What a Saturday!

Yesterday was quite the day. John and I were both up by 6:00. Probably because we were in bed asleep by 9:00 the night before, but still, we were up early. Since we were up, we decided we would try and make breakfast up in St. George with a bunch of teachers from school. We were doing really well and were going to make it on time. Then we headed out to the car and remembered that the passanger side window on the car is broken (whatever holds it up and makes it work isn't working anymore). So out comes the duck tape to fix the window since we were in a hurry. When John went to take the tape in, Tuffy escaped. Thus ensued the chase through the neighborhood. Of course we tried to be really quite since it was only 8:15 in the morning. Luckily every house on our street has a dog, so Tuffy was quite involved with sniffing everything. We caught him quickly and headed out. We were almost to the main road when we realized we forgot our freezer bags and coolers. We can't go shopping in St. George and make it home with things still frozen without them. So back to the house we went. On our way out the second time we saw some friends and turned around to chat with them. Needless to say we didn't make it to St. George until 9:00.

We thought all the teachers would be long gone, but we pulled up and they were all still waiting to be seated. We just joined in on their group and didn't have to wait very long at all to eat. Here are some pictures of our breakfast. Needless to say, we had a lot of fun, and found things to talk about other than school. Amazing, yes I know!

After breakfast we decided to meet up again later for a movie. But we had about an hour to kill. John and I headed to Bed Bath and Beyond to buy a wedding gift for his cousin's daughter. Then we bought a shovel at Home Depot, and John found his favorite shirts at Kohls on the clearance rack... I LOVE KOHLS! Then it was over to the movie theater. All us girls saw Mama Mia (By the way, Pierce wasn't as bad as everyone had said). John went to see The Dark Knight. We sat on the top row... I now know why I never sit up there. I was so dizzy at first, it was a very odd feeling. Thanks for breakfast and the movie ladies! It was fun!

After the movie,while I was waiting for John, I called my sister. Dana and I talked about everything... it is really nice to have her back on the same continent especially now since she's only 4 hours away. While I talked on the phone John went to the various car dealerships looking at cars. If only we had money for a new car! It would be lovely right now. But oh well, heres for dreaming!

After that it was off to dinner with Riley and Lindsay. We ate at a Mexican place I hadn't been to before. (Usually John and I are making dining suggestions to them, it was fun to take them up on one!) It was really yummy, I judge Mexican restaurants on their Chips and Salsa. Fresh made chips, and excellent fresh salsa as well, so I like it! Thanks for the dinner date you two! It was fun, but then, when do we not have fun with you guys?

Then it was off to Walmart to go grocery shopping. The highlight of this trip was that we saved almost $20 using coupons. So while I may not be using all the tips, or stocking up on things yet, I am saving money which is great!

We got home to the power being off. But Tuffy had been good and the floors weren't muddy. Thank goodness! When the power came back on it was just in time for us to change and get ready to go to the wedding reception. By the time we finally made it there (after me acidentally trying to roll down the window...oops!) most people had come and gone that John wanted to see (he had family in from out of town). The decorations were really cute though and reminded me a lot of my sister and her love for gerber daisies so I took pictures. I know I'm weird, but isn't it cute!

Fun at School

Here are some pictures of the fun we've been having in First Grade since school started...

I really wear my kids out with all my rigorous instruction... (rriight? sorry it's kind of a school wide goal we're working on)



I never had one this asleep. She slept for over an hour. I don't think she was feeling very well. Needless to say, she hasn't been the only one.



Happy Birthday! One of my boys turned 6. These cupcakes had sooooo much frosting. My kids did really well, they didn't get any on the floor. Phew!



My little "Wild Things" This was our art project today. We read the book and then made monsters. When they were done making their monsters they "read to their monster" it was really cute. As you can see they also had a ton of fun pretending to be Wild Things.



We are having a ton of fun in first grade so far this year!

Why are you apologizing?

Alright, I understand that each of us has our own trials. I know that we also each must find our own way to deal with and get through those trials. However, just because one of the trials in my life is infertility issues, doesn't mean that I don't want to know and be happy for those of you that are having kids! You do not need to say that so and so is pregnant and then apologize to me because "I probably don't want to hear that". (Yes that actually has happened a few times just in the last month, hence my post.) Yes, there was a period in my life when every time I heard someone else was having a baby I was insanely jealous, I would get upset and wonder "why me" and all of the self pity that goes with that line of thinking. However, I must say, that I am quite happy with where I am in my life right now. If I am supposed to have my own biological children, then I truely believe it will happen, in the Lord's time.

The Lord has and does know what's best for me. He knows that I couldn't have done the things I've done for myself, my family, my first grades, and total stranges if I would have had my own children right now. He also knows that I would not have survived the death of my father while caring for my own children, I needed that time to be completely there for my family. He knows me best, He has lived through and suffered the pain, heartache, and yearning I feel so that He would know how to comfort me. I know He loves me because he has helped me get to this place in my life where I truely am happy!

All that said, please don't appologize when you tell me that you or someone else is having a baby. I can and will be just as excited as "I should be." I have made some comments lately that just about everyone I know of childbearing age has had a baby in the last year or is currently pregnant. I am honestly so thrilled for each of you! Sure, I have my moments, but I usually have them in the privacy of my own home and they are short and very few and far between. But that is my problem, not yours! I'm a big girl, I can deal with it. I promise. There is no need for apologizing. It's not like you're stealing my child! You're adding to your family, and I understand that, and I'm happy for you.

To all of you that have kids and let me play with them, hold them, and love them, thank you. I love your kids! I love buying them gifts and reading to them and playing games with them. I love talking to them on the phone, getting pictures of them, and hearing how much they're growing and learning. I love that they're as happy to see me as I am to see them. I most especially love knowing that they have parents that love them as much as I would love mine. And I'm so grateful to call each of you my friends!

I love my first graders too. They are one of the many reasons why I am so happy with my life right now. They make my day. There are a thousand things they say that make me laugh, or cry. They invest in me as much as I do in them. They are so honest, yet, forgiving.

So my request to each of you is, please, tell me the joys you're having in your life, I really do love sharing them with you. There is no need to apologize!

The Second Day

Well the second day of school was so much better than the first day of school! Let me run through some of the highlights:
Lecture on the importance of staying in line on the way to the bus. (see previous post for an explanation)
Finding out that almost all of my kids can count to 100 with the group by ones fives and tens... yes this is a huge deal!
Recess (highlight for the kids)
During our alphabet review two girls switching shoes... they really thought I wouldn't notice... after putting thier own shoes on and having them pull cards the one little girl said to the other "How come you got me in trouble?!" (that made it all worth it!)
Practicing lining up in lunch line order... this is also the way they line up if the fire alarm goes off so they have to be able to do it fast. I pulled out the timer today. After we pracited without it I timed them. The first time they did it in 43 seconds. My response to them was we're now choking on the smoke from the fire. When we tried it again they did it in 13 seconds. This time I told them I thought we'd be the first ones out the door. They were so excited! It was fun and only took a few minutes.
Singing Happy Birthday to my brother. While writing the date I said Oh it's my brother's birthday. Lots of them said "Tell him happy birthday". So I told them that if they got done with their writing then we would call him and sing to him. After 4 phone calls we finally found him. he had a bad day and I told him he had to listen to something. They all sang really loud and they were so cute! Tanner said that was awesome and to tell them thanks, when I did, he was surprised, he thought I had recorded it or something. He was so happy, it was great! They all asked afterwards if we could make him cards. Maybe we'll do that tomorrow.
Another lecture on staying with the class in line on the way to the bus.
Getting everyone on the bus without incident.

Overall it was a great day. I really love my kids already. I love my new first grade companion. She's amazing. ( I miss my old companion dearly though) This is going to be such a great year!

The First Day of First Grade... #5

Well today was my first day with students back to school. It was great for the most part... There are always those kids that you know are going to be difficult from day one. I definately found mine today! The day went really smoothly, it felt like we had known each other forever even though we were strarting from scratch. I of course started with my "I'm the meanest teacher at school! You may not always think so, but sometimes you will" speech. Needless to say I generally have such a cute, smart, nice class. That was, until the last 10 minutes of dealing with kids. I hate the first day of school because I'm terrified I'll put someone on the wrong bus home and tramatize them for life. So can you imagine how I felt when I got to the last bus and was missing two children. (I hate to admit this but I really only noticed at first that I was missing one.) So I inform my wonderful principal who starts trying to help me. That's when I remembered I hadn't put my darling little angel that I had a hard time with all day on the bus either. That's also when I realized where they must be. Now, you must know that I was literally freaking out, running back and forth to busses, asking other teachers if they had seen my student etc. By the time I finally found them both in the same seat on the back of the bus smiling and wondering why I was so upset I kind of lost it.
Yes I yelled at them.
No I didn't pull them off the bus to yell at them.
Yes I yelled from the front of the bus at them all the way in the back.
No I'm not glad I yelled.
But, I hope they got the point!
However, I must admit that when they other kids heard why I was upset (I had about half the kids on that bus in my class at one time or another) they were like "Oooohhhh Mrs. Reyes' rule is to stay in line until she puts you on your bus". I'm glad I'm that consistent. I'm glad that I will have something to talk about with them as soon as they come in tomorrow. These girls are probably terrified to come back to school tomorrow. What can I do? After all my practice with acting instead of reacting and keeping my mouth (more) shut (than it usually is), it was all over in this minute of panic.
I'll let you know how tomorrow goes.
Let's hope they learned their lesson, and me mine!
I'm exhausted. I can't wait for my weekly Wednesday date with my tub! But I will infact return to school tomorrow for another day.

Thanks Sarah... (whats up with all of this stuff lately... I never ever do these!)

Sarah seems to think I'll do this... only because John is at scouts for forever tonight so I will still get my date with my bath tub (it's been a long day)!!
Two names you go by:
Two things you are wearing right now: glasses and pj's
Two longest car rides: Round trip Pennsylvania to Idaho and round trip from Indiana to Idaho
Two of your favorite things to do: sleep and read
Two things you want very badly at the moment: my feet not to hurt and to go to bed now (it's 6:30)
Three animals you have or have had: had a cat for a week (most of my family are allergic), Griffy, Tuffy
Who will fill this out: no one... they all have a life!
Three Things you ate today:waffles, sandwhich, mac and cheese
Two people you last talked to:John and Lindsay
Two things you're doing tomorrow: get out of bed (it is going to be difficult) and teaching first grade
Two favorite holidays: Christmas and Thanksgiving (stuffing...yummy!)
Two favorite beverages: Mountain Dew, water

Thanks Gretchen

This is an e-mail I got from my friend Gretchen... If any of you would like to do this, I'll find it entertaining to read about each of you. If not, I'll still like you all a lot anyway. :)

1. What is your occupation right now? 1st Grade Teacher
2. What color are your socks right now? i'm not wearing socks
3. What are you listening to right now? Ace of Cakes on Food Network
4. What was the last thing that you ate? pasta with a John sauce
5. Can you drive a stick shift? are you kidding? I don't have patience for that!
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Lindsay
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Gretchen is my longest friend that I talk to regularly so I like her a lot.
8. How old are you today? 25 AHHHH
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? used to be football by after 5 years of marriage it's NASCAR
10. What is your favorite drink? water... or Mt. Dew
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? no, never ever
12. Favorite food? garlic bread or chocolate
13. What is the last movie you watched? I watched part of Eight Below this morning (it's Tuffy's favorite movie)
14. Favorite day of the year? one where I'm not stressed
15. How do you vent anger? i cry while screaming
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Strawberry shortcake
17. What is your favorite season? I like them all for a different reason. Summer, no school and swimming, Fall, leaves change color, Winter, snow, Spring, beautiful flowers
18. Cherries or Blueberries? strawberries
19. Do you want your friends to do this too? if they want to... or if i have any friends...
20. Living arrangements? In my nice new house... I can't tell you how much I love having MY house!
21. When was the last time you cried? yesterday... Mr. Peterson you really need to learn to not ask about feelings when I'm in the room otherwise we both start crying!
22. What is on the floor of your closet? my shoes and my clothes because John is the clean one
23. What did you do last night ? went to bed early... I love my sleep!
24. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers ? pepperjack cheese
25. Favorite dog breed? westies... yay Tuffy!
26. Favorite day of the week? Friday... we have so much fun in first grade on friday!
27. How many states have you lived in? 5 (Idaho, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Utah, Arizona)
28. Diamonds or pearls? both
29. What is your favorite flower? gerber daisy
30. What is your favorite non-chocolate candy? Brite crawlers sour gummie worms... it's weird I know
31. What kind of chocolate? dark, dark, and more dark
32. If you could be doing anything right now what would it be? sleeping... i so wanted a nap today!
33. What are you actually doing right now? Well obviously answering all these questions and watching TV
34. What should you be doing right now? cutting out crayons for my bulletin board

Some of my favorites

Here are some of my favorite blog posts ever...

Honestly, when I'm board I click the next blog at the top of mine until I find something interesting to read and then I link from that blog to other blogs, and now have quite a good bunch that I read regularly. Here are some that I just love, and am now hooked on following their blogs. If you're bored, or need a good laugh, most of these will do the trick!

From Where is the Laugh Track?
Unhappy Meals
How to ruin your car in a Jiffy
Wal-Fart (my all time personal favorite... i don't think i've ever laughed so hard!)

From Moosh in Indy
I found her blog with a blog search about infertility and Casey, while we've never met, puts my feelings about the subject into words, however everthing she writes is great! Especially this How I feel about Indy post.

From Normal Mormon Husbands
What type of labor coach are you? While I've never been in labor, I think this post is great! You might also want to check out these posts if you're a fan or not a fan of the Twilight series Twilight for Dummies , Edward Spoof , and most recently his Breaking Dawn Spoof Part 1 ,Part 2, Part 3(this was written before the book ever came out so there aren't any spoilers... just purely funny).

There are lots more, but these by far are my favorite!

Best 5 and Worst 5

Best
1. I got to sleep in... it is heaven!
2. I got to take naps.... again, heaven!
3. I didn't have to be anywhere or do anything, such a great feeling!
4. I'm not sick anymore, I'm always most grateful for my health after I've been sick.
5. I'm home... it's been a long time since I've been home for this long!

Worst
1. John was sick all week.
2. Answering the phone only to have some telemarketer on the other end.
3. very few good things on TV
4. Cleaning... it is my least favorite thing to do... and it takes forever!
5. Waking up to the phone ringing (before 9:00 a.m.)

The last one is one of my biggest pet peeves... any of you who know me have heard the horror stories from my poor roommates in college or at conferences (aka Janet) or my husband about not wanting to wake me up EVER... so you can only imagine the bear like attitude when the one week I have all year to sleep however late I want to and I wake up to the stupid telephone ringing.
Ok, now maybe it was just in my house growing up that the rule was no calling people before 9:00 am and no calling after 9:00 pm. However I still stick to the rule to this day, and expect for it to be honored with me. Now most people with kids tell me that they're up by 7:00 daily. However, does that mean that they want me calling them at 7:00? I highly doubt it. Because, even if I am up before 9 I DON'T want you calling me. I am not emotionally ready to deal with anything before then, I promise! (especially on the weekends or in the summer when my time is supposedly mine)
Also for us, especially in the summer and on weekends we sleep as much as we can/want to. I've been told by my childless friends that this is also the case with them. Now if it is after 9 and I'm still asleep then yes you are entitled to call and wake me up, I may not be thrilled, but I won't be ready to rip your head off either. I appologize to anyone who dares to forget this and my reaction to you. I can promise you probably won't like me much after an encounter like this.

Just thought you'd like to know ;)