A little late...but Happy Birthday

I was hoping I would actually get this posted on their actual birthdays, but that didn't happen!!!  We all know my organizational skills are on the low side.  One day I might be a grown up and become organized, but I don't see it happening anytime soon!!

My first born, Zadie Paige Harper turned 5 on March 7th.  I still can't believe my girl will be in kindergarten next year.  I am soooo not ready for that!  I could have sworn I was just pregnant with her the other day...thank goodness I am not.  She was not really wanting to come into the world anyway.  I was scheduled for an induction on March 6th.  We get to the hospital bright and early....still dilated to a 1!!  Ugh!  I had things poked and prodded in me like I was a cow.  Finally at about 4 the doc said I could get some real food and then we could start the pitcocin later...sounded great to me, I was starving!  The pitocin didn't touch that girl....she was still cooking!  Next morning doc comes in and breaks my water and all hell breaks lose!  I was in pain and wanted to die....the epidural almost didn't take and then when it did, I couldn't feel anything!  Finally, after about 2 and half hours of pushing, the little child decided it was time!!   7 pounds 6 ounces...not much for all that pushing I had to do!!!  To say the least...she's been a little stubborn ever since!

Zadie is full of drama in the girl sense of the way.  She has such a big heart and wants to help (most of the time). She is so smart, and imaginative.  I really have no idea where it comes from.  She has always been able to entertain herself and loves to entertain others.  She makes up songs, and dances to them in her own way.  She dresses herself a lot like Punky Brewster on some days.  She's a daddy's girl and he's a little soft on her as well.  She loves jewelry and being a girl.  She is a wonderful big sister and Garrison adores her (when she's not bossing him around).  I love her to pieces and although we have some pretty dramatic fits, I wouldn't have it any other way!

My computer is acting up and I can't find any newborn pics of Zadie, so I am going to post 3 months....also, haven't uploaded her bday pics from my camera (it got left at my mom's)...so here goes what I have!

Zadie at 3 months...mother's day weekend

1st bday party at my mom's

2nd bday party at house (2 days later brother arrived)

3rd bday party...didn't like being sung to

4th bday party...much happier

not quite 5 yet...but almost!

Now, just 2 days later in 2008, Garrison was born.  He wasn't due until the 17th, but we had already scheduled my induction for the 13th.  Well, Sunday morning, the 9th on time change day no less, I went into labor on my own.  My dear husband didn't believe me and kept saying he's not coming until the 13th.  I believe I used a few choice words and told him to get in the car and drive my fat butt to the hospital.  Sure enough, when we got there, I was dilated to a 5!!!  Had him about 3 hours after we arrived....all 8 pounds and 4 ounces of him!  He was a breeze to deliver compared to sister!

Garrison is sweet, and super laid back.  I don't know if it's because he's the 2nd one, or that's just the way he is. He is a snuggler and will sleep in (thank goodness).  He's a thumb sucker and is attached to his "bankie" (blankie).  I tend to baby him since he's my baby, but he's fine.  He talks all the time and I am pretty sure that's because sister talks all the time and he has to keep up.  He loves Zadie and usually calls her "Sister" and not Zadie, unless he's really trying to get her attention.  He LOVES to be outside and would stay out there if we let him.  He tends to be more of a momma's boy, but loves hanging out with Daddy and PaPa.  Especially when they go to Pa's house and check the cows.  He has a great vocabulary and is just sweet as pie.  He throws a few good fits of his own.  We are still working on the potty training, and I am losing!  I still can't beleive my baby boy is 3!!

Garrison Alex Harper 3.9.08

G Man's 1st bday

2nd bday at McDonald's

not quite 3, but close enough!

I will hopefully get birthday party pictures loaded this week as well since I am freeloading it during spring break!!  Well, I actually cleaned my car out today too.  I plan on running it through the car wash later as it looks like crap.  With the dirt, pollen, and the Bradford pear tree's blossoms all over it, it looks a little sad.  Why oh why did I eve buy a black car??  Because they are cool, right?!

I love Spring Break!  My kids have been playing well and it gives me a chance to catch up on things, like reading, visiting with old friends, and getting my hair did!  Oh yes, I swear turning 35 has been hell on my hair!!  I mean the gray is outta control!!  Thanks mom, appreciate that gene!  My teaching partner even pointed it out the other day....ugh!  I used to could stretch the time out to about 8-19 weeks when I saw my wonderful hair dresser...but it's looking like I am going to have to every 6 weeks.  Staying looking this good ain't cheap!!  lol!

I think the Easter candy I bought for the kids birthday party is calling my name.  I can't let those Reese's peanut butter eggs sit too long by themselves...they tend to get lonely!

Spring cleaning....

Ugh! The word clean merely puts me in a bad mood!!  I wish I could be one of those people who care about dust bunnies taking over their house.  I usually invite them in to stay awhile, feed them, sometimes store them in an out of the way place....and then they attack like the bubonic plague!!  So, my husband is enjoying this afternoon playing golf, kids are at my mom's and I am cleaning (um, blogging).  I have done some cleaning...and most importantly took down a fall decoration that was still outside. (And a snowman).  I took down the Valentine's flag/decor outside and put a bright sunny one up!! Yay!  Now, this is Texas, so I know it's still too early to be putting away my winter coat, or comfy hooded sweatshirts just yet, but this does inspire me to sweep the dust bunnies out!

My mom and I went to Rockwall and shopped sans children.  I can't remember when it was just she and I. It was glorious.  We shopped until we almost dropped.  Thank goodness mom's car has heated seats...nothing feels better than the feeling of a heating pad in the car!  We bought the kids some cute new spring outfits at Kohl's.  Who doesn't love that place??  Not to mention we earned $40 in Kohl's cash!!  Woo hoo!

I went to Austin 2 weeks ago for a conference and had a great time.  I got to really know some of my co-workers and got to spend some time with my cousin Tabitha again.  Unfortunately the weather was cold there, so my idea of patio time went out of the window.  We did hit up some cute little shops on Congress and ate at Trudy's!!!  Queso and Mexican Martini's from anywhere else is a total let down!!

Speaking of Austin, the dreaded TAKS test is only a week away!!  I will be so glad when March 1st has come and gone!!  Lord knows my 4th graders will be too!!

Then the following week my babies will be celebrating their bdays!!!  Zadie will be the big "5"!!!  I can't believe she will be starting kindergarten next year.  I can't imagine my life without that girl.  She is all girl and all drama.  Her teacher informed the other day that she was a bit of control freak (in a good way.)  Some days she wears me out, and then others she's as sweet as pie to everyone.

Here is that sweet girl at about 7 months!!

And here she is this past fall...being silly!

Garrison will be 3.  I still treat him like a baby...because he is.  He cries for his "blankie."  My husband says that's his problem.  Whatever!!  He still isn't potty trained and I don't care.  We'll work on it this summer.  Yes, diapers are expensive, but I am lazy and don't have the time or want to do it right at this moment!!  He knows, believe me, he just refuses to think about it.  Can you sense just a tad bit of stubbornness with both my darling children.

Look at that sweet boy!!

Yep, diaper and all!

For those of who have read this (about 2), I will be updating another time about our trying to conceive.  I would share more, but my hubby is pretty private, and since this is his life and (possible) future baby, I will respect his wishes.  But, please stay tuned....

Well, I need to get back to cleaning....we took Garrison's baby bed down and his room is still in shambles.  He hasn't been sleeping in it for a while, but it's a pain to do by yourself...anyway, it's in the storage building now (sniff, sniff).  No, I didn't really cry, but hurt my feelings that he doesn't want to sleep in it anymore.  Oh well, we now have 2 baby beds in the storage building....if twins is in our future (GASP), well at least we'll have 2 beds (not matching)!!  Lol!

If any of you run across a cleaning fairy, she has obviously lost her way...please send her back to my house immediately!!  I am sick of this whole cleaning thing already!

Snow day take 2...

I have to say, I was just looking forward to a late start on Friday.  If we miss school, we have to make it up at some point.  Just for safe keeping, I turned on my cell phone to ring before I went to bed Thursday night...well, it rang at 5:30 a.m. and the recorded message said no school....WHAT??  The radar on the weather the night before said they would get the snow further down south...My feelings aren't very hurt, I could handle sleeping in today.

Alex got up to go to work later and made me get out of bed to see the snow.  I about fell out!  When it snowed back in January, it didn't stick to the driveway and roads all that bad because it hadn't been that cold.  Well, this snow was about 4-5 inches deep and still falling...my car was covered and it was all the way to the door of our house.  This is some strange weather we are having here in Texas.  We got snow last year, and now we have gotten it twice.  It's beautiful snow, and it allows us to get out and play in it. 

up to his knees deep!



she just thought she wanted to stay out in it



 We didn't stay outside long.  It was cold and really not all that fun.  The snow was so soft and wet, you couldn't even make a snowball!  So, it was pretty while it lasted and we got to sleep in, but spring can't get here soon enough.  Supposedly, Punxatauney Phil did not see his shadow, so spring will be here sooner than later...although, the forecast for next week is calling for more snow!  ugh!

I am ready for flip flop weather and a nice warm breeze.  Notice I said warm, and not hot...the summer is not my friend either.  I don't like to sweat unless I am working out...and since we have had such a cold winter, I am guessing this summer is not going to be any better!!  So, my wish is that spring will last a long time!!!

just notes

I have been the worst blogger ever...well, maybe not ever, but it's been a while and I am going to try and resume weekly/weekend blog updates with pics next time for sure.

We had a great snow day (s), and I will post pics as soon as I load them!

School has been so busy with upcoming TAKS tests....I have been so proud of my kids hard work, but it sucks to teach them how to take a test...we are missing the boat terribly on teaching our kids.  Some of the kids I have need survival skills, and lots of love.  I don't know how some parents can call themselves that the way they treat their own children.  I am no perfect parent by any means, but I know how to spend time with my children and teach them things, like learning to love to read, and enjoying outside time together...not stick them in front of an inappropriate tv show, or movie.  It amazes me when some of my 4th grade babies tell me the movies their parents let them watch....NEVER did I watch stuff like that when I was 10.  I really could go on forever about this.  Not to mention the school I teach at is terribly poor.  79% of our kids are on free and reduced lunch...some of them get their only meals at school!!  ugh! 

Anyway, that being said, they did really well on their last benchmark and I am so happy!  I have a great feeling about their tests this year.  The dreaded test is March 1st, so if you read this and remember...say a prayer!

Speaking of prayers, I am back on the trying to conceive wagon...even after my unexplained loss in October, I really believe I am supposed to have 3 kiddos.  So, like I have said before, there is no letting things happen naturally, I have to have a little assistant from some clomid.  I used to think there were maybe a handful a people who had problems conceiving...boy, in this day and age with the internet and blogs, and all types of community chats about infertility, man...there are a lot of women who try for years and go through way more than I could ever imagine.  Having these outlets, sure is nice...having someone to vent to, or ask questions about anything, these ladies have answers!!!

I have started my 1st round, and have had great successes with it in the past.  Zadie was a clomid baby and my 3rd pregnancy was a clomid baby...1st round.  Which gives me hope it will happen again soon.  However, it also makes me think that this time might be harder!  I am just praying about all of this and hoping for one more sweet little blessing.  I know it is all in HIS hands, so I am just taking things one day at a time and praying the whole way.

I am looking forward to the warmer weather...the tease we have had the last 2 days is a great reminder of the perfect spring weather...one of God's truest beauties!!

35 years old

I am now 35...how did I get here, I do not know!  I just had my reality check when I was completing a survey for Target.  I swear one of these days I am going to win the $500 gift card to somewhere!!!  Close to the end of the surveys, there is a box with ages...yeah, forever I have been on the one that 25-34...um, not today, it was 35-49!!  Really!!????  Ugh, it really hurt my feelings!!!  I am NOT close to 40!! 

It's a new year, 2011 and I admit I didn't even make it until 12, or 10:30 for that matter.  After a day of shopping and getting my hair did to cover up the grays that obviously make me 35, I was pooped!  Alex tagged along...he was thrilled.  I love my hair dresser, but he tends to take a while to get my hair done.  He's a talker and I am too, so that usually means we do a lot of talking....plus, I have enough hair for about 3 people.  I did get to drink a yummy margarita, get some new tennis shoes (to run and get back in shape), spend my gift cards and purchase a new vacuum cleaner!  Hold the excitement...isn't that what everyone wants for their 35th birthday???  A bright, new beautiful vacuum cleaner.  I know...I needed one.  I used my gambling money to buy it with...so it wasn't really a present!

I am trying to get my house in order and all laundry done so when I go back to work tomorrow....(yuck), so things will be somewhat manageable.  Who knows...I am ready for a new year and I know I will blink my eyes and it will be March, and my babies will be having their birthday parties.  Where does time really fly off to anyway?!  I sure as heck would like to know.

My resolutions this year are basically the same they are every year....

• lose weight
• be a better christian
• stop cussing as much
• become organized (yeah right)
• pay off some bills
• have another baby (that's not one I have every year)

So, Happy New year!  May 2011 be an excellent year for all my friends and family!

Not even sure where to start....

I really think I should type these at night, or at least when the ideas pop into my head...not wait until it's utter chaos in my house when all I hear is cartoons, or the washing machine...oh well.  I decided that I would come up with the the Top 10 Things about December and then go from there.  In no particular order of course, because I really can't put a numeral value on any of these things.  Drum roll please.....

TOP 10 THINGS of DECEMBER 2010 (as according to Amanda)

1. Celebrating 7 years of marriage with my sweet husband Alex on the 20th.  Some days it seems as we have been married longer, and others, I find myself thinking we just met.  We didn't date a super long time, so there are still things I learn about him, or he tells a new story.  I have been super blessed with this man.  He is an excellent husband, father and my best friend.  The Lord knew what he was doing when HE sent me back home in  2002...it was so I could meet Alex.  Thanks again Lord.

on our wedding day, Dec. 20, 2003

2. Getting carded at The Grapevine, in Gruene.  I know this may not sound like much to some of you out there, but for myself...who is about to turn 35, it felt AMAZING!  She didn't card my friend, but me...don't know if it was because I was wearing a hat (covering up the grays), or because I still look so fabulous for my age...lol!  To say the least, Leslie and I got a big kick out of it.  I was glad to show her my license and hoping she wouldn't come back with a "damn, you're old!"  The whole weekend with Leslie and Melinda was awesome. Getting to spend time with my cousin Tabitha was an added treat.  Thanks ladies. Can't wait to do it again next year! (sad to say I took no pics)

3. Having some great family pictures finally made.  We have not had any made since we were married...some of the kids yes, but none of us as a group.  I would like to have been 20 pounds lighter in them, but what the heck...I thought they turned out great.  Especially when Garrison was making silly faces in most of them.  Not sure where he got his comedic ways (his momma?!)

my cute kiddos

the whole gang

Zadie, age 4

Garrison, age 2

4. Being able to be off for 2 weeks at Christmas.  I know I make crap for being a school teacher, and although there are days when I wish I made a lot more money, I am so grateful to have time off during the holidays.  Nothing sucks more than to have to go back to work on Monday after Christmas.  I love teaching, and still can't believe it's almost January.  I feel like I haven't even really gotten to know some of my babies this year.  Nonetheless, I am glad to have time off with my babies at home!

5. Christmas time.  I hate to say it, but I didn't get many pics of Christmas morning.  I think I was as excited as the kids about Santa as they were, and managed to get a few not so great shots.  I did get a few of all the Christmas's we attended.  So, do enjoy...

kids at Papa's

G Man in his car from Nana and Hershel

My mom found my old jewelry box and gave it to Zadie. She loved it!!

6. I had the pleasure of getting together with my D'field friends, as I have called them in the last few years, at the winery, in Pittsburg.  We had the best time.  I met Miachel at the college (who is from Winnsboro, not Daingerfield).  I became friends with Kelly, who introduced me to her little pack...Marnie, Courtney and Candace.  We went on to be in each others weddings, bachelorette parties, baby showers, and even funerals.  We don't get together near enough, but this year was a special treat, and we have decided to try and make it an annual event.  That was my first trip to the winery, but definitely not the last!  We had a great time catching up on each others lives and laughing at old times.

Candace, Courtney, Kelly, Miachel, myself and Marnie

7. Getting to spend time with my friend Melinda.  We hung out in Austin, well, she shopped and Leslie and I followed her around... she came by my mom's house yesterday to visit for a little while and let my kids see hers.  My 2 adored Sofia when they lived here, and Zadie was as equally excited about seeing baby Clara for the first time.  Melinda and I have been friends since kinder and she's been such a blessing to me.  I would be lost without her friendship.

Sofia, Clara and my 2...

8.  Getting to go away shopping with Alex for the weekend.  Glamorous I know.  Since our anniversary is so close to Christmas, we usually end up shopping for our get-a-way, which is fine. It is so nice to be able to get away, if just for one night with just you and your spouse.  We had a great time shopping, eating and sleeping in a big king size bed without 2 little munchkins waking us too early.  Thanks mom for watching the kids.

10. Eating.  December seems to be a time when I consume way too much food as I can totally tell from my scales, and my clothes.  Good thing I have Jan. 2011 to look forward to...to motivate me and to get my butt back in shape.

I hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas and bless you as we roll into the new year.  I always look forward to what good things may await for me in a new year.  I still wouldn't mind telling the blogging world I was going to be a momma again.  So, I will continue to pray that if God wants us to be family of 5, it will eventually happen. 

girls weekend...

This weekend I am headed to Austin/San Marcos/New Braunfels for my annual girls shopping weekend.  However, it will more likely be a non-stop gab fest/wine fest/eating all kinds of great food fest.  This will be the 4th year we have done this, and I am so excited.  It's such a great time for me to get away and relax and enjoy my friends, sans children.  I love my babies with all my heart, but momma needs some time too!  I can't wait to see my girlfriends and sit and laugh and hopefully get some shopping done as well.

Thanksgiving was great and pretty relaxing.  No black Friday shopping for me.  Mom and I say we'll do it next year, but we haven't yet....

We took family pics today...the first time ever...yeah, terrible seeing as Zadie will be 5 in March!  I hope they turned out good...Garrison wasn't as cooperative as I would have liked him to have been.  But, he had fun being a goof ball.  Zadie was a natural poser...too funny that girl.

The holidays seem so hectic and everyone seems to be planning a million things.  I too look forward to seeing old friends and visiting with family, as well as having time off.  I have been reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to my classes this week.  And although I have read it a dozen times at least, it's so true the message it conveys about Jesus and Mary and Joseph...they weren't anyone anybody really cared about, yet they were destined to be such important people in our lives.  So, during this hectic, holiday season, stop, relax for a moment and take in what is important to you and why we are celebrating Christmas.  I know I will have to remind myself as well.  And, if you haven't ever read the book...pick it up today.  You will laugh, and maybe even cry a little thinking about how simple the story really is.  Sometimes simple sounds perfect.