15 Months/ Easter

15 months old

Carley turned 15 months old this week. I can not believe it. She is getting so big. She gets sweeter and sweeter each day. She runs everywhere and loves to carry things from one place to another. Her favorite items are my items like shoes, phone, Tupperware, glasses, and purse items. I have lost so many things because of her "rearranging".

We went to the Dr. today and Carley is clearly getting too small. She is down to only 98% for height instead of 107 % and in weight she is down to 94% from the 103 %. Clearly she is getting just too tiny and is the size of an average 20 month old! HA!

Here are some pictures of our new favorite activities.

Here she is unrolling the toilet paper roll. This is something she gets in big trouble for which is why she is running away when Cody caught her.She loves taking care of her baby. She loves to rock baby and give it a bottle. This is so funny to me because I never really played with dolls like that, but this is one of her new favorite thing to do.

Here we are laying on the couch and reading. Carley loves to be read to, but she has ALWAYS wanted it sitting up ONLY until recently where she lets me snuggle on the couch with her. It is my favorite! :)
Here is my big girl standing and talking to me. Where have these 15 months gone?Also, please keep praying for the Mock family and Phillips family. This week has made me very thankful for technology and the instant updates that are available for prayers and prayer chains. It has also made me very thankful for my healthy baby girl who is growing before my eyes. These past couple of weeks have also been very sad for two of my dear girl friends who have not received very good news on fertility. With huge issues like these sweet families are dealing with my prayers have been heavy and full of questions. I know we pray to a God of Hope and Promise who loves all 4 of these families so much.

Another family to lift up in prayer

Kory and Jaymie Phillips went to ACU with me and they are both sweet and wonderful people. Jaymie delivered twins at 25 weeks on Monday morning. Jayde and Kanyon are very tiny, fragile, under 12 inches long, and in need of prayers. You will not believe how tiny they are in the pictures. Please lift this special family up in prayer and continue to pray for them during this long journey. I added Jaymie's blog to my blog roll on the right.

Update- Sweet Jayde passed away. Please, please, please keep them in your prayers.

Pray for Corbin

Our special friend Corbin is having surgery on Tuesday. He is 11 months old and a very precious boy. Here is a link to learn about his medical condition and here is a link to sign up for a prayer vigil for him and his sweet mom and dad, Holly and Jonathan. Please take some time to remember this family this week and in the weeks to come.

Thursday Night TV

Two TV posts in a row....man, I am pathetic.

First of all, I miss the Office.

Grey's Anatomy thoughts:

- Good for Meredith for doing the surgery. It was good to see her and Derek a little playful and stuff. Man, he looked so bummed through the whole episode. Clearly, they have some rough waters ahead.

- I like Christina's comment, "Be Kind, Please Rewind" (shout out to Amy from the Cozy Video) Good for her for making up with Burke. I do hope she really wants to marry him though.

- Alex- I love that guy. The Jane Doe storyline really breaks my heart. What are your predictions? Nice flirtation between Addison and Alex at the end. I am pretty confused about the whole Mark/Addison/Alex triangle, personally.

- Callie/George/Izzie - Shame on George and Izzie. Shame on adultery. I am not sure how it will unravel. My guess will be pregnancy for Izzie or George just tortures himself more and more until he finally tells. What are your guesses? I actually liked Callie a little more in this episode.

I do love Grey's. I can't help it.

October Road - It was pretty cute tonight. Some parts were too cheesy (Singing Oliver Twist) I think I might continue to watch it to see what I think.

Wednesday night TV was awesome last night. I thought both Lost and Friday Night Lights were both VERY good. Definitely two of my favorites. Too bad, I still have no idea what is really going on with Lost. Also, is it gross that I secretly wanted Tim Riggins to hook up with the neighbor?

There is my traditional post GA post. I hope you have a great weekend.

Let's Talk TV

I haven't posted about TV lately, because there isn't much to say, but I figured there are some thing I felt were blog worthy.

- Grease - Ashley S. and Max are the One That I Want. I really hope they win! I have enjoyed this show alot and love, love, LOVE the super cheesy moment at the end where the losers sing. Love it!

- Lost - Another twist! This episode looks like it will have some Jack/Kate action which I love and some more back story on John Locke who I enjoy too! I am ready for more answers.

- Six Degrees - It starts back Friday!

- October Road - The pilot did not blow my socks off, but it was okay. I will watch it this week so I know for sure whether it is good or not.

- Friday Night Lights - I really like this show. You know Coach won't take the job, but it will be a good storyline. I love Julie and Matt and I think Riggins is great too. Lyla is beautiful, but not that great an actress. (I think) Also, the paralyzed QB is in Music and Lyrics. It is good.

- Dr. Phil - I am not really liking his show at all now. I used to really enjoy watching him, but now he has lost his luster. What do you think?

- Identity - I am glad Identity is back. I was really glad to see Brittney Spear's first husband, Jason, as a stranger this week. I think I could win some serious money on that show. Same for Deal or No Deal.

What a pointless blog! I should go read or something. What are you watching these days?

Spring BREAK

Spring Break is the perfect title for my week. For the first time in a long time, we spent Spring Break in Lubbock. Normally we spend a lot of time traveling and doing fun things (or being in weddings) but this year, we just stayed put. Both of us were off this week. We are working on some things at our house, so I spent a lot of time on that type of stuff, but mostly, I just hung out.

I also got to spend some time with friends I normally don't get to see. Carley and I spent Monday morning with Jenn and Elise riding around in the rain and eating at Bueno. Tuesday, Summer and Ethan came over to play. Since they live in Abilene, this is a rare treat. Tuesday night Carley started getting sick and that is how she spent the rest of the week. She has the junk going around and it is so sad to see someone that small with such a big cough. Thursday we went to dinner with our friends the Simpsons and we all went to see Cirque "Jungle Fantasy" which was pretty cool and impressive (especially for Lubbock) The rest of the time we were just here hanging out. I took a nap every day and cooked every day which was a rare treat!

Carley does 2 funny things right now that I have to talk about quickly. One of them is that she says, "Amen". If you say "In Jesus's name" she finishes the prayer for you. It is so cute. She also raises her hand (like you do in "If you're Happy and You Know It") at the end of the prayers too. Also, when Cody and I are play fighting I always hit my fists together like Monica and Ross did on "Friends" when they were fighting to tell each other off. Carley apparently has seen me do this and has started doing this when she walks in the room sometimes. Oops.

I am well rested and ready to start back (or as ready as you can get) on Monday. How many more weeks until Summer Vacation?

The Big Three

Tomorrow will be our three year anniversary. I can't believe it. In a way, it seems like our wedding was yesterday. It was such a fun, beautiful, and special day for us. And in a way, it seems like we have been married forever. (I mean it in a good way) It is hard for me to remember life without Cody. It seems like when I met him my life had meaning and light in a whole new way. The gift of his love is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received and I am so thankful for the amazing man, husband, father, friend, and person that he is each and every day.

Here is a picture of the night we got engaged.

2 Cute Movies

We took a family trip to the drive in last night and saw "Wild Hogs" and "Music and Lyrics". They were both cute. Wild Hogs is hilarious. Cody loved it. There aren't a ton of times we both agree on humor, but we both thought this was good. It isn't slapstick like a lot of comedies for men, which was a nice break. It is definitely something to see some time.

Music and Lyrics is not going to win an academy award, but it is very cute. There are a lot of 80's pop music references which are really funny. It is very enjoyable. Grab a girlfriend (or drag a date) and go see it. It is a cute movie.

I love the drive in and dates with Cody. It is such a relaxing and cheap atmosphere and our little friend naps really well in the carseat. It was so much fun.

Go ahead and hold your ballots to nominate me for Mother of the Year

Well friends, I know that you are ultra amazed at my parenting prowess, but tonight I thought I would share a tale about the last hour that might make you hold all nominations of awards for me.

Note: the following story is pretty gross (but funny) so feel free to skip my blog today

So Cody is at the station tonight. Carley, Ali, and I decided to play outside. This is our new favorite past time. Carley runs after Ali, then falls in the grass and starts laughing. Ali licks her face and runs off. Carley chases after her. Repeat and repeat and repeat. The phone rang so I stepped inside the house where I could still see and hear them and turned my back for 1/99 of a second. I turned back around to see Carley bringing me a piece of Ali's poop. I screamed and it scared Carley so she squeezed her hand and the poop went all in her fingers and such. Then she wiped it on her shirt before I could grab her. She then started wiping it on my hands. Nice. So in we came to wash. I cleaned her hands and was undressing her when my stomach started rumbling some serious rumbles. I had no choice but to stop and "sit" for a moment. Carley went and found a ball point pen and stood in the hallway where I could see her. She then began marking all over her tummy, face, and arms which were all bare because of the previous incident. I kept asking her to bring it to Mommy, but she just kept laughing and marking. I was "stuck" so there was seriously nothing I could do.

Here is Carley's artwork.

I am available anytime to watch your kids....

Girl Time

Oh how I love girl time! I have really had a wonderful few days.

My sister and her daughters came in for their spring break weekend which happened to be my birthday weekend. I love those 3 girls so much. I could post a million pictures of the 3 cousins doing different things and running in different directions. They are all so sweet and so different. Lauren asks really good questions. She is constantly inquisitive and loves for everyone to be together. She become over taken with joy so easy. On Monday Carley and I went over to my mom's and Lauren ran out of my mom's house (where my sister was trying to get her to try on clothes). She came running up to my car in only Dora panties and hot pink socks yelling, "Cee and Carley, I am so excited to see you. Oh, and I am naked". It was so funny.

Camryn is the sweetest little girl. She is Miss Independent...always wanting to be on the go. I kissed her a million times this weekend. She came to my bible class on Sunday. It was so cute to see her and Carley together.

Alyssa was wonderful as always. Sisters are so special. I am so blessed to have her as my best friend too. I can't get mushy about her here on the internet, but I will just say I cried leaving them. My life would not be the same without her.

Cody went on a ski trip with some guys from church on Sunday afternoon. He is heading home now. Carley and I have had some great girl time too. She is just pure joy. Sunday she started coming up to us with her arms up and saying "hold me". It was really precious. She is changing every day. It is remarkable and I am so thankful to have a seat to watch it all unfold. Also, sometime I will blog about how hilarious Carley is with vegetables. Seriously, hilarious.

It is funny how some things never change. While Alyssa was here, she wanted to take her kids over to see her dear friend, Ann. Ann and Alyssa have been friends since early elementary school. Ann has always been so great to me and had become my friend too. Just like the old days, I wanted to tag along and hang out with Ann and Alyssa (and their kids). Here is a picture Ann took of Caroline and John, Camryn and Lauren, and Carley. It was hilarious to try and get them to get together.

What a great day!

I had a great day today! Cody went all out for my 29th birthday. First, I came out this morning and he and Carley gave me their birthday cards. Carley said, "Happy" and gave me a card that was precious and a coupon for the new Harry Potter coming out in July that she preordered. She is so smart! Then Cody's card was really sweet too. They went and got me a sausage biscuit from McDonalds and I had a yummy breakfast to start my day. I went to work where I was given cards and a cake by several coworkers, which was really sweet. Midmorning a BEAUTIFUL and colorful arrangement of flowers arrived from Cody. It totally made my day! TOTALLY! This picture does not do them justice. They are gorgeous. I spent all day smiling and smelling them. Then I met my family for Taco Villa at lunch. After work today I went and ate with my parents, sister, nieces, Cody and Carley. We had such a good time then I opened presents at my parents house. Cody got me a new Fossil purse which is super cute and I received lots of new clothes and fun stuff. Now, I am pooped and STUFFED and ready to hit the sack.

It was nice today to hear from so many of my friends. I am so blessed.

Parting is such sweet sorrow

I don't really have anything important to blog about so I'll throw out two things in my life.

1. I have stopped DVRing Days of Our Lives. I have been an AVID Days fan since pretty much birth and have taped it since Jr. High. After almost 29 years, I am cutting it out. I am just bored with it right now and there are other things that I need to do more that sit for 40 minutes and catch up with Salem. I am sure I will watch it again this summer when I am home, but in the mean time, good bye to the Bradys, Hortons, Blacks, and DiMeras.

2. Carley has separation anxiety. It mostly seems to happen at church, but she goes ballistic when I leave her, leave the room, set her down, someone tries to hold her, etc. It kills me. I started noticing about a month ago at her buddy's birthday party when she wouldn't go to other people. I thought that it was just because she was tired. Then it happened again at the church nursery. I thought it was just because I was teaching her class. Now it is when anyone at church tries to pick her up or I leave for a second. It just breaks my heart. Sunday was really bad. At growth group that night she did much better, but it was still hard. Monday she had a fever so it could have just been she is not feeling good, but it breaks my heart. She is such a sweet and loving baby and she is super talkative and playful....on her own terms. At least she doesn't cry at child care or with my family. If any of you have separation anxiety tips, please send more this way.

Bed Head

Bed Head

My latest obsession is Carley first thing in the morning. I get so excited going to get her in the morning to see what her hair will look like. It is always WILD! I just love it. She is always standing in her bed, smiling, holding Ellie Phant, and her hair is in a million different directions.

Today was bittersweet though because of her purple puppy pajamas. I love her purple puppy pajamas. They have gotten us through some cold nights and they are always so soft and cute on her. I just love her in them. Today is the last morning to wear them because they are getting too small for her. Good bye purple puppy pajamas. I wanted to commemorate the day by posting some pictures of my crazy bed head girl in her precious pajamas.

Playing on mom and dad's bed

Silly girl

Morning Jog around the living room

Time to get to work

Grey's

Hmmm, an interesting episode. It was kind of a let down for me in a way. I thought it was going to be more dramatic I guess. I thought they would at least play up the "there might be damage after being dead for an hour" theory, but nope, Mer is fine. I am really glad though, I wanted her to be reunited with McDreamy.

Here are the rest of my thoughts

- I hated Izzie through the episode.

- VERY interesting that Ellis Grey died at the end.

- Patrick Dempsey has such soulful eyes

- Christina was there when her dad died....that explains a lot

- I love Denney

- I am glad Mere worked out her selfish issues and wanted Derek again. Once again, so McDreamy

I do love Grey's Anatomy

On similar notes, Office was hilarious. Micheal is so out there and he had some really funny lines tonight. (that's what she said)

I really love Friday Night Lights too. The scenes between the Coach and Mrs. Coach were so good. I just love them. Also, Matt was really cute. He and Julie are a great couple.

That is really all I have right now....

Happy Friday!

Twilight

I just finished a wonderful book entitled "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer. It is a romance/suspense book. It came well recommended, but I didn't think I would like it. Man, I was wrong. I fell hook, line, and sinker immediately. I checked it out from my school library so I can't loan it out, but I highly recommend it. I will start the sequel next week. Has anyone out there read it so we can talk about it? I am dying to find out what the characters will do next.

And speaking of waiting anxiously for story line resolution, I have to say that Grey's Anatomy kept me on the edge of my seat on Thursday and I can't wait for the conclusion. It was SUCH a touching episode. I know Meredith won't die, but I don't think she will be "hunky dory" after this and I am afraid parts of this will change her relationship with McDreamy as well. It was an insane episode.

And finally, one of my other major obsessions is Harry Potter. A few weeks ago they announced the date for the final book. I can't believe we will finally know what happens with Harry, Ron, Voldemort, and the rest of the characters that have become so real to me over the past few years. This series has hooked me in like no other book series (except maybe the Baby Sitters Club) where I just can't quit reading and rereading these books. Embarrassingly, I also listen to them on CD. If you have not started reading these books, do your self a favor and pick up the first one. You have start from the beginning and the movies don't count, even though they are excellent. I have all the books if you want to borrow one. Anyway, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will come available in July and I will be unavailable for a few days afterwards while I find out what happens.

All of these have reminded me how much I admire good writing. Those of you who are gifted to create characters that grow, change, relate, and inspire need to really use your gift. I definitely do not have that gift at all. Whether your medium is television, books, letters to the editor, or anything else, if you are a talented writer, then you should write. And I will joyfully watch or read what you have to say and become excited as the story unfolds.

Now, get off the computer and go pick up a book! :)

Happy Valentine's Day

What a wonderful day!

I took a half day off of work so we could have a date while Carley was still in child care. Cody and I went to Harrigan's (where we got engaged) and had a delicious meal. It is our third Valentine's in a row to go there. We just LOVE it. I think it is our tradition. The rest of the afternoon, we just spent time together going to exotic places like Home Depot.

Carley (who is walking and running now) had her first Valentine's Day party. It was so cute. Granny had the kids make Valentines for their parents. Hers is so precious. She is such a hoot. Carley is a REALLY good eater, almost too good. For lunch Granny brought the kids McDonalds. Carley ate a Happy Meal size fries, 3/4 of her hamburger, 1 1/2 chicken nuggets, and a mini chocolate cupcake. Seriously, she is 13 months old and eating like a champ. :) Watch out!

I hope you had a wonderful day too!

You're the One That I Want

I have to blog about TV again. I promise, I do more than watch TV, but it is something I enjoy talking about for fun. My favorite reality show is "Grease, You're the One That I Want". It is clean, family oriented (except Cody hates it) and actually based on talent. I just love it. Are you watching it? What about you?

Here are my favorites:


Kate



Kathleen




Derek



Max

what do two wild people in their twenties do on vacation?

We had a really good week.

Last weekend, we got to celebrate my future son-in-law's first birthday. His mom and dad threw a great shin dig. We had a really good time celebrating this precious boy turning one. We were also super blessed to have some amazing houseguests who are special friends. They are welcome back any time. The weekend ended with a superbowl party with our small group at church. Small group has REALLY blessed us this year.

Cody and I left early Tuesday morning for a trip to Austin. I had a conference and Cody went as my chaperon. :) We arrived home late Thursday. What do two wild people without their child do on vacation......eat and nap. We went to the conference every day then came back to hotel and took a nap. We would get up, go eat at a yummy restaurant that we would normally not want to take Carley to, come back to the hotel, and watch TV and be asleep before 10:00. Yep, our lives have certainly changed. We had a great time though. We got some much needed rest, enjoyed time together, saw some friends (congratulations to my pregnant friend, Tiffany), piddled around Austin, went to a great convention, and just hung out.

I sure did miss Carley though. I missed her more than I was expecting. My parents kept her and she had a GREAT time. Thanks so much Papa and Nana! We owe you big! I was so anxious to see her when we arrived. Cody was so funny, when we exited the plane, Cody looked at me and said, "I want to hold her first. I mean it." We both missed our little pink buddy.

Tonight Carley and I chaperoned a middle school Valentine's dance. Hopefully it is the first and last one Carley goes to in her life! :) I forget how funny middle schoolers are until I am around them in that setting. Some of the girls looked like they were going to church and others looked like they needed to go to their "other job" afterwards. I am not looking forward to the teenage years.

I really have nothing important to blog about, but I do hope you had a wonderful week.

When did I become old?

Right now we are in the middle of going to all of the elementaries that feed to my campus and going over scheduling with the 5th graders. We talk about electives, honors classes, core classes, and answer other questions. Today I went to an elementary and the PE coach came up to me and gave me this huge hug. "Miss Core, I am so glad you are talking to our kids. I totally had to come see you." Yep, a student that I taught my first year at the high school is now in her first year of teaching. She was a Junior in HS my first year of teaching. When did I become old enough that my former students are teachers now? I cannot believe it. When I started talking to the kids I told them I was Coach McClure's teacher and they were all laughing at how old I was. What is up with that? Nothing like a few 11 year olds to really knock you down! hehe. Just kidding. It is a huge honor and blessing to see students mature into wonderful adults.


You knew I would have to blog about TV tonight.

First, I have to say, that The Office was hilarious. My favorite part was the whole Ben Franklin thing. Dwight was so funny with the 99% comment. Michael was so "Michael" with all the president talks. And of course, I loved the banter with Pam and Ben Franklin. That show is so funny to me.

Callie and George got married. WOW! That was a huge shocker to me. I wasn't a big Izzy fan this week. She was really rude and selfish this week which is totally unlike her. The Alex/Addison thing was so funny. She looked at him like a piece of meat. (who could blame her) Then at the end Addison and Mark....shame, shame, shame. I felt really sorry for Meredith this week. Her mom was awful. I loved Burke and Christina though. Oh, and let's
not forget the "Callie O'Malley" comment.


Elise and Carley got to play the other day. It was impossible to get a picture of them both smiling at the camera. They are getting too big!