Pictures from the past week

Ladies and Gentlemen, I proudly present the graduates of Parent and Me Swim Class Session 3.

Carley and me

Drew, Carley, and Ellie
I can't believe how big Carley is getting.
Emily Hope, her dad Chief, Carley and her Daddy.

Look at these precious daddy's girls!

Our dog, Ali. I never post pictures of her and she gets jealous. She is smiling for the camera.

For embarrassing pictures.....

You can click on my dear friend. Mandy's blog, and see some embarrassing pictures of us from the late 80's and summer of 90. Why did I ever have a perm and HUGE glasses?

Happy Birthday, Cody!

Tomorrow (Sunday) is the birthday of my wonderful husband! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Cody! I am daily amazed that God brought us together and that you decided to accept His challenge! I am so thankful for Cody and the way he is such a wonderful father and husband. I hope this year blesses you more than you can imagine. I am so excited to share this day with you!

Thursday Thirteen

Here are 13 things about this week:

1. Every thing is good to go with Emily's adoption at this point. What a blessing!
2. Carley has had a big week. She crawled backwards. She tries to crawl forward, but has no luck. It is so cute.
3. Carley says "mamamamama". I think it is directed at me, but it is hard to know. But it is her first word and she says it when I leave the room or when she wants something so I think it is my name.
4. Cody is doing great on his paramedic hours. He is almost finished with the hospital stuff. This week he got five 8 hour shifts done which is impressive since he also was at the station all day Tuesday and will be there tomorrow.
5. We are finishing swim lessons tomorrow. It has been so fun. Carley is not quite doing back flips, but she splashes well. The best part has been spending time with friends in the class.
6. I am done watching The Hills. It is boring to me now. I need to start cutting down on some of my shows any way. So, good bye to LC and Jason. I wish you well.
7. I am spending the weekend with my family. I am so excited. Family time is so great.
8. Mc Donalds has $1.50 hamburger happy meals on Thursdays! HOW GREAT!
9. Days of Our Lives is getting really good. You need to watch it!
10. A super Target is opening close to our house on October 8th. You metroplexers don't know what it is like to only have one Target in town.
11. Cody and I bought a raffle ticket to win a house. Can you imagine? I know we won't win, but I like to pretend.
12. Clinique Bonus Week. I love it.
13. Saturday night we went on a triple date with 2 other couples and then Carley spent the night at Pops and Nana's. We got Carley at church the next morning. It was amazing how quiet the house was without "Disney's Lullabyes" playing in the back. It was our first night away from her. We missed her so much. Thanks Pops and Nana!

I have been waiting to post this....

This is such a funny story to me. I hesitate to post it because I know that lots of different people with different personalities and senses of humor read this blog. But the funniest thing happened in Walmart and I have to share. I ran in to get a bag of salad and a can of formula. I was in the self check out line behind this man in his 50's. He was acting very nervous. I thought maybe he was just scared of the self check out. I was wrong. He bought a kind of energy drink called Rockstar and a box of condoms. I would not have known this except the condoms wouldn't scan so sensor went off and the manager had to type in her code. The man was so embarrassed!!I got so tickled at the story while I was scanning my items. I thought, "Where is someone I can laugh about this with?" When I went to grab my receipt, I saw that he left his. I took the liberty of scanning it and posting it for your viewing pleasure. Is this not the FUNNIEST receipt you have ever seen in your life?

2 items, a rockstar and condoms. I love it!

Emily Hope is here!

I have posted several times about our friends (and Cody's chief) who God is blessing with a child. Well, with great and tearful joy, I am so excited to say that Emily Hope was born last night. Her birth mother has completed the first two steps of the adoption process. She signed the paper that she did not want to hold the baby and she signed the paper that the baby could leave the hospital as soon as it was healthy. The baby is perfectly healthy and should be in the arms of her mom this afternoon! :) WHAT A BLESSING! The final paper has to be signed on Sunday evening, 48 hours after the birth, saying that the birth mom relinquishes her rights.

Please, please say a prayer for these specific things.

1. Emily continues to be healthy and the transport to Lubbock and to their home is successful.
2. The Chief is in Maryland at a conference! He is trying to get home, but has run into some travel issues. Hopefully he will be home soon. Pray for his travel and sanity and that the family will be together soon.
3. I just spoke with Mrs. Chief and she is so excited, nervous, overwhelmed and everything else! This day without her husband is hard, but she is surrounded my friends and family. Pray for her as well.
4. Pray that the last paper is signed without a hitch and that all goes through.

What a blessed day!

Proverbs 13:19 "A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul"

Thirteen Good Things This Week

1. HUMPREY'S! Those teething pellets made a world of difference. I remembered that we received some at a baby shower and they are great. Carley has slept through the night again and is back on routine! YEAH! (my fingers are definitely crossed as I type this)

2. Bluebell Chocolate Covered Strawberries ice cream-- It is a new flavor and it is SO good! We are addicted.

3. Carley and I are in mommy and me swim lessons. We have lots of fun playing with Yvette and Ellie & Kelli and Drew.

4. My parents kept Carley for a couple of hours on Saturday morning so Cody and I could go see Pirates of the Caribbean II. The movie was good (not great, but definitely good) and it was awesome to go without our friend Carley!

5. My old roommate Jodi (Gray) Beaver had a beautiful baby girl named Reagan Noel in Houston this week. I can't wait to give her hugs! Both Mommy and baby are doing great!

6. Cody took Monday off to hang out with me and Carley. It was so fun. We took a much needed family nap. I loved it.

7. I am in a Ladies' Bible Study on Monday nights and I am enjoying it so much. The book we are using is called "Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World". It is very challenging and very good. Monday night's discussion was especially thought provoking and touching.

8. Carley had a good 6 month check up. 28 inches long and 18 lbs! WOW! I know! She is so precious and we just love her.

9. It has rained almost everynight this week. I love falling asleep to the rain of summer storms. It makes me feel like I am not in West Texas.

10. I rented High School Musical this weekend. It is a must see for cheesiness! The love story and the songs could not be any more predictable. It is in the Disney section if you rent it. I did work on learning the dance at the end if anyone wants to perform with me.

11. Sams Wholesale -- What can I say about Sams? We found so much stuff we needed there this weekend. It was great.

12. So far so good with the adoption for our friends of Emily Hope. Please keep this in your prayers. Everything is good to go right now.

13. Last Comic Standing - If you are not watching it, you need to...FUNNY STUFF! The finals are next week. Everyone needs to watch.

That is a rundown of the week. Hope all is well with you and your family.

Teething Advice???

Carley is in full swing of teething. For a while she has been drooling a lot and chewing on everything, but now we are in full blown teething. Stuffy nose, fussiness, can't sleep, low grade fever, and all the other things that go along with it. It has been a really hard few days. We went to the dr to get her 6 month shots on Friday and she said Carley has the swollen gums and should have pearly whites within the next few weeks.

What worked for your kids to take the edge off a little? Any ideas? I could really use them and I could really use a night of sleep for Carley!

4th of July and Family Fun

Here are some pictures to recap the last week or so!

The day of Alyssa's gallbladder surgery I kept Lauren and Carley. I dressed them alike. They were so cute. This is the best one of them looking at the camera which isn't saying much. Obviously, the only way I could get them to look the same way was to turn on Sesame Street and take their picture from behind.

We had fun with the O'Rears in Lubbock. We tried to get pictures made of Lauren, Camryn, and Carley together. They are hilarious. There is not ONE where they are all looking at the camera or even remotely smiling. Alyssa and I were exhausted by the end. It was really funny. I will post them when they come in. Here are some that we took on the 4th. You can just imagine what the studio ones were like! Look at Camryn's face in the first one!

They here are some more from the 4th. The babies slept through the parade. It was so cute.

And the best part of the 4th of July was meeting Elise Catherine King! She is precious and beautiful and so is her mom!

Blogger won't let me post the picutre of Elise. I'll try later. UGH!

6 month pictures

Six Months Old!

Six months ago this Wednesday, Carley came into the world. We went from a couple to a family. I can't talk enough about how blessed I feel or how honored I am to be her mom. Here are some of my favorite things about Carley Alyssa Nelson right now.

• She has started lifting her arms to be picked up when she cries or when she wants us. It is precious. I can't resist those little arms!
  
• Carley can now roll to what she wants. She just keeps turning from back to tummy to back until she gets there. Luckily it takes her some time to get there, but needless to say she is getting more mobile every day.
  
• She is trying to crawl. Instead she just moves backward instead of forward. She looks so confused at why her toys get farther away instead of closer!
  
• Carley LOVES to float in the water. She is as happy as a clam in the water and I love it too!
  
• I have learned that all good and bad phases come to an end when it comes to sleep. So, I know that as I write this, Carley could change her mind at any moment and decide not to do this anymore, but for right now, Carley puts herself to sleep! It is so awesome. I just lay her in bed with her paci, her hot pink and green elephant lovey, little satin blanket, and her CD playing and she puts herself to sleep. I haven't had to rock her 5 days for any naps or night sleep. Also, for 4 weeks and 2 days in a row, she has slept all through the night without needing her paci put back in or flipped over. Like I said, I know this will change again, I am just thankful for it right now. In fact, she will get her 6 month shots next week and not sleep through the night for two weeks after the shots.
  
• Carley's hair is getting lighter and lighter. She looks more like her daddy every day with her blue eyes and blonde hair.
  
• Carley talks and laughs like a little animal. It is high pitched, loud, and random. It is so precious to me.
  
• Carley has gone to the church nursery 4 times. First time, she was awesome. Second time, we got paged to come get her. Third time, awesome. Fourth time, she cried but made it though. I wish she didn't cry in there at all. She doesn't cry when we leave her, only after being there awhile. I do love getting her from the nursery and she gives me this hug like, "Where have you been!".
  
• Carley LOVES bath time and is learning to splash. It is so fun and we all get wet. :)
  
• Carley sleeps in my arms during church service. I love this time so much. It seems like the weeks are so busy that I don't take the time to hold her and watch her sleep like I did when she was little. I love her sighs, the sound of her paci, and her little hands holding onto me while she sleeps. It is one of my favorite hours of the week.

We had her 6 month pictures made this morning. They are precious. I am not at work so I don't have a scanner. I'll scan them soon and post them. Who knew one little person could change your life so much in six months?

Update

Thanks for your warm wishes for my hostess techniques. Why do we, as women, always make it about ourselves? What will we wear? What will our house look like? Guests are such a blessing and they never judge, do they? Dinner was great. We had a great time. Please keep them in your prayers. I am not going to post their names to protect the adoption privacy. They are going to name their baby Emily Hope when she comes. Please pray for them. Their faith humbled us so much yesterday. Emily is supposed to be here by mid July. :)

Also, keep my sister in your thoughts as she is about to have surgery next week. My mom, Carley and I are going up there to help with my nieces. I am excited to see all of them again, I just wish Alyssa was feeling better!

Not quite June Cleaver more like Roseanne

One of Cody's chiefs and his wife have been trying to have a baby for 17 years! After 3 failed adoptions, they are three weeks away from becoming parents. The birth mom has signed everything, the paperwork is in place, all things are a "go". As you can imagine, they have several hesitations about buying too much stuff or having showers until their baby girl is in their arms. The chief's wife is a manager at Mardel. I saw her last week and she asked me some questions about what she would need for the first 24 hours of the baby's life with them. I started giving her some ideas when we just decided it would be easier for me to show her what Carley has and then they can make their own choices after they take a look. One thing lead to another and I invited the chief and his wife over for dinner and to talk baby stuff. What was I thinking? I am not the hostess with the mostest by any stretch! I don't do centerpieces. I try to keep a clean and tidy house, but fall very short. I don't enjoy dressing up for things or setting a formal table. Now I am having Cody's boss and his wife over for dinner tonight. They are an amazing Christian couple. They are completely unassuming, unpretentious, and not the kind of people that would care about Martha Stewart at all. None the less, here are my top 13 fears of what might end up being said tonight at supper:

1. "Wow, I have never had this type of meat blackened before"
"I didn't mean to blacken it, I just burned it on accident"

2. "I am so glad you didn't go to any trouble over our meal"
"Actually, this is the best I can do"

3. "Cody, it is funny that a fireman's wife burned the kitchen cooking supper."

4. "Ashley, did you just finish working out"
" No, I just prefer clothes that are elastic during the summer"

5. "Ashley, most 28 year olds don't have a large pimple on the side of their face, what do you think caused this?"

6. "Ashley, now I can see why you chose not to be part of the Fireman's Wife Auxiliary Club. We aren't your type are we?"

7. "Ashley, I am so glad you are resting this summer and not worried about housework."

8. "It is so nice to have a relaxed dinner. We always get invited to nice, fancy, gourmet meals, it is so nice to just have regular old stuff."

9. "Ashley since Carley is almost six months old, how much longer do you think it will take you to lose your large pooch. Most women look like they did before they are pregnant by now."

10. "Ashley, how many times have you made cookies and taken them up to the station?"
"ummm....none"

11. "Cody, after spending the evening at your home, we are putting you back on probation."

12. "Ashley, I think you spilled something on your shirt". I look down to see salsa where it always ends up..not in my lap, but on my chest. Every time!

13. "This was so fun, let's do this every month."
I then pass out at the thought of all of the pressure.

Yankee girl

For Father's Day I had Carley's picture made in a Yankees onesie and in a toboggan that Cody bought her before she was born. He was so surprised. Here are a few of my favorites. Denae, thanks for doing this for us and doing such a great job!

Thirteen Things I Should Be Doing Right Now Instead of Blogging

Carley is napping and I am blogging. Instead, I should be...

....in no particular order....


1. Emptying the dishwasher - We are completely out of spoons
2. Wrapping Cody's Father's Day Present
3. Calling 3 people back -
4. Finishing this book I am reading called "The Next Big Thing". It is about this overweight girl who goes on a reality show to lose weight. It is really funny.
5. Folding the laundry
6. Fixing the paint on my toe nails
7. Showering.... you know how I am about that...
8. Of course reading the Bible, praying, having quiet time with God
9. Paying bills
10. Mailing Birthday cards to.. 6 people with birthdays in the next week!
11. I have a Pilates for after C-Section video. It KILLS me.
12. Baking something fabulous
13. Playing fetch with Ali who is sitting by me with her toy.

What should you be doing other than reading my blog??

The Beauty of Friendships

You know sometimes you hear a quote and it just sticks in your mind. When I was a Junior in college a girl that I was in club with named Keely shared a quote that her mom used to say to her. It really stuck with me. Here is the quote:
"People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you will know exactly what to do".

I think of that quote often and blogging with you really makes it hit home for me. When I look at my list on the right hand column of friends, I can't help but laugh at the forty names! And I laugh because I became friends of yours in lots of different, random, but blessed ways. Of course there is my sister who had to befriend me because we shared a bed, a bathroom, and most significantly, parents. Then there are the people on the list that I know through her. You were her friends first, but somehow you became intrigued how two sisters can be so alike and different at the same time. Then you decided to care about me as a person and now, I consider you my friends as well.

Then there are the friends who I grew up with back in the day. Those who knew me when I had a perm and red Sally Jesse Raphael glasses or the years of teenagerness that followed. You might have been a neighbor on my street, a best friend in HS, a roommate at camp, a youth intern, or better yet, I was good friends with your older sibling so you had to like me because I was at your house all the time.

Then we go to college. On the list is my roommate my freshman year who ate pop corn and cool whip with me, my arch rival for Freshman Class Secretary, fellow members of the John Denver fan club, my roommate my Sophomore year who survived pledging with me, fellow camp counselors, former campers, my roommate my Junior year who let me sing with her at night, fellow Alto II's in Sing Song, surgeons, safari members, beetles, jailmates, chili peppers, and crayons (let's forget about Annie, okay) The lists could keep going forever. You were around for some big moments in my life and a time that reshaped me. I made a lot of mistakes, but came out a better person with lots of hilarious stories and special friends.

Then we move back to Lubbock where I reconnected with people on the above lists, and made some new amazing friends. Some of you shared in the time when Cody and I were meeting, dating, engaged, and newly weds. Some of you shared with me in hormones, pregnancy, domino pains, and adjusting to life with Carley. You have prayed for me and with me often and for some reason, you decide to stick around.

I love the list of bloggers. For whatever reason you are on the list and for whatever reason you decide to stay friends with me, I am thankful! The season of your frienship keeps growing and lasting longer than I deserve. Thanks for daily being in my journey.

Thursday Thirteen

Because I still secretly live in a twisted ACU mind set at times, I thought Thursday Thirteens were only for Kojies! Then I saw non Kojies and non ACUers posting and I realized it is for everyone!
So here is my Thursday Thirteen - 13 great things about this week.

1. I found out who the 3rd pregnant person is and I am not her! :) Congratulations to all of my pregnant friends out there. Some of our other friends just found out they are having a boy and our other great friends just found out that October will bring them a little girl! What a blessing babies can be and especially long prayed for pregnancies.

2. School's Out For The Summer - My contract for the year is officially over. I am so thankful. It is great to be home for a bit and hang out with my favorite person under 20 lbs.

3. Dawson's Creek reruns - I was never a fan of "The Creek" when it was on, but I got addicted a couple of summers ago to the reruns. They are awesome. Is almost the end of the show and they are getting really good again!

4. The Hills - LC = Love her! Heidi = Hate her! I thought LC got off very easy at the beginning of last night's episode. I am anxious for next week to hear from Jason again.

5. the pool - Carley and I have been swimming a few times already at the pool in my parent's neighborhood and she does so good. I just love it. It is so relaxing. I kind of feel like
Norm" from Cheers at the pool. I have been going there for 16 years so most of the people I enjoy seeing again during pool season. I love the pool.

6. Air Walk Flip Flops - They are not the most attractive, but they are the MOST comfortable. When Alyssa was here a couple of weeks ago, we both got a pair at Payless. Do yourself a favor and go get some. They are AMAZINGLY comfortable.

7. I saved $8.75 yesterday at Walmart with coupons. I love coupons. They make me feel like such a super savvy savings shopper!

8. Walking - Now that work is over and there are so many hours of daylight, I have been able to find lots of time to go walking. Walking puts me in the best mood. It just makes my whole body feel better.

9. Peas and Green Beans - Carley's 2 favorite foods are peas and green beans. It is so random. She gets super excited when I put one of them on a spoon. I have been trying to get her to enjoy instead of tolerate cereal for awhile. I kept mixing it with some applesauce or pears to get her to eat it. She would fuss every time. Sure enough, I mixed the cereal with some peas and the girl was giddy! What a random kid I have!

10. Naps and Nighttime - Carley is being a really good sleeper right now. 9.5 to 10.5 hours at night and at least one 2 1/2 hour nap a day plus 2 one hour naps. At night she goes down easily. Naps are sometimes a little harder, but when she is out, it is awesome!

11. DVR - You warned me I would love it and I do. Summer has let me appreciate it even more. Right now the Today show is paused so I can type and then I will catch up in a minute.

12. Cody's mom and dad went to court last week and she was ordered to pay back child support for her 3 kids. She hasn't paid a dime since 1990. She owes 7 years for Cody, 9 for his middle sister and 16 for his youngest sister. The DA stuck it to her good. I hope for Cody's dad's sake that she does pay and that he can use the money to help Cody's youngest sister out. Can you imagine how much she owes him? It is unbelievable. Good job to the courts for punishing people who do not pay for their child support.

13. The best thing about today so far is catching up with my blogger land friends. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great day!

It comes in Threes.....

1. Jessica G.
2. Leslie M.
3. ???

I have been wondering and wondering who #3 is. Any predictions or confessions? I know there is a 3rd out there.

I would like to know who you think might be #3. The winner gets a hug.

Also, don't make and smart comments about it being me. It is swim suit season and I don't think my hormones could handle it! :)

#3....Who should it be?

I'll fess up...

I am watching The Hills, you know the spin off for LC from Laguna Beach. Is anyone out there going to be watching it?

I need some new TV to get me through the summer!

Summer is here (almost)

Well school is out and I only have to work a few extra days. So here I am at work not working and instead wishing it was still the weekend. We had a great weekend! Alyssa's family came to town. My nieces are so precious! They were awesome. Camryn is the best baby I have been around. She has such a sweet nature and is super laid back. She rarely fusses at all. She is so sweet and cuddly and I just LOVED holding her. Lauren is hilarious! She told us she wanted to be called "Loey" instead of Lolo as a nick name. She introduced to people at my own church like she owned the place. She was so loving and said such sweet things. It was so cute.

On Saturday Carley turned 5 months old. I cannot believe it. Here she is chilling in her bouncer. She loves to sit and hang out right now. She loves for us to read her books and to play with her bunny and lion. Her favorite toy is her feet. I can't believe how big she is getting. The downfall right now is she loves to roll over in the middle of the night and then gets stuck on her back or her side and doesn't want to flip back. So she calls us in there to put in her paci and flip her back over. Obviously, we have things to work on. Here is her new hairstyle ( a pony tail on the top of her head which is usually accompanied with a large bow)

Yesterday, Carley went swimming for the first time with Kristin, Danae, and me. We had such a good time. Carley LOVED the water. I figured she would be scared. She had one of those yellow rings where your legs hang down. She just chilled in it for 50 minutes! Then I took her out to reapply sunscreen (much to her dismay) and she fell asleep in my arms for 45 minutes. Then we got back in the water. Some of you know how much I love to swim and I love the pool. It is the greatest place on earth! I am so glad I have a baby who loves the water. ( right now at least) Here are her swimsuit shots. I am sure Sports Illustrated will be calling us soon. Who wouldn't want a centerfold with thighs like this?

Finally, here is our Mother's Day picture. It has been so long since I have taken the time to post pictures. Time goes by so fast. I am so glad summer is here (except for a few more days of work) so I can hang with my little buddy and her little thighs!

A Good Week

Here are some good things about this week:

- Some girls from our class went to go see "Stick It", the gymnastics movie. Other than the fact their bodies made me sick, it was so fun to go to a chick flick with my favorite chicks.

- Carley has a new hair style . I think it is precious. I will post pictures soon. This is not a big deal to most of the world, but I love playing with Carley's hair.

- Some girls from our class are signed up for Mommy and Me swim classes this summer. It should be hilarious.

- THIS IS THE LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL!

- My replacement credit card came this week.

- Some of my family will be together this weekend. I cannot wait! I will post pictures later. I'll just say that I get to be "Aunt Cee" again and I am PUMPED!

- I found 5 dollars in some shorts.

What good happened for you this week?

Valor

Webster defines Valor as "strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery". Yesterday Cody, his truck company, and two other truck companies received medals of Valor from the City for their bravery at the propane fire a couple of months ago. (see blog history for the story).

I have been thinking a lot about the word "valor". In my mind it has a place with antiquated words like chivalry, gentleness, purity, and other words that seem to belong in medieval times that we do not see carried out that often. Why have things changed? Have they?

Sometimes I think we are too busy to look for subtle good deeds. The quiet small acts of people just doing their jobs do not grab our attention like the loud attention seekers (like me) who love praise and find ways to demand it with all of our actions.

Yes. Cody fighting a fire and risking his life to save and help others, is WAY more than a subtle good deed. I love Cody because in his mind, he was not showing valor or bravery, he was just doing his job to the best of his ability. After the ceremony, I asked him what he was thinking and his comment was this, "You know, sometimes, it is nice to get praise for just doing your job well." In this busy world, we do not always recognize a job well done and if we do, we rarely comment on it.

So this week, say something nice to someone who is just doing their job to the best of their ability. Look for acts of bravery, valor, gentleness, and chivalry and recognize them.

And finally...WAY TO GO CODY! I am so proud of you! :)

Literally losing my mind

This week, I have lost

• a roll of 100 stamps after using one
• Cody's Yankee Hat
• an important receipt for work
• my CREDIT CARD! (which I have already cancelled)

What is up with that? I NEVER lose stuff. I am the one who makes fun of others when they do that. I NEVER do this. What is up with this week? Where is the island of lost stuff? Have you seen any of it?

Man, am I getting old or is it motherhood or what???

Well...

What did you think of Gray's Anatomy last night?
Favorite parts?
Least favorite parts?
Predictions?

I am dying to talk about it!

We gave in...

The Nelson's are now the proud owners of DVR. We can record, pause, and play back live television. So far....it is the greatest technology ever. We are addicted. I knew we would be if we ever got it, so we waited until the time was right. Now we have caught up with the rest of the world!

I would like to hear your thoughts on the best part of DVR/TEVO.

Back to the couch....

Carley at 4 months and my Mother's Day Present

Here is one of Carley's 4 month pictures. That girl is so fun right now. She loves to flip over and then flip back. She loves to play with her feet and kick them in the air. She is just a joy right now. Her thighs are hilarious! They have at least 3 rolls in them! She is just at a really fun age.

For Mother's Day I wanted a picture of Cody in his fire stuff with Carley. For the first pictures he had on his helmet and she wouldn't smile. He took his helmet off and she started cooing and talking to him. It was precious. Here is my favorite picture of all time! Aren't I am lucky wife and mom? I feel so blessed.

A Case For Blogs and other random thoughts

The debate on whether or not blogs are good for you has been a topic of discussion and posts around me lately. Well, I have the answer today. Last week I posted about Blue Bell Peanut Butter and Jelly ice cream. I would still be wondering if it was good or disgusting if it weren't for blogs. Jenn K. bought some, tried it, and posted her thoughts on her blog. I didn't have to buy it, I could just get an answer from a trusted source. That right there is my justification for blogs.

Onto other updates, my laryngitis is gone. Cody is well too. The retreat was great this weekend. It is always a joy to spend time with my friends and other ladies in the church. It reminds me of why we need the body of Christ. I was blessed to spend time with women older than me and younger ( I guess only Sara and Kristin are younger :) ). Good times.

Now, I am ready to discuss and hear your thoughts on TV again.
Grey's Anatomy: I am glad Meredith and George are speaking. That made the episode for me. I did not like the fight between Meredith and Derek in the stair way. I think they do better in elevators. She is right to say what she did. Where do you think the show is going to go with these characters. I am a huge fan of McVet. He looks like he might be a good character. I think that Meredith will move on with McVet and be very happy. I also think Derek and Addison will fall a part and then it will be Derek's turn to be sad and Meredith's turn to be unavailable. I don't know though. Any thoughts on last night's episode?

Desperate Housewives: Andrew Van De Camp may be the most ruthless character on TV. I thought Edie was totally out of line as well. It was a weird night. What do you think is going on with Lynette and Tom?

One last thing: I rented Brokeback Mountain and watched it on Saturday. I need to process it more before I can blog about it. Right now, all I can say is that I didn't enjoy it for a lot of reasons. It was maybe the most depressing movie, on several levels, that I have seen in a long time. Did anyone else feel that way?

Okay, the bell just rang, I am back to work.

Silent for Once

Well, I have laryngitis, so for once in my life I am silent. I know. You might think the world is going to come to a stop, but my voice is getting better and I will be chattering before you know it. Carley keeps looking at me like, "You are that loud lady that is always talking to me. Why are you quiet?" It is cute.

Here are the pros and cons of laryngitis:

-PROS-
- my cell phone battery has not gone to "low" since this started
- I got on a nifty t antibiotic that is helping a ton
- My AWESOME mom came over last night and packed Carley and I up and we went to her house for the night. She took the monitor! Last night was my first night since Carley's birth not to have the baby monitor next to my head. I went to sleep at 9:30 and woke up well rested at 6:30. AWESOME! I love my mom!
- People at work are leaving me alone because I can't talk. Only those that really need me or my friends that care are popping in. I like it.
- I am wearing my "Drama Queen" t - shirt today to emphasize my sickness. If my voice can't be loud, then at least my shirt can be loud!

- CONS-
- I feel like someone came in and scraped my throat up with a fork.
- I cough up gunk
- I can't return important phone calls.
- I can't sing to Carley.
- (This one will freak most of you out) Amy B. and I are speaking at the Women's Retreat this weekend. I know, "What were they thinking, asking those two to do two 40 minute sessions?" I am so afraid that my voice will be back and strong by then. Amy has offered to let me sit on her lap like a puppet and speak for me. If you knew that Amy was barely over 5 feet, this would make you laugh harder.

Any way, silence is golden my friends. Make sure you are taking your vitamin C!

2 random thoughts.

Random Thought #1:

We went to the grocery store on Saturday and I saw the new flavor of Blue Bell: Peanut Butter and Jelly. That does not sound good to be at all. I LOVE ice cream and I love Peanut Butter & Jelly, but I am sure those should become one. Has anyone out there tried it? Are you planning on trying it? What other combinations in this world are weird to you?

Random Thought #2:

Why is the "bearded other" on Lost on Desperate Housewives as that guy's SA sponsor? That is so weird to me. Lost is mind boggling enough. I don't need to see these characters elsewhere.

Follow up to last post:
Carley was AWESOME at the schools. She was so cute and smiled and laughed the whole time. Jennifer did a great job of being my assistant/nanny. Cody and I had all day Saturday together. It was so good, except Carley has used up all of her good mood on Friday and was a little fussy. Tonight we are going to dinner together. It is our first meal alone since 3/13 for breakfast. We are so excited. My mom, who is feeling much better, is going to keep Carley so we can eat. I can't wait. I loved all of your stories about what was bothering you today and thanks for your sweet words.

Hope you are having a great beginning of the week.

Momma Said There'd Be Days Like This....

Let me start off by saying I am a very blessed person. I know this blog is going to be whiney. I will probably end up deleting it. I just feel the need to be whiney in blog land today.

Here are all the things that make me sad/worried (depending on the situation) today. I am having a rotten week. Here is why:

• My amazing and wonderful assistant at work is named Jennifer. She is a dear friend and absolutely the kind of person you want working for and with you. An answered prayer for her and her family is that she has been offered at least one teaching job for next year. This will more than DOUBLE what she makes for me. She will do a great job in the classroom. Selfishly, I am so sad. She will be so hard to replace.
• One of my bosses is leaving. He is going to be doing something that is awesome for him and the institution he will be working for next year. He is one of those guys who really makes you believe that you are good at what you do. He has become a dear friend of mine. I am so happy for his new opportunity, but I am going to miss him so much. I have been really bummed about losing these two all week.
• My sweet mom has a bacterial infection somewhere in her digestive tract. She is so sick! They have her on meds soon. Her fever went up all the way to 103 this afternoon. She has felt awful. I can't see her or check on her because I can't pass it on to my little buddy Carley.
• Mom is supposed to have Carley tomorrow. Cody is at the station. I am presenting at 3 elementaries tomorrow and there is no way to take off. SO, my buddy Carley is coming to work with me for the day and my assistant, Jennifer, is going to go with me all day and help take care of Carley. NUTS! It is going to be NUTS! There is no telling when she is going to be wonderful or fussy, so basically I am at the mercy of a 4 month old. It may go great tomorrow or it may bomb! Why this week?
• My sweet Cody has been at the station or at class every night this week except for Wednesday when we were at church. We haven't been at home together awake for more than 1 hour any day. It has been so hard on both of us.

I know these are trivial things to gripe about, so don't feel sorry for me. I am just fussy. This week is almost over and things will be better soon.

One word is on my mind....summer...summer....summer

I want to hear what your gripe is today...

What a Weekend

We had a great time in Dallas. Camryn is beautiful and so cute! Lauren is a great big sister. Carley was well behaved. It was fun to have so many cousins. On the way to the wedding, Alyssa and I had all three car seats in the back of her car. It was hilarious. I definitely know I am not cut out for multiple children.

We got to spend some great time with my cousins and my dad's family. 2 of his cousins came. It is so funny to see so many Lebnanese people in one place. Cody looked very handsome in his new suit. Carley didn't spit up on me until we got home. It was so nice to be in public with out a big white stain on my shoulder! :) We got to sit and visit with my sweet cousin Susan and her husband Mike. They are so wonderful. It is rare that we get to just visit with them.

On Sunday I got to see some of my favorite people at PC. The blogging world is such a blessing because it keeps me close to people. It was good to see Tami, Kristen, Chelsea, and Amy along with so many others. I just love it. The hard thing about weekend trips to the metroplex is that we NEVER get to see everyone at all. It is so frustrating to be in the same place as some of our dearest friends and not get to hug their necks. This summer Carley and I are going to try to come up for a long weekend and get to see more people.

On a side not, my friend Katie has blogged before about an amazing hand dryer called the Xlerator. It is AMAZING. I experienced it first hand in the bathrooms of a gas station in Seymour. You must check this out.

Here are some cute pictures from the weekend. I rarely post pictures of my favorite brother-in-law and brother-in-love. Here are Alyssa and Clint and Camryn and Carley.

Hug A Teacher

This week is the most stressful week in Texas public schools. It is TAKS week. This is the week where students all over the state take the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. These tests are difficult, full of pressure, and produce highly important reports that make decide several factors for students and districts including funding, schedules, accountability, ratings, and enrollment.

I could talk about the TAKS test forever (but I won't). For teachers, the old saying, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink", has never been so true. You can show, demonstrate, tell, teach, describe, and act out 2 + 2 =4 a million times and in a million different ways and some kids are never going to grasp it. The TAKS test reflects this on that student's teacher whether the teacher taught this or not. It is a tough spot.

However, instead of talking bad about TAKS, I am going to rant about some positives. After all, standardized testing is never going to go away. We might as well look for positives. So, here are some reasons why I am a big proponent of standardized testing.

My first year of teaching Biology, I spent and entire six weeks on genetics. It was so awesome! My kids really got into it. We played lots of CSI games and did more Punnet squares than you can imagine. They knew genetics like the back of their hands. It was all of our favorite six weeks. Well, when we got to plants I only spent a week and a half. Plants are so boring. The kids HATE studying botany and I ABHOR teaching it. If my kids would have taken the TAKS test, they would have failed the part on plants. You see, whether I like plants or not, it is still something the state of Texas says needs to be covered in depth in Biology I on the high school level. In fact, there are less standards required for genetics than for botany. The next year I spent 3 weeks on each unit and my students got a much fuller and enriched education. I picked and chose the quality labs for genetics instead of all of my favorites and looked for ways to make plants interesting.

The point of standardized testing is to say that if you are a 3rd grader in Padukah, TX you are learning the same reading, writing, math, social studies, and science skills that a 3rd grader in Coppell is learning. If your parents moved you in the middle of the year, you would still have a complete 3rd grade education. I respect that. It shouldn't matter if your teacher is a football coach or a nuclear physicist, Chemistry class should be Chemistry class. If you are low income, you should have the same basic learning opportunities as the richest kid in the state.

When I was in elementary school, one of my teachers used science class to teach us sign language. I LOVED sign language and I am thankful to this day that I can somewhat communicate with others through sign language. My sister knew it too growing up and we had lots of fun at the dinner table chatting without my parents really knowing what we were saying, however, I probably should have learned properties of matter instead. One of my Junior High social studies teachers taught us how to play chess. I am glad I have that skill, but I do think there are more important facts of European history I should have picked up other than a pawn is less precious than the queen. There is a purpose and a point to standardized testing and as an educator, quality and equitable education is something I owe my students and their parents.

That being said, give teachers a hug this week and a pat on the back. It is a stressful week for them.

Happy TAKS testing.

Happy Easter!

Carley's first Easter has been so fun! She had a great time checking out her duck Easter basket and hunting eggs with her cousin, Lauren. Lauren was so sweet and would find eggs and then bring some to Carley so her basket wasn't empty. Spring is such a great and happy time of year anyway, but today was just a perfect day. Church was great and it is always great to spend a day with your family. Most of all it is a blessing to live in a country where they take a day to acknowledge the celebration of Christ's resurrection.

Here are some snapshots of today.

Carley's 3 month pictures

As a parent, I feel it is my right to put Carley in bunny suits at Easter that she hates. I know that some day she will try to revoke this privledge, but for now, her fashion is at my mercy!

She does love her little smocked dress that my aunt made her. It is really cute.

Happy Birthday, Alyssa

Today is my sister's birthday. Since she is in the hospital recovering from having Camryn, I can post whatever I want since she can't read it. So, here are Alyssa's most embarrassing moments! Just Kidding. Here are a few things I love about my sister! Happy Birthday!

1. Alyssa chooses nicknames that stick. Growing up she named the trees, our sprinkler, every stuffed animal and doll, and she gave me a nickname too. All of those stuck! Most of her friends have nicknames that she gave them and I am still called "Cee" to my family which is a derivative of an embarrassing nickname Alyssa gave me in the 3rd grade.

2. Random and funny things always happen to Alyssa. She has the most hilarious stories of anyone I know. The closet story is my favorite, but there are a million I could choose from.

3. Alyssa is a really good friend and she keeps friends for a long time. She has been in more weddings than anyone I know. She has friends (other than me) that she has know for 25-30 years! She is a really good listener, very genuine, can keep a secret, and is always up for good, clean fun. I am still reaping the blessings of Alyssa's ability to be a good friend because several people out there in blog land are people I consider friends even though they really are Alyssa's.

4. Alyssa loves events and parties. My dad used to joke that when Alyssa was single she was the event planner for the metroplex. That girl loves to get people together and always makes it fun. She LOVES holidays and always makes them fun with parties and games.

5. She is a great mom. Lauren is so smart, polite, talkative, and hilarious and I attribute most of that to Alyssa. She is so calm with Lauren and rarely looses her cool. (actually I have never seen her loose her cool) She has been a huge help to me into my journey into motherhood.

6. Alyssa is a great audience. Growing up she made me feel like I was the best entertainer in the world. She was always getting me to put on plays, sign songs, make up dances, and tell her stories. You can partially blame her for the nut I am today. Seriously, she has a gift of making people feel talented and important.

7. Alyssa is great with words. She is very eloquent and always seems to have the right words to say. She has a way of putting things into perspective and giving calm to storms. She is good at explaining things and helping people get on the same page.

8. Alyssa is very tender hearted. When we were little, she made a schedule of which stuffed animals got to sleep with her to make sure she didn't show favorites and that none of them got their feelings hurt. Seriously, who does that?

9. Alyssa loves teen movies and books. She loves all chick flicks and romance books as long as they aren't scary and have happy endings. She loves any kind of romance in tv shows (i.e. Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Ed, the Office) and gets incredibly excited when it looks like they are going to hook up.


Happy Birthday, Alyssa! I know this year has already started with a blessing named Camryn Grace and I pray the rest of the year is full of blessings as well! I love you!

Camryn Grace O'Rear

She is here! 8 pounds 4 ounces, 20 inches! Alyssa and Camryn are doing great! I'll post more as I know more! 12:27 p.m.

The hardest Happiest day

Today is a very exciting and blessed day. I am about to become an aunt again. Alyssa's C-section is scheduled for 1:00. I am so excited and happy for them. I love Camryn so much already. Lauren has been hilarious about it all. She will be one funny big sister. My parents and Clint's mom arrived in Dallas yesterday and they are all heading to the hospital here in a bit.

Selfishly, I am having such a VERY hard time not being there. I know it is not about me at all. I just am out of sub days after maternity leave and Carley would not do that great stuck in a hospital room for 3 days. There are so many people staying at Alyssa's that I would need to stay on the couch which means I would need to kick someone out of their room every time Carley needed to eat. It would be a mess. So, Cody, Carley, and I are going down in a couple of weeks for a wedding and to see my precious new niece then. Today I am throwing a pity party here in Lubbock wishing I was closer to them. But, today is not about my selfishness, but the blessing of little Camryn Grace!

For those of you who live in the area and are going to go visit them, give them lots of hugs for me and take pictures so I can see her. Knowing my technosavvy family, I won't see pictures of her for a week.

Also, say a prayer for Camryn's safe arrival. I will keep people updated here with stats and stuff as I know them!

factoid

This morning at 2 minutes and 3 seconds after 1:00 am it was:

01:02:03 04/05/06.

There is your thought for today.

5 Quirks

I saw this tag game on Carolyn T.'s blog and thought it looked fun. All of you have to do it! You list 5 quirky/weird/odd things about yourself. About 837 came to mind for me, but I am picking 5.

1. I clip coupons faithfully. I have my own coupon organizer that I take with me to the grocery store which divides coupons into categories. In fact, I love my coupon organizer so much that I scanned it for your viewing pleasure.

2. I am a huge fan of series finales. In fact, for several it will be the only episode of the show that I ever watch. There is just something about closure and good byes that get me every time! Here are some last episodes that I have on tape that are some of my favorites to watch over and over: Wonder Years, Another World, Family Ties, Dawson's Creek, 90210, Friends, MASH, and Mad About You.

3. I don't like to bathe and or shower. I know it is gross, I just don't like to take the time. Of course I do it, I just have to give myself a pep talk EVERY TIME before I do it. My favorite things to do on days off is to not shower or bathe. In fact, I know I couldn't be a stay at home mom because I know Cody would have to ask me how long it had been since I washed my hair, because I am not disciplined enough to do it if I know I am not going to see people.

4. I abhor cold cereal. There is something that grosses me out about puffy bread floating in milk. There is not one kind I like. Now, hot cereals, I could eat every meal, but cold cereal is disgusting to me. I have not had more than 5 bowls since I was like 13. They funny thing is, when people hear this, they always make suggestions of different types of cereal they like as if it will change my mind. I do not like cereal, Sam I Am.

5. I love Diet Big Red. It is my soft drink of choice. It is so sugary and sweet and marvelous. Not everyone appreciates Big Red like they should. If it has been awhile since you have tried it, go ahead and drink one. You won't be sorry. Plus, if you get the Diet Big Red, you won't even feel guilty for the calories.


Did you learn something new about me?

well...

2 pink lines...yep...we are pregnant. I cannot believe it. Our kids will be about 11 month apart.. I am guessing the due date is the end of Novemeber. I got nauseous 2 days in a row and then last night after everyone left from the girls night, I took the test. We are blessed, but not excited. Cody was at the station when I called him. I think he almost passed out. I know I am rambling, I am just in shock. I mean, can you imagine? Well, happy april fools day and I hope I am the first one to get you. Of course this entire post is a lie and I would not be able to type if it was true because of the heartattack I would have suffered.

This Week's Recap

Here are some random thoughts from this week:

I heard "mmmbop" in a store on Tuesday. Wow! It had been awhile since Hanson's lyrics and melody filled my head (and my heart). I have not been able to get it out of my head. I still have no idea what the song is about, but I can't lie, it makes me happy to hear it. Interestingly enough, I just googled the song title to spell it correctly and I found an mmmbop fan club. WOW!

I am so glad Lost is getting good again. Last night was filled with twists as promised. I loved it! I got scared at the end and made Cody hold my hand.

Tomorrow night we are having a girls slumber party at my house. Some of the girls from our class are coming over to watch chick flicks and eat fattening food. I can't wait.

Carley turned 3 months old on Tuesday. It has gone so fast. She has slept for 10 hours 3 nights this week! YAY CARLEY! She gets sweeter and cuter every day. I feel so blessed. We took her to get her 3 month pictures made. She wore a precious dress that will be her Easter dress that my aunt smocked for her and then a hilarious bunny outfit that she absolutely hates. The pictures of it are funny though.

I get to be an aunt again a week from today! Baby Camryn is coming! I can't believe it. You know I am freakishly addicted to my niece Lauren Ashley. I can't wait to see her become a big sister and for me to fall in love with baby Camryn and have a new precious niece.

Only 8 more weeks till school is out!

On Sunday there was a Friends marathon on TBS where they aired the last 10 episodes. I wonder if I will ever stop crying at the end.

Thanks for letting me get all of that off my chest. I hope you have a great weekend!