Meredith and Olivia

Olivia's Year in Pictures

2011-05-01T22:00:00.001-05:00

Stay tuned for a full birthday write up!

This free digital slideshow customized with Smilebox

Our Wonderful Weekend

2011-04-03T21:49:00.006-05:00

After my last dreary post, I figured you needed something a bit more cheery!! Well, Olivia and I had an awesome weekend. I guess God knew we needed some mother and daughter time. There was hardly any yelling, arguing, and no time outs. She was almost a normal human this weekend!

It started Friday when Andrea took us to an awesome new park.

The park had super fast slides that landed the kids on their bottoms every time!

The very soon to be 2 year old!

On Saturday, Olivia and I took advantage of a free day at the Dallas Science and History Museum. Olivia was in awe and soaked up every ounce of the visit. It was great to show her around and explain things to her. I am loving this age where she is asking why to everything and then actually understanding when I explain.

Cheesin' in front of the dinosaur exhibit.
This area was a giant sand pit with buried dinosaur 'bones'. She spent a good thirty minutes playing here and watching the other kids.

Of course, loving the giant bubble tables.

The room of mirrors... she wasn't so sure about this one!

They have a kids area also. This was one of the many activities.

Putting vegetables into the holes to simulate farming/planting.

Trying to convince her to crawl through the tunnels. I made the mistake of mentioning they were 'ant tunnels'. Well, she hates ants, therefore she was having nothing to do with it.

I love the look on her face. :)

On Sunday, we took a ride on the DART, which is the public transportation rail train. Olivia is fascinated with trains and anytime we saw the train, she wanted to ride. So, today we had nothing to do, so we hopped on the train!

Kids? Check. Harnesses? Double check.

Absolutely loving the train!

Waiting for the train to take us home.

What do you get when you take two toddlers on a train... play hard at a park... no nap... and then a ride home? Two cranky kiddos!!

We had a fabulous weekend. I love my daughter so much and especially love when we have no major tantrums!

This week brings Astoria's birthday.... Nana, Pops, and Granny coming to town... and Astoria's party! Here's hoping to another great week!

I get a little bit stronger.

2011-03-22T00:17:00.005-05:00

Almost four years ago I made the biggest decision of my life. I made the decision to leave a cheating husband and raise a child on my own. I got a little bit stronger.

I chose my own life and the life of an unborn child. I was strong. I was strong because of my own will, my own stubbornness, and my support group. I endured 9 months of pregnancy not knowing if this child's father would be in the picture. I got a little bit stronger.

On May 1, 2008, Olivia Rose was born into the world. I got a little bit stronger.

I indeed was going to raise my daughter alone. The decision I made in September 2007 was the decision I was going to have to keep, no matter the circumstances. Thank GOD I chose the decision for the unborn life. My family and my friends kept Olivia and I afloat (and still do!). I couldn't hold all the shed tears in a gallon jug if I tried. I got a little bit stronger.

I was forced to enter into a long and hard divorce, including a foreclosure and child support from a man I really wanted nothing to do with. I got a little bit stronger.

In November 2008, I was forced to say goodbye to my grandfather. Cancer took him away from me, but no one can ever take my memories. I miss him everyday and my one wish was that Olivia could have known him longer. I got a little bit stronger.

In July 2010, I made another huge decision for Olivia and me. I packed us up and moved to Texas. Sometimes it still feels like a vacation and soon I'll 'go home'. Yet, God led me this direction and He shall be the one who unfolds the reasons. A small corner has already been unfolded; my sister and I have the strongest relationship I could ever ask for. My only hope is our daughters will some day have that same bond. I got a little bit stronger.

A little over a year ago, I let someone in. Someone who made me happy, someone who made my daughter laugh, someone who accepted me and my 'baggage'. He helped me get a little bit stronger. As I sit here with tears streaming down my face, I am dealing with the fact that about a month ago, I had to let him move on. Once again, I got a little bit stronger.

My daughter is now almost three, and I have gotten a LOT stronger. She is happy and healthy. She is my backbone. She is my sunshine. She is my world.

People come and people go. As I get older and more mature, I can look back and just about pinpoint why everyone is/was placed into my life. I could sit here and name friends/family and say something about each one; but I won't, because I try everyday to let those people know face to face or ear to ear. I get a little bit stronger.

Watch out world.... I'm getting just a little bit stronger everyday..... for myself and her.

Sara Evans - A Little Bit Stronger

Woke up late today and I still feel the sting of the pain
But I brushed my teeth anyway
I got dressed through the mess and put a smile on my face
I got a little bit stronger

Riding in the car to work and I'm trying to ignore the hurt
So I turned on the radio, stupid song made me think of you
I listened to it for minute but I changed it
I'm getting a little bit stronger, just a little bit stronger

And I'm done hoping that we could work it out
I'm done with how it feels, spinning my wheels
Letting you drag my heart around
And, oh, I'm done thinking that you could ever change

I know my heart will never be the same
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days
I get a little bit stronger

Doesn't happen overnight but you turn around
And a month's gone by and you realize you haven't cried
I'm not giving you a hour or a second or another minute longer
I'm busy getting stronger.

And I'm done hoping that we can work it out
I'm done with how it feels, spinning my wheels
Letting you drag my heart around
And, oh, I'm done thinking, that you could ever change

I know my heart will never be the same
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days, I get a little bit stronger
I get a little bit stronger

Getting along without you, baby
I'm better off without you, baby
How does it feel without me, baby?
I'm getting stronger without you, baby

And I'm done hoping we could work it out
I'm done with how it feels, spinning my wheels
Letting you drag my heart around
And, oh, I'm done thinking that you could ever change

I know my heart will never be the same
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days
I get a little bit stronger

I get a little bit stronger
Just a little bit stronger
A little bit, a little bit, a little bit stronger
I get a little bit stronger

To All the Single Mamas.... All the Single Mamas..

2011-02-06T21:18:00.003-06:00

It is time I put these thoughts to paper... no, that's not right, to the internet!

Today is Sunday, we have been out of school since last Monday. A freak ice/snow storm hit North Texas and we were out of school, therefore Olivia was out of daycare. Let's get the obvious out of the way... it wasn't expected and I've never really had a desire to be a stay at home Mom. Now, before the tomatoes start throwing... I LOVE my daughter, but I followed my dreams into my career as well. I LOVE teaching young minds and therefore my heart is in a career. I do believe being a stay-at-home mom IS a career... especially after these last 6 days... trust me.

What I did WRONG these six days:
-I let my daughter cry a bit in the mornings so that she would sleep in longer.
-I let Nick Jr. be her teacher. Namely, Dora, Diego, and Wonder Pets.
-I yelled... a lot more than I should ever again.
-I let her eat powdered donuts for breakfast... and lunch... and sometimes dinner.
-I let her tell me NO more than she ever should have... but it wasn't worth the fight.
-I let her sit on the couch to eat dinner.
-I let her eat ice/snow off her boots (eek!).
-I made it very clear to her when I was NOT happy. This made her cry. She would cry and say "Please be happy Mommy, you're happy." (Tear.)

What I did RIGHT these six days:
-I let my daughter help make her own pancakes.
-I taught her how to dump her potty WITHOUT it getting all over the toilet seat and herself.
-I taught her how to make a snow ball.
-I taught her the importance of taking a nap so she wouldn't be grumpy... I was about 75% successful.
-I taught her how to eat snow.... but not necessarily from her boots.
-I let her eat snow ice cream.
-I taught her how to turn on and off the TV.... this may or may not have been a good thing... the decision is still out.
-I taught her WHY Mommy wasn't happy. "Mommy is only happen when you LISTEN, Olivia, and right now you are not LISTENING to Mommy. Mommy is NOT happy."

Sigh. It has been a tough week. Therefore, my post concludes to the single Moms out there. It is not fun all the time, it is not easy all the time, it is not rewarding all the time... but what it is all the time is life. This is my life and this is how I live it: One step at a time, looking back to only improve, and moving forward with purpose. I am stronger because my daughter HAS TO rely on me. I am stronger because I AM her LIFE. If I don't do it... who else will?

What makes you stronger?

Her Mind Goes a Mile a Minute...

2011-02-05T08:45:00.002-06:00

Here is the conversation that took place this morning in about 3 minutes:

I had just gotten out of the shower and was getting dressed in my room. Olivia LOVES to 'jumpy-jumpy' on my bed, so she was watching me while jumping.

O: What's that?
M: A bra.
O: A baa?
M: Yes, it goes over Mommy's boobies.
O: I want boobies.
M: You will have them, soon enough.
O: Oh, I think I have some in my room.
O: Mommy, come hold my hands so I can jumpy high.
M: Okay
O: You don't have shirt on. You can't hold my hands if you don't have shirt on. Put shirt on first.
M: Okay.
-I go to the closet and choose an orange OSU shirt.-
O: You wearin' a orange shirt like Nana?
O: You borrowin' it from Nana?
M: No, I have one and Nana has one.
O: Oh, Nana wants her shirt back.
O: Now come hold my hands because you not naked anymore.
-So, I hold her hands so she can jump 'higher'.-
O: I'm like superman, Mommy, but I don't have a cape!

I mean really... where do these things come from?! Her language is becoming so clear and she is finally carrying on a two sided conversation. It is great and I can't wait to see what else comes out of her mouth... or maybe I can. :)

Potty Training: Day 3, 4, 5, 6, 345, 746....

2011-01-20T20:52:00.002-06:00

Well... we are still here, still training! The 3 day method definitely threw us into the routine and made me not want to go back to diapers, but, let's face it, my daughter was not a 3-day trained graduate. Her BFF, TJ, though was! He is doing amazingly well and shows that the program DOES work for the... the... not SO stubborn child! :)

Olivia is still holding her pee like a camel. I think the longest we have seen is about 14 hours. Then, she fights and resists going to sit on the potty. So, her bladder gets so full, she can't hold it anymore and has an accident.

Nana stayed home with Olivia on day 4... there was some success and several accidents. Olivia was back to daycare on Day 5 with two accidents and one potty trip. Today is Day 6... we finally had more potty trips than accident trips! YEAH OLIVIA!!! She went twice at daycare and had two accidents. Tonight she went twice and had one accident. Thankfully, she has the BM routine down pat! I would much rather clean up wet panties than soiled ones. Ew.

We are still working on her not resisting the potty so much. I definitely have to watch for clues at ALL times! But, sitting on the potty and covering ourselves with stickers seems to get the 'flow' going. And gum and chocolate just add to the fun! :)

Thanks for all the support from everyone! Check back, I'm sure we will still be potty learning for many more months to come!!

Potty Training: Day 2

2011-01-17T13:10:00.002-06:00

Sorry it is a little late!

Night 1 - We were up at midnight with some sort of terrible dream. She was dry and refused to sit on the potty. She then slept till I woke up her at 9am - she was wet then.

The day was pretty non-productive. She held it for a crazy amount of time. We would have a few dribbles, but she wouldn't finish in the potty.

We did have luck with the bm stage though! She was trying to go, got up, tried to run to her bedroom, but I caught her and set her on the toilet. She went like a pro! I think she is still scared to let things out of her body, but we are trying to work on that!

About 20 minutes after that she went pee... and that was all! This all happened about 6:30pm.

She went to bed at 9pm. No pee in between those two times. I woke her up at 2am, she sat but didn't go. I woke her up again at 6:15am.. she refused to sit. So, I finally woke her up for good at 8:30am. She was STILL dry!

Stay tuned for day 3! This is where we hope it all CLICKS!

Potty Training: Day 1

2011-01-15T20:41:00.003-06:00

It has been a very productive January in our house! Before Christmas I decided it was time for Olivia to venture into 'Panty-land'... not be confused with Candyland by any means! This weekend is a three day weekend for us, so, the date was set! After reading the 3 Day Potty Training Method I decided it may work for us. So, at the beginning of the year, I converted Olivia's crib into the toddler bed and took away her beloved sippy cup. The first two nights were rough, but since then, smooth sailing.

Yes, she had to have her own tools and help with the process.

The final result!This was the purpose for panties back in December... decorative headgear.

Before Olivia woke up, everything was lined up. I was going to let her choose her potty, her underwear, and her socks.

I created a Potty Chart that was intended to get progressively more challenging as the day went on.
This morning, she still wanted to try out the 'headgear' and even added a piece! Thankfully, this didn't become a habit!At 9:00am, the panties were on and the couches were covered! Nana did an amazing job of keeping her occupied all day!
We quickly discovered Olivia didn't mind sitting on the potty, but she did NOT want to GO in the potty. So, from 9am until AFTER nap at 3pm, we did not see one ounce of urine! I was frustrated that she was holding it, knowing she needed to go.

Between 3pm and 8pm the stats were:
Pee in potty: 0
Pee in panties/floor: 5
Poop: 0

Around 7:30pm I told her to go into the bathroom and try to go potty by herself. Miraculously, she was all about that idea! She went in there many times and pulled down her panties and would sit, put them back on, come out and announce "I can't go yet!"
We started bedtime routine around 8pm. At 8:20pm she came out of her room and told me she was going to try "one more time".
All I could hear was her talking to Nana "I'm doing it! Can you hear it Nana? I'm doing it! See!" And then the crowd went wild! WOOHOO!!!
Who cares if she gets chocolate at 8:30pm, we peed!!!

Now, we are just hoping for a dry and quiet night!
Stay tuned for Day 2!

A Year is Worth a Thousand Words...

2011-01-03T21:35:00.017-06:00

Get ready for picture overload!!! Here is Olivia's 2010 journey...

JANUARY

She was always ready and willing to dance. She loved 'Ring Around the Rosey' and 'If You're Happy and You Know It'

Her favorite place in the kitchen was always on top of the island. She wanted to be in the action at all times.

She loved her baby cousin, Astoria. We didn't get to see her much, but when we did she wanted to be right by 'baby' at all times.

FEBRUARY

Olivia's best friend was/is TJ Yarnell. They are only two months apart, lived in the same neighborhood, and went to the same daycare. The two were inseparable!

MARCH

She loved, and still does, wearing one piece pajamas. I think they are toooo cute!

My big girl all dressed up for church.

Cousin love at the zoo!

So I thought maybe she was ready for potty training... well, yeah, that didn't work. But she looked super cute in her undies!!

Wearing other people's shoes was a lot of fun!

APRIL

Olivia and Nana at Astoria's 1st Birthday Party. This girl LOVES her Nana!

Easter

A girl and her Pops are also best buddies. In this picture she looks so much like me when I was little!

Don't let the innocent look full you.... this girl can be a MESS!

MAY

Always willing to "help" in Mommy's classroom.

Olivia celebrated her 2nd Birthday with an Elmo theme and her cake made by Aunt Andrea.

She was definitely the star of the show and had her bounce house too!

JUNE

We spent many afternoons at spray parks trying to get Olivia and TJ used to the water. They loved it and so did we!

On the kitchen island again with that innocent looking grin...

Olivia loves all kinds of animals including this gigantic turtle we found roaming around our front yard.

JULY

Where did my little girl go? We had some beautiful pictures taken in Granny's backyard.

Olivia's little smirk we have all grown to know and "love".

Olivia and TJ attended swimming lessons in July. My usual not-so-daring daughter LOVED the water. I would have to watch her very closely to make sure she was still in eyesight and was able to touch the bottom wherever she was!

We spent 4th of July at Nana and Pop's lake house at Lake Tenkiller. Of course, Olivia LOVED riding along with Nana.

Still not potty training, but she loves to be naked and loves to read book, so why not?

In July I made the biggest decision of my life. Olivia and I packed up and moved to Texas. I had a wonderful job waiting for me as well as the Kleckner's super excited to have someone close! The move was tiring and I still find myself missing Oklahoma. Yet, life is improving daily!

Our little family starting new in Texas!

Olivia and Astoria

Trotting along at the Arboretum.

SEPTEMBER

This is Olivia's stubborn temper tantrum look. Cute, huh?

Her first big bounce house slide.

She is finally old enough to play some of the games at Chuck E Cheese!

OCTOBER

This Halloween, Olivia was a skunk and Astoria was a Flamingo.

My big girl.

She is approximately 5 pumpkins tall.

NOVEMBER

She loves to "cheese" as long as she gets to "see" the picture of herself afterwards!

DECEMBER

My blue-eyed beauty lights up my life everyday!

Enjoying her presents Christmas morning.

_______________________________________________________

Wow! Look how much she has changed and how much has changed in our lives!!! I am so very blessed to have a healthy and happy daughter.
Bring on 2011!

Thanksgiving and Christmas

2011-01-03T21:09:00.006-06:00

So, I know it has been a loooooong time since I last posted, so we are going to cram together two holidays!

November 2010

There is a child-sized train that drives around the mall here. She, of course, wanted to ride... so, I sent her off! (With Astoria too!)

Can you see Astoria and Olivia's head? Such big girls!

In Oklahoma I didn't have any big trees, therefore no leaves to rake. Well, welcome to Texas where we are surrounded by them! Sixteen bags later and lots of jumping, we were finished!

Always wanting to help.

For some reason, I have no pictures of Thanksgiving... I guess Andrea has them, but we went to OKC for Thanksgiving and had a great time! We put up our Christmas tree as soon as we got back! Olivia loved putting decorations on and wanted two or three on each branch.

Our first picture with Santa. She was just fine with me sitting in on the picture!

Waiting for our portraits at JCPenney. My little girl is sooo grown up!

They weren't always so sure of Santa, so this trip to the mall we didn't even dress them up *knowing* they wouldn't sit on his lap. Well, that is what we get for trying to assume anything! Loving Olivia's fake smile these days.

When we got to Oklahoma we went to a cookie decorating party! She actually stuck with it and decorate the entire cookie and ate every bite!

Before we left for Oklahoma, Nana sent us all the goodies to complete our Advent calendars. Olivia wasn't too sure of the reasoning, but she never complained about having a piece of candy, usually for breakfast. :)

Christmas morning! Look at all the goodies that Santa brought!!
The amazing grandkid picture has now turned into the amazing great-grandkid picture. I can't believe we are grown ups and have our own children. It is amazing!
L-R: Astoria, Olivia, Nash, Braxton, Andrew, Addison, Austen

Granny spoiled Olivia this Christmas with many toys. The top favorite is this toy camera. Anytime I grabbed my camera, she had to have hers. I love how you can see her little eye peeking through. :)

And just a random picture of the two of us. She loves to be in her tent and this time demanded I join her!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!

Out of the Mouth of Babes....

2010-11-17T20:18:00.003-06:00

Well... not really babes, just Olivia.

Two conversations tonight had me giggling inside... but not outside, because she was so serious.

The first one took place in the car...

Olivia: I'm broken.
Me: You're broken?
Olivia: Yeah
Me: Where are you broken?
Olivia: Right there (points to neck) on O's neck. It's broken.
Me: Oh, I'm so sorry.
Olivia: Fix it, Mommy.
Me: How does Mommy fix it?
Olivia: Put batteries in it.

:)

Next, when we got home, during a diaper change.

Olivia: Need medicine down there.
Me: You need medicine on your bottom?
Olivia: Yeah, I help.
Me: Okay, here. (I put a tiny drop of Desitin on her finger)
Olivia: O eat it?
Mommy: NO! Please don't ever eat it!
Olivia: On tacos?
Mommy: On tacos?
Olivia: Is it sour cream?

Hahahaha.

Love her dearly!

The Balloon Festival

2010-09-22T21:37:00.003-05:00

One of the best things about living in Texas so far is the vast amount of things always taking place! Last weekend the Kleckner's and the Deibler's attended the Plano Balloon Festival. We poured sweat but it was great fun! Olivia loved the 'fire balloons' and is still asking about them. Her normal response is "They went up up and away!" And we can't forget the fried pickles drenched in Ranch dressing! YUM YUM!
I really never thought I'd leash my child, but she loves the 'packpack'. She walked the entire festival, no stroller needed! I was so proud of her!
Hmm.... attitude much? She was in the middle of throwing a fit, so I informed her I was going to take her picture. She yelled "No!" and I snapped it. :) This is a normal look we get.... quite often!

This was Olivia's first inflatable slide encounter. It took her awhile to climb up, but once she was up there, it was full steam ahead! I don't think she anticipated the quickness of her decent!

The two cousins sharing a bench at the balloon festival. This is about the only thing shared. Haha. They love each other, I'm sure, but fight continually. One usually provides a peace offering, but it is always the item that is NOT wanted.

Sorry for the low picture quality. I had to steal it from Facebook since my sister isn't too great at sharing pictures. :P My daughter is obsessed with Yo Gabba Gabba or in her words 'Go Abba Abba". We watch in the car, we watch at home, we watch at Andrea's, we watch at Nana's. Anywhere there is a TV she is CERTAIN YGG must be on it! They are coming live in December to Frisco. And yes, we will be attending. Hahaha, hopefully they won't scare her!

Just a quick update of our lives! :)

Will she be a Texan?

2010-08-31T21:02:00.003-05:00

This little girl is the light of my life. Yes, sometimes she is the darkness of my life too, but that is not the reason of this post. ;) She will be 28 months tomorrow and is maturing rapidly! Her vocabulary is constantly expanding. The things she says to me everyday are hysterical. Right now our favorite saying around the house is "shut the door" but Olivia's version is "shut tha doah" said with a true Texan accent. What the? We have only been here a month! But it is hilarious! And she loves to make other people laugh, so when she says it and someone laughs, she says it again and again and again.
She is not scared of much. Except bugs, on her terms. For instance, her little cousin has a bug puzzle. She would touch the spider puzzle piece and then run to the other room yelling, haha. She loves to watch rolly-pollies but won't touch them. If I want her to come inside for any reason I tell her 'the bite bugs are out' and she comes running. Anytime she has a bug bite, she calls it a bite bug and demands a 'bambaid'.
Of course she tests my patience. The other day I told her she was driving me nuts. She came over and opened my mouth looking for nuts. Then she was mad when I didn't have any nuts to give her. So, she drives me nuts for a short time until I just can't help but laugh. She hates wearing clothes. Anytime they get wet or dirty, they have to come off. And then when she is only wearing a diaper she will say "I wet" and then proceeds to take the diaper off. So really, she'd rather be naked. Which is okay with me... I think it is cute and she needs to air out every once in awhile! Haha.
It is amazing to ride in the car with Olivia now and carry on full-fledged conversations about things. Right now she is infatuated with the sun and moon. It usually goes like this:
Olivia: Where'd sun go?
Me: It is behind the clouds.
Olivia: Oh. Where'd moon go?
Me: Moon is night night. Why is the moon night night, Olivia?
Olivia: Sun out! Moon night night! Sun out!
And then it repeats for the moon being out and the sun being night night.

Lately, if she can't do something, it is 'no can do this' and then gets very frustrated when she continues to try. We are also starting chores in the house, hehe. I can't tell you the last time I gave the dog food. Anytime O sees the bowl is low or empty she goes to the container and gives her more food. Same with putting Kylie in and out of the crate. Once I taught her how to lock and unlock the crate it is always 'O do it, O do it!' And don't EVER forget that she is to ALWAYS 'shut tha doah'!

She is an amazing child. Growing, showing, caring, sharing, talking... and a beautiful 2 year old.

A Day in the Life of Meredith...

2010-08-28T21:49:00.002-05:00

So school has started, which means busy mornings, busy days, and tired nights. I thought I'd give everyone an insight of our schedule on a 'normal' day.
5:45 - My alarm goes off.
6:00 - Finally roll out of bed and get ready.
6:40 - The coffee pot starts - it still makes me smile to smell the coffee. I think it reminds me of my grandfather... the coffee pot was always brewing so early in the mornings.
6:45 - Wake up Miss Priss. We then usually share a bowl of cereal.
7:00 - Try, with a fight of course, to get us out of the house all in one piece with all of our daily belongings.
7:20 - Arrive at daycare. Olivia puts her diapers away and then finds a seat at the table to eat her cereal. She usually chooses a seat near a smaller child so she can 'touch baby'.
7:30 - I arrive at school.
7:50 - 3:00 - Teach my little heart out, stare at blank faces, and laugh at the things kids say.
3:00-4:30 - Prepare for the next day.
4:40 - Pick up Miss Priss. She is so excited to see me and I plaster a smile on my face to see her. I am so tired by this point, but I also know her day is just beginning with me and I must make the most out of it.
4:45-6:45 - Play. Play. Play. Watch Yo Gabba Gabba. Eat dinner. Play. Play. Play.
6:45-7:30 - Bath, story time, prayer time, night night time!
Then of course all the daily chores begin and I try to roll into bed by 10pm.
So, if you took notes, haha, that is really only about 3 hours a day with my own child. How crazy is that?! Yet, she is finally liking daycare and is not crying when I drop her off. The daycare is also equipped with webcams, so for an extra fee each month I can watch her whenever I please. My mom and dad are also keeping daily tabs. It is great to see her interacting with other children and sleeping so soundly on a mat on the floor.

I have 19 students. All are completely different and diverse. I have only had one week with them, but can already tell who my problems are, who my lazies are, and who my 'average' students will be. We start off the year teaching place value which is not fun for anyone. Blah.

Olivia is doing very well. She amazes me everyday with her new words, actions, and independence. I wish the world was as friendly as she thinks. She will wave to anyone, play peek a boo with anyone, and will generally blow kisses to anyone. She also thinks if she is free from a shopping cart that the store becomes her own running field. She hates the cart but also doesn't like staying close to anyone. People tell me I was the same way... I beg to differ of course. ;) Her latest thing is eating people's noses. She will pretend to grab your nose and then put it in her mouth. She will also pretend chew it. Usually, if you ask for it back she will kindly take it out and put it back on your face. Until recently. Now she goes to the trash can and 'coughs it up'. :) Oh, my dear sweet child.

How am I doing? Oh... well, not as carefree as my daughter, unfortunately. I am still adjusting. The house is doing well, the boxes are unpacked, but it is very lonely at times. We have Andrea and Astoria over quite a bit or we are over there, but its still not the same. I miss my bff and the company he provided. I also miss my parents cooking us dinner and popping in to fix something around the house. When Olivia asks for Pops or Nana it breaks my heart. Yet, she will tell me "Nana Pops Okiehoma". Sigh. I know things will get better the more I surround myself with work and Texas atmosphere, but I am still a work in progress.

My camera has been broke since before I moved, so I don't have any pictures to share this time. I feel I have really missed out on a month of Olivia's life due to the camera issue. But the good news is, I bought a new one tonight and the battery is charging! :)

To leave with this.... a card my mother sent me.
"She Who Believes in Herself"
Trusting her instincts
was the hardest thing she ever did.
There was that wimpy little voice inside her,
cautioning her not to take the risk.
There were times along the way
When she was so scared she almost quit.

But she listened to the whisperings of her heart.

She pushed forth with faith-
Faith in her skills...
Faith in her work ethic...
And faith in her knowledge that she could succeed.

And she did!

In the end, trusting her heart
was the smartest thing she ever did!
-Suzy Toronto

The ABC's of Me!

2010-08-03T01:25:00.002-05:00

Found this on my sister's blog, thought it would be something to do while I should be sleeping!

A- My AIR CONDITIONER is set on: 77. Although, this silly rent house is NOT keeping with the Texas heat and we are sitting at about 88 degrees during the day. UGH!

B- My BEDROOM theme is: not yet completed. :) My bed is huge tan microfiber and cherry wood.

C- The CAR in the driveway is: Chrysler Pacifica. The DVD player was the selling point!

D- My DESK looks: Hmm.... I don't have a desk, but my scrapbook table is my catch-all and it is a mess!

E- The EXACT time I wake up daily is: Currently about 9am (I love my daughter!) during the school year it will be about 6am.

F- The FIRST thing I wash in the shower is: my face.

G- My GARAGE is filled with: My rent house doesn't have a garage. :( It is converted into my room, so I guess my garage has a bed, nightstands, clothes, etc. :)

H- My HOUSE is: small but bursting with love.

I- If you peeked INSIDE my bedroom you'd see: an unmade bed, full laundry hamper, and a few unpacked boxes.

J- My favorite JUICE is: apple-cranberry.

K- The best part of my KITCHEN is: Oh gosh... don't get my started.

L- The LAST person who visited my home was: Nana... who is still here, thankfully! :)

M- The last piece of MAIL for me was: the gas bill.

N- My NEIGHBORS think I'm: Don't know them yet, but I'm sure they think I have a lot of STUFF!

O- If you OPENED my fridge you'd see: lots of juice and fruit.

P- My last house PARTY was: Yet to happen!

Q- A QUICK meal I like to fix is: Stir-fry

R- My favorite ROOM of the house is: My living room. I LOVE my couches!

S- The SHAMPOO brand I use is: Volumizing and Straightening

T- My largest TELEVISION is: a 42 inch that I saved up for! :)

U- UNDER my bed you will find: winter clothes in tubs. Yep.

V- The last time I VACUUMED was: Last weekend when I moved in.

W- Looking out my WINDOW I see: my car.

X- I wish I had X-TRA: SPACE!

Y- My YARD is: good sized with a nice shed and kid toys!

Z- ZZZZZZZ My bedtime is: anytime from 12-2am in the summer.. 10-11 during the school year.

Holy Changes, Batman!

2010-08-03T00:49:00.003-05:00

So, yeah, I have been a bad blogger. And at this point, I can't promise anytime soon if I will get any better.

Within the past week Olivia and I have moved 208 miles. From Oklahoma City to Garland (Dallas) Texas. I am overwhelmed, sad, happy, emotional, lost, ecstatic, and very very tired.

We have been anticipating this move for quite some time and now it has officially happened.

I miss Oklahoma City terribly. I miss my home, I miss my friends, and I miss my familiarity.

I love Dallas. I love being close to my sister, I love starting over. I do NOT love the amount of money the move and Dallas have cost me! Hahaha

Olivia has done extremely well. Yet, Nana is still with us, so that is helping tremendously. I'm not sure what I expected from a 2 year old, but she has exceeded my expectations. She has kept her normal sleep routine, she is still taking naps, and she has been a great sport. Now only if she would share her toys with her 16-month old cousin. ;)

I am kind of at a loss about what to say. My camera is broke, but so am I. ;) So, I will post some house pictures and such when I can.

Until then, here is a couple over the past month or so.

Mother's Day - 2010

2010-05-09T21:52:00.002-05:00

My daughter is my life. She is my backbone. She is my saving grace. She is my want when I don't want. She is my kleenex when I am sad. She is my hug when I'm aching. She is my kiss when I am angry. She is my partner in crime. She is my best friend. She is my reason for living.

I am her Mother. I am her nourish-er. I am her provider. I double as a Daddy. I am her pony. I am her ladder. I am her jungle-gym. I am her kleenex when she is sick. I am her smiley face when she is sad. I am her partner in crime.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Olivia!!

2010-05-09T21:28:00.004-05:00

May 1, 2008 - 12:48pm - The world was blessed with a brand new baby girl. Her name is Olivia Rose and I am delighted and privileged to call her my own. She brings excitement to my life and fills any empty holes that may surface.

This was Olivia last year, at her first birthday party. She was not walking yet and certainly not talking. She was sweet, compliant, and a people pleaser.
This is Olivia Rose today. A beautiful, amazing, walking, talking, demanding, independent two-year-old. She is still the light of my life and still fills the holes that my surface in my life.
Here was the backyard the day of her party. The moonbounce was great success and I highly recommend it!
People of all ages enjoyed the moonbounce! :)

My talented sister made Olivia's birthday cake - Everything Elmo!

Olivia received many, many great presents including the princess dress-up shoe collection. She loves to wear them, but gets upset when they fall off.
We had a wonderful birthday party with friends and family! Olivia is so lucky to have all the friends and love she does....and so am I!

Can you guess what is coming?

2010-04-28T21:21:00.001-05:00

Can you guess what is coming in just two short days? I can't believe it...

The Trouble with English Language

2010-03-21T17:58:00.003-05:00

So, I am trying to teach my child to talk, right? But also, I am attempting to teach her to understand what she is saying and what people are saying to her, right?

So when I say rock... Should she go to her rocking chair or go outside to find a small pebble?

When I say you are making a mess while folding laundry.. it is only ideal that she grabs a towel and wipes her face.... because of course, Mom, when I make a mess, you wipe my face.

Or when I go to the fridge and say "Cheese"... she gives me a ginormous fake smile... lol.

It is going to be a challenge... lol.

:)

Random Pictures

2010-03-19T20:44:00.003-05:00

Hi there...

2010-03-19T20:33:00.002-05:00

Okay, okay, I know, I know. I'm sorry! I have just not had the motivation lately!

Some highlights:
- I passed my Texas State Certification tests. One step closer to being able to teach in Texas. Still extremely nervous, but getting really excited to be close to my sister.
- Olivia is becoming more and more verbal. We are still not saying many two word sentences, but here are a few: "Yay Mommy!", "Up please", "More please", "Baby night night".

- My little girl is recognizing more and more things and saying the names than I thought she knew. For instance, she looked in the fridge and said "Jello" and proceeded to take out a jello cup. The one was finding a school bus in a book and instantly saying "school bus".

- I attempted to try big girl panties for a day. Haha.. a day. Really, only the morning hours before we had peed through all of the panties. She would back up and say "wet wet" as she was tinkling all over the floor. lol

- Olivia started saying "owie" while peeing on Wednesday. She was also holding herself. So, I took her for in a possible UTI. They had to use a catheter on her because she wouldn't pee in the potty. That was by far the worst thing I have had done to her. I held her close and tried to sing to her through my own tears. And the sad part, they didn't get anything out after all. Nana amazingly got her to potty and then the test was negative. They think it could just be due to potty training. Maybe she knows she is not supposed to go in her diaper, so she tries to hold it? Either way, we have taken away bubble baths and backing away from the panties for a while.

- I am FINALLY divorced!!! It took 30 months, but it is done. I have mixed feelings about this, but am relieved to be done and finally say "ex husband". I still struggle with feeling I failed at my marriage and could have done more to make it work. But then again, I know I put up with so much and even if I did more, who knows if it would have worked out or only backfired?

- I will be in Texas for the next six weekends, except for one. Thankfully I am getting the chance to go without Olivia (its hard to adjust for just a two night trip) and two of the trips I am getting to fly.

- Work is going well. I can't believe April is almost here. State testing is coming up and of course all the drama/stress that occurs with it!

I will post some pictures next!

Oh gosh, Days 28, 29, 30, 31, 32..

2010-02-01T21:43:00.002-06:00

First, let me explain.

I could not be a stay at home Mom. To the several stay at home Moms who follow my blog, props to you!!!!

Wednesday night the ice began to fall. Thursday, the snow fell all day long. We were also out of school on Thursday AND Friday. Those two days were manageable. Olivia was pretty happy to be in pajamas all day. Saturday and Sunday got a little trickier. I graciously had a friend who shoveled my steep driveway at least to get us out of the house. We went to Target and got dinner. YAY for outside! Then comes Monday. The snow is doable. The ice is not. There is at least 2-3" of ice beneath the 4-5" of snow. It is miserable and completely unsafe. Therefore, we were out of school again.

Oh.. let me remind everyone.. I am a teacher and Olivia attends a home daycare ran by a woman who has children who go to my school. Therefore, when school is out, her kids are home and daycare is closed.

So, today, I forced Cindy and TJ out of their house and we took the kiddos to the mall. We played with all the other "normal" stay at home Moms. Good day. Well.. guess what.

We are out tomorrow as well.

I just may go insane. I have not taken many pictures, but will get O bundled and out to the snow tomorrow.

Everyone pray for my sanity and Olivia's well being! Haha

Not dead, promise!!

2010-02-01T18:19:00.003-06:00

I should be back later to post... but, I wanted to post and promote this giveaway that I have entered!

Jen is a super Momma of Micro-Preemie Twins. Her blog is very uplifting and you can definitely tell the love she has for daughters. Truly amazing!

I'm so excited about this Super Pot and Grill! I love the grill, so this would be awesome!!

Day 27...

2010-01-27T19:26:00.000-06:00

Oh, the things to make your blood boil...

I called the vet today to see when my dog needed her shots... the conversation went like this..

Vet: Can I help you?
Me: Yes, I need to see when my dog's shots are due.
Vet: Okay. Can you give me your phone number?
Me: Sure. (insert phone number here)
Vet: Well, I don't have your number in the computer.
*I have been taking my dog's here since I was a CHILD*
Vet: Can I have your last name:
Me: Insert last name
Vet: Hmm... well, let me have your dog's name.
Me: Kylie
Vet: Oh, you must be Amy (insert my last name). Is the address SE 45th?
Me: Uhhh...
*Complete utter madness would now be entering my bloodstream*
Me: Well, no, actually that is my ex-husbands girlfriends name and that is their address.
Vet: (silence) I'm so sorry. Let me change Kylie's information.

GRRR.... We had another dog, Winston, that went to live with XH, so I'm sure the information got all screwed up. But, still, hearing HER name with MY last name. GoodLordHelpMe!

Day 26...

2010-01-26T20:27:00.001-06:00

Isn't she so cute? Excuse my voice!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Day 25

2010-01-25T21:29:00.001-06:00

I thought this would be the easiest way to catch up on Christmas pictures!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Day 22, 23, and probably 24...

2010-01-23T21:56:00.002-06:00

"What, Mom? Don't all Mom's look like this when pushing their babies around?"
When given a wet wash cloth... all things get washed!
Do you see what I see?
There she is!!

Olivia seems to be feeling much better. We can still only see the point of one eye tooth, but the others are certainly there and ready to come through.

We are saying many words and now officially saying 'please' without signing it. She will repeat many things on command. Sometimes I wonder if she is behind in her speech or just doesn't really care to talk all that much...?

We are enjoying our weekend together and look forward to attending a birthday party tomorrow at Chuck E. Cheese.

Day 19 and 20...

2010-01-20T13:39:00.002-06:00

Oohhhhhh the pain! You see... Olivia is 20 months old and this picture scares me. For the moment, all four of her canines are making their way through. It has been hell. She is miserable, cranky, and in so much pain. She was running a slight fever yesterday at daycare. It continued into the evening. Not to mention she was a bit constipated last night, so that did not help at all. About 7:30pm we went to her bedroom, I changed her diaper and put her in her crib. Normally, we rock, read two books, and pray. Not last night... I read a book to her while she was in her bed with her eyes half open and prayed over her tired little body. I didn't hear a peep more.

This morning I get ready to go to work (which I knew was a no-no) and woke her up about 7:15am. She was so hot. I picked her up, grabbed the thermometer, sat down on the couch (facing out, thankfully) where she proceeded to throw up any juice she had drank all night. Well, if you know me, I DO NOT do barf, for myself or anyone. And this was not any different. I was sick to my own stomach and couldn't hold her. I sat her on the floor while I cleaned up. She seemed far better off than I was! Needless to say, I didn't get her temp taken.

So, we are home today. And as I watch her dance around to Barney I knew she could have gone to daycare. But then when she is screaming, with fingers in her mouth, rubbing her eyes, and throwing a fit... I know she is miserable.

Now to the part that scares me.... if you look close you can see 2nd molars are not far behind... OY.

Sigh. The joys of Mommyhood.

Weekends are hard!

2010-01-18T22:02:00.003-06:00

Day 16 and 17..

Weekends are hard to do a daily post. I'm much better during the week. This weekend, even though an extra day was added, went by way too fast. Olivia and I spent the entire weekend together. Friday night I did manage to leave her with a sitter for an hour (then she went to bed) so that I could go enjoy a game night with my friends. I have the best friends ever and am so grateful I am able to get out of the house and have some me time. It is great for late 20-something people to be able to sit around, play card games and eat an abnormal amount of chocolate and hot tamales. :)

Saturday, Sunday, and today it was just the two of us. And man, one of us almost died. Can you imagine which one it was? Hint... around 3pm today, Olivia was done with her 18 minute power nap and wanted to go outside. I did what an responsible Mom would... I put her shoes on her, her coat on, and opened the backdoor. Freeeeeee Spirit!! She LOVED it. She would check in about every 3 or 4 minutes or I would look out the windows. She just walked around the backyard, laughed at the dog, found her sprinkler in the shed, etc. I got at least 30 minutes of peacefulness. Now do you know which one of us almost died? It has been a long weekend. I praise all of you SAHMs... I don't know HOW you do it!!

I also believe her 'eye' teeth are coming in. She has been without these teeth now for far too long. And once again, it brings me back to the 'I'm so glad I don't have an infant anymore' time. She has been a MESS!

Tonight I was delighted to babysit TJ. We had yummy dinner, a great bath time, and fun times! Forget the GIANT blurry spot on the pictures....grrrr... I really thought it was just on the viewfinder until I uploaded and realized it was on the lens!

Have a great week!

When it rains... it pours...

2010-01-16T16:54:00.003-06:00

Day 15 and 16...

So, my parents are out of town. They do this to me about every three months... leave for about a month to go galloping around the US. Well, usually, I survive. Things are calm. Things are not intense. I feed the four fish, I check the mail, I make sure their house is still standing. Well, today, it looks like this...

Oh, no... I am not doing early Spring cleaning for them. Trust me. Yet, Mom will probably start when she gets home! They had a pipe in their master bath that busted. It must have been running for QUITE.SOME.TIME. The neighbor noticed the water running down the street. It had already seeped through the foundation and was into the street. So, needless to say... it will look like this for a couple of days...

Olivia thought it was great to run around on Nana's carpet and 'jump' on the 'hills'. She was not too fond of the huge fans at first, but then decided it was fun to watch her hair fly around like mad.

So... Nana and Pops... enjoy your galloping Texas trip! No worries, I will hold down the fort! :)

Day 14 .... A woman can dream, right?

2010-01-14T21:49:00.003-06:00

Enough said, right? A woman can dream... and this is my new dream. This ring. No man required, just a money donor. :)

Day 13 ... Worldess Wendesday....

2010-01-13T21:45:00.003-06:00

Ups and Downs

2010-01-12T22:02:00.003-06:00

Let's start with the downs...

- The offer on the house fell through. Since I am under a short sale, the offer on the table still has to be within fair market value. The man asked about 10-12k lower than fair market value, according to the bank. So, either he can come back and raise his offer or we are on to finding a new buyer. I am totally bummed. I really thought the stars were aligning and God was answering some prayers. I know, God is still working and not finished yet, but it is so hard to turn it over to Him.

- I am getting into a rut with my weight.

Now to the ups...

- Should have a court date very soon to modify the temporary support and start child support. I am so excited about this and see good things for me and Olivia's future.

- I AM going to do something about my weight. And I have help..

+ Being a well seasoned Weight Watchers member, I always have all those resources and knowledge that just doesn't go away. Even when you're eating that Twinkie... you automatically know it is 3-4 points. Hahaha.

+ Jillian's Power Sculpt

+ Jillian's 30-Day Shred

+ The Wii - I am going to borrow a friends Wii Fit and Balance Board to see if it is something I will keep up with.

I CAN do this!! I will keep everyone updated and myself accountable!

Day 11...

2010-01-11T22:46:00.002-06:00

It is amazing to sit back and watch Olivia grow. My, my this little girl sure is feisty, independent, and stubborn... and there are some days I wish she wasn't quite so much... but, nonetheless, she is mine, and she isn't going anywhere. :)

Some normal conversations you hear in our home:
Me - Olivia, lets get some bites.
Olivia - No
Me- Your not hungry?
Olivia - Cup?
Me- You want a drink?
Olivia - No

Me - Time to take a bath
Me - No, horsie can't go in the bath
Me - No, you can't take your milk with you in the tub, either.
Me - YOU can go in the tub though!

Olivia - Uh Oh (symbolizing the video is over) Uh oh, uh ohhhhhh!!!!!!
(She hands me the remote and signs 'please' over and over and over)
Me - We aren't watching the video again. Give me the remote and let's play.
Olivia - Nooooooo (throws the remote and herself on the floor)

Oy... what a sweet, peaceful child she is.

Our favorite book right now is
How ironic, huh? All the "David" series are great. There are two parts that I read that she still looks at me to see if I am reading or speaking to her.

He burps and says "Excuse Me!" I guess because I say it around her, she thinks I am speaking to her.
And then David realizes he really is the problem, and says "I'm Sorry"... she always looks back to see if I am apologizing. Maybe she does have feelings! haha jk

Days 8, 9, and 10...

2010-01-10T16:05:00.002-06:00

So, I got a little behind. I do most of my blogging while Olivia is alseep... so usually around 8pm. Well, then I got tired. :)

But, I'm back!

We have had a busy past few days.. well, the Mommy has anyway. We had to say goodbye to Nana today. Her and Pops are embarking on a month long vacation to the South of Texas. It is always hard when my mom leaves. I miss her and miss her protecting my sanity. Yet, I think I have a pretty good babysitter on my hands these days, yet, they require payment. :)

So, I am debating whether or not to go to the grocery store. I have meals planned for the week, so I obviously need the ingredients, but blah. It is cold and Olivia is not in the happiest of moods.

We are watching a counting video on On Demand. I like this channel COX has given us... it gives me some breathing time, and well hopefully, gives her some educational learning!

I will be back tomorrow posting with pictures. Right now, I need to get this clingy toddler off my leg.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Only 7 hours late...

2010-01-08T07:10:00.003-06:00

Off to work, not much time to write! BUT, didn't want to get behind tooooo bad!!
Best thing? She went to bed last night without a sippy. YAY!

Ponderings...

2010-01-06T21:11:00.002-06:00

I took one picture today, but am too lazy to go get the camera. So, you get to listen to me talk. Lucky you!

The things I have wondered lately...

- How can you send your ADD child to school, after a two week vacation, and 'forget' to give him/her his/her medication. Really? That is down right wrong. Wrong for the child's sake AND the teacher's.

- How can someone go from such a high to such a low in a matter of hours? It is depressing for all around.

- I am a fixer. I get mad when I can't 'fix' someone.

- I get mad when I can't figure out someone. Yet, lately, I think that is God's plan. I don't HAVE to try to understand everyone. That doesn't have to be my JOB.

- I want to go with the flow. I want to sit back and enjoy myself and my life.

- I never thought I would like beer. Coronas are becoming a refreshing drink.

- I am hooked on this song and it's lyrics.

Rob Thomas
"Her Diamonds"
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x95ylq_her-diamonds_people
Oh what the hell she says
I just can't win for losing
And she lays back down
Man there's so many times
I don't know what I'm doin
Like I don't know now

By the light of the moon
She rubs her eyes
Says it's funny how the night
Can make you blind
I can just imagine
And I don't know what I'm supposed to do
But if she feels bad then i do too
So I let her be

And she says oooh
I can't take no more
Her tears like diamonds on the floor
And her diamonds bring me down
Cuz I can't help her now
She's down in it
She tried her best and now she can't win it
Hard to see them on the ground
Her diamonds falling down

She sits down and stares into the distance
And it takes all night
And i know i could break her concentration
But it don't feel right

By the light of the moon
She rubs her eyes
Sits down on the bed and starts to cry
And there's something less about her
And I don't know what I'm supposed to do
So I sit down and I cry too
But don't let her see

And she says oooh
I can't take no more
Her tears like diamonds on the floor
And her diamonds bring me down
Cuz I can't help her now
She's down in it
She tried her best and now she can't win it
Hard to see them on the ground
Her diamonds falling down

She shuts out the night
Tries to close her eyes
If she can find daylight
She'll be alright
She'll be alright
Just not tonight

And she says oooh
I can't take no more
Her tears like diamonds on the floor
And her diamonds bring me down
Cuz I can't help her now
She's down in it
She tried her best and now she can't win it
Hard to see them on the ground
Her diamonds falling down

And she says oooh
I can't take no more
Her tears like diamonds on the floor
And her diamonds bring me down
Cuz I can't help her now
She's down in it
She tried her best and now she can't win it
Hard to see them on the ground
Her diamonds falling down

Truthful Tuesdays...

2010-01-05T20:23:00.003-06:00

So, I couldn't help but respond to this one, Elizabeth!

Her question for the week.... "Have you ever lost something, and came out better for it?"

Pull on the heartstrings here!

I lost a husband, a friend, a companion. But, all be damned, if I didn't come out BETTER for it!! I lost my anger, I lost my frustrator (made that one up), I lost my cause of worry... I lost one of the worst parts of my life. And boy, does it feel good!!

I gained back my self esteem. I gained back my own hopes, dreams, and passions. I gained back the WANT to love, satisfy, and dream.

So yes, I HAVE lost something, but came out BETTER for it!

When All Else Fails!!

2010-01-05T20:00:00.003-06:00

Day 5...

So the camera is in the car and I didn't feel like going to get it. But then I thought, you know, I have to keep this going. I'm having a fun time with it and I know at least one person is checking everyday! (Christina!) So... I improvised!!

Bath time turned into "Grab the laptop and take pictures!" time!! :)

Gosh, I love this little girl so much...

Is she ever going to get those eye teeth?!

Day 4...

2010-01-04T22:55:00.004-06:00

"Hey, get out of my car! Can't you see I'm busy pushing my babies around?"

"Stop chasing me!!! Save my babies!!"
"Now, now TJ, let me show you how it is done!"
"Can you believe this guy? He is already learning how to cook for me! And what a pretty necklace!"

This is how I found Olivia this morning. She won the sippy cup battle. No worries, it is only water, but still. I plan on taking the cup out tonight before I go to bed.

Day 3...

2010-01-03T20:46:00.003-06:00

Yay for lazy days!!

Tomorrow I head back to work and Olivia goes back to daycare. She has not been awake before 10am the past week, so 7:00am should be real interesting for her. :(

I am sad to go back to work, but I have missed my coworkers!

We started the morning watching Barney... as she was dancing while sitting.

Then this is how we ended the night.... lol. Pure comfort around here!

In between we made some cookies! Stupendous, yummy sugar cookies with M&Ms!
And just because she is cute. She LOVES this horse... carries it around all day. We are still working on the Cozy Coupe. She sits in it all the time, but doesn't know how to go forward yet.

Day 2...

2010-01-02T21:55:00.003-06:00

Go Pokes! Even though the Oklahoma State Cowboys did not bring home a win today, Olivia and I were showing our pride and colors! We even went out and about AFTER the game in our colors!
She loves taking pictures when I am with her. She thinks it is funny that her and Mama are smiling together. But, try to take a picture of just her, doesn't work.

A Year in Pictures...

2010-01-02T21:01:00.004-06:00

January
February
March
April
May
June
JulyAugust
September
October

NovemberDecember
TA-DA!

The Year In Review

2010-01-02T20:32:00.004-06:00

Borrowed these questions from my sister's blog. At the end of these questions is Meredith's Decade in Review, hope you enjoy!

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
I went on a vacation to Vegas without any family members. I also became an Aunt!

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'm sure my ones from last year included losing weight (like almost everyone) and keeping my daughter alive. Well, really, I succeeded in both. I definitely kept Olivia alive and continue to do so! :) And I a lost all but 5 pounds of my pre-pregnancy weight. Olivia is now 20 months old and I still am carrying around 5 pounds. Therefore, resolutions for this year?....
1. Take off another 20 pounds... ICANDOIT!
2. Keep Olivia alive.
3. Become a better mother, friend, teacher, and all around person.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My sister, of course. Astoria was born in April. Then, my cousin had a baby in July. My student teacher had a baby in December, so yes, I guess so!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My grandmother passed away 2 days after my niece was born. It was very hard but bittersweet. My Grandma left in a time of happiness for the family.

5. What would you like to have in 2010 that you didn't have in 2009?
I would love to NOT be a homeowner, be divorced, AND financially stable for myself and Olivia.

6. What dates from 2009 will be etched upon your memory, and why?
My nieces birth, my grandmother's passing, Olivia's first birthday!

7. What was your biggest achievement of this year?
I believe I become a stronger person daily, but in a looking glass, I would say I became more independent. I am a single mother who takes it in stride. I also became more of a leader at my school.

8. What was your biggest failure?
All in all, I can't think of something specific (which is good, I think!) but I would say not being/staying organized.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My mom and dad for putting up with me and O all year and of course my sister and brother in law who became new parents!

10. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Of course this is easy, the ex husband. But in reality, he has stayed a bay, so not as much anger/causing trouble as in the past. Thank you Jesus.

11. Where did most your money go?
Diapers and daycare. Hands down.

12. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Planning Olivia's birthday was spectacular. And of course, Astoria's birth. The little stink showed up early, but healthy!

13. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a. happier
b. thinner (but not yet content)
c. richer thanks to my own saving

14. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Read books with Olivia

15. How did you spend Christmas?
Well, Christmas Eve was spent holed up in my house due to a blizzard. But Christmas Day was spent with the immediate family. We were so blessed to all be able to get together.

16. Did you fall in love with 2009?
I wouldn't say it has been the BEST year, but there was not anything I would trade out.

17. What was your favorite TV program?
Ohh...here's the list:
Flash Forward
Grey’s Anatomy
Biggest Loser
Private Practice

18. What did you want and get?
A peaceful and safe year.

19. What did you want and not get?
Winning the lottery of course... oh wait, you have to play to win.

20. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 26 this year. My family was out of town, so a group of very special friends took me out to dinner.

21. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2009?
Comfortable with dipping a bit into fashion... if it is comfortable!

22. What kept you sane?

My mom and dad who allowed me to get out of the house regularly. My sister for all of our emails and talks that lasted forever.

23. Who did you miss?
I missed companionship for a long time. It is not really a who, just a thing. It is slowly getting better.

24. Who was the best new person you met?
I met a new friend. This friend been a great help to me and Olivia and a welcomed friend into our lives.

25. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Money does not buy happiness. People do not always bring happiness. Happiness must be found within before ever finding its way out.

Now my life this decade, a recap:
2000: I was a junior in high school. Life was pretty norm. I was working at a daycare center.

2001: I was a senior in high school. I "graduated" early (in December) so that I could work full time. I had enough credits and didn't feel I needed to be there anymore. ExH and I began dating.

2002: I officially graduated high school. I also moved for the first time to Stillwater to begin college. I lived in the dorm.

2003: I was a sophomore in college, majoring in Elem. Education. I wasn't too fond of college and just wanted to start working. ExH and I were supposed to get married, but didn't. Therefore, I was placed into an apartment with three other girls who were all friends beforehand. I was incredibly scared, but come to find out, they were some of the best times of my college life. Brannon, Alex, and Annie were amazing and strong women.

2004: Junior in college. Brannon and I moved into our own apartment off campus. It was quiet and nice. I was working at the OSU Physical Plant. I LOVED the people there and the friendly hours!

2005: I began my senior year of college. I was chosen to be part of a group of ladies who were able to do an extra semester of student teaching. I student taught at Westwood Elem. in Stillwater; 5th grade. I knew then that I wanted to teach the upper grades! ExH and I got married in November.

2006: I moved to MWC to begin student teaching at Tinker Elementary. I was hired in March!! I officially graduated from Oklahoma State Univ. in May. ExH and I began building our home in April. The house was finished in September. I began teaching 2nd grade at Tinker in August. This was a very busy year!

2007: This year was the hardest of the decade. Andrea and Rex got married in July. I discovered ExH was cheating in September. I also found out I was carrying the best blessing of my life in September, I was pregnant. I was going to be a single mom and it was a blow in the face! Found out I was having a girl in December! I was teaching 3rd grade.

2008: The BEST year of the decade! I became a Mother on May 1. Olivia Rose was born happy and healthy. I was back to teaching 2nd grade. I learned parenting was NOT easy and yet, managed to do it with the help of all my family and friends. I also learned I was going to be aunt!! Began trying to sell the house.

2009: I became an Aunt in April, Astoria Annette arrived happy and healthy! I also lost my grandmother two days later. We celebrated Olivia's first birthday with over 50 people in attendance! I was back to teaching 3rd grade, where I am the happiest. FINALLY received a contract on the house. Therefore, it is pending and I am able to move on with the divorce. I met a special friend in November and this friend has fit into my life and Olivia's very well. It is nice to have someone around who doesn't know the past and who didn't have to live through it.

My goodness... there were some slow years... but the past three have FLOWN by!! This is definitely a decade to remember!

Happy New Year!

Day 1..

2010-01-02T20:20:00.005-06:00

Okay, here is the first New Years Resolution! I am taking a HUGE leap here and making it completely PUBLIC. I want to blog every single day for a year... doesn't mean it has to be a novel, but I am going to try to take at least one picture of Olivia and/or me every day. My other blogger friend, Christina, is in the middle of this adventure, check out her blog! Okay, so now, everyone to has help keep me in line!!

Day 1 (yesterday... oops, already behind? HAHA)

New Years Eve...

I kissed my little girl goodbye and told her I would see her next year. Dear sweet Nana was keeping her for the night! I got to go out with several friends to dinner, a casino, and then back to a friends house to play board games and enjoy a few drinks.

I didn't get home till 2am. Woohooo... party animal here!

Sorry these few pictures are blurry, they were taken with my phone.

And here is a picture of Olivia and Kylie on New Years Day (Day 1)

I'm still alive!

2010-01-02T16:50:00.000-06:00

Sorry dear readers, I promise I am still alive!

Stay tuned for Christmas, New Years, and my New Years Resolutions....

:)

Strong Women!

2009-12-21T23:08:00.003-06:00

So, I was browsing through blogs today when I stumbled across "Tampons and Chocolate". The title sounded catchy! Reading through just the first page, I was hooked. This very, very nicely written post was at the bottom. I have received permission from the nice, nice lady to copy her very own words. I could NOT put these thoughts into words if I tried... trust me. But, she did. She mastered it VERY well!

If you want to read her entire post, click on the link above... but here is the exert that made me smile and hold my head up!

"Which brings me to my subject for today's post--strong women.

Now, I'm not talking about women who can bench press a horse. I'm talking about women who have strong spirits and are strong willed. Women who know who they are and know they deserve respect. They are women who are smart, proud and confident, and rarely take crap from anyone.

You want to know how to tell if you are a strong woman? Just count how many times you've been called a bitch or at least been told you were acting like a bitch or being difficult and that will give you a clue.

It just so happens that I am one of those strong women and I must say, I am damn proud of it. One thing I am not, however, is a bitch. A bitch is a woman who is overall unhappy and unloving and goes out of her way to make everyone as miserable as herself. That is not me.

That does not mean that I am never unhappy or unloving. I am on occasion. Who the hell isn't? But I am never miserable. Overall, I love my life and I love who I am. During the times when I am unhappy or being unloving, it is usually for one of two reasons--someone has overstepped my boundaries or my crazy hormones are out of whack and I am PMSing.

What I find interesting, however, is just how quickly the man of a strong woman can categorize her as a bitch. Isn't it usually that strong side of her personality that attracted him in the first place? In the beginning, he sees her as sassy and feisty and he just has to have her, no other woman will do. But somewhere along the line, things change and he starts to see her in a very different light.

But the truth of the matter is that she is really no different than she was when he met her. The only thing that changed was the way he thinks about her. Perhaps he needs to be reminded that he chose his strong woman for a reason. Something inside him wanted her and needed her. He should not expect her to be anything but strong...even when he gets out of line.

Yes, when a strong woman fights, she fights strong. When she hurts, she hurts strong. But the most important thing a man of a strong woman needs to remember is that she also loves, and when does, she loves strong.

So here's to all you strong women out there. Be proud, be strong, and don't ever let your man mistake you for anything else."

Changing things up a bit...

2009-12-14T21:50:00.004-06:00

Not MY child was created by Mckmama - Check out her awesome blog and all of its followers!

My child would never eat a fruit so high in antioxidants AND enjoy it! Olivia and her first pomegranate.

My child would never grow up so fast that she INSISTS on having her own bowl of cereal, her own pancake, and her very own puddle of syrup. But of course, Olivia would never say "Mama, help" and hand me her spoon so I could PUT the cheerios on it!

My child would most certainly not stand in her highchair while impatiently waiting for Mommy to cook. And never would I ALLOW her to do, so close to the stove and the knife block*! "Hold still, Mommy needs to get the camera!"
(* no children were in any danger in this photo)

Olivia would never sit and hide under the Christmas tree and think it was hilarious. For Heaven's sake, don't you see that UNCOVERED power strip behind her!? I would not put her in ANY danger...ever.

My child would never be so deprived that she had to STUFF her baby doll into the Kleenex box. I would always provide a bed for her baby.

(Notice the baby in its "bed" in the above Christmas Tree picture... placed under the tree.)

Olivia would never venture onto the couch, steal MY blanket, proceed to place it over her head and then roll into it until she was perfectly comfortable. My child would never be so selfish.

And last but not least, my child would never be allowed to wear her hat, mittens, and house shoes around the house all morning. Why, of course, my child is always dressed up and looking perfectly presentable.

These pictures make me laugh hysterically every time I see them. Notice the Kleenex box in the last picture. Thanks to Auntie A who gave me the idea to cut the top out. :)

Dough Making!

2009-12-13T00:40:00.007-06:00

Click on the picture to make it larger.

Olivia and I were hard at work today! Thanks to Christina for posting this recipe for us to use! It was so simple! Olivia was not too sure at first.... but she eventually began playing with it. I had my back turned when she took her first taste of the pink dough. I could instantly tell she had taken a bite, because she was salivating heavily. Haha, it has 1/2 c. of salt in the recipe!! She was quickly asking for a drink. I believe they turned out very well! They are still drying, but are turning a lighter shade than I wanted. Oh well, they are cute and personal. :)

Guess How I Feel?

2009-12-09T21:01:00.002-06:00

This is how we started out the day....

This is how we ended the day..... Can you guess where we are?Olivia has an upper respiratory infection. She is congested. Her cheeks and eyes are swollen. Her eyes and nose are seeping thick green goop. Bless.her.ever.lovin'.heart.

Started Zithromicin and hopefully will feel much better soon!!

Olivia is Trouble.

2009-12-07T21:13:00.002-06:00

So, my daughter is not innocent. She can throw fits that make you want to throw one right back.

If she gets mad at something, she will throw it. If you're near, she will try to hit you. It's bad.

If you tell her "No" or "Do not hit, Olivia"… guess what she does…

She will reach in to kiss you. Not just a regular kiss… she must have your lips!

If she can't reach them, she will bob her head around until she reaches them.

Now, tell me, how in the world do you NOT crack up, smile, or just kiss the little dear back?

Oy…long road ahead of me, you say?

And this fake smile…. PRICELESS!

My Philosophy of Education

2009-12-06T20:13:00.001-06:00

We don't need no education
We don't need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the class room
Teachers leave those kids alone
(yells) Hey, teachers! Leave those kids alone!

Ahhhh… Pink Floyd.

I have been nominated for Tinker Elem. Teacher of the Year.

Woooopeeeee.

I really am flattered but not excited about writing my Philosophy of Education and

my Most Memorable Teaching Experience. Wait, the last one could be exciting.

Like, when I barfed in front of all my students? Or slipped and said that cuss word?

Or how about when I completely give a wrong answer and get caught by that

stinkin' too smart kid in the back row?

Okay, enough procrastinating… back to typing. I'll let everyone know how it turns out!

2009-11-30T21:40:00.003-06:00

It has been awhile.... therefore, I have things to share!

I would never throw Poptarts at my daughter in the car. It is not my fault she is riding so far in the back and I can't reach her.

I would not eat at McDonalds for breakfast, Subway for lunch, and have pecan pie for dinner. That would be disgusting. Never.

Because I love doing laundry, I would not let it sit in the clothes basket for...well...longer than it should be.

Because I am always tidy and neat, I would never notice the dust streaks on my television and then leave them there. Ew. No.

My daughter is quiet and perfect at Walmart, always. Therefore, my sister and I would never have to feed Olivia marshmallows in order to keep her quiet.

And..

I would never let my daughter eat a granola bar she found in the floorboard of the car. It is only... a day or two old. :)

Needing some reflection time!

2009-11-23T23:48:00.002-06:00

So, this weekend has been really hard. As it is always is with a sick child and being a single Mom.

Olivia and I spent the wee hours Sunday morning in the Emergency Room. What started as just a cough on Saturday, ended with her barking and wheezing Sunday wee-morning. She was tested for Swine Flu, negative (thank God), and then diagnosed with croup. Well, croup is something that is still a mystery. It is a viral infection and affects the lungs and vocal box. Which makes breathing difficult and the barking cough.

It also affects the Mom.

The Mom who can't stand watching her daughter hold her nose and her neck indicating that something hurts, the Mom that hates listening to her daughter cough horribly while trying to rest, the Mom that gets frustrated when her daughter won't sleep in her arms, but yet cries in bed. The steroids she is on make her irritable and unable to rest. Hence, the 10:30pm driving around town last night I did just to get her to sleep. And, as her mother's daughter, she was asleep in less than a mile.

I know deep down inside I am a mighty powerful and strong woman. I know this. I believe this. I trust this. But this hurts. It hurts to be alone when I need someone to help. It hurts to be alone when I want to vent all my anger. Yes, I love my sister and my mother and the unconditional support they offer me. Yet, there is no one sharing my bed at night, no one waiting to hear how my day has gone, no one waiting to eat dinner with me. The smallest things that I miss. It is hard. It is really hard at times. Yet, I look at my beautiful, happy, smiling, singing, mimicking, dancing, kissing, pouting, gummy bear loving daughter and know that I have raised her. I have raised her with the help of all my family and friends. But mostly, I have raised her alone. I have raised her without having to share her and without having to ask someones permission or opinion.

She is all mine.

Now, let's be honest.... I don't miss.... the dirty bathrooms, the TV on all hours of the day, the dirty dishes piled in the sink, the arguments of who cooks or cleans, where to eat, how to spend the money, how much to save/spend, and who has the best ideas on _______ (insert anything you wish here).

As things slowly begin to seep out.... I am making the move to Dallas in the summer. I am making this move to better the life for my daughter and I, to be close to my sister and her family, to raise my daughter and my niece close together... but mostly, to just start over. How joyous it will be to embark on a brand new journey... one that I will set for myself, to make my own rules and memories, and to start over. Leaving my parents, my Granny, and my best friends here will be, hands down, the hardest, hardest thing I have ever done in my life. The hardest. Yet, I have had nothing but support and understanding from everyone. The thought of it all makes me have butterflies in my stomach and tears in my eyes.

Goodnight... thanks for listening.

One year later...

2009-11-21T21:16:00.003-06:00

I see this being a very "fun" season. Haha! :)

\

Do I hear an echo?

2009-11-20T21:11:00.003-06:00

My daughter is like a babbling brook these days. Just when I was worried about her speech, she starts imitating every word I ask of her. Lately the clearest have been Pop (my dad), bow, bowl, cat, and Whooooaaa... :)

And some pictures to enjoy!

And one year ago.............. LOOK at all that HAIR we have grown!! :)

One year ago...

2009-11-10T20:51:00.003-06:00

Today marks the one year anniversary of my Grandfather's passing. Man, oh man, do I miss him so. I miss him everyday, I miss him anytime I need a good laugh, I miss him anytime I see a fishing rod, I miss him anytime I need a funny song, oh how I miss him.I miss him for Olivia. She will never know him, only by the pictures I have to show. She loved her Great-Grandpa. She was only 6 months when he lost his battle, but she knew him. Anytime she went to his house, she would smile. She would go to him, she would laugh with him, she would nap with him. Oh how I miss him for her.

I miss him for my Granny. She is a very, very strong woman. She never left his side, she never stopped worrying, and she never stopped caring. To this day, as hard as it is, she is still strong. She is strong for her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is strong her herself. I love you, Granny.

I miss him for all of us.

Dear Grandpa,
We miss you oh so much. We are staying strong, listening to God's word, and waiting for the day when we will be together again.
Love, Goober

Olivia's Christmas Wishes

2009-11-07T18:36:00.003-06:00

For me to remember and to share with family members...

**Updated**

- Kitchen (Which I believe Olivia is receiving from her Great-Grandmother) I found the kitchen today at Aldi! Thirty bucks = STEAL!!

- Things to go WITH her kitchen.

- Child sized broom and dust pan

- Play vacuum

- Keyboard, just an old keyboard that she can tap away at instead of using Mommy's! Thanks Uncle Rex!

- Cozy Coupe Car

Will add to as I think.... :)

Not Me Monday - Goooood stuff!!!

2009-11-02T19:43:00.004-06:00

Oh these should be good!

I would never let my child eat so many suckers on Halloween that particles of... who knows what... stick to her face. Nope, never.My child would never lick Clifford.

This Mommy would not lure her child closer to the camera with a Tootsie Roll. Nope.
I would never allow my child to hit me in the head with a Glow Stick... laugh... think it was funny, AND allow someone to take a picture of it!Of course my daaaaahhhhling daughter would not feed my niece a french fry. Wait, maybe she would. But I know I would never allow her to do it!
I would not allow my daughter to lick 3 tubs of butter at the Mexican restaurant just to keep her quiet.And I most certainly would not take a picture of her face afterwards because it was just so cute!
Aaaaaannnddddd.... my sister and I would never allow my father to feed my niece GUACAMOLE on her pacifier!! My daughter would never force a fake smile because I said "Olivia, show me your smile!"

Others:
I would not keep my child up way past her bedtime just so that she would sleep a bit later in the morning.
I would never take my child to Target, in her pajamas, at 8:30pm just so that I can buy her the black glitter shoes.
I would never use my deceased Grandma's Handicap Tag so that I can park closer to the entrances.

Whew, I feel much better! There were more from the weekend, but that is all that I can remember!

Aww... my first award! :)

2009-10-27T22:36:00.003-05:00

Thank you Jade for giving me my first award! Now watch out, Kanye may show up!!

Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link to their blog.

2. Share 10 honest things about yourself.

3. Present this award to 7 others whose blogs you find brilliant in design or content.

4. Tell those 7 people they have been awarded.

First, 10 honest things about myself.

1. I despise crust on bread. I will pick it all off or eat around it.

2. I am controlling. I guess that is a little bit of why I became a teacher. I knew I would be in control and could get the job done.

3. Sometimes I KNOW my house is disgusting and I really just don't care. There are spider webs, there are dead bugs in the corners... I know, gross, but doesn't really bother me.

4. I am SO ready to get divorced it is not even funny.

5. I text and drive way way way tooooo much. I scare myself sometimes. I need a handsfree texting device.

6. I am guilt of allowing Olivia to watch Barney in the car way too often. If I make sure the TV is flipped up before she gets in the car, I can easily distract her. But if the TV is already down, forget it.... Barney it is!

7. I want to lose weight, I really do. But, I don't have the ambition to do it. I love to eat. I love to eat sweets. And then I get on the scale the next morning and really hate sweets.

8. I often think horrible thoughts of Olivia dying. I watch the news and wonder HOW people kill their own children. I think of parents who drown their kids, parents who leave their kids in the car.... I get very sad and sick to my stomach to think I even have the POWER to hurt my child in such a way. I fear for her life every single day.

9. I read blogs for hours at night. I can find people's blogs and instantly 'favorite' them. Makes me feel a little like a stalker.

10. I will hit the snooze at least 6 times ever morning. That is 30 minutes of interrupted sleep that I love. I feel like I am giving myself more sleep... almost a indescribable feeling!

Now to award 7 other blogs.

Did I mention I am also stubborn? I will choose 5.

1. My sister. Andrea is my partner in crime, my jury, and my best friend. She blogs about my beautiful niece, Astoria.

2. The Quad Blog. I have been reading Suz's blog since the babies were born. I love reading about her sometimes hectic life and beautiful children. She is such a strong Mama!

3. Cheating as well.... Jade is a wonderful woman. A fellow teacher who I met on Babycenter. We were trying to conceive at the same time and unfortunately, she is still trying. Her destiny is taking a bit longer than wanted/expected, but nonetheless WILL happen!

4. I just found this blog about two weeks ago, and I'm not even sure she knows I read her blog. See, feel like a stalker! But she is a young teenage, single Mother raising one cuuuute boy and doing a great job! Like I said, I don't know her from Adam, but she is fun to read and I relate just a bit.

5. And, another blog I found through a blog. This blog has touched me more than ever. This Mom is so super strong. She has three beautiful children, has an Angel baby, has #5 baby on the way, AND her husband is MIA (as she puts it). Wow... just awesome to read!

WHEW!!! Thanks Jade! :)

Wordless Wednesday... a bit early...

2009-10-27T22:18:00.003-05:00

2009-10-27T22:05:00.003-05:00

Tonight Olivia had her first Trick or Treating experience! We went to the Oklahoma City Haunt the Zoo. They set the zoo up for trick or treaters and passed out yummy treats. Not so good for the Mommy trying to lose weight and the child who can't eat it all yet. :)
In attendance was of course me, Olivia, Nana, Cindy, TJ, and Doug. We love doing things with the Yarnells and couldn't ask for better friends.
Olivia LOVED seeing all the costumes. Nothing seem to bother her and even beat up on a 'Dinosaur'. TJ, on the other hand, had to be bribed with food to stay in the stroller. He wasn't too fond!
Can you tell Olivia had her bangs cut? She can actually see!

Its amazing to watch Olivia grow up. I have said it so many times, she is the light of my life. I love experiencing all of her firsts with her. Everything is new and so exciting and she will tell you about it. Anytime she sees something exciting to her it is an immediate 'Ooooooohhhhhh....". It is THE CUTEST thing ever.

I love her!

Not Me Monday

2009-10-12T18:19:00.002-05:00

I do not have the Swine Flu. I do not feel like I have been run over by a bus. I do not I do not I do not. I do not sound like a Dr. Seuss book. Haha

I would never let my daughter pull as many kleenexes out of the box as she chooses just to keep her entertained. I would never use my sickness as a reason to eat like crap. Yet, an hour later, I DO NOT feel like crud because I ate like crud.

I would never turn back on the dryer to iron out wrinkles instead of actually ironing.

And of COURSE, I am not secretly enjoying my days off.... even though I do feel like crud! :)

My little dancer and singer...

2009-10-10T17:41:00.002-05:00

Makes me giggle everytime!

These Boots Were Made For Walkin'...

2009-10-06T20:27:00.004-05:00

So this is the view that caught my eye last night. I couldn't go on without taking a picture. So many thoughts flooded me at once.

The little girl that wears these brown fuzzy boots is my life. She fills them and my life perfectly. She fills it with happiness, calmness, and a sense of wonder all at the same time. We fit together. Just like her shoes, we are a pair. We work as a team, with one foot in front of the other everyday, all day.

This little girl makes me smile all day, everyday. She makes me stop and slow down. She makes me watch my words, my actions, and even my thoughts.

She lights up any room she is in. She provides smiles when you have tears. She provides laughter when you just want to cry. She does something completely silly when all you want is to be serious. She never does the predictable, which prepares me for my life. When is life EVER predictable?

She makes me realize that our lives together are happy times... limited times... and the most precious times of my life.

Who fills the shoes in your life?

Not Me Monday...

2009-10-05T22:32:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

So... I am giving it a try! Sounds like fun and harmless... right?!

Of course I would NEVER let my Third Graders spend 10 minutes on a worksheet that should have only taken 3. I never eat a side of bacon and a Diet Dr. Pepper from Sonic for breakfast. Nope, not me. I would also never make sure to eat on the left side of my car so that my daughter wouldn't see that I had food. Nope. And of course, I ALWAYS share my food with Olivia!

I will NEVER take my daughter to the doctor and let her color on the floor with a pencil before realizing what she was doing. Nope. I would also never stop by Sonic and get Olivia french fries because I knew it would help keep her quiet. Nope.

And to finish the post... I would never spend three hours on the computer reading other people's blogs. Never.

As for me...

2009-09-25T22:36:00.002-05:00

I will serve the Lord.

So, this post is to relieve the many burdens on my shoulders at this time. I am not looking for sympathy, but sure wouldn't mind some prayers.

I need out of my house. I need someone else to take over. I am done emotionally and financially. As known before, I cannot divorce DAH until the house is sold or until I release him of financial obligation. I have had two prospective renters, which neither turned out.

My only other option is to relist the house, for a lower price, and pray that the right buyer comes along. Unfortunately, I need it sooner than later.

You see, I am completely stubborn and independent. I have worked my tail off to be this way and no don't want to falter on what I have accomplished to be this way. I have put tax returns, rebate checks, I have sold stuff on Craigslist, I am coaching three sports at work, all to go to Olivia's daycare funds and an emergency fund. I am not receiving child support for daycare so it is all on me.

Well... all was well if the house would have sold within the past 16 months it had been on the market. Well, the time as now come to where the daycare funds are not enough for next month. Yes, the emergency fund is there and this WILL be an emergency, but I REALLY need the house to sell.

It has been so hard emotionally to be so up and down, excited and disappointed. My mind is spinning, my stomach is in knots, and yet I am doing it. I am conquering my life. I am responsible for my finances and my daughter's. I will get through this.

I will put my trust in God. I will give more this month than ever. I will believe. I will hand it over. I will look for the good. I will sell things. I will pocket whatever I can. I will get through this.

I have always said... "Everything will be fine until October. In October we will worry." Well folks, put your hands together and instead of worrying for me.... please pray. Pray for guidance, for strength, for courage, for calmness, for the right path.

My favorite things....

2009-09-17T20:45:00.005-05:00

I thought I would share a few of my favorite things. These have all been my life savers lately. I encourage you to share yours as well!

Your Baby Can Read - We are borrowing these videos from my friend Cindy. This is one of the two shows Olivia will sit and watch. She LOVES it! If you say "Let's go watch the video!" she will run to the TV. We don't watch TV much in the house. I, myself, am not a big TV watcher, so she loves it! And yes, I am seeing that it works. She can see the word dog written and know to bark. She has become so much more aware of words, written and vocalized. It is amazing.

Sugar-free Jello - This stuff is packed in my lunch every single day. It is a very sweet and easy snack to eat. I know that it is only 1 point - weight watchers - and can fulfill my sweet craving for a bit! My favorite is the Boston Cream Pie or the Vanilla Chocolate Swirl.
Floss - I know, weird, right? I have teeth issues and always have (Thanks, Mom!) and to finally find a floss that works, doesn't shred, and FEELS good has been amazing! Thank you Crest!

The next one is a BIG thank you to my sister, Andrea! I LOVE my cereal cup! I use it at least twice a week. The top part holds cereal and the bottom part is freezable and holds the milk. My staff now knows that when they see the cereal cup, I have had a rushed morning! I can prepare it, throw it in the car, and eat my breakfast when I get to work. LOVE IT!
AND last but not least... these tiny little decadent morsels help me throughout my day. My students will do almost anything for a Tootsie Roll and I can't blame them. So small, yet, so wonderful!!

SO..... what are YOUR favorite things?!!

2009-09-16T21:02:00.004-05:00

Just not right.... one year ago...

and now this.... Where has my baby gone?!

Time sure does fly!

Hold on to those babies!!

It has been awhile...

2009-09-12T09:51:00.006-05:00

Good day Friends!

So, I have been reading blogs lately.... a lot.... and have finally felt the guilt of not writing on my own! :)

So, I have been back to work a month now. Things are going well in the classroom. I have 16 of my 'old' students who returned to me, so it has been easy to get the year started. I have a student teacher. Sometimes I reflect on my own teaching habits and wonder if I should be teaching someone else. It helps me keep my own attitude in check. She is the complete opposite of me... shy, quiet, and polite. HAHA. I am also coaching flag football for our school's team. It has been great to bond with these kiddos. I also must keep in mind that these are children... they need to know how to respect the sport, have fun, and respect each other. It is NOT the NFL.

I am still holding on to the house, unfortunately and fortunately. I love my home. I would love to live in my home for many more years to come. On the other hand, it is a thorn in my side. It is big... too big for just me and Olivia. I spend more time cleaning it than I do living in it. And, emotionally..... ready to move on. This is now just a living environment to me. The old memories and activities are long gone for me. Yes, Olivia and I are creating our own memories, but it is hard. It has been on the market for 16 months with no promising bites and now trying to rent it. Once again, no serious bites. So, if you have a moment, please pray that God will take care of this situation in His time.

As for Olivia:

The girl couldn't be any cuter. Oh boy is she a handful, but those times are outweighed by her pure sweet personality!
- We are obviously walking.... no, running! Loves to run and when you said "I'm gonna get you...." she takes off the other way, quickly!!
- Loves her baby dolls. We are working on getting her the baby doll sets; highchair, stroller, bed, etc. for the baby dolls.
- She loves to be sung to. Favorites right now are Itsy Bitsy Spider, If You're Happy and You Know It.
- She loves milk. I cannot give her milk with her meal. She will do nothing but drink instead of eat.
- We cat say meow and woof woof. We are working on moooooooo!
- She follows many simple step instructions. "Shut the door, open the door, put it in the trash, bring it to Mommy", etc...
- Last time I weighed her she was 21 pounds.
- She has all four molars. Now just awaiting the 'eye teeth'. Oh yay.
- I really want to be done with diapers at the age of 2. So, we are sitting on the potty anytime we do a diaper change. She has not yet pee'd, but we will take it slow.

Okay.. she is getting restless with mommy sitting here and typing. I shall leave you all with recent pictures!

I know, I know.... I am a bad blogger!

2009-07-30T07:56:00.003-05:00

Can you believe how much she has grown?

A special tribute to the very special man in Olivia's Life...

Our New Trick!

2009-05-30T10:57:00.004-05:00

She is so close!!!! She was even pivoting to turn and get to Pops last night!

And the outtake!!

Pictures!

2009-05-13T21:51:00.004-05:00

Birthday Bash!!

2009-05-12T22:38:00.003-05:00

Well... Blogger is not allowing me to post pictures right now, so let me tell you about it and then I'll try to post pictures tomorrow.

Her Ladybug birthday party was on May 2. We had over 50 people attend, yes all in my house. As my sister put it (Thanks, Andrea) it was great to see that I have so many people helping my raise my daughter. I could not ask for better family and friends. They are my life and such a great asset to me and Olivia.

My friend Cindy and I arranged the feast and did a great job if I must say so.

Pictures to come!!

Nana made her outstanding cake and even her birthday outfit! She was definitely the cutest baby on the block! I'm not biased though. :)

She LOVED her Smash cake!! She didn't want too much to do with the cake, but loved the black and red icing!!!

Wait for pictures!

Olivia received many new and pretty outfits and some too cute toys. Her biggest gift was a Push Buggy Car. Which, on Saturday, May 9, we took with us to the Parade. Before we went to the Parade, Olivia wanted to ride in her car. She decided Astoria needed to ride as well. Pictures to come!!

We went to Olivia's 12 month appoitment on the 6th. She is 20.2lb and 28 1/2" tall. She is in the 30th percentile for weight and height. We had already switched to whole milk which she has done wonderfully with and loves to drink it!! So, Dr. said to go ahead and get rid of the bottle. And it was about that easy!!! We are done with the bottle. She doesn't seem to miss it at all! I still rock her to sleep, but now it is without a bottle.

Olivia is doing great at daycare. I am so happy I made the choice to put her in a home daycare setting. She is one of 3 teacher's kids and is spoiled rotten! :)

I believe we are currently cutting more bottom teeth and the beginning of molars. Lord help me and everyone she comes in contact with! Aye yi yi!

Olivia loves her little Cuz, Astoria. She wants to kiss her constantly! She will kiss her, look at you, give you the biggest cheesy smile, and then clap. She wants instant gratification, lol. Hmm... I wonder where she gets that from.

Andrea and Astoria came to visit for a few weeks for Olivia's bday and for Mother's Day. It was awesome to have them here and terrible to see them go. I miss my sister already!! :(

On May 9 Olivia was dedicated to the church. I am loving my church and cannot wait to raise Olivia in the church. She still hates to go to the nursery, but she can't sit still during service. I know once I am out of eye sight, the crying stops and she is just fine!!

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post. Life just happens and that is that!

I promise to try to get pictures posted ASAP!

Wow.... Where has time gone?!

2009-04-21T21:56:00.006-05:00

I really thought I had updated since the big arrival, but I guess not!! I'm so sorry!

Olivia's little cousin, Astoria Annette, arrived on April 5. We couldn't be happier! Mom, Dad, and I all made it there in time for her debut and we also there the following weekend for Easter. It was so hard leaving them all, but they will be in OKC next week! Yahoo! Olivia didn't like Astoria too much. Well, I guess I should say she didn't like the attention that Astoria took away from her!

We also spent Easter with Rex's family. Mom, Dad, and I all had bouts with food poisoning, so Dad stayed in bed. But, Olivia got to enjoy some quality time with Rex's nephews. She especially loved Chad. Here she is hamming it up with him.

Olivia had a great Easter! She loves collecting Eggs at the Tinker Easter Egg hunt, but.... well, I'll let the pictures do the talking...

Yeah, she doesn't like the easter bunny... also recently found out she doesn't like clowns or horses. What kind of daughter am I raising?!

We have been enjoying the sunshine and our friend T.J. As some of you know, he is Olivia's future husband. It has already been arranged. :)

Enjoy!

Will post after the First Birthday Bash coming up on May 2!

Update Time

2009-03-26T22:11:00.005-05:00

Well readers, it has been a bit, so I decided I needed to an update.

The dishwasher is running, baby is asleep, awaiting snow, I'm yawning... what better time to do an update?

My life:

Things are as calm as ever. Still struggling with the view of long term finances, but I take one day at a time. I am struggling a bit this school year with being motivated and 'liking' my kids. I have some pretty tough kiddos and they wear me out. I come home tired but with so much to still do.

I find myself missing a companion. I do not miss XH in general, just the companionship of a male partner. Haha, and not in a dirty way. LOL Yet, I'm not outgoing enough and don't really have the oomph to even think about dating.

I have been going to church regularly. It is still tough to get there on Sunday mornings, but I really enjoy myself once I am there. There is also a Saturday night service which I am going to try out this weekend. That means I could 'sleep' in on Sunday. I say sleep in... really, sleeping in consists of not having to WAKE up Olivia to go to church.

I am completely blessed with the friends I have around me. My school friends are my life. They have no idea how happy they make me.

And of course my family... I will be an Aunt in two weeks!!! Hopefully not sooner!!! :) Mom, Olivia, and I made the trek to Texas during Spring Break. Like always, Olivia had to have a horrible time. More on her in a bit.

My sister is glowing with her pregnancy, yet so ready to be done. She now knows why I wanted to induce so bad when she kept saying "Mere, what is the rush? Just let her bake!" HA. The 8th and 9th month of pregnancy SUCK!

Now on to Olivia:

Regarding that Texas trip... Olivia always has a rotten time in Texas. She doesn't lsleep, sometimes she barfs.... it is just a mess. This trip... she didn't sleep and CUT THREE TEETH!!!! ACK! Made for one UNHAPPY baby and a VERY TIRED Mommy and Nana. Thanks Mom for staying up with her!! Her top two teeth and one of her side top teeth. lol I don't know the names of teeth. I will get a picture soon because now that they are coming in more and more you can see them when she smiles. My poor baby is getting so big! No more gummy smiles... :(

She is still pulling up on everything. She recently started going up and down steps. Good fun at Nana's! She will stand alone until she realizes she is standing or until she sees someone watching her. Then she plops on her booty. Silly girl. She is also traveling the furniture. I enjoy her crawling, I don't really think I am going to rush this walking thing.

I have been working on transforming the back bedroom into her personal play room. I decided there is no reason to keep the room 'to sell' when Olivia can be enjoying it.

On Monday Mom and I picked up her first mini swingset. My Grandpa left her some money before he left for me to use on something for Olivia. I figured this little swing and slide would be perfect. I sure do miss my Grandpa.

Olivia is saying Momma and I like to think she knows what it really means. lol If someone says 'Where's Momma?' she will look around for me. And sometimes when she is following me around the house, she will call out 'Momma, Momma, Momma'. So cute. She is also familiar with the word NO. Does she always care? No. Does she laugh, smile at you, and then touch the forbidden object again? You bet. We are trying to redirect instead of punish, but she does get swats on her booty if she continues. It is mainly cords. The girl can't get enough of cords. Nana got some of these cool cord protectors. We will see if they work.

Olivia starts at her home daycare next Thursday. I think Nana is realizing as time gets closer what that really means. It is not like she will only be 2 miles away and Nana can get her anytime she wants, it is just the principal of the matter. It is sad. I will be sad as well.

My friend Melanie and I took Olivia's first zoo trip last Friday. She only slept for about 20 minutes the whole time! Her favorite animals? Birds and ducks. She would just yell and grunt at them. Yet, if they got too close she would try to climb up my arm to get away. It was too cute.

There were two boys next to her feeding the ducks. When the ducks came closer to eat, she would scream at the birds. lol

Another duck - she would yell at it until it would wake up and then she would just smile at the duck!

Olivia has a thing with grass.... and I guess woodchips. She will NOT sit in the grass or crawl on it. If she is pants, she will hold up her leg or legs so that she doesn't 'touch. See above picture.

My beautiful baby girl.

I guess that is about it. I am busily preparing her 1st Birthday Party. Can you believe it is about a month away?! Completely crazy. I cannot believe it. Where has the year gone?

Well, that is enough for now. As always, we will end with pictures!

Happy Baby!

Playing at Nana's

Partners in crime. Pops and Olivia. Wrapped around his finger? Naaaaah.

Hands clenched, feet up..... don't sit me down in the GRASS!!

The many faces of Olivia.

Mommy and Olivia

Updates

2009-03-09T21:59:00.004-05:00

Well, it is 10pm and Olivia has been asleep for about an hour. I should be sleeping as well, and will soon. There are dishes to be done, bags to pack, and clothes to hang up. But, they will wait.

Olivia is 10 months old... already... it doesn't seem quite real yet. My doctor is in the hospital where I had Olivia and when I was there last Friday, I found myself teary eyed. It seems like just yesterday I was welcoming her into the world. Now, she is facing the world head on!

She loves to laugh, she is pulling up on anyone and everything, she has serious stranger danger, and we are awaiting the top two teeth.

We traveled to Texas about two weeks ago for Andrea's baby shower. It went wonderfully and I believe everyone enjoyed themselves. Check out Andrea's page for some pictures.. http://kleckner2009.blogspot.com/

Olivia's daycare future....

As mom heads to Texas to care for Andrea and Astoria, Olivia will be venturing off to daycare. We were going to go commercialized, but have decided otherwise. She will be with two ladies who have children at the school where I work. There are two other teacher kids in their care and they can't say enough about the love and care for their children. So, what do I have to lose? It is about 120 bucks a month cheaper than the place where she was going to be and heck, I can take her in her pajamas and its a block from work! She will start April 1. Pray her stranger danger calms down. She LOVES her Momma and is very skeptical of anyone else. It can make for a very tired Mommy.

Here are some recent pictures: Enjoy!!

Olivia the Locomotive!

2009-02-07T23:48:00.003-06:00

A few pics to start with!

Ladies and Gents... she is on the MOVE! And can move QUICKLY!!

Childproofing has begun about as quickly as it came. Olivia went from only a few steps to crawling to just you or a toy, to now crawling to anything within eyesight. She thinks it is hilarious to be crawling towards you and then veer off path to something she knows she is not supposed to have.

She loves:
Shiny objects
Leaves

Plants
Food Crumbs
String
Cords
Toes
The kitchen stool
Kleenex
YOUR Drink
Kylie's ears
ANY paper

These are just a SMALL write up of what she absolutely goes for every time. She is a riot!

Went for our 9 month check up on Friday. This means our next checkup is May 6th.... AFTER she is ONE!!!!!! OMG!

She weighed 18.9lb - 27 1/2 inches. She is the 50th percentile for weight and height. She also got a flu shot. Ouch, but was a total trooper, shed one tear, and cried until I picked her up.

Dr. Harmon said Mommy needs to buy some earplugs in order to get Olivia sleeping back in her crib and through the night. She has stopped doing these things and I guess slowly it has become my fault... it is a learned behavior. SO, starting this week, I am to feed her, change her, rock her to sleep if I wish, lay her down, and walk away. Check on her ever so often, but have as few moments of contact as possible. OY. Everyone get ready for late night texts because this is going to be HARD!!! My wonderful mother has kept her two nights now so that I can 'gear' up for this endeavor.

Olivia and I are in the process of joining our church. I was introduced to Cornerstone through a coworker. I instantly love the preacher, the message he was delivering, and the people of the church. Olivia goes to the nursery and has had no problems as well. I pray this is the right path and for guidance daily.

I am planning Andrea's baby shower which is taking place on Feb. 28 in Dallas. So far everything is right on track. I am super excited and miss her dearly!

Still have not heard from DAH. I was able to file head of household on taxes this year which worked out WONDERFULLY for me and NOT so wonderfully for him. Last words I got from him was that he owes $3000. Ouch. Oh well. Such is life.

Well, I guess I should take advantage of a childless house and go to sleep.

Thanks for reading!

It is NOT about ME.

2009-02-07T23:39:00.003-06:00

Another Challenge....

To quote from their blog:
What is it?

Well, we'll tell you what it is NOT... It's Not About YOU.

It's about SOMEONE ELSE.

It's our chance, each of us, to shine our light on someone else, much the same as we have tried to do with MISSION: Monday.

Huh? Whaddya mean?

We each spend a lot of time talking about ourselves and our lives, but we are also fairly GIVING people too...Tuesday's Tribute is a chance to talk about OTHER people, OTHER blogs, OTHER lives.

Still lost...what would I write about??

How about...A blog/blogger/business whose work you love that you want to help promote to your readers? (example)

A friend or a loved one who you respect? (example)

One of your kids who just accomplished something great?

A cause you feel strongly about?

A Fundraiser?

So, if it isn't all about ME - Let's make it all about HER:

Sorry Dad - I love ya - but this is for Mom.

Let me tell you about this lady,

Strength:

She is strong enough to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders.

She was strong enough to watch her father take his last breaths.

She is strong enough to keep a happy face and kind words for her Mother and Sister.

She has the strength to continue to help take care of my blind Grandmother.

She is strong enough to take care of my very mobile daughter.

She is strong enough to take care of ME.

She was strong enough to work in one workplace for 35 years.

She is strong.

Caring:

She cares enough to tell you when you have something in your teeth.

She cares enough to send random cards to you in the mail.

She cares enough to buy your favorite food at the grocery store.

She cares to enough to buy gas when she knows you are poor.

She cares enough to listen to me and Andrea when we have had a horrible day at work.

She cares enough to help me with making Olivia's baby food.

She cares enough to go with me and Olivia to every doctor's appt. (During pregnancy as well!)

She cares enough to be making Astoria's complete bedroom set without being IN Texas to do it!

Kindness:

She is kind enough to help ANYONE.

Her kindness shines through gardening, scrapbooking, quilting, sewing, embroidering, etc.

My mom is the best. I love you Mom!

Motherhood

2009-01-15T21:23:00.000-06:00

....is THE hardest thing I have ever done! Within the past week.... Olivia fell off my bed, had a horrible heart wrenching scab on her nose (carpet burn), we have been to the doctor twice, I have missed 1 1/2 days of work, I have a cold, and NOW she has RSV. Someone shoot me! I could probably count the hours of sleep we have had since Tuesday.

I am a strong single Mom. Do I like it? No. Do I have a choice? No. Would I change my life for anyone/anything? Not a chance. My mom has been a saint taking care of the two of us.

Olivia runs a fever on and off. She cannot get comfortable. She cannot breathe through her nose. She blows snot bubbles. She has fluid behind her right ear. She has a sore throat. She does not like amoxicillin. Ugh.But, I am strong and I am her Mother.

Happy New Year

2009-01-08T22:22:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year and a belated Merry Christmas to all my readers! I hope everyone's wishes and wants were granted as well as a very bright and prosperous year ahead.

I can only look back and smile about my past year. What a year of blessings, fun, and new experiences. I can't even begin to really remember my life without Olivia. She is a joy daily and her personality is blossoming.

She now has two teeth. Her first one broke through mid December and the second one today, Jan. 8. Both bottom teeth. My, how she is growing. We are SO close to crawling it is frustrating! She wants it so bad! And I am sure I will regret saying it later, but I want it just as bad! She now gets on her tummy, then to all fours and rocks, which is great. But then she can't get off her belly when she gets mad. My little lady is too lazy to roll over. Oh well, in due time I suppose. My bet is crawling by the time Feb. is over. The scary part? She is already pulling up on things. Time it lower the pack and play and the crib.

We had a wonderful and bittersweet Christmas. Of course, the first Christmas without Grandpa which was a silent sadness. I know we were all feeling it, but little was said. It wasn't the same without him yelling at Lulu or any of us. Yet, we of course all enjoyed each other. It went by way too fast, as always.

I have began working into a routine with Olivia. We are trying to be in our own home by 6 or 6:30 each night. We were spending till about 10pm at Mom's every night. Mom and Dad need their own time, and my little one (and myself) need our own routine. So, I have been cooking (little cleaning), playing with Baby, giving baths, and getting to sleep all by 9:30. It has been great. I actually did a load of dishes instead of just bottles last night!

I hope everyone is well and happy.

I leave you with a few pictures!

Picture Tag!

2008-12-15T23:31:00.004-06:00

Because Suz did it and I might as well too!!

The object of the picture tag is to:

1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer

2) Select the 4th picture in the folder

3) Explain the picture

4) Tag 4 people to do the sameNO CHEATING! (cropping, editing, etc!)

Here is mine:

This picture of Olivia was taken in August. I remember this day. I was hanging up clothes in her room and I was giving her tummy time. She HATED tummy time and was crying, so I rolled her over and then voila! she was happy! I love this picture because it shows her chubby little thighs and her first few weeks of true smiles. Also, a dress picked out by Aunt Andrea!

I challenge you all to do the same! :)

Thanks Suz!

A Texas Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T10:35:00.004-06:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Olivia, Mom, Dad, and I made the trek to Texas. We enjoyed spending time with Andrea and Rex. I wish you guys lived closer! Olivia was able to have her first turkey. At first, she wasn't too sure. In the end, she ate it. But I believe she preferred the mashed potatoes. For the record, these mashed potatoes had so much butter, they were YELLOW. Yummy!! We enjoyed Thanksgiving at Rex's sister's house. Wonderful food and wonderful people. They also have this small horse...well... really it is a dog named Max. Olivia was fascinated and even got to ride him! :) Picture to follow.

As always, us girls headed out Friday morning for some shopping frenzy! We were at Target at about 5am. Got some good deals! After returning to Andrea's about 1pm, we all crashed for a nice needed nap.

It was a great trip. Olivia is not sleeping so well... which is frustrating for all involved, but I hope to gain back control soon. Right now she is crying in her swing because she is fighting sleep... oy.

Enjoy the pictures!

Crying it out..

2008-11-26T21:10:00.000-06:00

This occurred on Monday night....

So the time is 11:42. My daughter has been asleep for almost two hours. Right now she is gearing up for a crying fit. I can hear her on the monitor. We used to be a glistening sleeper. Going to sleep every night at 8 or 8:30 and sleeping until 6 or 6:30. Weeellll... not so much lately. Since Grandpa's sickness and getting home at all hours of the night, bedtime has become closer to 9:30 - 10pm. Ouch. Ouch for Olivia and ouch for Mommy.

Sooo... I believe with all the time she has been spending with Mom, she has become very needy. If I were to walk in there right now and scoop my sweetie up, rock her for 3 minutes, she would be back in sleepland. Now, the question I have asked myself and others, how do I break this routine of waking up every 3-4 hours to be 'comforted'? I know she isn't hungry, she ate a large bottle before bed, she got a bath, and a fresh rump... so, I just sit here and listen.

I have never been a fan of 'crying it out' but I know she is capable of sleeping all night. I didn't think she was capable of knowing how to 'pull Mommy's strings' but apparently she is old enough to know I will go in and scoop her up, as I always do. Can you tell I'm babbling to keep myself busy while she cries.... Don't get me wrong... she is not screaming bloody murder and you can still tell it is a sleepy cry...

The time is now 11:48. Five more minutes and I will go scoop her up. LOL As Michel said earlier today... 'Letting your daughter cry, knowing she has been cared for, is not child abuse".So I wait... and wait... and torture...and torture...Please Olivia.. put yourself back to sleep... you need sleep... Mommy needs sleep... You can do it!...

It is getting quieter... really... is it really happening? If she self soothing?! LOL I feel like a moron, but typing it out is keeping me sane...The time is 11:51... the crying has stopped.

2008-11-26T21:09:00.000-06:00

My Grandfather walked to the arms of Jesus on Monday, Nov. 10th. After struggling with pancreatic cancer, emphezema, COPD, and an array of other illnesses he finally let go.

After been through losing both of my grandfathers, I still can't figure out what is best. My first grandfather went suddenly with no warning. My second grandfather, we knew he was going to die and were able to say our goodbyes and hear his last wishes. Obviously, both tragic, but not sure which one I would relive again.

He was 80 years old and lived a very very full life. I am so glad my daughter was able to meet him. She LOVED him. Would just smile and laugh anytime she was in the same room with him. It was bliss. I am so sad she won't know/remember him. Kind of morbid, but even at the funeral home... when she saw him laying in the casket, she would still just smile and giggle. Completely priceless.

Continued...

2008-10-22T07:06:00.004-05:00

Here are more of the pictures I promised. I couldn't add any more the other day!

Enjoy!

Because I've been shown up..

2008-10-19T18:24:00.003-05:00

So the ongoing thing between my sister and I is to see who can go the longest without posting... haha, just kidding.
Life is just so crazy!

I promise the end of this post will be loaded with pictures of all the said events.

Olivia loves her food! So far, we are up to cereal, carrots, green beans, and peas. We were supposed to start on squash, but Auntie A never made it. ;) But she did make carrots this weekend for Olivia to enojy! She is not too keen on peas, but loves her carrots. In about two weeks or so we will start on fruit and oatmeal!

This little girl loves to laugh! We get to enjoy so many big belly laughs. Her hair is finally growing in. Yet, the girl with 32 bows still has to wear headbands! :)

Since my last post, Olivia's ears are now peirced. For those that know me, you knew I couldn't wait till 6 months! Of course she cried and I got a lot of dirty looks, but we have not had any problems. No infections, etc. She has also moved into a big girl carseat! She got tired of her carrier because she couldn't sit up like she wanted to. And basically, the kid got too heavy to lug around!

We also helped Grandpa celebrate his 80th birthday party!

Olivia and I made the trek to Dallas this weekend. All alone! Can you believe the 'I hate carrides girl' slept all the way there and back!? It was great for Mommy! It was a whirlwind trip and I feel I need a vacation from the vacation.

On Thursday we met up with Andrea for lunch and then out to dinner with Unc, Auntie, Olivia, myself, and some of Andrea's friends. Friday Olivia and I helped corral Andrea's kids into an art/science project. They loved Olivia. It was too cute. Then Friday night a whole herd, correct words would be stroller herd, headed to the Texas Fair. It was great fun and a little crazy. But you can never go wrong with a corny dog and a fried smores! :)

Saturday was a day filled with shopping! Olivia came back with a lot of loot! I love Carter's and Once Upon a Child. Those two places you can find so much stuff and really good sales! She is pretty well outfitted for fall/winter. We also went garage saleing at a neighborhood garage sale. Besides Andrea taking us to the same garage sales eighteen times, it was great fun. Haha, love you sister!

Olivia also visited her first Pumpkin Patch. She was too busy people watching and getting fussy to get great pictures, but I believe they turned out well. She also is now sporting a new knitted beanie. (Pictures to follow).

Then out for a great dinner and a long car ride to Johnny Carino's. Wonderful food.

Sunday we headed home. We took our time getting back; stopping in Gainesville (where Mommy found some clothes!) and also in Davis, OK for some Fried Pies! I highly recommend them! :)

That was our crazy and rushed feeling trip to Texas! The Kleckners will be here next month for my birthday, so that will be fun!

Olivia's next doctor's appt. is December 5. I promise to post before then! HAHA.

Updates

2008-08-27T22:30:00.004-05:00

Hi fellow readers.... if anyone is still reading...lol

Life is going great. I'm still tired a lot, but getting better. My students are starting to understand how 2nd grade works and their crabby teacher.

Olivia is getting so big! Within the past two weeks or so we have gained excellent control of our arms. She can now bring her hands to her face/mouth without banging herself in the head. She loves to rub her eyes and chew on her fingers. She is also able to grab a toy hanging and sitting somewhere and hang on, even bring it to her mouth!

She also HATES to lay back. Anytime you lay her back, she will protest by pushing her little body forward! Quite the defiant one I have on my hands.

I am looking forward to the three day weekend. I hope everyone else is as well!

Work Work Work

2008-08-22T07:31:00.002-05:00

Hello all. I started back to work about two weeks ago. It has been a whirlwind. It has been so hard transitioning from 3rd back to 2nd graders. They are so little and needy. I don't even know what is on my desk or what my chair feels like any longer. Forget any type of lesson plans unless I want to stay at work till 5pm. It is just insane.

Mom has been keeping Olivia. I think she wears Mom out, but Mom is a trooper and an absolute saint for helping me. I couldn't ask for a better caregiver. Love you Mom! The week after next Mom starts a class on Tuesdays, so one of my moms from school, Michel, will start watching O on Tuesdays. I think she will be great with her as well.

I get so sad leaving her. It is also hard when I come to pick her up. She really doesn't want anything to do with me. Which, I am so glad she loves her Nana and is doing so well with her. But I literally see her awake for 3 hours a day. She is asleep when I take her in the mornings and back asleep by 8:30pm. It's so sad. I really cherish my weekends.

Olivia is getting so big. Long gone are the days where you can lay her on the couch and walk away. The child has become mobile. She turns her head and digs her feet into the floor/bed and turns. I NEVER wake up anymore to find her still laying 'normally' in her crib. She is always sideways in her crib now. Mom said she did the same thing on the floor yesterday, moved herself off her play mat. Oy vey.

She is also teething something terrible. We go through at least two bibs a day. Her gum is turning a bit white at the bottom and the other night she was running a fever. Poor thing. She is still a pill to take care of between 7-bedtime. I won't leave her with anyone for awhile with this behavior. It makes me feel terrible and I can't imagine what she feels like. We are lucky to get a peaceful bath.

Yet, I will trade that all in since I am getting wonderful sleep. Like clockwork (assuming we are home and on schedule) she is asleep about 8:30 and doesn't wake up until 5:30am. It's great. And yes, she is in her own crib and has been for quite awhile. I sleep well and I'm assuming she does too.

I can't remember if I put it on my last post or not, but Olivia will be welcoming a baby cousin in April!! I am so excited!! They will be less than a year apart and hopefully will be close even though its a bit of a drive. We can make it happen! I know Mom will be down there tons and once summer hits, we will be on the road too!! Congrats to Andrea and Rex. Love you guys!!

Well, I have put off going to work long enough. Have a great weekend!

Back to Work

2008-08-13T11:04:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm back at work. Blah is all I can say. I'm, of course, blessed to have a job, but I still don't really want to be here. I have 19 second graders. They all have the attention span of about 5 minutes. I forgot (after teaching 3rd last year) how little these kids are, how much they don't know, and how much they NEED to know!
Leaving Olivia is of course still tough. I feel like I never get to see her awake anymore. I'm supposed to start working at Sylvan again next week. I'm rethinking. I'm definitely needing the money, but being away from her is so sad. I'm so scared she is going to know her Nana more than her Mama. :( Send the prayers my way! My mom is doing a GREAT job with her! They run errands and do fun things together. Once again, so blessed to have her with my mom.
If you haven't heard, Andrea (my sister) is pregnant! I get to be an Aunt! I'm so excited for her and Rex and pray for them daily!
That is about all for now.

Well...Well....Well...

2008-08-06T22:19:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I KNOW it has been WAAAAAAAAAAY too long since an update. So here it goes:

- Olivia hit her three month mark. My goodness, time flies.
- She now weighs approx. 13 pounds. My little porker. She even has fat rolls on her thighs you can't UNroll!
- We are in size 2 diapers! Oy!
- She is smiling all the time! She is the happiest in the morning.
- She wants to laugh SO bad, but just can't seem to get it out!
- We are starting to roll to our side, but have not yet made it all the way over.
- She HATES tummy time.
- My mom (Nana) is keeping her while I am at work.
- Did I mention she will have a little cousin in April?
- She still has monkey hair, but it is getting a bit longer and fuzzier!
- We have been sleeping IN OUR OWN CRIB since 9 weeks!
- I love her so much!

In a nutshell, that is us!! I returned to work this week. BOO. But, it will be okay. One step closer to May, right? Did I mention I will have a neice or nephew in April? I am so blessed my mother is getting to keep Olivia. I couldn't do it without her. Her Grandma Karen is also keeping her bunches which helps me so much!

As for XDAH, he is not around. I think we saw him once in July? Maybe? But you know, I am so happy. I don't think about him or the negativity he creates. I am just so happy with my life and my little girl, it's amazing. My grandfather was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It is super sad, but I know God has a plan for every single one of us, and in reality, it is not up to us when we go. I am so glad I had a wonderful life filled with his laughter, jokes, and love. I get teary eyed when I know my daughter will never know him. :(

Enough of that sadness, enjoy some pictures!

Slideshow

2008-07-05T00:36:00.002-05:00

Enjoy!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Long time no write!

2008-06-22T22:35:00.004-05:00

Greetings from Texas!!! Mom, Olivia, and I made the trek down Thursday afternoon to vistit Auntie A and Unc. Yet, if your Nana, you call Auntie A Auntie Ann and you have to remind her she doesn't make pretzels. (Love you Mom!) We are having a great time here and it just reminds me how much I miss my sister and brother in law. Olivia is receiving all the hugs and kisses she can take. Auntie A has become to designated diaper changes. And not the nice diapers. LOL :)

I have decided Olivia is not allowed to come to Texas anymore though. Here are the reasons:

1. She out grew her newborn diapers and entered the Stage 1. (Thanks Kathryn for your help in the matter.)

2. She sat up perfectly in a Bumbo. (This brought me to silent tears. Just last week she was a flopped over fish.)

3. She has gained a ton while we have been here. She FEELS heavy!

4. She started giving away my smiles!

She is getting so big. :( Yet, Nana is ready for her to help in garden, so I guess she has to keep growing.

We came down here to help sister plant, hang blings, and hang pictures. Well, mom and Andrea got the plants planted and are currently hanging blinds. Pictures will be up to her and Rex.

Not sure what else to talk about, so I will end this post with some pictures. Enjoy!

Mom and Olivia guarding the Garage Sale. - Granny and Olivia

Olivia (Peanut) and Great-Grandpa

Bath time at Auntie A's.

The Aylors and Olivia (and half of Auntie A)

Nash - loaded with his Pacis.

Kathryn, Nash, and Olivia. Nash insisted she didn't need her Paci.

The Aylors and Olivia

Olivia in the Bumbo - giving away my smiles! :)

Updates

2008-06-01T00:07:00.002-05:00

I'm such a bad blog mommy. Haha. I do have down time, just never know how much I'm going to get. Hence, right now it is midnight.

Olivia is doing fantastic. As of Thursday, she weighed 7 lb 1 oz. We are still breastfeeding, which is going well. I do supplement some with formula if she isn't getting full or if we are out and BFing isn't ideal. I'm coping with the fact she won't die on formula. It's tough being a mom.

She is an absolute doll and it still doesn't seem real. She is starting to really focus on faces now and smiling will soon follow!

Enjoy!

A few pictures..

2008-05-09T22:48:00.002-05:00

The Birth Story!

2008-05-09T22:43:00.001-05:00

Okay.. Birth story..
Cervidil started Wed. at 1pm. Dilated to 1cm, 80% effaced. No problems what so ever. Back pain started around midnight, couldn't get comfortable. Pitossin (sp?), antibiotics (Strep B +), saline, and demerol all given at 2am. I believe doing all this at once put Olivia into some stress. Her h/b went down to 60, they traced her several places and then put oxygen on me to help her out. Very scary. I was doped on the demerol, therefore I really didn't know what what going on.
About 4am I was still in excruciating back pain and couldn't sleep. I was on the ball, etc. I got back in bed about 5am to try and rest. The pit was still not really bothering me, nor bringing on dilation or contractions. While I was in bed I felt what felt like a kick very low followed by a small gush. I told mom I think I had just peed on myself. It wasn't sure because it wasn't a lot of liquid. But, I got checked and confirmed my water had broken. Well, by 5:10am the contractions were on top of each other. I labored horrendously from 5-7am. I was still only 1 1/2 cm. but fully effaced. I was in so much pain. I can't even describe it. I was cussing out mom, my sister, and XH. LOL. It was awful. (HOOORAY to you Mom's who go natural!!!!)
At 7am my nurse fibbed a bit, said I was 3cm and ordered my epi. I LOVED the epi!!! I was so nervous, but it was sooo much easier and nicer than the contractions. He let me curl up on the bed instead of hunch over. XH rubbed my hair and hand the whole time.
By 7:30 I was in HOG HEAVEN. It was great!! Anytime I closed my eyes I would dream some CRAZY dreams. LOL. I was checked again about 8am and was between a 4-5cm.
By 8:30-9:00 I was very close to being complete. Yet, the epi started to wear off. I had it on a drip but to no avai. The good man came back and gave me another dose straight to my catheter. Within minutes, I was once again in heaven.
They asked me about 9:30 if I was ready to push. I told them no because my dad wasn't available to be there until 12pm. About 11am, my nurse told me to try a few practice pushes. She then realized it was time to call the doc and see "what could be done" due to Olivia's position. Well, that worried me because I wasn't sure "what could be done" meant. LOL
Doc was there about 11:30 (dad was there shorlty after). About the time I got my feet in the stirrups and ready to go, two WINDOW WASHERS came by!!!! LOL, it was great to see everyone lunge towards the blinds.
Serious pushing started at 11:45 with my doctor. I was completely and utterly numb. Couldn't move my own legs or lower body at all. So they would yell push and I would push, hoping it was in the right area!
At about 12pm, she was prepping the vacuum or plunger as it looked. She also called in a slew of people to start helping me push and support her. The anethesiologist was pushing hard on my stomach with each contraction as my doc was LIFTING up on Olivia because she was STUCK behind my pelvic bone. Olivia had slowly rotated herself, but was down low behind my bone.
After three attemps with vacuum, they finally all started yelling "This is it, this is it!" and I pushed with what all I could (not much). They put the receiving blankets on my stomach and I instantly started crying as well as XH. Within moments she was on my tummy just looking around. She wasn't crying but wasn't in distress. Very pink and covered in vernix.
They allowed her to stay on my until they had her cleaned off and then I let them take her to the warmer for all of baby stuff.
Doc had to cut me: 2nd degree. She said not bad for a first pregnancy and a vacuum.
Olivia was 6 lb, 6oz. 20" long.
If you made it this far, congrats. :)
I was too swollen and numb to pee. So I had to be cath'd three times which hurts like labor all over again.
Thanks to everyone for all of your love, support, and encouragement the past nine months.

Baby Olivia

2008-05-02T09:02:00.002-05:00

I will post the birth story later when I'm not in pain. :( But here are her first pictures, taken by Aunt Andrea.

Weekly Schedule

2008-04-27T23:15:00.002-05:00

Okay... so here is the run down of the week.

Monday - Work - Take Chloe to dance - JCPenney - Find gifts for some very special people. Get nervous.

Tuesday - Work - Baby shower at work - Interurban with Mom and Granny - Unpack/wash/put together baby shower goodies. Freak out and try not to barf.

Wednesday - Try to get some sleep - eat IHOP stuffed French toast - Be admitted to hospital at 12pm. Start the cervidil. Hang out, enjoy people's company, see my sister, try not to become crazy.

Thursday - Start pitocin at some point. Receive epidural whenever possible - HAVE A BABY!!!!

Okay... so in a PERFECT world that is how it should go! Let's see how cooperative Baby Olivia will be!!

Surprise!! Maternity Photoshoot

2008-04-26T09:36:00.001-05:00