Mother's Day 2014

I am not spending this Mother's Day with my mom, but I wish I was. Instead I have spent hours stuffing 47 goody bags for my students. I broke a sweat more than once getting it all finished. Now I have to figure out the best way to get them all to school and up the stairs to my classroom. And they aren't light -- I really stuffed those suckers!!

For future reference: I used white paper lunch sacks and had my students decorate them. Most of them created acrostic poems using their first names on the front and then drew/colored the rest however they liked. Each student is getting Cheetos, pretzels, a kool-aid drink pouch, a granola bar, 2-3 pieces of candy, 1-2 pencils with an eraser, 1-2 bouncy balls, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, stickers, a glow bracelet, tattoos, a toothbrush, and travel size toothpaste. They all got additional random prizes that I've accumulated over the last two years and wanted to get rid of. Every bag also has that student's sticker book (my reward system for the year) and a summer speech/language program to use for practice over the break. One student even has some flashcards stuck in there. I sealed them shut with printed labels telling them to have a fantastic summer and that I've enjoyed spending time with them this year. I love them, love how they turned out, and hope my students and their parents love them as well. And to think, it all started with one student declaring that he did not have a toothbrush at home.

And now for some Mother's Day business:

This is the only place you will find this. I won't post it on FB or Instagram or anywhere else. But here, on my very own personal blog, I will post it. Everyone thinks their mom is the best and I'm not going to try to prove that mine is better than anyone else's, but Mom, you are the perfect mother to me. Your voice echoes in my head often with bits of advice or wisdom that carry me through my days. The list of inside jokes and movie quotes that have embedded themselves in our vernacular is unending and updated often. It is the language of our family and something I cherish. Interacting with others was never my forte (and still isn't, truly), but you taught me how and when I need some extra courage to say/do what I need to, I channel my inner you. You are the first person I want to share everything with (which drive Brian crazy) and you always always say exactly what I want/need to hear. You cheer every success and build me back up after every failure. You have welcomed me on many summer vacations -- including one in a couple months -- and have opened your house to me whenever necessary (aka whenever Brian deploys). We share a love for Parenthood and Friday Night Lights, our favorite Friday nights are spent at Shotwell Stadium watching Cooper play football, and we generally hate most people. We love love love cats (see above picture for proof) and can usually find a soft spot for dogs, too. I burn while you tan and I have Dad's blue eyes instead of yours, but I think I have your hair and I know I have your love for books (have you seen my bookcase lately -- geez!). Just, ya know, thanks for everything...for being you...for being MY mom. I'm glad I'm yours cause I wouldn't be me if it had been anyone else (obviously). See you soon! :)

Technical Difficulties

We got this new computer to make blogging and other computer activities more convenient, but ever since we got it set up, it's had internet connectivity issues. It's a long boring story and it's still not resolved, but the internet guy is coming Tuesday morning so maybe I'll be more reliably connected after that. It's so frustrating not being able to blog when I want to!

We spent last weekend in our hometown which is always a nice treat. We didn't go for any particular reason and didn't have an agenda. We got our moms early Mother's Day gifts and ate so much delicious food. I hit the gym with my mom both mornings and did a little shopping. It was fun. I was ready for this weekend at home after two weekends away, though! I already cleaned my bathroom and paid bills. Now I am procrastinating on doing a much needed closet purge.

I'm in the middle of a big self-imposed work project. One comment from one student prompted the whole thing. A couple weeks ago I found out that one of my students does not have a toothbrush, but would use one if he had one. That's when my heart shattered for this little boy. It seemed such a simple thing. The irony is that I had a meeting with his mother not a week before where she reported that they had cable and an xbox (all told to me while her cell phone kept going off). There is money for cable television, but not a toothbrush?! Of course.

I marinated on what he told me for a few days. Then I put the word out on FB that I wanted to give all of my students a toothbrush in a goodie bag at the end of the year. That prompted an exchange with my hometown dentist which snowballed into a pile of stuff in my living room. The toothbrushes and toothpaste were donated by my awesome dentist. The rest -- snacks, toys, pencils, stickers, bubbles, chalk -- was purchased by me. The paper goodie bags were snagged from the work room at my school. So, over the next week I will put together about 50 bags full of some really good stuff. They're all even getting a summer speech program to work on at home for some extra practice before next year. It's been a labor of love and I still have a lot to do, but I feel good about it. Maybe one kid will be able to brush his teeth who couldn't before. That's worth it, right? Plus, I can't help but love these crazy kids that I've worked with all year!

TBT: Disney World -- January 2007

Before I went to WDW this past Christmas, I hadn't been since this family trip in 2007. We went partly to visit the parks and mostly for Dad to run the WDW Marathon. I have quite a few pictures from this trip, but I only chose three for this post.

Mom, is that a fanny pack?

My brother and me with our grandparents. Things to note: Keith has hair and mine is blonde. My how things have changed!

This is the most perfect picture of my grandmother there ever was or ever will be.

We're making a weekend trip down to visit our families this weekend. I'll be back next week!

((Only four more weeks of work!))

I've Been On Vacation!

Last summer I went to New York with my parents. This summer I went with Brian. (We met my parents up there, though!)

On June 6th at midnight, we got in the car and drove from Fort Sill to DFW. We dropped the car off at a parking place and hopped on the shuttle to the airport. We waited around for security to open at 4AM and camped out at our gate. We got Starbucks (thanks to a giftcard from my in-laws) and read our books. Our flight took off at 6:45. Next stop: Newark, NJ.

DFW to EWR.

How I spent the flight (when I wasn't trying to sleep).

How Brian spent the flight (he's better at flying than I am!).

We had an hour-ish layover in Newark. Our flight was delayed about 30 minutes, but we didn't mind. Next stop: Burlington, VT.

I can't say no to Crumbs cupcakes in the airport!

My view from the plane.

The flight was only an hour. I was a disaster by the time we landed, though. The plane we took to Burlington was loud. What was nice white noise to Brian was like nails on a chalkboard to me. I definitely had to talk myself through that flight and will think twice about doing it again in the future.

My first view of Lake Champlain on the ferry from Vermont to New York.

After settling in at my parents' house, we ventured out for dinner.

Gotta get a Michigan at Gus'!

After dinner, my dad and Brian headed out to see a man about a canoe. Then they came home and immediately made sure she was seaworthy.

They're canoe-ers! They canoe! (Don't ask...)

The next day:

Standing where our base house used to stand. That tree was in the yard.

Soft serve with sprinkles! (Yes, I needed that scarf.)

Friday, June 8th, we ventured to Ausable Chasm. We got in for free (including a raft ride) because we know people in high places! Or...the daughter of my parents' property managers (that sounds fancier than it is) works there and hooked us up.

Elephant Head.

The Ausable River looking toward the dam (I think).

In the raft! Tony was our guide. He was funny and informative.

The boys in the big dry chasm.

Mom with the ferns. So green!

At some point the boys began demolition of the old shed. It was falling down and rotting. It took all four of us a few hours to clean it out. The previous owners saved all kinds of weird things.

Brian removing the cedar siding.

The dangers of carpenter ants.

We liked it better without the siding. Too bad it was totally unsafe and unsalvageable.

Brian had fun swinging the sledgehammer.

After an afternoon of rain we were rewarded with a gorgeous rainbow. It was crazy intense and stuck around for a looong time.

If you look closely, you can see another really faint rainbow to the left of the bright one.

One night we left the shades up in the living room after the sun went down. I glanced up and noticed a big giant bug on the window (attracted to our light, no doubt). It was the biggest and weirdest "butterfly" I had ever seen. This picture doesn't do it justice. It's antennae looked like leaves. So creepy!

We spent the majority of two day scraping (that's how we found carpenter ants in the house - yikes!) and painting the windows. We didn't even finish it all. The sides will need to be done next summer.

Brian hard at work.

Sometimes I would stop and look out at the lake and wonder how I got so lucky to be able to spend almost a week looking at this view and spending time with my favorite people.

I mean, really, how gorgeous is this??

My favorite reading spot.

Mom and me in the living room.

Mom took this. She said I looked like Mona Lisa. Hmm.

The morning we left. Please note the shutters and fresh paint. Looking spiffy!

Til next time, Lake Champlain!

On June 12th, we made the trek down to "the rock" aka Staten Island, NY. We fought rain and horrendous traffic, but arrived with plenty of time to spare before my cousin Kevin's Eagle Scout ceremony. My entire family (on my mom's side) somehow managed to come together for this event. Keith (my brother) was the only one not there. He was off having a European adventure instead! Kevin's ceremony was wonderful. I almost cried listening to everyone speak about what a wonderful young man he has become. I was just so dang proud of him!

The next day we had no real plans or places to be. We took a final walk through my great-grandmother's house. Remember she passed away in February 2011. Her house was finally sold and this was our last chance to see it and claim any items we wanted. I snagged a Lenox pitcher and little swan plus six crystal wine glasses (I managed to lose my cheap wine glasses in our move). After that we went to South Beach on Staten Island for a walk. We walked to the Verrazano Bridge past Fort Wadsworth and back. Then we walked along the boardwalk and I put my feet in the salt water.

Mom and me before walking out to the water.

That is a condom on the ground. Thank you to Brian for capturing it and my laugh. Keeping it classy, Staten Island!

After walking around we ate New York pizza at Denino's and walked across the street for some Ralph's Ices (omigod so good!). On June 14th we (me, Brian, Uncle John, Matthew, Mom, Dad, Nanny, and  Grandpa) went to the diner for breakfast. I had the worst french toast ever. It was really a crappy little diner, but my grandparents go there almost everyday and they were treating so there we went! My cousin Ryan's high school graduation was that evening. To kill a couple hours before then we took the Staten Island Ferry to Manhattan, walked around a bit, and then went back.

In Battery Park.

I watched him propose to her. She said yes.

Funny story about those two up there... The guy came over to my uncle and asked him to take their picture. My uncle is usually super accommodating and friendly, but this time he kinda freaked out and wanted someone else to do it. My parents quickly volunteered my photography skills (cause I'm so good, y'all - ha!). Only then did my uncle whisper to me that the guys whose camera I had was going to propose and it was now my job to capture it. So I take a picture and the guy said, "ok, one more." That's when he got down on one knee. I have no idea what he said, but I just kept snapping. I heard her say yes and they hugged and kissed. I captured it all. It was one of the coolest things and I was so happy to be a part of it. I had to sneak that picture of them on my phone so I'd have a record of it.

After a quick change and an hour-long drive, we arrived at my aunt/uncle's house in New Jersey.

My cousin, Ryan (the graduate), is freakishly tall. Also: that plant in the background? It's mine from a science experiment in 5th grade. It's 16 years old.

Me with my cousin Alex. Love him to pieces.

I have no good pictures from the graduation and no pictures with any of my aunts, uncles, or other cousins. I know some are floating out there with various family members and maybe I'll eventually see them. It was quite the whirlwind trip. I am beyond glad that Brian was able to come with me and that we could attend two big ceremonies for my beloved cousins. I remember when they were babies. I cannot believe they're all so old (which means I'm old!).

The morning after Ryan's graduation, Mom and Dad dropped Brian and me off at Newark Liberty Airport for our flight home. Our flight was delayed taking off thanks to a water leak in one of the bathrooms, but we landed on time. They actually showed a movie on the flight - for free! (Journey 2: The Mysterious Island) The movie totally made the flight for me. I had something to focus on so I wouldn't freak out as much. Once back in DFW we caught our shuttle back to the parking place. The shuttle was full of super happy people returning from tropical beach vacations. They were annoying. I was tired. Our car was still there in one piece and we quickly paid and hit the road. Traffic was terrible getting out of the DFW area, but was smooth sailing after that. We stopped for gas and Popeye's and made it home at 7PM.

Brian returns to work on Wednesday and I need to get on the fitness/dieting band wagon. Back to real life.

Looking Back: 2011

((This is an amazingly picture-heavy post. Just FYI. I took a lot of photos this year apparently...))

JANUARY

I got new boots for the new year...

I hung out with my favorite little man (and his mother!).

I went on a Diana Gabaldon bender for a few months, too.

FEBRUARY

It snowed....a lot!

We took a few long walks in the snow/ice over the 4 days we were snowed in.

I started observing at my old high school.

My parents and I flew to NYC to attend my great-grandmother's funeral.

The famous castle house (it's a family thing).

Playing Monopoly Junior with two of my cousins at my grandparents' house.

What do ya know - it snowed there, too!

I hung out with my brother (and the rest of my family) at three wakes.

The funeral home before the funeral (it was SO cold!).

Almost my whole extended family on my mom's side.

We were able to spend a day in Manhattan with Keith.

Obligatory subway station picture...

My favorite picture I have ever taken. Lady Liberty sure is pretty.

...and the plane ride back (we were the first row of coach).

We got back to TX to find my dad's truck had been broken into - fun fun! (not.)

MARCH

I continued to observe at my alma mater.

I said goodbye to my explorer (after 8 years) and fell in love with my new Fusion.

I hopped on another plane headed for NYC to see my beloved brother.

I ate the best pizza in the world.

I lounged on a pier on a 75 degree day.

Lincoln Center.

Battery Park.

Radio City.

I sent Brian a fun Easter care package.

I enjoyed a (very) windy zoo day with my bff and favorite little boy.

APRIL

Baseball came back!!

I discovered the local frozen yogurt shop - yummmm!

I took a quick trip to Austin (because my in-laws were in a serious motorcycle accident).

It was really hot and humid, but downtown Austin is pretty darn beautiful.

MAY

More baseball. :)

Brian was finally home for R&R!!

We went to the zoo.

We saw a dolphin show at the Texas State Aquarium.

And took a self-portrait overlooking the water.

We stayed in a fab condo on the beach.

And then I had to say goodbye. :(

JUNE

I washed/folded allll of Brian's clothes from R&R.

I perused the sports hall of fame downtown.

I bought super fun birthday presents for a certain 3-year-old I know.

The Dallas Mavericks became NBA Champs.

Mom and I sweated our butts off watching 7-on-7 football.

I took Dad to see Jeff Dunham as a birthday gift (hilarious!).

JULY

July was the month of our epic family vacation. First non-Texas state: Arkansas!

This was a really cool arch on a small country road marking the Arkansas/Missouri state line.

Street art in downtown Louisville.

The Louisville Slugger Museum!!

All the way to Pennsylvania, baby! (Almost finished driving.)

I went on a Wicked date with my brother (super awesome).

Coooouuussins!

We returned to the place of my (and my brother's) birth and where my parents met. We also devoured Michigans at Gus'. Yummm!

We hiked through Ausable Chasm.

We visited Rulf's Orchard.

We stood where one of our houses used to stand.

We drove up White Face Mountain.

And then hiked to the peak.

I had the best adult beverage ever!

This is a Michigan.

I cautiously put my feet in the cold lake water.

The view from our rental house.

Our last morning there.

We had to swing by the Basesball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY (on induction weekend)!

We took pictures outside of every hotel where we stayed.

We stayed at my mom's college roommate's house on the Potomac River. Gorgeous.

We toured the Jack Daniels Distillery (and purchased our fair share of whiskey).

Finally we made it home and I spotted the new football slogan for my old high school.

AUGUST

It rained! (It required dancing in it, obviously.)

I dog-sat for Happy...

Sparky...

and Lucky.

I received this pretty package for my birthday from Brian.

It rained some more (you know you're in a drought when every time it rains you take pictures and/or dance in it).

I turned 26.

On the last day of the month, I quickly drove to LA and signed the lease on our new place.

SEPTEMBER

High school football started!

Belated birthday flowers from Brian.

Mom made me.

A rainy football game with Mom.

This little darling wandered into my life...

...and stuck around.

I baked Mom a special cake for her birthday (she totally turned 29).

OCTOBER

My parents helped me empty our storage unit and move into our place in LA.

We ate at the local steakhouse.

We went to more football games.

We had one last BBQ meal before I headed back to LA to wait for Brian's return.

I attempted to put our humble abode together.

And finally: the welcome home ceremony!

He was finally home, in our place, and didn't have to be anywhere for 4 whole days!

NOVEMBER

Veteran's Day in our hometown.

Dallas trip with my in-laws (that's a jug of beer).

Medieval Times!

That's our knight. He didn't win. :(

We went to a big ICE exhibit (yes, that's ice).

Keith came home for Thanksgiving!!

We jog/walked a 5K on Thanksgiving morning.

Then we got dressed up for Thanksgiving lunch at the in-laws'.

DECEMBER

We got back to LA and I decorated for Christmas as best I could.

I love Christmas decorations!

I also LOVE this tinsel wreath I scored for half-off.

I attended Brian's official redeployment ceremony.

Brian's in there somewhere.

Afterward I babysat this little guy. We watched the Christmas parade together! 

I'm not sure what we are doing here...but we're back at home for Christmas!

Scarlett invaded my mom's snow village.

We ate Christmas Eve Eve dinner at Dairy Queen.

And we talked to Keith on Skype on Christmas morning.

I have high expectations for 2012 and can't wait to see where life takes me (and us)!