The Birth Story...

I originally created this blog to have an outlet during college, and since then haven't really had the time to update. The blog has really changed from being my soap box, where I could say whatever I pleased to being a way for me to look back on these times with Emery and remember. So why not start with the birth story. :)

First let me start off by saying that Colby and I knew that we were cutting it pretty close with our due date, May 1st. We were in Washington at the time while Colby was attending Grad School and he was due to graduate on May 8th, 2010. This was nothing out of the ordinary for us, we tend to do everything all at once. *Recall back to when we got married- We graduated with our bachelors, I taught kindergarten until the day of our wedding rehearsal, got married the next day, went on our honeymoon the next morning, got back from the honeymoon on a Sunday, Started teaching summer school on the following Monday... We hit the ground running. Always.

Anyways, we knew it would be cutting it close because we were already set to move back to Missouri on May 9th...Mother's Day. I didn't want to fly across the country with a baby that was a couple of days old (in case I went late), so we opted to have our baby induced.

We were being induced on Friday, April 23rd, and I worked until the night before. Friday morning came and Colby's Mom had flown out in anticipation for the arrival of her first grand baby. We shopped for baby things, made sure the bag was packed, went out for my "last meal", and that evening nestled into the hospital room where it was all about to happen, which I would like to add was a very nice "homey" room.

The nurse walked in and explained to me that she was going to check my cervix and see if I had dilated any since my last doctor's appointment. Then she put the gloves on and SWEET MERCY...I thought I was going to crawl up the walls...I knew I was in for a very long night. She told me that I was barely dilated to a 1 and that I wasn't even 50% effaced. How in the world did I go from 90% to 50%? She seemed annoyed that the doctor would let me be induced and let me know that she thought I was going to be in the hospital for a while, if not sent home and then have to come back after the 2 days of rest.

She left us alone after that and said to let her know if I needed anything. Around 3 a.m I woke up to contractions, Colby was asleep and his Mom had went back to our apartment to rest. I didn't want to wake Colby up because I didn't think we had anything serious going on at that point.

5:00 A.M- Didn't feel that great, woke up Colby and told him I was ready to sit in the jacuzzi pool to relax.

6:00 A.M - Colby lets his mom know what's going on and the nurse comes in to check me again. I'm moving right along at 2-3 cm

7:00ish A.M- I start puking.... with EVERY contraction! Uhhh Misery... Until the nurse gives me something in my IV that nearly makes me fall out of bed.

8:00 A.M- I'm being bombarded with phone calls from my Sister, and Mom :) Love you guys!

9:00 A.M- The nurse is concerned that I am going to be one of those moms that GO FAST...and keeps asking me if I feel pressure and If I want an epidural.... I say I'm not sure, she calls the anesthesiologist anyways.

9:30 A.M- The anesthesiologist arrives and we decide to go ahead with an epidural even though it wasn't in our "plans". He was amazing, it didn't hurt at all. Everything feels fine so Colby and his Mom go to get something from the cafeteria.

9:35 A.M- The epidural only numbs my right side and I can feel ALL THE CONTRACTIONS on my left. So I hit the button to give me more medicine....It didn't work. Colby's mom comes back into the room and I explain that I need hands to hold.... NOW. And we're breathing....

The rest of the time really feels like a blur. I know we're breathing, and I'm doing a damn good job at that, but time sort of flies out the window. Around 11:00 or 11:30 the anesthesiologist comes back to try and help our situation, but to no avail. It just makes the right side even more numb and now I can't move that leg. Somewhere during this the doctor breaks my water.

The nurse comes in to check me and Freaks out and starts asking if I feel pressure and explains that she can feel the baby's head very close.... and calls for the doctor. At this point the doctor asks me to push a few times to see if we make any progress...and then tells me that she wants to let the epidural wear off because I can't tell what I'm doing.

We wait for what seems like forever, I explain that I'm going to start inventing some new curse words. Everyone laughs, but I'm serious.

The doctor comes back and I am able to start pushing and I can REALLY feel it now. Pressure, YES I FEEL PRESSURE! Panic sets in as I tell them to just get him OUT! I push for less than 30 minutes and at 1:11 that afternoon he's here...

He's absolutely beautiful and never in my life have things been so still. Everything about him was amazing. My first words to him, "Hi love, I'm your mommy."

Emery Jack

Oh how things have changed since I last posted. We met our son Emery Jack on April 24, 2010. I could not be a more proud mama. He weighed 7 lbs. 7.5 oz., 20 in. long, born at 1:11 p.m.

The birth story will come later, but for now I'll say we have a happy and healthy little boy...(technically not so little anymore) He's growing growing! We've been through our first smiles, rolling over, laughing, solid foods and it keeps getting better. I knew life would change, but did I ever think it would be this fantastic? No. It's amazing and extremely exhausting, but we're working through it.

Nearing the end or beginning?

Colby and I have two days before we're in the hospital being induced. *DEEP BREATH*

It is such a crazy thing to try and wrap my head around the fact that in a few short days this little baby I've been carrying around with me for nine months will be in my arms. It's so scary to think that he will never again be as safe as I can keep him right now. I guess it's a "mom" thing.

I cannot wait to meet him, see what features of the two of us he'll have, what his personality will be like, be able to kiss his little face and hands, I cannot wait to be a mom!

This is such a huge change and when people ask me if I'm ready, how am I supposed to answer that? All I know is that I cannot wait to hold him in my arms and tell him that even though life is rough, you'll always have your mommy and daddy here to love you.

When he's here I will be posting pictures of baby Emery Jack.

Hair

So today I had this thought that I'm 2 days away from going to the hospital to be induced and I have lots to do and OH I need to get my hair cut NOW! I've been growing my hair out for some time and it was just long enough to get it into a ponytail and keep it there with a few bobby pins. I was just going to get a trim, and got there and decided I have so many changes going on in my life right now... why not change my hair too?!

I think the girl doing my hair was still stoned from her 4-20 escapades from the night before.

I say this because when she turned the chair around to show me her work... I think I may have gasp and slammed both hands on the top of my head. I know she wasn't expecting the look I gave, but I looked like Bozo the clown. You remember him right? The clown with the hair that was 3 times the size of his head....yeah, that was me. I was desperately trying to flatten it down to my head and needed to get out of the chair because I thought if I didn't get out of there I may say some things that weren't so nice (*since that seems to be the norm now that I'm pregnant).

I'm not saying it's horrible, but it isn't at all what I wanted. I think it will be more manageable with the baby, and hair grows back, right?

* It's not that I've become a mean pregnant lady, it's not like that at all. I just tend to have a no tolerance for bull shit sort of attitude. I can't help it, and I think I like myself better this way. Things that I just went with don't really fly anymore... I think I'm toughening up!

31 weeks

It's been a while since I've posted, but a lot has been happening! First of all today is March 1st and it was 60 degrees today, the weather was amazing and I have SPRING FEVER BIG TIME! I can't wait to have this baby and stroll him around in the nice weather. :)

So we've booked our flight home for May 9th, the day after Colby graduates grad school. (Mother's Day! ) Woohoo! Colby had three interviews in Chicago in February and he had one call back really quickly. He's flying to Fort Wayne, Indiana tomorrow to have more interviews. Which means we will know about this job very soon. Keep your fingers crossed.

I'm counting down the days until our baby is here and we're on our way out of Pullman, Wa - See ya West side.

Christmas 2009

Well we survived Christmas! We went back home for 2 weeks so family could see the belly bump and had a fabulous time, it never seems long enough, yet it's exhausting to travel back and forth!

Among the many things planned this time home was a baby shower, which was a lot of fun. We got all kinds of things for our baby boy. I'll have to post some pictures, he is going to be one handsome little man! Hopefully he'll be in the 3 months clothes for a while, because that's his whole wardrobe as of now :)

We have picked out a name for him (I think), finally, but we're not telling which one we're using. It's between: Lincoln Cole, and Emery Jack. Input would be nice, I've been trying to think of all the nicknames/horrible names that can come from these when he's in school and haven't come up with anything too horrible :) I would hate to curse him with something awful!

Tell me what you think!

Oh Boy!

Colby and I had our big ultrasound on Wednesday, December 9th and it was so amazing. I've been pretty kept together when it comes to this baby and haven't really cried except when I found out I was pregnant...lots of emotions going on... But this was the kicker. It wasn't like a flood of tears more like, " Oh, an arm bone...it's so beautiful. (wipe tear)"

It was such an amazing feeling seeing our baby moving around and knowing that everything looked healthy.

Here is the ultrasound picture of our SON, he is so beautiful!

Bump watch 2009-2010!

So my morning sickness has started to subside. I can actually eat now at night and feel pretty good in the morning. I am, however, battling a sinus infection/chest cold I cannot get over it. I have a humidifier with vicks vapor in our bedroom and I have to tell you it smells like an old folks home in my townhouse. Poor Colby. I have had vicks under my nose and on my chest every night for weeks! My nose is driving me crazy, if I could get away with sticking a kleenex in my nose for the day I WOULD!

But.... other than the chesty cold/cough I'm fantastic. I cannot believe that I have a little person growing in me! That is the most bizarre thing, I walk past the mirror in the bathroom and take a double take. WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?! I am 2 days from being 13 weeks- when the baby's ears are developed enough to hear me. You better believe this little baby will be listening to some Bob Marley and I might even throw in some Elvis Presley.... We need to be well rounded. :)

I never thought I would reach a point in pregnancy where I felt this great. I cannot even describe to you the way I feel. I've always wondered what it would be like and I cannot believe this is my life right now. Complete bliss.

What's New?

Oh Internet,

I have had morning sickness.... I'm talking MORNING SICKNESS, run, tripping through the bed sheets to the bathroom, morning sickness! One thing I've learned about this whole process is that morning sickness is not just "morning" sickness. Oh no, it's all day long sickness. I had bruises from where I was leaning into the toilet. one on each wrist and one right in the center of my chest. I was a hot mess.

I have found though with a routine, that I do NOT change, I can manage this crippling sickness. I have been feeling a lot better this week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that maybe the worst days are over.... (knock on wood) Other pregnant women I've talked to just frown and say, "Oh you poor thing, you're only 7 weeks... you have such a long way to go!" Oy!

Our due date was originally May 7th, 2010, but has since been moved up to May 1st. Maybe we'll have a May day baby. :) One thing is for sure, this is going to be a very interesting/exciting/trying year.

Love,

June's #2

Who can keep a secret??

I'm not sure how many people even read this blog, but if you do follow my erratic posts then I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Before I tell you this secret, I am going to first say that if you are also my friend on facebook...please do not post anything to my wall, but feel free to send me a message in my inbox :)

We are expecting a new addition to our family. Due date April/May-ish. We are absolutely FLOORED! We are very very excited and even though it's still very very early on in this journey, I had to scream it to the Internet!!! I'm PREGNANT!!!

Bangable Blog Babe....

So I'm minding my own business getting ready to post to my blog when I notice that in the live feed I see that people are arriving to my blog via: bangableblogbabes.blogspot.com

"Hmm..." I say to myself and decide to check it out. I'm scrolling through the page when I SEE MY FACE on June's Top 5 Bangable Blog Babes! I'm not sure if I should be stoked that I'm #2 or if I should be disgusted (leaning more toward the stoked if you care to know).

Here's what the post said:

Char-Marie : She's graduating with her degree in teaching this year, but I'd like to hire her as my personal sex education tutor.

The most hilarious thing of all is that I am in no way Smooth or Sexy. Anyone who knows me knows that I am the most uncoordinated, ungraceful girl, but you can bet that the next time I'm out and some random girl is hitting on my husband I'm going to lean over and say, "Move over bitch, I'm June's #2!"

Here comes the sun....

Spring break has officially come to an end. Tomorrow I have to go back to work, and it's bittersweet. I know that going back to work means we're closer to warm weather, but I also know that I'll be there all summer long when I could be out in the nice weather. BLAH. I'm looking forward to interview time again when I can maybe find an elementary job. I would be SO SO happy working with older kids again. I love my preschool kids, but I like to actually teach. I like talking about history, science....even math is fun. I miss all that so much. I miss having my own room to do my own thing in, and not having to wait to see what the other lead teacher will do. I'm in a funk.

I'm ready for the sun.

Fashion Accessories

The other night I had a dream that I was pregnant, and this isn't so weird except that when you had your baby it came with a designer hand bag. Immediately I began thinking that I hope my bag doesn't end up with lots of zippers and buckles...Ouch.

I've been trying to figure out what would prompt me to have such an odd dream. Colby and I have thought about starting a family lately, does this mean I'm still too selfish to take on such a responsibility? Either way this is the bag that I envisioned...

A Marc Jacobs "Woman's Classic Angela Hobo"
I love this bag, too bad it didn't also come with a nice pair of Christian Louboutin Heels....

Spring Break 2009

Dear Readers,

This week is spring break for Washington State University and for the preschool I work at, so Colby and I went on a much needed vacation to the Oregon Coast. Amazing. Let's break this down. We drove from Pullman, WA - long drive, but beautiful.

We arrived in Newport, OR around 5:30 p.m and the view from our room was SO gorgeous, we had a 180 degree view of the ocean from our room. We went to sleep to the sound of the ocean and woke up to the sound of the seagulls. When we woke up we went to Yaquina lighthouse and went all the way to the top to look out over the ocean. Then we made our way down to the beach to visit the tide pools and it was amazing! We were able to touch starfish and sea anemones and stood about 50 feet from sea lions. Then we made our way down to the Oregon State Aquarium where I got to pet sharks and sting rays- A huge deal for me because if you weren't aware, I'm extremely afraid of fish...fish with teeth to be more exact.

We had a fantastic time! If you haven't been to the Oregon coast definitely GO!

A Lovely Meme...

What are your middle names?
My middle name is non-existent, as in I have no middle name. Colby's middle name is Colby... He goes by his middle name.

How long have you been together?
We've been married almost 2 years and before that we were together 6 years.

How long did you know each other before you started dating?
We met via a friend... We talked to each other for about 5 months before we started dating.

Who asked whom out?
I guess I asked him... or maybe it was a mutual thing?

How old are each of you?
I am 25 and Colby is 24.. but not for much longer. We have a small window when we're the same age. :) As of now he's sleeping with an older woman.

Whose siblings do you see the most?
We don't see either of them at the moment with us living all the way out in Washington and our families back in the Midwest. Colby's brother Jacob lives in Missouri and my sister Stori lives in Kentucky with her husband and two babies. When we lived back home we saw Colby's brother more often because he was closer.

Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
I think being away from home has been a hard thing to deal with as a couple. I'm not in a job that I find fantastic right now, so I'm missing home more than I thought and I miss the things we were able to do at home. It gets lonely out here in Washington when we each have a busy load. I also tend to keep things bottled in, and Colby always seems to have to drag things out of me. I am working on that. I'll always be working on that.

Did you go to the same school?
We didn't go to high school together, but we did go to Missouri State University together. We graduated in 2007.

Are you from the same home town?
No. Colby is from a small town south of Kansas City - Butler, Mo and I'm from a small town in Southwest Missouri called, Aurora. Apparently people from Southwest Missouri have an accent, or so my mother-in-law says.. :)

Who is smarter?
Colby is far smarter than I am. He is able to retain all this information- anything he reads, watches on T.V. or hears he is able to regurgitate when the time's right. I have my moments, but I tend to work twice as hard at it.

Who is the most sensitive?
Ahem. Next question.

Where do you eat out most as a couple?
There aren't a lot of places here in Pullman, WA to pick from, but we have a little restaurant in Moscow, ID that we enjoy called, The Red Door. It's fantastic and always a great date night.

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Barbados

Who has the craziest exes?
Wow. We've both had the exes....I don't know that I would call any of mine crazy, "different" maybe, but not crazy. Colby has had some winners too though....and he wins this one. Drama QUEENS!

Who has the worst temper?

I think we both are pretty level headed when it comes to this one, but.... I'm going to go ahead and raise my hand on this one. It depends on the day, but if it's not going particularly well I have a short fuse. It doesn't last very long, but they're not pleasant. You want to be on my good side, we'll leave it at that. Especially if you're the guy that just cut me off in traffic.

Who does the cooking?
Colby is the cook in this relationship, although I have my very small pool of recipes that I pull from. He's always trying new things and adding in secret ingredients. I love love love that I have a husband who likes to get his hands dirty in the kitchen!

Who is the neat-freak?
Neither one of us are neat-freaks. This is not a good thing. We will do things like leave the vacuum in the middle of the staircase and walk around it for like a week before we really notice we're struggling to get past the damn thing. Then we'll put it away ..... the next week. We are, however, a great cleaning team when we put our minds to it. I think we're just so busy and we've moved so many times that it's not a big deal anymore if the spatula is in the drawer where it belongs, or sitting on the staircase with the vacuum.

Who is more stubborn?
Colby. Enough said.

Who hogs the bed?
Me, but not on purpose. I still maintain that I'm just warming up his side of the bed. I'm a flailer.

Who wakes up earlier?
It depends on the day. If Colby is going to the gym then he's up at 5:30. If he isn't then at 8:00 I'm at the bottom of the stairs yelling, "I'll see you at 6! Are you still in bed?! GET UP! Ok, I'm leaving.....coooooooooooolbbbby wake up.... Ok bye... See you tonight? I love you? Hello?" until he comes downstairs and tells me to have a good day.

Where was your first date?
The James River Grill in Springfield.

Who is more jealous?
This information is protected by the therapist-client privilege.

How long did it take to get serious?

It was always serious, I knew I would be with him forever.

Who eats more?
I think I eat more often, but Colby is always finishing the things on my plate. Does that make us even?

Who does the laundry?
We both do when we think of it. Again with the neat-freak thing.

Who's better with the computer?
Hands down that would be Colby. He can build a computer blindfolded with one hand tied behind his back... It makes me so hot.

Who drives when you are together?
Colby when he has his glasses on. I drive everyday to work and he walks, so when we're together I let him have a turn. I like to put my feet on the dashboard. Dangerous I know, but I like to live on the wild side.

Feel free to answer some or all of the same questions about your significant other in the comments, or leave a link to your website if you prefer answering there.

In need of inspiration.

I've been thinking a lot lately about downgrading the apartment and moving to a smaller place. Mainly to save some cash, but I really am in need of purging myself of some of the things I've been carrying around with me from place to place. Colby and I have accumulated so much stuff. Mainly things that people wanted to get rid of themselves so they "gave" to us to help us out, but now we are so cluttered.

It seems like we every time we move I start going through things and get rid of A LOT of junk, but we always end up dragging with us things that we haven't unpacked from two moves ago.
I'm really going to do some major overhauling in the next few weeks. I'm tired of being weighed down by stuff.

Here We Come A Wassailing...

Friday morning, in the bitter cold, we took the kids Christmas caroling around town. We were a little short staffed so believe me when I say that at the end of this day I had lost 15 years off my life. We began walking toward main street which is not too far from where the school is and already we had kids crying. We went to a few places and the kids did a great job with their songs (Rudolph and Two Front Teeth).

We were winding down our day when we decided to stop one last time at one of the banks. This particular bank had escalators you had to go up in order to be inside the actual bank. A lot of these children had never ridden, let alone seen an escalator before. So the first teacher takes a couple of kids up the escalator, the second teacher puts one on the escalator and she started to fall back so she jumped on with her leaving me alone at the bottom of the escalator with the rest of the kids.

I was still herding kids inside off the sidewalk when I look up to see a mass of kids just run at the escalator. This is where the traumatic experiences begin. I see just a mass of arms and legs all going the wrong way. Feet are moving up the escalator before heads were and children were screaming as they reached for me. This made the children at the bottom of the escalator very scared so they burst out into tears. I felt like turning around and running out the door.

Now as I look back my sick sense of humor makes me laugh hysterically at the situation. At the time, however, I felt like pulling out my hair.

Maybe I should have been born a frat boy?

Tonight I'm skipping the gym! That's right Internet, I said it. It's too cold, I'm tired, I'm hungry, I'm making excuses. Currently I'm watching an old Christmas cartoon on t.v., I love those shows.
I just made myself dinner- well... it wasn't that difficult, I made a cheese quesadilla and opened a bottle (glass bottle-that's right, I'm swanky) of coke. Colby is having a late night at the studio, so I'm thinking it might be a video game night.

In other news: 17 more days until I get to go home!!! YAY!

This cartoon is creepy...

Happy Turkey Day!

Once again I've made it to another Thanksgiving. Each year it seems to show up so soon and just like that, it's gone. Although I won't be spending this Thanksgiving with my parents, siblings, or in-laws I am going to be spending Thanksgiving with my Husband. What more could a girl ask for?

This Thanksgiving we will be spending with our friends Ben and Nichole. They're in the same boat we're in- no family and in grad school. Ben works with Colby in the art department. Nichole is going to grad school for Psychology. I want to go back to school...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Obama/ Biden 08

Is proud of America and everyone who made it out to vote. I'm ready for change.

Jeepers Creepers-Where'd you get those peepers?

Today was the Halloween party at school. I dressed up as a rag doll. It was a crazy day, complete with puking, peeing, crying, and eating. Yes, all the things that really make a true party. I realized that adult parties, and children parties are a lot alike in many ways.

There's the drink that everyone is interested in and eventually that leads to some form of bodily fluids strewn about.

The fighting over someones properties such as: a spouse, keys to your car, or a paper plate mask that you worked so hard on until it was ruined by the kid who thinks he's a dinosaur and your mask ended up being in the "destruction zone."

The clothing that always ends up missing at the end of the party. Like the shirt you lose because "It's too effing hot to breathe"- plus you like the way the wind hits you, or the spiderman belt that keeps your pants up... That could go either way.

Yes all in all it was an interesting day.

My name would be socz...

I was watching a show tonight on television that was about "gangsters" (I love those kind of shows), and they were listing all the names of the "gangsters". A funny image popped into my head of all the guys sitting around in their makeshift forts discussing what they wanted to be called.

I.E:

" So I was thinking maybe I should be called wicked, but not wicked with one k, Wickked with 2 k's. Cause I'm not effin' around homes."

"Nice, I really like that idea Wickked with 2 k's. I was thinking since my name is Tommy, I should just tack on Gun to the end. I mean it's pretty simple, everyone would remember it, it looks good in ink, and I can spell it."

It's really a funny vision in my head. I just felt the need to share it.

The Potty Pants Brigade.

I feel like that's what the ladies I work with, and myself should be called. We walk around with our rubber gloves like doctors preparing for the most intricate of surgeries. Days when there aren't potty pants are like days when you find washed money in the pocket of your favorite jeans.

Good times...

Hello.

Dear Readers,

I'm sitting in on a Friday night listening to pandora radio online *love it* when I should be doing a bit of cleaning. I'm trying to keep everyone up to date on events here in Washington and back home. My dad has made it out of the hospital and back home. Doctors are working on his test results, but it looks pretty good. He has to go to get medication fixed next week. Thanks for all the prayers.

I had a pretty exciting day! We took the preschool on a field trip to the County Fair. :) It's a lot like the fairs back home, except one little thing. No funnel cakes. NO FUNNEL CAKES! I realize they're terrible for you, but it's soul food. Anything that is bad for the body, but you absolutely love can be considered soul food in my opinion. Oreos are in that category too, by the way. Instead they have something North Westerners like to call "Elephant Ears". I happen to think funnel cakes sound so much more humane.

I spent my day chasing fly away balloons, and consoling those who's balloons could not be saved. It's such a harsh world.

Love,
-C

Happy Birthday Mimsy!

Yesterday was my Mimsy's birthday. I won't tell how old you are. I wish I could have been home and spent it with you!

There was a little drama that came with the big day. My dad was doing a routine check up at the doctor's where he ended up having a couple of seizures. They put him into ICU because of complications and are now running tests to see what may have caused this. I talked to him this morning though and he seems to be feeling much better. Prayers are always appreciated.

Sweet Dreams,

-C

Normally it's the other way around...

Normally my husband is the one who's up late. Lately I haven't been able to kick this crazy sleep pattern that I'm in. It's 1:15 a.m and I am WIDE AWAKE. I'm thinking about cleaning the downstairs while Colby is asleep.

There is something about being awake when everyone else in the house is asleep that I just don't like. I tend to be the one who's asleep fairly early, but on occasion have been known to stay up late. It's a lonely feeling for me. I do perfectly fine during the day when Colby is out to school, but at night it's so quiet and in my mind everyone I know is sleeping. Sometimes nights are the hardest. I miss my family very much, but haven't broke down. I'm looking forward to being able to see them very soon.

I start my job at the preschool on Monday. I thought for sure tonight I would go to bed around 10 p.m., and here it is going on 1:30 a.m. and I'm contemplating putting the DVDs in alphabetical order. If I continue writing this will be a bigger ramble session then it's turned out to be.

Good Night.

These are a few of my favorite things.

I must say that this is probably my favorite time of the year. It has been raining for a few days here in Washington and this morning when I woke up there was a big rainbow outside my bedroom window. This time of the year is so exciting because all the things I love are rapidly approaching.

September it starts getting cool again and I can wear long sleeve shirts and jeans. October is fantastic because I LOVE decorating and all the festivals that go on and the smells that go along with it: Caramel Apples, Cinnamon, Apple Cider, and Hazelnut. I LOVE fall. Colby informs me that we'll not have a "fall" here in Washington. I'm going to attempt to make it as 'fall' like as possible.

November- MY 25th birthday is coming up and I'm feeling like there might be a 'quarter life' crisis to go along with that. :) I told Colby that might include needing to buy a Mini Cooper. It's also Thanksgiving time- which will be a little sad this year considering we won't get our home cooked family meals. I think we have something planned for Thanksgiving though, we might go to Seattle. It will be our first Thanksgiving alone together and as nice as it would be to be with our families we are a family now so that will be nice.

December- What can I say?! I'm so excited for December because that means we'll be going back home. I'm so excited to see everyone again. I miss everyone SO much! And in January I'm going to Puerto Rico for 10 days! Amazing.

Char-Marie-1. Insurance Company- 0.

Since I was hospitalized in February I have been fighting with the insurance company to pay my medical bills to no avail. I had been calling every day and talking with "Jim" the insurance guy and really feeling like I was losing this major battle. Yesterday I awoke just like every morning and went down stairs to start the round of calls I would have to make that day to see if anything was being done. *Keep in mind this is more than 5 months later and the hospitals wanted their money...

I called my mom and discussed my options, my grandma called and I had another 'vent session', I talked to Colby in tears because I felt like I was at the end of my rope. We had just received another 500.00 bill to be paid upon receipt. One of those. I didn't know what we were going to do. Here I am looking for a new job in a new place, away from family and "Jose" from St. Joseph hospital wants his money, BUT "JIM" from insurance is giving him the finger and I'm trying to run intercept.

Well, I had just sat down to start filling out the complaint form against the insurance company, fully intent on running them into the ground... when Jim called,

JIM: "Hiiiii this is Jim (in a nasal-y voice) and I wanted to let you know that I did receive your fax and wanted to let you know that the claims department decided to pay 100%."

Just like that. Very nonchalant, like this life changing event didn't just take place in his little mind.

ME: "WHAT?! SHUT UP! Are you serious JIM!"

JIM: "Yeah. It should be going through sometime next week."

ME: "I LOVE YOU JIM! MY HUSBAND LOVES YOU JIM!"

JIM: "That's quite alright Ma'am"


That insurance company doesn't know how close that really was....Good job Jim, you saved your company.

Yeeessssssssssssssssssssssss!

I miss my girl!

As most of you know Maggie is my little lovebug. I love Macee an equal amount, but Maggie has grown to be very attached to her Auntie Bub. When I went down to Aurora to see the family everything would stop and she didn't pay attention to anyone else. Her second birthday is coming up and soon after she'll be moving back to Tennessee. I won't get to see the girls again until Christmas.

This is so HARD! Every time I call to talk to the family she finds out I'm on the phone and starts bawling. She tries to talk to me on the phone, but often it ends in tears.

Wa-Wa-Wa-Washington!!!

Colby and I are officially moved into our townhouse here on Washington State University Campus. I just have to say that I was a little nervous about being away from family, but I think we'll do just fine. It's so pretty here and the air is sweet. I definitely miss everyone, but right now there are so many things to do that I'm trying to keep my mind off of it.

I'm currently searching for a job. It looks like I might be a substitute teacher for the first year here in Washington, but maybe that's for the better. I'll have an opportunity to look into all the schools and see which school I'd like to be a part of next year.

Colby and I set up his studio here on campus tonight. He's got a pretty sweet little space. I'm extremely proud of him.

*I'll be posting pictures periodically.

Leaving on a Jet Plane....

Just a quick little note to let everyone know what's going on.

I am leaving in five days to move across the country to Washington. It's getting very real very quick. I will still be blogging when we get to Washington. I will post lots of pictures. The blogging will be more frequent there because I know my family will want to know what's going on.

See ya!

You say Worshington, I say Washington...

This weekend we had a going away party at my in-laws house. We had a fish fry and everyone came out to party with us before we left- It was a good time had by all. After everyone had been talking for a while my mom spoke up:

MOM: "So Char, you're going to Pullman, Washington, not Pulling?"

Me: "Mom, are you just figuring this out?"

Mom: "Well I thought that's what you've been saying."

Me: "No mom. We're going to Pullman, not Pulling."

Mom: "I didn't say Pulling. I said Pullin'. "

Me: "Oh, I'm sorry, drop the G. We're moving to Pullman, Washington mom. Not Pullin' Worshington!"


You gotta love her!
I love you Mimsy!

Back to School...

So, summer school has started. I went from fifth graders who know how to use the restroom properly to preschoolers....That's right folks I said it, PRESCHOOL!!! Yesterday was my first day and I was a little excited about having the younger kids again, but after the my day was over I was questioning if I even wanted to have my own children. I forgot how exhausting it was to have the little ones. I MISS my fifth graders. I think I'm a fifth grade teacher at heart.

And the school year comes to an end...

Sometimes we're meant to reach certain people in our lives. I feel that I've accomplished that task with a few of my students and even if it's only a small few it is very worth the effort. Friday was my last day of school with my kids and it was a very sad day for me. It turned out to be a sad day for all of us. From the moment the kids strolled in on Friday morning one of my girls burst into tears... I had been crying the night before and early that morning. It was a feeling of pride/sadness my chest felt like it had been put in a vice grip.

By the end of the day we were all crying, boys included. I will miss this group of kids SO much. They've definitely left their mark on me, I can only hope they'll look back on fifth grade and remember me. They're writing me through e-mail right now, but they have my new Washington address on stationary that I got for them so they can send me snail mail. I still have a teacher from 3rd grade that I write back and forth with. She's partly responsible for my career path.

Across the Universe....

On another note.....

My wonderful husband got accepted into grad school. As of now it looks like we'll be headed to Pullman, Washington. I'll keep updating-- Wish us luck!


Char-Marie

A thinner me....

Alright let's see.... I know what you're going to say, "YOU SAID YOU'D BE START WRITING EVERY NIGHT!!!" Well you probably wouldn't be that distraught, but I can pretend.

I've been through A LOT the past few weeks. I just got out of a two week stay in the hospital and it was extremely rough. I got sick on February 10th and two days later I was admitted into the Butler Hospital with a extreme viral infection. I was supposed to be getting better with the fluid they were giving me, but I got a lot worse that night and by the next evening I was taken by ambulance to a Kansas City hospital where I stayed 8 days. Within 20 minutes of being there they told my family that I was dangerously low on potassium. *kidney failure/brain damage low. While I was in the hospital I lost 20 pounds and threw up everyday....I went through rigorous tests and my white count fell to 2000, the normal amount is 5000. When I was released I was taken to my parents house to "recover" *because my husband had to work and couldn't be home with me* While I was home I started throwing up again and was back in the hospital the next day. I spent 7 days in that hospital as well. I continued throwing up all through that hospital stay as well and they ended up having to give me a nasal gastric tube.... Which is a polite way of saying they greased up a tube and shoved it up my nose and down into my stomach. It was the most horrible experience I've ever had and it makes me anxious even thinking about it.

I had my stomach pumped through my nose because all that time of being sick and in bed my stomach stopped working because all that time I wasn't eating. To make a long horrible story short.......I'm so glad to be back on the road to recovery.

One and Two and Three and....

Dear Readers,

Ok ok.... I know I wasn't back every night like I said I would be, but this is a start right? Thank you for the comments, I really had thought everyone had forgot about this site! I've been stretching like I said I would be and although it's tough right now, a positive mental attitude is really what I need to get me through. Sometimes I feel horrible about even complaining and many nights I've stayed awake crying because I know that SO many more people have pain much worse. I am my own worst enemy at times.

One thing I know for sure is that without my amazing husband I would be in a much worse shape. He is absolutely my saving grace. He has stayed up with me night after night, he pushes me to my limits, and I adore him. I am a lucky woman, blessed in so many ways.

My families... Mom, Dad, Mary Beth, and Bryan are also a huge support.

xxox,

Char-Marie

Macee Scott

Back Pain, Shmack Pain....

Dear Readers,

It has been a long time since I've written in my blog. I know I say this all the time, but I've been so busy. Tonight I was sitting on the couch like I have been the past few nights and realized...this isn't busy! I have been extremely sick this month and am feeling better now, however, I haven't had time to really rest since I've gone back to work. I have really been struggling with my back pain lately. I sometimes feel at the end of the my rope with it. I've been to doctor after doctor, had injection after injection.....this February will be one year of dealing with this pain- that NEVER goes away. It has been constant since the first time it started hurting. I don't know what the doctors are going to do, but I am trying to trust that they will figure something out. I think I might start updating every night...For a while this may be the most boring posts ever, but I'm going to use this for an outlet.

In family news - Colby and I will be expecting to find out whether or not he's made it into grad school in the next week or so. We'll be hearing from 2 schools. The other schools will follow later on next month.
UPDATE: Stori has had her 2nd baby Macee Scott and she is adorable. She looks just like her momma. Life seems to be flying by.

I'm having a great time with my students and learning more about myself every day :)

xxox
Love,

Char-Marie

Miss Magpie is One!

Maggie turned 1 this August, and she is now talking and walking up a storm! She's my little lovebug! She's Adorable! She's going to be a lamb for Halloween!

Few and Far Between

I realize my posts are few and far between, I apologize! I've been busy busy, it's almost parent teacher conferences, I'm so nervous! I absolutely love my job- the kids are great. I have pictures uploaded to my computer now so I'll show you a few of Colby and I' s little house.

This is our Retro Kitchen. I love it!






This is our living room. One good way to describe how big our house is, is to tell you that we can vacuum all of our bedrooms/living room from one electric outlet..... :)

Yesterday

Ahh the weekends... Yesterday I woke up early to greet my parents in the lawn of our new house. It was the first time my dad had seen it, and I think he really liked it. Mom and I went downtown , where they happened to be projecting "Latin music" over our quaint little square. We danced around to each shop and stopped into the sweet shop, an old fashioned ice cream parlor. After taking the parents to the in-laws I had the bright idea to go to the wine cellar in town and do a wine tasting..... BIG, H U G E .... Mistake

Long story short- Later on that evening my husband was driving us home while my mom was hanging out the back window dry heaving... Ahh the weekends..

Update!!

Dear Readers,

I've been getting little comments and I'm excited that you all are still interested in my small life! I've been such a busy girl since getting married, and starting my career. This is the fourth day of school and I feel like I'm already buried under stacks of paper. My class seems to be pretty well behaved, but I think we're still in the honeymoon stage. This weekend Colby and I might go for a 40 mile bike ride on a trail here in Missouri. 40 miles one way....I wonder if they make those seats that small kids ride behind their parents in- in a larger size? Colby wouldn't mind.

Colby and I are doing fantastic he's starting to look into Grad schools to apply to this December. Some of the places include: Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, Chicago, IL, and a few others.

I hope everyone is doing well! Thanks for sticking with me.

Hello again! It has been awhile since I've updated. Colby and I just moved into our first home and it is so cute. I'll eventually post pictures of it, and more pictures of the wedding. I'm exhausted it's been 100 degrees and SO humid, but most of the heavy lifting out in the heat is finished. This is short, but it's nice to have updates.

Until then.....

Love,

Char-Marie

I'm still here.

So it's been a long time, I'm well aware. I've been crazy busy, until now. Up until the wedding I was running around chasing my shadow- I had school and graduation, bachelorette party, rehearsal, WEDDING, then off to sunny Florida for our honeymoon, which was amazing. As soon as we got back from the honeymoon I started teaching summer school. Since summer school has been over, I've been sitting around trying to figure out what to do with my time.

Soon we'll be able to start moving in to our house, and in August I'll be able to get into my classroom and start moving everything around. Exciting stuff. When Colby and I get our house and have the Internet, I'll be able to write more often. I'll leave with this picture of Colby and I at the wedding. I'll add more pictures later on, the wedding was BEAUTIFUL!!

Not a Pill Popper...

So about three months ago I really hurt my hip and have been having problems with every day routines like bending over to tie my shoes. I did go to the doctor and received a steroid shot and some anti-inflammatory medicine. I quit taking the medicine even though I wasn't supposed to, because it was inconvenient. The pills were way too big and I can barely watch someone take pills! I was splitting them in half with a spoon or some other tool that was handy at the time, but I would forget to bring the spoon and forget to take the medicine. Tonight I was reading on the computer trying to do a self diagnosis when Colby walked in the room. He stood there reading over my shoulder and then he said, "See Char-Marie it says: It is important to know that the anti-inflammatory medication is not for pain relief, but to reduce the inflammation in the joint. Do not stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to do so or it will (basically) NOT WORK." I looked at him and told him that the pills were just too big and blah blah blah..

He came back 5 minutes later with most of the pills (and there are A LOT!) from the bottle split into perfect halves. "Now there is no excuse not to get better." Everyone needs that person in their life that will chop their pills in half. I'm a lucky girl...

Life

Life is way too short. One of the kindergarten students at my school was just diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Her mother found a lump on her abdomen and took her to urgent care, a couple hours later they were on a helicopter to St. Judes. The cancer is in her liver, and her lungs. My heart is broken for her and her family. Please pray for them!

It really makes you want to sit and evaluate your life, are you living it to the fullest? I take for granted so many things in my life, I can't imagine someone being fine one day and having stage 4 cancer the next. The doctors think she has probably had it since she was three, but she's never really been sick. They say it went through a growth spurt within the past 2 months. I don't even know what to say.

Wish List

The other day I walked into the IPA Educational Supply Store.....*Cue the singing from above...* It was amazing. I'm definitely starting to feel like a real teacher. Seriously, for instance the other day when the toilet paper ran out I thought to myself: Could I use this roll for something? I think about that with everything now.

Tonight for an entire hour I made a wish list of all the things that I want for my classroom off of the IPA website. Just for fun I thought I'd link it to my blog.... : )

Feel free to scroll through!

http://catalog.ipaeducational.com/find_wish_list.php?email=ldybug02@gmail.com


Have fun!

Are you smarter than a fifth grader?

Alright I know I've been away for awhile, but give me a break! Since I've last blogged I have accepted a job teaching 5th grade near Kansas City, MO. I'm super excited, but a little nervous. I haven't stepped foot in a fifth grade class since I was in fifth grade! The only thing I can remember about fifth grade was that our class pet was a Madagascar hissing cockroach.

I'm going to make it, but may not make it out with any hair. I've already started buying things to get my room ready. I thought in the beginning that I would have a kindergarten class, but it turns out fifth grade was in my future. So I'm stuck with Dr. Seuss, I hope fifth grade likes the theme....because I have lots of cute-sy stuff. Ehh.. So if you find something you'd just LOVE to contribute to my room I'd be delighted! I'm so extremely excited, nervous, and anxious all in the same breath. Wish me LUCK...I'll need it.

YeeHaw

I know it's been a long time since I posted, but I have been so busy with school stuff and wedding stuff! The girls have been fitted for their dresses and now we're basically just waiting for the day! I am extremely excited about getting everything started.

I have received a few e-mails asking me how kindergarten is going now that I'm in charge- it's going fantastic! I love being at school it doesn't feel like just another job. One little boy at recess today grabbed my hand as we were walking outside and said, "Miss can we talk?" I said of course we can. He said, "OK, what do you want to talk about?" I replied: anything you want. He was holding my hand looking at my ring and talking about what a pretty ring I had. He wanted to talk about everything under the sun. We played I spy, and he told me about his business he was going to open up called FAMILY FUN. I told him that was awesome and could he please hire me someday? He said, "Sure Miss, but if you die before it opens then you can't work there." To which I replied, "I'll try not to do that!"

Today I was offered my very first teaching position- 2nd grade. I'm giving it a few days and making sure that's what I want. EXCITING!!!!!

Oy!

This week was my spring break, and I've really done nothing, but work on lesson plans, papers, resume, etc... I'm getting very stressed out because Tuesday is career day at Missouri State, and I will be able to interview with lots of school districts. I'm afraid I'll sit down to interview and completely blank... 5 years of college, huh?

I'm completely excited about the wedding, everything is coming together so nicely! I have the best family in the world. My parents are helping me out tremendously! I couldn't be more happy. I'm doing dress fittings Tuesday with the girls, and we're sending out invitations this week! Colby's birthday is on Wednesday, and my teacher's last day is Wednesday too. I'll be taking over the kindergarten class all by my lonesome starting Thursday! Wish me luck!

This was a very random post.... I realize.

Now I'm Crying My Heart Out Over You...

My intention tonight was to tell this funny story about one of my students, but sometimes life gets in the way and I'm not in the story telling mood any longer. Instead I'll tell you about my day. It started off fine, I went to school, did the routine and everything was fine. I decided that I would go and visit my mom and dad after school, because I'm leaving to see my sister in Tennessee this weekend for spring break. We sat outside by the fish pond, and drank sweet tea and I told them my funny story about my students, we had dinner, and I helped my dad with computer issues.

last As I was getting ready to leave my dad handed me two CDs and told me that he thought I might like them. My mom had picked me flowers from the front yard before I left and I had them sitting with me as I drove. Immediately popped the cd into the player in my car. The very first thing I hear is my Uncle Daddy's voice- I lost it. I miss so much hearing his voice, and seeing his face. The whole time I was thinking about growing up with the music, Saturdays were not complete around our house without the usual jam session. I replayed those memories in my head while I was driving listening to his voice, I would not be the way I am today without the music. I surround myself with things that remind me of those times, when I'd mingle around with my friends who were always invited. I never once stopped to think that this could be thetime I heard it. Sometimes it sucks to get older, everything eventually becomes the past and that is at times- so hard to swallow.

Weddings are Exhausting.

This will have to suffice for now. I have a funny story to post tomorrow! I'm too tired now to sit and write it all out. I had to entertain myself while I was shopping for wedding stuff today, I just happened to have a camera.

I am Weary....Let me rest

So I'm still not doing fantastic with the picture thing, but who's counting? I have been battling a horrible hip problem for the last month or so and it's pretty much becoming unbearable. I went to the chiropractor thinking that would be a quick fix, but nothing has worked. Muscle relaxers... Not working. It seems that I have a problem with my SI joint. Here's the deal, every time I am sitting I want to cry. I feel like there is a pair of scissors stabbing my lower back/hip area. If I'm sitting and I stretch out my leg, my toes go numb. Standing and stooping with tiny people all day isn't helping the matter. It's time to go to the bone doctor.... Wish me luck.

Kiss Me I'm Irish!

Ok ok so I skipped a couple of days.... Maybe this portrait thing will be every other day or when I have time. Anyways, here's my newest picture. Happy St. Patricks Day!!! I forgot to take my camera to the bar with me, but that's alright because I probably wouldn't have known how to work it. It was a good night...

Picture 2

Just another day.

#1 as promised...

Alright here is the first of many daily portraits. This was after a long day with the kiddos. It's 7:00 right now and I've already had dinner, taken my shower, and am in my pajamas. Ahh the life I lead.

The Couch Can Make You Smarter...

So today I was sick. I have been battling something this whole weekend, and today decided I couldn't hang out with the kindergartners. Instead I made a nice indention in the couch for more than half the day. It's surprising the things you can learn while on the couch by yourself!

I learned...

1. the sexiest two things about a women in the eyes of a man is her touch and her breasts... Thank you Greg Behrendt.
   
2. that milk probably isn't the best think to drink when you can't breathe.
   
3. the neighbor next door loves to listen to Metallica early in the morning while running up and down the stairs.
   
4. someones missing some quarters. Finders keepers!
5. watching Tyra makes your I.Q. drop a few points.
6. that you'll never fall asleep and forget the pizza in the oven again. The smell stays with you forever.
7. that if you like licorice travel to China, they have a tree that produces a seed that tastes the same. Don't thank me, thank Martha Stewart for that one. I can't take credit.
   

Project 365

OK, I've decided that I'm going to do a little project. Mainly just for fun I'm going to take one photo a day- a portrait- if you will... I'm going to apply one a day to my blog just for the shits and grins. I will start this project tomorrow to let my camera charge and then we'll see how long I can keep this going. Could be fun. Today I'll just post a picture that I have on my computer.



This picture is shortly after Colby proposed. Everybody now: Awwwww!

Da Dumm Da Dummm

This weekend we went to Butler to have our engagement party. I had a blast! We all had so much fun! Colby's mom, Mary Beth, had a Hawaiian themed party and everyone dressed up and had a great time. I am finally getting the finishing touches on the wedding details.

Things done:

1. The wedding will be held at Garden of Dreams.
2. I have a lady helping us with the catering.
3. I picked out the tuxes on Saturday, they're Ralph Lauren....and they're hot!
4. The DJ is scheduled and ready.
5. Invitations were set to print today and will be finished by the 21st of this month.
6. I picked out the flowers for the bouquets today!
7. Cake is ordered.

Now I need to get the girls together to pick out bridesmaids patterns/ or dresses...and we're ready for this wedding!

An Update for my Biggest Fan

So this weekend is almost gone, and I'm finishing up the last loads of laundry as I get ready to tuck myself into bed. The weekends pass by so quickly! Colby and I went downtown today and he took photographs of me- if they turn out well I'll post some of them. It was just for fun, we walked all over downtown and it was FREEZING! They were all shot with black and white film, so hopefully my cold red nose won't show up.

I've decided that for spring break this year I'll be headed to Clarksville, TN to visit Miss Moo, my sister, and my brother-in-law. Stori and I are going to go to Nashville shopping for the wedding. Stori is just going to buy her dress rather than have one made so we'll be doing lots of shopping. I'm excited about having a break, the kids are fantastic, but I am SO tired! It's 10 now so I'm going to get the pajamas on and go to bed.... I feel so old. ;)

Introducing: Miss Maggly Gigglebutt

This is Maggly Gigglebutt. Every day she becomes more and more like her mother: drooling, making funny noises, cries when she hears the vacuum. Every day she looks more and more like her Auntie- Beautiful, so sweet, has the 'family thighs'.

I love my family!

An Endless Sea of Questions

Once again, I'm sick. I feel terrible, like I have two big bowling balls in my chest! Now this would be fantastic if they were in the forms of boobs, but it's not even like that. I have a chest cold and in return it has cost me my voice. Tomorrow I have to teach the kindergartners all by my lonesome, and they're definitely going to take advantage of this fine opportunity.

Sometimes I feel so claustrophobic in the middle of all of them, they swarm you and overwhelm you with a million questions that have absolutely nothing to do with the task at hand. "Whens snack? Do you like diamonds? I got new bunk beds this weekend. Want to come and see? Psst here's my phone number".... And I replied, "Am I supposed to call you?" She said, "Yeah, you know to talk and stuff."

I'm tired.

That's My Name, Don't Wear It Out!

Two days ago I had recess duty and I was standing out in the blistering cold looking around at all the kindergarten kids, when one small boy walked up to me, and this conversation ensued:

Kid: Who are you?
Me: Miss *****.
Kid: Oh, I think you're pretty...
Me: Huh?
Kid: I said I think you're pretty! I mean, well, actually I think you're HOT!
Me: What?!
Kid: Every time I see you I'm going to call you Miss Hottie! Miss Hot that's your name.
Me: Go play.

Not one minute later he comes back with his kindergarten gang.

Kid: (pointing at me) See that's the one, the one I call hot. I think you're hot, Miss Hottie!
Me: You're SIX- GO PLAY. My name is Miss ****!

This kid was a kindergartner! What is this world coming to?

Who Needs America's Next Top Model?

Where else could you feel this fantastic? I absolutely love my kindergarten classroom. I walk in to pick up the kids around 8:30 from the gym and all I hear is, "Miss *****! You look so pretty today! Yes, you look beautiful. I love you." I feel like a supermodel every time I come into school. They all want to hold your hand, carry your things, do anything in the world to please you.

The teacher I'm working with right now has breast cancer, and she is a HUGE inspiration to me. She has two young daughters, and is a fantastic teacher! She is all about the students, even though she should be staying home so she doesn't catch anything. Soon she'll be done with chemotherapy and have to have surgery, if anyone is reading this please send your thoughts and prayers to her and her family.

Sleep Deprived

I am finally done with Wal-Mart...for the time being. I now can focus my time on the wedding and my kindergartners. Yes, I have kindergarten-again. I was supposed to be placed in a fifth grade classroom, but that didn't work out either. I LOVE the school I'm in now, the staff is fantastic, and everyone is so nice. Plus I am able to be around a lot of student teachers and see how everything is going for them as well.

On a different note: I took my sister back to Kentucky Friday. I am absolutely exhausted- I had a great time while I was there, but the drive completely wore me out. I miss my Miss Moo SO MUCH! I have some new pictures to post of her and I will very shortly. She's a love.

Yeah...

Student teaching. Student teaching. Student teaching....This week I started student teaching with a first grade class. Upon entering the building I knew it wasn't going to be very good. The first day not one single person spoke to me. At lunch I felt like the kid who got picked last for dodge ball, I sat there all alone looking around and no one introduced themselves or even smiled at me. The teacher I was helping informed me that she was a perfectionist, and I realized then this is my hell. Things went on and now I'm no longer in that room. I'll now be transferred to a fifth grade classroom. There is much more to this story, but its not worth going into right now because I'm getting ready to eat and I'm watching House.

It's the small things that make my blood boil.

The most annoying sound quite possibly could be the sound of a muffled crunching of a 300lb man stuffing popcorn into his mouth. It's a horrible sound!All you can hear is the crunch and a nasally whistle he creates because he cannot take his hand from his mouth long enough to breathe. I was graced with this sound tonight... Yes ladies and gentlemen, I was at the movie theater watching a fantastic movie, that was ruined by six teenage girls who need their mouths washed out with bleach and a brillo pad, and the man who had the never ending tub o' popcorn. I think i'll start watching movies on dvds.

Wedding Woes

Last night I stayed up because I couldn't sleep, I kept thinking about wedding details... I'm terrified that we'll end up putting the planning off so long we'll be getting married in someones apartment-probably mine.

There are SO many things to consider when planning a wedding. I've looked at so many places to possibly have the wedding: Parks, Hotels, Chapels, Churches, Fields... Then you have to think about well, Is it going to rain? Then you need tents-$800 tents. If its outside you need tables, chairs, linens...dance floors, air conditioning...

If it's inside-is there enough room? Do we have to drive forever from the wedding site to the reception site. How much will it cost to just get married? $900 for 3 hours...

This is so stressful... Every place has the goods....but most have the bad as well... Only time will tell.

Lindsay Call Me! I'm drowning in wedding plans, and I may not make my way out of this one!

Bald is Beautiful

Enough Said.

Shit Storm

Wow! We were really hit hard! Yesterday I called in to wal-mart so I could go and help my parents, who's power could possibly be out for two weeks. I brought the guys with me and we used the chainsaw to get rid of all the branches and trees blocking the house. It was really difficult to even get to my parents house. Every road had down power lines, so we took a major detour. IT was absolutely freezing at home, they eventually got a generator so the blower on the fireplace can warm the house a little. The toilet seat was FREEZING!

Right now on t.v we're watching a "special report" that interrupted Bob Barker! Apparently we're under a boil order, and there have been a ton of people breaking in to different shops and stealing things... People are terrible.

Walking in a Winter.....Death Trap.

Alright, from those of you who do not live in
or around Missouri, I'm sure you've heard of
our hellacious ice storm that hit us this weekend.
Colby and I went walking around and here are some
of the photos I've taken. The rest of the photos can
be accessed by clicking on the sidebar flickr pictures.

Updates

Towards the bottom of the page I've added photos, I've been meaning to post those for a long time, but didn't really get around to it. I'm just sprucing the blog. It's definitely not as fantastic as some, but I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to Html, and CSS.

This will have to do for now. Thanks for sticking around.

All Work and No Play...

I've decided to give Wal-Mart the finger. Well, not entirely...I'm going on leave of absence for student teaching. I'll start said leave of absence on February 2nd. I'm very excited because although I'll still be in working at student teaching, I'll not really be working.

I'm very excited, this semester is going to fly by with teaching, planning the wedding, engagement parties, wedding showers, the wedding, actually getting married, the honeymoon, and moving to actually start our lives.

So yeah, I'm giving wal-mart the finger...

Boom!

Lets take a journey into the past shall we? Close your eyes and imagine a very awkward 10 year old girl. This girl wore pants with the elastic band that went around the bottom of the foot, I believe they're called stirrup pants, her hair was short and she usually looked as though she went through a shit storm before school everyday. During her free time she would get together with her best pal, who also wore stirrup pants...Sorry Linz. They concocted great things together.

Shampoo that we assured was not tested on animals, rather my little sister, Stori. We made a volcano and blew it up in third grade, and experimented with a bottle warmer in fourth grade.

Lets jump back to the present. A few mornings ago I was so thirsty the first thing that came out of my mouth when Colby got out of bed was, "I need a drink. Juice, the cranberry-grape kind. Please." Like a wicked cool fiance he ran downstairs and came back with a glass of juice. I drank some and finally got out of bed, the juice held close to me like a squirrel holds his last nut. I took the juice to the computer room and proceeded getting ready for work. The next day I went about the same routine, but the nice glass of juice I had left on my desk was no longer nice. A large mushroom cap of mold had begun to grow.

Now, we all know that it takes at least a week before your juice begins to grow legs and walk, so I thought: If this happened in one day, what could happen in one week... The little girl in me laughed because she knew Linz would be proud.

One week to the day I decided it has started to get out of hand and added water to it with the intention to pour it down the bathroom sink. As soon as the water hit it started to smoke. My 'OH SHIT' sensor went off and my first instinct was to dump it down the toilet, close the lid, and flush. Immediately afterward I heard this huge explosion and remembered what the teachers had said about- Tuck and roll...or was that someone else? Anyhow I screamed for Colby and he came running up the stairs unaware that I had just about blew away the top floor of our townhouse.

I stood outside the door only peeking around the corner every now and again. Colby was very confused to the situation. I'm definitely going to try it again.

Goody Goody Gumdrops...and stuff.

Yes it is! As I was walking the mall humming, "War, huh yeah, what is it good for? Absolutely Nothing...yeahhhhhhh WAR...." I don't know why it was in my head, just go with it.

I noticed Starbucks and thought man wouldn't it be.....Then I saw it. A huge chalkboard that said It's BACK! The Cinnamon Dolce Latte! I made a U-turn right into Starbucks. I wasn't even thirsty, but that's what it does to me. They said would you like to try it with the sugar free syrup and I was disgusted they would even suggest such a thing...

I WOULD LIKE A TALL CINNAMON DOLCE LATTE WITH SUGAR....LOTS AND LOTS PLEASE!

I even carried on a conversation with the coffee barrista about how excited and thankful I was that they had it back. He told me they had boxes and boxes of it and I thought I might just have a seizure right there in line I was so happy!

So who wants to hold up Starbucks with me?

Sorry Dad.

So I ventured to the mall today and picked up some much needed accessories. I think accessories really make the outfit. I bought two necklaces, one pair of red hoops, and some head bands, ohh and a really cute wide black belt to go on the outside of this white button down shirt that I bought.

I've said it many many times, and I'll say it again- I hate going to the mall. Especially by myself. I left this morning to run errands for my wicked cool fiance, and go shopping and I just didn't feel like getting 'ready' I didn't look the part to go shopping. I had an old t-shirt with my college logo, and my MOST FAVORITE PAIR OF JEANS the ones with the holes in each knee. These jeans were not bought with holes, they have evolved into what are now my most favorite, comfy pair of jeans. If my dad were reading this he'd cringe.

Growing up if I had a shirt or jeans with a hole, even if it were a very small hole, somehow he'd manage to hook it with this finger and proceed to rip it as we walked by him. He always said that his girls would not walk out of the house with holes in their clothes-"You look like a rag doll" he would say.

Ironic?`

Last night I was really hungry so I made a frozen pizza and had some french fries.... ITS HORRIBLE, but I did it. Then I walked over to the magazines and picked up beauty and fitness, a bridal magazine. It didn't even occur to me what I was doing until I was flipping through the pages and found the 'diet' portion of the magazine.

I sometimes feel like I'm waiting for my motivation, even though I feel like that should have been...Hey fat ass, you're getting married!

I'm going shopping.

Little Black Dress

There are times in our lives when we'll wear little black dresses right? I recently bought a "little black dress" It is SO cute, its a satin type of material, with a v-neck, and drops down low in the back. I was going to wear it for new years, but chickened out. I'm always doing that, I feel like since I'm already a freakish six foot tall, why add heals and a "little black dress"? I think I'm going to take it right back to the mall and exchange it for some student teaching clothes....Growing up sucks.