School's out!

Yes, I have officially checked out for the summer! The students last day was Thursday, June 8th. I had to move all the stuff out of my classroom into a second grade room on Friday, June 9th. Mo was very helpful in doing that but since I forgot my school keys I couldn't checkout. I tried to checkout on Monday, June12th but forgot the signature folder. Finally today I had my keys and my folder and I am done! Well until August 1st when I get to go set up my classroom and get ready for a long term sub. I wasn't very prepared for my sub when Reece decided to come into the world, so this time I would really like to be a little more organized. We'll see if that happens...

Check out how cute my first graders were this year. I really loved this class. It was my best year of teaching in the 9 years of my career.

Godson's 2nd Birthday

Yesterday in Vegas it was 106 degrees and we went to a Mickey Mouse birthday party for my adorable Godson Cross. Reece had so much fun running around with the kids. Cross was in great spirits also. He was a little sleepy since he woke from his nap in the middle of the party. We were all so glad he finally decided to join us! Check out the few pictures I got from the fun. I took some video too. I'll have to learn how to add that to my blogg this summer when I have nothing else to do...

I can't believe it's over

I'm so bummed! I was really looking forward to watching the Buffalo Sabers skate for the Stanley Cup. I have been watching faithfully every other day to see them battle it out with Carolina. Last night they came from a behind to put some points on the board right at the end of the second period. The third period was quite a stressful one, hoping they would hold onto the 2-1 lead. No luck, Carolina tied it up and with just minutes left scored again. Our guys must have been pretty devastated. I was! The days of rushing home from school to get Reece and pump him up for watching hockey on the TV with Mama are over. What a shame. Reece learned a few key words from the playoffs like: "Let's Go Buffalo", "Go Sabers", "Come on guys", "skate, skate", "Milleerrrrrr" and of course "Crap" and "Sh*t". I kept trying to stop myself but those last two goals really mad me angry! He is also a pro at saying his favorite "Oh Man".
On a side note, did I mention he is quite the talker. He picks up everything we say. He seems to be a pretty smart 20 month old. Not sure where that came from.

Food for thought

THE U IN JESUS

Before U were thought of or time had begun,

God stuck U in the name of His Son.

And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,

You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.

You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,

For U, He was born; that's why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died.

It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand

He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,

and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,

He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

"Go into the world and tell them it's true

That I love them all - Just like I love U."

So many great people are spelled with a U,

Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?

It all depends now on what U will do,

He'd like them to know,

But it all starts with U!

WHY I LOVE MY MOM

I had to put this on here because I did this the other night. I thought I was nesting but actually I'm just a normal mom doing what she does best!

WHY I LOVE MY MOM
(anonymous)

Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, "I'm tired, and it's getting late. I think I'll go to bed." So she went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches, rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, she filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning.
She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the washer, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button.She picked up the game pieces left on the table, put the phone back on the charger and put the telephone book into the drawer. She watered the plants, emptied a waste basket and hung up a towel to dry.
She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a text book out from hiding under the chair. She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery store, she put both near her purse. Mom then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her night solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and filed her nails.
Dad called out, "I thought you were going to bed." "I'm on my way," she said. She put some water into the dog's dish and put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked and the patio light was on. She looked in on each of the kids and turned out their bedside lamps andTV's, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks into the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework.
In her own room, she set the alarm; laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her 6 most important things to do list. She said her prayers, and visualized the accomplishment of her goals. About that time, Dad turned off theTV and announced to no one inparticular. "I'm going to bed."And he did...without another thought.
Anything extraordinary here?
Wonder why women live longer...? 'CAUSE THEY ARE MADE FOR THE LONG HAUL......(and they can't die because they still have things to do!!!!)
Send this to five phenomenal women today...they'll love you for it! Then: GO TO BED

Images of Mother's Day

After a long hard day of swimming and relaxing by the pool Reece and I are ready to head back to our home. He loved playing in the pool and did not want to leave the water. He was getting a bit too tired and kept making clumsy mistakes.

Look at how much fun he is having practicing his kicking. No mommy and me swimming classes for us. Reece's mama gives private swimming lessons at her teacher friends pools. He loves the water just as much as his parents.

After taking a swim in the private spa pool; we made Dada run back into the locker room and get us some more fruit. Reece loved his green papple (as he put it) . We didn't even know he liked that kind. He had half of it gone by the time we toweled off and were ready to head back to the room.

Dada was having so much fun with Reece. As you can see Reece loved playing with Dada as well. I was able to park myself in the relaxing massage part of the pool while they splashed around and played together. It was so sweet to see them so happy!

Mo & I are standing on the 5th floor balcony of our suite at the J.W. Marriott. It was unbelievable. The view of the strip was pretty sweet too. The camera couldn't get it very well because of all the lights. We had just gotten back from eating dinner at Spiedini's, an Italian eatery within the hotel/casino. We were celebrating our 6 year anniversary while Reece had a sleep over with one of his friends. More of the story to follow...

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to wish all of those dear friends and family of mine a wonderful Mother's Day. I'll come back and tell you all about how fabulous mine was after the reason I am a mama is asleep. Hope you had a great day! :)

Saturday Morning Bliss

Ya gotta love when you can watch a friends little 11 month old over night and things go exceptionally well. Amaya came over last night while her parents went out on the town. Reece loved having her here to play with in the backyard. She walked right over to him and gave him a big hug. He gave her a gentle kiss back, it was too cute. I tried to catch some of it on film but I would always miss the actual kiss and would just get the open mouth part. You'll see if Blogger will let me attach the pics, I was having a hard time yesterday.

The two kiddos took a bath together and then went to bed as peacefully as I could hope for. It was a wonderful evening. In the morning Reece woke first, but did let me sleep in until 7:45 am. That is pretty good, I was thankful. I was even more thankful when Mo went up to get him! Yay Dada:) We got Reece dressed and Mo started his breakfast while I tended to Amaya starting to rise. She was a happy girl, eager to help me get her ready for the day. The two kids sat at Reece's fabulous table (from IKEA, that I love more than Reece; Thanks Bri!) and ate their waffles, pancakes and grapes. Reece was not about to share his waffles with Amaya and proceeded to yank them off his plate saying MINE! He is just learning that word, I'm not to thrilled with that. But once he saw Amaya's plate of pancakes and grapes he gladly sat down and helped himself to all of her grapes. What a little punk. They two of them sat their for quite a while eatting breakfast and watching the backyardagins. (sp, new show for us)

Amaya's mom came and got her only a little while later. Reece and I drank our smoothies while sitting by the pond. He pretty much drank all of mine and wanted nothing to do with his. I think he liked the glass and big straw better than his sippy cup. Reece played for a while and then I decided since it was nearing nap time I would take him for a walk. An hour later we returned and he was ready for his blue paci and bed. I sit hear typing as he calls out to his Dada who is working in the garage underneath him. I wonder how long it will take before he finally falls asleep? Did I mention I have also washed and folded two loads of laundry, with one more in the dryer as I type. I think when I finish rambeling I will make some lunch and do some of my posts for my online writing class. I'm a bit behind :( Too much blogging and not enough posting. Plus I'm exhausted! I fell asleep watching survior Thursday night. How lame, I totally missed who was cast off. Boy was I annoyed!

Lastly, we as a family, went to the doctor Thursday and actually spoke with him. No nurse practioner this time. We had to sit there for 2 hrs to see him, but all in all it was worth it. He said I'm measuring small and we need to do an ultrasound to check out the baby's organs. I asked about the bump above my belly button (which wasn't there to show him, of course cuz I want to ask an expert about it, it doesn't appear). He said it was probably just gas, nice huh! No I am not farting all the time. My bowls are not fitting in their proper place since my uterus is growing a human being inside of it. Crazy huh! I am really enjoying this pregnancy, I feel great and have only gained 10 lbs in 5 months. I'm 20 weeks and still wearing my slightly bigger sized normal clothes. Yes, I am bragging cuz remember when I gained 40 lbs with Reece and ate whatever I wanted cuz I could. I have to be the maid of honor in my sisters wedding. I need to fit into a stapless dress. Yikes, I can't gain much more before June 24th. After that it's ice cream every night while I am down at the shore! Monday is the ultrasound and NO we are not finding our what we are having, so stop pressuring me! I love the surprise. Life lacks surprises. The reaction of my husband in the delivery room is a priceless memory I treasure. I'll post pics of our baby on Monday. By the way, Reece thinks it's going to be a girl...

Easter Pics

These were the photos we staged after church last Sunday. Reece & I were in Buffalo and Mo was here for Easter so we took these fake Easter pics in the backyard. He got that great shirt from his Noni (Mo's mom). Jaime and I used those big bunny eggs for the match box cars. You buy some match box cars small enough to fit in the larger sized eggs and then hide those around the house. Reece & Casey noticed some of those before they searched for their Easter baskets. A new tradition I will start with my son. Thanks sis:)

Below he is saying CHHHEEESSEEE for the camera! He is such a ham:)


Reece and his dada on the swing!

This one is my favorite I just wish you could see his beautiful blue eyes.

These eggs taste great, where is all of the candy that was inside of them...

Back in Action Part 1

So we are home from Buffalo and functioning back in normal mode again. No more jet leg for this crazy mama. Is there even a thing when your flying 4.5 hours across the country? Anyway, there is something to be said for single moms traveling with small children on airplanes. DON'T DO IT!! Yet, I will be dumb enough to do it again June 21st. Reece and I will once again adventure into the air to return to New York for my sister's wedding. Where will Mo be you ask? Oh, he'll be taking to the friendly highways instead of the friendly skies. Yes, my husband and the diva dog will be fearlessly traveling across routes 70 & 90 and meet up with us in NY.

So once again I fly alone with a 21 month old and his outrageouly heavy car seat. Of which some very nice strangers carried for me since they saw in was in desperate need of another arm. Reece was not cooperating one bit and cried the whole time we weaved through the security area of McCarren Airport. I was that mom that everyone was looking at; like I was torturing my kid or something. Wouldn't you know it was a nice Russian couple who helped me carry the awakward car seat. The two college guys in front me keep turning around staring at me. I would glare at them with daggers until they turned back around. Once I had finally had enough of them being so immature and rude I said, Would you like to take my son and deal with him? I didn't think so. Now would you mind walking straight ahead and stop turning around to glare at me. I was passed my limits.

Once we made it to the gate, our plane was late. OK God, what are you trying to do to me here? I sure was tested on this trip. Reece was adored by all of the old ladies heading back to Buffalo, so he was in his glory flirting with them. I was able to sit back and sigh with relief that he was entertained and I did not have to chase him around the terminal. All this and we hadn't even made it on the plane yet.

Finally, they call us. THANK YOU LORD! I walked down the tarmack to the plane, dragging the carseat and Reece with me. He was so glad he could walk like a big boy. I placed his seat right next to the window and prayed they would have an extra seat available and not make me ride with Reece on my lap. We always fly Southwest, we always board first, and Reece always ends up with a FREE window seat that I didn't pay for because he is under 2 years old. GOD is so good to me. Only once when Mo and I flew home to Philly for Christmas did Reece have to sit on our laps. He was three months old so it really wasn't a big deal. Mo wasn't happy but he got over it.

3.5 hours to Buffalo, NY the pilot tells us and we are backing away from the gate. I breathe a very deep heavy sigh of relief as I now know the flight will be that much more tolerable with Reece in his own car seat and not on my lap. GOD IS SO GOOD!

Reece was an angel for about 2.5 hours. It wasn't until the last hour where he really became restless and wanted to get down out of his seat. He kept asking down mama, down peeaaasseee. I felt so bad. I had to say no because I knew if I let him down he would be worse when it was time to go back in. So he toughed it out and finally fell asleep the last half hour of the flight. Did I mention it was now midnight? We landed in NY and mom was 15 minutes late to get us. Reece was wide awake again running all over the tiny Buffalo airport in search of Grammy. He wasn't very happy about having to return to that car seat of his, but he toughed it out. We made it to my mom's house around 1:30 in the morning. All in all a successful trip across the country. I couldn't have done with out the help of those two nice men who carried that 100 pound car seat for me. Thank You Lord for my airport angels :) to be continued...

Pee Pee on the Potty :)

YEAH!! My darling little baby went pee pee on the potty for his dada tonight!! Mo was getting Reece ready for his bath and Reece told him he wanted to use his melmo potty seat to go pee pee. I was finishing the dishes downstairs when I hear Mo cheering for Reece. I went running up the stairs to give that big boy of mine a big hug and kiss. Then I said wait Mo we need to give him a treat. With that I ran back downstairs and ripped open a bag of jelly beans , put a few in a bowl and let Reece pick one. He thought they were his "blues" aka gummy fruit snacks. He then asked and signed "more, more, pleeeaaasssee".
(I guess I'll have to get him some m&m's, something with a completely different taste.) Mo set him in the tub and I walked away such a proud mama.
I told you I had a beautiful life...

Spring Break is too far away.

I am so ready for Spring Break! I think my first graders are as well. We had an assembly today where they danced for an hour. Wouldn't you have loved to go to my school when you were 6? This dance teacher taught the kids dances from every era. She started in the 50's and worked her way through to the year 2006. The kids were so cute. They were so tired, I'm glad they had to go to art afterward because they were all hyped up! Tomorrow they have another assembly and Friday is our Easter Egg hunt. Yikes, I can't wait for Tuesday when I'll be relaxing in front of my parents big screen TV. Est~ We need to do lunch...

Dublin Dog

Have you ever loved a pet so much that you lost sleep and couldn't eat? Our chocolate lab got loose last Wednesday. Did I mention she didn't have her collar on and that she is in heat. That darn dog hopped the fence to go tramping around. So we called the shelters and they said check the web sites or come on down and have a look. By the time we got out of work they were closed. Thursday we hung flyers all over our neighborhood. Finally, Friday Mo made his way down to the animal shelter and there she was. He said he almost cried when he saw her. She was taken to the local animal shelter by a very kind man who lives three streets away. So we gave her a bath and spoiled her rotten, new doggie bed, new toy and some yummy dog bones. What does that brat do, gets out Sunday morning! We were on our way to church and our neighbors called to say she was loose. What does one do with a dog that won't stay in the backyard? Take her to work. Today Mo took her to school with him. Bold huh.

Been Awhile

Boy has it been awhile or what. You would think I forgot how to type. Nope, just been too stinking' tired to stay up past putting the gorgeous baby boy to bed(that's 7:30pm). I 'm a real night owl huh? I have good reason though! If you haven't gotten our card yet then surprise, but if you have you already know this little fact. Pregnant girls go to bed early! Especially those that teach 6 year olds, tutor, make dinner, eat, play and bathe the 18 month old she loves and adores. WOW, that is a lot. If you don't think so, you try it!

So yes, baby number two is due the day before my son Reece turns two years old; Sept 13th. I know Mo and I need a hobby in the winter. Well haven't ya'll figured out what it is we enjoy doin'? I went to the doctor last month because the two pee sticks showed me a plus sign. I got pics of my baby and yes on Feb 21st I saw a 12 week old baby! I was just about finished with my first trimester, how's that for timing? No wonder I was feeling nausea and going to bed at 8 pm.

I am now in my 15th week and feeling great! We are very excited about having another baby, but having it at the beginning of the school year really stinks. You'd think we would have planned this better. Oh well, I wanted my kids 2 years apart and I got it! So for all you who didn't hear the news, there ya go! Pray for us and my pregnancy. Specifically that I go two weeks early again cuz then I won't even have to start the school year and can have an August baby. Also pray the delivery goes just as fast as Reece did, well maybe not that fast...

San Diego Trip

A few weekends ago we took a long weekend trip to my favorite place in California, San Diego. My brother Brian lives there now and hooked us up with a sweet room at the Omni Hotel. Our adventures at the Zoo, the Aquarium and the beach wore my lil man out.  It was fun to travel with my parents, I forget how tired they get walking that huge San Diego Zoo. I can't wait to go back with the girls for Sea Camp in May, when it's really warm.

Wagon

The weather in Las Vegas this weekend was in the 70's. It was beautiful. Sorry 'bout that east coast friends, but that's why I moved here... Anyway, after lunch on Saturday I walked Reece up to a very small park. He loves his wagon and any time I offer to take him for a ride he climbs right in. I didn't have time to get the camera. We walked by my dear friend Melissa's house to see if her son Noah (whom Reece adores) would like to come. Noah has come with us a few times before. He was very pleased so I pulled two boys up the hill to the park. The park is more of a playground set on tiny little cinders and sand. I think Reece had more fun digging in that than going down the slide. He was covered head to toe in gray dust. I love having a boy. I know it won't be the first time he gets filthy dirty. The best part of his filth was the chocolate on his face from Mel's yummy dessert. Reece need to have more, more, more peeeze as we walked back to our house. I love these after math pics. Reece did not want to get out of his wagon. Thanks so much Mom and Dad Hauguel, he loves that thing!

GO STEELERS !!

Super Bowl Champions , Let's go Steelers!!
I am so proud of that Pittsburgh team. I know all of those college friends of mine are as well. We have a great time every year at our traditional super bowl past time. Party at the Castillio's home! We go there every year no matter what, but this year was different. My dearest friend Wendie is a Steelers fan, so everything was in black and gold!! It was so much fun! Steelers winning it all made it the best super bowl I've watched in years. Yes, I know the Eagles were in it last year, but they failed to show up remember... But you do have to love those Pennsylvania teams! :) Check out the photo of the hostess with the mostest and my adorable God son.

STUCK!!

Saturday afternoon Reece and I were in the loft playing and sorting laundry. I am gathering clothes from downstairs when hear him cry. "Maaammmmaaaa" Not just Mama, but in desperation "MMMMMMAAAAAAMMMMMAAAA". I walk into his room since that's where the cries are coming from and he is no where to be seen. I hear him whining now and starting to panic. I said, "Silly boy where are you?" Then I see his two little feet sticking out from under the side of his crib. I laid down on the ground and said, "Hey there peanut, what are you doing under there you silly boy?" I wanted to try and relax him a bit. Then he smiled; a huge smile with his red pacifier in his mouth and the yellow one in his hand. He had crawled under his crib to get the pacifiers he had thrown out of his crib earlier that morning. When he gets tired of waiting for us to get him up he starts throwing everything out of his crib. Hence the pacies on the floor under the crib. He is only aloud to have them in his crib at night and naps. I lifted the crib and he shimmied his way out from underneath. Then he quickly ran away with both pacifiers. I wish I would have thought to take a picture. :)

Pictures of Christmas Vacation

These are just a few of the pics I took while we were in Buffalo. Reece and Casey had the same Christmas jammies. Reece and Abby are only 3 months apart and had a ball with each other. Mom and Jaime love their new robes. Mo & Reece couldn't stay away from the snow. The cousins are all grown up. Reece meets he his first Kitty Cat (notice the Bills playing in the background.) Hope you enjoyed these!

Christmas Vacation in Buffalo, NY

We had a wonderful Christmas holiday in Buffalo, New York. The weather was fantastic too! We arrived to tons of snow on the ground and 19 degrees. Then by the end of the vacation the snow had all melted and it was 37 degrees. The first few days, Reece had so much fun playing in the snow while his Daddy shoveled. He loved walking around the yard in his boots. He would bring his boots to me saying, “boots mama, boots”.
On Christmas Eve we went to visit the Bumpus family and hang out with our cousins. It was so nice to see everyone and their beautiful children. I can’t believe how big all the kids are getting. Everyone loved seeing Reece, he ran around their house non-stop. The minute we got in the car, he fell asleep and napped for the entire ride back to Burt, NY.
We made it home in time for the helpee-selfee Christmas buffet. Mom slaved all week in the kitchen preparing lasagna, turkey breast and stuffing. It was so delicious that I had a few servings. It was so great to be home in Buffalo with my siblings. It has been way to long since we all celebrated Christmas together. Aunt Jen, Uncle Pito, Alexa & Dylan were all visiting the Myers clan and they seemed to enjoy themselves. Dylan, Casey and Reece loved playing together with Thomas the train. Aunt Mary came by just in time to open presents. It was controlled chaos opening presents. Everyone was elated with joy over their gifts.
We all stayed up pretty late opening the family presents and waiting for Santa to come. In our family the tradition is to wake up around 2:00 in the morning on Christmas with my mom yelling "BYE SANTA" as she runs upstairs to tell us "Santa came, come see what he brought you." We would all come running down the stairs looking at all of Santa's surprises. What Fun huh? Well, I wouldn't wake Reece but it sure was fun watching my nephew Casey come down the stairs all sleepy. Reece proceeded to celebrate Christmas the entire day. He would open one present play with it and then about a half an hour later open another one. It was quite cute. All in all I would have to say this was one of the best Christmas' I have ever had! Thanks Mom!!