Galveston, oh, Galveston...

A pic from the front of the hotel.


So one of my dear teaching friends, was asked to attend a conference in Galveston for an ESL class for adults that she teaches...everything was being paid for(um, reimbursed to her)....however, she thought it would be a nice get away for myself and another teacher friend. I say teacher friends because if I didn't teach with them, I am not sure we would have ever met any other way. We are all very different, well, I would say that I am very different. They both are very quiet and passive and don't tend to draw a lot of attention to themselves....yeah, well we all know that is not me. They are wonderful examples of Christians and I am so thankful for that. I truly learned more about the bible this past week. I always joke to them that the only thing I bring to our friendship is laughter and cussing, two of my favorite things. And I am pretty sure cussing isn't going to get me a ticket on the first row of heaven. Ha ha! I love these two girls a lot and so thankful we got to spend a couple of days together learning about our lives, love and the Lord, and of course poor Terraysa had to sit in on workshops while Katie and I relaxed by the pool and burned to a crisp!!

Katie and I before we started sweating and before the red appeared. This pool was amazing, and I guess since most people were there for the beach, it wasn't crowded at all.



I have only been to Galveston one other time, which just happened to be last summer as well. I went as a kid, but honestly don't think trips that happened before you were 10 really count because all I remember about that trip was I was in a wedding, and I am pretty sure I remember that mostly from pictures. I digress...we stayed at the fabulous Tremont House Hotel downtown Galveston, close to the strand, one street over to be exact. It was very swanky and I used that adjective the entire time I was there. I am going to admit right now that when I go out of town, swanky is not the word I use to describe the Best Western or Holiday Inn Express I usually stay in...I am there for a shower and somewhere to rest. I will say that I would recommend this hotel to anybody who plans on going there anytime soon. Valet? What's that....ha! Of course it was nice to have people so graciously wait on you, but when I went stammering around looking for a vending machine for my crack, I meant Diet Dr Pepper addiction, let's just say those would make this hotel look like a roach motel. I paid $2.98 for a 20oz bottle of DDP!!! It was worth it. They had a fabulous roof top bar on that over looked the harbor and I am kicking myself right now for not taking any pics while we were up there. It was a super great get away. Yes, I missed my kids and my dear husband too, but to be honest the beds were super comfy and we slept in and read and went to the pool and ate....and repeated the next 2 days! I felt refreshed and was, am still a nice shade of hot pink!!!



A picture of us girls...you can tell us two who laid out by the pool for 2 days!!!



It was a great time and I was glad to share a trip with those 2 gals! I have already started planning a trip in my head to Austin. They have both been, and Katie used to live near Luling, but there were some places I mentioned she had never been. Imagine most of them have to do with eating somewhere...hello, Chuy's!!

This summer has been hot and my poor kids never get to go outside that much, but the other day at mom's it wasn't too bad, so we filled the cheap pool up and let them play. Garrison was in the nude, so I will keep those pics to myself. That's all I need is someone thinking I am trying to exploit my children. I am sure someone will gasp in awe that my children are drinking a diet coke anyway...I know it looks bad, and rednecky in all kinds of ways, but they don't drink any unless it's from my can...I can see the desire in Zadie's eyes though...she's going to be addicted to some DDP one of these days!!! And I know Garrison really needs a haircut, but really, how much longer am I going to be allowed to let him have long hair?! It's so cute and curly and it makes him still a baby in my mind. He still wears diapers! HA! I am sure before school starts we'll take him...he screams bloody murder though, it's awful! Maybe I will get Alex to take him!!




Speaking of school, it's less than a month away that we go back. I am always ready when it finally starts, but always a little nervous too! I have already bought some things for my classroom and now just have to go up there and work on it. I have already looked at our schedule to see when breaks are...is that bad?! I am lucky to teach though, I think. Where else can you shape minds, lead students to new adventures and have your own stand up act every day?! I always think I am funny with my 4th graders, but sometimes I end up being the only one laughing. Again, one of my most fun things to do...LAUGH!

baby thoughts....

Zadie at about 3 months (cute huh?)

We, (Alex and I) have discussed having baby number 3 for quite some time...it's really a decision I wanted us to both agree on. Many people have asked me why I would want another one...there's the usual, "you have one of each" or "you have 2 hands, 2 is good" and of course, "you'll be outnumbered". Well, what if that was the point?? To be outnumbered...to have one more than the adults to make it even crazier than it already is. Don't get my wrong...sometimes I think, why should I mess up a good thing. I do have one of each and they are both growing, smart, healthy kiddos who play really well with one another. I had easy pregnancies. I always felt good and worked right up until I had them both. I am also not getting any younger...unfortunately, that is a negative when trying to have babies...35 is "the" age, so to say that the doctors start monitoring you more, etc...and, I hate to say it out loud, but I am, um, er, 34. Yuck, that tasted horrible...I don't feel that old at all. I think having kids later is going to keep me young...that's one of my many hopes anyway.

So, I went to the doctor and had some blood work done and everything came back normal. Normal I am not though...have always had irregular cycles and although it wasn't hard for me to get pregnant, I kind of had to have a little push with Zadie. And, Garrison was the best shock I ever had in the doctor's office. I don't think I will ever forget that day!! I laughed at the nurse when she told me it came back positive...people who don't have periods aren't supposed to get pregnant...yeah, well tell that to my little blue-eyed boy! I wouldn't trade him for the world!

That being all said and my laundry out in the open, I am, excuse me, we are (can't really do it without help) trying to have baby number 3. Call me crazy or stupid, or anything else you want to call me...but hopefully, in a couple of months, you will call me preggers!


Garrison at about a week old...sweet babies don't ya think?!

H-town, Eclipse and Zadie's 1st sleepover

Okay, I had some problems trying to upload some pics, so I deleted and started again...not all that happy about that...oh well....computers, right?

Well, I know you have all missed me out there in blog land...I have received many comments about my great writing and when it was going to resume...well, here you go...that's a joke, by the way...

The kids and I had a great time visiting with friends in the Houston area. I always love going to see them. This is our 2nd year to do it...4 nights away from your own bed really is long enough, unless maybe you were on some remote tropical island somewhere, but I wasn't! I am very grateful for the accommodations I had, but sleeping with a very unruly 4 year old is not my idea of vacation or luxury. But, again, I was here to see my dear friends who I don't get to see near enough. Not to mention our kids had the best time playing with one another. Leslie did say if I have a baby number 3 next spring/summer she will come to our house....and then she will be subjected to sharing a bed, I am sure with one of her kids as well.

Leslie is my roommate from college. Her husband also went to college with us, so I feel like he is one of my dear friends as well. We had fun watching our kids run around in their ginormous backyard. And we lucked out that Hurricane Alex was brewing, so it kept the usually hot temps cooler. Our adventures consisted of a quick trip to IKEA, which was great...we only had to take 3 of the 5 kids, and 2 of those got to stay in the kid area. Garrison, had to go with us...but, as always he was a trooper. I have to say, IKEA is great for smaller areas and I would have totally shopped there in college ff there had been one close by. But I don't think the one in Round Rock was built until after I left Austin. We were also brave and took the kids to Fuddrucker's...which was nice because while our kids played in the arcade area, where we also sat trying to contain them, we at least got to drink a beer with our burger. It was a small slice of heaven. For a moment, I almost didn't hear my children screaming and begging me for another quarter!!



We had a great time and it was great to sit around and catch up on gossip and what we have been doing. I will see her again in December....on our girls trip to San Marcos!! I can't wait! Thanks again for the hospitality...Zadie keeps asking when we are going back to visit our cousins, which is funny because she knows they are just our friends. Funny how kids know who they would rather have in their family...if only it were that easy!! Thanks for turning me on to Muscato...have bought 2 bottles since I have been back. It's super yummy!

We also spent time with my friend Kele and her family. We worked together at Elliott's and quickly became friends. She has 3 kiddos and one on the way. It was fun to spend time with her. I think I did a lot more eating there than anything. It was great fun. Her kids are so cute and played well with mine. They all laid on a pallet and watched The Polar Express Thanks sweet friend for having us. I have made the dip twice now...it's a definite hit!




Eclipse, it was great! I have read the books, so seeing the movie to me is just a bonus! It was great and I was pleased. I really loved Jasper in this movie. I remember his story from the book, but never pictured him with that great Texas accent. Well, he did it for me! I love some vampires!!


Zadie went to her friend Leah's last night for a sleepover. I have to admit, I was a little worried and sad that this is a part of her growing up. However, other than our next door neighbors, I never remember spending the night with anyone until I was in school. Zadie and Leah go to school (pre-school) together and also took dance together this last spring. I know Amy, her mom through another friend of ours, but had Amy's mom as a teacher in high school. These 2 girls had a great time and according to Amy, Zadie was on her best behavior and wasn't even scared or sad. She didn't even ask to call me before she went to bed....a little heartbreaking I might admit. She is her mother's child and is very independent and for that I am proud. I have to admit I am a little glad about my parenting skills that she acted so well....I must be doing something right. I think your kids always act better at someone else's house, especially when you are not around. Thanks again Amy and Leah, it's our turn next time!