picture and information overload....BEWARE! : )

Well, while the kids are occupied (food for Garrison, Scooby Doo for Zadie), I am finally going to attempt to get something written. The fact I am awake is also a good thing, because I am usually the most lethargic person when I get home lately. Oh wait, that is everyday....hee hee.

I am so far behind at posting pics and things about life. I am going all the way back to the fair. We always go on Wednesday night because it's the best night and mom still gives away a scholarship in my step dad's name. So, it means a lot for us to be there for that. Robert loved the fair and all the people. And honestly, some of the best people I came into contact, were those people at the fair, specifically, those who dealt with livestock.

Zadie had a blast and wanted to ride all the rides, the big, scary ones included....she did ride the ferris wheel with her daddy, not me this time!!! Garrison just hung out in the stroller...he wasn't too amused with anything, but the animals in the petting zoo. We also ran into Zadie's friend Leah, they were so excited to get to ride a ride together!! Hopefully, next year brother will want to join in on the fun!!


Zadie and her friend Leah


Soccer is in full swing, after our first game got rained out. When Alex asked Zadie if she was sad they weren't playing, she said, "No, because I really didn't want to sweat." She is totally my child...I hate the heat, and I hate to sweat. The first game came and although she would do great in practice, she stood in one place for the 2 whole periods....yeah, so , she's not going to win MVP...but the last 2 games, she has down great. That being said, most of them just run after the person with the ball and then aren't sure what to do with it when it is kicked right in front of them. She likes the social aspect of it, I know...2 of the boys on her team, also go to school with her, so they are all buddies. A good friend described watching this age group play soccer, as "herding cats." And yes, those are cows in the picture of her playing...it's outside of town, and they are pretty much an old cow pasture to begin with. Go Wildcats!










My cousin on my dad's side got married on 10/10/10 in Keller, so the kids and I headed up to spend some time with my aunt and other cousin and her little boy. Gavin and Garrison are three months apart, and I still can't believe I didn't get any pictures of them playing together...they loved entertaining one another, that's for sure. It was great to hang out with my aunt and uncle and spend time with my cousin. She and I used to hang out when we were younger and had some great times! I am posting some pics of the kids at the wedding. It was at a beautiful country club. On my dad's side there are 8 little cousins...so, if my grandparents were still alive, they would have 8 great-grandchildren. It's been a while since we have had them all together for a picture, so the photographer's pics were hopefully better, but the few I got are okay. They range in age from 2nd grade to 2. Since it was so pretty there, I also tried to get some pics of them together...ha, wrangling kids for a picture is a joke. No wonder a photographer that works with kids charges so much!!
Out of about 5 takes, this one is the best....and they both have goofy faces!!!
Two pretty girls here. Her daddy and I are 1st cousins and our children look just like us!


My handsome, sweet boy...

The whole gang, Kacie, Ryleigh, Braden, Bryson, Gavin, Garrison, Zadie and Caleb...
Not sure what had Garrison so tickled here...silly boy!


I was super excited about having a new post because I thought I was going to announce baby Harper number 3. You can imagine my heartbreak and disbelief when I went to the doctor 2 weeks ago to find out that wasn't actually the case. I had indeed gotten pregnant, so was going for my first check-up. We were talking about everything under the sun, and she started to do my sono to check size and exact due date...she got awful quiet, and my heart immediately sank. I knew one of two things...there wasn't a heartbeat, or there wasn't a baby at all...it was the latter. There was a beautiful sac, but it was empty...no baby at all. I felt tears welling up and was trying so hard to be strong, but for who...I was by myself...the doctor, like she was going to care if I cried or not. She was so helpful and answered the questions I could think, when I wasn't fighting back tears. This was the perfect timing for me...baby was going to be due in May, so I wasn't going to miss much school...the kids were going to be 5 and 3 in March, so perfect timing. God had other plans, and I am dealing with this one day at a time. I have to say it's easier to deal with knowing there wasn't a "baby", just a sac...but still, I cried a lot those first 2 days. My doctor said, "Amanda, there is no perfect timing for a baby." And those words have stuck with me. Just because I feel it's time, doesn't mean it's HIS time for me. I have had so many e-mails, cards, and friends there to give me hug, let me know they have been praying for me, etc. I truly believe that has also helped me get through this. As hard as this has been, I truly believe we are supposed to have a third child. After talking to someone, she said after debating about another one, she said they came to the conclusion that they would NEVER regret having a 3rd, but they might regret NOT. Thanks to all of you that have thought about me, prayed for me, or just been wondering. I really appreciate it.

This weekend is Halloween and the kids are super excited. Here are some snapshots at mom's. She goes all out on decorating because her neighborhood has a trick-or-treat event...we will be attending, and it's always lots of fun...with lots of candy too! Happy Halloween everyone. Have a safe one. I can't believe Christmas is just around the corner!

Well, the pics will have to wait...blogger keeps telling me there is an error, and it's bath time around here! Guess I will save them for next time!

Stay tuned

Okay, my goal is to have an actual post with pics this week. This weekend was a little wild...we have been in the hallway 3 times this weekend due to tornado sirens going off. To say the least, I will be glad to have storms gone for a while. I am not a fan, and I really think I am going to have to get some type of medicine for Zadie. She tends to get herself in quite the tizzy...poor thing. I used to be the same way. I am still pretty amazed I stayed as calm as I did. I was actually standing outside watching for the storms....something I would have never done 10 years ago.

Stay tuned for pics of my cute kids and random thoughts and rambling words from myself. I know, some of you can't wait! Have a great week.

It's about time....(a little long)

Okay, so free time is such a term that is loosely used in the summer time, because I seemed to have had a lot of it. Well, now that school has started for all, meetings, soccer practice and running around like a crazy lady has left me with hardly any at all. So, while I am at home this morning, (instead of church like I should be), and the kids are watching t.v. or playing with barbies or asking me for something to drink every 5 minutes.....ahhhh, the life of being a mom never stops. I am not complaining, I love my kiddos, but the essence of quiet time is long out the window. So, I apologize now if my wording doesn't make since or I type something that sounds good to me, but reads terribly.

School is underway and I have 19 kiddos in my homeroom. I also switch with 2 other teachers, who are a great team by the way. I love 4th grade and love everyone that teaches 4th grade. I have very smart kiddos this year, which is great, but they are some talkers, which is fine, because I am too. There are some stinkers in some of my classes as well, but teaching wouldn't be the same without an adventure or challenge on a daily basis. I am so fortunate to be able to teach these kiddos. I feel like I get to share some of my favorite memories, stories, and books with these babies. I love being a teacher.

Zadie has started a a news school on Mondays and Wednesdays here in MV, and it sure does make our lives a little easier. She really needs to be in school in at least 4 days since she will be in kinder next year (which I still can't believe!) She and Garrison still go to KidFirst in MP on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which I love...they have been going since they were about 18 months old. They have such a wonderful curriculum and go on field trips and have great teachers as well. Zadie loves going to Mrs. Debbie's on the other days. It's a smaller group of kids and they have an outside playground and a science center which she loves. She told Alex and I the other day she was going to be a scientist instead of an animal doctor. It was too funny. She's at the age where she is learning so much, and asking all kinds of questions, some which I am not ready for her to ask, but try to answer them as truthfully as I can. Garrison is going to our babysitter on M/F that we have had for a long time as well. They are wonderful and he is the only one there and he loves the attention. And of course on Wednesdays, my mom still keeps them. I think she may actually have withdrawals next year when Zadie starts Kinder. I have one picture of them on the 1st day of school, a loser, I know...mom had to come take them because I have to be at school early and they couldn't be dropped off until a certain time. So, please excuse the quality because my mom is not the best photographer. (Notice both of my children have a small obsession with a "blankie".)




Zadie will be playing soccer this year and I am sure there will be lots of laughs when they play their first game, which is Saturday. Anyway, Alex thought she needed to practice for try-outs, so I have a few pictures from that day. Of course, we went to the park and she wanted to swing, I mean, who wouldn't!? So, brother got to play and swing while she practiced. Not being a biased parent, but of course, we think she is going to be a very talented soccer player!!







I am also just posting some pics of the kids from mom's house. We spend a lot of time over there since they go to school 2 days a week over there. I don't mind it because I work out over there 2 night as week, so it works out for all, except for poor hubby who gets to spend 2 nights by himself. On occasion he will come too, but it's a rare one.







I know the first day of fall is this coming week, but temperatures are not reflecting it at all. I am so ready for about 65 degrees as the high with a nice wind. I am also ready for chili and campfires. I am so glad that college football has started, but am looking forward to wearing sweatshirts to watch them (while sitting on my couch.) I hate the heat and hate sweating unless I am working out...so, bring on fall and bring on cooler weather. And of course, Halloween candy, especially candy corn!

loser

So, I knew when school started and the thought of free time was long gone, I would be terrible at blogging. My goal this weekend, besides all the other things I need to do, like clean (yuck), is to update this thing and post pics of my cute kids of course, which I have been bad about taking as well. Let's just say I won't be winning any awards for catching my kids important moments in life....I suck at it...only got one pic of first day of school, and that was taken by my mom and only of Zadie because it was for her school she goes to on Mon and Fridays, not the one they both go to on Tues and Thurs...my poor kids are all over the place all the time!!

Anyway, stay tuned to an update and all that jazz....not that anyone other than my friend Kele ever reads this anyway...oh and my cousin Tabitha, she said she reads it on occasion...I know my following is a little on the low side. I guess I won't becoming a novelist anytime soon.

Update coming soon!!!

A memory

I posted this on facebook this morning about my step dad. On August 21, 2001, he was killed in an accident at work. It FOREVER changed my life. I used to always tell people I was so lucky to have had 2 dads in my life. My real dad, who is always the clown and fun one, and then Robert, the serious one, my caretaker, and cheerleader in life. I knew when I got married I would have them both walk me down the aisle. Well, that didn't happen. I got married a little too late for that happen. But it was all God's will...anyway, it's been 9 years today. Until you have lost someone in an instance, especially someone that close to you, you really can't explain the pain it is. I truly believe I will be able to relive that day over and over in my head as long as I live...that's why when someones life is taken so quickly that it really gets to me. I know that phone call, that pain you feel. It is as if the breath has been sucked out of your lungs and your life is ending as well.

I loved that man with all my might. He did so much for my brother and I, and we weren't even his...by blood anyway, but he always claimed us, even though there are times when he probably didn't want to. He was so kind and caring and giving. He loved my mom and showed us what a normal relationship was supposed to be about.

I was thinking today how our first Christmas he bought me Giorgio perfume. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. It was popular when I was that age and I couldn't get over how awesome he was. He taught me so much about life and values and how others perceived you because of your actions. He was a simple man and sometimes didn't have to say anything at all.

There are certain songs that come on the radio that remind me of him. I usually end up crying. George Strait has one, and for some reason I can't think of the name of it right now, but it talks about the love he saw growing up and how he hopes to have that same kind of love when he gets married. Brad Paisley's, "He Didn't Have to Be", about a step dad...yep, you got it, it chokes me up every time. And more recent is Miranda Lambert's, which probably touches a lot of people about the house. I cry every stinking time I hear it!!!

It sucked terribly losing such a great man. I went through a lot that year and the following. It wasn't easy and there were times I wasn't sure I would want to get out of bed the next day. I never wanted to end my life, but there were times when I just wanted to stay in bed and shut the world out for a few days. I was grateful to have friends and family to get through it all. And God's plan guided me back home to live with my mom...shortly there after, I met Alex. Well, and as they say, the rest is history...and Alex is so much like Robert sometimes about things...it's funny. Even mom talks about it.

I have lots more to talk about, and post pics about 1st days of school and all that jazz, but today, is just for Robert. He was a precious man who I miss dearly. He would have been crazy about my kids and they sure would have been crazy about him.

heat

I know it's summer and it's supposed to be hot, but on my way home this afternoon around 5-ish...my car thermometer said 107. Last time I checked, this is Texas, not the Sahara Desert. If it is this hot when school starts back, I might have to fake an illness. Just kidding. Those poor kids will die at recess...let's hope this is a heat wave and will happily be out of here before school starts in 3 weeks.

I took my kids with me to my classroom to work. I would like to apologize to any other teachers who were trying to do any work whatsoever...my 2 crashed their rooms like they were their own and proceeded to touch everything, or ask to touch everything in their classroom. Good thing I have good hearted peeps to work with. I mean, we should all like children, since we teach...but there are times when we want and need peace and quiet to get something done before school starts. My mom met us there which helped a little bit. I love my mother to death, but sometimes we can really grate on one another's nerves, and today was one of those days. I was tired, she didn't feel all that great...but in the end, as we always do, we work it out. She always helps me get my room ready. I cherish it and her advice. After all, the woman did teach school for 35 years!!!

I went shopping with Katie and Terraysa yesterday to Frisco...hadn't been there since the mall first opened about 10 years ago. The last time I was there, it had just opened and a lot of the stores weren't even ready. My friend Amy lived close by, so we went to check it out (in college...and she's a whole different story). My cousin Kayla met us there and we at The Cheesecake Factory, which I have to say was excellent...how I have ever stayed away from that place is beyond me. We had the red velvet cheesecake...oh my word...it was like little bites of heaven in my mouth, seriously!! We had a great time and got some great deals! My best deal was a very cute denim jacket at target for $6.74!!! Not sure why it was marked down, but I sure didn't question it. Even the checker commented on how great a deal it was!!! I was super tired when I got home, but it was lots of fun. Not sure I can shop like I used to anyway!

My friend Amy was one of those friends I had in college, and we hit it off immediately. After she got married, it was as if we (all of her SWT friends) disappeared from her life forever. The strange thing is, we all get this Christmas letter/pictures every year from her, but it isn't from her. Maybe she addresses the envelopes or something, but her husband is the one who writes them. I tried my hardest to keep in touch with her via phone, email, letters...you name it. We were all dumbfounded that she didn't want to have friends outside her marriage or work. Grant it, we all live in different cities, but man...guess we weren't that good of friends. I could go on this topic forever. I feel like I am the one friend who tries to keep in touch more often than others, and to be honest, it's a bit tiring at times...oh well.

I am reading The Help and love it...I have to make myself put it down at night because that seems to be my only time to read here lately. I have laughed out loud a few times and Zadie asked me what was funny...there was no way to explain it, so I decided to read it out loud to her. I even made myself sound differently, like I think it would if it were a movie, which every book I read lately I see as a movie. It is good and I can't wait to finish it and read another book.

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!