OK, I have to brag...

So, today I was sent home after a half-day because I'm considered contagious.  The IEP meeting was done, I did some work on my laptop in the library, didn't have to see any kids (and give them my cooties) and I left around 11.  So, what's a girl supposed to do?  I was feeling okay.  Didn't have to be in bed or anything.  Why, shopping, of course!

OK, I am SUCH a bargain hunter.  I pride myself on my good-deal finds.  My Grandmom always said I was her personal shopper, and I could turn one dollar into ten.  It's so true.  I go straight for the clearance racks... I don't know if I've ever paid full price for anything!

So, I ventured to Old Navy, just to browse.  As I pull up, I notice my favorite "30% off clearance" signs out front.  Woohoo!!!  So, I hit up the maternity racks and the baby racks.  I was even more excited to see that all the baby/toddler clearance was an extra 50% off!!! 

Ok, so I spent $29.03 and got 15 items, ranging from $.23 to $6.99:

• 6 t-shirts/tank tops/onesies for Sydney & Taylor
• Maternity khaki pants
• Maternity l/s shirt
• 2 pairs of leggings for the kids
• 2 bathing suits for Taylor
• A pea coat for Sydney
• 2 pairs of shorts for the kids

Nine of the items were under $1.  Each item averaged at $1.94 each.  WOW!!!  So, if you have any kids, I would not walk, but run to your nearest Old Navy and check out the sales.  Amazing!! 

I Will Survive!

I can do it, I can do it!  This has turned into a crazy week, and it's only Tuesday!  This week consists of Stephen being gone all week, 2 doctors' appointments, an IEP meeting, 2 faculty meetings, benchmark tests, driving a rental car, and on top of all that, I find out today that I have strep throat.  Strep throat?  I can't remember ever having strep throat!  I knew I had a sore throat, just didn't know it was that bad.  So, if I can survive this week, I can do it all!  (thankfully Sydney is healthy and thriving, and I will be sadly be giving her fewer kisses until I'm better).  I'm surely looking forward to a week off next week!!!

Sydney's B-Day Party!

We had Sydney's birthday party today!  Since she's only 2, we decided to keep it small... maybe do something bigger next year, when she'd appreciate it more.  It was so nice.  We had some lunch, good family and friends, and Sydney had a blast. 


                                                 Here's the pretty birthday princess:

                                                  She loved her Elmo cake:

She got to hang out with her cool cousins:

She got some cool new toys:

And she got to eat cake:

What more could a girl ask for?  Happy birthday, to my Sweet Sydney!  (and on that note, I am hitting the hay... I'm exhausted!!!)





Week 30!

Here's a recent belly pic... week 30!  Only about 9 to go!  Baby is growing, moving, and shaking... even to the point where some movements hurt!  Besides all the typical 3rd-trimester woes, I'm doing very well. :-)  Just ready for December 1(ish) to be here so I can meet this little girl!

Sydney is Two!!!!

People aren't kidding when they say time flies.  I can't believe my little baby girl is TWO!  She is growing up so fast... you almost want to freeze time and cherish it while she is still little.  Sydney had been sick all week and stayed home Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (and had quality time with both Grandmom and D-Dad).  Luckily, she was feeling better for Thursday (her actual b-day!) so I took her to school.  She wore her "Birthday Girl" shirt.  I made cupcakes, and went to her daycare in time for afternoon snack to help celebrate!

The kids all had cupcakes and sang to Sydney.  She was so cute.  She's been singing "Happy Birthday" so much this month, I think she was confused that this time it was actually for her. :)  Stephen flew in that evening and got to see her on her actual birthday, so she was excited about that. 

My little two-year old!  So grown up!

Happy birthday, Sydney!!!!!



Thirty, Flirty, and Thriving

Well, folks... I have officially entered a new decade!  You know, I've actually been a little excited about entering my 30s.  So many wise elders have told me that the 30s is an awesome decade to be in.  I believe it.  A time of family, friends, adult-experiences.  I've been over the college-scene for years now, I have a beautiful child and one on the way, a wonderful hubby of 5+ years... so I feel like the 30s might well suit me!

My birthday week started out with a HUGE surprise.  Stephen and about 30 friends surprised me this past Saturday.  I cannot believe I had NO clue!  I'm usually pretty in-tuned when people are trying to be sneaky.  Stephen was planning a party for me the following weekend that I knew about, but was doing behind-the-scenes scheming for a couple of months now to actually surprise me before then.  No one slipped and I was completely caught off guard!  Thanks, everybody!!!

Sweet banner Stephen got for the par-tay.

Completely caught off guard, after spending the day at the mall.

Some dear former co-workers of mine.

On my actual birthday, I didn't get much sleep the night before.  Poor Sydney has been sick (again!) and has had a fever, cough, sneezing attacks, sore throat, runny nose, etc.  So, she didn't sleep well last night, so I slept in the bed with her.  Even though I only got a few hours of sleep, I was glad to be by her to make her feel better.  Stephen left town the afternoon of my birthday, but my mom was with me and we cooked a yummy meal and hung out.

My students were so sweet to me!  One of my inclusion classes had taken time in the morning before I got there to all make me cards and they all surprised me with them at the end of class, along with a serenade of "Happy Birthday".  I got lots of hugs and silly bands.  My other inclusion class also sang to me. 

Some of the well-wishes from my 4th graders.

So, here's to a new decade.  I'm proud of where I am in life, being 30 and having accomplished what I have.  Life is good!!  

Family Pics!

We got the pictures back from the photography session we did a few weeks ago!!  I was soooo excited to get them!  I'm going to post a few of my favorites for you to see.  Check them out!