Happy Father's Day Mo

We had such a nice time celebrating our Daddy today. A few presents and lots of tears before church. A wonderful teaching about leaving a legacy to be proud of by our friend Pastor Eli. Mini Grand Prix for some rides on the fast race cars and some yummy pizza for lunch. At 1:00 I put Raine down for a nap and Mo took Reece to see Kung Fo Panda. They both loved it and had a great time chilling out in true father and son fashion. Reece and Raine played while Mo watched some golf on TV. We finished the day hanging out and eating ice cream with the Russo family.


Top Ten Reasons Mo makes a great DADDY
#10 His good looks helped make two beautiful babies.
#9 Reece has a great name because of him.
#8 He teaches the kids about manners and proper pronunciation of words.
#7 He often comes home with lil gifts he knows Reece would enjoy.
#6 He wrestles with the kids more often than I would like him too.
#5 He reads & prays with them before they go to sleep.
#4 He still loves to travel and can't wait to bring the kids new places.
#3 He sacrifices his wants and desires so he can spend time with his family.
#2 He gave me children even when he was reluctant about raising them in this crazy world.
#1 He loves his kids more than anyone would know.

I love you Mo! You are the BESTEST DADDY in the whole wide world.

NEW DO

I am ready for simple summertime hair. Mo wanted me to cut it shorter than last time so I did! You can't really see the cool red highlights. :(

What do you think?

Days of excitement

I can't keep up with daily bloggin on summer break because our days have been pretty jammed pack with fun. Here's a brief update:


WEDNESDAY 6/11/08
Tried to organized my home in the morning then met some friends to go swimming. Home for lunch and naps. Visited with more friends for a BBQ and more swimming. It was a Memorial Day camping trip reunion full of funny pictures and stories. We had so much fun just chilling and chatting.


THURSDAY 6/12/08
Stayed home all day trying to allow for some serious rest and relaxing for my exhausted kiddos. Is it bad that they watched three movies? Well, Raine only watches a little bit, she doesn't sit still. Reece on the other hand has a great Little Einstein mat that he lays on and enjoys a snack picnic style while he watches a flic. I was doing even more organizing than Weds. It feels good to see my list of projects getting accomplished. I can't believe the week is over already though. I still have so much I want to do before we leave on our trip. Mo and I were able to go out on a date. We used some gift cards for dinner, a movie and a new shirt. It was so nice to go out and chat since we haven't been able to do that in a very long time. We finally saw Indiana Jones, not sure I really cared for it as much his other movies. I was full of delicious Cannelloni from Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant so it was a little tough keeping my eyes open.

FRIDAY 6/13/08
Stayed in bed until almost 8 am, feed the kidlets breakfast, threw in a load of laundry and vacuumed. Walked the kiddos to the playground for a break from our house before it got to hot. Reece was very helpful walking Dublin Dog. After lots of running around we walked back home. Reece was warn out and rode in the umbrella stroller while Raine toddled behind us. She was so cute trying to keep up with us. Mo came home for a few hours so I could go purchase my camera and get my hair cut and colored. It was a nice 3.5 hours away doing things I needed to do. My hair is so short, but the spouse loves it just as much as I do. I played with the kids while Mo went back out to landscape and buzz his head again :( Then we all went swimming before dinner. It was a very fun filled day! Now, I am just waiting for the battery to charge on my camera so I can play with it!

There is the week's update and hopefully I won't skip anymore of my daily bloggin. How was your week?

Thank you girls

Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So love the people that treat you right and forget about the ones that don't. Believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance take it. If it changes your life, let it! Nobody said it would be easy, they just promised that it would be worth it.

This quote is dedicated to girlfriends who make all things in life fun and carefree. Thanks for taking me out last night! I needed to get away and have some girl time without kids. BJ's was a blast, so much fun dealing with that awful waiter. Let's go again for Jess's b-day but later in July so I can attend! (Sure) Bingo was also so great, but when are we going to win? Thanks again girls for all of my letters, my movie, my moving day breakfast and help, and my night out. Mostly of all, THANK YOU for being there for me when my family is so far away. I love you guys :)

Super Sunday

Don't ya just love when all signs are pointing to you not making it to church but when you do it is wonderful! The morning was a bit hairy scary but we made through the church doors just as Kiko Campo, an amazing man starting his sermon. It was his last Sunday at our church as he is moving to Virgina to work at a university there. He is a dynamic public speaker, he has a theater background so it is always entertaining! We will miss you Dr. Campo.

After service the kids ate their doughnuts and played on the playground with their best buddies Timmy & Cross. It was nice being able to chat with one of my best buddies Wendie while they played. We ran to Babies R Us to return something and pick up a few new baby presents and then headed home for naps. Raine fell asleep in the car and was easy to move to her bed. Reece on the other hand watched a 30 minute movie, decided he was hungry and then finally made it to his bed. Reece must be growing because he is eating like a horse lately.

All he wants to eat are the Rice Krispie treats we made yesterday. He wants to bring them to the beach with us. I told him they probably won't last that long. :) Then he asked if we could make some more when we were there but wants to bring everything we need with us. I told him that all we would need to do was buy the ingredients and he was finished with that in-depth conversation. When Mo asked him if he was excited about going to the beach in 3 weeks Reece said yep and we will get to make those delicious Rice Krispie treats. Mo didn't understand Reece's new found love of those delicious snacks and laughed right out loud at him.

After dinner we headed out on a family bike ride. It was about an hour long and the kids did great, maybe tomorrow we can get out there a little bit earlier and go someplace new.

One jeep sold, two to go...

Mo sold Kristopher's jeep last night! PRAISE THE LORD!
That means I get my parking spot in the driveway back, well until Mo has to park his landscaping trailer in there. If only he would sell that other jeep taking up space in my driveway; parking in the driveway wouldn't be such a problem. PRAY he sells that one by August since he won't be around much to work on it during June or July. Off to tumbling class with Reece, then maybe some more swimming today. I love to swim and hope to do a lot of it this summer.

First Day of Summer Break

Today was the official start of my summer break. I woke, threw in a load of laundry and then made some breakfast for my kiddos. My friends do coffee and massage Fridays, so I was headed over there for a birthday massage and some yummy coffee.

The kids swam, Raine napped, Jess drew a picture and Erin worked on breaking up all the knots that accumulated in my neck and shoulders over the school year. Boy did that feel good, but it also hurt really bad! She said I will be sore tomorrow. I bet! The kids played really well so we stayed a little longer. Then I looked at the clock and it was already 2:00, I was tired and ready for a nap. Reece needs his naps or he is the crankiest kid on the block. Home we went and by 2:30 all of us were resting in our beds! I even fell asleep for an hour or so.

Dinner came and I made a yummy pasta salad, corn, and flank steak. Then since I had some apples to use up I made an apple pie. Never did that before, but will definitely do it again. It's pretty easy, especially when you are using a graham cracker crust!

While I folded laundry and tried to clean out Reece's closet Mo went to bid on a job and then took his son to Golden Spoon and brought some home for me! It was a relaxing but productive day. The first of many to come this summer...

34 years old!

Wow, I am old. Ice cream is melting as I type so I will keep this short and maybe come back later...

I moved 11 years of teaching stuff from 4 different grades levels into a new classroom today with the help of my dear friends Erin & Jess. THANKS SO MUCH GIRLIES :) Surprised my kiddos and took them swimming and then Mo bought me take out and I will now go enjoy my ice cream and watch my new movie PS I Love You. I hope I don't fall asleep.

Summer break is officially here so do be surprised by an overwhelming amount of bloggin. It's my journal ya know! :)

SCHOOL'S OUT

EXHAUSTION is setting in. I was up way too late last night and certainly could be tonight. My house looks like a tornado blew threw it, so does my classroom. My students did great today. While I tried to get some stuff done, they enjoyed some cake & a movie for my birthday. My AWESOME room mom Jessica Baldwin coordinated a class birthday present for me. A Borders gift card and notes from each of the kids; summer reading here I come. Thanks Jess!

I layed down to watch a movie with Reece and totally fell asleep; this was at 7:45 pm. I knew if I stopped moving I would crash. I woke up a couple times when Mo came home and when I realized it was 9:00 and Reece still hadn't gone to bed. Spoke with my hubby, did the dishes, tucked my son back into bed and here I sit.

I need some sleep. Tomorrow is the last day of work until August 20th. Jess & Erin are going to come in and help me finish moving the rest of my room. THANK GOODNESS FOR GREAT FRIENDS!

Accomplishments

Don't you just love when your to do list gets done and then some. I never make mine too long; that way I will feel a sincere sense of accomplishment.

Called my sister and dad.
I filed all the projects my kids did throughout the spring.
I handed in 20 report cards for critiquing.
Paid a couple bills.
Got gas.
I had Jess take pictures of the kids and I, got them developed and made my scrap page for each student.
Finished the students scrap books.
Brought chips and nacho cheese to school.
Took down a little bit more of my room.
Cleaned out a few more files, supplies, and cupboards.
Taught about Father's Day and had the kids write awesome letters to their dads'.
Taught about tan grams and had the students play with them.
Cooked dinner~Pasta is quick and easy~Reece and Raine love it!
Bathed the kids, read books and put them to bed.

I bet there is a bunch more but I can't remember right now and my list to far away to check it.

1.5 days left with students

Yep, since Monday is all over, I only have Tuesday and half of Wednesday left with the best class of kids I have ever taught. I had a bunch of first graders two years ago and they were pretty awesome also. God seems to give teachers easy classes then harder classes; it's what makes us come back to teaching after our short summers of relaxing.

I will be going back up to 5th grade to teach two of my favorite subjects, reading & language arts (writing). There will be four core teachers and the kids will rotate between us. I will get to teach 60 kids reading & language arts (writing) while my dear friend teaches the other 60 kids reading & language arts (writing). The math & science/social studies teachers will have to teach all four classes (120 kids). I used to teach 5th grade 3yrs ago and loved it, but was ready for something new, so I went down to first grade.

I will miss the little guys, but change is always good for me. Just not on my birthday...

Birthday Month is Here

YAY! It's JUNE, my favorite month of the year! June means so many things, most importantly my birthday! June 5th is the best day of the year. You all must agree, you love me and if it weren't for that very special day, you all would seriously be missing out.

So on my birthday, I get to check out of my second grade classroom and move in to a much larger fifth grade classroom. Yay for me. :) I am going to bust my tail so I can go to work at 8:00, check out and walk out those doors until Aug 18th.

SUMMER VACATION is also a big reason I love the month of June! Road trip to the Jersey Shore plans start to really come about and lounging at home with my kiddos is an everyday thing, not just a weekend thing.

In honor of my birthday month, I am challenging myself to post something great about the month of June each and every day of it!

May is over already

WOW how time flies. Lately I feel like I need a remote that stops time so I can get all the stuff done that I need to and then life can resume as normal. Anyone got one of those or some extra arms. What was that movie where that guy kept cloning himself and each version was wackier than the other. Even that sounds good right about now. My friends quote movies left and right they probably know which movie I talking about. ANYWHO...

May was a busy month for me: Retreat the first weekend, Home the second weekend, Sea Camp the third weekend, Camping the fourth weekend, Home this last weekend.

Camping was awesome last weekend. We were up in Pine Valley Utah and it was the worst weather ever. It snowed, it hailed, it rained, and it was sunny. We froze! Four families attended this Miserable Memorial Day Weekend camping trip. Two of us slept in campers and two of us slept in tents on the very wet, very cold ground. I am so proud of my friends and their families for sticking it out in the uncomfortable conditions. We had been planning this trip for a few months and it was touch and go there for awhile. I took some positive pills or something last week because I kept saying, it's gonna be great, don't worry about the weather, dress warm, we can stick it out. God knows we have been planning this...

8th year of marriage

is starting today May 20, 2008. I love you Mo~ Thank you for my beautiful life.

So many blessings have been bestowed upon us over the years.

We made it over the 7 year itch...
We have a rich man's family. One son and one daughter, 2 years apart just like I wanted.
We have two homes and a great renter.
We are successful teachers.
We drive across the country with our kids and plan to do it again. and again and again.
We are pursing new adventures in our careers.
We dedicated those precious gifts from the Lord.
We are still involved with our church and praying more as a couple & family.
We continue to take pleasure in traveling to Utah, Cali and anywhere else kids are allowed.
We are still indulging on wants and in debt because of it.
We touched both oceans last summer and would like to make that a tradition.
We enjoy hanging out with each other while in front of the TV, in the backyard, while shopping at REI, biking, hiking, camping, cooking, and of course disciplining.
We can still laugh and cry with each other probably even more now.
We are still madly in LOVE.

Happy Anniversary Mo Mo~ Forever Yours~JoL

Sea Camp Weekend

This past weekend I flew with 45 5th graders and 4 chaperons to Sea Camp http://www.seacamp.com/ in San Diego. I took a personal day on Friday, so I could hang out with my kiddos and get ready for my weekend away. It was a wonderful morning. I was up at 7 am, threw in a load of laundry, filled the kids blow up swimming pool and we played outside for a couple hours before it became too hot. Then we headed to Target to get a few things. We headed home for lunch, took the kids to the sitter and hitched a ride to the airport to meet the rest of the crew.

Friday we were delayed at the airport so we had to hang around for a few hours more than we wanted. While waiting for our plane we ran into TONY HAWK!! The 5th graders were extremely star crazed. Our drama teacher convinced him take a picture with the group and then the kids would leave him alone. He was flying on our flight to San Diego and went to hide after that. Finally the plane arrived and we were off to sunny California!

The Sea Camp vans were ready and waiting for us when we arrived in Cali. We helped the kids with their luggage and then sent them on their way to camp. We had to figure out where one student’s bags were but then we were off to get our rental car and check in our hotel! DOLLAR rental car SUCKS, we waited over an hour to get our car. At last we arrived at the hotel, but it was now 9 pm and I was starving. We checked in, freshened up and then went to Old Town for a yummy Mexican dinner and margarita. We were all so tired we went back to the hotel and crashed.

Saturday was a fantastic day of relaxing. We went to breakfast at a really yummy restaurant that we always go to and then walked around Sea Port Village. http://www.seaportvillage.com/ It was beautiful weather and perfect for strolling the shops. It was only noon so we drove over to our favorite nail salon to get manicures and pedicures. I was looking forward to this part the most. I needed a pedicure badly. We had a few hours to kill before checking on the kids at the camp so we went back to the hotel pool for some happy hour drinks and appetizers. A very nice young man and his pretty pregnant wife bought our drinks and shrimp plates. His mom was a teacher and said we work too hard for too little pay! AMEN! Our time by the pool went rather fast. We rushed up to the hotel room, freshened up and headed off to see the kids at camp. They were all very excited about the fish eyes and heart they had tasted. It’s so fun to see them in a different environment than school. The teachers were off to Anthony’s Fish Grotto http://www.gofishanthonys.com/grotto.html for some yummy seafood. I love their crab cakes. We were able to grab an early dinner so we could see a movie. We drove back to the hotel and walked over to the movie theater next door. We decided to see What Happens in Vegas with Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher.
http://movies.aol.com/movie/what-happens-in-vegas/30164/video/trailer-no-2/2092322
It was seriously so funny. We couldn’t stop laughing the whole movie. Since we ate an early dinner we were ready for dessert after the show. We spoiled ourselves once again and indulged ourselves with scrumptious slices of cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory. It was now midnight and time for us lame teachers to crash. I wrote out a few cards and then drifted off to sleep in the biggest, most comfortable bed ever. I slept so soundly from 1 am until 7 am that I don’t even remember dreaming! No little ones crying out for me in the middle of the night was a plus too. It was HEAVEN!

Sunday Morning came too fast. We woke, got ready, checked out, got our daily dose of Starbucks and head to LaJolla Shores to enjoy some beach time! The kids were getting ready to go boogie boarding and it was so funny watching them get their wet suits on. I loved standing on the cold sandy beach, sun kissin my skin, kids screaming with joy around me and the ocean waves crashing. It too was HEAVEN! The 5th graders were finished and going to indulge in lunch and the aquarium so we were off to shop some more. For the past 4 years I have found some good deals at Gap & Banana Republic so I was very eager to shop. Yep, I did find a great dress and cute tank tops at the Gap. Banana had a really cute dress too, but I am saving for a camera so I walked out of the store knowing my limits! Lunch time and then hurry to the airport to receive the kids from those Sea Camp vans. Fun in the sun was done.

At the airport we were delayed again! I read my book and chatted it up with another fellow traveler. The 5th graders were becoming very restless. We convinced Southwest airlines to provide some snacks for the kids since it was their fault we were starving. Flight was good and all of the parents were there waiting for their kidlets in Vegas. I made it home before my family. who were driving back from Pine Valley, Utah. It was so great to see them and love on my babies. Get aways are great, but I sure missed my adorable family!

Happy Mother's Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of the great mom's out there. I have the best mom in the world, but she is very far away from me. I miss her very much. Thank goodness I can share my friends mamas. My friend Wendie has a fantastic mother named Dorothy that is like a mom to me. The three of us drove to our churches retreat last weekend. It was so nice to be spoiled by her. Grammy who watches my kiddos during the week is my friend Kristi's mom and is also like a wonderful mom. Lastly is Mama Kris, my friend Shontell's mom. She is awesome. I have spent several holidays with her and her kids, Shontell, Kristopher, George and Shane. She is so awesome to our family. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful step moms on the west coast! Thank you so much ladies for all of your love.

reece~isms

Reece was full of funny things to say today.

He was scrubbing the tub with the bottom of his boat saying that his scrub a dub a thub was the best cleaning thing ever. I asked him how much it cost, he said three thousand thirty dollars. I said I better get me one of those, that's a good deal. He said, yep and it cleans really well.

I told him he could only watch a little bit of his TMNT video and then got distracted doing the dishes. He came running out of the room and said Ha Ha Mama I tricked you and watched the whole show.

He was eating dinner and told me his broccoli looked like the trees from Horton.

Reece was throwing up Monday night and part of Tuesday, so it was nice that he was back to his old silly self again today.

Oh yeah, Mo buzzed his head and then did the same to my son. I'll take pics this weekend and post them. The only one who hasn't got a new summer do is Rainey Roo. I won't be touching her hair for a long while.

Soccer

Reece had his last Saturday morning soccer class. I wonder how much he really liked it because he likes to come down from the field and get drinks as often as he can. He would roll down this little hill and sit by me instead of play. Mo came to check in on him after a taking a break from a landscaping job. That’s all it took Reece stayed on that field the rest of the session. He pushes me to the limits and tries to get away with murder. All in all, he did great for his first six week session of organized sports. Next session, he will try a tumbling class maybe he will like that one a little bit more.

From 20 to 2

How can one go from posting 20 times in March to 2 times in April. Relatives, Work and Life I guess. Plus no real challenge like during the BufBloPoFo 2008. Shontell asked what I got done this weekend on her blogg and so here it is. Lots of nothing.

I felt like I couldn't get myself motivated. Friday night I babysat the daughter of my pregnant girlfriend;so she could have one last date with her hubby. Reece and Amaya are great friends and played really well together. Saturday we played outside a lot. We enjoyed watching our neighbors baby tortoises eat broccoli and rose petals. They also ran sprints from the shade to the sun and back again. Reece really enjoyed observing how fast they were for being so little. They are the size of your palm. It was so awesome all of us hanging over the fence staring for almost a half an hour. Mo wants to get some for our yard, but why when we have some right next door. ;)

After Amaya left, I tried to clean up a bit but it was a fruitless effort. I got one load of laundry done and some put away. I finally did the dishes and cleaned one bathroom. Then it was time to get ready for our night out. Mo and I were meeting with friends at Agave to plan for our Memorial Day Camping trip. It was good times and great margaritas. As we were walking to our cars, I saw the sign for Carvel ice cream and we all headed over there. We felt like highschoolers sharing a six pack of chocolate ice cream cookie sandwiches. It was hilarious. I guess we are old since it was 10:30 and we left for our respectable residences. All in all a great date night!

Sunday was a great day. Church was awesome. Mo was a sinner and landscaped so he skipped church. The kids and I had a fantastic time hanging with God. Reece ran into his class without even giving me a kiss goodbye. Yes, I called him back for one! Raine on the other hand wouldn't let go of her mama. Thank goodness for Trisha & Caleb and their patience in the nursery. I played with Raine for a few minutes on the floor and then snuck out the door; similar to when we go out on dates and have a sitter in our home. Raine just knows there's no one better than me!! ;) Mo & Reece agree with her too! She cried for a few minutes and then was fine. Trisha took a few pictures of Raine and her daughter Laila on her lap with their blankets. Those babies are so stinkin cute with their blankies.

PG had an amazing sermon on JOY and I was so thankful I was there to hear it. I have been complaining about stuff a lot and needed to be reminded of all the JOY I have in my life. Like the fact that my daughter won't let go of me to play in the nursery. I could go on but I'll make that another post for later... It was a really moving sermon for me. Then it was time for DONUTS!! We like to get the apple fritter and Raine refuses to share with her mama. I was trying to eat an orange instead but couldn't resist annoying the child by taking bites of her donut. She would yell NO, MINE! several times, as she was pulling her hand away from my mouth. It was quite hilarious. Off to the playground and home for naps.

Raine napped like a champ, she always does. She is like her Grammy Babs and loves her bed. Reece on the other hand found every excuse or reason to stay up. I'm hungry, I'm thirsty, I wanted to color a picture for daddy, can't I watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pleeeeeaaasse...

I received a few phone calls in the middle of his napping mayhem and boy did he take advantage of them. Every time I hung up and went to check on him he was missing from the bed. I must of spanked him a dozen times; probably should of stopped at half dozen since it didn't seem to bother him. After two hours of trying, he finally fell asleep but only for one short measly hour. It was not enough time for me to read my book and take time for me because then Raine woke up.

We ran to the grocery store for veggies and ordered pizza for the kids. The Russo's were coming over with their kidlets and we were going to walk over to Jared & Jess Massanari's for a surprise birthday party for Eli. It was a great get together and nice way to end and rather relaxing weekend.

Sleepy Sunday

I sit here at my computer reading emails & bloggs and I can't keep my eyes open. My kiddos are napping and I think it is time for mommy to do the same. I have been meaning to update but keep forgetting to email my entries from school to home. Yes I journal at school, no not when I should be teaching, on my prep when I should be planning! I will have lots of funny stuff to read soon, I promise. Now I am off to rest my sleepy eyes.