A Perfect Day at the Zoo!

We "officially" ended our Spring Break with a trip to Riverbanks Zoo! We got up super early and met Trish, Jessica, Cassie, and Ethan on Friday to begin our day-long journey to Columbia. Carson was so super-excited! I think we must have heard "Are we there yet?" a million times within the first thirty minutes of driving! We arrived to much colder and cloudier weather than expected. I was accused of looking up the weather of Colombia, South America instead of Columbia, South Carolina! Mommy of the Year had Carson wearing shorts and short sleeves with no jacket! After wrapping himself in a blanket for a few minutes, I guess he decided to be a little chilly. He didn't care. All that mattered to him was seeing all of the animals. He was slightly impatient at the beginning. He just wanted to glance at each animal and move right along. He was wanting to find the hippo and gorillas. All children were great until lunch. I think Ella must sense when her mommy is about to eat because for some reason that is when she always decides to become inconsolable!!!!!!! That must be her idea of a weight loss program! I did manage to almost eat my entire lunch with a screaming baby in my arms. After eating, Roo took a little nap while we enjoyed the sea lions and the gorillas! Carson LOVED the gorillas. I think he spent the most time watching them than he did anything else at the zoo. Toward the end of our visit, Carson, Trish, and Cassie watched a bird show while the babies finally had a diaper change. A trip to the carousel, playground, and gift shop ended our day at the zoo! We actually managed to leave the gift shop only spending 2.99 on a little camera that showed pictures of animals. This is definitely a record!

We couldn't leave Columbia without a trip to the mall! A trip to a place where there are too many kid things is always stressful with a five year old. Carson wanted everything from a Webkinz to a cookie. He even tried to be sneaky and try to convince me to let him make a Build-a-Bear for Trisha! He is so super sweet! Ella didn't let me down this time during dinner. She proceeded to scream and cry and even choke while I was trying to eat!! Maybe one day I will enjoy a meal again.

Our ride home was pretty eventful and stormy! Carson and Ella finally crashed, so it was nice to have a little time for a kid-free conversation without hearing "Mommy", "Mommy", "Mommy"!

We had a FABULOUS day, and I am very SAD that Spring Break is OVER!!!!!!!!!

Thursday Thirteen

Brian had to travel out of town for work on Tuesday night, so while daddy was away WE PLAYED!! Poor Carson was stuck in a house full of girls! At one point, he said he would just bring Harley inside!

13 Slumber Party Tidbits
1. I am way better than Trish at Wii bowling!!! (I must add that I have NEVER played before and she's played MANY times!)
2. I can stay up ALL night long and only function on one hour sleep the next day quite well with two small children.
3. When all else fails at 12:30 with a screaming baby, take a ride. It may not get her to sleep, but it sure stops the SCREAMING!
4. Texting is out of control! :)
5. Placing bets on Wii can be fun, but can also bring back blasts from the past!
6. Wii baseball is way too hard for me. Carson enjoyed it though!
7. Cooking grilled cheese sandwiches at 4:30 in the morning with "spray butter" will result in laughter!
8. Sarabeth and I can play baseball and cheerlead all at the same time!
9. My two children ADORE Trish and Sarabeth. I must say I think they're pretty grand too!
10. Wii is very addictive. Carson had to remind us several times about SHARING!
11. I didn't have my camera, so I didn't get any pictures at all! That is so not like me!
12. We shouldn't have scheduled someone to come drill holes around our house so early the next morning!
13. The slumber party was so much fun and just what I needed!!

GIRL TIME IS THE BEST!

Just Too Funny!

Sara and I began our Spring Break today by indulging in some retail therapy! We decided to venture out to Spartanburg rather than G-ville. Within the short amount of time we were there, I was "Heather", "Mrs. Cassidy", "Carson's Mommy", and "Ella's Mom". It was too funny! No matter where I turned there was someone different that I knew or at least knew who I was. The two funniest ones would have to be a current student of mine who was "afraid" to speak to me, so his mom did and a little girl riding in a buggy whom I had NEVER seen before that told her mom that I was Carson's mommy!! I definitely would not have seen so many people that I knew had we gone to Greenville! After shopping, we enjoyed a great dinner. It was nice to "escape" from mommyhood for just a little while!

An "Official" Ending for a NEW Beginning!

I would definitely have to say that this week has truly been one of the hardest, yet one of the most exciting weeks of my life. God has truly been holding my hand all the way through the tiny baby steps to the giant leap I finally made on Tuesday. For several months now, I have been sensing that God had a change in store for my life. Many of those signs were very painful for me and yes, I tried to ignore many of them. Yet I truly believe that they were all just preparing my heart for what was to transpire. For the past nine years, I have been blessed to be provided the opportunity to have approximately 350 precious nine year old children call me their teacher, I have formed life-long friendships with the most AMAZING people, I have truly felt like a member of many different families, I have traveled countless miles, I have worked endless hours past three, I have cried enough tears of happiness and sorrow to form a lake, I have learned how to stand up for what I believe in, I have had the MOST AMAZING volunteers,I have had the MOST AMAZING experiences, and boy have I grown-up a lot!!!!!!

I have known for a couple of years that a brand-new elementary school was being built about two miles from our home and that it would be set to open the year Carson started kindergarten. I have struggled for some time with what would be best for my family instead of what would be best for me. After many conversations with God and with me truly watching for God, it was made clear to me as to what I should do. I realized I should find a way to provide Carson the opportunity to be able to go to school in the community in which he lives, not one that is thirty minutes away. I knew in the back of my mind that the ONLY way that would be possible, would be for me to try to pursue employment at that school. As a mother, I could not expect nor would I allow someone else to take my child to school each day and be responsible for picking him up. With me being thirty minutes away, there was ABSOLUTELY NO way I would be part of his daily school endeavors. So, I took baby steps at first. I followed all policies for my school and district. I then contacted the principal of the new school and remained in contact for several weeks. And I prayed! I waited! And I prayed! I sought out assistance from one of the most amazing former-principals and personnel directors ever! And I prayed! Finally, the inevitable occurred - - - I received my contract. So, now I panicked! And I prayed! I asked for and received a brief extension on my contract and breathed a little easier. And I prayed! Finally, I was told on the morning when contracts were originally due that I had to turn mine in that day!!! I no longer had the two week extension, I didn't even have a full day to make my decision. And I hadn't heard back from the principal from an email I sent him over a week ago. So, I prayed and watched for God. Less than an hour later, I received an email from Kelli telling me that there has been approval for the principal to hire two new teachers. I spoke with the principal and set up a district interview for the very next day. I then decided to take a HUGE leap of faith and turn in an unsigned contract. I turned it all over to Him! The next day, I was offered a position at THE school, the one two miles from my house, the brand-new school Carson will call his OWN!

As the next eight weeks or so draw to a close I know I will feel extreme sadness and happiness all at the same time. I am confident that I have made the right decision for my family and for me. God has continued to show me that even in the last two days!

I pray that my new journey will be as AMAZING as my current one...

A Picture Perfect Easter!

A Little GIRLY Time!

Whew...What a Day!!!

Today was ONE busy day! Carson "kicked off the baseball" as he said at his baseball Jamboree today. His Mets team played at 10:30, but his mommy and Ella were about thirty minutes late. I just can't seem to be able to be anywhere on time with TWO children, and I HATE it! Anyway thank goodness for Daddy, Grammy, Papa, and Aunt Lizzie who do seem to make it places on time! Carson had a terrific game, and we are so proud of him. Today he played shortstop and was able to get several players out.

As soon as his baseball game was over, we headed straight to Chuck E. Cheese for our first birthday party of the day! (Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE that place??!!) Anyway, Carson had a great time, and Ella was perfect. I shouldn't complain!!

We left Chuck E. Cheese and ventured to our second birthday party of the day! This party was for Roo. It was her new "boyfriend" Ethan's first birthday party. Everything was so adorable and perfect. I LOVE at-home themed birthday parties! All of the children had a great time playing outside. The weather was perfect! I would have to say that Carson's favorite part was probably digging in the "dirt"! I told him he had two minutes until it was time to go, but he quickly responded, "No Mommy, eleven minutes!" Ella enjoyed "playing" outside, riding Ethan's rocking horse, eating cake, and trying to take Ethan's new toys away from him. I was shocked to see that my normally precious timid baby girl actually became a little aggressive! We had a FABULOUS time at the party and were so glad we were invited!

And finally, I should have known better than to try to attempt a trip to Walmart after an exhausting day. I just had Ella because Carson went to Grammy's house to dye Easter eggs. I was on my way to go pay when a girl brought it to my attention that Ella was missing a shoe. I was FURIOUS! I tried to retrace all of my steps through that mad house trying to locate her shoe. It was NOWHERE to be found! I even asked at the Customer Service desk if anyone had turned her shoe in, and of course no one had. As I was walking out the door, this WONDERFUL lady stopped me and said that she just turned in a shoe that matched the one Ella had on. Ella had kicked it off in the parking lot! I guess that is why I couldn't find it anywhere in Walmart!!

Now, we are finally home and are about to get ready for the Easter Bunny!!!!

And Yet Again...

Ella had to visit the doctor again today per the request of her pediatrician because her cough was getting NO better. Super Dad came to the rescue AGAIN and was able to take her to the doctor. Yes, that makes the second time in one week!! The doctor ordered a chest x-ray to make sure Roo's lungs were okay. I lived through that once with her, so I completely understand what her daddy went through today. The x-rays looked okay. The doctor just saw a little shadow, which she said could have been from Ella moving. Despite the okay x-ray results, Ella's ear is still infected, cough is still horrible, and her appetite is not what it has been. The doctor decided to switch Ella's antibiotic to something a little stronger in hopes that she will soon feel better. We also have to increase her breathing treatments. I cannot wait for summer when I can be a stay-at-home mom! I still have time to create my dream bubble for Ella to live in for the few short months in which it is possible!!!!

Ella at Thirteen Months

Finally weighs more than 16 pounds
Cruisin' everywhere, but walkin' no where
Pulling up all over the place
LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to be outside
Says something that resembles "Harley" and points to the door
Shows all the signs of "teething", but still only have evidence of two teeth
Has developed a little "attitude"
Starts "swatting" at you when she is not happy
Has a "mad" crawl
Does not sleep as well
Hates nebulizer treatments
Gags every time food goes into her mouth
Is recovering from an ear infection and an upper respiratory infection
Has become somewhat of a "cry baby"
Plays by herself quite well
Enjoys romping around with her Big Brother
Makes super-cute noises with her mouth
Doesn't have ANY interest in television
Has learned to crawl up in Car's rocking chair
Is putting more THINGS in her mouth that DON'T belong
Has a sunburn thanks to her MOMMY OF THE YEAR
Has her daddy wrapped around all of her fingers and toes
Has not mastered drinking out of a sippy cup
Cries at the sound of laughter
Can't be tricked by anything other than milk in a bottle with her normal nipple
Loves to play peek-a-boo
Claps and rolls her hands to Pat-a-Cake
Still needs to go to the doctor for her 12 month well baby (if we can ever get well)
Loves racing her brother in her pink car
Will not keep any socks or shoes on her feet
Has takin' a liking to baseball (don't think she has a choice!!)
Continues to melt our hearts away!!!!!!!!!!

Wofford's Eggstravaganza 2008

Today we ventured out on our annual trip to Wofford for their Eggstravaganza! Today we had almost the entire family in toe. The weather was absolutely perfect!! ! We enjoyed a picnic lunch. Carson enjoyed decorating Easter cookies, eating ice cream, climbing under trees for an Easter egg hunt, and of course sitting in the Easter Bunny's lap. Ella, on the other hand, enjoyed eating ice cream, crawling all over the lawn, and trying to sneak a few bites of popcorn in her mouth. Daddy was able to leave work for a little while and join in on the fun!!! Next year we have to look forward to having two running all over the place. Maybe, just maybe, we could have TWO in the Easter Bunny's lap too! Thanks Aunt Lizzie for graduating from such an EGGCELENT college!

A Request for a New Tooth Fairy!

Okay, the Tooth Fairy who visits our house must not be very good at her job, but I would like to think that she is just somewhat NEW at her job! Carson ran to me this morning, and said, "I kept checking all night, and all I kept feeling was my tooth!" He then said, "I know what we can do. We can write her a note and maybe she will come sometime today." He started to find a pencil and piece of paper. Carson is getting a little frustrated with the Tooth Fairy. This is NOT the first time this has happened. She was so SLOW with his last missing tooth that it took a special prayer and a couple of days for her to find our house. Let's hope she PAYS a special visit tonight or at least requests help from a little green Leprechaun to leave Carson a special treat!!!!!

Our Toothless Boy and Captain Tooth #2

Carson has enjoyed checking his new look out in the mirror today. He also found the perfect "treat" for losing another tooth today. He has decided that Captain Tooth #1 (which is his tooth superhero Santa brought him) and Captain Tooth #2 (which is his new pirate tooth hero he found today) will "fight" it out tonight to see who will get to hold his tooth safe for the Tooth Fairy.

A Baby With a Life on Friday Night and a BIG BOY With a New Smile!

Ella decided last night that she would play the night away! She must have decided that since her Big Brother was having a sleepover with Aunt Lizzie, she would have a slumber party of her own. She feel asleep at her normal time, but when I tried to move her to bed she was one awake little girl. Her terrific daddy decided to take her and try to get her back to sleep, so her mommy could go to bed herself. He tried everything to get her back to sleep, but soon decided to give in and just let her play. The next thing I knew I was awakened by some little girl shaking my bed and talking away. She had pushed open my bedroom door, crawled into my bedroom, and pulled herself up on my bed. Since I was sweetly awakened, I tried once more to get her back to sleep. There was no hope. We must have given her three bottles within a few hours, hoping that would do the trick. But once again, NO! Finally, I put her in the bed with me and wrapped my arms around her, so she could flip and flop. She feel asleep around 2 o'clock and slept until 7:45!!! I enjoyed sleeping a little later, but if it takes a baby girl having her own slumber party for me to sleep in, I will opt to get up early in the morning!

Our phone rang around eight this morning with Aunt Lizzie calling to say that she had been up since 6:30 with Carson. He woke up asking when it was going to be morning. She told him it would be morning soon, and if he would just close his eyes it would come quickly. A few minutes later, he woke her up to say that his other front tooth came out. He had spent a majority of last night wiggling it, so we knew it was going to be soon. He told Lizzie that he now has 6 teeth missing, which is one more than how old he is! It is so funny to watch him try to eat. I am not sure what he is going to be able to do now!

Our First Ear Infection and Tipping the Scales OVER 16!

For the past several days Ella has developed a nasty nose that just won't quit pouring, a horrible cough that the nebulizer doesn't seem to knock off, and a cranky disposition that is driving her mommy crazy. After two sleepless nights, we decided it was time to let a doctor try to take care of this. Ella has an ear infection in just one of her ears. An earache wasn't even in our minds! Anyway, so glad we decided to have her checked out! She is now on an antibiotic, Bromhist, and nebulizer treatments. Hopefully, all of this will take care of Roo quickly and make her all better.

The exciting news is that Ella now weighs 18 pounds!!! It was beginning to seem that we would be stuck at 16 forever! She's not eating very much at all right now, so we may not see 18 for long!

Time for MILK!

Today, we officially began giving Roo moo milk! I am beginning her slowly to make sure she tolerates it well. We are doing half formula/half milk. When I changed Ella over to formula, I chose to go with soy because for no other reason, that is what Carson had. He did well with it, so why not try will Ella!? She too, did very well thankfully. I was a little apprehensive about cow's milk since she had been on soy formula, but things are looking good so far. I have decided to try organic milk. I am beginning to add the safety of our food products to my long list of obsessions!

Just Because...I LOVE THEM SO!

Absence Definitely Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

I have had the very fortunate experience of being in Washington, D.C. since Sunday. I have been the VFW's National Citizenship Teacher of the Year's biggest fan and tag-a-long. I have never been to Washington, so this has been an amazing experience. On Sunday, we ventured out to Georgetown which I have to admit was a little disappointing. The shopping downtown was way out of our league. We also learned a valuable lesson- - - NEVER eat at a restaurant where you can't read the menu! My salad tasted fishy, but of course it was caesar. When our pizza came out, it also tasted quite FISHY! We opted to send it back to the kitchen and try something a little safer. On Monday, Carolyn had her big presentation, and we spent the evening with a family member of hers eating at a French bistro. We played it very safe with steak and french fries. I would have to say today was probably the best! We began our day with a fantastic breakfast at a small restaurant around the corner from our hotel. We then had back-to-back appointments and photo shoots with our senators. We concluded our visit with a tour of the Capitol building in which Ted Kennedy entered an elevator that we exited- - - very exciting. My favorite part of this tour was being able to sit in on a few minutes of the Senate. Jim Demint was actually proposing an admendment to a bill that centered around consumer safety of products, especially products for children. This definitely is something that I feel very strongly about. I vowed NOT to purchase toys made in China for Ella. But sadly, after much research there were virtually NO products made in the USA available! Anyway, I hope that our senators can work together, so that we can begin to see changes in the safety of products being placed in the hands and MOUTHS of our children very soon. Speaking of safety, the security in Washington is fierce. Police are everywhere, on every set of steps, behind bushes, on top of buildings, on every street corner, virtually everywhere. We actually were standing on a street corner waiting to cross when a motorcade came zooming right in front of us. We're not sure who was traveling in the motorcade, but we just tell ourselves it was probably the President or Vice-President. Several vehicles in the motorcade had their windows down and men were pointing guns (large guns) out the window. Wow!! On a much lighter note, our night concluded with a FABULOUS banquet dinner. Carolyn stood in front of literally thousands of veterans and delivered a fabulous acceptance speech. I sat back very relaxed and proud and enjoyed grand conversation with some pretty amazing veterans myself! Tomorrow, we begin our day with a tour of the White House. We hope to fit in much more tomorrow before we journey back to the "real world", or at least "our world"!

I can't wait to hug, kiss, and snuggle with my family!!!

Jamboread! 2008

Yesterday Carson, Aunt Lizzie, and I ventured to Jamobread! to see Junie B. Jones and the Little Monkey Business. Carson loves Junie B. Jones, so he has been super-excited about the upcoming performance. We sat right on the front row, so it was perfect! I think at the beginning he was a little confused to see adults instead of children. He was too cute when the actors came right up to him. I think he was a little embarrassed because he would take out his Jamboread! brochure and look down at it anytime he felt they were looking at him! It was too cute! After Jamboread! we ventured over to The Sandwich Factory to have somewhat of a "healthy" lunch.