A Little Girl

I am having the hardest time possible finding a crib bedding set I like. I have found a few, but havent seen the one that I have absolutely fell in love with. Any ideas on where to find one? I hate the fact that I am really picky sometimes. And I also do not want to go with a strong nursery theme, like huge butterflies or massive colorful flowers. Does that sound crazy?  I just want things to be simple and the colors to be light. Ok, maybe I am starting to sound way to OCD. Anyways...Here are a few that I have found that I really like, but am still thinking there might be that one out there....

A Bump!

Well, I am 17 weeks in, and am now starting to really grow a bump. I feel like I wasnt really showing, and then I hit my 16th week, and really seemed to pop. Im glad I seem to be over that awkward stage of people not knowing if I was just chunky or if I was pregnant. I made it through my first trimester with out any morning sickness...which I was very thankful for! So far, I have had a pretty laid back pregnancy and am continuing to do almost everything as usual. I finally bought a pair of maternity pants, and oh how comfy they are! I still go to zip them up though every time I use the bathroom. Anways, I sure hope that things continue to be this go with the flow!

Oh Baby!

Phil and I have been extremely busy in the past couple of months, at that is probably saying it lightly. After 3 years, we finally bought our own house, and have moved in. That was an exciting and overwhelming process. Im sure glad that it isnt something we plan on doing again anytime soon. As if looking for and buying a house wasnt enough, we found out I was pregnant in the midst of our moving madness! Phil and I were both surprised and happy. Its been a hard adjustment, especially when I was not expecting a little one. But with things finally settling down around the house, Ive had more time to get to enjoy the thought of being pregnant and knowing that we will have a little one at the end of May. Its been an exciting time , and I know we are both looking forward to all of the amazing things to come:)

Blame it on the Dell...

So I've been MIA...once again. Well at least this time I have a semi-decent reason for it. Some where in the middle of summer, my Dell crashed. And BIG time :/ I feel like ever since I have had this computer, its caused a lot of stress! Just when I thought I was in the clear with the anti-virus program and software, paying for the extra warranty, and keeping my system updated was really all for nothing! I turned my computer on only to find popping up was a blue screen. And for all the nerds out there, you dread seeing that blue screen, especially when it states, "fatal system error." So I have been trying to figure out a solution. But I really dont feel the need to  have to pay an arm and a leg for the help, even if its just to chat online with Dell support. So I have been trying to live my nerdy lifestyle through my iPhone. But sometimes all I wanted was a big screen where I didnt have to zoom to read an article or email! Anyways, I think I have gotten to the point where I dont care how much info I am going to lose on my computer, its worth trying to reboot and start all over. Its just one of those things where Im at a loss. Just as well, as at a loss for the money to pay for it to be fixed. So hopefully once this problem gets fixed I will be back up on the internet and be able to keep updated. Its just one more problem I add to the list... ugghh

Summer Vacation? Not soo sure...

As of yesterday, June 21, it was our first official day of summer. However for most of you, summer probably starts somewhere around the end of May or beginning of June. And mine..well summer starts on the last day of school! There are always a million things I want to do over  break, but somehow always manage to complete about maybe 3 of them. So here it is now, the middle of June already, and I find this depressing.

Ive lost about 95% of the tan I started with. And the funny thing is, is that my original tan was from a fake n' bake bed. I have yet to get my back storage/arts&crafts/office/oceanarium room back in order. I still have school stuff thrown about room, and it didn't help that my husband decided to bring home a 60 gallon tank for Shelly. I was like... "um did you even think about where we were going to put this thing?" His answer, "well it was free." Some days folks...some days!

So I'm in the midst of my summer vacay, and feel like I am stuck going nowhere. Needless to say accomplishing anything. Its not that I am not motivated, I just don't know where to start. So somewhere between doing loads of laundry, organizing, cleaning, doing random errands, I still need to find the time to enjoy summer, just when?

I have about 2 weeks until I begin teaching bilingual summer school. I was very excited to get accepted in, and am looking forward to working with the kids. Plus, I feel fortunate to be able to earn a little extra money. I am still struggling to save for a house. Why do I feel like I will never be able to save enough! Being an adult just seems to be getting tougher and tougher.

Anyways, please tell me I am not the only one who just wishes they could go back and enjoy the summer vacations like we did when we were in elementary school? Ahhh..now those were the days...

Change

One thing that has been said and proven, is that there is constant change going on. Whether that change be around us, or happening to us. And, unfortunately bad news never has good timing as well. This past week my first grade position was eliminated for next year. My heart literally sank. And to make matters even worse, my principal told me while I was teaching my class. I wasn't sure how to react, what to say, or what to do. I tried my best to keep myself collected together, especially in front of my kids. Needless to say, I lost it, and big time. After she left my room, I was able to walk over to my desk and cry for a minute. I hated the fact it was 9 in the morning, my makeup was everywhere, tear/mascara drops all over my good sweater, and I still had the whole day ahead of me. Since I was bumped from my position, this means that myself along with another first grade teacher, get first pick on any other teaching position that opens up in the building. The only jobs available were two 4th grade positions. So I signed right up, because A: its a job, and B: I get to stay in the same school. So all in all, I am extremely happy to still have a job, but very disappointed and sad to lose my first grade classroom :(  And in the teaching profession, things are always changing, so you never know what might happen next. I am just hoping and praying that enrollment goes sky high for kinder and 1st and they open up our rooms again. Until then, all a girl can do, is just go with the flow and enjoy the last 5 weeks with her first graders.

Some of the things we have learned this year :)

Learning how to measure and do self-portraits :)

New Ride

So when am I not late, behind, trailing, or just plain not keeping up with the things in my life? And, unfortunately, blogging has been one of those things lately. But I figure, better late than never....at least thats what I hope. Well about 2 months ago, my Pontiac finally caved in on me. (And horribly) When I found out that it was my transmission, I just figured that it wasnt worth the time or money to fix my car up...again. Needless to say, I had to tell me car "ciao". Letting go was a lot harder than I imagined it to be. I just started crying as I was cleaning out the endless piles of random things. I swear I found a small Goodwill store in my trunk alone. Ahh...Ive had such good memories in that car, 7 years worth. And to this day, I still miss it. But in the end, I knew I was going to eventually have to buy a new car. So I did my first big item purchase of my life. And seriously...how many papers does one need to sign? So after spending 5 1/2 hours of stressing, looking over numbers, figuring out what I could actually afford, I bought a new car. Its such an overwhelming experience! I hope that I do not have to go through another process like this for at least a year or 2. It was draining! Anyways....heres the new one. Im sure we'll have some good times too :)

More sleep or caffiene?

Ever have one of those days where you swear it feels like it will never end?

Well, today was definitely one of those days. I felt like I had been run over by a semi-truck. I know I got enough sleep, and was ready to go this Monday morning. Im just not sure if the kids ate a pound of sugar for breakfast, or I just wasn't up to their energy level today. But man, oh man, did they honestly give me a run for my money today. So let me just say, I am thankful I do not come home to any little ones. Because I am not sure if I would have any sanity left after an energetic day like this. So an immense of amount of appreciation to all of the moms out there.

Just Need Some Sunshine

I know that I haven't posted much lately, and I cant say I really have got a good reason for it. As usual, my first graders keep me pretty mentally exhausted. Just when I think they have honestly asked me a million questions, they aways find at least 100 more :) Ive learned a lot in the past 113 days of school. Ive learned a lot about what some of my kids go through each and every day. And I am talking like, things and subjects we were never exposed to when we went through elementary. And it just makes me so sad. I have one student who is in foster because she was sexually abused by a family member. Her mother also abuses drugs.
Anyways, she seemed a little sad one day, so I asked her to have lunch with Mrs. L. It was almost like we were having an adult conversation. She and I talked about a little bit of everything, what she likes to do, who she watches on TV (HannaMontana...of course!) She did mention how she misses her mom, but she told me that because of her moms bad choices she cannot see her, and she knows that she wll get better and they will be able to spend time together again soon. I quote her on this. I can feel the pain through her voice and it just makes me upset, angry and want to cry all at the same time. All I could offer this little girl besides an education, is a hug and let her know I care.
It is days like this, I could use a little more sunshine. I am finding that my job is becoming a lot more harder than I had imagined. Some days, I just come home and ponder what some of my kids go home to. Do they have heat? What about a dinner? Is there an adult to supervise them? And its every day that I get to spend time with them, and enjoy their silly jokes, their amazing personalities, and even their 100 extra questions. So even though I could use a little bit of sunshine right about now. At least I know I am in the right profession. Because in a million years from now, I will know that I as able to make a positive difference. And maybe, thats all the sunshine I need?

Words to Live By

I found these magnets a few years ago at Barnes and Noble. And its a rare occasion that I find them or other items sold by this company locally. I absolutely adore their stuff! I own quite few magnets of my own. I often display them outside of my classroom door. (Thankfully my door frame is metal, so they stick!) It just gives anybody who comes into my room something to ponder and think about. I also own 2 canvas paintings and a few journals. Trust me, I fill those babies up, since I journal all the time. But anyways,  thought I would share the website with the rest of you. You just might be inspired like I was :)

http://www.quotablecards.com/main.html

Relax? Not Today

When I got home from school today, I was exhausted. The kids are so excited and ready for break, and well, so am I! All I was looking forward to was some peace and quiet while phil was at a basketball game. And these chances of being home alone come by far and few between. So least to say, I was estactic! But wouldn't you know, if its not one thing another? So as I came into the office to check e-mail and facebook, I turn the corner to see a big pile of mess! My little cherubs..Chloe and Buddy somehow managed to knock my ornament box off the couch. I literally screamed in panic. I just kept thinking...all of my keepsakes, and the ornaments I grew up with. I turned around to see their little faces just sitting there. And as soon as I pointed my finger at them, and asked "Which one of you did this?" They were gone! They knew they were in some serious trouble! On a positive note, none of them broke, or at least that I am aware of, thank God for that one. On a negative note, I will never know which one of them did it. Thats the only problem with having 2 : / Well, needless to say I didnt get to relax like I thought. Oh well, maybe tomorrow?

And this is after I picked most of the mess up. I swear...they are lucky they are cute...

New Mr. & Mrs. Pics

Phil and I a few weeks ago won a photography session at a Big Brothers, Big Sisters auction. Phil and I really wanted our pictures to be taken in the fall. Its both of our favorite seasons. So we had them taken in downtown Mishawaka, at the River Walk. This is also where Phil proposed to me. 

                                       

We really loved our photographer, and she did a great job.  Here are just a few pictures from our shoot. Our photographers name is Amy Bradburn or AB Photography. I highly suggest her, and does a great job!                                                      

Mental Break

And by mental break, I mean at least for 4 days. And, boy did I need it. At least some down time, with out having to wake up at 5:45 :) What I don't understand, is that I always greatly look forward to sleeping in, but it never happens.

So Thanksgiving came and went, nothing special happened. I did not spend it with my mom or the rest of the family, because of everything that has happened between us. So unfortunately she and I are no longer talking. I think its best at this point. I would rather have no parents at all, than 1 that doesn't care. We will leave it at that.

I have been going to see this really great guy for therapy. He's really awesome, and so relaxed. I think its helping a little bit, but I think most of all, when I talk he actually listens. He doesn't judge, interrupt, give his opinions, he just listens.

I guess so far, my life has been not even close to a normal, but day by day, I get through them. Especially with the help of Phil and my friends. The one frustrating point is that I always thought I could depend on family, and as it turns out I can really only depend on about half of them. But thank God for that half.

Today is Sunday, which means obviously tomorrow is Monday :/ But I am looking forward to seeing my kids and hearing all their goofy, but honest stories about their weekend. Thats the best part about have younger ones, they are still excited about school and their teacher, who happens to be Mrs. L :) And I am lucky to have such an amazing job that is so inspiring :)
Its one of the few things that keeps me going.

Another side...

Last night was the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Silent Auction. I think it went very well! I helped Meg out and decorated the night before. So Phil and I bid on a few things, and I actually won 2 items! I think I now know why I am not a gambler. I saw a whole other side of myself come out! So there was this really awesome hand painted plate I bid on. And you know me, I LOVE the artsy things! So when I saw that someone outbid me, man....did I get sassy. So I bid on it again. I then actually proceeded to stay by the table and keep an eye on it. I was like white on rice! No one, I mean no one was placing another bid on my plate. I was already convinced that it was mine. So when the table closed for bidding, I felt so proud. It was an exciting moment for me, sad…but true. (This is why EBay and I have a love/hate relationship.) I guess that maybe I got a little bit too competitive over a plate. But you have to remember the money was going for a good cause :)

The other item we won was a photography session. Phil and I never did engagement photos, and so we are excited to have some professional pictures taken. It will be nice to have some pictures of us. I told Phil that I think the cats should be included too, he laughed, not knowing how serious I actually was. I know, that it probably wont happen, but they are a huge part of our family!

In the end, I think it will be awhile until I attend another auction, because I get too competitive. I don't know why I never realized this before, or maybe I have been, and people are too afraid to tell me about it!

Almost too excited...

Phil and I lookin a little sweaty after some dancin!

Not Enough hours in the Day...

I am not really sure where the time has gone? In a few days it will already be October!



However, I am really glad fall is here, it is my favorite season. I just love this time of the year when the leaves turn all the different colors, and the sun isn't so hot any more. I also think that I am more ready for fall this year, because we didn't have much a summer. (This summer is bi-polar.) Fall also brings on the Notre Dame football season. For me, its not so much if they win or lose, but its the football parties, and hanging out with friends.



The weeks have flown by in school, and I can't believe we are going into our 6th week. I have a pretty great class. I couldn't ask for a better support team at school with some of the other first grade teachers. Some days I am just over-whelmed with how much I need to fit into our days. I often feel behind in something that were doing, and never would have imagined the work that goes into a classroom. There is always something. When the bell rings, and the kids leave, I often find myself sitting at my desk for 10 minutes. Thats because I never sit during the day! I just wish we had 1 more hour in the day so that I could feel more organized and prepared. I know that this is my first full year of teaching, and I am honestly doing the best I can to teach these little minds. But I want to be the best, and set my goals high as a teacher. So needless to say, I spend a lot of hours at school getting ready for the day. Let me just tell ya, when you see their faces in the morning and they are excited to see you, you know its going to be a good day.

Movin' On Up

Well, after several weeks of prepping my classroom with the most awesome help possible, its done! When I first walked into my room, I realized I had more on my plate than I had thought. I had quite a few things to haul out, before hauling my stuff in. So my mom helped me clean out the cabinets and wipe down the shelves. But we only made a dent in the heaps of my stuff. But it was a good start! The next day Aunt Marti came in and we dove in head first into my library, which looked like an F-5 hit it. Liz came in a few times as well to help me out in any way possible. Thank goodness for the help of my family or else I probably just would have packed a pillow and a sleeping bag and camped out in my room for a week. I just do not have a clue how I could thank them enough or repay them for all of their help and support. They are AWESOME!

So tomorrow is the day that I have planned for all summer. It's the first day of school! I am extremely excited, yet scared. I am very nervous, but a good nervous. I just keep telling myself, its sink or swim baby. With all of the hard work put into my room, I feel confident that my students are going to be able to learn in the best possible environment. I am sure that my room will grow over this school year, and I cant wait to decorate it with students work. Thats the best kind of art work. (I swear! ) Well, I will keep updating everyone on how school is going, and how I am surviving surrounded my first graders. ;)

Finally I can see my office floor :)

Day 1: Bulletin Boards finally are up

Such a mess!

My reading center.

Getting Back into the Swing of Things...

Recently, Phil has been urging me to start back up on my golf game. I played in high school and a year or two in college. I really love the game, and haven't played these past couple of summers. What it comes down to is the fact that my dad and I would play together a lot. He would come to my matches, walk with me, give me ideas or tips, and keep me calm as needed. (Which was pretty frequent). So I really haven't had anyone to go out and golf with. I played with my grandpa a few times. And my uncle..well hes just really good at the game, and me..eh not so much anymore.

Anways, Phil went out and played 18 holes with Alex last week. Phil and him came back with some funny stories and they both seemed to have a great time. So I decided that I was going to clean my clubs and try the game again. So we did. Phil and I headed out to Studebaker for 9 holes. Okay, so I played 4 balls of the first tee to actually get a decent shot down the fairway. Phil kept reminding me that this was my first time out in a few years, and not to become frustrated.

Hes so funny because, hes out there just to have fun and he's so relaxed. Me on the other hand, well..we will leave it at that. (Im just a little bit more competitive.)

It was a good time. Thank goodness for Phil and hes patience. I think I have found my golfing buddy from here on out. I also believe that I have found someone that can handle playing with me and still get me to laugh. So of course, thanks to my addiction to ebay, I bought a new golf bag, and some new Nike shoes. They are fabulous.I know that golfing will never be the same with out dad, nor do I ever want it to be. I like to keep that bond we shared to ourselves. The moments we shared out on the greens are where they should stay. But I am looking forward to making some new ones with Phil. Its going to be a whole new ball game, and I think I am starting to become okay with that.

My new bag...its pink! and thank goodness it only weighs 4 pounds!

Opposites

Over the past 2 months, it has been very nice to have some time off from teaching.

.......However, I am so ready to get back in the classroom, get my room ready for 1st grade, and rearrange things! I was so pumped when I saw school supplies out in the stores! C'mon I need to set up my tepee in my reading center! And organize all my centers and decorate! This to me is better than Christmas and my birthday! :D

On the other hand, my husband, is not. Dont get me wrong, he really loves teaching, but on a different level than I do. I think he just doesn't want his summer days to end. I think he just wants to enjoy summer a little longer before heading back to school.

These couple of months have been really crazy on our relationship. I found out that it has been pretty tough having the same exact schedule as your spouse. As for me, I enjoy my "me" time, my independence, an on-the-go daily schedule, and keeping busy with random ideas and crafty things. I love to clean and organize. I am always finding myself picking up or rearranging something. I have started 2 scrap books this summer. (1 of Phil and I/family and friends, and another one of our wedding) I have also been working on gathering things for my classroom, and trying to organize my ideas for the year. See..Im tellin ya, I just like to keep busy.

However, my lovely husband, and trust me I love him to death, but well......he's just the opposite. He spends most of his time watching TV...(which ugh..I can not see how people waste their time watching so much TV.) Is my husband the only one that still watches cartoons on a daily basis? :/ He's been hooked on playing Punch Out, and playing his PSP. Now I do understand that it is summer after all, but goodness can a girl get a little help now and then? Phil does help when I ask him to, and does little things here and there. But I swear there are some days where I just want him to pick up or do something with out me asking! I have to be honest, he has gotten a little bit better. (But still room for improvement!) I am not asking for him to sweep, clean the bathroom, dust everyday, or even fold every load of laundary. But its the little things that help out over all.

I just can not wait for us to get back to school, so we have some time apart from each other. That way, at the end of the day we have something to talk about. And not already know what each other has done all day. Thank goodness Myrtle Beach is only 4 days away!

So bottom line:

I just want to know if I am the only wife out there who feels this frustration? haha :)

Phil engrossed in a WVU football DVD.

Miss the Dress

Does anyone else miss their wedding day like I do?

Does anyone else want to wear their wedding dress, like at least once a week?

Does anyone else wear their tiara when they clean?

Ok, so I am guilty of all 3.

I just wish I could have another wedding day. I just had so much fun. It was the best, because all of my family and girlfriends were there. We danced, laughed really hard, got some men to take off their shirts, and oh yea, had my brother borrow/take a golf cart for us. (What an awesome brother he is!)

I guess maybe I am reminiscing because I am doing a scrap book on the wedding. And seeing all of the pictures are bringing back some really fun memories. (Ive learned to just block out the ugly ones)

So I am not sure if I am the only one who has crazy thoughts like this. But I would surely love to plan a party where we just wear our wedding dresses again, and drink a lot of cocktails and share our stories! :)

P.S.

I think its really time for me to find a daily hobby. I have too much time on my hands not being in school :/

Addicted to BP

I just wanted to share one of my new favorite CD's. I really can not remember the last time I had bought one. However, if it is an artist that I really like, and want to support, I buy their CD. Well Phil and I have always been huge Brad Paisley fans. And his latest CD, American Saturday Night, is really amazing. The lyrics are awesome, and most of them true :) I was reading an article, and Brad had stated how this was one of his most emotional and personal albums. Some of my favs, are She's Her Own Woman, Anything Like Me, Then, and The Pants. I encourage you to check it out! Its totally worth it :)

I will leave you with a quote from "The Pants"

"Well buddy, you need to know,

that aint how it works.

Its not who wears the pants, its who wears the skirt"