Next Year

I have more to post about Spring Break and our activities since,
but just wanted to share some news!

No, I'm not pregnant and won't be for a while more so if that's what you were expecting - sorry!

I wrote about my frustrations in my New Year's resolution post and as frustrating as this year has been, I think ultimately it comes from that fact that I have high expectations for myself and since everything was so new I didn't feel as though I was really doing my best at anything.

Well, answers to prayers come in many forms and I guess my principal helped me make that decision.My choices were part-time Reading Recovery or switch to 1st grade full time. I could do it, but I definitely didn't want to go through another switch all over again. So, part time it is!

I've been torn about the decision because it feels like a big step for me to make. Nate is completely supportive of me and knows that we'll work together to make it work out.

So, since I am already thrifty I'm thinking it will be an easy transition - just those extras are all gone and I'm going to have to figure out coupons for groceries! O, and my trip to Wyoming may be on the chopping block but that's my one and only "for ME" trip and I'll figure out a way to get us up there! :)

Spring Break

It was cold and rainy most of the break. Then Thursday, it looked really nice outside and I was so excited to take Charlize to the park. We got ready and she was so cute wearing the little backpack I put her stuff in. When we got outside, we realized it was not weather to go out in. Later that day, we went to the vet clinic to see the new baby colt. Sorry if the video is bouncy, that horse kept bumping me. Hope you can hear Boo talk and see how she squats down to say hi to the animals. :)

I can finally get Charlize to smile for me if I say, "Show me your teeth" :)

She loved the slide (although this picture doesn't look like it).

She does however, think she can surf down it (meaning stand and not sit down).
She seemed so much older climbing on everything and watching all the other kids run around. I am SO glad that there was at least 1 day of sunshine for us to enjoy! I didn't get any pictures of Kaye&Kennedi or Mary&Grace, our friends who met us for the playdate, becuase it was pretty hectic trying to keep track of the munchkins will all the others around.

My plan was to let her play and get tired at the park, so she would nap and I could study for my test. Unfortunately that didn't happen. She stayed awake until we went to ride at the arena.



On the Monday following spring break, I had meetings for a few hours but no students. It was nice becuase daylight savings had just happened and we were all pretty tired. When I got home, we went out to pull some weeds and I got ambitious and wanted to fix the screen door. I bought the kit a while ago and did it all myself. Its wasn't hard, I was just worried I wouldn't get it tight enough but it worked out great. I really wanted to put another coat of sealer on the dresser, but that's not happening with a 16month old, so she moved the stack of toilet paper while I worked.

A Quick Trip to Vegas

The first weekend of spring break, we went to Las Vegas to meet up with my Aunt Roberta and cousin Carli. They were going to the Bon Jovi concert that evening, so we went out to eat at the restraunt "Tenders" in the Luxor. It was delicious! I should have taken the pictures before we ate so it didn't have all the dishes there, but you know we are all great eaters! :)

Carli, James (he wouldn't smile for me!), Eleanore & Austin

Nate & Juanita, Charlize, Mom, Aunt Roberta

We were driving down the interstate and she was totally rocking out to the music, head banging and kicking her feet to the beat. Of course I couldn't catch it because once she saw the camera she would stop. I did however catch her signing 'horse'.

3.2.10

Yep, another evening up at the arena. On a Tuesday evening there isn't much time to rope for hours on end, so I didn't end up getting alot of pictures of the guys roping, but focused on our favorite subject - Charlize. She had lots of fun playing with Kona, the dirt and giving her daddy Eskimo kisses.

Charlize's First Ponytail

What's the special occasion you ask? I'm not quite sure either.

Maybe it has something to do with this. . .

Yep, I finally have enough to put into a little ponytail.

Mom and Aunt Eleanore are pretty excited, but I can't show that I'm amused. This is the face I showed them - my new scowl.


Mom, why do you always have that camera out? Is it because I'm so cute?

While its out, let me show you some of my moves!

Here's another look at that 2nd picture. My, O My! Is that a sweet/sassy attitude coming out already? For a split second she was showing a little diva-ness. This picture makes me laugh everytime I see it! :)

I've been catching up on a few things.

I found those pictures of Nate's saddle I took in January!

I also added a link to my Kindergarten Classroom blog. I had best of intentions to have a classroom website set up, but it suits the need for now. I use it to post weekly information to parents, show pictures of what we are doing and include links to helpful information. I think that it is a definite help instead of having another peice of paper to keep track of.

Last year, I made homework folders and the students put the weekly format inside it. I should have made them again this year with Kindergarten, but they seem to be doing just fine keeping track of things. :) Any of you parents out there, does your children's teach have a blog or class website?

I also am adding to my list of craft blogs I follow. I think others out there can get working onprojects to! O how I love creating and accomplishing something! Especially when it was done by hand, with alot of learning and thrifty.

Today's Creative Blog

Has regulary posts where people link their projects to it!!

All Things Thrifty

I found this one off of Today's Creative Blog. O how I love tutorials! And her post about that double wing back chair! I've been looking for one of those! And to find it for $25! I love the new fabric she put on it!

*Ok, I'll quit posting about other projects I'm finding to do. It's sunny today and Charlize and I are headed to the park. Warm weather means that on her naptime I can sand and put another coat of sealant on my dresser we've been working on!

Ok, I always have so many things running through my head - Its crazy!! Its almost time for family pictures, and I've had a plan for months now (you know its all about colors, textures and the idea) and the problem is ME! I can't find a dess for ME! Urgh, all these adorable spring dresses come about to my upper thigh! The lady at Charlotte Russe asked if she could help me with anything and I replied with a chuckle, "Yes, make me shorter!" Well, that's not going to work, so I'll have to figure something else out. Could I make myself a dress? I know I could alter one, but really make one myself?

Problem #1: finding that cotton material that doesn't feel like regular quitling cotton (do I know the technical term? No)

Problem #2: I am a big girl, and that makes for a big dress. I did make Charlize's Dorothy dress for Halloween, so I might be able to pull off something else for her...

I began searching through my favorite craft blogs: (Can't remember if I shared these or not)

Little Birdie Secrets: Easy Ruffled Skirt, Edith Twirl Skirt, and a Rufled skirt tutorial.

Edith Twirl Skirt-----> I love all the vintage, flowery designs! So sweet!

But, then it goes back to Charlize (who I already had 2 outfits picked out for) and I'm still searching for me. . . .

Then this morning on my google reader, I saw Tip Junkie had listed a few more tutorials, so I went to check them out and found, Sevi Designs, which led me to Izzy & Ivy Designs.

I *lOvE* this Princess Bella dress/shirt.

Umm, my spring break is only so long... and I now have added projects to my list and am still searching for an outfit for myself. O well! :) I'm now passing this on to you. Check out the links.