Back to School

Don't worry everyone, I haven't given up on the blog already! It's just that super busy time of year for teachers and anyone with kids...back to school time! My district started on the 13th, so we've been in full swing for almost 2 weeks now. So far I have to say (and hopefully I'm not jinxing myself) that my job share partner and I have a very sweet class. We deserve it after surviving last year! Carina is back to going to day care a few days a week, and although I miss her on those days I know she's having fun playing with the kids there. So my summer off has come to an end (*sigh*) but I am so thankful to have had so much time at home to just be Mommy :o)

I love the beginning of a new school year. It reminds me of why I wanted to become a teacher. The kids are so excited about starting a new grade, and the teachers are happy to have a fresh start, try new ideas, and have big goals for their students. Although teaching routines and procedures can be a bit tedious, it is SO worth the time spent. I'm excited to watch my students grow and learn this year.

Speaking of growing and learning, Carina is "wow-ing" us daily! It's amazing to see how many words she knows, even if she doesn't say them all yet. If we say "Bailey", she looks at him and says "Bay"! I feel like at any moment she will look at me and say, "Excuse me Mommy, but I would like some banana please." She's so fun and sassy and stubborn, but we love it!

Mike celebrated his 30th birthday a few weeks ago! I love teasing him about being old, but it doesn't bother him. (No fun for me!) I surprised him with a cooking class at Sur la Table. It was a Hawaiin date night, so we got to learn to cook Ahi Tuna with Pineapple Mango Salso, Coconut shrimp, and pineapple-rum sorbet with coconut macademia shortbread cookies. It was lots of fun...especially when it was time to eat-YUM! I even deveined the shrimp-yes, me, little Miss I don't like to get my hands dirty and touch yucky stuff! Mike was very proud of me :o)

Well that's enough of an update for now. My posts may be few and far between until we get settled back into our routine again, but I'll do the best I can. Here is a cute (aren't they all?) picture of Carina in one of her cowgirl outfit from her Great-Grandparents.

Ogg Look-alike Meter

Ha ha! I knew it! From the minute she was born all I have heard is how much she looks like Mike, which I really have no issue with other than it would be nice to occasionally hear that she looks a little like me too! I was there after all! 7% baby...yeah!

P.S. Mike tried this with a different picture of himself and Carina and it said that she looked more like HIM by 3%...I told him that although I only teach 2nd grade, I do know that 7% is greater than 3%. I wouldn't let him post it! Sorry babe!

Granbury & Great Grandparents

Howdy Y'all!

Well we made it back home from our trip to Granbury, Texas last week. What an amazing time we had! I decided that I would just write a few of my favorite moments from the trip as well as my favorite pictures. Also check out the slide show to the right for the complete album!

*Watching my grandparents meet their first great granddaughter for the first time.
*Carina shattering a plate at Cracker Barrel!
* My Grammy "borrowing" a few little spoons used for samples for Carina to eat with since we forgot to bring a baby spoon! (I told you I would blog about that Grammy! LOL)
*Mike getting to spend LOTS of time with Carina-he's such an amazing Daddy!
*Going to water aerobics with my grandparents-I think my Grandad was the only guy in the class!
*My Grammy singing "Jig-a-low my fanny" (you had to be there!)
*Visiting downtown Granbury and having lunch at Rinky-Tinks...in the sweltering heat!
*Going to the Dr.Pepper plant and having the most well behaved child on the tour :o)*Lunch at the Hard 8 bbq-super good food!
*My Grandad telling me I was lucky to have Mike (very true!)
*Taking pictures with the tree my grandparents had named for Carina.
*Carina riding in the golf cart with Grandad and Mike
*Our special 4 year anniversary dinner with my grandparents and Bill and Sandy
*Carina wearing her first Cowgirl hat and pink boots.
*Staying up late chatting with Grammy and learning more about her life.
*Mike setting up the web cam so we can see them any time we want!

I know I'm forgetting a lot but I wanted to share what a fantastic time we had. I miss my grandparents so much but I'm very thankful that we got to spend an entire week with them. Even though I was there with my husband and baby girl, I still felt like a kid who was having a blast at my grandparents house like I always did. We can't wait to go back! Thanks Grammy and Grandad-we love you!