Monday Morning Musings

- We took family pictures on Saturday the 12th with Natalie and the two pups.  The morning started off with us getting a twenty minute rain/mist delay but I think we were able to get some pretty adorable pictures of all our family.  My mother accompanied us as the child-dog wrangler and since it was Mother's Day weekend, we were even able to have her jump in a few shots with me and Natalie for a three generations picture.

- I took two naps on Mother's Day.  We also ate at Babe's for lunch and I chowed down on fried chicken, yummy biscuits and lots of mashed potatoes.  Craig, Natalie and the pups got me a super awesome printer that prints glossy pictures so that I can finish up Natalie's baby book at home without having to run to Target every five minutes to print off a picture here and there.  But I still must say........the best part of the day were the two naps.

- Natalie officially has a "lovey" that she has grown fiercely attached to in the past few days.  It's a giraffe that I bought during her first trip to the zoo over Christmas break.  As any good mother does, I make the giraffe talk to Natalie, I give it emotions and move it's head around.  When Natalie throws the giraffe down on the ground, I make the giraffe give her a guilt trip about being rough and violent with her very favorite friend.  The giraffe's name is Spot.

- Friday was 6th grade Field Day at my school which, along with a 6th grade teacher, I am in charge of.  All morning I was instructing volunteers, directing traffic and hauling my rear end all over the fields at school making sure things were running smoothly.  Each year we invite some 8th grade National Junior Honor Society students to haul water, play games and lead stations.  This year's 8th graders are a very special group of young people - great attitudes, incredible athletes and all around FUN kids.  At the end of the Field Day as the 6th graders were all sitting outside getting their room assignments for movies in the afternoon, I noticed some of my 8th grade boys lurking around me looking incredibly suspicious.  Please keep in mind, these are kids that I once had in 6th grade PE and then have coached in 7th and 8th grade Cross Country and Track - I've watched them grow up and I'm the one teacher they have had all three years of middle school.  As one of my favorite boys came after me with a bucket of water I tried desperately to get away but to no avail.  I.  WAS.  SOAKED.  They got me from head to toe COVERED with water.  I've spent the past two hours waddling around the school in bare feet because my tennis shoes were in the dryer.  Coming from THOSE kids, I know the intent wasn't malicious but instead I took it as a sign of affection....right?

- In the upcoming month, I have no less than six doctors appointments of some sort scheduled for Natalie and myself.  The cyst on my hand has come back so I'm going in for that this afternoon, on June 1st we are taking Natalie back in to check on her ears to see if the infection is finally gone, June 5th we are going to a hematologist to see about her low iron count, I have my yearly OB appointment, a six month dentist cleaning and then an eye doctor appointment because I have a hard time seeing while driving - especially at night.  And two of those appointments (hand and ears) could potentially lead to some sort of surgery this summer.  Yikes.  It's a good thing Craig has a 200 team tournament this weekend - we'll be using that money to pay off some medical bills.

- I'm making a plan to read all the books gifted to me through my mother that have been collecting dust on my bookshelf and have never been read.  I'm starting with The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells (who wrote Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood) and so far I'm eight chapters in and absolutely loving it.  I don't know if it's the way she writes or the Louisiana culture that she writes about, but I just love getting lost in her writing.  I think there is a little piece of her storytelling that also reminds me of my mother as a young girl growing up in parts of Louisiana with a mystical mother herself.

- Craig and I had a date on Saturday night and I wanted to go somewhere new and different and OUTSIDE of our little town because I didn't want to see any students or parents.  We went to La Hacienda Ranch for Mexican food and I have to say........I was a little disappointed.  I've always heard such great things about the food and the drinks but it just left MUCH to be desired.  Oh well.  It was still a nice evening out with my husband.

- Thankfully this week is a lot less crazy than last week.  A girls night tomorrow followed up by volleyball on Wednesday night and then a fun lunch with my friend Kate and my mother to celebrate the health of Kate's darling little girl Audrey on Saturday afternoon.

Smorgasbord

I'm all over the place tonight.....some serious, a little questionable, a whole lot productive and everything with a tinge of the neurotic.

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Craig had a ton of basketball in the past four days.  The 8th grade basketball tournament started on Thursday night with a win for his team and then continued into Friday night with a devastating loss but I couldn't have been prouder of the way my husband composed himself in the face of two very ridiculous refs.  

Let me give you a little backstory on Craig and his coaching career - his father was very involved in the conception and evolution of girls select basketball in Texas up until his death in 2002 and that's when Craig took over and continued the family business.  So Craig not only grew up as a coaches son and an athlete himself, but he also began coaching select girls basketball when he was still in high school.  If you're doing the math......Craig is now 37 which means that he has been actively coaching girls basketball for twenty years.  In most things in his life, he is very humble and self-deprecating..........but when it comes to coaching, his knowledge of the game, the rules and how to inspire and instruct girls - he is confident about his skills, almost bordering on cocky.  

Friday night he had two refs that were butchering the game and as a result, hindering the ability of either team to really PLAY their game.  In the past Craig would have blown a gasket and deafened the crowd with his voice and badgering of the official but something in him in the past few years has softened - he has matured and refocused his priorities when it comes to coaching.  His main objective when he is sitting on the sidelines is to look out for the best interest of the twelve girls that are on his roster.  Sometimes protecting them means getting onto the referees to call a fair game and in the past he has done this with passionate theatrics which have left me in the stands trying to hide my head.  

On Friday night he held his ground with the refs in a manner that was quiet, calm but still determined.  There was no yelling.  No flailing of arms.  No beet red face with that vein throbbing in his neck.  Yeah, he still earned that technical and his team came up seven points short in the end but I was a proud wife.  Proud that my honey loves his players like he loves every other woman in his life - he protects them, he is loyal to them and always lets them know how proud he is to be their coach.  

After the game Natalie and I went over to him and I handed Natalie to him while telling him "good game baby" and "I'm so proud of you."  I'm not sure how Natalie knew what was going on but she latched on to her daddy and rested her little head on his shoulder - as if to say "it's alright Daddy, I'm sorry you lost but I still love you."  As she hugged him, I watched the tension, stress and frustration drain from his face.  In that moment, a game was just a game and life was bigger than a pair of bad refs and a technical foul.  In past years Craig would have obsessed all night about those refs, the terrible calls they made, how they ruined the game for his players and what he could have done better to ensure a win for his girls.  But I think Natalie has given him a different perspective - he doesn't want to come home and relive a basketball game.  He wants to come home and be fully present with HER - mentally, physically and emotionally.  She has shown him what is important in life and how to properly prioritize his energy.  When she was born all we talked about was what we were going to teach her and not once did we stop to think about what she would teach US about life.

BOTTLE WEANING

Seeing as how Natalie is rapidly approaching her first birthday, weaning her from the bottle is also imminent. As excited as I am to not wash and sanitize anymore bottles, I am absolutely terrified of the temper tantrums that might erupt when she is given a sippy cup and not a bottle.  

Here is where we're at with her and liquids:

- She LOVES her morning and nighttime bottles as well as a small bottle when going down for a nap.

- We have been giving her half formula-half cows milk bottles for about a week and she hasn't had any negative reactions (allergic or attitude) to the new taste.

- She will drink water or milk from a straw sippy cup when eating meals.

This is what I'm mainly concerned about:  Breaking the habit of nighttime and naptime bottles.  Some days it's already enough of a battle to get her to sleep and I'm afraid that if she doesn't have a bottle it's going to be that much worse.

I will take any and all advice regarding bottle weaning.  

NO TELEVISION THIS WEEK!

I'm revising my previous statement - since I got SO much done this weekend (we have absolutely NO dirty laundry in our house) I've decided that I will just take a five day (Monday through Friday) vacation from television to see if it makes a difference in my energy and productivity level.  Who knows?!  Maybe I'll realize that I can live without the drama of those crazy Housewives!

BIBLE STUDY

I started Bible Study a couple of weeks ago and last week's lesson and discussion BLEW.  MY.  MIND.  I wish that I could delve into what we discussed and maybe I will in the future but right now I'm still processing all the awesomeness that was revealed last week.  

Okay.  Maybe a little bit.  The major thing that I got out of last week's lesson (and I already knew this, but it was nice to see it in writing) is that every trial in our lives is ultimately leading us back to God.  On a good day I am a testament to this, especially in the past year - the PPD did a pretty good number on me but it didn't destroy my faith in God.  It might have robbed me of enjoying the first months of my daughter's life but it has not stolen my faith.  In fact, my faith has strengthened because I am still standing.  My daughter is healthy and flourishing.  My husband and I have a deeper understanding of and respect for each other.  I have been broken and put back together through His grace and mercy.  There were nights I called out desperately for Him to take this from me and heal my soul and my family.  I had to learn to stop fighting everything by myself and instead take His hand (and Craig's as well) in order to pull myself out of the hole that PPD created.  On a bad day......well, I say a lot of prayers asking for patience, wisdom, strength and a good night's sleep.

I told you I would be all over the place.  Craig and I have a pretty quiet week up ahead which is something we're both looking forward to - we've been on the go since August when volleyball season started which lead into basketball and cross country.  Now we have a bit of a breather until track season kicks off next week with the first track meet.  We always look forward to track season because it's a little bit more low maintenance as far as coaching is concerned - all you can do is tell the kids beforehand is "run fast, turn left" and "good job" with a pat on the back when they cross the finish line.  Track season also means that summer vacation is quickly approaching!  My how summer will be different this year with a toddler to run after instead of a sweet little baby to rock!

I Want You To Know....

Maybe it's the teenager in me but I really enjoy these types of questionnaires.  Or maybe I'm a narcissist and just enjoy talking about myself.  Hmm....either way, here you go.  I stole them from Robin at Farewell Stranger.

1. What is your motto in life?

I don't know if I really have one.  That might be something I have to work on.....

2. Are you a morning or night person?

I am most definitely a morning person - I like to get up, let the pups out and then grab a cup of coffee and settle into surfing the internet before the rest of my family wakes up.

3. Favorite childhood story?

I read a lot of Baby Sitters Club books as well as Sweet Valley High.  I know.  Real high brow literature.

4. What is the farthest road trip you have ever taken?

The summer before I turned 16 my parents and I drove from our house down to Abbeville, Louisiana and then onto New Orleans and then eventually ending up in Destin, Florida.  On the way back we stopped in Jackson, Mississippi and Vicksburg, Louisiana.

5. What collection do you have right now?

I always have a collection of sneakers and t-shirts that I occassionally have to clean out.  But as far as sentimental stuff?  I'm really not a big collector of anything because "collection" to me means "clutter" and "disorganization" and as we all know.......those are two things I simply cannot handle.

6. Coke or Pepsi?

Neither.  No dark sodas for me.  I stick with Sprite.

7. What is your favorite table or board game?

LIFE!  I love this game.  When I would play as a kid I, for some strange reason, would always want to pack my little car FULL of children.  And I remember getting in a fight with a friend about whether the girl could drive the car and her husband sit in the passenger seat.  Seriously.

8. Do you have any piercings/tattoos?

I have my ears pierced just once and I have "passione" which is passionate in Italian tattooed on my left hip. I'm thinking about getting "strength" in Italian tattooed on my right hip so that wherever I go, I have my passion and strength beside me at all times to get through whatever life throws at me.

9. Favorite smell?

Chanel Chance.  I used to wear it all the time when I would "go out" on the weekends but now I just save it for special occasions so that when I do wear it, I feel really feminine and fancy.

10. How do you feel most loved?

Craig is the most fantastic gift giver.  He remembers every single thing that I ever mention that I might like.  I love pretty serving dishes in my kitchen and I found a gorgeous footed turquoise one at Home Goods right before Christmas while we were shopping for his family.  I really fell in love with it but didn't buy it at the time because, you know......it was a week before Christmas and we had other things that we had to spend our money on at that point in time.  Imagine my surprise when I opened a present from his sister on Christmas and she had gotten me that very same bowl that I had seen in the store.  I know that a bowl for my kitchen is a very materialistic way of feeling loved, but I think it's the emotion and intention behind the gift that is important.  Craig, more than anything in this world, lives to make the important women in his life happy and he knew that a pretty bowl to sit on my counter top would put a smile on my face.

11. When was the last time you did something for the first time?

I don't like trying new things.  It goes along with that whole "I don't like failure" thing.  If I have the slightest inkling that I might not be good at something, there's a good chance that I won't be doing it.  But, I'm trying to break out of that mold so I registered for the Warrior Dash at the end of April which is a 5K full of adult obstacle courses.  I'll be swimming through mud and jumping over fire and hopefully earning myself a beer, a turkey leg and a viking helmet.

And here are the questions that Robin thought up and posed to her followers........

1. What's your superpower?

I am pretty intuitive when it comes to people.  I have the ability to read a person and usually (oh gosh, this sounds terrible) the first impression or gut feeling I have about a person is usually pretty spot on and true.  I remember even back to junior high when my two closest friends forged a friendship with a new girl named Lauren.  They were pretty pumped about her but I never trusted her nor did I think she was really someone that we needed to be hanging around.  My other two friends told me I was being too judgmental and harsh and that I should try to get to know her.  I declined.  And sure enough, six months later they were sick of her lies, her pettiness and the fact that she stole things from them.  My intuition about her was right all along and I believe at some point, the words "I told you so" did escape from my lips.

2. What blog do you never miss?

I don't "follow" that many blogs so there really isn't that many that I have to keep up with and therefore I'm able to read all the posts that my bloggy friends make.  One "blog" or website that I check on a daily basis is STFU Parents just because it is absolutely hilarious and helps me to keep my Facebook status updates free and clear of constant Natalie updates.

3. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

I would probably just change my last name back to my maiden name.  I'm pretty fond of my first name, but sometimes I miss my old last name.  I built a persona with that name and it was a very strange experience to change it - I didn't really feel any connection to my married name and I almost felt like a little piece of my identity

4. Do you consider yourself a "blogger" or a "writer"?

I don't really consider myself either to be real honest.  I don't think of this really as a "blog" but more a public journal and online social circle.  I mean, from a teacher's perspective I suppose I am a "writer" because technically, I am putting words together in sentences and these sentences form paragraphs and my paragraphs become a piece of short literature.  But I certainly wouldn't consider myself a GOOD writer.

5. What was your biggest failure and what did you learn from it?

I wouldn't say I've had any BIG failures in my life but there certainly have had several small ones - a volleyball loss here or a bad boyfriend there.  I don't know if I would call them "failures" but I have made some pretty poor decisions (see bad boyfriend above) and I learned a lot from those..........but I really don't have the time nor the energy to go into those lessons because it would take the rest of the afternoon.

6. What's the most embarrassing song in your collection?

I have every single 'Nsync, Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears songs ever made.  And you know what?  I'm not even embarrassed about it.

7. Are you shy?

Surprisingly, yes.  I like the familiar and when I'm placed in a new situation with people I don't know, I get very quiet and reserved because I like to survey the scene before jumping in.  This way, I can gauge how I need to act and which sides of my personality I need to show.  Ooh.  When I put it that way it sounds like I'm fake and not "keeping it real" with people, but I just like to know whether or not I can be sarcastic or if I need to be more straightforward, etc.

8. How do you prioritize yourself in your own life?

I play in a volleyball league every Wednesday night at 7:30 for one hour and starting next week I will be participating in a women's Bible study every Tuesday night.  Craig understands that I need time to recharge and re-energize myself and he has no problem taking care of Natalie.

9. Where do you stand on chocolate?

I'm not the biggest chocolate fan - I'd much rather eat chips or anything else salty.  The one piece of chocolate that I can't resist is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  My goodness.  Those things are a little piece of heaven on this Earth.

10. What's your biggest source of inspiration (other than your family, etc.)?

Hmm.  I would probably say my athletes.  They inspired me to get up in the mornings and get to school at 7:15 for practice because they showed so much enthusiasm for the sport and for each other.  Watching them grow as players and young women inspires me to be the best role model possible for them.

11. What do you hope to do this year that you're really excited about?

I don't know if it's PURE excitement because there's definitely some fear and trepidation mixed in there but I am forging ahead with my Warrior Dash event at the end of April.  It should be interesting and if nothing else, I'll get some good pictures.

This and That

- Natalie is now up to saying four words consistently and with meaning.  The obvious two being Mama and Dada but she's added "dog-dog" for either of the pups (yes, there are two dogs - more on that later) and "shhh-s" for shoes.  This morning as I was getting ready in the bathroom she snuck into the closet and was picking up different tennis shoes, holding them over her head and saying "SHH-S!"  Not sure if I should be proud........or terrified.  We'll be holding off on a trip to DSW with her anytime soon.

- Yep.  We added another member to our family on Sunday.  Craig and I had spotted a dog at a Stars game a couple weeks ago that seemed like he would be the perfect addition to our home.  Jax is a three year old pure bred black and tan dachshund.  He has been living with a foster momma 50 miles east of Dallas ever since his human family moved homes and abandoned him, his lady friend and all his puppies to fend for themselves.  Sigh.  He is super calm and relaxed - a definite cuddler and snuggler.  When he and Angie first met each other I was a bit nervous just because Angie is not exactly known for her welcoming nature but there were no fireworks, no growls, no hackles raised.......in fact it was quite anticlimactic.  The two dogs really didn't pay each other any attention at all and it wasn't until we had Jax for a full twenty-four hours that the animals actually interacted with each other.  We have renamed Jax to Ajax just because we have Angie and my parents have Andy and Annabelle - he just couldn't be the only pup not to have an "A" name.

- I'd like to think that I hold myself to a pretty high standard of behavior and it really bothers me when other people don't do the same.  I have a hard time wrapping my head around bad behavior from adults.  I struggle with finding forgiveness and grace to those that behave in a manner that I would never dare behave.  I also struggle with holding myself to that standard all the time and forgiving myself when I falter.  It's a cycle.  That is all I have to say about that.

- Florence + the Machine and Mumford & Sons are probably my favorite soul-fulfilling bands as of late.  They are quickly joining the ranks of U2, The Beatles and Kings of Leon as my go-to playlists on a bad day or when I just need some quiet reflecting music.

- I have a lot of parties coming up and I always get anxiety any time I open up my home for a celebration.  My mother's birthday dinner is this weekend and then in March I'm throwing not one, but TWO birthday parties for Natalie.  Please believe me when I say that her birthday is not going to be as extravagant as it sounds.  I just get nervous about people liking my food or having a good time......or even coming at all.

Christmas List

Craig and I have really cut down on our spending in the last few months and because of it I have been able to really put together a good Christmas list for my family that is full of things that I actually want and am excited about unwrapping.  Here are just a few things I'm hoping Santa is leaving underneath the tree for me.

This year I have found that music has become pivotal in the journey through pregnancy, PPD and the ongoing recovery.  These are just a few of the albums that have inspired me and somehow filled my soul and put my feelings into beautiful words.

Adele - 21

Did anyone see that SNL skit where the office workers would turn on "Someone Like You" secretly and cry and then a person would come in and join them and then the whole office was crying together?  It was on a few weeks ago when Emma Stone hosted.  Absolutely brilliant and so true.  This song was playing on the radio when I pulled into school on the morning of the anniversary of Craig's father's death.  I was just so filled with sadness and anger for Craig and Natalie and the loss of a father and grandfather that they both will have to live with for the rest of their lives.

Florence + the Machine - Lungs

It's no secret that I did not enjoy the first four months of pregnancy - maybe that's where the seeds for PPD were sown.  The reality of my pregnancy did NOT match up with the image that I had in my head - I didn't expect to be throwing up twice a day for four months straight!  "The Dog Days are Over" was a song that became popular around the time that I was emerging from the pregnancy nausea and I was beginning to become excited about being pregnant and having a baby girl.  When I hear this song it just brings me back to those moments of joy and excitement about where my life was heading and sometimes I still need that reminder.

Florence + the Machine - Ceremonials

This is their newer CD and the first release off of it is "Shake It Off" which is definitely a message I need to hear over and over and over.  I've been listening to a Florence + the Machine station on Pandora and I've heard a few more songs off of this album and I'm super excited about what I've heard so far.

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

This band is from Britain and their songs remind me of sitting in a bar in London a few years ago when I went to Europe with my friend Kristin.  Craig and I have decided that our next trip to Europe will be to tour England, Scotland and Ireland and when I hear this band I just picture the two of us sitting in a local pub in Dublin drinking and laughing just like we used to when we were dating.  Sometimes I miss those nights spent at Buffalo Wild Wings watching sports, drinking beer and playing poker....and of course the flirting between us.

The Black Keys - Brothers

I don't have as much of an emotional attachment to this band and album, but it's just full of good, funky rock music - almost reminds me of the Kings of Leon (my personal fave).

Clothing: I hardly buy fun clothes for myself - especially winter clothes since I'm usually running around in windpants and a hoodie but I do need a few cute pieces for Stars games or holiday parties.....or just because I want to look nice.  Here are a few things that I have my eye on:

Old Navy Sweetheart bootcut jeans

I have always had the hardest time finding jeans that fit my long legs in length but don't gap at the waist.  Back when I was single and had a more expendable income I didn't mind plunking down $100 for a pair of jeans, but with a baby and Christmas coming up that just isn't feasible on our budget.  Craig and I went to Old Navy on Monday to look for some jeans for me and I was pretty nervous - most of my jeans shopping growing up ended with me (and my mother) in tears.  I was so excited to find that the Sweetheart bootcut fit me perfectly in the waist and rear AND were long enough that I have to cuff them when I wear the jeans with Converse!  Perfect!  We went ahead and bought me one pair but Craig took a picture of the tag so I'm hoping that he might run back there and get me a pair in maybe a different wash.

Target cable knit and toggle sweater

I love the chunky coziness of this sweater - and in Texas during the winter this would be perfect to throw over a cute top and jeans and still be warm!

Studio Paolo Vienna boot

Craig and I found these at JC Penney on Monday and I tried them on and they fit absolutely perfectly!  I love the "riding" boot look and I definitely need a low heel.  I took a look at the price on the bottom of the boot - $130.  Ugh.  Out of the budget for Christmas boots this year.....until Craig asked the lady if there were any sales this week on boots.  And HURRAY!!!  These boots were on sale for $59.99 with an additional $10 coupon at the register for a grand total of $49.99!  That's MUCH better.  Craig put these on hold and I think a member of his family was going to swing by the store later and purchase them for me.

HARRY POTTER: My absolute favorite book series....EVER.  Words cannot express how much I love these books and even the movies are almost as good as the books!  I have HP4, 6 and 7 in hardback and so I'm looking to complete my collection with HP 1, 2, 3 and 5 in hardback as well.

And then....the final movie with one of the most terrifying battle scenes ever.  No.  I'm not joking - I had so much anxiety and fear when Voldemort and the Death Eaters were waiting outside Hogwarts.  I also can't wait to share these movies and books with Natalie someday.

Natalie's Bath Renovation: Right now in the spare bathroom it's pretty basic - a leftover turquoise and beige shower curtain from my apartment, a tan rug and white and chrome accessories.  Since this is going to be Natalie's bathroom as a little girl and then into her teenage years (given we stay in this house) I wanted to update it to be a little bit more girly.  Her bedroom is definitely NOT the typical "girly" room - it's decorated in turquoise, lime green and chocolate polka dot so I figured the bathroom could be a little bit more frilly.  I really love the Shabby Chic collection at Target for bathroom stuff....this is the stuff I've put on my list!

Pink and white rose petal bath towels

Pink and white washrags

Glass shower curtain hangers

Light pink and white rose shower curtain

Fluffy white bathroom rug

I tried to choose stuff that would match the bathroom accessories I already have as well as a beautiful pink and white "baby girl" picture frame that I received at one of my baby showers.

Okay....so now that I look at my WHOLE list....I feel a bit greedy!!  BUT - none of the items are terribly expensive and most of it is stuff that is more or less necessary to my life (at least that's what I'm telling myself!)  The good news is that for once in a very long time, I'm really EXCITED about what might be under the tree for me because I've held off buying myself the things that I want.  

What are YOU hoping is under your Christmas tree?!

Sunday Day Book

Outside my window...it is 8:46am and it's gloomy, cloudy and I love it.

I am thinking...that I am pretty proud of myself for figuring out Mr. Linky - we'll see if this Pinterest Show and Tell idea of mine takes off.

I am thankful for...the organizational mind that God gave me.  Yes, maybe that's a little bit of a weird thing to be thankful for, BUT it is so incredibly helpful in my life.  Craig and I have been busy for the past month starting our Christmas lists and the "what have we bought" list.  I've been able to keep us organized as to what we would like to receive and what we have bought or are planning on buying for people.  It is also really helpful on the budget - we can buy a few things here and there instead of TONS of stuff all at the last minute.

From the learning rooms...I had a sad day on Thursday at school.  One of my most favorite students, a 6th grade special needs boy moved to Florida to be closer to his grandmother.  He was just a special kiddo that added so much light and excitement to my classroom and I loved seeing how much fun he had in PE and how much the rest of the class supported him.  He will definitely be missed.

From the kitchen...Craig and I made breakfast for dinner last night - pancakes, sausage and biscuits.  Mmm.

I am wearing...a big t-shirt of Craig's that I slept in last night.

I am creating...DUH!  Decorative pumpkins!  Did you not read my last post?

I am going...to have dinner with my college sorority sisters tonight!

I am reading...Harry Potter to Natalie.  I've kind of stalled on reading The Girl Who Played With Fire.  I am determined to finish it before Thanksgiving.

I am hoping...that my girls show up to play our crosstown rival this week.

I am hearing...Nick Jr on the television.

Around the house...it's beginning to look like fall with all the decor we've been putting up!

One of my favorite things...last night Natalie fell asleep in her crib with her blanket that my BFF Amy made for her and with the giraffe that my parents gave to her in her arms.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Volleyball games on Wednesday and Thursday nights, Craig and I are taking the day off on Tuesday to take Natalie to the State Fair so we'll have a four day weekend!  Hurray!!

A picture to share:

Who doesn't love chubby baby thighs and butt?

Sunday Day Book

Outside my window...it is 9:24 am and the sun is streaming in the kitchen windows and there is an autumn chill in the air.  I hope it lasts.
I am thinking...that I have to feel better soon.  I absolutely don't have time to be sick.  Not until volleyball season is over.

I am thankful for...the fact that Craig knew I wasn't feeling good today and sent me back to bed when I tried to get up with Natalie at 7:00 this morning.

From the learning rooms...I had a great practice with my 8th graders on Friday morning.  They had reached a certain goal earlier in the week and so their reward was to plan our Friday morning practice.  As if this wasn't fun enough, both Division I and II teams had won their first game of the season on Thursday night so the girls were in GREAT spirits at 7:30 on Friday morning.  We had such a fun practice complete with all their favorite games, lots of laughter and of course on court dancing to the Michael Jackson that was pumping through the gym speakers.  Who knew 8th grade girls had such great taste in music!?  We ended the practice with me reminding them that THIS is why they play volleyball in 8th grade - sure there is a ton of work that we have to do to get ourselves prepared for games, but at the end of the day they play because they love the game and they love being around their friends.  It was a great start to the weekend.

From the kitchen...I'm not feeling good and I want something filling and homey so I'm going to make Taco Soup tonight.  Ground beef, ranch dressing and taco seasonings, corn, black beans and navy beans served with cheese, sour cream and cornbread.  Yum.

I am wearing...my "pajamas" - a big t-shirt of Craig's and some running shorts.  I feel terrible...I might stay in this all day.
I am creating...Christmas lists - one for things that we would like and another for things that we have already bought.  On the already bought list for Natalie - sippy cups, snack traps, bath toys and hair bows for her stocking, four books, a pair of Target "Ugg" boots and a pink fleece zip-up jacket.  Hopefully if we keep going at the rate that we're going we will have most of Christmas done by December and we can just sit back and enjoy the season with Natalie!

I am going...to try and rest for the rest of the day to see if I can beat this sinus crap before I start the week tomorrow.

I am reading...Postsecret.  I don't know what kind of secret I would send in...

I am hoping...that my 8th grade girls can win again this Thursday.

I am hearing...ESPN Sunday NFL countdown and Natalie giggling in her bouncer.

Around the house...we definitely need Martha to come this Friday.  I totally had so many plans to pick up around the house but now that I'm sick we will see how much I can get done.  Probably not a lot.

One of my favorite things...having completely random conversations with my BFF Amy on the phone. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: Volleyball games on Monday and Thursday night, my own volleyball game on Wednesday night and the home opener of the Stars on Friday night with Craig!

A picture to share:

Just hanging out on the ground with a baby girl who is desperately trying to crawl around the living room to get to our tennis shoes.  Maybe my next baby will look like me?!

Monday Day Book

Okay, let's be real honest.  I wrote this on Friday, August 5th at 12:44 while Craig was at the baseball card shop and Natalie was taking a nap.  We will be in Vegas on Monday so I figured I would get ahead of the game.  Taken from my friend Molly who found it here.


Outside my window...it is still hot but unlike everyone else, I'm not complaining about it.  I've been staying indoors and I know that it won't be too long before it will be cold and I will be dreaming of warm weather like this.

I am thinking...that Craig sure is taking a long time at the card shop.  He needs to hurry home - Momma needs to shave her legs before volleyball at 2:00.

I am thankful for...King Ranch Chicken casserole.  With sour cream.  And blue corn tortilla chips.

From the learning rooms...the countdown is on.  A week from today I will be at student orientation taking up athletics paperwork packets and filling orders for new gym clothes.

From the kitchen...I obviously made King Ranch Chicken casserole this week and it was beyond delicious.

I am wearing...shorts, t-shirt and a ponytail...again.  BUT I do have some very cute new clothes waiting in the closet for Vegas, the 10 year high school reunion and for coaching volleyball in September and October.

I am creating...the scariest scenarios in my head of what can possibly go wrong while Craig and I are in Vegas.  The newest and latest one?  The plane crashes going there or coming back and Natalie is an orphan.  Is this normal?!

I am going...to play volleyball this afternoon and then I am going baby registering with my friend Kate tonight.  It's amazing how a year ago Babies R Us totally overwhelmed me but now I can navigate it like a pro.
I am reading...well, I'm not reading much right now but I am going to take The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo with me to Vegas as well as a book my mom lent me called Rescue by Anita Shreve.  I might also stop by the bookstore and get Jen Lancaster's new book, If You Were Here.

I am hoping...for a smooth transition from summer to school for Natalie, Craig and myself.  And even more so for Angie - I think she'll be the one that has the hardest time with us going back to work.

I am hearing...silence - could that mean the baby girl is taking a much needed nap?!

Around the house...the yard needs to be mowed but unless Craig gets up at two in the morning to do it, it is just too hot outside!

One of my favorite things...Natalie's new screech of joy.  And the fact that it is much easier to get a big giggle out of her these days.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Vegas next week and then my ten year high school reunion on the 12th and 13th and then we go back for inservice on the 15th!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

A ten day old Natalie.  Sigh.  I can't believe how little she was.

50 Questions in 5 Days: Part IV

41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today? My mom and dad just to reiterate to them how much I love them and how thankful I am and have always been to have them in my life.



42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous? Probably not seeing as how I'm already extremely attractive and have no desire to be famous.  Ha!  But all kidding aside...I'm pretty comfortable with the looks God has given me and I really do not want to be famous at all because of all the crap that comes along with it.


43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living? Ugh.  I hate questions like this.  I think everyone in life fluxuates between "being alive" and "truly living."  Sometimes life is strictly about survival through the day, week, month and even year.  But I like to think that the tides always change and after a survival period comes a time when you can stretch out, unwind and LIVE life.  I'm not sure which I'm in right now. 


44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right? For me personally, the "right" think to do is always the choice with the smallest amount of risk and the greatest reward.  I'm also okay with sacrificing a little bit of reward just for the security of knowing that my risk isn't that great either.  I think the biggest risk that I ever took was dating the hubs because we worked together, he was ten years older than me and at the time that we started dating both of us were dealing with A LOT of baggage.  But I suppose the reward was pretty worth the risk.


45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake? I don't think you always KNOW that it's a mistake when you're making it.  Most of the time when I've learned from a mistake I didn't realize that it was a mistake until I looked back and thought "hmm...that probably wasn't the best decision I could have made."  So I guess that old saying is true "hindsight is 20/20" and therefore since none of us have crystal balls, we are going to keep making mistakes and learning from them - just as long as it isn't the SAME mistake over and over.


46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? I would probably speak what I'm REALLY thinking a lot more. 


47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing? Strange question.  Probably when I was in labor with Natalie.  The pitocin made Natalie's heart rate drop dramatically after a massive contraction and therefore the nurses and doctors went into emergency mode and immediately put an oxygen mask on my face.  I was lying on my side facing the fetal monitor and I knew that there was obviously something VERY wrong and so I zoned out and stopped paying attention to what was going on in the room.  All I knew at that point was that when I breathed in really deeply, Natalie's heartrate increased and that was good.  So while our room was chaotic between nurses and doctors rushing in, out and around and our families nervously exiting the room I was focused on breathing in and out and making sure that my baby was alright.


48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love? I love lots of things and I think I openly express my love for them by continually doing them.  I love playing volleyball so I play games every week.  I love Natalie's giggles so I work tirelessly to get giggles out of her every morning.  I love cuddling with Angie at night while watching Chelsea Handler so I do it every night.  I love nightly swims and chats and drinks with Craig so we've made a habit out it. 


49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that? I will remember going and helping Kate register at Babies R Us last night because it was just last November that Amy, my mom and I were doing the same thing.  I was so overwhelmed and confused about all things baby last fall, but now at the beginning of August I am a pro at navigating the aisles and products.  I already have forgotten what I did on Thursday so it obviously wasn't that memorable.  I will remember going shopping with Emily on Wednesday because it one of my first ventures back out into the fashionable world with my new post baby body. 


50. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you? That's what I'm working on.  I can make decisions for myself and my family but the tough thing is standing up and defending those decisions without always worrying that people are upset with me for making those decisions.

50 Questions in 5 Days: Day IIII

31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive? Playing volleyball for the first time in a year this past June.  It was just a pick-up game with seven other ladies at the gym but it reminded me of the person I was pre-baby.



32. If not now, then when? There isn't anything that I'm putting off right now.  I've done everything that I've wanted to do: marriage, traveling, baby, career...I don't know what the next task to accomplish will be or when it will present itself to me.


33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose? I don't like losing so I only go after things that I absolutely know that I can achieve.


34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever? Uh probably not.  I walk away from every conversation feeling like there was always more I should have said, or a better and clearer way I could have gotten my point across.


35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars? Because people are human and have been given free will by God.  And that free will means they have the ability to distort the word of God which can lead to wars.


36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil? If you read the Bible it tells you in black and white what is good and what is evil, but sometimes recognizing those good and evil things or forces in your own world is very difficult.


37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job? Nope.  I would invest a lot of it for college tuitions and retirement and then maybe buy a bigger house with lots of land further out in the country a bit.  But I would keep my job - I would be bored without it AND I don't think it would be enough to live on for the rest of my life without any other source of income.


38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing? I would love to have less work around the house to do.  I love my job and I love coaching, but I do wish that I had to do less of it during the actual season.  Coaching both seventh and eigth graders can get a bit exhausting during the season.


39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before? Sometimes during the summer things do tend to get a bit boring and Groundhog Day-esque but luckily school is starting back up soon and we'll all get back on a schedule and things will be more interesting.


40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in? Probably never.  There just hasn't been that much controversy in my life.

5 days and 50 Questions: Part III

21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton? I can tell you from experience that life as a worried genius isn't as bad as it might seem.



22. Why are you, you? That's what I think I've spent my life trying to wrap my brain around.  And it's the most simplest of answers, but the hardest to understand - because God created me this way.


23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend? Recently?  Probably not.  But like everything else in life, relationships ebb and flow - it's always a give and take.  Right now, I'm taking but I know that I'll eventually get back to a place where I can give again.


24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you? I think losing touch with a good friend who lives near you because there really isn't a good excuse for not keeping in contact except for "I don't like you anymore." 


25. What are you most grateful for?  Having God in my life and all the blessings that he has provided me - my family, my friends, my career, my puppy dog.  All of it.  I know how blessed I am.


26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?  Oh gosh.  This sure is a hard one.  On one hand I would lose all memories I have of my grandma but on the other I would never get to remember Natalie as a baby or little girl.  I can't choose.


27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?  I'm sure Christians who come by their faith easily would say yes - that their faith in God is unwavering and cannot be questioned.  But for me, I had to challenge the truth that I have come to accept in my life as my faith.  I had to hit the bottom to have Him help me back to the top. 


28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?  No.  Thank goodness.


29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?  Yes, actually it does because those times five years ago when I was at my lowest and extremely upset have shaped who I am and how grateful I am that I have my life today.


30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?  Playing dolls with my mom or listening to my mom and grandma talk to each other in Italian or French.  Both of these memories are important and special to me because they are memories that I want Natalie to have in her life.  I can't wait to get down on the floor with her and play dolls and I'm so excited to see the special relationship that will blossom between my daughter and my mother.

50 Questions in 5 Days: Part II

11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do? I would observe and listen for awhile and think of how to diplomatically and objectively voice a contradictory viewpoint.  I might even wait to let them know that she's my friend until the end of the conversation so that they really feel ashamed of themselves.  Is that bad?  Maybe.  But I would stand up for my friend by offering up well-crafted counter arguments to their statements.  I don't think I would be pushy or aggressive or rude about it though.



12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? Oh the conversations that Natalie and I have had at night when I am rocking her to sleep.  There is an infinite amount of information I want her to know and take with her for her life.  But one piece?  It would probably be - none of it matters.  None of the clothes, the popularity, the drama, the achievements...all that stuff that gets thrown at them through middle and high school and sometimes even into college.  It just doesn't matter in the end.  All she needs is her confidence, her sense of worth and her family and she'll do fine.


13. Would you break the law to save a loved one? If the person was dying then yes.  But if they had broken the law themselves and were going to prison for it then no.


14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity? I think I've seen more the other way around.  What I thought was creativity really was a strong dose of insanity.


15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people? The way I eat.  I don't let my food touch.  I used to make forts with my celery and carrots around my ranch dressing so it wouldn't run all over the place.  And when I would eat pancakes I would carve out a square in the middle to put my syrup so it wouldn't run into the other things on my plate.  Even now when I eat at IHOP I eat the whole yolk of the egg in one bite because I don't like it spreading and touching my other food.


16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy? I don't know.  Just the way God built us I suppose.  How come the things that make other people happy don't make me happy? 


17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back? I'd really like to have a wider spectrum of readers on my blog.  I need to get on the BlogHer network and put myself out there on other people's blogs that I read.  I guess what is holding me back is fear that they (the people whose blogs I read but have never met in person) won't like me or want to read my blog...plus the fact that I really don't know where to start.


18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? Oh my goodness most definitely I am.  And that's a work in progress.


19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why? I would move to England.  I would still be in a country where I spoke the language (more or less) and I would be super close to the rest of Europe for any and all the weekend travels and adventures that I want to have.


20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster? No, but I do hit the "door close" button once I get in there I don't like sharing the space with people I don't know.

5 Days, 50 Questions: Part I

My 28th birthday is on Sunday and due to circumstances outside of my control...my state of mind has taken a really contemplative turn recently.  So I was stalking around on the internet and found "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind."  Don't mind if I do.  I would love to free my mind right now.  And since I have five (counting today) days until my birthday, I will do ten questions a day.

Here we go.

1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? I'll be honest.  I don't feel almost 28.  I watch MTV, play video games and my favorite cereal is Lucky Charms.  My iPod is probably ridiculously similar to my students'.  And they're thirteen.  I guess age really is a state of mind...and if that's true, I'm probably still closer to 16 in some aspects, but in others I feel way too wise for my age.  I was at the 30th birthday dinner for a friend of mine recently and she talked about how "at peace" she felt about turning 30 because she really knows who she is and where she belongs in her life and she is content with that.  I'm looking forward to being 30...and maybe more importantly, being out of my twenties.


2. Which is worse, failing or never trying? I know what I SHOULD answer but that would be lying.  For me, failing is just about the worst thing that could ever happen to me.  I would much prefer to stay on the safe side of things and never try.  Or at least just try the things that I KNOW I will succeed at.

3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do? Yikes.  I should have read through these questions first...maybe I would never have started this project.  Um...I don't "like" doing the laundry or cleaning up after we eat.  But I do it because I "like" having clean clothes to wear and a clean house to live in.  Those are just minor things I suppose.  I guess that's one of the great things about being an adult - you get to choose to do more of the things you like to do so that the things you do but don't enjoy doing don't seem so bad.

4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done? I say plenty that's for sure.  It's probably one of my worse characteristics BUT I'd like to think that out of all the people out there that say they want to make the world a better place, I am doing it because I'm influencing (hopefully in a positive way) the lives of young people. 

5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world? Hypocrisy.  Say what you mean and mean what you say.

6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich? I would probably have the same job tha tI have right now.  I would teach middle schoolers because I love working with that age group, I love being in the classroom and I love having my summers off.

7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing? I absolutely believe in what I'm doing.  If I didn't, it wouldn't be fair to the kids.  I also believe that this is my calling and what God put me on this Earth to do - teach children and more importantly, provide a well-rounded role model for young girls.

8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently? I'd be looking to retire.  I guess I probably would have had children earlier than 27 but other than that...I've traveled, I've partied, I've started a family and had a career...I've checked off most of the things on my "to do" list.

9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken? When I graduated high school I most definitely had a plan: go to college, graduate with honors, get a job teaching, get married and start a family.  I followed that plan.  Now...the one area that I didn't have control over?  Falling in love with one of the coaches in my coaching office who was ten years my senior.  That I did not expect.  And it took a LONG time for me to relinquish control of how I was feeling for him and just admit it - I was in love with him even though he was completely the opposite of what I THOUGHT I wanted, but he ended up being exactly what I NEEDED.

10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? All of the above.  I want to do the right things, the right way.  This can be a good thing.  This can also be my Achille's heel.

Alright.  That's it for day one.  See you back here tomorrow!

Monday Day Book

Taken from my friend Molly who found it here.


Outside my window...it is 8:45 and the trashmen just came and got the trash.  It's hot.  It's dry.  It's summer in Texas.

I am thinking...of what I will need to pack for Vegas and then what kinds of new outfits I will need to get for my 10 year (eek!) high school reunion that is August 12-13.

I am thankful for...Craig - he has gotten up early with Natalie the past two mornings and let me sleep in.  A rested Mommy is a happy Mommy.

From the learning rooms...We only have two more weeks of summer vacation left and I'm so conflicted.  I love, love, love the lazy, relaxed days of the summer but at the same time I enjoy having a schedule and something structured to do during the day.  I'm a little apprehensive about volleyball season and being away from Natalie so much, but I know that it will be okay because she will be in good hands. 

From the kitchen...we had my favorite "easy" meal last Friday night - chili dogs.  Yum.
I am wearing...shorts, t-shirt and a ponytail.
I am creating...different playlists on my new favorite app for my iPhone - Pandora internet radio.  I've listened to Pandora on my computer before, but just installed it on my phone.  I have a U2 and Kings of Leon station - gotta start Natalie off right by listening to the best kind of music.

I am going...to Las Vegas with Craig a week from today for my 28th birthday celebration.  I'm so excited to get away and just hang out with Craig doing whatever we want, whenever we want but I'm so terrified that something bad is going to happen to Natalie while I'm gone and I'm not going to be there for her.

I am reading...and journaling a book that my friend Jill lent to me.  It's helping.  I'm feeling better.

I am hoping...that I'm able to find some cute clothes when I go shopping later this week.  Adjusting to my new body size is really difficult!

I am hearing...Natalie blowing raspberries while playing on her playmat.

Around the house...we are going to have to get our foundation checked out because we are noticing cracks in a few walls and in the tile downstairs.  Ugh...this could get expensive.

One of my favorite things...Pinterest conference calls with my friend Amy.  Last Saturday while Craig took Natalie shopping for my birthday presents Amy and I were on speaker phone with each other for 45 minutes just perusing Pinterest together looking for party ideas for our kids (Emma - LaLa Loopsy, Jake - Toy Story 3 and Natalie - St. Patrick's Day).

A few plans for the rest of the week: Clothes shopping for Vegas, school and my high school reunion.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Craig and me at the Wynn hotel for my 25th birthday.

Monday Day Book

*I really did write this on Monday, but my flash drive died and I've been transferring pictures all over my computer from old flash drive to hard drive to new flash drive.  So...that's why I'm just now posting this today.*

Taken from my friend Molly who found it here.
Outside my window...it is 6:53 and all is still quiet on my street.

I am thinking...that maybe if Natalie had finished her rice cereal bottle at bedtime she wouldn't have been up so much last night.  I am also thinking that I need to have more patience with my husband and realize that he isn't going to do everything exactly the way I do it and the way I do it isn't always the best, right or only way to do things.

I am thankful for...the tournament being over.  Craig was up in Frisco the last two weekends running his big tournaments and staying in hotel rooms and it's been a little bit difficult for me.  I'm also thankful for my parents for letting me crash at their house for one night each of the weekends. 

From the learning rooms...Craig and I both got our welcome back to school letters in the mail from our principals.  I'm having mixed feelings about going back - on the one hand, I crave a good solid schedule and I'm looking forward to my hour and forty minutes off every day where I can run errands, read my celebrity gossip, catch up on blogs and work out...without any interruption from the cutest 4.5 month old ever.

From the kitchen...I made Craig a very good dinner last Thursday night before he went to his tournament - we had vinegar, brown sugar and pear drenched pork chops, broccoli-cheese-rice casserole and onion baked potatoes.  Yum.  We went out to dinner yesterday as a celebration of the tournament being over and for dessert I had driven all the way to downtown Dallas to his favorite cupcake shop Sprinkles...he had a red velvet cupcake and then half a key lime pie cupcake.

I am wearing...comfy clothes, no make-up and messy hair in a ponytail.  It's 7:00 in the morning - this is the best it gets right now.

I am creating...lots of different design and outfit ideas and DIY projects on my new obsession, pinterest.

I am going...to be getting my new fridge anytime now - the delivery men called at 7:00 this morning and said they would be here in twenty minutes!  I am so super excited!!!

I am reading...Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets to Natalie at night and sometimes at naptime if she is struggling to fall asleep.  I think in the future when she wants to see the movies, I'm going to make her read the book first that way by the time she gets to the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th books where things are a bit darker she will be mature enough (hopefully) to understand them.
I am hoping...that Natalie behaves herself when we go to Vegas in a few weeks for my birthday.  I think she'll do alright for our parents...she just gets so cranky in the evenings.

I am hearing...the delivery truck pulling up and unloading my new fridge!

Around the house...have I told you I'm getting a new fridge today?  It's stainless steel with french doors up top and the freezer down below.

One of my favorite things...My new fridge!!!  It just got installed (this blog has taken me awhile to write) and it is absolutely beautiful.  Sigh.  Now I just need to keep the doors closed so it will get cold!  Ha!

A few plans for the rest of the week: We have a Rangers game on Wednesday night and I need to do some clothes shopping, but nothing too terribly major...which is nice.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Natalie and I spent one night at my parent's house for the past two weekends while Craig was up in Frisco tournamenting.  My mom and I gave Natalie a bat and of course all the puppy dogs (Andy, Angie and Annabelle) had to come and check on the baby in the bathroom.

Monday Day Book

Taken from my friend Molly who found it here.

Outside my window...it is 12:16 and we are in the midst of an excrutiatingly hot summer.  Luckily our yard is still green and pretty but our flowers are fading fast. 

I am thinking...that this evening is going to be pretty exciting in the Nelson household.  We're stripping down Natalie to her diaper and feeding her some rice cereal.  I'll be sure to get lots of pictures.

I am thankful for...our pediatrician.  She is knowledgable but flexible and always encouraging.  Newest reports are saying that starting rice cereal should be put off until after 6 months because introducing solid foods too early is possibly related to childhood obesity.  Although our doctor knows and understands that thinking, she was also able to look at Natalie's build and listened to our issues with her waking up at 4am and decided that it be in Natalie's best interest if we were to go ahead and start her on solids.  Hurray!

From the learning rooms...I can't believe we only have a month left of summer - it feels like we were just having final exams.  Volleyball camp starts either next week or the week after and I can't say that I'm upset about missing it.  I would just rather be at home with Natalie.

From the kitchen...I was going to make taco salad last night but Craig didn't pick up the right size tortillas so we had tacos instead.

I am wearing...no make-up and a ponytail.  And maybe some bags under my eyes.  I sure am hoping that this rice cereal helps her sleep through the night.

I am creating...plans for volleyball in my head.  I need some t-shirt ideas.

I am going...to go over to my friend Beri's house this afternoon to look through her daughter's clothes to see if there is anything I can use for Natalie this fall and winter.

I am reading...Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - we're starting chapter 16 tonight and after we finish, I will begin reading The Chamber of Secrets to her.

I am hoping...that the rice cereal helps.  I cannot stress this enough.

I am hearing...Natalie's grunts from her pack 'n play.  She desperately wants to roll over from back to front but her shoulder keeps getting in her way.

Around the house...not too terribly much.  It's a little more cluttered than I would like because we are in the last few weeks before Craig's big basketball tournaments.

One of my favorite things...knowing that my daughter has my body type.  I know that she will grow at her own rate and whatever size she ends up being will be perfect for her...but I want her to be tall and lean like me.  Last fall as I was watching FMHS play MHS in volleyball, a mother from the opposing team walked past me in the bleachers and I knew exactly who her daughter was - from the build, to the blond hair to the shape of their bright blue eyes, it was unmistakable that they were mother and daughter.  This mother sat alone in the stands behind me, several rows up and every so often I would turn to glance at her.  She had her hands clasped tightly in front of her chin while leaning forward, elbows on her knees.  You could tell she was living every moment of that game with her daughter.  Not THROUGH her daughter...but alongside her.  When her daughter killed the ball, the mother rejoiced but when her daughter made a blocking error the mother felt the frustration as well.  That's what I want for Natalie and I someday - for people to recognize that we are mother and daughter and for me to be able to watch my daughter play a game that she loves.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Craig will be busy the next few weeks with basketball tournaments and he will be staying the next two weekends up in Frisco so that he can cut down on travel time.  I am going to stay the night at my parent's house on Saturday night just because it's really no fun to be at the house by myself for two nights in a row.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...from the NKOTBSB concert

I'm not sure why AJ McLean is lying on the ground...but I must say, he was a MUCH better singer than I ever gave him credit for.

"Because I want it that way...tell me why?  Ain't nothing but a mistake..."

The New Kids on the Block

More New Kids...and a note to Donnie...nothing says "Public Enemy" like bedazzling.  I'm sure you've just made Chuck D very proud.

Instead of the New Kids coming out for their finale in their usual Boston garb, they chose an homage to the recent championship win by the Mavericks.

Oh Donnie.  You have redeemed yourself for the bedazzling.  Thank you.

Monday Day Book

Taken from my friend Molly who found it here.


Outside my window...It is 8:25 on Monday morning and I am alone in my house except for a sleepy puppy dog lying on the bed pillows.  It is hot outside and the pool looks so inviting.

I am thinking...that I have pretty great people in my life.  I went to the NKOTBSB concert last night with my friend Beri and it was so good to be able to sit and catch up with a good friend without either of our children interrupting our conversation.

I am thankful for...a husband that sees the importance of "Momma's Night Out" and provides me with ample opportunities to get out of the house with my friends.

From the learning rooms...Natalie went to basketball camp this morning in a navy blue Under Armour onesie, white socks, pink Converse and a white headband with navy blue hairbow.  I know people roll their eyes at hairbows on babies, but this is the only time in her life where I have complete control over her wardrobe and get to dress her as I see fit.  I'm sure by this time next year she will have her own opinions and thoughts about what she should wear...and if she is anything like I was when I was little, dresses and hairbows will not be a part of her wardrobe.

From the kitchen...for dinner on Saturday night I made a meaty-cheesy-penne pasta bake with salad and crescent rolls.  Yum.
I am wearing...washed, dried and straightened hair for the first time in a few weeks.  Most of the time it goes into a ponytail or bun when it's wet.

I am creating...a baby book for Natalie just like my mother did for me and my brothers.  I love the fact that I can thumb through the pages of my book and see how Natalie and I compare and differ.

I am going...to do a whole lot of nothing today and it feels great.

I am reading...Harry Potter to Natalie at bedtime.  Got to start her off right.

I am hoping...that Natalie's great sleeping pattern last night lasts.  We've had a week of terrible sleeping from Natalie - from the age of six weeks she had been sleeping through the night from about 9:00 until 6:30 in the morning but starting last week she was struggling to go to sleep and then waking up two or three times between the times of 3:00 and 6:00.  Craig and I talked about it and figured out that she might be going through a growth spurt but also might be outgrowing her swaddle.  Last night while I was at the concert, Craig just put her in her jammies, rocked her to sleep and put her in her crib without her swaddle.  And she slept until 2:38 when I went in there and got her out and rocked her back to sleep again...she slept until 6:30.  Hopefully we have figured out the problem and she'll be back to her good sleeping patterns soon.
I am hearing...nothing.  Silence.  Sigh.

Around the house...we have some straightening to do.  My friend Kristin from high school is coming in town this weekend for a family 4th of July and she wants to come up to the house and meet Natalie so I want to make sure that it looks great for her.

One of my favorite things...Sitting here right now with a quiet house, a warm cup of coffee, and a snuggly puppy dog.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Mom and I are taking Natalie and the pups to the dog park tomorrow morning and then I think I have some tentative swim dates planned for this week but nothing major.  Craig is going to the Rangers game on Saturday evening with his friend Brian and I'm really excited for him - he needs "guys nights" too.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Natalie rolled over.  More than once.  That means it's not just an accident, but intentional.  I'm a proud little momma.

Pre roll - just lying on the bed having her picture taken by Momma.

Mid roll - I'm so impressed with myself for being able to get this documented on film!

Post roll - her face seems to say "okay...now what Mom?"