The Pullans

My baby girl turned one!

2011-01-11T19:40:00.001-08:00

As you can see Chloe has some pretty proud parents. I always knew that I wanted to have children and I knew that I would love being a mother. After a year with Chloe, I found it to be more amazing than I could imagine. Everyday there is something about her that makes me realize how lucky I am to have her. Now don't get me wrong she is by no means perfect, but she is perfect to me. Chloe has her moments....especially when teething or tired, but for the most part she is a pretty good girl. She is really turning into a funny little girl which I am pretty sure she gets from me! She does little stuff that is so ornery and then just laughs. I have to admit that I love it and I am sure that there are things she does that I shouldn't laugh at but you know what, I just can't help it!

Everyday I have questions about what I am doing and what I should be doing when it comes to Chloe. I am a type of person that doesn't like to do things wrong, but that also doesn't obsess about maybe making a mistake or two. Parenting is not easy and I know when I didn't have kids I would often think "when I have kids...." This happened a lot when talking about my students or relatives or other kids I would see out and about. Well the truth is I had no idea what I was talking about then. It is so much different when you have your own. You love them so much and just want to do what is right. Now what is right is not always easy and I will be honest there are times that I take the easy route hate to admit it but I do. I am learning everyday how to handle different situations. I wouldn't change a thing about it though. Being a mother is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love my baby girl more than anything. It is a kind of love that you cannot explain but you know it when you see your baby for the first time. AMAZING!

I wanted to share a few wonderful things about Chloe. So as a couple of my friends have done I will share 12 things about Chloe that I think are pretty great. 12 for 12 months!

1. She loves to dance. (Her favorite song is the Ipad commercial song!)
2. If she could be naked all the time I think she would be one happy camper!
3. She wakes up with a smile on her face....if she can wake up on her own time and not mommy's!
4. She loves Bronson and gets this really high pitched scream when she first sees him.
5. Bath time is a lot of fun, for one she is naked and another she really likes being in water.
6. She LOVES books.....you know that I love this!
7. She gives great kisses!
8. She jabbers a lot which can be really fun to listen to.
9. She loves to play peek-a-boo.
10. She really likes being around other kids.
11. She likes to play ball which is awesome in mom and dad's book!
12. Whenever she laughs I laugh with her. The sound is so great!

So as you can see I think that Chloe Dawn is a pretty precious little girl. I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree...

2010-12-04T07:37:00.001-08:00

.....you're about to drive me crazy!
I really love the way you look
but oh how long the decorating took.
Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree
when will Chloe leave you alone?
I feel like all I do is groan.
Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree
I really do enjoy your glimmering
and really Chloe deserves the memory!
Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree
I guess I will love you anyway!

So not the way the song goes, but I am trying here!

What is that you say???? Free Photo Cards????

2010-11-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

As Christmas draws near so does the thought of decorating, buying presents, making goodies, and sending out Christmas cards. I love the holiday season and getting together with friends and family. It is such a wonderful time of year.

As I was thinking about my Christmas cards this year a friend of mine told me about what she was doing. I was super excited to hear about Shutterfly and their promotion on holiday photo cards. We just had family pictures taken at the end of September and I knew that I wanted to use a picture or two from there to make a Christmas card this year. Shutterfly is so awesome that I am going to get 50 FREE photo cards......that's right, I said FREE! So I am all about getting some free cards!

I have ordered from Shutterfly quite a bit and have always been pleased with their prints. I am super excited to make a photo book of Chloe's first year and our family pictures. I have also given gift certificates to Shutterfly as wedding presents and I am pretty sure that they have been a hit! I was also invited to a Shutterfly house party which was awesome as well!

Now when I started looking through the photo cards I was like how will I ever decide. Then I thought.....use my blog and let people vote. My friends put voting options on their blogs all the time and I think they get a lot of responses so why not me. So I have picked a few of my favorites out. Let me know what you think! I will take your vote into consideration! I know you will be anxiously awaiting for the mail to see which one I chose!!!

With a picture of Chloe in the middle of course!

Or.....

With a family picture on it.

Or........

With a bunch of different photos from the family photo day.

So what do you think???? Send me a message with your vote please!

Being a mother!

2010-01-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

So it has been two weeks since my precious Chloe was born. I have loved becoming a mother. I always knew that I wanted to be a mommy, but never did I think I would love it this much. I really don't know if there is anything better. I loved getting married and spending time with Dan because he is wonderful. There is just something different about being a mom. You have a connection with this little person unlike any other connection you have had in your life. Other than possibly the connection you have with your own mother. Which I have a great relationship with my mom. I think it has a lot to do with her that I love being a mother so much. I don't know that I can imagine a greater mom than my mom. It is her that has taught me to love and be the person I am today. I also feel that it is because of her that I am loving motherhood so much.

Up until today I have snuggled, loved, played with, and taken care of my sweet Chloe Dawn. I decided that I needed to do a better job about a routine. Not only for me and Chloe but for the sitter that she will go to in a little over a month. I had been told that Baby Wise was a great book to read and it will help your baby sleep through the night quicker. So today we started the eat, waketime, and nap. The eating and waketime was pretty good. I had a little trouble keeping her awake, but we did it. Then came the nap. You are just suppose to put the baby in the bed and let them fall to sleep. Well in order to do this there was lots of crying, Chloe and mommy. I had been pretty good not getting stressed and being patient through motherhood. Today was a different story. I am trying so hard to be strong, but when you hear that horrid cry from your daughter you just want to run and get them. It was hard, I think I was probably crying harder than she was. The first nap time did not go to well. She cried, and so did I, but finally fell asleep. The bad thing was she only slept for about 45 minutes. The second nap time has gone better. She has been sleeping for about an hour. It will be interesting to see how tonight goes!!

I am just asking that you pray for me. I am trying so hard to be strong, but it is quite hard!!!

Call Me Crazy!

2009-12-11T00:57:00.000-08:00

I was tagged (Thanks Whitney and Danavee!) and must share 5 compulsive obsessive traits. Honestly, I think I have a legitimate reason for all my traits so this was kind of hard! I will give it a try though.

1. When trying to fall asleep I have a little trick that helps me most of the time. I say this as I am up at 3 in the morning writing this blog! If I am having trouble I take one foot and place it on another and rub them together. It is something that soothes me a great deal and for some reason helps me go to sleep. I remember when I was younger and had to share a bed with my younger sister it would drive her crazy me moving my feet. A lot of times I can't go to sleep without moving my feet.

2. Every morning getting ready for school I have the exact same routine. If I go off of my routine it really feels like my day is just not going to go well. Here is a list of the order of my mornng: use the bathroom (for the 20th time within 7 hours!), turn on the shower water, brush my teeth, shower, make-up, dry hair, go get lunch and breakfast ready, feed Bron, straighten and fix hair, get dressed. If something gets mixed around I could almost freak out a bit. I guess that is probably going to change come next February. I will probably have to make a new routine.

3. I can't stand to be late! This is kind of an issue between Dan and I. I am really one of those people that gets to things on time. If I am suppose to be somewhere at 7, I will be there at least by 6:50. It drives me crazy to not be able to leave on time. I just think that if you know what time you need to be somewhere you should plan accordingly. And if you are going to be late, you need to let that person know. Dan is like we will get there when we get there. I do not have the same attitude. We have had many discussions about this. He knows that I kind of flip out and get stressed if I am going to be late so he has changed a little.

4. I can't stand chomping and bad manners. If someone is chewing gum and acting like a cow, I want to punch them in the face. It drives me crazy. I have really learned to try and ignore it, but I can't a lot of times. I have some people that are close to me that don't have the best manners and I have learned to just deal with it and not say anything. Although deep down I am going insane. I was just taught that you chew with your mouth shut and you don't chomp your gum. To hear that.......ughhhhhh don't even go there!

5. Now this is a nasty one and I can't believe I am sharing, but I it is 3 in the moring and I am probably a little crazy right now! I like to pop a good zit! I know, I know DISGUSTING, but I like it. There is something about seeing if you can hit the mirror with the crap that comes out! Dan doesn't understand why if he has one I want to pop it, but I do. You have to wait until they are ready to get a really good one. Don't get me wrong I don't pop everyones, just those that I am close to. Now that I have typed this I am thinking it is really gross, but oh well!

Now I want to tag Ashley and Sarah! Come on girls tell us your secrets!

Baby time soon!

2009-11-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

This is my belly at 33 weeks. Which means that I have about 7 weeks to go or less or more! This is becoming quite a scary idea. I have always loved babies and been around them quite a bit throughout my life. I always wanted to hold babies and love on them. It is something that I truly enjoyed. Now it is time to start thinking about me actually being the one that a baby relies on. SCARY! Before I could always give the baby back to mom or dad. Now it is going to be me that is mom. Oh goodness! I know that it will be a very trying time and that I have a lot to learn. I guess the part that scares me the most is that I know that I will have so many questions. Thank goodness for family! I know that I will be making lots of phone calls. Be ready mom! I don't want you to think that I am just scared, I mean I am but I am also super excited. I have always dreamed of being a mother and I know that it will be wonderful. I just hope that I can be a great mom. So in the last few weeks of pregnancy I am beginning to stress a little, but I know that in the end it will be one of the greatest things in my life!

Life stinks sometimes!

2009-09-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days when life just isn't as great as you would like? Well, today was one of those days for me. It is really hard for me to understand why it is that some people can be the way they are. I guess I have always tried to be a nice, kind person and tried not to be mean or hateful to others. Now I know that I am not perfect by any means, but I do try to be nice. Why is it that when you are trying to do good and do your job you can almost be put down by others for it? I don't understand. In many professions you get rewarded or praised for doing a good job and working hard. For some reason I feel like in education that when you work hard and put the extra effort in you get ridiculed by others. Why oh why would you want to be that way to someone? I just don't understand it at all. Can someone fill me in???

Oh wonderful blog!

2009-09-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

Dear blog,

I am so sorry it has been forever since I have touched your wall. I know that many wait and anticipate a wonderful piece of writing from me. Time has just been slipping away and I feel like I can barely keep my head above water at times. So please forgive me for I will soon be back to filling up your wonderful wall soon!

Love,
Andrea

TV star!!!

2009-07-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

I made my debut the other day on KY3! I know you are all really jealous and wish you were in my shoes. Let me begin with the story because I know that everyone wants to know how I can possibly have ended up on KY3.

My friend Casey sent me a message on Sunday asking me if I wanted to "go move that bus" and see Ashley Tisdale. To be honest I was like what the heck is she talking about. After I figured out she was talking about the Extreme Home Makeover that was close, I was like sure. I have a ton of other things to do, but what the heck something different to do. So we decided we would talk more about it on Monday. Well Monday comes and I was thinking that my nieces would love to see Ashley Tisdale. I made plans to get my niece Morgan later that afternoon, just kind of spur of the moment. I knew that Devyn and Sadey were going to be spending time with their cousin Jenna so I didn't ask them. Sorry girls! Anyway, I got Morgan and she was super excited.

Tuesday comes and so does the rain. Oh how I dreaded heading out in the rain, but I was game for Morgan mainly. The reveal was suppose to be at 2, but because of the rain they changed it to between 4-5. So we decided to meet around 3 and head out. Casey had talked her husband into driving us out there after he got off work. So we all load up in the truck and head out to the reveal. We get close and see all these signs that the concert was closed and that no parking was allowed. So we get to a corner that was about a mile and a half away from the house.

David dropped us off and we started hoofing it. Casey's son is only 3 1/2 so that was a really long walk for him. We hadn't gotten very far when Casey put Mason on her back. We were walking and see the KY3 car go by. Then we see that they have stopped up the road. They get out of the car with their cameras. Casey was like oh my gosh they are going to interview us. I was hoping that they weren't. I am not one to like to be on videos especially the news!

We get up to their car and they ask to talk to us for a minute. I try and stand to the side and let Casey steal the show, but she wasn't having that. They ask us a few questions and I was thinking oh my goodness this is kind of crazy. Of course though, we were a little excited. So we called our husbands and let them know so that it could be recorded!

It ended up that we did not get to Ashley Tisdale. The rain had caused problems with sound system so they had her perform in the garage so there wasn't a good place to see her. We did get to hear her, which I was happy about.

So if you didn't see it, you can go to the website below and check it out. We aren't on until the last few seconds of the video. It is funny now that I see it, I wish I would have had a different answer. Dan made fun of my squinty eyes, but that is how I look when I laugh so I can't do much about that!!

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/51348352.html

Summer fun!

2009-07-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it has definitely been a while! Summer is halfway over and I don't feel like I have gotten enough accomplished. Oh well, that is the way it goes!! Although I haven't gotten much accomplished, I have done quite a bit! Let me share.

The summer started off with a Memorial weekend at the lake. Unfortunately it rained the whole weekend, so there wasn't much lake time going on. The first two weeks in June I taught summer school. Yuck, I know, but it really wasn't horrible. I taught PE, how tough is that? Not tough at all and all the kids enjoy PE, so it went rather smoothly.

Our first little trip for the summer was an annual float trip with Dan's family. We went to the Buffalo river, which is a great place. The weather started out a little questionable with some rain, but ended up being ok. It did rain both nights which was not the most fun. I was having trouble sleeping anyway and the rain did not make it easier. I did get a lot of reading done though. Thank goodness for book lights, such a great invention!! The canoe trip itself was a little different than we are used to. We have always done a whole day one, but unfortunately the river was really crowded and we had to go on a shorter trip. It was kind of a bummer, but we did spend some time at the river just swimming around. All in all, it was a pretty good trip. I was a bit moody at times and I am sorry for that, but I guess that comes with the pregnancy!

Another fun topic of the summer, I am expecting a baby in December. Quite an exciting thing for Dan and I. We had been trying for a few months, but really just started hardcore in like February. I got pregnant in March. We both went to the doctor because we were going to get to hear the heartbeat. We got there and they couldn't pick up the heartbeat, which means they have to do a sonogram......darn the luck! It was amazing! I was so glad that Dan was there, something special for both of us to experience. So we got to see the little guy/gal moving around like crazy. It was really fun. I went to the doctor today and I got to hear the heartbeat. 150.....which could mean a girl. Who believes in that old wives tale??? I also took a little quiz online and it said a girl too. Anyone have any guesses as to what you think it is???!!!! We will find out in August, pretty excited about that.

Next big event of the summer, trip to Vegas!!!! Sounds like a blast right, well not when you leave from Springfield, MO!!! My sister turned 30 on July 4th. For her birthday she wanted our family to go to Vegas for a weekend. So we had it all planned out and everyone was pretty excited. So Friday comes and we are rarin' to go. My brother and sister-in-law come to pick us up and head to the airport. We get there and check in all goes great. Then we go to the terminal and it says our flight is delayed. No big deal surely it won't be long. About an hour later they get on a crappy intercom and tell us that they are having issues with the plane, but are working on it. An hour later, they start loading the plane, yeah! Oh but wait there are people coming back through the walk way. Other way people other way. No such luck, the plane is still broke. Ughhh!!! About two hours later they tell us that they can't get the plane fixed but there is another one on the way from Vegas. Great, no big deal, sucks but at least we will get there tonight. 4 hours later, they tell us the flight has been canceled. Come to find out, they never sent a plane from Vegas. They give us a $50 voucher for our next flight. Thanks a lot, we will really want to experience this again. So the next day we get there and we go to check in. We don't have a room, even though I had called and the airline had called and told them we will be there on Saturday. Are you flipping kidding me???? So frustrating. We end up with a room and then the trip begins to get better. We did some sight seeing, played some beer pong, well not me, and ate lots! All in all it was a pretty good trip.

We leave for another camp trip on Thursday. Should be a good time, a bunch of friends going. Maybe I will blog a little sooner this time. I promise to blog about the sex of the baby.

I tried to add pictures, but had some trouble so maybe next time!!!

Volleyball!!!

2009-03-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

Dan and I are playing on a volleyball team on Thursday nights. It is a lot of fun. We play with a pretty fun group and do a lot of laughing. Knowing Dan and I, you should know that we are quite competitive. Now not saying that either of us are really any good at volleyball because this is the first time that we actually played on a team, but we are about average. I have coached it for quite a few years and gained some experience with the game in that way and Dan is just pretty athletic. We have played four games and only won one. So knowing that Dan and I are so competitive and that another couple on our team are just as competitive, we are starting to get a little upset we're not doing so hot. Now I understand that we are just playing for fun and that it isn't always about winning, but I would like to end up with a 500 season. Is that asking too much??? Or should I just settle with a not so great season and try and put together a stellar team next year? Stellar to me would be pretty average, but they should know how to at least hit the ball! We are both really glad that we decided to play and really truly enjoy playing each week win or lose, but we are so ready to win a game! Please wish us all luck!

SO ready for spring break!

2009-03-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

So as you can tell I haven't had a lot to write about. Or is it that I have been pretty busy and just haven't had the time to write or maybe I have just been lazy. Hard telling!

This week pretty much made me realize that spring break needs to come and needs to come quickly. It was such a crazy week at school. The kids are feeling it and for sure Mrs. Pullan is feeling it too. I try and keep my cool and not get frustrated. I try and realize that they are kids and need to socialize. I try and remember that they are all hormonal at this age and are starting to really feel that. I try and think about what it was like to be in sixth grade. All these thoughts help me keep my patience for the most part!

So tell me, why is it that 6th graders don't realize that when Mrs. Pullan has asked them 10 times to sit down and they don't do it that she might get a little frustrated. Or why don't they think about how frustrating it is to repeat directions twenty times? Or why don't they see that if they don't stop talking for 10 seconds that Mrs. Pullan might blow a top? Why is that? Have they no idea how frustrating it can be at times to be a teacher???? Do they have any respect at all for adults??? I am beginning to wonder. So I think back to the above paragraph and try and remember that they are kids.

Spring break come soon, I am so ready!

A little game!

2009-01-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

Ashley and Danavee tagged me this blogging game so I thought I would join in on the fun! Here are the rules......

1. Go to fourth folder of pictures

2. Choose your fourth picture

3. Explain you picture

4. Tag four people

Here it is......my niece Morgan in 2005. It was in August and she would have been 4, almost 5. I am pretty sure this was taken at our family reunion. Not for sure what she was thinking there, but she has the prettiest blue eyes. Kind of a funny picture. So glad that this was the picture and nothing wild and crazy!!!

Okay, so I added my picture to the game. I am now tagging Sarah and Jessica. Sorry I only know those two other people that do blogs. I really think my sister Amy should start a blog!!!

Joke for you!

2009-01-14T18:18:00.000-08:00

After having a not so good day yesterday and just an ok one today, I talked Dan into taking me to Cielito Lindos for nachos and a margarita! We had a great time. It isn't very often that we take time from the week to do anything but go to the gym and do things at home. It was a really nice break from the week.

If you know us well, you know that this used to be a Friday night tradition that Dan and I had. We started this when we were first dating. We both love Mexican food and we had a place in Oak Grove (where I used to live) and then we had Cielito Lindos here that we would go every Friday. It was something that I looked forward to and enjoyed every Friday night.

Well on one of these occasions we ended up getting a little treat for the ride home. I don't know how many of you have been to Cielito Lindos, but at the register they sell Laffy Taffy. Dan and I both love our chewy sweet treats so we decided to get the bargin and get the 5 for a $1 special. On the way home, I started reading the jokes and for some reason they seemed really funny and stupid to us. There was one that I was laughing so hard that I was almost crying. Now I don't know if it is was the jumbo margarita or the joke itself. I do know that we went on to tell the joke to others. Unfortunately, neither of us can remember that joke today.

Tonight we got the special again. We were quite disappointed in the jokes this time and we started talking about the night I described above. Then Dan said I wonder if there is a website that has Laffy Taffy jokes on it. We were really wanting to remember the joke from that night. Guess what.......I found a bunch just by typing in a search for Laffy Taffy jokes! They are all so stupid, but at the right time, they can be funny.

Here are just a couple that made me giggle!!

What did the lamp say to the other lamp? You turn me on!!!!
How do you keep cool at a ballgame? Sit by a fan!
Why does a milking stool only have three legs? Because the cow has the udder!!

I guess maybe it was the margarita!!!! Still can be good fun. I think all my teacher friends would appreciate the stupid jokes as well!!!

A few pics from my time with the Herrolds!

2009-01-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

Dan and I headed to my parents on Christmas Eve. We stayed until Sunday, so we had a lot of time to spend with my family. It was wonderful. We did a lot of relaxing, playing cards, eating, opening gifts, but just being there is what I always enjoy the most. I miss my family so much and when we get to have these extended stays it just is so great. Everyone was there too, so that even makes it better. We have a pretty big family so when we are all there it is pretty packed, but we all get along so well that it works well. We do a lot of laughing whether it be because of something an adult said or because of something one of the kids did. It is just great fun. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family!

I had more pictures, but honestly I haven't figured out how to make a collage from more than one day! So I am missing a lot of my family in these but there are all the kids and my mom and sister. Sorry to the rest of the fam!!!

I also should have posted this one before my New Years one, but that is just the way it goes!!!

Bringin' in 2009!

2009-01-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

Every year the big question is what are you going to do for New Year's Eve. I don't know if it is getting older or what, but to me it just isn't as big of a deal as it used to be. Just something simple, yet fun is what I like. For the past two years, Dan and I have stayed at a house with family. We enjoyed both of those years, we always enjoy family time. This year we decided to do something a little different but not crazy. We went bowling. Dan and I both really enjoy bowling so when my friend Danavee mentioned it I was like that sounds like fun. We had a great time! I started the night out not doing so hot bowling like usual, but after I got my groove I was kickin some booty! I ended up bowling a 144 which for a lot of you that probably isn't that great, but for me it rocks! We played three games, laughed, told stories, and really enjoyed our night. At about 11:30 we decided to head out. By the way, for anyone that hasn't been to Battlefield Lanes in a while, it looks really good, lots of new stuff! We decided to just head back to our house to play the Wii. We got home with about 5 minutes before the clock chimed 12. We watched the ball drop and did a little "Happy New Year". It was very simple, but it was really a nice night. We played a few games and then Danavee and Kenny left.

For those of you that couldn't join us, wish you could have been there. Hope that you still had a wonderful New Year. I will try and share a few more stories than I have been!

Happy New Year!

First Thanksgiving at the Pullans!

2008-11-29T17:53:00.000-08:00

This year was the first year that I volunteered to have all of Dan's family to our house for Thanksgiving dinner. I don't know how many of you know this or not, but Dan and I really don't sit down and eat meals together. He usually doesn't eat supper until like 10 and I just can't wait that long and it is not good for me to eat that late. What I am getting at here is that I really don't cook all that often. I do bake cookies and make a few things here and there, but not on a regular basis. So I was a little nervous about making a Thanksgiving dinner. I decided to do a ham, potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, and pumpkin bars. It all ended up being really good, I was quite impressed that I could do all of that cooking. I always am in the kitchen with my mom at her house and help a lot in the kitchen, she has taught me so much about cooking. Thank goodness she was just a phone call away on Thanksgiving!!! Thanks mom! Libby, Dan's mom brought a turkey breast, dressing, and gravy. Sarah, Dan's sister brought cranberry sauce and pies. It was all wonderful! The only downer was that Bob. Dan's dad, was not home. We all missed him dearly. He was out on the rig working.

The day was so nice out that we played some whiffle ball and football. It was a beautiful day. The biggest hit of the day was playing the Wii. We all had so much fun. The kids really got into it as well as the adults! There is one game on the Wii fit that I had a horrible time with that night. It is a ski jump you have to squat down and then extend up and stay there until the skier lands. Well, I figured out tonight why I kept falling off the board......I was springing up to my toes and stupid me, you don't have to do that. I just could not figure that out on Thanksgiving. After tonight I hold the record for the longest jump...ha ha Dan! We aren't competitive at all! Ha! Ha! Anyone that knows either of us, knows that is not true.

Over all, Thanksgiving was great. I always miss my immediate family when I am not with them on the holidays, but I am so lucky to have the in-laws that I do. I know that Dan feels the same way about my family and I know it makes it easier on both of us during the holiday seasons. We are very thankful to have the families we do.

Our new Wii.....is it a good thing or bad???

2008-10-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

So last weekend, Dan and I were at my parents. My niece, Morgan has a Wii, so they brought it out so we could all play. Dan and I really enjoyed it, so we thought lets get one. We got online and were looking, but not a lot of luck. We had to stop by Wal-Mart on the way home so we just thought we would look. They actually had one, so we bought it. We played a couple times throughout the week. On Friday, Sam and Sarah came up for the night and we busted out the Wii. It was a lot of fun! The only thing about the Wii is that Dan and I are both super competitive! There were a couple times that night that I was like, I don't know if buying this was a good idea. You know when the competitive side comes out things can get crazy. We are trying to not let it ruin the game! Now I will tell you that I get pretty into playing. Especially tennis! So three times when swinging the "racket", I hit Dan in the arm!! It wasn't just a tap either, poor thing!

I have been looking online for a Wii Fit. I had heard they were hard to find. I don't know what is going on, but we went to Wal-Mart today and guess what........they had a Wii Fit! I was so excited! I got it out for a few minutes tonight.....figured my BMI.....yuck! I am really thinking that it will be a great workout. I can't wait to play some more!!!!

I'm sure there will be more Wii stories to come!!!

Did I really need to know that???

2008-10-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

So today I had a student, who I absolutley love, ask if he could go to the bathroom right before class. I always tell them to go before class and try not to during class. So he was walking to my room and asked to go. I said yes. Even after I had told him yes, no problem, he felt that he just needed to tell me he had a major wedgie he needed to fix. Now tell me, why did I need to know that? I did crack up and just said really not something you had to share. But it made my day!!!

Good friends and good times!

2008-10-11T18:33:00.001-07:00

Today, I finally got to go hang-out with some good friends! It has been forever since we could all get together and I am so glad that it worked that we could all meet at Old Chicago for lunch. There were many topics of conversation and I enjoyed each of them. I always enjoy a good laugh and I had a lot of those today. The food was good and I tried a new beer that was pretty tasty. I went later to get it at Brown Derby so that Dan could try it. We are enjoying a 6 pack while watching the Gators.
I just wanted to give a shout out to the girls and say thanks for a fun lunch. It was so wonderful to hang-out with all of you. I miss seeing you all everyday!! Maybe with the reconfiguration I can see some of you!!!

Oh and this one time I saw a tarantula and.......

Go Gators!

2008-10-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Arkansas this weekend watching the Gators win! All was good except for Alisha being scared of heights and us being on the 2nd to highest row. I felt horrible. When Dan and I looked at the seats online it looked like we were down a level. I am so sorry Trish!!! The game started out really chilly outside and I had major goosebumps for the first half. After that the sun finally came out and started to warm us up.

Check out the stud!!

2008-10-05T18:21:00.001-07:00

After showing my mother-in-law this picture and her comment about it being put in a magazine, I decided that it needed to be posted!!! I have always liked a man with nice arms.....good thing I found Dan!!!

Florida trip

2008-10-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

All was good until Florida, the weather was great, the company fun, and the Gators were playing.....until the end of the game! The game ended with a 31-30 score, Gators lost :( It was a sad day after that. Dan has been a Gator fan for years and really enjoys watching them win. On the occasion of a loss, it is not a fun time to be around Dan. I will say that he actually handled this loss pretty well. Which was a good thing considering I had to spend 13 hours in the car with him the next day. We had a great time even though the Gators lost. The drive home was on my birthday, I know a great way to spend it! I actually enjoyed it. Dan and I have been go, go, go for the last couple months. It was really nice to actually spend some time together. There was one glitch that got us a little nervous. We were driving through Atlanta and noticed we needed gas. We stopped at one gas station and there was a really long line. So we tried another one. NO GAS! We drove on and stopped at the next exit.....guess what.....NO GAS. We had to go a couple more exits and then we finally found one and had to wait in line for about 30 minutes. If you know anything about Dan, he is big on making good time, so this really bugged him. I was just glad not to run out of gas! They even had cops there controlling traffic because of the fights that have broken out because people were cutting in line. Crazy!

All in all it was a great trip! I got a couple of great pictures. We had really close seats. We are heading to Arkansas for a game this weekend! Go Gators! Hopefully they can pull this one off!!!

sitting in Mississippi!

2008-09-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here in a hotel room in Mississippi while Dan is still asleep. We are heading to Florida to go to a Gator game. We headed out last night and made it to Mississippi. The drive wasn't bad. Yesterday I was dreading it all day. If you know me, you know that I hate driving for long distances. I get really bored and my back/butt starts to hurt. I have plenty of padding, but my butt hurts! I have a book, Danavee and Ashley gave me some magazines, and I have the computer. So I actually didn't mind it too much last night. I didn't get to read for very long because I forgot my book light which I was really upset about. I even have two of them and I forgot them. We stopped for gas and were going to get something to eat. We saw a Wendy's but that didn't sound so great so we drove on thinking we would see something else. Guess what we didn't, so no supper for us. Luckily I had packed a lot of snacks and we just ate those. Healthier than fast food anyway!

I woke up at 5 this morning and really couldn't go back to sleep. I got my book and tried to read for a while, thinking that it might put me to sleep. I tried and had no luck. So I finally was like just get up and go workout. So I did. I am kind of mad at myself. On the one day of the weekend that I can sleep in, I can't. Arrgghhh....so frustrating. So I went and exercised for a bit. I feel good that I did now, but sleep would have been nice too. Now I wait until Dan feels as though it is time to get up. He said he wanted to leave by 9, it is now 8:35 and he is still in bed. I don't see the 9 o'clock thing happening!

I'm gonna take some pics at the game and try and get them posted next week.

Visualize it......

2008-09-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

.....walking into the gym tonight and looking through the window and seeing a yoga class going on. Yes Danavee and Whitney it brought back many great memories!!! We need to do another class, that was so much fun. For all of you that don't know, I took a yoga class with a couple friends last year. I have to tell you about my favorite part. At the end of class we would shut out the lights, lay back, and visualize! The teacher would talk in a gentle voice and talk about different things to picture. You are in a field of tall grass, there is a fence. Now picture a bush by the fence. Do you see the bird on the bush? After the visualization session was over she would ask questions. Like what kind of fence did you visualize? What kind of bird did you see? Now I really tried to get into this, but to be honest it was so very hard for me not to laugh. I don't know why but I just couldn't do this part of the class. So needless to say that really wasn't my favorite part, but the conversations that came after class with my friends made it so great!

Who let the dog go?

2008-09-14T18:59:00.001-07:00

Just thought that I would ease everyones minds and let you all know that the black rottweiler is no where to be found! One day Dan and I saw him off his chain running around with another dog and now we don't see him tied up anymore. My guess he either ran away or had to taken away because he attacked someone!! I hate to say it, but I do feel a little different when running now. I know that all of you worry your little hearts out about it so I thought I would let all of you relax now!!!

If you were stranded on a desert island.....

2008-09-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

...and could only take two foods what would it be? So this is always a very simple question for me. I answer without too much thinking. Cheese and chocolate chip cookies (homemade). You need to know this in order to appreciate my quick story. Dan and I went to Kansas City this past weekend to go to a birthday party and we stayed with my sister. It was a great time. On the way home from my sisters a couple weeks ago, we stopped at Osceola Cheese and got some smoked cheddar cheese. It was fantastic! I loved smoked cheddar. We bought some at Wal-Mart after that and it just was not near as good. So after a little begging, Dan finally said that we could stop again. Ok, really not that much begging but just had to say that. I ran in to get some smoked cheddar cheese while Dan waited in the car. Well, I don't know if you have been there, but it is so full of cheese you don't even know where to begin looking. I knew exactly what I was looking for and since Dan was waiting I went straight to the smoked cheddar. I was looking at the prices and the sizes and thinking that I won't be back here for a while, so I bought a big ol' chunk. I get out to the car smiling from ear to ear and Dan was like what. I said don't get mad. Now he is really like oh great what is she going to say. So I pull out this log of smoked cheddar cheese. "What the hell, you won't shit for a month!" I start laughing because I knew he would have a reaction like this. I proceeded to tell him that I don't plan to eat it all tonight. Dan says well I sure hope not. Now he acts as though he doesn't enjoy the cheese, but he does. So if you are in the mood for some smoked cheddar cheese come on over I have plenty!!! Although, since it is my favorite I might limit you!!!!!

Oh what fun!!!

2008-09-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

The three day weekend was a great time! It started out with a call Friday night from my brother asking if we wanted to go have dinner. We thought that they were going to have one of the boys so I was thinking we would be out too late. Wrong! All of the boys were at friends houses so we closed down The Fox and Hound. It was a great time. Lots of good stories from good ol' Brandon! He definitely can keep you entertained.

We slept in a bit on Saturday which was really nice. Dan watched the Gator game while I worked on school work, with the tv on but muted so that I could keep up with the game as well! After the game we headed down to the lake. We got there around 4 and found all the Deatons there waiting and ready to go swim. So we all went down to the lake. The adults decided that it was a little cold to get in but boy did the kids enjoy it. It is so funny how much those 4 kids love the lake. They could spend all day there. We went back to the house had a good supper and played cards. We took some gifts to a couple of the kids for their birthday. Nate is the youngest Deaton and so full of life. He and I were buddies this weekend. We gave him a dinosaur that was such a big hit. You know how that is when you give a gift and you never know. Nate and I played with the dinosaur all night and the next day. If I do say so myself, I have a great dinosaur voice!!! A good night.

On Sunday we got to sleep in again and then head back out on the lake. It was a great day. The water was great and the sun was shining. What more could you ask for?! We went out on the boat for a bit. I have to brag for a minute because........I GOT UP ON THE WAKE BOARD!!! I mean I only rode for like 30 feet, but I did it. I was so excited! I wish Bob could have been there to see me, I know he would have been so proud! Dan was really proud of me! There were a couple other people in the boat cheering me on as well. One of them went out to try and ski. She hadn't been since she was in high school. She tried so hard and was super close. It was so great to watch her facial expressions as she got close. She was quite the trooper. Next time she will be up and running!

Today was also a good day. We slept in again....how great has that been! Then we got up and went to get sushi. It was wonderful, except for this one thing and I didn't really care for it. Dan ate it though and really enjoyed it. Then we came back and had some nappy time!! Always something I enjoy. I think I need to take a nap everyday, I feel so good after one! I also talked to Alisha today about coming up to see her next weekend. She is so funny. I won't tell her response on here, but she can make a girl laugh that is for sure! It is now getting to the time in the night that I have to start thinking about going to bed. All in all a great weekend, but they always go so fast. Back to the grind tomorrow!

Oh those boys!

2008-08-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

I went to my nephews, Reed and Brock's first football game tonight. I tell you what those boys make me laugh. They are so funny! For one thing, it is just funny to watch them play football. They are all so small, but totally play hard. Brandon is helping coach this year and that is funny too. After the game I of course had my camera and wanted to take pictures. I took a few when they were playing, but they aren't that good. So I took a couple and Reed told me that I needed to take a few in black and white. So of course, I always do what I am told......so I did! They were trying to act tough in their uniforms, but it is funny because they have a hard time not smiling in a couple. Then Brock did a little commercial for Gatorade, but for some reason I can't get it to work...........help Whitney!!!!!! Brock was just being a little ham tonight. After his commercial, he was on the truck and I had to get a few pics of him being the little turd that he is!

Riley is going through the middle school stage where he doesn't talk a whole lot. He has been going to football practice for the 7th grade team. It has been a lot different this year because he is really working hard for a position on the A team. It sounds like he is doing a great job. I am so excited to see him play this year!!

Still running scared!

2008-08-26T05:30:00.000-07:00

Well ladies and gentlemen, it happened again. Last night I was on my daily jog. I was doing really good and was about on my 3rd mile, when what do I see...........four dogs running my way. If you have read my blog before, you know that this has happened once already. This time it was even worse, there was four of them. I was so mad. I was thinking to myself shouldn't I be able to run around my neighborhood and not be scared of a dog attack???!!! I have purchased pepper spray and I take it with me every time I run. Here is my question though, when do I use it? I am not a dog lover by any means, except for Bronson, but I am not a dog hater. So I was so tempted to use it last night as two of them are at my heals, but didn't. I just know that I would feel horrible and I am kind of scared that the owners would get pissed at me. Should I care though? They are the ones letting their dogs run lose and chase innocent runners like myself.

So let me know your thoughts. Should I spray them or should I just keep running scared?

Three days down!!

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

As many of you know I started school this week. It was a typical first week, introductions, rules, procedures, etc. I will say I am so glad that I made the move back to 6th grade. For one thing you don't have to plan for a full day which is such a stressful task. For another I don't have the same kids all day long! I really found that I need the change of children every few hours. Last year I had the same kids all day and I just did not enjoy that too much. A lot of people think that I am crazy for liking 6th grade. Maybe it is because that is what I started teaching and have kept with it throughout my teaching with the exception of last year. I love the age though and am so glad there was an opening in 6th grade. You can be serious with them and they can sit and work and you can still do goofy stuff and the like it. I am hoping that the rest of the year will go as great as the first three days. I do miss the people at E II, but I know that I can still see them every once in a while. Thank goodness for e-mail. To me it is like moving to a new district like I have done before and I had to leave some very dear friends behind that I miss tremendously. The difference this year is those dear friends from E II are still within walking distance, so that is a major bonus! I don't have funny first day stories like Danavee and Whitney, but I will share when one does come up!

One other thing......I am starting my masters this week!!! I have been debating since I started teaching what I wanted to get my masters in. I have thrown around the idea of library, counseling, and technology. I finally decided on Instructional Mathematics. I am pretty stoked about starting. Not so stoked about the CHA-CHING that is going to be making a big whole in the bank, but it will pay off soon I hope! It is a 2 year program and pretty much all online! So excited about that. Kind of nervous at the same time though. I haven't taken classes in forever! Wish me luck!!!

A great first impression!

2008-08-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

Well, as many of you know I am going to be teaching 6th grade again this year. In order to do this, I had to move buildings. I think I have talked about this before. So the move was going ok. I really like everyone that I am working with and they are all very helpful. I am starting to feel somewhat comfortable, but honestly it will take me a while to feel like I am part of the building. Well I was trying to finish up decorating my room. I thought I had a really cool idea of what to do on one wall. In order to do this I need to copy some things on overhead transparencies. So I grabbed a couple and headed down to the office. I put it in the copier and started the machine. And then.........ERROR!!! I had flippin' used the wrong kind of transparency and it had MELTED and was stuck in the machine! Well, isn't this my lucky day. I felt like such an idiot. Why the heck do I have transparencies you can't copy on??? I had to get the secretary to help me. I felt so horrible. I think she was a little bit irritated at me, but was very patient. I cannot believe that I did that. After about 20 minutes we finally got it fixed. Although we did take a chunk out of one of the rollers, it still seemed to work. So I went back to my room hanging my head low and thinking I feel like a complete idiot. What a great impression to make on the secretary. I am sure you are thinking oh poor thing didn't get to finish her cool idea. Oh not to worry, I found the right kind of transparency. I will say that my heart was a poundin' when I put that first one in and I was giving a good shout out for someone to make this work. Luckily it did not melt!!!! I will take pics and post next time so you can see how important the copies were :~)

Two funny things....or so I think!!

2008-08-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

So Sunday Dan and I went over to move all my school things from one building to another. Now let me just tell you that I have been teaching for 8 years and you just accumulate a lot of things in that time. I know that my teacher friends understand this. I know I should throw some of it away and I actually did throw quite a bit away, but my big thing is you never know when you are going to need something. I mean I am not for sure why I possibly need 8 staple removers but I do have thousands of staples to go with it....not even joking here you should see all the staples that were left in my new classroom.......crazy! Or why might I need Crisco? Anyway, I have a lot of stuff. So we decide to get started moving things, we had already drove 4 hours that day from my parents, needless to say we were dreading this job. The school I was at last year has an upstairs and that is where all my things were. There is a elevator, unfortunately I never got a key. I will say that I used it during summer school and got kind of freaked out because I got in the door closed and it didn't move and I couldn't get the door open, so I was thinking that the stairs were just fine. So we start loading. Dan had got a two wheeler from work so that helped. We had to take two car loads over, which was really good because I thought it would be more than that. There was one load that Dan had to shut me in because I was loaded down with a big box of posters. We get the last load over and I start to look around the room for a minute. Dan was like look Babe you have a really nice chair. He sits down and starts spinning around and having fun in the chair. He does things like this quite often so I didn't think much of it. I was looking around and then I started saying something and there was no answer. I look around and Dan wasn't in there. All of a sudden I hear him rolling down the hallway with great speed and grinning from ear to ear. He was like, "Hey go get you a chair and we can have races." I said oh I don't think so there are cameras not a good impression. He was quite surprised there were cameras, but it was a great way for him to end the day of hard work!

Second Story

Yesterday my friend Myranda called and asked if I wanted to go do a class with her at the gym. I was like sure. So she said it was a step class. I have never done a step class before and thought why not. So I meet her at the gym in time for the class. We get our steps and our weights and wait for the class to begin. It starts and they ask who hasn't done this class before. Myranda and I both raise our hands. It starts of with just a basic step up and down....easy. Then it goes into a step and kick. No problem. Wait what is this the cowboy kick. Charleston, around the world......what is going on I don't know any of these. Ugghhhhhh I am not getting this at all. I am seriously like getting about four of the eight steps we are suppose to do. I keep trying though and am thinking to myself come on Andrea you are more coordinated than this. So I have finally picked up a few, but still not getting a lot of it when what happens......Oh yes, I step and my whole little step contraption comes apart. I am thinking oh shit what an idiot I am. So I, as quickly as I can, try and put it together without laughing too hard and turning bright red. I was thinking to myself this just might not be the best class for you. I finally get back into somewhat of a groove and back with the group. Then Myranda looks at me and is like I have to quit I hurt my foot. So I stopped to check on her and she took her shoe off and her foot was all swollen. Poor thing. She heard it pop when we first started but she kept going......she's a tough cookie! She got some ice and rested for a bit. She told me to go on and finish the class. I said are you sure, like please don't make me go back in there. I did though and by the end of the class I was feeling a little better about the whole step class. It was quite a workout and would really be good if I could do the triple time that some of them do. Maybe next time!!!

A great trip to NY!

2008-07-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

We had a pretty good trip to NY. We did lots of sight seeing and enjoying times with friends. We were in Rochester for a wedding for four days. It was a really good time, lots of time with friends and a ton of laughs---thanks Nick!! The wedding was outside and it was on a lake. It was so pretty. Dan was looking really good in his suit!! The reception was a lot of fun. It was a really laid back wedding. The guys started getting kind of silly by the end of the night and even started to break out a few dance moves!!

We went up to Niagra Falls on Sunday. It was so amazing. You wouldn't believe how fast the water is going. We rode the Maid of the Mist which takes you to the bottom of the falls. It gets you really close and you get really wet, but it is such a great experience. Then we went on a tour where you get to walk up into the falls. It was crazy! There was one point that it was like we were in a hurricane like conditions.

After our weekend at Rochester, we flew out Monday to head to the city. It was a good time. Lots of sight seeing and walking! I needed the walking though, I had been eating way too much. You know how it goes when you are on vacation. The first day we took a bus tour around the city. You could get on and off the bus and explore places you were interested in. So we stopped a few times. One stop was China Town so that I could find me a new purse.....which was a success, pretty happy with it. We went lots of places throughout the week. I won't bore you with the details from each one but I'll share some pictures of a few of my favorites. We went to the Statue of Liberty, a Yankees game, walked across the Brooklyn bridge, Central Park(which is totally awesome), walked through Times Square, went to Coney Island and rode the Cyclone....so much fun and much more.

There are a lot more pics, but just shared a few. Dan and I had a great trip. We were ready to get home and back to our own bed! Stu had to put up with Dan and I throughout the vacation. I am sure there were times when he was ready to be away from us!!!! Thanks for being such a great trooper though Stu!!!

Oh yeah, I had to buy a new camera while on the trip. Dan wasn't very happy about that, but I bought a great camera one of my favorite features are pictured below with my good lookin' hubby!!

I'm heading to NY!!!!

2008-07-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

So I am sitting here waiting to leave to go to Kansas City for the night and then to head to New York tomorrow. So excited!! Dan is going to be the best man in a wedding and then we get to hit the city. I am pretty stoked! Dan not so much. He has been to NY before and doesn't really care to go back, but he is being the good husband and taking me. We have a few things planned, but not for sure what all we are going to do. I know that before we actually head to the city we will be going to Niagra Falls, pretty excited about that. Once we get into the city, we are going to a Yankees game, Central Park, China town and much much more. I am sitting here smiling just thinking about it! So I won't have another blog for a little over a week and I know that you all will be very disappointed, but just not possible when I am not taking the computer. I promise to fill you in on all the details of our trip once we return. I'll probably have some great pictures to share as well!!!

Ta ta!!!

The infamous walk.

2008-07-10T19:17:00.000-07:00

So I am suppose to write a blog about a walk that I took with two friends Ashley and Danavee. But if you are wanting to hear about it, you can click onto either one of their blogs. I don't know if I could put on here what all was going through my head!!!!!!

Gotcha girls!!!!!

Oh......what happened to taking the pictures. Were we so light headed that we forgot????

Tried to slalom!

2008-07-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

So yesterday Dan and his buddy Chris wanted to go down to the lake and slalom on the course. I was ok, I'll go down with you. So we head down, it was a great night. It was really nice out and there was like no one on the lake. The course was great, no one there and the water was perfect. Chris headed out first and did a good job. Then Dan gets out there and let me just tell you, he looks so good in the water. It is amazing how great he is at skiing He is just a natural. I am always just really amazed how good he is and how it just looks like it is so easy for him. He is really good at the course and goes around the corners one handed. I told him it was funny to see his facial expressions because they really reminded me of his dad last night! It is just so much fun to watch him. I was kind of upset because I took my camera, but then forgot to bring it on the boat. So I have one from Dan on the wake board from last year that I will share!

Well I was talked into trying to get out there on the slalom. Now like I said before, this is something I wanted to try. I was a little nervous that the water would be cold, but it was absolutely perfect. Great night for skiing!! I learned how to ski on two skis a couple years ago, but I am not super good at it. It is tough. I haven't skied at all this year. So I was like ok, but just a couple times. So I get out there and try. I didn't succeed but Dan said that I was pretty close and that next time he thinks I might be able to get up. Which is super exciting to me!!

I also got to drive the boat for the first time. I told Dan a couple of weeks ago that he needed to teach me how to drive the boat so that I can take him out on the course if he wants. So last night, I learned out to drive the boat. I didn't drive it through the course, but I did drive it back to the dock. Pretty good times. I think the only reason he really let me was because there were like no other boats out and that made him less nervous! It was a really great night!

Lake time!

2008-07-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

Dan and I went down to the lake for the weekend. Now we enjoy going to the lake quite often, but this year has not allowed for much lake time. The weather has played a major role in whether we can go to the lake or not. Dan grew up on the lake and is a wonderful skier. He just looks so happy anytime he is out on the water. Unfortunately this year has not allowed for much skiing. He has only got to go once and that was for about five minutes. The water was very cold and rough. I have not even tried to ski yet this year. Now not that I am that good at skiing, but I still enjoy getting out there and trying. I was really hoping to learn to slalom ski this year. I don't know if that will be happening. I will say that I am ok at two skis, can do pretty good on the knee board, and actually made it out of the water on the wake board.....that was really exciting!! I was hoping for a few more lessons from Bob and Dan and to be out there tearin' it up. Maybe next year!

This last weekend was a good time on the lake. Although the weather wasn't that wonderful. It was kind of rainy on Friday morning and then it kind of warmed up. I am a big wimp in cold water. I get goose bumps like nobodies business, but still try it out. We were out on the lake for a while. Let me tell you what the nieces and nephews don't care at all what the water feels like. They absolutely love it and just jump in and jump in and jump in. It is crazy!! Saturday wasn't much better, again the rain in the morning and then in warmed up a little. So we went out again, but still the goose bumps!!! Of course, it was a gorgeous day on Sunday. We weren't planning on going to the lake at all. Dan and I had started down the road and were heading home and we decided it was too nice of a day not to go swim for just a bit. So we turned around and went back to swim for about an hour. Libby thought we were crazy, but she went for a dip as well. It was a really nice weekend.

The one thing that was upsetting about the weekend was not being with my immediate family. That has been the hardest thing for us since we have been together. We are both so close to our families and it makes it so hard on the holidays. We are not lucky enough to have families that live close together. Our families live 5 hours apart, so when holidays come it is really hard on me. I just wish we could all be together, but I know that we can't. So all you couples that do have families that are close to one another really appreciate it, because it is so so hard not to be able to see everyone around the holidays. Luckily we both have wonderful families that understand.......or at least they say they do!!!! Love you all!!!

A year of marriage!

2008-07-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Dan and I celebrated our one year anniversary. It was so great to think that we have been married a year. It doesn't really seem possible because it seems like just yesterday we were going through all the wedding stuff. I feel like we have been very blessed. We had heard that the first year is so hard. In all honesty we ask each other if we thought it was hard and we don't really think it was. Yes there were those moments when we had to figure things out about each other, but I don't think that this will just be happening in the first year. Thank goodness we can take each others jokes.....most of the time...and know when the other one just needs a few minutes alone. So my question is, why do people say it is so hard? Were Dan and I just lucky? We feel like we had a great first year and I hope that all of them are this easy. I am sure they won't be as easy, especially when we start adding other factors....kids....to the picture. Which if you are wondering, it will be a bit longer. We had such a great first year, we want another one to have fun and learn about each other. Not to say that if by chance a pregnancy happened we would be upset, we just aren't planning that right now. But we all know that is in God's hands! Dan probably won't think I needed to share that, but he is not the one that gets the so when are you going to start having kids question like I do!! Right now I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful husband. We have so much fun together. Some of the best times we have are when it is just him and I sitting in the backyard just talking. We don't have to be doing something or going somewhere. We just enjoy each others company and to me that is exactly the kind of marriage I always wanted to have.

I didn't really say much in this blog. I just wanted to say that we had a great first year. Thanks to all the great family and friends that were there to make it wonderful. We are both very blessed with having wonderful families. The really cool thing about that is we actually truly love each others families too!!!!!

Running Scared

2008-06-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

So as I have said before I am not a major dog person. Well after my encounter with a ferocious rottweiler I am even less of one. Here is the story of me running scared!

Let me start by giving a little info ahead of time that is slightly important. Dan and I jog around our neighborhood quite often when we don't have time to go to the gym. I have been getting up and jogging in the mornings before school because I don't want to drive to the gym, so I just jog around our neighborhood. We have often seen a rottweiler at a house close by and it is usually chained, but still comes running at you and barking. On this lovely day, there was no chain to be found. As I was running up the street, listening to my good tunes, what do I see out of the corner of my eye but a big black rottweiler running straight towards me. Now I am not one to scream, but this definitely called for a loud scream. It was so girly, but truly a scream of terror. This dog was off its chain and ready to pounce. I just started yelling, "Get back, get back." All the while thinking, please don't let this dog bite me. I was just standing there screaming and moving back. The owner was no where to be seen. Luckily some wonderful people stopped to try and helped. I kind of put myself between the cars to protect myself from the dog. Finally the owner comes walking around the corner of their house like no big deal. They didn't come running after their dog, they didn't even act like it was a big deal that a lady was standing there scared out of her mind and two cars were stopped trying to help. I swear do people even have a brain???? So finally they get the dog over to them. I start heading back home and what happens, the dam thing comes after me again. I was so quite perturbed. I am thinking in the back of my mind, why the heck would you not hold on to your dog until I am out of sight, I mean seriously common courtesy, do you have any??? So after that I put the wheels in gear and sprint home. I had so much adrenaline going I think I could have ran for miles. I ran straight in and told Dan. He suggested that I call pet control. I thought about it, but I am thinking I live not too far away and run quite often around home. I would hate for them to see me out and do something to me or my dog. So I didn't. It is not as though the dog hurt me and I am sure that some people think that I am over reacting, but seriously I was really scared. So the bad part about this is that I have to change my route that I had started to really like. I knew exactly how far it was and when I was halfway done. How frustrating is that??

The joys of a dog!

2008-06-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Today was the day to get out and mow the yard. A task that honestly I don't mind taking on. There is only one part of this wonderful job that I detest. Picking up dog poo. Yes I said that correctly, dog poo! We have a system to this process that is really not that bad, but it is still picking up poo. Who likes that??? You would be amazed by how much our wonderful chocolate lab takes a crap. I mean seriously how can he possibly go to the bathroom that many times in a week. He was even gone for three days, but yet still we had a whole Wal-Mart sack full of poo. So let me tell you how this works. Dan taught me the system since I do most of the mowing and he does the weed-eating, the mower gets to do the the poo pick-up.....lucky me. I wish I could figure out how to start the stinking weed-eater! Anyway, I take two Wal-Mart bags one to put the poo in and one to cover my hand as a glove, then you walk the yard and pick up the poo. Fun times let me tell you. Today was the first day that Bronson didn't bless me with a new package while cleaning up his crap. Thank you Bronson.

For all of you that have known me for a while, you know that I am not a big animal person. I like them, but I am ok with not having one around. When I met Dan and he said he had a dog, I was like that is nice. Then I met Bronson and to tell the truth I do have a little soft spot for the big boy now. He and I have become quite good buddies. We enjoy our walks together and he likes a good neck rub once in a while, and he always go to bed the same time I do. So in all, I really do like our dog and I take pretty good care of him. We are going to the vet Friday to have his ear checked out....poor guy always itching it.

Today however he was just a bit annoying. While I was picking up his crap he had to be right beside me the whole time. Not just close, he was right beside me. Now usually when I mow, he finds a shaded spot, if there is one in our yard, and just lays there and watches me. Today was not the same story. For some reason he followed me around almost the whole time I was mowing. Many of you know that you makes turns and things when mowing, well try doing this with about a hundred pound dog right at your heals the whole time. Oh the joy of mowing today.

One more story about Bron then I will stop boring you. So after we both got done mowing, because he was quite the helper, I wanted to give him a bath. He really needed one, kind of a stinky dog. So I started the water and let him play for a bit then I was like ok time to get down to business. So I grab his collar and start spraying him down. He doesn't necessarily like this, but he did ok. Then on goes the shampoo and he gets good rubbins and really likes this. Now is the part he hates again, spraying him off. So I was not nearly done getting all the suds out and he decides that I need a bath too and gives a great big ol' shake. Gotta love it! I yell some not so kind words, but keep spraying. He feels that I did not get a good enough bath and does it again. Let me tell you it was a fun time! Finally we finished our baths and he is now laying right under my feet taking a little nap

Don't know what I would do without good old Bronson!

First Blog

2008-06-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

So after all the pulling and tugging of the arm, I had a few friends talk me into trying this blogging thing. I will do my best, but have never been the best at writing so this will be interesting. My goal is to share some fun stories about Dan and I. I am sure that the stories will include family and friends because they do most of the entertaining things!!! I might have to let Dan edit my blogs because sometimes the stories I think are funny aren't that funny!! So instead of looking like an idiot, I will probably rope him in a few times.