Am I running already?

Please tell me I am not RUNNING!!! I mean if I am already running and it is only 1 week into the school year, I will never make it to June! (needless to say I hate running) Lets see where to begin about the week....

Day 1 and 2 seem like such a blur to me now. I really don't remember much, but what I do is great. I have 22 smiling faces that arrived to greet me. Many of the faces were old familiar ones, but I do have 3 new kiddos that have never been to our amazing school. They seemed the most nervous about coming in. TEARS TEARS TEARS!!! This year I am proud to say I did NOT have one sweet angel that cried or ran. (although you think run....well one year I had a runner for 2 months) The day started off pretty smooth even with my special little friend who has come back to join our school. I think of all the kiddos he proved to be the best!

Day 3, 4, & 5....were nothing but settling in. You know with K and 1st the first week is PROCEDURES PROCEDURES PROCEDURES!! From day one you really have to beat that into them or your year will be CRAZY! Thankfully my kiddos had very good teachers last year so we just jumped into them. The week flew by with out a pause, which again concerns me on the PACE of my year. I just hope that I can keep up with it all...man each year it seems to be faster and more jammed packed with things to do. As of now, I will just keep RUNNING...and hope I get some extra motivation on the way.

One things for sure this class is going to keep me on my toes. We have 2 class clowns...every class needs at least one. One of which knows when to be funny and when not to; the other is just funny regardless. I have 3 mothers helpers. You know the type, will OVER help people even when not needed. I have some amazing writers. They will be my book worms for sure. I also have a very creative class. I believe it is my most "artistic" class yet, man can they draw. This will be amazing when we have to illustrate our class books and such. Needless to say each child in there is sure to add to our group. I am very lucky to have such a diverse bunch. We are going to Rock for sure this year!!!

Amazing pictures....

This amazing photograph was taken by Chris' good friend from college Jonathan. He took many amazing pictures. I know many of my wonderful followers are in the Houston area as is he! I wanted you all to be aware of his amazing skills for any photo sessions you may need. You can view his blog Jonathan Golden Photograph. He has just posted the pictures he took at Chad and Katie's wedding. His are much better than mine from a few post ago. Seriously check his site out he ROCKS! From his blog you can also hit up his website too. Go, explore, and enjoy!

Camp Mayberry you are amazing.....

This face could not be happier!! I am so sad not to have my sweet puppy....but man oh man has it been wonderful too. Thank you Camp Mayberry for taking our boy and making him love life so much. Without your wonderful help at camp I would not have been able to:

• clean out my classroom
• attend work with no worries
• worked through lunch breaks
• stay up at school until 10 pm or later

Yes normally I am not the one who does afternoon potty breaks so I will also include Chris' thank yous....He has been able to work all day setting appointments with no regards as to potty breaks. Our life could have been so stressful right now, however instead it is very simple. I sure hope the little guy will come home without kicking and screaming. Oh gosh and life without a doggy door could be a sad moment for him! Poor thing, living the DREAM, and then back to reality. ENJOY IT NOW BABY, only 3 more weeks!!! (that is if you still act nice to your wonderful counselor Little Bear!)

I have never been in this position before...I don't know if it is because I got to stay in my same classroom (for the 1st time), or the fact that I can work later. Non the less I am sitting here on Thursday night 3 days before school begins blogging....NOT WORKING ON SCHOOL STUFF!!! This is the best feeling I have had in my 5 years. My room is complete minus one bulletin board (still not sure what to do there) and name tags being taped down to desk (my roster will keep changing til tomorrow afternoon). Tomorrow is normally my OH MY GOSH WHAT WILL I DO...moment! Not this year, instead it will be the day I calmly sit in my ready to go classroom and work on the next couple of weeks lesson plans! Even when Abby came down last weekend she could not believe how far along I was. Again I probably wouldn't be in this position if I had a sweet face (such as the one above) that I needed to go home and let out. THANK YOU!!!

I am very much looking forward to seeing all those sweet faces on Monday morning; but also know this will probably be my most challenging year. Yes in the past years I have had many challenges with language....but this year I have been blessed with a special friend that will require extra help. I am thankful to know what I am being faced with, but until that 1st day or even week is over I wont really be ready. This year is sure to be amazing no matter what; each year always out does the past whether it be stories, crazy moments, kids, or all of the above. I can't wait!

One last fun weekend....

and now back to work~ BOO BOO! My sister and the kiddos came down this weekend to help me out with my room and such. We had a great time really. Friday we woke up and took off for school. Abby and I worked while the kids played. Little Bear enjoys playing "school" and B; well he enjoyed throwing things away, and checking out the other rooms. He was our "watch dog" standing at the door just watching everyone go in and out of their classrooms. Later that afternoon Abby of course took off for her favorite place "KAMERON" (to get her hair painted via Little E's words).

working hard...thanks to E for taking this pic!

While she got her hair done, the kids and I played at home. Well actually B took a great nap! E and I continued "school" till mommy got home. Then we were off to run around town till Brian came in. After we picked him up we enjoyed a great dinner. Saturday will be know to E as one of the best days ever!!! We checked out play systems (B's favorite thing) and then went to SIX FLAGS. Yeah it was a bit warm but we go in the evening so once the sun is gone things rock. Little Bear was so cute this time. She really enjoyed playing the "Big Sister" role. She would take B on all the rides and sit with him. She held his hand and told him about each ride. It was the cutest thing ever. Of course B and I hung out when Abby, Brian, and E did the "Big Kid" rides like Mine Train and such.

Oh Little B is so jazzed to have Winston, he loves him so much.

All loaded up...kennel, bed, and much more!!!

Sunday we did our norm of packing them up and such. Then they took my sweet baby with them!!! Yes, Winston took off with the family! He has gone to CAMP GOERIG! I was very sad of course to see him head out. You may be asking WHY? The next 3 weeks really are a CRAZY time for both Chris and I. We had thought about different options for him, and well Abby and the kids really wanted him to come down. Plus they have such a great place for our city dog to run FREE! Both Chris and I's jobs revolve around the beginning of school and well Winston would have been a sad puppy! Instead of having a sad puppy we sent him with the loved ones. He will love life there. I am just worried he wont want to come home! What if he loves them more than me? Oh gosh...now I know why Abby has to have "Auntie Detox" once I leave the kids for a while. I think Winston may need that when he returns too....I just hope he doesn't forget about me his MOMMY!!!

Congrats Chad and Katie!

Here you see Chad and Katie dancing at their dress rehearsal dinner! This past weekend Chris and I were lucky enough to attend their wedding. (Chad and Chris attended Baylor together and probably caused tons of trouble while there!) We spent the weekend at Barton Creek Ranch, it is just beautiful. I was lucky enough to get the benefit of the pool for a couple of days while Chris did his "groomsmen" duties, aka GOLF! The rehearsal dinner was there on property and very wonderful. The room was decorated beautifully, food was amazing, a sweet slide show of the couples lives played, and many laughs were shared with all. After the dinner was a cocktail hour for all who traveled to the wedding. Many of Chris' other college friends were there too!

Chris, Chad (the groom), and Casey

I too enjoyed the fun stories!

Chris and I with his cousin Casey and wife Becca

Becca and Casey so sweet!

Here you see the boys making up....Casey had not returned Chris' calls!! LOL

Chris with Jonathan and his wife Kristen

On Sunday we enjoyed a nice morning by the pool. Chad even came out for a bit to relax before the big moment. Chris hung out with me til around 1, then he and the boys were off to the wedding!

it was pretty bright out...can you tell by our eyes

This here is what I do best!

Chad and Chris just before the "I DO's"

Here is the view from our room window. It really is beautiful with the rolling hills. Plus the billions of huge houses!

Here is sweet Chris just after the wedding. He looked very cute walking Chad's little sister down the isle. The wedding was at an amazing location Villa Antonia about and hour from our hotel. They offered a bus for us to ride from the hotel. That was really nice because we didn't have to worry about getting lost.

Here Chris is walking...the pics got a little out of order, sorry

The location had the most wonderful view and beautiful flowers everywhere. Chris found this wonderful waterfall so we had to take pics.

Casey and Becca

Jonathan and Kristen

Chris and I

The reception was beautiful. Each table looked amazing as well as the cake. We had a wonderful meal and enjoyed watching the new bride and groom dance. The night was so fun. Everyone had a blast!

Inside at the table

Chris and I showing our moves on the dance floor

And yes Chad put cake on her face! It was pretty cute!

We all bid our farewells to the bride and groom as they drove off. Then back to the bus for us. We had such an amazing time. I am sure they are both loving life now that they are married and enjoying the honeymoon.

No way this is a stadium...

Chris was fortunate enough to get a group of us into the new Cowboys stadium last Thursday. All I can say is WOW WOW WOW. We got an upgraded tour, aka not the one you get when you just go. This was more of a sales pitch tour to get those last few seats sold. Believe me though, their pitch must work for most people, who have money because there were few seats left. I would say a little less than 30.

we look so small in this huge place
Julie and I

Here is the largest HD TV ever. It is 7 stories tall and the clearest picture ever. There are 2 elevators inside the TV. Also there are offices plus a bathroom in there. Can you believe that!! This TV is just one of the millions in this place. Ever where you turn there is a TV, you wont miss a minute of the game I promise!

Here is the gang enjoying the drinks and view...

More TV's...I am not joking they are ever where!

When you walk out to the seats the field looks so little. I think it because the of huge TV and all the seats. If you look in this pic the white papers show that those seats that are available to buy.

So here is a close up of some seats you can purchase....Okay well a wealthy person could!

Yes that is just 150 K for that 1 seat, however it is in the all inclusive area. Meaning if you sit there you can walk up to the bar (where we took the pics from) and order any drink or food you want without paying. I like to call it Mexico...where you go to all inclusive resorts...only your view is a field not a beach!

This is the view from that 150 K seat...pretty good I guess. The funny thing is the seat to the left is only 35 K, but you don't get the Mexico perk.

Here Chris is enjoying a seat on the plush leather sectionals. They even have little tables attached for your food and drink. This place was amazing! The walls were covered in small white and silver tiles making this place sparkle. Not to mention the wonderful chandlers. They went above and beyond making this places look so luxurious. It is like you have stepped into a wonderful hotel; then you can walk out to the field. AMAZING!

We loved it so much...PS did you see all the light fixtures look like footballs here...Pretty fun! I hope we can enjoy this wonderful "Club level" for a game, if only we could be so lucky!

A little GIRL time

I am so blessed to have some amazing girlfriends. I mean without them I am sure I would be lost in life. Since I really have not had to much of a real summer my girlfriends were nice enough to accompany me on a fun little Girl's Night get away. We pricelined a hotel in down town Fort Worth for the evening and just took off. I know you think what why stay in Fort Worth, basically because it was easiest with schedules and all. We all got to the hotel and just made our selves at home. It was such a wonderful place.... Next for a wonderful dinner; we got dressed and headed out on the town. We went to Ruth's Chris for dinner..mmmmm

Alison, Polly, Julie, and I enjoying our dinner

After a wonderful, relaxing, and very filling dinner we went to walk around. The evening was nice, not to hot actually. We walked around down town and just enjoy the fact that we had no really hurry in life. We ended up on top of the Reata over looking down town. The conversation was great, drinks cool, and view amazing. You know just stepping back and enjoying a nice night out with friends is so refreshing! Once we realized the time we had to head out. Our hotel was a bit of a walk from there so we road on Fort Worth's newly brought back Molly the Trolley. She took us back to our wonderful hotel.

walking the streets...

Up top Reata...

Back in the room we all jumped into cozy clothes....and just kicked back. We did some major "girl talk"! We also all got to watch the conclusion to the Food Network Star.

Julie and Alison just chilling out.

The next day we got a wild hair...and took off for shopping! We thought we should probably do a little back to school shopping. We went up to Allen Outlet mall and enjoyed a full day of shopping. I am pretty sure we shopped our dinner off from the night before. Everyone walked a way with a little something...I think I walked away with the most in debt! I know I had a blast with our little impromptu to Girl time! Honestly I think we should do this more often.

Apple oh Apple how I hate you so

MUCH.....

Just before my grandfather passed away my phone decided to also go...leaving me stuck in a very hard spot. I didn't have tons of time to research the IPHONE....or to just stick with my wonderful Blackberry. You see I will always be PRO Blackberry. I have had such wonderful times with my BB. Yes, I did go through 2 of them but still they really never failed me too much. As Chris would claim my BB died from OVER USE!!! I just don't know how he can state this I mean heck if our President can use one and it still live, mine should live too. Point being is that honestly I had the phone for 2 years and well it just was done.

Therefore, going against my inner gut feeling (which you should always follow) I did as my BROTHER IN LAW suggested and got the new Iphone. Let me tell you about my "wonderful amazing" Iphone. I had the phone for less than a week when all of a sudden it would FREEZE up....and I don't mean for a minute or so but for any where from 30 minutes to an hour or more. That was the first problem. The second problem was the battery life SUCKS! Okay yes I do use my phone a lot especially since it is summer and I am not working, but really it should last from 9 am to 10 pm with no problem. Oh not my phone, I have been doing mid day charges. That causes a problem too because I was told from the wonderful amazing AT&T boy who sold it to me that they only last for so many charges and then the battery is done! Oh great so now my battery life is being cut in half if not more. Did I also mention that you can not get insurance on the phone...yeah so if it acts up after that 1 year warranty your out of luck buster.

I called the wonderful amazing (by now you should read that phrase with sarcasm) AT&T people to discuss my problems. The customer service person claims to have reset the phone. Yeah so that made my phone last oh about 4 to 5 more days before it began freezing up again. I mean really what now. I am 2 weeks in to this wonderful amazing Iphone and still having issues. Therefore, I called back to the AT&T people who sent me to their Apple support person. He of cores "reset" the phone (okay how in the H*** can you do that via the airwaves really...I don't believe that crap one bit, plus already had that done by the first lady) and proceeded to set up and appointment with the Apple store in Fort Worth.

I now go the Apple store...which is ridiculously busy. Here I am ready for the people to work miracles on my less than 2 week old phone. What did they do....a freaking software update; which I can do on my computer at home. Also should a less than 2 week old phone need an update already! Apparently that was the problem...and they send me away with hopes of a wonderful amazing phone!

NO, NO, NO....not the case less than a day goes by when the phone freezes up 3 more times in one day. I am now beyond PISSED about this and call the AT&T people again. I am then told that if I would like to exchange the phone I must do it at the store I bought it from. GREAT I am taking this POS back. I also make sure that every one of my call ins to the AT&T support center (which is over 6 calls in) are noted in the computer. You know so when I show up at the store they will understand my frustration. Here I am at the store...where I get told so much BS it is out of control.

1. No they will not exchange my phone for a working Iphone.
2. I have to go through APPLE for any issues regarding my phone (even though customer service told me otherwise)
3. If I were to exchange the phone for a different type I would have to pay a 20% restocking fee.
4. They can not help me with my problem even though it is well with in my 30 days of purchase

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!! You can imagine how incredibly pissed off I am at this point. I mean the manager was a complete butt head to put it nicely. Here I go again calling AT&T customer service, good old 611 ....Where I explain to them that basically my AT&T store (the one on Hulen by Yogi's) declared that the information I was given by the customer service people was not correct; and they could only help me if I EXCHANGED for another brand of phone. Well this of course pissed the customer service person off and they AGAIN sent me to the APPLE person to help me....Keep in mind I have now talked with these people over 6 times!!!

I got another appointment set up for the Apple store in Fort Worth for 7 pm that night....here I go off to my appointment. I go to "check in" with this wonderful amazing woman....and she claims I DO NOT have an appointment. I of course am stunned by this because actually yes I do. She continues to argue with me about this very rudely. As I stood there listening to this woman tell me how I was wrong...I simply call 611 a number I can dial in my sleep now to speak with an AT&T APPLE associate. The apple associate declares I DO have an appointment and ask to speak with the APPLE woman that claims I don't. As I had her the phone she says "what who wants to talk to me your mom?" I of course nicely say no the apple people. She continues to have attitude with the man on the phone as well. Then passes the phone back to me saying she will not help me any longer and I do not have an appointment.

Actually I did, the Apple Store just over rode it and placed someone else in my slot. The man was very apologetic about it all and could really feel my frustration with this whole ordeal. He then rescheduled my appointment. He also informed me that he would be sending the wonderful amazing woman at the store a nice "coaching" letter!

As for TODAY!!!! I walked into the Apple Store, where I had a successful "check-in" and waited. I waited, waited, waited, waited, and waited some more. You can watch your name on the list...mine was at the number 2 spot for what seemed forever. Finally it was my time, but I was not greeted by the normal apple person in a bright green or blue shirt. Instead an older man who wore more of a manager type shirt. He walked right up and began asking me about my phone. He claims that since the apple phone is a computer it will freeze up occasionally, however numerous times in a day is a problem. He then takes me to the genius bar (tech area for you non apple people), and runs a few test. After some time and reading my many many call in notes, he believes I must have been given a "bad" phone. I of course am not shocked by this information. Now to replace the phone...oh well we couldn't do that tonight because they didn't have any white ones in stock. However, by Wednesday I should have a working phone. As the Apple man tells me just before I walk out.....I promise you will love this phone once you get one that works correctly.

Will I ever LOVE Apple the way others do....we will see!

Who's that???

This was the day...the day that the kiddos were looking forward to! Mommy and Daddy were coming home today! First Little Bear had to go to gymnastics. Then while she was sleeping the special mail man left a note for her. The note was from mommy and she had giving both Little E and B 3 dollars for the dollar store. (Actually the "special mail man" left a note each night for E from Mommy and Daddy...she lived for it!) We of course had to stop there to pick up some things. Next we were off to the big airport to pick up our favorite people.

Here BB is holding Little B waiting...

Waiting with our sign...everyone needs a sign

still waiting.....it is taking way longer than it should!

getting tired of waiting

OH FINALLY! DADDY

MOMMY!!!

What mom, the kiddos, and I did not know was the crazy trip home mommy and daddy had. The airport screen showed their flight to be on time. However, Houston got a major rain...which apparently kept the flights circling above. Then not only were mom and dad up above us that whole time just circling, but they were with a sick person. Apparently there was a lady who was sick the whole 3 hour flight home...but in the long run they got to land thanks to that sick lady. Yeah it sucks that they had to listen and smell her being sick the whole time, but they had a medical emergency landing. Other wise we would have been waiting much longer because they were going to be diverted to Austin. Yikes...no worries though they were safe and sound and HOME with us! All faces were smiling!!

...more fun but now with

BB arrived on Saturday night to join us kiddos. I think it is good for her to head down and enjoy a little down time from all of the past weeks events. We were so happy to see her, Little Bear even had all the "pets" out to say hi. Yep we traded in the babies and brought out the pets for this one.

our attempt to take a pic with them...not so good

Little Bear was really excited to show BB all her new swim moves. We took BB with us to the pool...she loved watching the moves. Here is the back stroke!

our little man was just out chilln

After the pool of course we got a sno cone! (I forgot that pic..grrr and this blogger sucks at pics) We got sno cones every day so much they knew what to make when we walked up. MMM I love wonderful sno cones. Then mom had read about making bubbles from things around the house. She and Little Bear got to work and began cutting. The next thing I know we had bubbles...

and tons too

look how long it is, wow!

Since we were already outside we just stayed and played. Little Bear did a little hula. BB and I tried but the hoops are too small for us to get a good hula on. This here is how we spent most of our afternoons if we were not at the pool. I think there was just one day we were stuck inside due to rain. Other wise you saw kids playing and a certain someone hauling around a golf club and ball.

here he is trying to pop the bubbles with it

our close up

the best bubble maker ever!

We had such a great time playing and running free. The best part of EC is the wonderful back yard space and time to play. However tomorrow is a big day....