I Think The Kids Ate Them All

Just Pictures

2008-10-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Mr. Blue Eyes
Hanging out with Mom
A smile!

2008-09-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

Odin loves to read!
Lookin' around
We love our Moby wrap!

Really, we're alive. I swear.

2008-09-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to upload pictures for days now but silly blogger wasn't letting me post. So here's the little one learning how to read. Enjoy until I manage to get another picture (or two) or an actual post up. This parenthood gig is keeping me mighty mighty crazy insane busy. Of course, by busy I mean nursing, changing diapers, burping the kiddo, and bouncing him on the exercise ball. When I can remember, I eat some food myself and try to nap.

Meet my son

2008-08-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

Odin Fuller was born on Friday, August 22nd at 9:10a.m. He was 7 pounds, 3.8 ounces and 19 inches long. Words can't describe how much we love this little guy! He came out with his hand raised next to his head (a child of two teachers, asking politely to be chosen) and his eyes WIDE open! The 9 hour drug-free all natural labor and delivery were everything we had hoped for and there was no way I could have done it without the Husband. He was the best labor coach-our midwife and nurse told him he could have a career as a midwife or a doula!

Rex and Guu are adjusting well to the new little guy and Rex can't wait till Odin's old enough to play with him in the backyard. We've already enjoyed many visitors the last couple of days, lots of sweet friends and family offering dinner and lots of baby holding time. Odin's looking forward to meeting his Grandma Gail and his Grandpa Ron this weekend! They will be traveling from California to meet their grandson for the first time.

He's a happy baby, eating well and sleeping so often we have to wake him up for meals! Of course, he cries too but usually it's just when he's telling us he needs a clean diaper. Smart kiddo. He's living up to his name-full of wisdom. You can tell from his soulful eyes.

They say it's a virtue

2008-08-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

I'd heard these last few days/weeks are the hardest. They are. I'm trying to remember every single Braxton-Hicks contraction brings me that much closer to meeting our little one. I'm enjoying every single movement I feel, a kick, a heel-jab, a butt bump. I'm loving The Husband's conversations that he has constantly with my giant baby belly. I'm calling my mom every day to give her an update-or rather, a non-update. I've checked with my Human Resources department and I will go to the first meetings of the school year on Monday if I haven't had the baby. I'm torn-it will be nice to have something to do instead of thinking every five seconds-"When will this baby come?" but at the same time, I'll be meeting my new staff for the first time and there's not much more embarrassing than meeting new people for the first time and having your water break, you think? Had I mentioned I got a new job? Oops if I haven't. . .
This baby will come when he/she is good and ready. I have to keep remembering that. I'm just so damn excited to meet my child, it's hard to be patient.

"How are you feeling?"

2008-08-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

People mean well, and I'm told I should soak up all the attention I can get while I'm still pregnant because after the baby arrives, the question immediately changes to, "How is the baby?"

So when people ask me how I'm feeling, most of the time I answer, "good" "great" or "hanging in there" but in my head I'm thinking, "Sleep deprived" "huge" or "extremely anxious about becoming someone's mother in the near future."

The other night I was getting ready for bed and I looked in the mirror at my big belly and it just hit me. I mean, I know I'm pregnant. That much is obvious. It hit me though: I'm growing a human being. Inside of me. That's INSANE and crazy and unbelievable to me. This is one crazy journey. The most exciting part is yet to come!

Alphabet

2008-08-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

One more picture of the baby's room. This kid will be reading in no time.

3 weeks from due date/Check out the baby's room

2008-08-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

5 Years

2008-07-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

One silly wife
One great husband
One cat
One dog
One soon-to-be-baby
5 years of happy marriage

*Random picture taken last December at a charity dinner event*

Yikes! 5 weeks!

2008-07-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

That's right folks. Only 5 weeks until the estimated due date of Baby E! Here's the latest picture-taken at my shower last weekend.

We're working on getting the baby's room ready but we're also making the whole house a mess by switching every possible room around. What use to be the office is now the guest room, the old guest room is our room, and our old bedroom is the baby's room! All three of the rooms have been repainted (thanks Husband), had trim replaced, painted, and put up (thanks Husband) and two of the rooms even received crown-molding-like-trim (thanks Husband and Brother-in-law!). The crib is put together and we have some awesome wall decals we'll be hanging for the little one called, "Happy Creatures" from whatisblik.com.

We've finished our birth preparation classes and toured the birth center in our hospital. I'll start weekly appointments on Tuesday with my midwives until the kiddo decides he or she is ready to come. Hopefully the baby stays put for another 2 weeks or so-37 weeks is considered full term and I'm only about 35 weeks along. I could complain about not sleeping (getting up to pee every 1 1/2 to 2 hours is training me for nighttime feedings, right?) or the intense rib pain I get from my karate kid shoving his/her butt up there, but I won't. I'll think about how much I love to feel the baby move. How funny baby hiccups are to feel inside of your body when they don't belong to you. How amazed I am that the Husband and I are going to be PARENTS. To a human being. Amazing.

2008-06-20T14:06:00.001-07:00

I saw this on someone's blog so I thought I'd do it myself. Take off the end of my sentences and fill it out yourself!

Maybe I should… get off the couch and do something!

I love the smell of… rain.

People would say that I…. am a funny person.

I don’t understand why…people smoke.

When I wake up in the morning… I have a difficult time getting up.

I lost my will power to….say no to ice cream!

Life is wonderful with… the sun shining outside.

My past made me…the person I am today.

I get annoyed when… Rex won't stop barking.

Parties are not… really my thing. I enjoy an occasional get together with friends or family but that's about it.

Dogs are… wonderful companions.

Cats are … wonderful companions.

Tomorrow I am going to… go to my first birth preparation class!

I have a low tolerance for… too much noise.

I’m totally terrified of… being a good mom!

Never in my life… will I say, "never!"

High school was something that… I am glad is over.

When I’m nervous…my heart beats really fast.

Take my advice… put it in perspective.

Making my bed is… something I don’t do very often but I love it when the husband does!

I’m almost always… thinking about twelve different things.

I’m addicted to… reading.

I want someone… to clean my whole house from top to bottom.

10 weeks to go

2008-06-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

"Wow-you're huge!"
"Are you sure you're not having twins?"
"How much longer do you have?"
"Is the due date correct?"

Yes, all of those things have been said to me in the last week or so. Granted, I know I am getting quite large but the midwife said I am measuring just fine.
I'm beat. Tired. Losing my patience with the kids. I know I only have tomorrow and a half day on Wednesday with the kids but I'm exhausted just thinking about it! Of course, I'm also thinking about the classroom I have to pack up AGAIN and how I don't know what I'm doing next year and how the Husband is looking into an entirely new career and ahhhhhhhhh all that!

Okay, I feel better now that I let that out. Thanks internet.

28 weeks

2008-06-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

The baby weighs about 2 pounds (as much as a Chinese cabbage!) and is close to 15 inches long. The poor thing is getting more squished in there but I'm definitely still feeling lots o' movement! This one is active, thumping and bumping around throughout the day. I have to say feeling the baby move is the MOST incredible feeling ever. I love being pregnant, so much more than I ever thought I would.

Long afternoon. . .

2008-05-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

I was rear-ended today while I was out doing errands after work. I'm okay, the baby's okay (kicking away in there) and the car is fine. I was pretty shaken up, crying and shaking but I called my midwife and after telling her about it, she wasn't too worried. She said she was more than happy to see me (in the Birth Center at the hospital since the midwives office was already closed by that time) and they would keep me there for 4 hours for monitoring but then she said, "To be honest, we are totally full. Every room is occupied. You're welcome to come and I will see what I can do but you might be waiting for a few hours." She said she would still understand if I wanted to come in or I could go home and rest and if anything starting hurting/etc. then I could come in. She said since the accident was minor and I didn't have any pain, bleeding, or contractions, she thought I was okay. They have to recommend pregnant women come in though for observation. The Husband and I decided I should just go home and try resting and eating dinner. Of course now I feel better and the baby has been moving around. Now if I could just stop googling "rear end car accident pregnancy." Never a good idea!
I can't express the complete and total terror I felt as soon as I felt the impact of the other car. I've been rear-ended before in college but this time I was in no way worried about me, just the little one growing inside of me! I'm so glad everything seems to be perfectly fine.

25 weeks

2008-05-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

We had our latest check-up with the midwives today. The midwife we saw was the most soft-spoken woman I've ever encountered in my life. I had to lean forward to hear what she was saying. Want to guess my favorite part of the appointment? Okay, multiple choice people. Choose the best answer:

My favorite part of the appointment today was:

a) Hearing the baby's heartbeat on the doppler

b) Hearing the baby kicking on the doppler

c) Hearing the baby's hiccups on the doppler

d) Being asked yet again if we've made a decision regarding circumcision (*if* we're having a boy)

e) Hearing my blood pressure is "great"

f) Drinking the sugar drink for the glucose screening test

g) Being asked by the midwife, "How do you feel about your weight?"

Ha ha ha if you guessed g) then you are right! I think I responded with something like, "Ummmmm well I guess gaining 5 pounds this month instead of 7 like last month is good, right?"

PS The field trip went well despite the chaperone that didn't show up! Luckily the special ed teacher next door saved my butt and came with us!

Fall down go boom

2008-05-08T16:32:00.001-07:00

Good: My kids were really well behaved today
Bad: I twisted my ankle and fell as I walked out to the playground to pick up my class after first recess

Good: The kids all ran over and shouted, "Are you okay???" very sweetly
Bad: The fact that all my weight (including the extra 15+ pounds I've put on with the pregnancy so far) and my entire body landed on my right knee

Good: A friend gave me a ride home after work since the Husband has a track meet to coach and conferences after that back at school tonight
Bad: My ankle is throbbing and my knee is incredibly sore

Good: I'm sitting on the couch with ice on my ankle and my knee and I don't have to do anything else for the rest of the night except figure out what to eat for dinner
Bad: I've got a field trip on Monday-how am I going to walk around all day with 24 kids with a busted ankle and knee??

Good: One more day until the weekend!

24 Weeks. . .

2008-05-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

and I look huge! Who can believe I have 4 months left?
Things are going well. My sciatica is getting better with lots of physical therapy and my prenatal water aerobics class.
I'm feeling the baby kick, punch, and move around a ton lately! It started out feeling like a spasm but now I can feel huge bumps, thumbs, and I can even feel the head at times!

I'm still feeling a bit tired but nothing like the first trimester. My sleeping is not too terrible but it is hard to get comfortable! I sleep with 3 pillows to get cozy. Rolling over is quite a feat and I know that will only get harder as I grow! The constant getting up to pee thing has suddenly returned as a nightly occurrence.

The latest cause of stress in our household? Trying to figure out what the heck we're going to do next year as far as work goes. . . might be some changes around here in the fall. We'll see what comes of it all.

PS 30 days of school left!

I know, I know

2008-05-03T08:12:00.001-07:00

I suck at this blogging thing. Seriously. At least I'm including my favorite pictures from our Boston trip to make up for it, right?

Paul Revere hung his lantern here.

The film "Bride Wars" was being filmed in Boston on our last day in town.

The Boston skyline

These little doors were everywhere in town.

It was windy and chilly while we were in town but we bundled up and walked a lot and that kept us warmish. My favorite part of the trip was when the Husband felt the baby kick for the first time one night after a long day of walking. We visited the oldest pub in America, ate the most delicious Whoopie pies from a great Italian bakery in the North End, and walked the ENTIRE Freedom trail. By the end I was about to die if I didn't make it to a bathroom soon and of course there were no buildings open at that time around the Bunker Hill monument. We finally begged the park ranger at the visitor's center to let us in after he had already locked up. I just held my pregnant belly and he let me right in. I guess you just have to know when to take advantage of the situation, right? We shopped a little, rode the T (subway) to Harvard, visited Harmonix (where the video game RockBand is made) for a tour, and ate at lots of great restaurants.
Boston is a great city to explore and we thought it was really easy to get around town. We basically walked or rode the T everywhere and our hotel was in a great location. It was a great trip!

19 weeks

2008-03-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

The baby's the size of a large heirloom tomato. Last week it was a red bell pepper. Week 17 the baby was the size of a turnip. Turnip's a much cuter nickname than tomato.
In other news, the Husband's younger brother and his wife are having a baby girl! Now I'll have a nephew AND a niece! I'm beyond excited. People keep asking us what we think we're having (usually I respond with a smart-ass remark like, "well, hopefully a baby?") but I really don't know. I had been dreaming about a baby boy but last night-surprise, surprise, it was a baby girl! We'll find out in August. That's right, we're not finding out at our ultrasound we've got in two weeks.
We're getting really excited for our trip to Boston. We've only got to get through one more week of school and it's jam-packed so I'm hoping that will make the week go by more quickly.
Life is good. Very, very good.

Trippin'

2008-03-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

Spring Break's in April and we're leaving on a jet plane.
Look out Boston, here we come!

Oh my achin'

2008-03-03T17:31:00.000-08:00

sciatica.

Anyone? Know anything to help it out?? I'm thinking of calling the midwife tomorrow to find out some ideas.

Thankful

2008-03-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

Worst thing to hear from your best friend from Arizona on the phone: "I was in a car accident. I just got back from 2 days in the hospital."
Best thing ever to hear from your best friend from Arizona on the phone: "I'm okay."

She was driving on the freeway on Tuesday and wasn't able to stop in time for an accident ahead of her. Luckily, the people she hit weren't injured but she had to be rushed by ambulance to the hospital because she couldn't move her legs. After multiple x-rays, MRIs, Cat-Scans and two days of being unable to move her feet, she just recovered. Completely. If that's not a miracle I'm not sure what is. I know it was probably just the shock of it all and she wasn't actually paralyzed and she says she didn't call because she didn't want me to worry since I'm pregnant. Ha! That little stinker. I only wish I didn't live 1,000 miles away and I could head over to her place with movies and dinner. And a hug.

Go hug someone you love. I'm going to as soon as The Husband returns from his conference he's been at for the last 3 days.

From the mouths of babes

2008-02-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

I told my third grade students this week that I'm pregnant. I played Hangman with them and the clue was, "Mrs. E is going to have a baby!" and they guessed it after about 6 letters!? One of them said, "RIGHT NOW?" and I assured him it wouldn't be until summertime. Other than a few questions, they have little to no interest in it at all. The fourth graders I had last year? A WHOLE different story. They came rushing up to me the next day (apparently word gets out quickly in an elementary school!) and wanted to know if "it was true?" that I was going to have a baby. They were pumped! Always honest, one student told me, "Not to be mean, but your stomach does look weird", commenting on my little bump. Ha!

Embarrassing but true

2008-02-18T18:41:00.000-08:00

I had to unbutton my pants while we were out eating dinner tonight.

Happy

2008-02-17T09:21:00.000-08:00

I awoke to sun coming in through the curtains. I didn't get up until 9:00am. Well, unless you count the trips to the bathroom to pee. I'm 13 weeks pregnant today and actually feeling good. Maybe it's the sunshine I woke up to. Perhaps the fact that I don't have to go back to work until Wednesday? It could be that we visited with friends last night and I actually managed to stay up until almost 11pm! (Nevermind that I took a nap in the afternoon to "prepare" to stay up that late!) Could it be the fact that we're visiting friends tonight that we haven't seen in 4 months? Or maybe it's the appointment I'm looking forward to on Tuesday where we'll get to hear the baby's heartbeat again. No, I think I know what it is. The realization that my child will grow up with a very special cousin. They might even share a birthday! We just found out the Husband's brother and sister-in-law (the ones without kids yet!) are expecting their own little one a day after us! Life is grand.

Overheard in my classroom

2008-02-14T01:10:00.000-08:00

"Why do you think Betsy Ross did that? Let's go ask the teacher. That was back in her time."

"If you get me a Valentine, I'll get you one. And not one of those dumb ones either. A nice one."

"Did Jesus die to save our sins?"
"No, he's just God's only begotten son."

"Can we please have a party tomorrow? I know we haven't been good but we'll be good if we have a party."

"I have to go get my visual and audio checked in the nurse's office."

"What does achieve mean? Please don't tell me to look it up in the dictionary."

"Can I get on the internets?"*

*I swear a child, not President Bush said this.

Read the shirt

2008-02-03T16:44:00.000-08:00

Why does it always have to be compared to fruit?

2008-02-03T09:16:00.001-08:00

I taught a total of 3 days last week. You'd imagine I'd have a bunch more energy, I really put my all into those three days, but no, not really. Everyone I've talked to that has been pregnant always says, "It gets better in the second trimester" so I'm just holding onto that. The exhaustion is unreal.
I'm a pretty small person so I'm not sure if that's why I'm getting a belly quickly or what. I'm not fitting into some of my pants so the wonderful husband took me shopping yesterday. There should be a name for this place that I'm in-not fitting into my old clothes yet way too small for maternity clothes. It's annoying to say the least. The one good thing about fashion right now? Loose tops are in! I was able to find 2 at Target but that's all I found all day.
I'm 11 weeks today and the baby is the size of a small plum. Last week it was a strawberry. Seriously, what's with the food comparisons? There are these moments where the husband just breaks out into a huge grin, hugs me tight and tells me he is SO excited. I just want to burst with love for him (I know, barf) because I know not every partner is this excited and supportive. I know I'm lucky and I am so thankful every day.
Our nephew's second birthday party is today and we're going to tell the rest of the Husband's family. His parents and other brother/sis-in-law don't know! I'm really excited. Now if I can just manage to not toss my cookies in the middle of the happy birthday song.

10 weeks along and not a whole hell of a lot of sleep

2008-01-27T03:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, apparently I only blog in the wee hours of the morning now. That's because it's better than watching the same infomercial on three channels. Ah, life with no cable.
Why am I awake this time? Well apparently my immune system decided to take a hike and left me alone to deal with the cold from hell by myself. Don't worry-I've made sure to WebMD it and make sure it's not strep (apparently with strep you have a fever and you rarely have congestion) and I've ruled that out. I think it's the crud. The nasty cold that the little monsters, er, sweethearts, in my class gave to me. I haven't been taking anything since, remember? I'm currently growing a human inside of me (by the way-seeing and HEARING the heartbeat of our unborn baby-that has been upgraded to a "fetus" today!-was UN-FREAKING-BELIEVEABLE) so most cold medicines are off limits. I'm thinking of checking with the midwife on-call later today about what I actually can take for the cough and resulting throat of fire and daggers. I'm getting just a wee bit sick of tea with honey.
Alrighty, that was a lot of complaining with a fun baby update somewhere in there to really spice things up. I'm off to eat my English muffin and drink my f-ing tea. I mean, my wonderful, healing tea.

Over the Moon

2008-01-23T04:30:00.001-08:00

It's 4:30a.m.
I hate being awake at this time because all I can think about is how much sleep I can possibly get if I go to bed. Right. Now. But alas.
I'm awake.
Completely
100%
Totally
Awake
You know the kind of awake where people (what people?) say you should get up and do something? So instead of laying in bed, watching the god-awful boring ceiling, I got up.
Ate a bagel with cream cheese. Read blogs.
Mostly I got up because I don't want to wake up the husband. Why should two of us be miserable at work tomorrow?
I've got that covered.
Because I've got this great reason for being miserable.
A reason for not sleeping.
A reason for eating constantly.
A reason for feeling horribly sick most days lately.
It's pretty much the best reason in the world.
I'm totally pregnant.

2007-08-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

The Husband was quite displeased when he saw my latest post.

"Aren't you going to tell the whole story?" he said.
"I was trying to fall asleep. What was the whole story?"
"I said 'Do you ever sometimes wish you could just take off your head to go to sleep?' and then you asked why."
"I guess I kind of remember. What did you say then?"
"I said, If I could take my head off I could sleep any way I want, even on my stomach and my head could just be sitting on my dresser."
"Oh yes, you're right. That makes you sound so much less crazy."

Where does he come up with this?

2007-08-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

"Do you ever sometimes wish you could just take off your head to go to sleep?"

2007-08-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have those moments where you think; When did I grow up? I'm 26, I'm married, I'm a teacher, I own a house, I'm an adult, I know. But sometimes I just forget and then it hits me-oh yeah, I'm a grown up.
My good friend Kate just left my house. She's a friend from AK-we go back about 14 years- and she's deploying to Iraq this month. Sad isn't quite what I'm feeling but more worried. She says not to be, but she's supposed to say that.

Fun in the Sun

2007-08-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

We're arrived in Sacramento today. We're here to visit my parents in their new home. It's so weird, it hasn't sunk in yet that they no longer live in Alaska, where I grew up. I'm not sure when it will hit me, maybe one day when I go to visit friends in AK and we don't stay where my parents used to live. Anywho, it's super duper crazy insane hot here. It reached 96 degrees, which to those of us from Washington, is warm. One might even say hot. Like me. So we jumped in the pool and ate dinner and laughed with my parents. It's only day 1 but I am having a great time!

Wild rice and tips on how to save during the holidays

2007-07-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

It feels like our summer has been busier than the school year was. We've been so busy that I almost didn't know what to do with myself today when I had a day with no plans. I was inspired to clean, which doesn't happen often, so I took advantage of the mood! I organized some files, cleaned my desk, did some laundry, and went through 21 Real Simple magazines and tore out the articles/recipes and filed them away for future use. Seriously, I actually did that. Can you believe it? Do people really do that? I guess they do. Our drawers that my magazines lived in was overflowing and getting somewhat ridiculous and impossible to open, which inspired the ripping/filling fiasco of the day. Only about 10 more to go through, tomorrow maybe.
We went to Portland for our 4th (crazy!) wedding anniversary a few days ago. It was a delightful trip that makes me smile if I think about it. :-) See, that's me, smiling. Life is grand. Just grand.

The Roof, The Roof, The Roof is on Fire

2007-07-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

One of my dear friends from work (1st grade teacher Erin) got married yesterday. Absolutely beautiful wedding only dampened by one small detail that one of the other guests (another teacher I work with) filled us in on as soon as she showed up to the reception.
Our school was on fire. Not the "temporary site" building we were in the last two years, but the one that was completely torn down, redesigned, and rebuilt. The one currently under construction. The school my staff and I toured a few weeks ago to see the progress. That was supposed to open in September.

Apparently the fire started when roofers were welding Saturday afternoon and accidentally set foam and wood under a piece of metal on fire. It burned for hours and about 100 firefighters worked to put it out. The fire was reported at 2:45pm and when we stopped by after the wedding at 11:00pm, what was left of the roof was still smoking. The poor firefighters looked hot and exhausted. I don't think the 85 degree heat and the humidity helped much. The fire department had to pry the roof of the building off the frame to fight the flames. The only good news so far is it looks like just the administrative and library wing has damage but we won't know for sure for a while. Hopefully we know more information soon.

2007-07-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

I did something last Tuesday I didn't think I would ever do again. I hadn't done it for about 4 or 5 years.

I bought a CD.
That's right. A Compact Disc.
Did you know they were still being made? I could hardly believe it myself. We always just buy songs/albums on itunes and download them to our ipod or listen to them on our laptop. I had a good reason to buy the physical album though-the Pumpkins are back! Well, 2 of the 4 really, Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin got back together and produced Zeitgeist.

We've been super busy since then so I haven't been able to put in a lot of time to listening to the album but from what I've heard so far, I'm happy. It's definitely not the original Pumpkins, such as in the albums Gish, Siamese Dream, or Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness but we all evolve, right? If I get to hear Billy singing, I'm happy.

On another happy note, I'll be able to see Billy Corgan in concert for the third time on September 22nd! Through a local radio station I got the ticket for close to $20.00! Half price! Good times.

City Girl

2007-07-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying I love being outside. I even normally like camping. I like being in the mountains, lakes, rivers, etc. etc. etc. So we went camping. Well, let me rephrase that. We were going to camp for two nights, at a nice place (recommended by a friend of the Husband) near a gorgeous lake that was about 2 hours from our house.

We got there on Wednesday, that also happened to be the hottest July 11th on record for over 50 years, in 98 degree heat. We got out of the car and were immediately dripping with sweat. That was the first problem. The second? THE BUGS OH MY GOD THE BUGS. Flying, diving, attacking bugs. We're suffering from a multitude of mosquito bites acquired on the trip. We set up camp, swatting at the blood-suckers while Rex rolled in the dirt to cool off and avoid the damn insects. The lake was calling to us so we found a trail and headed out. It was glorious. Now seems to be the time to let you know I am not really a water person. I like to look at it, dip my feet in, and admire it from afar, taking pictures and whatnot. By this time it was 100 degrees without a breeze so I managed to get in the water. The best part of the lake was the lack of bugs. The bad news? No camping allowed right by the lake. Insert sad face here.

We only stayed one night and high-tailed it out the next morning around 9:00. I'm so freaking happy to be home it's ridiculous. If it wasn't for the insane insects and the out of control heat, we might have stayed longer.

P.S. Yes, we sprayed (pretty much non-stop) bug dope on all day long. It had DEET (which everyone said was "the best"). Ours must have been a crap batch or something. We're going to try to go see Harry Potter today and we're bringing the Hydrocortisone cream with us. Gross.

A Very Happy Birthday

2007-07-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

The husband went above and beyond on my birthday yesterday. He woke me up with my presents (a super cute necklace and a purse!) and then we went to Steve and Barry's to check out Sarah Jessica Parker's "Bitten" clothes line (pretty cute although I have to say some of the items were strange and the sizes were weird but I did get two tops and a pair of jeans for $38!!) and we spent a few hours at the beach with Rex. The night ended with a romantic dinner at an italian restaurant that was new to us and had great food! It was a wonderful birthday.

26

2007-07-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me

No, that's not me in the picture

2007-07-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

See my (early!) birthday present to myself? It's pretty, isn't it? I went shopping with a friend today and I found the dress at White House/Black Market (a store I LOVE but I've never bought anything from) and it's perfect for a wedding we're going to in a few weeks.

worth the wait

2007-06-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

The Husband is the proud owner of an iPhone. It's pretty cool, I have to say. Shhhh don't tell him I said that.

They used "You're" correctly!

2007-06-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

I managed to make it to school long enough (the last 20 minutes!) to hand out report cards and say goodbye to my kiddos. I like to hand out the report cards and shake the hand of each kid and say, "Congratulations, you're a 4th grader now!" Here's how it went down today:

I walked into my classroom and was spotted by one student who screamed my name, causing the whole class to jump up and attack me. It's amazing how much physical power 21 third graders can have! (Three were absent and three were suspended-fight yesterday.) After they just about knocked me down they asked how I was feeling (so sweet), ate two cupcakes each, (not something I would usually allow in the classroom but it's the last day of school, give me a break!), finished signing yearbooks, and packed up to get ready to go. But of course I couldn't go without receiving my very LARGE get well card from the entire class (including their signatures and phone numbers. . . I guess so I can call them?!) and individual get well/goodbye cards from each kid. Here are some of the cards that made me laugh out loud (incorrect spelling purposely left that way):

"Get Will Soon!"

"I hope you get better I miss you so sooo soooooo much you're the best teacher ever!!! We don't want you to get worse."

"Roses are red and vilets are blue so that mens. . . I love you! I wish you a good time."

"I miss you. You're the best teacher in the world. Make it shine like you!" (This card had a picture of an apple, but I still don't really understand it!)

"Rose are red vilet's are blue you are the bestest teacher I know."

"I'll miss you so much. I'm your best friend ever!"

"Do u still skateboard? Ha Just kidding. I'm just playing with u because u need to get better come back please. I'm doing better."

"The thoughts of you gone. I'm very fond of you. So sad so sad gone for to long. We all miss you. Come back come back as soon as you can PLEASE! I want you to get well soon. We miss you. All crying over you Hope you are to." (On the back of this card is a picture of a crown and the words, "Another card from Halmark goldcrowns.")

"I miss you a lot I really want you to get well soon so you can come brand new next year."

Me too. Me too.

good news/bad news but mostly just good news

2007-06-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

I went to see the pulmonary specialist yesterday. The good news is there isn't anything more serious going on with me. The bad news is there's no miracle cure to quicken my healing process. So I'm going back in a month for yet another set of x-rays and hopefully I'm better by then or they'll do a CAT scan/MRI or put a scope down into my lungs. Yuck! I'm sure I'll be all better by then, right?
I'm off to school to drop off report cards and say goodbye to my students. Good times.

Yin/Yang

2007-06-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

It doesn't take much to make me happy these days-it's the little things. Okay, that's a load of crap and I am quite moody and cranky lately. You would be too if you had pneumonia for a month and your left side hurt so much it felt like one of your ribs was separating from the rest. So on Friday when I received a package in the mail from the parental figures, I was ecstatic. I called to make sure it wasn't an early birthday gift (only 12 shopping days left!) but alas, it was a deck-warming gift. And a few goodies for the Husband, pup, and I. The PB jar is Rex's, he loves to clean out the almost empty ones, the Men's magazine is obviously for the man of the house, and the yoga mag is for me, the one who is too sore to do yoga. But maybe one day I'll be able to. And afterwards I'll enjoy using my new Crate and Barrel bowls and tray on my BRAND. NEW. DECK. So pretty. All it needs is the bottom part stained. Which would mean we need the rain to stop. You know what though? I'm just happy the Husband is so damn handy.

The Kids of America

2007-06-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

Who says the youth of America are lazy, good-for-nothing, rude, and irresponsible? The Husband rounded up about 10 of his 8th graders and they essentially (okay, they needed some direction from me and I did have to use my teacher voice twice) packed up my entire classroom for me today. We bought them lunch-pizza (which they said thank you for!) and taped, boxed, and piled things for hours. I'm so impressed and I could *almost* see why the Husband likes them. Middle-schoolers that is. Shh, don't tell. I mean, they gave up a Saturday (and we started early-according to them-10:00am) just to help their math teacher. And not even help their math teacher, but help their math teacher's wife with pneumonia!
Thanks kids, you've restored my faith in the youth of our world. Just by putting books in boxes and not cussing (that much) in front of me. You did, however, make me feel very old with the radio station you made me listen to. And no, you cannot tell my students you heard me cuss. I was tired and needed a nap.

2007-06-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I hit a low. As soon as the Husband walked in the door from work, I broke down and cried. I just couldn't handle it anymore. I've tried to stay positive and strong but it just got to be too much. I know I don't have something life threatening and lots of people go through things that are much more difficult but I'm tired of being sick. I'm sick of being tired. I want to sleep well every night. I want school to be over so I don't have to worry about my class. I want my report cards to magically write themselves. I need to see more than just my living room. I want to sleep in my own bed, not a recliner. I'm sick of coughing fits. I know I'm going to the doctor on Tuesday but Tuesday just seemed so far away yesterday.
So the Husband did everything he could, got me juice, held me, and then told me to get up and we went for a walk. Of course I felt better afterwards and appreciated how slow the Husband and Rex walked so I could keep up. Afterwards I actually went to go visit some friends for a bridal shower for an hour and came home pretty exhausted. I haven't been out in the real world for so long that it felt great. But exhausting. Everyone (it was all teachers from my school) was so great, asking how I was, telling me my kids miss me, asking if they could help me out. I hate asking for help but I'm starting to get over it. Maybe that's what this illness is supposed to teach me. Ask for help when I need it. Damn, I could have gotten that message from a cold though, no?

Day 29

2007-06-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

If I had something new and exciting to post about, I would.
If I had some great, profound news to talk about, I would.
But I don't.
Instead I'll just say
I recently finished creating out of thin air my 18th day of sub plans
I have report cards to do
and oh yeah-did I mention we're moving into a brand new school building in September
and my entire classroom needs to be packed up by the last day of school?
That's the school I'm not currently working at as per my doctor's orders
that's the place that I'm not supposed to go to
that's where all my crap lays, waiting for me to come
and put it
stuff it
shove it
into boxes.
That all have to be labeled
with contents
and a box number (like, box #3 out of 117)
and to and from (me and me)
and room number
and my first born child's name
as well as my mother's maiden name.

I could be exaggerating
Or maybe not

The best part of my day:
The Husband walking in the door with beautiful Gladiolas from Trader Joes.
I love this guy.

2007-06-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

After essentially a month of pneumonia, my doctor has decided to send me to a specialist. I have an appointment for next Tuesday and I'll take a third round of antibiotics until then. The good news is I've been sleeping at night finally. The magical cure? Tylenol with codeine (stops the cough) and sleeping pills (duh, helps me sleep) I'm really sick of taking pills but, as my dad says, "Better living through science."

2007-06-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Not to be a downer but. . .
I'm
Still
Sick.

Holy crap this is getting so freaking old.

March of the Penguins

2007-06-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

"And those who began their march too late or have fallen behind because of weakness or hunger, hope of survival is now remote. The lone penguin has no chance against the winter's cold. He will simply fade away, absorbed by the great whiteness all around him."

Fallen behind because of weakness? Hunger? No chance? Absorbed into the whiteness? Jeez! Why didn't anyone warn me about this? Maybe I should have rented "Happy Feet."

Day 21

2007-06-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? I'm still sick! I'm starting another antibiotic so hopefully in the next couple of days I'll see a substantial improvement. If not, it looks like I won't be able to finish out the year with my class. Which, believe it or not, I would like to do!

2007-06-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

I'm back! I've been MIA for a couple of reasons-1. I'm still recovering from pneumonia. I feel a TON better but I get tired pretty easily and if I talk too much, I start coughing. 2. My parents were in town for the weekend on their way to move to California. It hasn't actually hit me that they no longer live in Alaska. 3. We've been super busy around here, working on the deck in the backyard, staining/putting together Adirondack chairs/end of the school year stuff. The good news? We only have 17 more school days until the end of the year. Yippeee! And I get to go tour my new building tomorrow. Let's just hope it's ready by September!

Town: Bonkers Population: Me

2007-05-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor today for a follow-up appointment about my pneumonia. Although I'm feeling better, I still can't go to work. Doc said no work this week and only 1/2 days next week. Here are the problems with that situation: WIth the days I missed last week, plus this week, and the 1/2 days next week that's. . .10 1/2 days of sub plans! Do you KNOW how much work that is? When you teach EVERY subject, EVERY day?? Well, it's a ton of work! The other problem? Apparently my kids being little brats, fighting and being awful to each other. Another problem? I'm going insane at home. One can only watch so much (crappy) tv, read so many books, and surf the internet for so long until one goes. . . bonkers. I'm there.

GoOd NeWs FoR pEoPlE wHo LoVe GoOd NeWs

2007-05-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a bit better!
Things I think helped:
1. Good sleep last night.
2. Rex sleeping next to me.
3. The BIL and SIL came over today, BIL to help with the deck (they made great progress!) and SIL to keep my sick @$$ company.
4. Jamba Juice the Husband got me for my sore throat (6 days of coughing will do that to a person).
5. "I AM LOVED" pin the Husband put on my Jamba cup.
6. Emails I got from concerned friends. I am loved!
7. Cough syrup.
8. Knowing I haven't had a fever in 24+ hours.
9. Sub plans I wrote for tomorrow that don't actually suck that bad.
10. Knowing I'm going to the doctor tomorrow and (hopefully) she'll tell me I'm on the road to recovery and can return to work soon. Believe me, I didn't think I'd be saying I miss work this time of year!

2007-05-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

I'm
sick
of
being
sick.

I'm
bored
of
being
bored.

I've
read
watched tv
watched movies
emailed.

I want to
go outside
eat good food
take a walk
see the world
never watch tv again.

Please oh
please let
me get better
tomorrow!

2007-05-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

I've got pneumonia. Maybe when I've got more energy I can post about the Husband and I trying not to laugh out loud at the crazy lady in the room next to us in the Emergency Room this morning.

2007-05-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Still sick
Woke up with a fever of 103.2
2 Tylenol later, finally eating some oatmeal
and temperature is down to 100.3

2007-05-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

I'm sick
Chills
fever
achy
coughing
yuck
Back to sleep

Seriously boring, sorry

2007-05-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

I wish I could tell you really exciting reasons why I haven't posted lately. Like traveling to far off places. Not so much. Life's just flashing by though, no trips involved. Wait-I take that back-I'm taking my 27 kids on a field trip tomorrow (hopefully four parents are joining us to chaperone!) so I've got to get my butt to bed soon. But I'll leave you with a ridiculously cute picture of my absolute positively favorite nephew. I just can't stop myself from eating that kid's cheeks.

One cute kid

2007-05-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

Is it Friday yet?

2007-05-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Holding up a coin from Mexico; "Look-it's an out-of-town quarter!"

"Can I take out the rubbish?"

"OWWWW! It burns! It burns! Like lava!"

Guess what?

2007-04-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

Every year (for the past three) on the first day of Spring Break, the Husband has gotten a letter from our school district saying, "Thanks but no thanks for next year" meaning he was always getting a one-year contract. Every year. Which basically means he's constantly applying for his own job again, each year in August and we're never sure what will happen and if he'll have a job and if we'll have enough money. It's a long story about why this was always happening to him that I don't want to go into on this here internets but that's not the point.
The point is. . . . . today he got his continuing contract, meaning he's good to go and officially has a job with the district, for more than a year! YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Girls Night

2007-04-21T22:15:00.002-07:00

I just had a delightful evening with some friends that came over for dinner (everyone loved my Tofu Pot Pie!) during which we discussed childbirth (did you know during a c-section that the doctors remove your organs to get to the baby? Well, I did but a few other ladies didn't and the looks on their faces were priceless!), dating, marriage, and, of course, school! Oh-did I mention they were all friends from work? It's so nice to have friends that know what it's like to have such a stressful job. Priceless really.

Now I'm off to spend time with the Husband. He was corralled in his office all night, playing WOW and staying out of the dining room (with the topics we were discussing, can you blame the guy?). He's so awesome-he mowed the lawn and cleaned the bathroom before all the girls showed up tonight. Gotta love that guy.

What's in your pocket?

2007-04-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

A domino?

Three passes to the nurse?

A note about someone loving someone else?

Pencil top eraser?

No? Well, that's what I had by the end of the day.

P.S. I'm thankful I had yoga after work today. Needless to say, it was a LONG first day back after Spring Break!

The Beach

2007-04-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the beach this week. We stayed in a super cute (tiny!) town called Gearhart and went into Cannon Beach to walk around a bit also.
The first day we were there it was warm and sunny (okay, around 60 degrees!) and the Husband was brave enough to walk in the water without shoes. Notice he's not wearing a jacket? That's because he's a total gentleman and gave it to me. To wear over MY coat. He's a keeper.

PS My librarian-friend and I went to an awesome book store last Friday to hear one of our favorite authors (Jodi Picoult) speak and have our books autographed! It was awesome fun!

2007-04-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

We're at the beach! Not the warm kind, but the Oregon Coast kind. I will post pics later when we get home tomorrow.

Easter Sunday

2007-04-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

We hosted Easter at our house this year. I've never done a "big" holiday before so the pressure was on. It turned out great!
The menu included:
Ham (obviously not cooked by me!)
Lentil/Veggie Pot Pie
Fruit salad
Green Salad with sugared almonds, tangarines, green onions, honey, vinegar, and oil
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Tangy Garlic Almond String Beans
Rolls
Yummy chocolate cake

My mother-in-law just emailed, "Your dinner was delicious!" Nice compliment if I do say so myself!

The guys got started on the deck and finshed about 1/4 of it. I'm impressed so far! I can't wait to until it's done and we find some adirondack chairs to sit and read in this summer. Now that's what I'm looking forward to.

Before

After

PS We're on Spring Break!

Direct quote

2007-04-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

"Oh my GOD! My teacher wears Sketchers!"

2007-04-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Every time I've tried to post in the last couple of weeks blogger has been ultra-dumb and wouldn't let me. I know, I know, L you're going to tell me blooger sucks and I should try something else. I'm just not cool enough.
Things here in rainy Seattle are going okay but I'm in a bit of a funk. It doesn't help that it's still cold and rainy out and it's April. We're dogsitting for the in-laws and their crazy insane wacko dog, Charlie, woke us up at 4 FREAKING AM this morning, whining to go out. Since I'm married to the greatest man in the world, I didn't have to get up but I still didn't manage to get back to sleep until 5, and then woke up at 6, and finally got up around 7. Grrrrrrrr.
On another note- I've been trying to not complain as much though lately so I'll stop now and focus on the positive:
1. The animals are all asleep. And quiet.
2. Our good friends Jake and Cerra came over today and we had lunch and chatted. It was great! She's also a third-grade teacher so we compared stories. They're expecting their first baby in June so that's exciting too. It seems like there are a lot of pregnant people around here. Maybe because it's Spring? I'm not sure what I mean by that exactly!?
3. Spring Break starts in a week and we're going to the Oregon coast for 2 nights.
4. We're having the Husband's family over to our house for Easter dinner. Now THAT makes me feel like an adult! :-)
5. "Planet Earth" is on tonight! I love that show!

7:00?

2007-03-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

I fell asleep at 7:00 p.m. on the couch with the Husband tonight. Reason? I'm flippin' tired! I had to keep 12 kids in for part of recess because they had to write to me about the behaviors they would change tomorrow we had a really stressful meeting after school that threw me into a tissy. I'm feeling better now that I called and vented to my mom (also a teacher so she understood my frustrations) and the Husband on our drive home (we carpool). Of course he understood too, since he's a teacher. I'm so lucky to have so many people in my life that understand how it feels to be in such a tough career!
I'm off to probably fall asleep again on the couch. Night!

Boring

2007-03-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

Excuse me while I take the post title from E over at Antes que anochezca but there are no other words to describe why I haven't posted in weeks. I'm not bored but I think others would probably think all the things going on are. . . well, boring. Things are in full gear at school getting ready for our big state test in April. I can't believe it's already March 16th! How can that be? Where did February go? And January? How did the last few months fly by so fast?
I was beyond excited today about how much I accomplished in my classroom (teacher work day-no students!) and as I left in the afernoon to run a few errands, the sun shining in on me through my sunroof made me grin ear to ear. I just got off the phone with my best friend who lives in Arizona and as great as it was to catch up with her it made me miss her more. I wish she lived closer.
Speaking of far off places, the Husband and I have mucho airline miles and we're thinking of going somewhere. Let me restate that: Somewhere warm! Ideas? So far I'm thinking California-maybe San Diego or Santa Barbara or Monterey. Any ideas?

My husband, folks

2007-02-28T18:15:00.000-08:00

In the car driving to Mike and Kara's last night for tivo-ed (is that a word?) Heroes.

The Husband: "Did I tell you what Kara's making for dinner tonight?"

Me: "Yeah, spaghetti and meatballs, right?"

H: "Yep. But just spaghetti for you."

Me: "That's nice of her. I never even really liked meatballs when I wasn't a vegetarian anyway."

H: "WHAT? But they're balls. Of meat. What's not to like?"

Me: "Exactly. They're gross."

H: "They are the second best mode of meat delivery."

Me: "Dare I ask the first?"

H: "On a stick, duh."

Hobbies

2007-02-22T16:50:00.000-08:00

Driving to IKEA today, talking about how I mostly stuck to dance (ballet, tap, modern, pointe) as a child/teenager and my brother tried a little bit of everything (rock polishing, remote control cars, guitar):

Me:"Is there anything you really hope our kids are into, like music?"

The Husband:"Drugs?"

Good Morning

2007-02-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling much better-I even went to school yesterday. The kids were happy to see me but they quickly unleashed their "It's Friday before Mid-Winter break, yesterday we had two different substitute teachers, our musical performance was last night, Valentine's day was this week, a bunch of students and staff were/are out sick this week" hyperness. Needless to say, it was a long day. The good news? Today begins our 9-day mid winter break! And it's sunny!* We don't really have any giant plans this week, just a little of this and a little of that.

*That's exciting to people in Seattle.

2007-02-14T20:05:00.000-08:00

I could care less that it's Valentine's day but I do care that I'm sick. There's a nasty stomach bug going around my school and I think I have it. Luckily I had already planned on having a sub for a workshop I was going to attend in the morning tomorrow but now I have another sub for the afternoon too. I have the best husband ever though, on a side note, who is at the grocery store right now buying me Saltines and magazines. Seriously, I love this guy.

2007-02-11T08:59:00.000-08:00

Water Dog

2007-02-10T22:11:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned. . .

2007-02-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

I banged my knee with a heavy metal door first thing after I picked up my class today? Banged it so hard one of my students had to go get me an ice pack?

I actually had to spell out the "F-word" today?

the fire alarm went off for the second time in two days?

the Husband had to protect a seventh-grade girl from a grown woman today that wanted to fight her?

after the fire alarm stopped going off and we could come back inside, my classroom door wouldn't unlock and I had to send the kids BACK outside for another recess because we couldn't get in?

it took 5 keys, three teachers, and a custodian to get into my room 10 minutes later?

I had 4 math assessments I needed the kids to do today but we only got through 2? Gee, I wonder why?

one of my students suddenly left school and no one told me so I searched frantically for her during math?

I forgot (for the third time) I was having breakfast with one of my kiddos this morning? It was her positive "prize" for responsible behavior. Shows how responsibe I am-I can't even remember to do it! She wrote it on the whiteboard at the end of the day so I wouldn't forget on Monday-"Breakfast with S" my whiteboard says now.

there were 7 behavior slips to fill out in the last 3 minutes of the day?

my teaching partner and I were in charge of extra afternoon recess for 200+ kids? In which they each child got a piece of Double Bubble gum and I freaked out that they would choke while they played tetherball and "Flier's Up"?

one of my kids will be on the television show Wife Swap on Monday?

Well, just thought I'd mention it.

Look who's ONE!

2007-01-31T21:39:00.000-08:00

I'm finally joining the rest of the nation

2007-01-26T18:16:00.000-08:00

Look what I got! Long story short, we opened an account with Key Bank in September and finally got our new nano from them today! Since the Husband has his own, this one is mine! Now you've (read: E and L) got to post your FAVORITE song since I don't think I'll ever think of enough songs to fill it up.

Sad

2007-01-24T21:50:00.000-08:00

My mom called the Husband's phone tonight (never a good sign, means she wants to make sure he's with me and I'm not alone). Cinder, my 18 year old cat that lived at my parent's house passed away today. My mom came home from work and found her laying on the floor in the family room. Apparently she died in her sleep. I was fine on the phone with my mom because she was so upset but as soon as I hung up I lost it. I'm sad but I know she had a great long life. While we were in Alaska this winter, I held her a little longer, let her lick my empty ice cream bowl a few more times than I usually do, and cuddled with her each day we were there. I knew her time would come soon but it doesn't make it any easier, does it?

2007-01-19T17:56:00.000-08:00

After six days off of school (3 snow days, one MLK Jr. day, and a weekend) we finally headed back to school on Wednesday of this week. By today the kids were bouncing off the walls. They were crazy hyper today! Today I had to; tell a student to take the basketball out from under her desk, ask another student to stop army-crawling across the floor, pick up 42 pencils off the ground (totally an approximation), type 5 "monster descriptions" on the ancient computer that continualy freezes, sent one of my third graders to 1st grade because she couldn't handle being in my class, ate my lunch while I prepared the room for health and math, sent one student to study hall (three times), and sent and recieved about 30 emails.
I'm beat. So now we're going out for dinner. Yippee!!

Drum roll please ladies and gentlemen. . .

2007-01-16T15:59:00.000-08:00

Another snow day today. I didn't even post about it this morning because we already had two last week (Thursday and Friday) and we had Monday off for MLK Jr. day so now the kids have been out of school for 6 days. Think they'll be able to concentrate/work well tomorrow? That is, if school is open!

Reason #621 I love my husband

2007-01-15T16:41:00.000-08:00

Before

After!

2007-01-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

We're going on day 4 of snow still in the yard. We've only ventured out to return a library book and pick up supplies for the Husband to build a shelving unit in the laundry room. Exciting? Not so much. Relaxing to have so much time off? Yes. In the last few days I've watching too much television, played with the dog, made chocolate chip cookies (double batch!), knitted, paid bills, vacuumed, gone thru my clothes for Goodwill, looking online for birthday present ideas for my almost-one-year-old nephew, watched the snow fall, went on one slippery walk, done laundry, and watched some movies. We still have two days (today and tomorrow) off! To be honest, I'm not even sure what I'm doing when we get back to school. After almost a week off (5 days really) it's hard to remember where we were in all of the subjects and I left school last Wednesday not knowing we were going to have a snow day (make that snow days!) so I didn't bring any work home. It's been nice to take a REAL break though, and not work at all on schoolwork. Well, I'm off to. . .enjoy my time.

Another snow day

2007-01-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

On a walk yesterday

Our front walkway

Our lone icecicle

2007-01-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

Good news: Snow day!
Bad news: We have to make up the day (the fourth we've had this year) and we're going to be in school until June 26th.

Some pictures for your enjoyment.

So Frakin' Tired

2007-01-10T17:02:00.000-08:00

So I just wrote a really negative post and I decided not to post it and instead I'm going to go read a book and relax on the couch. I'm just exhuasted from work and I don't want to take it out on you. Yes, I'm addressing the internet as a whole.

Happy 2nd Birthday

2007-01-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

The first day we picked you up you were so timid, scared. You had to be carried out of the house you were being fostered in and I felt really bad, taking you from the only good home you had known. You lived with a bunch of cats and dogs and kids and I was worried you might be bored at our house. You had been adopted out twice but were returned because you were "too aggressive" which is the strangest thing I had ever heard. Your foster mom agreed. She'd been fostering animals for years and said she had never seen a sweeter puppy. She had even taken your information off of the petfinder website because she was too scared to let someone else take you only to return you a few days/weeks later. She said it would be too hard to see. We found you through someone who knew her and told her we would be your forever home. I'll never forget driving you back to our house, you didn't made a peep.

You're the kindest puppy there has ever been. You've never done so much as nip at any person or other animal. When we first took you for walks, you were so submissive around other dogs you would roll onto your back as you walked up to them, to let them know it's okay, you knew they were in charge. Luckily you're not quite that bad anymore. Sometimes you'll even stay on your feet as you meet a new dog.

You use to be terrified of water in all forms-baths, lakes, streams, and even puddles. Much to our surprise and delight, we took you down to the Sound about 6 months ago and followed another dog into the water! You even swam! We were so proud of you-your ex-lifeguard dad has always wanted you to be a "water dog."

Before we adopted you we read a book called, "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" written by the monks of New Skeete, which is a crazy titled because that's not what it's about. It's a dog training book that helped me feel more prepared to be your new family. I never had a dog growing up, and I was afraid I wasn't going to be a good dog mom. Little did I know it would come pretty naturally, although dog class helped too! You're still not perfect at walks (you want to prance pretty fast!) and you don't always come when I call. You bark (only inside the house, okay, in the backyard too!) when you see squirels, birds, dogs, or neighbors. You use to get carsick and puke all over your crate in the car. I was worried we might fail out of dog school because you pulled so hard I almost dislocated my shoulder on more than one occasion. But you also get so excited when I come home from work, gave me kisses when my Grandpa died, and have made me laugh time after time when you were chasing a toy around the house and slide crazily all over the hardwood floors. I know most people think it's crazy to love an animal this much, but I don't care. They've never had a Rex before I guess.

I love you pup.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

We're home! Our trip to Alaska was great but I have to post about it later. I'll try to post some pictures too that we took with our *new* camera-lot of snow and moose!

I wish I was joking

2006-12-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

Today I said:

"Take it out of your mouth."
"We don't hit our classmates."
"Do you guys know you shouldn't use your barbeque inside to stay warm when the electricity is out?"
"Yes, Rudolph does have a shiny nose."
"Take it out of your mouth."
"Using the scissors in that way will cause you to loose them. For a long, long time."
"Did you just go outside the school building without permission? You need to fill out a problem-solving sheet. Again."
"Is it Winter Break yet?"
"Yes, you have to come to school tomorrow."
"Did you just throw your homework away in the garbage?"
"Do you understand why you shouldn't use the f-word in school?"
"Take it out of your mouth."
"Show me you are in control of your body."
"Chips is not an acceptable lunch."
"Thank you for the beautiful flowers."
"Take it out of your mouth."**
"You guys are great."

**One of my students is moving to India and brought cupcakes to school today as a treat. I passed them out in the cafeteria at lunch and for the three hours afterward, the little snowman decoration from the top of each cupcake (on a plastic stick) appeared in WAY too many kids' mouths.

Our Wonderful (insert sarcasm here) Weekend

2006-12-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

Number of stiches in my gums above my two top front teeth: 2 or 3, I'm not sure, I was focusing on not crying like a little girl
Shots of novacaine to get procedure and above stiches: 5
Total days we spent at the in-laws who DID have power: 2
Early Christmas celebrations held since we're flying to Alaska on Thursday: 1
Pets in bed with us last night (at our COLD house): 2
Pairs of socks I wore to bed: 2
# of shirts I wore to bed: 2
Other accessories worn: Gloves and a hat
Temperature of the house when we woke up this morning: 40 degrees (In case you're wondering, yes, we could see our breath)
Total hours our house was without power: 83

But here's the good news: WE HAVE ELECTRICITY! I just took the most wonderful shower. And we have a lot to be thankful. Some of my collegues at work were told they might not have electricity until Saturday. That's 8 DAYS without power. So, like I said, lots to be thankful for.

Watch out below!

2006-12-15T21:42:00.000-08:00

This is the 20-foot top of the tree that landed in our yard. The huge tree in the background is where it came from, 50 feet away and 80 to 100 feet in the air.

The Husband and I decided to cut it in half. Anyone need a 10-foot tall Christmas tree?

2006-12-15T17:06:00.000-08:00

60+mph wind
power out for 17+hours and no end in sight
a 20-foot tree a few feet landed a few feet from our laundry room
2 1/2 hours of cleaning up debris in the backyard
hanging out in Barnes and Noble for warmth and internet access
Wish us luck!

Tired on a Thursday

2006-12-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

The Husband: "One of my old students from last year tore her ACLU at soccer practice yesterday."

Me: "Her-"

The Husband: "Shut up."

Reason #521 I love my husband

2006-12-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

When I was out yesterday with the Sister-in-law at Urban Craft Uprising (very cool indie-craft gathering) guess what did the Husband did? Organized the pantry! Without any prompting! I love this guy.

Love is. . .

2006-12-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

a wave goodbye from Leaf.

2006-11-29T19:08:00.000-08:00

We had a snow day again. Since I like lists here are the things I did today.
!. Woke up.
2. Read.
3. Went back to sleep.
4. Watched tv.
5. Paid bills.
6. Knit.
7. Baked HUGE YUMMY cookies.
8. Did laundry.
9. Shopped for Christmas presents online.
10. Spent WAY too much time on the phone with the three credit agencies trying to figure out how to get my credit reports since I "may be the victim of identity theft." I never did talk to a human. Hmmmm.
11. Watched a few episodes of Heros.
12. Called my dad.
13. Wrote this post.

2006-11-28T18:06:00.000-08:00

That's a picture from www.komotv.com and those are cars people abandoned last night on the freeway.
It sure makes a person thankful for a warm home.
P.S. We had a snow day today-no school!