Another year, a new chapter.

Wow. It has been almost a year. Where have I been? I've been living. I've been living happier than I have ever before. My life is comfortable, calm, and happy.

I am still teaching 3rd grade Math and Science in the Dallas area. I am still loving my job. I am still missing my friends and family at home. I began graduate school in August and just finished my 5th class. The program is completely online and so far it is fitting into my life seamlessly. The program is titled: Masters in Educational Technology. Basically, I'm looking for a way out of the classroom. I'm ready for some change and maybe a little less demanding stress of testing. Maybe.

Olivia will be 4 years old in exactly 4 weeks. Oh.My.Goodness. Some days I feel she should be about 12. Other days, I miss rocking her to sleep and smelling the fresh, clean baby smell. She is my absolute mini-me. She is full of sass, loves to argue, and can't stop talking. Yep, my child. Yet, she cares about everyone, is loving nature right now, and loves to snuggle. She just astonishes me every single day. She started at an elementary school for the school year. She is in a Pre-K inclusion program and will also be there another year. She has completely taken on that school! Everyone knows Olivia and her little attitude. I love her teachers dearly. It has been a great change for Olivia.

Last June, my life changed. It changed for the better and continues to get better every single day. Timothy came into our lives and completely warmed our hearts. I'm experiencing a love I have never experienced. I am cared for, respected, and loved. I wish I could put it into better words. I just can't even express the feelings I have about this wonderful man. He moved into our home in November and I feel like things have never been any different. The team work we have developed and continue to develop is flawless. And that is what we are; a team. Tim has warmed Olivia's heart as well. She goes to him when she is hurt, when she needs a laugh, and when she just wants to be held. She is now calling him Daddy on occasion and telling people Tim is her Daddy which is a little odd for all of us, but no one is correcting her. If anything, we just smile and our hearts melt a little more.

For those of you that have been with me the past four years... I tear up thinking about all the support and love I have from all over the nation. I also know your heart is warm with mine. I know you have waited, prayed, and wished for this happiness along with me. That wait has paid off; I am beyond fulfilled.

I hope to get back to blogging, but if not, just know... life is so perfect.

Olivia's Year in Pictures

Stay tuned for a full birthday write up!

This free digital slideshow customized with Smilebox

Our Wonderful Weekend

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!