2012...A New Year!

Soup to the Rescue!

2012-01-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

The morning started off with a kale, strawberry, blueberry, coconut water, and kiwi juice. I know you are thinking I should bottle that juice up and sell it, but that isn't in the cards at the moment... It wasn't too bad, and it started off the last day of vacation on the right foot. However by noon, my stomach was ready for something else. Riley wanted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with cheetos (pure torture) and I just couldn't have another juice drink! Under duress, she accompanied me to Sprouts where we picked up some more produce to make a new soup recipe. Solid food at last! After 64 hours of only juice (with the exception of the dinner at my Uncle's) soup was a sight for sore eyes!!! The Green Vegetable Soup recipe on the "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" website was easy to make and very good! I doubled the recipe so that there would be plenty for lunch and dinner throughout the week.

Tomorrow will be a true testiment of dedication...going back to work with all the snacks that people bring and lunch with my friends will be hard to keep the self-control, but I have to do it!!! A couple of Delicious Green apples will be in my bag to keep me from digressing.

My sister started her juice fasting today and I haven't heard from her. Hoping she had a better first day than I did :).

I forgot to take any pictures today of the different foods, but I will try to remember tomorrow. Juicing on!!!

FruiTabulous!!!

2012-01-01T21:13:00.000-08:00

We are now in our 55th hour of juice "fasting" and have made some realizations. Drinking just juice isn't going to cut it, so we have started to add some solid food to the mix. This morning started with an herbal tea with no sweetener and once Price got over, we made our morning juice, but this time it consisted of only fruit. If I had to drink a vegetable juice drink again, I was going to just fast in the traditional meaning of the word! To us, the fruit juice drink tasted like heaven and made the day start off right. We had the Blackberry Kiwi Morning Drink and it consisted of blackberries, kiwi, mint leaves, golden delicious apples, bananas, and pineapple...are you jealous?

As with any other diet, we have also realized that it must fit into our real world. We knew we were going to be going over to my Uncle's for dinner and wanted to judge the day accordingly. We had our morning fruit juice, then ate a REAL apple for a mid day snack. It helped curb the hunger and made dinner easier to make good choices. We couldn't possibly not have eaten their food, that would have been rude :-). Not to mention my will power is not that strong, nor do I want it to be. So...we did partake in a wonderful dinner with family for the new year! Eating a sensible dinner also renewed my spirits and dedication to continue on the juice diet tomorrow. Finishing off the day with some herbal tea and great company has started 2012 off on the right foot! We have decided that to make this work and to be realistic about it, we will eat a sensible, real meal once every three days for the next 15 days. That way we can renew our motivation and not feel so deprived... While at our Uncle Graham's, Riley met a new friend, but I wouldn't let her bring him home! She understood, but I guess that just means we have to go back again soon.

On to day three!

Gazpacho Smacho

2012-01-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

First full day of "juice fasting". Not as exciting as the first (1/2) day.

Started off with the V28 juice. It wasn't very easy to get down, but we made our lunch juice at the same time, Gazpacho juice. Being that I am a fan of Gazpacho soup, I figured that this would be pretty good. So I choked down the V28 and patiently awaited the delicious drink in my future. It consisted of tomatoes, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime, celery, carrots, and cucumbers...all vegetables I like. 12:00PM...time for lunch! I pour the refreshing glass of gazpacho soup drink, feeling confident that it is going to leave a satisfying taste in my mouth. Lets just say, the Gazpacho drink tastes NOTHING like the soup. Not to mention the after taste continued to haunt me, well in to the new year. At that point, we had made three drinks each and only liked one of them...making the grand total for each drink $46! I was starting to get discouraged and knew that if I didn't eat some solid food soon, I was going to quit this new adventure faster than I had started it. So I went to the grocery store with the 500 other people who were getting their new years treats. Not the best idea. Juice fasting+being hungry+free samples around every corner+500 people=not a happy girl! After making my way around the store, I looked into my basket and realized every item in it was green.

Problem number 12 at least... But I was and am determined to make this work! I bought items to make an arugula and spinach salad with a mustard vinegarette. Sounds good right? It also had avocado and jicama so I knew I couldn't go wrong. I got home, and started to prepare the last meal of 2011. The kids ate scrambled eggs, toast, and had sparkling cigar. Price and I ate arugula salad and drank water. For the past 24 hours, everything we had put in our bodies was green, therefore, I had a hard time getting down the delicious salad. However, the best part of the salad was the avocado and jicama which at that point tasted like a prime rib steak!!!

To be honest, the rest of the night I felt a little naucious and didn't even feel like eating anything...I think that is the true reason why you lose weight...you would rather not eat than to drink that mess.

The documentary said that the first three days were the hardest! Hopefully they are right and hopefully we make it three days.......Wish us luck

To be Continued.

New resolution! Juicing Diet 101!

2011-12-31T08:19:00.000-08:00

So my sister, Catherine, came in over the break and started talking about this "new diet phase" of juicing... I listened to her and just ignored most of it, but humored her anyway. After she left and I got on the scale, I realized I needed to do something to change how I was eating...I texted her and asked for the title of the documenatary she had been talking about, Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. My boyfriend, Price and I, sat and watched the whole documentary and proceeded to make our first purchase together....a Breville juicer....here goes nothing.
We went to central market because I figured if all I was going to be able to do was drink juice, I was going to drink the best juice I could make from the freshest produce! $75 later, we returned home and I put the ingredients for each recipe in separate bags to make it easier.

Friday we got home from walking to find the juicer on the front porch......can you imagine the excitement??? (sarcasm implied)

We made our first drink, the Giant Green Berry Blend consisting of beet greens, 24 strawberries with the green taken off, one golden delicious apple, two bananas, 2 cups of coconut water, and 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil....I know you are salivating now! Honestly, it wasn't that bad. Later we had some herbal tea and called it a night. Dinner of day one. We will have to see how it goes, but it is worth a try and surely can't hurt.

Don't worry, we are not subjecting the kids to any of this craziness, but they think we have lost our minds!!!

Only a year

2011-06-07T17:58:00.001-07:00

Well.......

2010-05-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

So yes, it has been awhile since I have updated my blog, and yes, I have lots of excuses, but bottom line....nevermind...

Since my last post I have nearly survived my first year as an Assistant Principal, Riley was in her first wedding as a flower girl (and did perfectly), Christmas...New Years...Easter....and a trip to the beach..... No one really wants to read all about it, so I will just post some recent pictures.

Where have the Mank's been???

2009-11-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

BUSY!!!

I didn't even realize it had been September since I had posted last. I am sure if I had any real followers of my blog, I have lost them by now :) but so be it...

September was pretty busy. I started my new job as Assistant Principal at and Elementary school. I love it, but it keeps me busy for sure. All the changes all at once left me a little overwhelmed for a couple months. I have since snapped out of it and am floating instead of sinking :)

Riley is doing GREAT! She is back in dance classes and had her first dance performance of the year last weekend. She did great, but was very disappointed when it was over. She cried for the next hour because she wanted to be back on stage. I'm thinking this comes from her Auntie Cafern... :) She also got her first "real" haircut, and did very well. She loved the lady washing her hair. That she must get from her mom. I love people playing with my hair.

Instead of writing a whole lot, I am going to post pictures that tell our recent activities... enjoy!

Where does the time go?

2009-09-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been so long since my last post. Where does the time go???

Well, lots has changed since July... I did end up getting an administrative position

at Dellview Elementary School as the Assistant Principal. I was thrilled!!!!! I got a phone call at 9:00PM

on a Monday night telling me to report to leadership training the next morning at 7:00AM. Since then I have been running pretty fast to keep up. I love it though!!! I am exactly where I am supposed to be!

The second week of my new job, I went to drop Riley off at her school, to find out that there had been a fire the night before and they were being relocated to a different daycare for a couple of weeks. All her teachers and friends also went to this new school so Riley was excited! She thought it was so neat that mama and Riley both had "new schools" to go to every morning.

In addition to Riley starting at her new school, she has also joined dance again. I really didn't plan on enrolling her again after last year, and her apparent non-interest, but after the recital, she really wanted to be a

part of it again. The group she is now a part of has 2 performances a year so I am sure I will have plenty for your viewing pleasure soon...

I also took my mom and Riley to see Dora Live at the Majestic. I wanted to take Riley because she still has an infatuation with Dora, and I wanted her to start having memories of going to the Majestic like I have from when I was young. She absolutely LOVED it. Hugh crocodile tears when it was time to go, and she is still talking about it. The performance was at the end of July. I can't wait to get another opportunity to take her to another kid friendly show.

During my last couple of weeks of summer, I also tried to get a little home improvement done. Here are some before and after shots. I was pretty happy with how everything came out. It will be awhile before I have time to do more.....

Summer fun!

2009-07-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

For me, summer finally began the second week of July. Instead of writing a whole lot, I am just going to post a visual diary of our summer so far...
FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL--it was HOT HOT HOT

Riley's first amusement park ride on her own....

HORSE BACK RIDING

I think she liked it just a little.

SPENDING TIME WITH COUSIN HAILEY

BEACH-TIME

those are dolphins...not sharks... :)

As for me..... I am still trying to find an administrative job for the fall. There is still a lot of movement happening in the district so it isn't too late, but I am biting at the bit to have a sure thing locked in. I have had a couple of interviews, so my name is out there and that is always good. I am not losing hope or motivation. If it doesn't happen this year, it will happen soon enough.... I will keep you posted.

WHY?????

2009-06-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

For about 3 1/2 years, my father has been telling me that Riley is a spitting image of her mother. I always took that as a compliment and hoped it would continue... About a year ago, he mentioned a phase in my life, when I was about 3, when every other word that came out of my mouth was, "Why?" Now when he was relaying this fond memory of my childhood to me, he didn't have the loving and longing look in his eye he normally does when he is remenicing about the past. I couldn't understand "Why?" that could be....
NOW I KNOW "WHY?"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Mama, WHY we aren't going to the gym?"
"Mama, WHY you have to water the grass again?"
"Mama, WHY we have to brush our teeth?"
"Mama, WHY I not going to school today?"
"Mama, WHY you being mean to me?"
"Mama, WHY you tell me no?"
"Mama, WHY WHY WHY..................

I am VERY proud of my precious girl for being so curious, and I know it will pay off in the long run, but there are days I want to change my name! Today was one of those days.

A week at the gym...

2009-06-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I have recently started a workout regimen of my own. My mother sent this to me not long after I did, and I nearly wet my pants while reading it. Enjoy!!!

A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM

If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong with you. This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine. AMEN!!!

Dear Diary,

For my birthday this year, my Husband (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.

Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.

My husband seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

________________________________

MONDAY:

Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!

Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!
________________________________

TUESDAY:

I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door.
Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.
_______________________________

WEDNESDAY:

The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other shit too.

_______________________________

THURSDAY:

Asshole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes.

He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny bitch to find me.

Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.

_________________________________

FRIDAY:

I hate that bastard Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it.

Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.

The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher . Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

________________________________

SATURDAY:

Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

________________________________

SUNDAY:

I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

Riley's Recital

2009-06-08T15:02:00.000-07:00

Riley's recital went SO well. After two weeks of her wanting to NOT put her costume on because it hurt her arms, I thought this was going to be a fiasco...however, once she saw all her friends with theirs on, she relaxed a little. TOOOOOO cute! Enjoy!

What's new at the Mank's???

2009-05-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been awhile since I have posted anything, but Riley is with Darryl and I have some free time, soooo...

Since my last post, we have had Fiesta, Mother's Day, and life in general.
Fiesta was fun! Riley had a "Fiesta Parade" at her school that she has so excited about. I was sitting at the front of the parade entrance when she came out and she was soooo excited, she RAN over to me and gave me a huge hug, which brightened my day. I told her she needed to go back with her class and she jumped out of my lap to run back. She tripped on a purse strap and fell. So in the first 35 seconds of the parade, she was the MOST excited participant, and then the MOST upset participant.

After she recovered from her little fall...All was well.

In addition to Riley having Fiesta, mama had a little Fiesta celebrating too. I went down to NIOSA, but some of Steve's friends had gotten a room at the O'Brien hotel. The balcony looks over NIOSA so you can experience the festivities without the crowds. It was perfect!

After all the fun of Fiesta was over, The next event was Mother's day. Riley made me a beautiful card at school, but even more precious...on her own, after bath the Saturday before Mother's Day, she started singing Happy Mother's Day to the tune of Happy Birthday. IT was priceless!

Then Mimi decided we all needed to go buy fish for her pond. Riley thought it was a blast! One of the things she liked the most was chasing the butterflies.

NOW... we have three weeks left of school and I am counting down the days! Her ein Texas, several school districts completely closed for two weeks because of the "Swine Flu" scare. The district I live in closed and all the kids and teachers got a 2 week vacation to gear up for the last few weeks. Once people realized the panic was a little over the top, NEISD discovered there was confirmed case of Swine Flu...Happened to be at Longs Creek (MY SCHOOL). Do we close for ANY amount of time, NOOOOOOO! So, no rest for the weary and there are 14 days left :) I have been working really hard applying for administrative positions so hopefully by next year, I will be an administrator! I will keep everyone informed of my progress :) Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

So in case I don't get a chance to blog again for another month. By the next time you hear from me, hopefully I will be an administrator! :)

Other happenings...

2009-04-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated my blog lately because most of the time, I am only able to upload when Riley is with her dad. Since that doesn't happen very often, updating my blog takes a back seat :)
Easter was a blast. This is the first year that Riley "got" the Easter Egg Hunting thing... Well...it kind of took until the third hunt, but she finally got the gist.
We had a wonderful Easter...Friday, I got home from Cincinnati where I had just seen Catherine perform her Master's Recital...(more to come...). Saturday, we went over to my dad's for a bar-b-que. The whole family was back together, which doesn't happen very often these days. April, Muke, Brian, the kids, Scott, Jen, and Riley's favorite, Hailey... We had a great time and colored eggs and hunted them too...
Sunday morning Riley got up, walked into the living room, and brought me the basket "her bunny" brought her. She was so excited.... Then it was off to church and then to mom's. We hunted again and Riley did very well.
Then it was back to a fun filled week of work :(

April 8th, Catherine had the most beautiful recital you could have ever heard! I am so proud of her. It was SO good to get away and finally see where she lives and spends her day to day activities. I haven't been to ANY of her "home towns" except Denton, so going to Cincinnati was a great opportunity for me. I left Riley with my dad and her dad so she was safe, but missed dearly!!! Here are come pictures of the trip.

$45 a month for classes, $50 for shoes, $70 for costume...

2009-04-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Watching Riley in her dance class....
PRICELESS

At least we are getting our money's worth...I think after this year, the teacher will probably up the rates based on the amount of work she had to do with Riley...what she doesn't know is.........

I don't think we are going to continue dance classes at this time :)

She's still my little fish.

2009-03-31T07:17:00.000-07:00

I have a little time so I thought I would share... A couple weekends ago, Riley and I went to a BBQ with some friends. The pool was heated and Riley thought she was in heaven. I'm glad to see the swim lessons from last year were worth the money!!!

Just Cause

2009-03-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

Pictures I couldn't resist but to share...

Where did Spring Break go???

2009-03-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

A definite perk to being in education are the vacations we get throughout the year. The week of March 9-15 was mine. As always, I over plan the week and only about half of what I intended gets done.
My list this year included:
* Spreading dirt on the front and back yard
* Planting new plants in the front beds
* Cleaning out the house (drawers and all)
* Getting the garage emptied of the things we don't use
* relaxing (HA)

Well, before the week even started, I was rear-ended (for the third time in my life and the third time in 10 months), my computer crashed causing me to lose EVERYTHING, and the first day of Spring Break, the air conditioner in my house went out! So they say everything happens in threes...I guess the saying is right. As you may have noticed...getting a new bumper, hard drive, and air conditioner weren't on my list of things to do :)

So what did I do???

What else you ask???

2009-02-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I indicated that a lot had happened since my previous post. I got a little side tracked during my posting so I didn't get to say all I wanted to...In addition to Riley's third birthday and the annual Hoe Down, we also went to the annual San Antonio Rodeo. "Let's Rodeo San Antonio!"

I also happened to find a few more photos from the Hoe Down that I had to share. Riley had a blast and, in my opinion, was the star of the show!!!
I also was able to get away and go to the actual rodeo to see Cross Canadian Ragweed. It was a lot of fun.
One more thing I need to share....
Riley's Happy Birthday Song!

I'm gonna miss this......

2009-02-22T17:45:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I have posted, but it has been pretty busy... We will start with the most recent (and I might add most exciting) and work our way back!. Although Riley officially turns 3 on Friday, I had her third birthday today. We had a wonderful, Dora themed birthday party at McDonald's. Even with only a 45 minute nap, she did wonderfully and had a ball!

So that was the end of the weekend... It started with the annual Longs Creek Hoe Down. Riley had a blast and loved dancing on stage with the older kids. Here is a little video of the next Diva! Thanks Catherine.,........

Proud Sister

2009-01-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

I have always been proud of my sister. We are so alike, yet so different. Our biggest differences are her strengths! She has known since she was in 4th grade (maybe sooner) that she was going to be a performer. Since that decision was made, she has been THE most focused person I know. She knew what she wanted and she has strived for over 20 years to make it happen. She is constantly amazing me!!! Her most recent accomplishment was last week. She spent about 2 weeks in New York because she had been chosen to study under Marylin Horne in her Master Class. If you are like me, you don't really understand how TRULY AMAZING THAT IS!!! However, it was brought more into focus when my mother sent me a few pictures...

Let me explain...

The first two pictures are of Catherine pointing to HER name on the marquee in front of Carnegie Hall... YES, you read correctly, Carnegie Hall!!!

The last two are of her O

N STAGE at Carnegie Hall. They aren't the best be

cause it isn't encouraged to take pictures (To say the least).

Like I said...she continues to AMAZE me! I am so proud!!! If you are smart, you will save these pictures and when she is even MORE famous, you can say you have a picture of Catherine Martin! I love you Catherine!!! You are truly an inspiration!!!

Child Prodigy

2009-01-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

Since Riley was born, for the most part, we have had the same night time routine. In the past couple of months, Riley has decided to change it up a bit... Before, she would have her bath at 7:00, we would brush her teeth and hair, read a book, say our prayers and she would go to bed. All remains the same, but instead of me reading Riley a book, she has decided that she needs to read me a book. Here is a little glimpse of our new routine... Enjoy.

My Daughter is BRILLIANT

2009-01-27T17:41:00.000-08:00

This is a little video of Riley reading. She is brilliant.

Where's the Party???

2009-01-25T17:39:00.000-08:00

What a fun filled weekend...at least for one of us... Let's just say, my (almost) three year old daughter has more of a

social life than I do. The problem is, I am involved in her social life and I get worn out a LOT faster.

Friday night, Riley and I went over to our neighbor's house for dinner. Riley and her very good friend, J.P. played like they hadn't seen each other in years. I'm sure it felt that way to them, but really it had only been about a week. Although they both had a great time, Riley got overly tired and had a hard time going to bed that night. She is too much like her mother in that since...when I get too tired, it can be harder to go to sleep, so instead, we just cry...

Saturday, we got up to go get birthday presents for all her parties. You would think that buying birthday presents for a little girl the same age as your little girl would be easy, but at this age...their interests and clothes sizes vary SO much, it was harder than you may think.

I was really excited because this going to be the first classmate birthday party that I had taken Riley to. In addition, it was going to be my first time to Chuck E. Cheese since I was her age.

The party started at 4:00 and at about 4:01, I realized WHY I hadn't been back to Chuck E. Cheese in so long. There were about 4 other parties going on, plus the regular customers. Kids were everywhere and I couldn't even hear myself think.

I know what you are thinking...Christina, you are a teacher, you deal with that everyday...at least that is what a friend of mine told me... Let me clarify! First of all, I only have 20 kids in my class, I have structure and consequences for those who aren't following directions, and I am not hyping them up on sugar from cake and sodas!

Although I was excited to take Riley to her first birthday party, I also wanted to see what the expectations were for a three year olds birthday party since we will be having one very soon. I tell you one thing...Chuck E. Cheese has been taken off the list of opportunities... (Unless I can take in a box-o-wine with me!)

I have attached a few pictures of Riley having fun. Of course, trying to be prepared, I put the camera battery in the charger before leaving for the party, and then realized I had the camera, but not the battery when we arrived. Therefore, these pictures were taken with my phone and aren't as clear as I would have liked.

This will be the first of many I am sure.

In fact, Darryl took her to another birthday party today (Sunday). A bowling party.

hot-scotch

2009-01-18T07:47:00.000-08:00

Although this video clip is a little delayed, it was too cute not to post. It was taken in November...Enjoy! Sorry is is horizontal...just tilt your head :)

UPDATE ON DARRYL'S DAD: He started chemo and radiation about 3 weeks ago. At his most recent doctors appointment, the doctor told Courtney and Danielle that he had gotten all of the tumor and that he thinks Courtney will survive longer than what was normally expected. The fact that the cancer was caught early, taken out, and being fought aggressively with the radiation and chemo, the outlook is much more optimistic than originally thought. I know the family appreciates your prayers and will continue to need them.

Thank you Danielle for keeping me updated.

Heel, Toe, Shuffle , Step...

2009-01-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

Well... fifth try's a charm! Who would have thought. Make sure you are sitting down...this is pretty funny. Granted, this was taken the evening after her first class. Progress will be made I am sure. She has been practicing every day...on her own...no pressure from mom, but much encouragement and praise when she does so well. What did I do before Riley??? I have no idea and I don't want to go back!

I GAVE UP!!!!!

2009-01-14T15:39:00.001-08:00

I have now tried four times to upload the video of Riley "practicing" her dance. It just won't work... I will keep trying, but if it doesn't ever work, then I guess you will just have to come see the real thing :)

Dancin' Queen

2009-01-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

Pretty much since I found out that Riley was old enough to be in dance classes, I have been trying to convince Darryl to agree to put her in. We decided at the beginning of the year, we would go ahead and enroll her. Luckily, the classes are held at her school once a week on Tuesdays. Last Tuesday, when I dropped her off, I inquired about them...I was informed Riley could attend one class for free to see how she would do. When I picked her up that afternoon, her dance teacher was still there. As I expected, our little Riley is a natural! The teacher said most of the time, children cry and leave the first day...no, not Riley, she got right in there, started dancing and proceeded telling other children how to do the steps. I am not sure where she has gotten all her confidence from :) The only complaint from Riley was that she wasn't allowed to make up her own dance...

SO...we got home that evening and she wanted to "practice". She was a little irritated that mom didn't have the music that her teacher had, but she did due with what I had. I have attached a little clip of our upcoming star! Our little Riley's dancing debut will be held June 7th! Mark your calendars :) This is going to be something you DO NOT want to miss.

Diva in Training!

2009-01-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope you all had a wonderful and safe New Year! Mine was fun, but uneventful...nothing really to blog about.

What I do have to blog about is Riley's tendency to become the next Diva of the family. Of course under the close training of her Auntie Catherine.

For Christmas at Mama's house, Riley got 6 "lit-skits" in her stocking from Santa. Although she does not know how to say it, she sure knows how to use it! Here is a little clip of Riley applying lit-skit to Auntie Catherine and Mama and then showing us what we are supposed to do once it is on.

Teacher's Break!

2008-12-29T16:42:00.001-08:00

Well, the holidays started with my graduation!!! YEA!!! I wasn't going to walk the stage for graduation, but

at the last minute I decided I needed to. I didn't want to regret not doi

ng it, and I knew this was not something I could get back. SO...I did it and am very glad I did. It is something to be proud of! Especially completing my degree with a 4.0, having gone through a divorce during classes, having a 2 year old toddler, working full time, and finishing in a year and a half! Not to toot my own horn, but lets give credit where credit is due :)

Riley is now at the age where she really enjoyed Christmas this year. She knew Santa was coming to see her and she kept singing, "Santa Clause is Coming into Town." However, her favorite is "Jingle Bells." It was so fun and she MUST have been very good this year. Her Christmas started with her dad (Darryl) at his dad's house. I know she had fun and she came home with a

digital camera from her Auntie Danielle. She loved it and it gave her justification to boss people around. "Stand in front of the tree." "Say cheese." "Say Chee

se." "Say Cheese." Then Riley can over to my dad's house and spent a couple of hours th

ere opening more presents. I think her favorite there was the art easel. Then we came home to pick up Catherine and headed to my mom's house. Again...more presents! There she got a Dora Big Wheel, puzzles, and coloring books. At

about 8:00, we headed back to our house and I told her Santa had come to mamma's house too. Did she want to open more presents or wait till tomorrow? Dumb question I know, so needless to say we opened the last of her

presents. Santa brought her play doh, "lip-skit", and a Cabbage Patch kid. After four Christmases (yes, like the movie, but much happier), we got home on Christmas night and she said, "Mommy, my arms are tired." Pretty funny!

My sister is in town from Cincinnati and staying with me and Riley. She will be here till Friday and Riley is loving having her here. (So am I)

Darryl's dad started Chemo and radiation today. He will be doing both for the next 15 weeks or so. I haven't talked to him today, but Darryl said things went well.

Although the past few days have seemed very action packed, I can't seem to think of anything else to say right now. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and for those of you who are still off work, enjoy the rest of your break!

Update...

2008-12-14T05:45:00.000-08:00

This weekend Riley is with Darryl and he took her up to Austin to visit her Paw-Paw. It was good for both of them. Riley is good medicine for anyone who needs a laugh! She is HILARIOUS and at the perfect age right now. Courtney, Darryl's dad, is doing very well and has been cleared to do anything, including driving. So things are looking up. I received a email from Danielle and she said that unless you knew he had been through major brain surgery a week ago, you wouldn't know anything was wrong.

Friday morning, Danielle took Paw-Paw to a follow up doctors visit with the neurologist where the diagnosis was confirmed. Glioblastoma Multiforme, or GBM, Grade IV brain tumor. He will have an MRI next week to give the oncologists a baseline for therapy. Courtney has decided to use the same oncologist that Darryl's mom used and he feels very comfortable with this. He has also told Darryl that he is planning on doing whatever he needs to in order to prolong his life. He is in good spirits and ready to take this on full force!

Thank you all for your prayers, and they will continue to be needed!

It's AMAZING what can happen in two short weeks...

2008-12-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

Good News First:

Thanksgiving was great. I hope you all had a wonderful time as well. Riley and I went over to my mom's house for dinner. Ben's sister and brother came over to celebrate with us as well. We had never met them before so that was nice. The only one missing was Auntie Catherine, but she was there in spirit. We are looking forward to her being here at Christmas.

The Longhorns won the game against the Aggies so we gained bragging rights for another

year...yea!

As of

December 3rd, I am officially done with my grad school classes and have a Master's in Educational Leadership. I will begin looking for an administrative job in

January and hopefully acquire one for the fall.

Saturday, December 6, Riley and I had Mom and Ben over for dinner and we decorated cookies. Riley had a blast and some of the icing even ended up on the cookie. Definitely a perk of living in Texas...we were able to take on this craft outside! She loved every minute of it, and I must say, dinner wasn't bad either...

Prayer Request:

Last Sunday (November 30), Darryl's dad was hanging light on his house so that Santa would know where his house was for Riley. As he was hanging lights, he fell off his ladder and hit his face pretty hard. After calling an ambulance, he was taken to the hospital where they ran routine tests to make

sure he had not sustained any injuries from the fall. Although there were no injuries cause by the fall, the doctors did find a mass in his brain and decided to transfer him to downtown Austin where he would undergo surgery the next Tuesday (December 2nd). What they found was a stage four malignant brain tumor. Doctors removed what they could, but assure the family the the tumor will return and prognosis is not good. I have been in close contact with Darryl, and his dad is now home and feeling better. He is eating more and getting around a little more. However, the next few months are going to be very trying on the family, especially Danielle and Darryl. Please keep Courtney, Danielle, Darryl, and Riley in your prayers. I will keep you updated as I hear more.

Be Thankful!

2008-11-26T15:59:00.000-08:00

So lately, I have been in a little bit of a funk. I have been down because people who were once closest to me have shown me that everyone is human and even those you care for the most will hurt you sometimes.

HOWEVER...the pity party is over.

I realize that being in a funk is all about attitude and I have allowed myself to feel this way. I took Riley out of school for the week because I figured it would be a great time to have a little quality time together, she would keep me busy (what I need right now), and I would save a little money. I was right. She has brightened my week more than I can ever say. The things that seem so important, really aren't. Riley is so happy all the time and she is constant reminder and inspiration of how I want to live my life. I need to be a role model for her and live the way I hope she chooses to live. Being thankful for the things that you do have, and not dwelling on the things you don't. With that said, I have compiled a list of some of the things I am most thankful for.

I am thankful for my precious, healthy, hilarious, little girl.

I am thankful for my health.

I am thankful that I am almost done with school.

I am thankful for my family who lives in town and helps me all the time.

I am thankful for my sister who is not in town, but a constant inspiration.

I am thankful for a stable job that I have found pride and joy in.

I am thankful for my friends who support me.

I am thankful for challenges that make me a stronger person.

I am thankful for my faith.

I am thankful for much more, but some things you can't express in words.

So next time you are feeling sorry for yourself (and lets face it, most of us do at some point) remember all the things that are positive in your life. It is a good exercise to make you realize things aren't as bad as you may think...

Getting ready for the holidays

2008-11-26T07:58:00.000-08:00

Riley and I went last Saturday to take our Christmas pictures. The first time in a year that I have taken her to Portrait Innovations. She did so well!!! However, I was trying to be frugal and have a "costume change" so we could do her three year pictures at the same time. That didn't go over too well. She was done. At least we got a few good ones. We also got all the Christmas decorations out of the attic yesterday and started to decorate the house because she is going to be gone next weekend and I didn't want to get to the end of the week and still have to do it all...therefore we put the Christmas tree up yesterday. It was so fun!!! Every time I opened a new box, she got so excited. It was also nice to have the help...yes, she did help, however, all the ornaments are on two branches, right in the front. I figure, it's just her and I so I am going to leave it. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Go Horns!!!

Happy Moments

2008-11-09T17:30:00.001-08:00

Because I am usually the one taking the pictures, there are VERY few pictures of Riley and I together. I thought this one was pretty cute so I wanted to share...

I think things are finally going to start slowing down. I officially only have three more nights of class!!! Although that doesn't mean I am completely done, it is close. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I still have to pass the principalship exam and get the result on my compositions that were turned in last weekend. If you think about it, say a little prayer :)

Riley is doing fabulously! She is getting smarter and smarter everyday,. She has really gotten into tracing. We sit outside and she tells me to draw things and then she traces them. She has also gotten pretty good at putting puzzles together. I decided to start a little Christmas shopping early and I got her a puzzle. I really want to give it to her now, but I will resist :)

Anyway, I also got her a new Christmas dress because she will be taking her school Christmas pictures on Tuesday. I am looking forward to getting those.

I will definitely post those when I get them...

Hope you are doing well!

Mirror, Mirror on the wall...

2008-11-02T14:50:00.001-08:00

Who is the most beautiful princess of all? RILEY

Playground fun

2008-10-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

We also went to the playground on Thursday with the neighbors. J.P. and Riley had a great time and Annie, Elise, and I enjoyed the beautiful weather.

Is it October already?

2008-10-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I think we have had the only Fall weather San Antonio is going to have, this weekend. It has been absolutely beautiful since Thursday.

Last Sunday, Riley and I went to church and at our church every year, they have a pumpkin patch. I got a few pictures of Riley in the pumpkins, but she just isn't as interested in the camera as she used to be. Now when I bring it out, she wants to "see," but what she doesn't understand is that for there to be something for her to see, she has to let me take a picture first. Therefore, most of the time there isn't a smile in the picture...

Here comes another week...

2008-09-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well, this weekend, Riley, her Wan-daddy and Nana all went up to Midland to visit her Uncle Scott, Aunt Jen, and cousin Hailey. She was very excited to go, but mom was a little sad. I asked her Friday morning while we were packing if she wanted to stay with mama or go see cousin Hailey. She said, "Cousin Hailey." I guess my little girl is becoming more and more independent every day. She is doing great, I'm the one having withdrawl!!! Anyway, she is expected back here this evening and this week should slow down a little so I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my doodlebug. She might get bored with me, but who cares :)

Words of advice for those of you who may not have a 2 1/2 year old little girl, DON'T PACK WITH THEM!!! As we were packing, I would put clothes in her bag, turn around to get more clothes and she would have either taken the clothes out because she didn't like them, or would have added 3 toys to the bag because she couldn't live without them for 2 days! Lesson here is...pack the night before and put Dora on so she is preoccupied :) Needless to say, I really don't know if she had enough clothes to get her through the weekend, but I know she had enough toys. Priorities right?

Well, I have included one picture of Riley. She was at mom and Ben's and they like to give her ice cream after her bath (this is why kids love their grandparents). Here is a picture of her eating her strawberry ice cream. Isn't she precious!!!

Once a month

2008-09-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

So lets be honest...I think a more realistic goal for blog posting will be once a month. More will be a perk!

Since my last post, not much has happened out of the ordinary. I started back to school at UTSA and I think it may be a little more demanding this semester simply because there are more things due and I have the graduate program final on top of that. BUT...it is the last semester and I can do ANYTHING for 4 months. Start praying now that next fall I will find myself in an administrative position. That is the goal anyway!

Riley is doing great. She moved to the 2 1/2 year olds room and has started potty training. UGHHHHH She is doing really well, but she hasn't quite figured out the timing of things. It helps if she lets me know prior to "tee teeing" that she has gone :) Therefore, we spend most of the day "trying" so that there aren't any accidents. Isn't it crazy what your life begins to revolve around when you have a 2 1/2 year old HAHAHA.

She has also gotten much more vocal, if that is possible... She is so smart and is so fun to have a conversation with. Every time we talk, she surprises me with a new phrase or comment. She cracks me up on a regular basis and is so much fun!

My kids this year seem like a pretty good group. There are always those challenges, but without them my job could be boring. So I love 'em.

Other than that, life is normal. I guess that is relative huh? I have recent pictures, but haven't uploaded them to my computer so I will try to have some up on my next post. Have a great month :)

Here we go again...

2008-08-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow officially starts the new school year for the kids. On Friday, we had Open House and all but three of my kids showed up. Looks like I am going to have a pretty good class (lets hope anyway). I started back last week and it really felt like I never left. I guess it's good though...get back into the routine of things.

I start my grad school classes on Wednesday and then everything will be back in full force. My last semester! YEA!!! I really hope that finding a job won't be as difficult for me as some of my friends have had. I'm being optimistic!

Nothing really exciting has happened since my last entry. Riley is in Austin this weekend so my life has been pretty boring. What did I ever do before kids to keep myself entertained??? However, Riley is moving into the next class on Monday. This is the class where she is officially supposed to get potty trained. I really think she is ready because she knows what to do, just off on the timing. Keep your fingers crossed! Again, I'm being optimistic, and hoping that the SAMS diapers I bought last week may be the last box I have to buy...

Well, even though I haven't been the best at keeping my blog updated, there is a good chance that it is going to get even worse. I'll try, so don't give up on me, but it probably won't happen too often.

Here is one picture... I just thought Riley's eyes looked so beautiful, and yes...we are at the pool again!!!

Quite the little fish...

2008-08-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

Riley really did well this summer with her swimming lessons. She loves the water and ultimately has no fear. Here is a little clip of her swimming...

Just Cause

2008-08-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Darryl's sister posted this on her blog so I thought I would copy it just in case there was something you didn't know about me...

A - Attached or Single: We all know I am divorced

B - Best Friend: Stacy in Austin...like a sister to me.

C - Cake or Pie: I honestly prefer salty treats like fries...yum!

D - Day of Choice: Summer vacation and Fridays!

E - Essential Item: my phone, sad I know.

F - Favorite Color: purple

G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Don't ask me why eating bears seems more normal, but it does.

H - Hometown: San Antonio

I - Indulgence: Staying Busy... too busy...

J - January or July: Hard choice, January is cooler weather, July is summer vacation

K - Kids: one precious little girl, Riley...

L - Life is incomplete without: love and laughter

M - Marriage Date: July 12, 2003, divorced March 12, 2008

N - Number of siblings: one younger, Diva, sister and numerous step siblings

O - Oranges or Apples: Apples, I don't like the orange peel under my nails

P - Phobias or Fears: I hate lizards and the thought of drowning

Q - Quote: The Best is Yet to Come!!!

R - Ring Size: ???

S - Season: Winter and Spring (I don't like to sweat)

T - Tuna or Tilapia: Recently aquired a taste for tilapia

U - Unknown fact about me: I'm pretty open... I sing as loud as I can in the shower... Riley loves it :)

V - Very Favorite Stores: New York and Co.

W - Worst Habbit: Wine

X - X-ray or Ultrasound: Ultrasound, had plenty of those with Riley and every one was a treat.

Y - Your favorite food: French Fries

Z - Zodiac: Aries (March 24)

Pictures to prove it

2008-08-12T07:45:00.001-07:00

As most of you know, after Darryl and I separated, I found a new home for the two dogs. A Great Dane and a Lab/German Shepherd mix are two HUGE dogs and finding a home isn't an easy task. Not to mention trying to grow ANY type of grass or plant in a small backyard. Because Riley is such an outside person, I knew that I really wanted to have a safe place for her to learn her independence and enjoy her favorite things, swinging and swimming. After six months of working and planning, I think I am finally done creating that safe haven for her. I am very happy with the outcome, but I had a lot of help. My neighbor, Tom, helped me with all the brick laying, my dad helped bring in all the dirt and granite that was put in, my mom's husband, Ben, helped me find a new home for the dogs, and Riley cheered me on every step of the way :). Here are some pictures of before and after.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition

2008-08-10T19:13:00.001-07:00

So I have finally started the two weeks of summer vacation that I have. And now, the first week has gone by in a flash!!! My neighbor Tom and I worked on my back yard the first part of the week and finally finished the walkway from the deck to the gate. I will have pictures for you shortly, but because I didn't think about posting until now, it is too dark to take pictures. I will post before and after pictures though and although it isn't that much, the transformation is amazing!!! I also got new furniture from my mom in the living room and repainted my bedroom. Needless to say, it has been a busy week and I sort of feel like I have a brand new house! It's fun and every time Riley comes home from school she is commenting on "Mom's new carpet," "Mom's new bed," etc...

I have one more week before teachers go back to work. It is just enough time for me to be ready! I would NEVER be a good stay at home mom. I am too much of a busy body to not work. Once summer school teaching was over, the home renovations began! By the way, summer school was a challenge, but very rewarding and I would definitely do it again! I really enjoyed working with those kids and I am proud to say that EVERY kid legitimately passed 6th grade math!!!

Tomorrow is the beginning of my last week of freedom. I am not sure what I am going to do, but I am sure I will keep busy! I seem to be good at it. Stay posted and I will have pictures for you soon.

Riley is still doing great!!! She is constantly cracking me up. For example... we were in the backyard last week and I had just bought her a new blow up pool. She was swinging and commenting about her "New, blue, pool." I told her mama bought her the new pool and she turns to me and seriously says, "Mama, I'm so proud of you." I laughed out loud!!! Then the other morning, when she woke up I asked her if she slept well. Usually she says yes and that is the end of the conversation, however, on this particular morning, she looks up at me and says, "almost." Where does she come up with these things? Too funny!

More to come...

Way Behind...

2008-07-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

and I know it. Everyone says that teachers are so lucky to have a such a great schedule. We get off at 3:00 during the school year, get all the holidays off, and have 3 months in the summer off too. Although all that is true on the contract, I have yet to meet a teacher that really works those hours. All this to say, teaching summer school has been a very challenging experience! The first week ended with me taking my kids to the computer lab. Whoever thought that putting rolling chairs in a middle school computer lab, was not a teacher of middle school students. After losing nearly all my toes, we headed back to the room and it was absolutely everything I could do to not break down in front of them. I was so tired and felt so unappreciated that I wanted to just cry.

Last week was better. They are getting to know me and I them. Needless to say, we did NOT go to the computer lab this week. I'm not sure if we will venture there again. There are just some things better left unturned! Although it may sound like I am miserable, I'm really not. All the kids have their moments and really show me that they are still kids who want to learn and be successful. At this point, I would still consider teaching summer school again. However, only if it was a half day position like this one. A whole day of this would have a totally different reaction from me.

Riley is doing great. She finished her last week of swimming lessons and is officially a bathing beauty. She is growing very fast and new things come out of her mouth daily. This morning I went in her room to get her up and she said that she needed her baby. She turned to me and said, "Baby, happy!" "That's great, did she sleep well?" "Yes" "Is Riley happy?" Riley turned to me and says, "Nope, Riley tired." I just thought that was hilarious. She is really turning in to a little lady and able to have more of a conversation. She was in Austin this past weekend with her Paw Paw and gets better and better at talking on the phone. Anyway, ever time I hear, You're Gonna Miss This (a country song) it makes me think of her. She is amazing and my ultimate inspiration.

I hope you all have a good week, and I will try to post a little more often.

July in a flash...

2008-07-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

Well here we are... July 4th has come and gone and the month still goes on. July 4th was a little different for me than the last few years. Riley was in Austin with her Paw Paw and Auntie Danielle and so I didn't have the opportunity to dress her up and sit her on the front porch to take pictures of her with an American flag. I know in the future she will appreciate this fact. However, I was a little sad.

Therefore, the 4th of July consisted of grilling in the backyard with the neighbors and watching the lunatic neighbors set off fireworks. I had a good time, but couldn't help but miss Riley. So another holiday has come and gone.

July 7th started a whole new experience for me...Summer School! For the last three days I have felt a little like the teacher from "Freedom Writers". I went in ready to touch the lives of every kid in the class and knew I would be the one to make a difference. I don't think that the dream is over, but it is definitely harder than the movie makes it look. I have 15 kids who have all failed 6th grade math and they are reluctantly in my 6th grade math class for the next four weeks. If you have never seen the movie "Freedom Writers" I highly recommend it. A great movie and currently my life! Anyway, for the past three days I have given them candy bars, items from the dollar spot at Target, pretty much everything they wanted and it hasn't worked. Maybe that is the problem...I need to be a little harder. After all, these are the kids that didn't succeed during the year and this is why they are here! Tomorrow is the last day of our week (thank GOD) and I am going to make them see the light. ( I have said that every day this week, but I know this day will be different!!!) :)

Anyway, I will make it through and contrary to what you are thinking right now, I really love the challenge. These are my types of kids. The ones who need the extra attention and love. Doesn't make it easier, just more rewarding!!! I will get through to at least one of them!!!

Riley is doing great. She ended up with a little ear infection so she had to drop out of swimming lessons for a week, but she will pick back up next week. Everyday she asks if she is going to get to swim with Ms. Desi (the swim teacher) and I have to tell her next week. I know she is looking forward to it.

So...that is all the news in my life. I hope that if you are actually taking the time to read my blog that you will post a little response so I know I am not doing this all for nothing :). Hope you are doing well.

Still Swimming

2008-06-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

Riley just finished two weeks of swimming lessons at her school and she is now officially a fish! She loves it. Her teacher said that the first two days they couldn't get her in the water. That surprised me a little because she did pretty good with me when we went to the pool. However her hesitation was not at ALL apparent at her class. She will be continuing classes for two more weeks so by then, she will be a better swimmer than me.

After she passed her beginners class we went swimming at "Wan-daddy's" house and she showed everyone how much she had learned. She even let Wandaddy throw her in the air and she loved it. I am really glad that she loves swimming so much, but there is definitely no fear of water in that little girl and that could be good and bad :).

Other than that, I am over half way done with my grad school classes for the summer and I will be teaching 6th grade math for the second summer session. I am excited about it because it is something I have done before, but new for now since I have been teaching 4th grade the past 5 years. I have also been working on getting my backyard in order so I will work more on that when I have time. Riley loves being out there so I have really enjoyed fixing it up.

Hope all is well with all of you!

Falling Behind!

2008-06-17T19:46:00.001-07:00

I am falling a little behind on my "weekly" posts, but I told you that would happen :) Happy Belated Father's Day to all of you fathers who may be reading my blog. I was lucky enough to have my dad and step-mom over for dinner on father's day. My dad is one of those people who is VERY hard to buy anything for so I decided to cook him dinner instead. I made all of his favorite dishes which included "Yum Yum Chicken" and "Chocolate Pie." We also had a nice salad and watermelon (which was pretty much devoured by Riley). I was very glad that my sister got to join us and Riley was the entertainment (you're shocked I am sure).

All of this was after returning from Cuero where I attended one of my best friend's sister's wedding (did you get that). We went down on Friday, helped set up and decorate the reception hall, went to the rehearsal dinner, and then attended the wedding on Saturday. I had a lot of fun and really got to experience the "small town life." Apparently it was pretty obvious that I wasn't from around there because everywhere I went people asked me what I was in town for. It was a blast though and a beautiful wedding as well.

Now we are almost halfway into another week of grad school for the summer. Things are going pretty well and as soon as this week is over, not only will I be half way done, but most of the assignments that are required will be completed too. That will be nice. I am hoping to teach 6th grade math during summer school for the second half of the summer, but I haven't heard if enrollment was high enough yet so we will see. If I don't teach second summer session, I'm not really sure what I will do, but I am sure I will find plenty to occupy my time :).

Anyway, that is all that has really happened since my last post. I have included some pictures of Riley and her friend Brock swimming. I am sure you are starting to think that is all she does (pretty close). Have a good rest of the week and stay posted!

All Alone

2008-06-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

This is the first official weekend of summer for teachers and Riley has been in Austin with her Paw Paw and Auntie Danielle since Thursday. Thursday afternoon I cleaned the garage top to bottom and got rid of the dog crate that was in there. The dogs had left about two months ago, but the crate was just something I hadn't gotten a chance to get to. So I was able to take out my aggressions and destroy it pretty quickly. However, what was left behind was probably the most unsanitary thing I have ever seen. I will spare you the details, but I was pretty furious that Riley had been exposed to that situation! Anyway, it is clean now and way more organized than it has ever been. I hadn't cleaned it since I have lived here (almost 5 years). It has been cleaned, but not by me so there were many little treasures (if you want to call them that) that I didn't even know were in there... That was Thursday.

Friday, I spent the day cleaning the house from top to bottom. I like to do that when Riley is away for a few reasons... I can do it a LOT faster, it will stay clean a LOT longer, and I can take a nap when I am done if I get too tired :).

Saturday I didn't really do much. However, I worked up some courage and headed out for an evening alone! I have NEVER gone out by myself, but it was actually pretty fun. The first 45 minutes or so I was a little anxious and nervous, but then I realized I really didn't have anything to be anxious about. Riley was in good hands and I had no responsibilities but for myself! SO, I went to Wild Fish. It is a new restaurant/bar close to my house. It has phenomenal food and a great atmosphere. I was there until about 10:30 that evening so I guess I had figured out how to relax. I think I will go out alone again. I am becoming secure enough to do that...

Sunday, I went the grocery store, cooked some food for the week for Riley and I, mowed the yard, and took a nap. Now I am just waiting on the arrival of my little doodlebug to get home! I have missed her and can't wait to see her. She starts swimming lessons tomorrow at he school so she will be excited to start the week. I start back to Grad. School tomorrow, but it is only for 4 weeks so it won't be as bad as last summer.

Unfortunately since I didn't have Riley this weekend, I don't have any pictures to share. Really she is the only reason you are looking at this blog in the first place :). Stay tuned and I will get some more pictures up soon.

Have a great week!

Riley's First Beach Trip

2008-05-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

Well, we went to the beach a couple of weeks before I started blogging, but I just got the pictures from it and I wanted to share. We went to Port Aransas for the weekend and stayed at the Seagull Condos. The first night we were there, Riley, Mimi and I went down to the beach. Riley wasn't really sure about the sand and the ocean at first, but she kind of warmed up to the water. She still didn't like the sand...it was "dirty" but as long as she had her pinky shoes on she was ok. I thought surely she would like to build a sand castle, but it turned out the only one having fun with that was me. She didn't want to get her hands dirty...my little diva!

Overall we had a wonderful and relaxing trip. Riley loved driving downtown and seeing all the statues of sharks and other fish. Ever since then, when we talk about going to any kind of water, she wants to go to the "ocean." I can't wait to go back and I know Riley will have even more fun the next time. Enjoy the pictures...

My first time!

2008-05-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I have decided to start blogging. Apparently it is the era of a new age...I can't promise I will keep up with it as well as I should, but I figured for those of you I don't get a chance to talk to on a regular basis, this might be one way to see how things are going. Plus I figured I didn't have enough things to do HAHAHA!

Riley and I spent most of

Memorial day

in her new pool. The top

two pictures

are in our

back yard and the last one is at her Paw Paw's house in Austin. She loves the water...my little bathing beauty!

Well, I think that blogging will be fun and I hope to hear comments from some of you on how you are doing. Have a great Memorial Day and stay posted!