. For this student I have tried it all and have been working with the parents all year. Which is why when I entered a meeting with the principal, psychologist, special ed teacher and social I was surprised to see two unfamiliar faces. They were introduced as his godmother and a friend. Then they went after me. They blamed all the struggles this year on me. At least that's how I felt. It went like this. Why have you not recommended extra help if he's struggling? You always send notes home about bad behavior? He hates school and tells us every single day. He is not in the right classroom. You are not mean enough to him. My answers were...I have, it's a communication log and they are not always bad, he doesn't seem like he hates school when he's here, there's no where else to put him and I'm sorry. After which they said we are not attacking you so why are you so defensive sitting there with your arms folded? I just apologized again and put my hands in my lap.

So then they asked we want to help what can we do? Again this time trying not to be so defensive I said, "Remember our discussion about the possibility of ADHD I still think it's a good idea to speak with the pediatrician." The guests at the meeting had no idea about this conversation. Also the reading sheets that I send home twice a week are still not coming back signed. It would be helpful if I knew that he was reading the sight words and stories that I send home. After which I shook hands left the the room and headed back to my classroom. I locked the door and cried. I'm sure I was defensive because I felt attacked. I have tried to reach this student and a really felt like I was working with the parent. I guess I was wrong, very wrong.

The next day the special education teacher who was in the meeting with me brought me flowers. At least now I know I'm not crazy and that they were going after me. It made me feel a little better.

Please go visit Shell and read some other stories of people pouring their heart out.

Excuse me while I brag a bit

2011-04-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

My daughter Gillian makes me so proud. She is such a smart girl and loves to read. It is amazing to me that this has happened. When did it? The change from kindergarten to first is incredible. She can pick up unfamiliar books and read them with confidence. So this morning when she picked one up and started reading to her little sister I let getting dressed wait a little longer. It may be partly because I am a teacher but I love it! And then there's the homework. Where did these complete sentences come from? She's always thinking and rereading her work to make sure it makes sense. I'd like to take credit for it but I can't. Although I know my support and reading to her has helped as well. I will always remember her first grade teacher fondly. She is the one who helped her learn to love to read and become a writer with all those journals that I've saved in a special spot. Thank you Mrs. McDermott!

This land is your land

2011-04-07T03:32:00.000-07:00

Gillian's music teacher is retiring this year so he put together a concert and this is the first that she's done so it exciting for me. The video was done on my iphone and it's jut a few minutes so it's not super but you get the idea. I feel like this week got away from me and I didn't do any of the things that at I wanted to do. Next week I will do better and I'm setting some goals and making a list.

Couch built for two

2011-04-01T03:20:00.000-07:00

These girls love eachother to pieces, well at least most days and this is one of those days. We have this little fold out couch that they love to snuggle on together. I'll be so sad the day that they won't both fit, pop some popcorn and watch a movie. Perfect for afterschool on a rainy day like today.

Girly Moments

2011-03-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

I love having two girls. I'm sure if I had two boys or one of each I'd be saying the same thing too. I have so much fun with them and life is good. This weekend was a quiet one which I love since during the week can be so hectic for us. I was made to be a girl mommy. Here's a few of my favorite girly and some not so girly moments recently. I love that they call each other sissy. I always try to do their hair but the fight me everytime and usually win. We have contests playing Just Dance on wii. They are developing their own styles and picking out their own clothes~Gillian is sparkles and glitter but comfy. ~Alyssa loves dresses and to accessorize. I have such fun doing Zumba with them. Their fashion shows and tea parties make me smile. They still love going on these silly rides together.

Mindful Monday

2011-02-21T02:55:00.000-08:00

Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in your own sunshine.~Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote really made me think. Sometimes I just need to get out of my own way and really hear the compliments and enjoy the good things in my life.

We have recently had a lot of visitors at my school. I had at least 15 principals from NY city watching me teach a lesson. We are an NUA (National Urban Aliance) demonstration school. We have been a part of NUA for a while so these strategies are just part of the way I teach. All these principals were coming to see what we have been using that works. It was overwhelming but we got such positive feedback about how impressed everyone was by us. We also have a new reading program and more people were coming in to watch and make sure we were doing it properly. Gone are the days that teachers just close their doors and are on their own. The woman actually leaned over in the meeting and said that there are great things going on in your room. That same day the director of reading was in my room taking pictures of student work to show other schools and told me how impressive the work I was getting from my students was. The next day I got a note from a parent telling me that she was so happy that her daughter was in my room and that she wanted me to know that her daughter told her that I inspire my students to learn. I think that was the best out of all of the comments that I'd received. As a teacher I rarely get feedback. It really feels good to hear that you are doing a good job.

Then I had a wonderful weekend with the family just spending time together. Can you tell they are related? Which ones are sisters? In fact, there are twins in the group too. I often think they could all pass for sisters. My weekends have been helping me unwind and realize how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family. They are my sunshine.

I'm shreding

2011-02-07T03:42:00.001-08:00

On Saturday my husband were out separately at the same time. We both came back with the same item for me. It was the 30 day shred. I've wanted this for quite some time now and he usually doesn't buy my anything to do with losing weight for fear of insulting me so I thought I was safe buying it. I guess great minds think alike. This is only day three for me but I can do twenty minutes of anything. Let's see if I am still saying that on day 20.

I've also been doing weight watchers now for four weeks and I am happy to say that I am down 11 pounds. I am really loving their new points plus program. I mean look at Jennifer Hudson. She looks amazing. It really does work!

I have always struggled with my weight but after having babies it became even harder. Yes I realize that my babies are now 3 and 6 but that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Is anyone else shreding or want to join me? We can cheer each other on :)

My Valentine's Day plan

2011-02-02T05:50:00.001-08:00

Since we are stuck inside again I figured it might be kind of fun to get started on our valentines. Between school, daycare, girl scouts and I'm sure there's more, we have quite a few valentines to give out. I couldn't decide between the two so we'll just do both. Check out the links on the pictures to see the instructions. I also started thinking about what else I have planned for that day at least the food part. Come on now that is the most important part. We are starting the day with pink pancakes.

I'll pack a heart shaped peanut butter and jelly for lunch.

Not sure about dinner but for dessert we'll do heart shaped brownies. I really think that everything tastes better when it's pink or shaped like a heart on Valentine's Day

What are your Valentine Day plans?

A letter to my mother

2011-01-29T04:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom,
Happy Birthday! You would have been 64 today and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. Sometimes it's with a smile when I think of a special memory which I find seems to happen more often now. I can talk about losing you to people without breaking down every single time. I am grateful for every minute I had with you but I still get so mad when I think about how many more we were supposed to have. I see you in my girls, in how they act and what they say. I wish you had more time with them because I know becoming a grandma was one of the happiest and proudest moments...both times.

I worry about dad and know that he misses you just as much as me and probably even more. I try to invite him over and he comes but he never stays very long. I wish he would. I also try to watch out for my brothers and know that you are watching over them. We will be celebrating a college graduation in May and I'm so proud of him. I know you would be too. I always feel that you are with me in my heart. I think about your words of advice and hope I still make you proud. I like to share pictures and stories with my girls and let them know the person that you were. That is what makes me saddest is that they lost their grandma. They will know you through me.

Love always,

Kathy

Now for some more snow

2011-01-27T05:53:00.000-08:00

Wow! This has been the snowiest month ever. Even though we are all shoveled out...thanks to my husband. We aren't going anywhere. It's a jammie day today. We'll be watching movies, coloring and baking today. There's no place I'd rather be right now :)

Snowy days

2011-01-13T10:30:00.000-08:00

So it's been snowing like crazy in Connecticut! We have had two days off from school which does not happen often. I can't remember the last time there was snow like this. Not since I was a kid. I mean seriously the snow is up to Alyssa's knees. We did go out for a little bit but my girls did not last long. Honestly neither did I. I like to look at it but play in it not so much.So afterwards this is how we ended up. Sharing a snuggie, eating some popcorn from our new air popper and watching a movie. Could they be any cozier? Hope you're all staying warm.

Feeling stressed and sleepless

2011-01-11T03:23:00.000-08:00

I want to be this girl. So relaxed and carefree but come on realistically do I have time to lay down in a field and just do nothing besides the fact that's it's winter.

I don't really know what's on my mind. It could be work, the issues that the company my husband works for is having and will probably be out of business in the next few months, or that January was my mom's birthday and I'm missing her. Whatever it is something is not letting me sleep.

Seriously the site that I found the non-stressed girl on did have some good tips. Some were very simple but still those are the ones that I tend to forget. Here's a quick list:
keep a journal
exercise
enjoy some music
laugh
comfort yourself with rituals
take some me time
celebrate friendships
play
meditate
take a bath
There's a few more but these were things that have worked for me in the past but are easily forgotten.

What I'm Loving

2011-01-05T15:19:00.001-08:00

I'm linking up with Jaime for What I'm loving Wednesday.

Let me know what your loving today.

I'm loving that tomorrow is Three Kings Day and that I have a day off all to myself. The girlss will be at school or daycare. What will I do with myself :) I see a trip to Starbucks in my future.

I'm loving that my sweet dog is recovering from his ear surgery and feeling a little better. Hopefully he'll be back to his old self soon. Shout out to the vacuum in the background and the fact that I actually did some cleaning today.I'm loving my girls and their new build a bears. I think I had just as much fun taking them to get them and they did making them.

Here's to a Happy New Year

2010-12-31T08:12:00.001-08:00

My girls love each other to pieces but lately they have been arguing a lot! I happened to find this sweet moment of playing together yesterday and don't get me wrong there are these moments. Every once and a while. It just feels like lately there's been more fighting. I'm hoping there will be more of these in 2011.

Happy New Year to you and your family! May 2011 be the best year yet!

Loving the leaves

2010-10-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend was just what I needed. Some time to relax. Saturday we had no real plans and we just spent some time at home and raked the leaves. Usually I complain about yard work but it was actually fun. Don't tell my husband because he'll expect me to help out more often. It's so nice to be able to be outside in the crisp fall air without a coat. The kids had a great time and we cleaned up the yard.

And then of course there was Sunday :) I hope everyone had a

Happy and safe Halloween!

Finding a Balance

2010-10-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

Lately I have really been struggling with this. I can't be in two places at once! How to I find a balance? Some may think that being a teacher I head home at 3:00 and I am done. There is so much more then I can even express right now. I'm not even starting with NCLB (No Child Left Behind). Let's just say I am finding myself overwhelmed with all my responsibilities at work and feel like I am not doing enough. I need to be giving more to my students, of my time and more effort. If I do that then where is that time and effort going to come from. My family time is less than I want it to be right now. I can't take more time away from my girls and my husband. My girls are in daycare or before/after school. My priority is and should be my family and I am a teacher but that is my job. I do have a life outside of school. I feel so torn but my heart is with my family and I feel like I am a good teacher and I am making a difference. Although this makes me feel better. Even that first lady feels the mommy guilt.

A little time with Alyssa

2010-10-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Gillian is quite busy this year. She's a cheerleader, a Daisy (girls scouts) and started CCD (church school) this year too. Alyssa and I have been spending a lot of time together and I've been loving it! She is hysterical. She uses words like actually and unexpected correctly. She likes to tell me stories about what happens at daycare. Like who got in trouble and that they danced to Achy Breaky Heart. She also is a huge Katy Perry Fan. Her absolute favorite is Hot and Cold which she sings and has a dance that goes with it. She has the biggest heart herself too. She loves her friends but adores her family especially her sister. She talks about her even whebn she's not around. I think sometimes the second child doesn't always get as much one on one time. Well at least that's what happened with us. So even thought it means Gillian is growing up and gaining some independence ...it has been really nice to have some time with just Alyssa and I can tell she loves it just as much as me..

Bring It On

2010-10-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

After this weekend we will have survived our first year of cheerleading. It was amazing. I said this before but I really had no idea what I was in for in good and bad ways. We devoted the entire month of August to practices. Then after that practice continued two nights a week. That's a lot for 5 and 6 year olds. The money commitment was unexpected as well. The under uniform accessories, socks, sneakers, and of course the $80 warm up suit. On the positive Gillian has made some really great friends. There were the competitions which is where the photo is from were straight from Bring It On were a site to see. On a side note I did actually buy this photo and I also provided the link to the site where I purchased it so I think it's okay to post it. She has developed her own sense of community pride which I think may be my favorite part of this whole experience.

Raw(e) Smiles and Laughter

2010-09-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

Raw(e) is hosting a Smiles and Laughter photo challenge and I just couldn't resist. I've been in such a blah mood that these smiling photos made me smile too. Even with the hair in the face and everywhere else...I can feel how much my girls love eachother in this picture.

I think I'm just having a hard time getting my new routine down. I feel like I'm always running to work, to cheerleading, to school, to pick up from daycare or wherever else the kids need picking up from. I want to just slow down and take a minute to enjoy. Hopefully soon!

Fall is in the Air

2010-09-14T03:11:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year...especially in New England. This is one of our favorite ways to spend a fall day. We will probably go again since there were only a few types of apples out. Now I just need to find a yummy apple crisp recipe.

It's hard enough to take a picture of yourself. Two I can get, three just wasn't working. At least as you can see Alyssa is enjoying the apples.

First day and her first game

2010-09-01T02:15:00.000-07:00

I was feeling so sad that I wasn't there to send her in myself on the first day. So as I'm taking attendance in my own classroom on my computer, I get a picture of her heading into first grade from a good friend. It was just what I needed.

Gillian is enjoying cheerleading and me too but wow...pop warner is serious business. I had no idea since I was never a cheerleader myself. The girls were so cute doing their cheers and even though I was watching them more than the game, the Seahawk football players won their first game too.

My new do

2010-08-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

Here's my new back to school haircut. Sorry the picture quality is just okay. My web cam seems to be having some glare issues. I figured that I'd start the year right with a new cut and I went to a curly cut salon. I have to say what a different experience going to someone who knows how to cut curly hair and even showed me how to style it. I will be going back for sure!

Last week and then back to work

2010-08-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

This is my last week off before heading back to meet my new class who if last year is any indication of what I'm in store for...I'm in trouble. I'm trying to stay positive and my thought is that every student starts with a clean slate, no matter what they did last year. So I'm trying to steer clear of those first grade teacher and stay away from those negative comments of well last year he was...or look out for that one she was a big problem for me she used to... New teacher and a fresh start that's going to be my mantra.

So today we hit the aquarium. We've been there before but not in a while. It's always a fun day. I love a day out with my girls wherever we go.

Posing for fishing pictures.

Finding Nemo

Checking out the penguins.

Hope you are all enjoying the end of summer vacation.

Back to school means back to work for me too.

Connecticut and the Cowboys

2010-08-12T03:38:00.000-07:00

My husband is a HUGE Dallas Cowboys fan and one of the podcasts that he listens to is doing a contest for the Cowboys 50th anniversary where they want fans to take pictures in their gear in front of a recognizable landmark from your state. It got me thinking...what is CT known for? These are a few things that come to mind when I think of CT but I'm not sure any of these will work. The beautiful fall folliage but thats not a landmark or a place
The beaches that I love! We are on the coast.

Gillette Castle which is very cool to see but not very well known.

We do have two large casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. I suppose that could be it.

Maybe Yale University? I think a lot of people would recognize that especially right next to a sign. I've got to think about this. Connecticut is a hard one. When I think of other states a landmark comes to mind immediately but not for my own state.

What do you think of when you think of Connecticut?

Heading back to Germany

2010-08-06T04:36:00.000-07:00

My husband's Aunt or I should actually say Tante (which is the German translation) has been visiting for the past two months. She is in the stripes and it was so nice to have her here and we've spent quite some time together. There is a bit a a language barrier since she really does not speak English. This is her last weekend so will be going to say goodbye on Sunday. I would really love to make a trip to visit her but I'd need to bring one of hubby's family members as a translator. I really think that traveling is my biggest wish. I am really itching to go somewhere. I've never been out of the United States. I think my girls are almost ready. Next summer I know we'll be ready to go for it. I should start planning now.

On the brink of a big change

2010-07-28T06:48:00.001-07:00

Lately I've been feeling like I've got a lot of things that I want to do but not so many that I'm actually accomplishing. Here's my short list of things that top my list of what I want to do but that aren't quite happening for me.

Go back to school and get my sixth year or doctorate. This would mean a pay increase but it would also be cool for my students to have to call me Dr. I am also one of people who love being a student myself and learning new things.
My father is from Colombia and I really want to take a trip with him to visit my family and bring my girls but my husband thinks they are too young for international travel.
Get my lia sophia business going. I think I thought that it was going to easy and I would have to keep after people so much to get them to hostess shows.
Take care of myself and enjoy the summer but I'm too stressed out thinking about the changes. I wish I could be more like my girls and just float along and go with the flow.

I will admit, I don't do well with change. I like things how they are but I'm trying to stay positive. My hubby's company is being sold and his soon to be bosses want him too. This also means new responsibility and a big change in the hours that he works. He was pretty much on a Monday through Friday and home by 6:00 kind of schedule. This will not be the case any more. Who knows this could end up being a job he loves. We won't know until he tries it.So my plan is to enjoy the rest of the summer because before I know it I'll be back to school with a whole new group of kiddos. I guess the rest of my list will have to wait :)

Tomorrow she's six

2010-07-19T04:05:00.000-07:00

Gillian had her party at Snip-its on Saturday. She had a wonderful time! The girls all got their hair done, made crowns, did their makeup, walked the red carpet, and enjoyed birthday cupcakes. We originally planned a bowling party but once I heard about this I knew it was perfect for her. It will be hard to beat next year.

Her she is walking the red carpet after getting glamorous.

Freeze dance was a favorite at this party. It seems like it always is wherever we go lately.

Thanks and some summer fun

2010-07-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to have won and the Magic Bullet. I've been having so much fun making yummy creations with this. I've tried margaritas, ice coffee, muffins and even sauce tonight. It's so easy! Thanks again to Michele at Mamatalk for doing this giveaway. She's got a great blog that I've been following for quite a while now. You should check her out. Her stories always make me smile.

It's that time of year again. Carnival season. The rides, the junk food, the games and spending money. This one happens to benefit the church so at least it's going to a good cause.

A big goal this summer is for Gillian to learn to swim. I feel like I've waited too long but a good friend of my who is also a high school swim coach is giving her lessons this summer. Hopefully that will do the trick and we won't need all this gear to go in the pool by the end of the summer. I'm a swimmer so I don't get it. I was never afraid of the water.

I hope you're all out enjoying all the fun the summer has to offer and staying cool.

Crazy weather and turning three

2010-06-27T03:25:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to have my best friend visiting from Texas with her family. I love when Kristin

visits her Nana because that means I get to see her too. We all headed to the zoo. It was hot so we cooled off at the fountain and with popsicles. I miss these guys already!

Literally two minutes after this a tornado hit. We had no idea it was coming. Several buildings collapsed and tons of trees fell. We ran for cover in the monkey house. We were safe but it was stinky. Fifteen minutes later we were driving home. Crazy New England weather!

We celebrated Alyssa birthday with a family party. I can't believe that my baby will be three on Tuesday. I feel like it went by in a flash. Also In case you notice the matches in the photo, I grabbed them right after I took the picture.

Back to the beach

2010-06-24T04:07:00.000-07:00

All ready and looking cute.
They were a little timid at first but by the end they were jumping around and covered with sand.

I'm sure we will be spending many days here over our vacation. It's one of my favorite places to be. Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful summer days.

Endless possibilties and six degrees of separation

2010-06-21T03:52:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to wake up this morning and not have to run around getting ready this morning. I have no plans today. Well I do have to bring Gillian to school she has two more half days left.

Usually I am super booked with things going on all the time. I still have the occasional birthday party and playdate but for the most part it's beach days and seeing where I feel like heading when I wake up and of course the girls may have say in it sometimes.

Which is why I was pulled into this idea of taking Six Degrees of Separation to the blogging world. Here was Diane's suggestion. Pick one of her followers and go visit their blog. Do this six times and see where you end up. I left comments on each of the blogs I visited and almost all of them commented back which hasn't been happening a lot lately. Give it a try and see where it takes you. You may be surprised at who you find. I found Julia and she's got a new follower now. I love meeting new blogging friends.

She's almost a first grader

2010-06-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

Gillian's kindergarten doesn't have an actual graduation but her afterschool program does and look how proud she is. Each group put on a play. Gillian's group was The Great Kapok Tree and she was a toucan. As she said her lines so clearly and with such feeling. I even heard someone behind me gasp, "Wow, she's good!" I thought to myself...that's my girl and realized that I may have an actress on my hands. Although with all her drama I already knew this. My last day is tomorrow and Gillian has three more half days to go. I can't wait for our summer vacation to begin.

Random thought

2010-06-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

I'm hearing this more and more...they look so much like you. I know this is silly but I find it a little bit of a confidence booster for myself because I think they are beautiful.

Going old school

2010-06-03T03:22:00.000-07:00

It was much fun but also a bit exhausting trying to get a two year old to bowl. This is the reason were we there...we have been searching for somewhere not super expensive to have Gillian's kids party this year since she informed me the backyard is no longer cutting it. I decided to go old school since I remember going to these as a kid and loving it and so did my girls.

They are updated now to glow in the dark with Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber playing while you bowl. Her party is not until July but she's already excited. First I have to tackle her sister's special day which will be in the backyard at least for this year before I can work on her theme which is a Girl Spy Party. I have no idea how to even begin with that. Wish me luck.

My big girls

2010-05-31T14:03:00.000-07:00

My daughters have grown so much this year. Gillian is about to finish her first year of school. It's amazing to me how much more mature she is and how much she has learned. She can read, do basic addition, and she has become a bit of a problem solver. She is so much more independent and I don't even know how this happened. She knows what she wants and is not afraid to speak up when she doesn't get. She is constantly making me laugh, if fact so does Alyssa. She is a character! She will always be my baby but there is no denying that she is a big girl too. I am planning her 3rd birthday with a Dora theme. This will be the second Dora themed birthday that I've thrown but I think this time around I might even have some better ideas. As for me, I just can't wait...school is almost over and I get to spend the summer with my girls. I have a feeling this will be the best one yet.

Scary Trip to Work

2010-05-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

You have probably heard about the NYC bomb scare but if not check out the link. Well I had a little scare on my way to work a few days ago. I was surprisingly (well not so surprising) running late. I was on the main road and so close to work. I realize we are not really moving. I try to see what the heck is going on only to notice their are several helicopters flying about me. They were not so much flying more hovering in the area. Then I see a news van for every station in the state, local police, their mobile unit, and SWAT vans. I teach in the inner city and I'm usually not scared going into work but this day I was. Apparently the man in question lives in the area and they were all heading to his home. Needless to say I made it to work but I was nowhere near on time.

Kidney Walk

2010-05-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today was the Kidney Walk and it is sure to become an annual event. Everyone had a great time and it was a beautiful day. As I watched my daughter and nieces walk I felt proud of them and a little of myself for teaching them the lesson of how important it is to give to others and to try to make a difference.

There's our Team and it makes me smile that nobody is looking at the camera and in case you're wondering that red thing is a very healthy kidney. I'm sure my mom was watching over us on this special day and happy that we were walking.

Loosing Teeth, Hiking and Hanging Out

2010-04-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Exciting news and it really makes me realize what a big girl she is! Gillian lost her first tooth. It had been hanging on for a while but finally came out. I love kid smiles with missing teeth. Especially this one. We also have been getting out and enjoying this beautiful weather. Gillian has starting to really like hiking. At first it was a lot of complaining about being tired and it's too far but she's beginning to enjoy the adventure.

Alyssa is not so much of a hiker and will walk a little but then wants to be carried the rest of the way. Sadly that's not as much fun for the person who has to carry her, but her smile is hard to resist too.

Crying in Kindergarten

2010-03-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

Gillian's teacher has been out since Christmas vacation and I thought things were going okay with the substitutes but all of a sudden I'm getting reports from school about uncontrollable crying. She's being really hard on herself if her work is not perfect. Her teacher is saying not just crying but temper tantrum fits and it's become a complete disruption of the class. I really don't know what to do. As a teacher myself I'm horrified and I've talked to her about it. She can't give me a good reason why. I know she's having a hard time because her teacher is out. They've had several different subs and she is not knowing what to expect when she walks in the door to school. It's not anyone persons fault but I feel bad and now we have to start taking away privileges. She can't continue like this and I've got to break this habit. She can't go to first grade throwing fits. They'll send her to the office I feel like she's been robbed of her kindergarten experience! She was so excited to go to school and now when I walk into school to get her I'm always worried about what I'm going to hear about how her day went. This final sub is here until the end of the year and the other teacher next door has been keeping an eye on her and has been in contact with me. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this year ends well. But even with all this going on she leaves everyday with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. This photo was this morning :) This turned into more of a vent but I know she can do it! Now she just has to believe in herself.

Everything is new

2010-03-21T03:41:00.000-07:00

This one of the things I love about spring is getting outside and that our swing set is new again. We don't have anything fancy in fact, it's pretty much identical to the one I had as a kid. I loved it as a child and so do my girls. After being cooped up for the winter they are having a blast and I am loving being able to be outside.

I'm also getting pretty excited to see those first buds sprouting. Yay spring!

My principal shaved her head

2010-03-01T18:47:00.001-08:00

That's right! This is the amazing woman that I work for. She shaved her head this morning in front of her 600+ students to support one of the students at our school. He was diagnosed with cancer and had a tumor removed. He is going through radiation and will loose his hair. This entire year has been a struggle for him and his family...so tickets were sold and money was raised. I still haven't heard the total yet but it was over $500 the last time I heard.

I feel inspired to work for such a giving woman. I would have liked to be up on that stage with her but I just am not willing to shave my head. She really is willing to do anything for her students.

Thankful Thursday

2010-02-25T09:38:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for so many things...where to begin? I am thankful for what a wonderful man my husband is. Sure I can talk about all the things about him that make me crazy but that's not what this is about tonight. He deals with me which I am often amazed by. I can be difficult at times but he has helped me through so many things...I only hope that I've been there when he's needed me just as much as he has for me. I am also thankful the through one blog that I've been enjoying reading I got a chance to read an incredible story that brought tears to my eyes. It is a birth story like no other I've heard. So honest and filled with love. I promise it is worth the read. Katie, thanks so much for sharing. I'll end with that I'm thankful that I don't teach one of the upper elementary school grades and I will NOT have to be giving the CMT's next week :)

What are you thankful for?

A Beautiful Weekend and then bad news

2010-02-24T02:08:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I received my Rite of Election at my church and then headed up to the Archdiocese of Hartford. I was there with my sponsor to receive the same Rite from the Archbishop. It was a beautiful and so was the cathedral. Growing up I attended a Congregational Church but I went to church services with friends and I always felt like being Catholic was so serious and it is but I really feel like I have found the church where I belong. They are my family. It is also the church my husband grew up in too. After I received the Rite from the Archbishop, the priest and nun from my church took a bunch of photos and were smiling almost like proud parents. Now I am able to begin my final steps and then will receive full communion in the Catholic Church. That will happen at the Easter Vigil. It has been a very long process but so worth it. Here are a few more pictures of the stained glass windows which were amazing.

The after a wonderful weekend, I feel like this week began with terrible news. A good friend's uncle passed away a few days ago. I also found out the another friend's husband passed away Monday night. One was expected and they had time to say good bye because he was in end stage cancer and an older man. The second man was in his thirties and has two young children. Both are terribly sad but when I heard the news about the loss of the husband I felt sick. I just can't understand why and my heart is breaking for her and her family. It puts me in the place of imagining what would happen if that were your family. It also makes me realize how precious life is and to make every moment count.

Snow much fun

2010-02-17T04:11:00.000-08:00

I am really so done with the snow but leave it to my girls to get me excited again. Now we got a surprise storm because the weather forecasters can't seem to get it right this winter and since we were on February break we obviously did not have school. I mean look at that face...how can I not have fun playing in the snow. Watching them took me right back to my childhood and the many winters of snowball fights, building forts, and sledding. We had such a fun morning together in our front yard.
Alyssa even tried to make a snow angel after watching her sister. She's almost got it.

Our snowman may be little but we had a lot of fun building him. So I may be sick of the snow but this morning I put that aside and played like a kid with my girls.

A quiet weekend and a sneaky valentine

2010-02-15T03:39:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful weekend together. Not much happened but I think we needed that. We've been rushing around so much that it was nice to just slow down and relax. We spent Valentine's Day appreciating being a family and I really did feel loved. Here's my girls enjoying their Valentine's Day gifts. They each got a set of little people. I know they don't need anymore, I feel like everywhere I go I'm surrounded or stepping on them but they were cute. One set is princesses and the other is mickey mouse.

As I mentioned Alyssa has been quite a little jokester lately. She has also been finding it funny to sneak up and yell boo. Most of the time I know she's coming but every once and a while she gets me. So I had to share her peeking and trying to sneak up on me :)

Super Teacher

2010-02-11T03:53:00.000-08:00

I really love being a teacher! I obviously enjoying working with kids and teaching them something new. It is a completely exhausting job but well worth it. I cherish those teachable moments when I can stop and really reach that child...aka the aha moment. I love when I assign projects that my class seems really excited about. When my kids feel that sense of pride in a job well done and I know I helped give it to them...that's more of what I love. Most days I feel like I am super hero. Here are some of my special talents.

Super Teacher~
can be in multiple places at once.
has eyes in the back her head.
repels the germs of all the sick students in her class
can complete all her paper work, lesson plans, and report cards in the blink of an eye.
can fit everything that has to be done into a 7 hour day.
doesn't have to use the bathroom for hours on end...or at least until her special or lunch.

And those are just a few of her many talents. But seriously another awesome thing about being a teacher is the vacation time and snow days (although remember we actually have to make snow days up).

She makes everyone smile

2010-02-06T10:06:00.000-08:00

I often wonder. What my girls will become as adults but I can just imagine the possibilities. Lately though I am noticing that Alyssa loves to be the center of attention and it makes her happy to make people laugh. She is sure to be something where she is in the spotlight. I can pictures her being an actress or a comedian. She really makes me laugh and she does have jokes too.

This morning she had to go to the bathroom and she really had to go so we are rushing over and I say come on my little lovey and she says your little lovey has to poop.

Then there is her dancing. Everywhere she goes she dances and sings. At the last family get together she got into her cousins dress up clothes and came out as a fairy. She started turning everyone into a horse, a witch, or some other random thing. Then she added a song and dance of I'm a fairy and no one can stop me now. She had the entire family cracking up. I wish I got it on tape.

Most of the time, childrens jokes don't make sense. My five year olds jokes often ends with the punchline underpants on your head no matter what the joke was. Alyssa told me yesterday why did the chicken cross the playground...to get to the other slide. She knew it was funny too.

Simply Happy

2010-01-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I was tagged the task was to make a list of things that make me blissfully happy. Now lots of things make me happy but I really had to think about the blissfully part. Of course spending time with my family Gillian, Alyssa, and Jeff brighten my day no matter what is going on with me or what kind of day I've had. But for this I decided to stick with the simple things that I may not notice everyday but I love these moments and things. They do make me truly happy. I guess it made me realize it doesn't take a lot to make me happy. I'm pretty simple and now I just have to take to time and enjoy them when they are happening. I am not going to tag anyone else since I am so late in doing this myself but when and if you comment I'd love for you to post one thing that makes you blissfully happy too.

Snuggling and hugs

Getting a card or handwritten letter in the mail

A fun day being outside

New socks

A night of uninterrupted sleep

Teachable moments with my students and my own kids.

A good cup of coffee

Guacamole and pickles!!! (not necessarily together though)

Comments on my blog :)

There are so many more but these were the ones I had floating around in my head at the moment. Hope everyone has a happy weekend!

Name My Team

2010-01-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

This is something that I've wanted to do for a while and I know it's a long way off but I'm ready to start building my team and raising some money. This May I will participating in the Kidney Walk to benefit the National Kidney Foundation. This is a cause that is close to my heart because I lost my mom to kidney disease and I wanted to do something in her memory and I think I've found it. I've gotten in contact with the local office and the woman who helps organize events and volunteers is amazing. She is one of those rare people that has enthusiasm that is truly contagious. I can't wait to get going on this.

My problem is I need a team name. I looked at some of the team names that were already chosen and some just were a business name and others were in honor or in memoriam of a person of which I prefer the person's name. My mom's name was Sue. So I came up with Sue's Striders but I'm not sure on that. There were also the one's that were cute or made me laugh like The Kidney Beans or Urine Trouble. I need some inspiration and I'd love to hear suggestions.

Alyssa's First Haircut

2010-01-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

So I finally broke down and took Alyssa to get her haircut and Gillian too. Alyssa's hair was looking a little like a mullet. Not a lot was cut but here are the results. In the shot bellow she looks a little mad but I wanted to show off Gillian's new bob too. I think they both look pretty cute!

Alyssa was very serious the whole time but so good too. I was a little worried that she wouldn't sit still, I have to admit, but there wasn't any need. Her favorite part was the lollipop at the end. So then I started digging for Gillian's first haircut photos and I found it. Wow time does go by so quickly. It reminds me that I really should take the time tyo enjoy each day and all the "firsts" that I have left.

This one to the right is Gillian's first haircut in 2007. It's amazing how alike they look.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

A Happy Holiday

2009-12-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas! We enjoyed celebrating with our familyThis was the scene at our house on Christmas day. Our family get together has gotten smaller but it was filled with just as much love. Even Sonny (our dog) got in on the family photo.

Here's one of the girls favorite gifts. I can imagine them playing with it for many years together. Who am I kidding I want to play with it too.

Teaching by example

2009-12-02T03:21:00.000-08:00

This is such a simple act but as I was leaving Stop and Shop today, I heard the Salavation Army bell calling me. I reached in my mess of a purse and dug out a dollar to put it in. My two year old asked what are you doing? So I tried to think of the simple explanation and I said I'm helping someone else. She said, "I want to do it next time." Giving to others is the kind of message I want to be sending to my girls. Alyssa reminded me that I need to show them that more often.

2009-11-29T12:29:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful long Thanksgiving weekend! On Saturday and Sunday my daughter woke up and was happy when she realized she had an extra day off and didn't have school. She explained that she loves school but loves spending days with the whole family even better...and here we are all together :)So my new mission is teaching myself how to sew. I have no skill at all!!! I wish I did and I keep trying but my projects are not going so well. I wanted to make pillowcase dresses for my nieces which everyone says are so easy, but they came out very boxy and not the correct size even after following a pattern. Now I'm on to trying to make them each a tote bag. They were often times listed under kids sewing projects. So wish me luck. I'll post pictures when there done. Unless I'm too embarrassed. If anyone has sewing ideas for beginners, I'd love to hear them. Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving too!

I would lose my head if....

2009-11-24T17:50:00.000-08:00

Well you know the rest of that saying. I am wondering if anyone know some good tips to help me stop loosing my keys. Maybe I'm the only one but I feel like I am always looking for them. Today as I was leaving the gym I was sure that I locked them in the car. I embarassingly had to tell the receptionist and I proceeded to call AAA. Keep in mind that this did actually happen to me over the summer so I know that AAA can do this service. Then as I waiting I noticed that my coat was hanging on a hook and I didn't remember bringing it in. So quietly I put it on and realized that they were in the pocket. Slowly I left without saying anything to anyone and snuck into my car hoping nobody would see me drive away. How embarassing! Well thinking that I may not be the only one I googled How to stop loosing you keys and here's the tips I found.

1. Designate a place to keep your keys and NEVER put them anywhere else. I feel like this one is a no brainer. Why is it that I can't do this?

2. Repeat to yourself where you left your keys. So for my example at the gym, I should have been thinking coat pocket, coat pocket, coat pocket.

3. Keep a spare set just in case. Of course I don't have one.

4. Try a Carabiners Clip. This seems like it may be the first actual idea but I want to look for something cuter. I'll be doing that tonight, etsy maybe?

So these do seem like common sense but obviously I'm not doing them if I still can't ever find my keys.

Where have I been?

2009-11-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

I really don't know where...I went back to work in late August so I can't blame it on that. My daughter did start school this year and that has been quite an adjustment but I don't think it's that either. I joined the gym for the first time about a month ago and I'm happy to say that I'm loving it and I've lost five pounds :) We've been fighting mini sicknesses like colds, flu and pink eye.

I think life has just taken a hold of me and I don't haven't had a minute free. So I would like to come back but it's hard to pick up where I left off. So I'll share one of our recent adventures to the Beardsley Zoo. Although we've been here before I was looking for something to do on one of my days off and it was a last minute not planned. Sometimes those are the best. No expectations just fun and as a bonus my dad was willing to join us. A wonderful day for everyone.

I've missed everyone dearly and even if I haven't been reading and commenting like I've wanted to...I've been thinking about you all xoxo. Can't wait to catch up on what I've missed.

Apple picking and painting

2009-09-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Yay for holidays off from school and long weekends! Rosh HaShanah has become our traditional apple picking holiday which I like because a significant symbol of Rosh HaShanah is apple slices dipped in honey which represent hope for a sweet new year and are traditionally accompanied by a short prayer before eating that goes: "May it by Thy will, O Lord, Our God, to grant us a year that is good and sweet. Here my girls are picking out some good apples and eating quite a few along the way. As soon as my new oven is here, since mine broke over the weekend, I'll be making some apple pie or apple crisp with all our yummy apples.

Now with school starting I have not been able to let the girls get crafty. I kept it simple and I'm sure you've seen these before. Using the handprint for the tree and then fingerprints for the leaves. Gillian couldn't quite understand the dots for fingerprints so I let her do her own thing. Very cute though still.

Then they let loose and let their creative juices flow :)

Time flies

2009-09-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

This was taken on my birthday which was a week ago but it makes me think how quickly life goes by. I can't believe how big my girls have gotten. They are little ladies now with their own opinions and attitudes of their own. When did that happen? On that day I was really missing my mom. She's been gone for two years and I miss her everyday but especially on these occasions. I always miss her at holidays, birthdays (mine and any other family members) and the first of anything.

With Gillian starting school and not having my mom to lean on and ask advice, it's been hard. I miss her phone calls and her stopping by with a little something for the girls. I miss the things that you take for granted and don't realize how lucky you are to have. I know that I am lucky to have such a wonderful family and be so loved by them but I just can't help but think about how much my mom would have loved to be a part of that too.

Starting school and puppy love

2009-09-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

Here's my big girl starting kindergarten. Getting back to work and starting school has been quite an adjustment for everyone and I know that we'll get there eventually, even me. I'm exhausted getting back to work, getting to know my own class, and getting back into my routine plus adding the new adventure of kindergarten in the mix. I know I've been neglecting my blog and my blogging friends, but I'll be back soon. Know that I'm sending you all much love!

Although, no matter what is happening with us we always have time for some love from Sonny. I love this picture!

Squeezing in the last of the summer fun

2009-08-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

I will be meeting my new class tomorrow and I can't sleep. It is the start of a new year and I'm always filled with excitement. What will they be like? The anticipation is almost too much for me. I'm hoping for another wonderful class, which mine really was last year. I'm usually not blessed two years in a row but I'm hoping to break that streak this year. I will be able to tell by the end of the day who I'm going to have to keep my eye on, who's going to be my little helper, the tattler, the hard worker, the social butterfly, and so many more. It is fun figuring them all out. I'm probably just as nervous as my students when I walk out on that playground to meet them.

So summer is officially over for me! Here's the last of my summer fun with my girls. Yes that is a slip and slide and yes I also tried it out (to show how to use it of course) luckily there are no pictures of that but it brought me back to my own childhood and we had such fun :).

They didn't quite get the concept of sliding but loved crawling on it and then I ended up giving them some boosts to help them slide. Those giggles are priceless.

One last one today a little dip in our mini pool before bed. I will miss our summer vacation together but tomorrow I will be meeting their other children who lives I make a difference in this year. My new second grade family here I come! Wish me luck!

Sprinklers and Sandboxes

2009-08-11T05:45:00.000-07:00

I've been loving the simple joys of summer. These lazy days where we don't have to rush out and be somewhere. My girls and I are so happy to be able to be spending some time outside and just being together. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Back to school...already?

2009-08-07T04:47:00.000-07:00

Where has my summer gone? I feel like it flew by. I know everyone always says that, but it really went too quick. So I'm going to be enjoying every minute that I have left and packing in those precious moments I do have to spend with my girls before I have to go back a meet my own new class of second graders.

My daughter is starting kindergarten, which I may have mentioned already...lol. So we went back to school shopping yesterday at the outlets. She is really developing a style of her own. Lately it has been a fight to get her dressed in the morning. I figure if she picked it, she'll wear it. At least I hope and she did pick some cute things. I've also been thinking about how to make that first day extra special. I have a few ideas that I'll put together and share in a post but until then. What do you all do or plan on doing to make going back to school special for your kiddos?

Reconnecting with old friends

2009-07-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

We finally got some good weather again so we took advantage and headed back to the beach. I've been thinking about how lucky I am to be blessed with some amazing ladies in my life. Here's one of them, my friend Laura, she is wonderful. We were on the swim team together in high school so let's just say we've know each other for a long time. We lost touch for quite while and connected again last summer. This summer we've been hanging out a lot and our girls get along just as fabulously as we do. I love it! I always imagined that we would be mom friends together and now we are.

Here's our girls...relaxing at the beach just like their moms. If Gillian would just turn her bag around it could be a Sun Chip commercial, right?

We've hit the terrible twos

2009-07-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

My daughter is so sweet...absolutely well she used to be but all of a sudden she turned two and she really did become a terrible two. We've been spending a lot of time with family and every time she cries or throws a fit they'll say, "What's wrong she's never like that?" Then someone makes the excuse that she must just be tired. I don't want to admit it to them but that's what she's like all the time lately. I'm hoping she'll be back to her sweet self soon.I mean look at this expression. It just says it all. She is ready to cause some kind of trouble.

My father in law

2009-07-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

My father in law lost his battle with Mesothelioma. On July 21, 2009 Bill passed away peacefully as he slept. My husband was there by his side and talked to him as he took his last breaths. I am amazed at how strong Bill was and by all he went through to prolong his life. Near the end when asked knowing all that you went through was it worth it...he said "I had to try."Bill was a character and I never really knew what was going to come out of his mouth. Talking with him was always an adventure. My hubby was always amused by the things that his dad would tell me. I think Bill was trying to get some good reations from me. He was good to me and always made me feel like part of his family. I will truely miss him.

Here's some pics with his granddaughters who he loved with all his heart. I just wish they could have gotten to know their grandfather as they became young women but I know he will be watching over them as they do.

Happy 5th Birthday Gillian!

2009-07-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my oldest daughters birthday and I can't believe that she is 5! It went so fast!!! We spent the day at the beach and then off to Friendly's for dinner and ice cream. We also spent the whole weekend celebrating. Kids and birthdays are exhausting fun. Above is celebrating with the family. Here are all six cousins enjoying cake.

This one is some fun with friends.

Here's a picture on the day she was born. I can't believe that I have a five year old. How did she get from so tiny to such a big girl.

Happy Birthday Gillian!

Some of the best of the rest of Disney

2009-07-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

So here are a few more magic moments from our time at Disney. I couldn't resist sharing some more of our fun so here is part 2 of my Disney post. I could go on forever but here are some more of the highlights My girls relaxing on Minnie's couch in her house. She has a lot of cheese in her fridge.
Gillian and Alyssa too loved the Golden Carousel. I think because in some way it's connected to the princesses because they played all the songs on it.

I think some of my favorite times were the silly little moments that could happen anywhere but they were happening in Disney so they are special too.

Getting messy with ice cream on a SUPER hot day.

Playing in the kiddie pool at the Pop Century Resort

These pictures below are a few more Disney moments from the parks

Alyssa is striking a pose by with Mickey behind her and the brooms from Fantasia.

Gillian and I on the Aladdin magic carpet ride. She thought it was very cool that she could make it go up and down and actually so did I.

Taking a picture in front of the Epcot ball and yes Gillian is asleep.

Character Crazy

2009-07-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

We are back from Disney and it was truly a magical vacation and the getaway that we needed. It was a lot and we are all exhausted. I feel like I need another vacation from my vacation. We had too much fun to put it all into one post so I'm starting with the characters. I do have to say that seeing the characters was one of my favorite parts. My girls loved it too as you can tell by their faces.

Here's dinner with Winnie the Pooh and friends. Alyssa had a special bond already with Tigger and has a stuffed animal she sleeps with every night and was amazed when he rubbed nose to nose with her. The giggles were priceless.

We also did dinner with the princesses and each girl got to get up close with their favorite. For anyone who is going I would recommend doing a character meal. It is worth it.

Last but not least here's Mickey. You can't visit Disney and not see the mouse :)

Picking strawberries and turning 2

2009-06-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Even though it's the end of the picking season I decided to do some strawberry picking and we had a great time. This is how we started Alyssa's birthday and you can see as she is eating as she picks in the background. When we went to pay all Alyssa had was an empty container that she gave back to the lady very proudly and strawberry juice on her hands and mouth. Too cute!!!

This was Alyssa's favorite present. She is SO into babies. This one crawls, cries, gets up and giggles. She loves it and I can tell already this one is going to annoy me.

I will leave you with a photo of her cake which is actually a bunch of cupcakes with a ton of frosting on top. I still can't believe she is 2. Time has flown by so quickly!

Summer has officially begun

2009-06-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

It was my first day off and I wasted no time getting to the beach. We met some friends and played all morning and had some snacks then headed home for lunch. It was a little cloudy but no rain and I'm so glad we did. This is what summer is all about for me...the beach. Alyssa hard at work.

I love this picture, it shows the pure joy of jumping and playing in the water with friends.

A simply wonderful day that made me happy.

Schools Out :)

2009-06-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

Well...almost! I have half a day left and it's summer vacation for me! I can't even tell you how excited I am to not have to go to work and just spend some time with my favorite girls. I really don't know how I've been away from blogging this long and how time got away from me. I miss all my friends and even though I've been bad at posting comments, I've been thinking about you all. Life has just been so crazy and I've been overwhelmed with life in general.

Tomorrow will be Gillian's last day at daycare since she will start kindergarten in the fall as I think I've already mentioned (sniff, sniff). So along with the gift I bought for her daycare provider I asked her to do a two things. One was to paint a picture of Susan which is obviously the photo above. She actually has blond hair but I guess red was Gillian artistic interpretation. The second was to write her a letter. So she talked and I typed it. She said the sweetest things. I'm going to print it on some pretty paper and give it to her tomorrow. I typed it just as Gillian said it which I think makes it even cuter. My favorite things that she wanted to put in it were "I like when I give you hugs and kisses. You always listen when somethings wrong. I think that you are the greatest Susan ever and I love you." Hearing Gillian say all these good things about Susan makes me feel so good that this is the person that I entrust my babies with when I'm at work. She's the best!

My Tiny Dancer

2009-06-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

My daughter had her dance recital this weekend and she could not have been any cuter! Watching her brought back dancing memories from my own childhood and seeing her on stage and loving it made me smile. She was a star and I couldn't be a prouder mama. I was thinking about not sending her back next year but after this I'm not sure that is an option. She's getting to be such a big girl and although that I'm full of joy it also makes me feel a little (sniff, sniff) sad.

It all goes by quickly. Here are the five things that happened that make me feel like Gillian is becoming so mature and turning into a mini me. I hear myself so much in what she says.

1. Before the show she said that she thought she should relax for a little while so she wouldn't be tired at the dance recital.

2. On the way to Gillian's recital I left her tights at home so we had to turn around. She noticed I was upset and said it's okay momma no matter what you do I will always love you.

3. I bought her flowers and she said thank you that was so nice of you and daddy they are beautiful and smell so pretty.

4. I could see her on the stage getting the other girls to where they were supposed to be gently and taking the lead by modeling the dance for those her who were unsure. That made me really proud.

5. This has nothing to do with the show but last week I brought her to kindergarten orientation and I literally almost started crying on the way home.

I can't wait to spend the extra time with my girls. This summer vacation will certainly be something to treasure. Twelve days and counting!!!

Pony Party

2009-06-02T03:41:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying that this weekend we attended a wonderful birthday party and my girls had a great time. It was a friend from my mom's group, who was throwing a party for her son. There was a cowboy theme complete with pony rides, cowboy hats and bandannas. I know there will always be pictures and memories but will these little ones have any memories themselves? Don't get me wrong I will go to any of these over the top parties that people will be inviting me too but I have a hard time doing that myself. My girls' birthdays tend to be more of a backyard celebration but then I start to feel the pressure. Should I do more? This year Gillian will be turning 5 I may end up going for it. She's after me for a hula theme. I'm starting to think grass skirts, flowers, and the limbo. Oh no! Gillian's party may be heading for an over the top production as well. Either way it will be fun.

Look at that smile.! Like I said they loved it and I actually got on the horse and rode with Alyssa but nobody got a picture of that..luckily although it would have been funny.

Enjoying the weather

2009-05-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

I'm still here we have been taking advantage of the nice days that we've been given and spending some time outside. Before I know it the day is over and I'm exhausted and ready for bed. I know I've been neglecting my blogging friend. But I hope you all know I still love you :) I promise I'll try to be better about checking in with you all. I do miss you.

My girls have rediscovered our little sandbox and thinks it the best thing ever. Although I'm not sure that Alyssa was quite aware of it at all last summer. They are so cute playing in it together...which I love too. Alyssa did try eating some sand but as you can see by her face she won't be doing that again.

Another of my favorite thing about it being nice out is eating outside. There's just something about it makes everything taste better. Okay, maybe it's just me but I love it.

Alyssa also has been a little more adventurous when it comes to food. She decided to try pickles again. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love pickles. I can eat a whole jar in one sitting. I very rarely buy them anymore because I literally have no self control and the salt content is no good for me.

I guess pickles are not a favorite but she didn't hate them either. I of course ate the other two that were left on her plate. See what I mean no self control!

Silly poems to share

2009-05-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

So I was searching the internet for a new poem to share with my class and found this great website filled with silly poems which are my students favorite kind and of course mine too. It's called Giggle Poetry and you really should go check it out too. I really smiled and laughed as I looked through and loved the pictures too. Here's my favorite which I will not share with my class but is so true. I can't wait for the last day of school and I am probably more excited then my students :) I am counting down!

The Teachers Jumped Out of the Windows
by Kenn Nesbitt

(Sing to the tune of "My Bonnie")

The teachers jumped out of the windows.
The principal ran for the door.
The nurse and librarian bolted.
They’re not coming back anymore.
The counselor, hollering madly,
escaped out the door of the gym.
The coach and custodian shouted
and ran out the door after him.

Chorus
Oh my! Goodbye!
They’re not coming back anymore, no more.
How fun! They’ve run!
They’re not coming back anymore.

The lunch ladies threw up their ladles,
then fled from the kitchen in haste,
and all of the students looked puzzled
as staff members scurried and raced.
We’d never seen anything like it.
But still, it was pretty darned cool
to see all the staff so excited
to leave on the last day of school.
Chorus again

My Brother and Bears

2009-05-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

So I've missed all my blogging friends but I'd been in a little funk and I tried blogging but just everything I was typing was so negative and I didn't want to feed my funk. So I'm back and in a better mood...well at least today. How cute...right? Well my brother has joined the Maine DEP Black Bear Trapping crew and will be following, tagging, measuring, and monitoring the Black Bears. Here's a little background, my brother and I are 12 years apart. I remember vividly when my mom told me that she was pregnant thinking...I'm sorry what did you just say. I helped a lot in caring for him and I still look out for him know even though he towers over me. We have grown very close now and I really think he is an amazing person. I know I am the one he calls when he needs someone to listen or for advice. He just finshed his junior year in college and can now legally drink. It just seems crazy to me and he'll always be my baby brother.A huge difference between my brother and I is that he loves the outdoors. I enjoy being outside

just not for extended periods of time. Before he left for Maine he took Gillian fishing and she just thought that was the coolest and so was he uncle. I love that they have that relationship and he is so great with her. As you can see in the picture his relationship with Alyssa still needs a little work. Really she's just in that mama, mama, mama phase and I'm all she wants. I'm so glad he got this opportunity but I'm miss him until he comes back in July. I did ask he what they do to stay safe and he assured me that Black Bears do not usually attack people. But I was not assured...so he said that they also have shot guns.

Missing mom

2009-05-10T09:42:00.001-07:00

Today I went and planted some flowers for my mother by her grave. It was quiet and peaceful and I thought of all the wonderful memories that I have and how blessed I was to have her in my life. How lucky I was that she was my mom. I know that I am the person that I am because of her. I hope I'm still making her proud as I raise my own family. I know she watches as my girls grow and she will be their guardian angel and mine as we face challenges (big and small) of life. I feel her love everyday and keep her close to my heart.

I just wish I could have more time with her. I want to hear that last bit advice or that comment that used to annoy me so much when she would have an opinion on absolutely everything. I feel like her time was cut short and that it's unfair that she never really got to know her granddaughters. I try hard not to cry when I think of her and all I've lost. Instead I try to remember all the things I gained and learned by having her in my life. I will pass all those things on to my girls and that is how they will know her.

Happy Mother's Mom! I miss you and love you with all my heart!

A thoughtful gift

2009-05-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

It's teacher appreciation week and my principal gave each of the staff members at my school an pencil organizer with a poem on it below. I know it's was such a simple thing but it really touched my heart. I love the sentiments behind this poem and would love to think it's true about my teaching.

THE STARFISH POEM
Once upon a time there was a wise man
who used to go to the ocean
to do his writing.
He had a habit of walking
on the beach
before he began his work.
One day he was walking along
the shore.
As he looked down the beach,
he saw a human
figure moving like a dancer.
He smiled to himself to think
of someone who would
dance to the day.
So he began to walk faster
to catch up.
As he got closer, he saw
that it was a young man
and the young man wasn't dancing,
but instead he was reaching
down to the shore,
picking up something
and very gently throwing it
into the ocean.
As he got closer he called out,
"Good morning! What are you doing?"
The young man paused,
looked up and replied,
"Throwing starfish in the ocean."
"I guess I should have asked,
why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"
"The sun is up and the tide is going out.
And if I don't throw them in they'll die."
"But, young man, don't you realize that
there are miles and miles of beach
and starfish all along it.
You can't possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely.
Then bent down, picked up another starfish
and threw it into the sea,
past the breaking waves and said-
"It made a difference for that one."

Happy Teacher Appreciation week to all you other teachers out there making a difference one student at a time.

A change of scenery

2009-05-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

I like trying new things but when it comes to my girls I tend to stick with the same old stuff. I'm finding that sometimes a change of scenery can be inspiring for them. So we are going to be exploring parks that we don't usually go to and venturing out to the neighboring cities and towns. This was actually inspired by a recent visit to a park that I had only gone to once before and never with Alyssa. They had such a blast we have gone back twice. I find myself tempted to walk to the park up the street but I'm going to resist temptation and visit some new ones. This was a little of our fun from our first visit at the "new" park. Gillian discovered that she loved the rock wall and I found out that she can climb it quite well.

Alyssa laughs hysterically when you peek at her through this hole in the tunnel. When she laughs like that it brightens even my crabbiest moods. So my new goal is to try out one new park a week. Who knows it could become our new favorite hangout.

A big girl and a concert recap

2009-04-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Friends of mine that I haven't seen in a while keep asking me or saying.

When did Alyssa get so big?

She's not a baby anymore.

I can't believe it either. When did my baby, because even if other people don't see it anymore...she will always be my baby, learn how to climb up and go down the slide by herself? When did she start hitting and have to be put in timeout at daycare? When did she start telling me no and getting dressed and undressed by herself? So now I'm realizing she is not only NOT a baby anymore but she has also hit the terrible twos a few months early I might add.

Also in case anyone was wondering, the Fall out Boy concert was fun. I loved spending alone time with my hubby which as I said before we rarely get. It was so nice to just talk. I also have to admit that I am officially too old because the music was too loud, I did not appreciate all the swearing from onstage, or the teenage girls with their boobies hanging out.

I got a glimpse of the teenage years with my girls. I picked out some sweet little girls at the show that were in converse sneakers and concert t-shirts and told my hubby with confidence that those are what our girls will be like. He said that those were the ones to watch out for. These girls really did rock out and had a great time and by the end of the concert they had changed into tank tops that were almost as revealing as the others. There really was no disgraceful behavior so once again...I hope that's what my girls will be like.

To end my concert adventures as the lights went on at the end I said to my hubby we are the oldest ones here. He said there's a lot of people older than us and to that I replied yes but they brought their kids.

Hoping for a fun night out

2009-04-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

So it's my hubby's birthday today and we have a night out on the town. I can't remember the last time the two of us went out. I feel like neither of us are into it but especially me, although I'm trying really hard to hide it, but not succeeding at all. Months ago he bought tickets to see FALL out BOY at the casino. The only thing I know about this band is that Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson are married and have a baby thanks to my US Weekly subscription. I don't think I have ever heard one of their songs. I'm hoping that I'll be pleasantly surprised and have a great time but right now I'm just not feeling it! Tell me to snap out of it right now!!!

Close cousins

2009-04-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

So this weekend my twin nieces spent the night and wow I am exhausted! It was so much fun. Here's the run down. A walk to the park and we thought that they would be a little tired out but no...after dinner and a mini break they were ready to go again. So hubby and I took them out to an arcade kind of place with a lot of kiddie games and ride on cars and such. I'm probably not explaining it well but they had an awesome time. So we stopped at Rita's on the way home for some treats. We were thinking italian ice but they wanted ice cream well actually custard but they'll never know. That night I thought they would never go to sleep and once they did I hit the pillow and was out too. This is this morning. After sleeping late and eating breakfast they played a game of Lucky Ducks. Their mom picked them up and we headed off to church with our girls. These cousins have such great time together and really will be close friends growing up. I just wish they didn't live 45 minutes away. I guess they could live a lot farther though. I love blogging about these everyday moments. I know that I will look back at this and smile.

Meeting the parents

2009-04-23T11:45:00.001-07:00

So parent teacher conferences were this week and I really don't enjoy them at all. We get half days and then have an afternoon session and an evening one to be flexible for parents. I also find it strange that children come with there parents to conference. I never went with my mom but these parents can't find a babysitter. I'm just glad they show up. Not all of them do. So these are some pieces of conversations from the conferences.

Parent #1
Me: I know that ______ is capable of doing so much more, she just needs to focus

Parent: Well I've been away (in jail) so that may have been affecting her.

Me: Yes I think so...

Parent #2
Me: I know we just met recently and discussed the problems with _____'s behavior and I want you to know that I really appreciate you talking to her.

Parent: Uh huh.

Me: When you tell ______ that school is important...she hears you and it does make a difference. She is such a smart girl and her behavior is what keeps her from doing her best and off the honor roll.

Parent: She is who she is and ain't nothing gonna change that.

Me: Okay (her phone rings and she starts walking away) thanks for coming!

Parent #3
Me: I would really like to see _______ stop yelling out in the middle of my lessons. It is really distracting for the other students and for him.

Parent: I'm sorry and I've spoken to him about that

Me: I think it would be a good idea to discuss it again

Parent: What does he yell out?

Me: Mostly jokes and strange noises

Parent: Oh I see. Well he'll be going to a new school next year

Me: I think they will probably have the same expectations there.

I know that there are things that need to be said but I really hate giving bad news to parents, like that there child may have to be retained. I hate it even more when the parent acts like it the first time they are ever hearing it and is shocked. I guess they missed it at the last report card conference when I said it and the two progress reports that I mailed home and the letter saying that I was still concerned. Also the meeting that they were invited to at school on how to help their child because they were in danger of repeating.

To those nonteachers out there I probably sound terrible and when it's my child who knows maybe I'll be as shocked as these parents but for now I'm just annoyed. These conferences always seem to get me down. I love all my students and want to see them succeed. Can I really expect as much I do from my students after meeting their parents? I really believe I can! Don't get me wrong I also have lovely parents that make the job worthwhile and let me know how much they appreciate me and tell me that I'm doing a great job and that I make a difference.

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

I was planning on do a nature walk with my girls and pointing out all the things that we miss as we rush through. I'm was going to give them each a brown paper bag for them to collect their little finds and treasures. When we return back from our little hike, I'll give a piece of cardboard for them to create a collage with their nature treasures. I'm not sure I will still be able to go because it's supposed to be pouring but I'll keep my fingers crossed and maybe sneak out for a little bit and let our treasures dry overnight. So instead I think we'll be making the cotton ball tree pictured about. Here's the link to find out how to make it. So cute!!!

Cotton Ball Tree

Here's another easy and great way to celebrate Earth Day. Click below to plant a bulb:

GE is planting a flower bulb for each unique visitor to this page during April, up to 100,000 bulbs. Help blanket the landscape with flower bulbs by sharing Project Plant-a-Bulb with your friends and family.

A Windy Day at the Beach

2009-04-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

Okay so it's not quite beach weather but we took advantage of this beautiful day and walked along the water, collected shells and even played in the sand. Last year Alyssa was too small to really enjoy the beach but from this little preview, I can tell we will be spending many days here over my summer vacation and I can't wait.

Gillian and Allison

2009-04-17T04:58:00.001-07:00

Today is the last day of my vacation. We didn't really do much of anything and it was wonderful. Just what I needed! Spending time with my girls and relaxing. The highlight was getting a visit from my friend Kristin from My Art and the Mom in Me and her family. If you haven't checked out her blog you should, although she's is taking a break while she's away from home. They came all the way from Texas and those girls are amazing to be so good for that ride. My girls would never make it. We had such a wonderful morning together. Kristin said something that made me think. Gillian and Allison were playing together and she said, "You could just tell that they would be friends if we lived closer together." I realized that they are already friends. Kristin and I have been have been friends since high school and then got really close in college. I think Gillian can just feel the love I have for her and her family. She knows that she is meant to be friend with Allison too, even though we don't see each other a lot. I think it's the quality of friendship not quantity of the visits.See even as little one's they got along well. I can't believe how small they are.

This is last years visit. They had some trouble sharing but still had a good time.

This is our visit yesterday. Could they be any cuter and they are so grownup.

I also had to share the sweet gift Kristin made and brought along for my girls. She's so thoughtful and we already found a place in Gillian's and Alyssa's rooms for them to go. So now I just have to work on making a trip to visit them in Texas. I did have a picture of Kristin and I together that I wish I could share but that one came out blurry so Kristin you'll have to email me a copy of the one Bobby took when you can.

My Fictional Character

2009-04-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Kel at Girl in the Glasses had such a fun post today that I had to play along. Her post was which fictional character are you most like? I just recently found her blog but I'm already enjoying it. She makes me laugh and that is always a good thing :)

I thought for a while and went through all my favorites in my head. First I thought about Twilight since I just finished the series. I thought maybe Alice but she wasn't quite right. Then I moved on tho my favorite TV shows and couldn't find my match in any of the Desperate Housewives, Charmed, or House which are some of my favorite shows. So I moved on to Winnie the Pooh which is my all time favorite fictional character. Pooh is a very easy-going, likeable character. I figured a Pooh-person would be one that doesn't get upset very easily, if at all. She would tend to be quiet, slow moving, but quite philosophical about life. They may not appear to be very intellectual, but that may just be their simplicity in disguise.
But to my surprise I was actually Kanga. Check out the Stephanie's Thoughtful Spot to learn more about all the characters in the Hundred Acre Wood and to find out who you're most like.
100 Acre Wood Personality Test

All our girls

2009-04-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

I'm exhausted from all the Easter excitement but we did have a wonderful time. There are six girl cousins that all get together for a giant egg hunt at one of the aunt's house. They all get along fairly well and have such fun together at the holidays and birthdays. We are in such big trouble when these girls are teens. At least I will have my sister in law and cousin going through it with me. I wonder if it's really true that you get back what you give to your parents. I hope not! There's Gillian and Alyssa in action. Gillian knew where to find all the good stuff and Alyssa did not give up until every egg was picked up.

She's truly enjoying all her eggs. I just had to share our Easter fun and we are now ready to start our vacation. We have no big plans just hanging out with some good friends and not having to work. Which is one of my favorite ways to spend a day and usually gives us some little adventures to enjoy along the way.

Tea and eggs

2009-04-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

Alyssa was very busy while Gillian and I colored eggs. I came out of the kitchen to find my little waitress having a great time. I am surprised she could balance the cups so well. She was impressed with herself as well, as you can see by her face. Gillian on the other hand chose a very interesting egg coloring kit. I should probably read things more carefully but I actually bought her sparkly paint to color her eggs. She loved it but they don't include much paint in the kit. As you can see in the picture below that was all we had enough for. It also limited Alyssa's participation. I did mix my own food coloring, vinegar and water to dye some of the eggs that were left unpainted. Alyssa wasn't really interested in the eggs to be honest even just dying them. She enjoyed her own tea party and the fact that Gillian wasn't bossing her around and she could do tea her own way.

My other favorite girls

2009-04-07T03:31:00.000-07:00

My April break from school is coming up next week and I am so excited for it. For so many reasons but one of the is that on Monday my girls and I are going out to breakfast with my other favorite girls. They are my friends from college. We went to a state school which I feel lucky about because now that we are all (well almost all) married and have kids we are all still nearby. I wish we were better at staying in touch regularly but we are when it come to the important stuff. So we graduated in '98 and this photo was in 2002 at my wedding. At first we got together once a month but over the years it's gotten to be way less.

I have so many memories of these ladies and feel lucky to have them all in my life. Each one of them has given me something special. Obviously some more than others but I think I need to make a point to tell them how much they mean to me. I be making some phone calls after school today :)

This picture is at the first of our 30th birthdays. So even this was a few years ago. I do realize I need to take more pictures.