Some Exciting News

I thought this was the best and most exciting news I had to report since the hubby left Sunday for his training in Columbia. I called him after work to tell him the good news. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: I have some exciting news!! Guess what happened today?

Hubby: Just tell me, I'm not good at guessing.

Me: One guess......pleaaaaaase

Hubby: OK, You got a job.

Me: Nope, Emma got her VERY FIRST tooth!!

Hubby: Great, next time, don't tell me you have exciting news unless it is "You got a job" or "We sold the house."

All kidding aside, the hubby was excited that little one has her VERY FIRST tooth. I think he may be even more excited about the fact that he has not been here to witness the winey, I can't sleep, drooling mess that our little girl has become trying to cut this VERY FIRST tooth. My little darling is growing up too fast. Slow down, please Emma! I want to savor every moment.

They're headed for DE-vorce

I have been putting off this post, because, well... I was a little upset at how things turned out. I have been a long time fan of Jon and Kate Plus 8..since the very first special over 4 years ago. I turned my mom, aunts, grandma, and friends onto the show. I sure felt a little silly getting upset on Monday after they made their announcement. I just wanted to vent my opinion. So, here goes it....

Did you see Jon's earrings? What is that all about? Also, he made the comment that he was "excited" about things. WHAT? You are "excited" about putting your kids through this? I think that was a poor choice of words to describe your feelings about the matter. Secondly, he went on and on about being only 32 years old and wanting to do other things with his life. To me, this sounds like he no longer wants to be daddy to 8 darling kids. They are pulling him down and ruining his fun. (If you can't tell, I should be wearing a TEAM KATE shirt!) He seemed like he was not upset at all about how things turned out. He was just "excited" to get on with HIS life.

I am not saying that Kate is a saint and that she had nothing to do with how things are playing out. She at least seemed genuinly upset at the fact that her marriage is ending. It seemed like she wanted to try and work on things. Make it work, get therapy, for the kids. I feel bad that she is getting "hung out to dry" in the press. They are making it all sound like she is this terrible person and she brought it on herself.

What do you think? Are there any TEAM JON folks out there?

A little shopping

I am lovin' some consignment shops. I feel a little embarrassed to say that I have never set foot into a consignment shop until today. Mom, Emma and I passed two shops on our way into town today and decided to stop and look. Mom was looking for a crib and monitor to keep at her house. We found so many cool things! The prices are GREAT! (Sorry for the sideways pics, I am typing on the parent's computer and I don't know how to work it well.)

First find, this adorable dress with little lambs. It was brand new with tags and cost $4.00! WOW! It's a Carter's brand.
Second find, this cutie pie dress with smocking sailboats. Size 18 months, so she should be able to wear it next summer. $12.00! WOW, WOW!
Another pic of the cute summer sailboat dress.

Lastly, Emma needed some toys. Mom got all five toys for under $30.00. Three of them were still in their boxes...never been used! All are in great condition. Of course, I took the Clorox to them as soon as we got home, but you can't beat that! The Leapfrog Baby drum cost $22.00 at Babies-R-Us and it was 7 bucks today! I am super excited about all our finds today. Emma got so many cute things. After shopping, we headed to dinner at Outback and then went to spend some time with Mark, Charidee, Alex and Ella. Emma got more clothes from the twins that she should be able to wear next year. Charidee's girls always look so adorable.

**Check out your local consignment shops. You won't regret it! I know I'll be back!

Giveaways are so much fun!

Check out the awesome giveaway at Just Lovely. Monogrammed wall art! You know I love anything monogrammed! Wouldn't it look just lovely in Emma's room!

Per Request...The move

Patience ladies, this may take a while to explain. It all started in late May when my darling hubby came home and announced that he applied for a job in Greenville, SC. We have been dying to move back closer to our beloved state since we found out that a little baby would be heading our way! We loved our home in Raleigh, but we were very tired of the five hour drives to and from the relatives homes. We were also tired of our very noisy, drum lovin', band makin' Obie-One-Canobi (?) lovin neighbors. The neighbor's teenager is in a band and they played for hours on end, every day! Every, Single, Day! (I hope noone who is wanting to buy our house is reading this.) We thought about offering to send him off to college early...far away! Just our luck, he is going to college right there in Raleigh, and staying at home! GREAT!

ANYWHOOOOO, back to moving.

The hubby got the job and everything seemed to be moving so fast. We put our house back on the market, starting packing, and made arrangements for a place to stay in SC. Currently, we are staying with my parents in their two-bedroom basement apartment. Far from the 2000 square feet we used to occupy, but the location is to die for! Emma gets to spend some quality time with Granna and Papa! They are eating her up!

I am on the job hunt. I have interviewed for a teaching position at the elementary school I attended 20 something years ago. Hoping to hear back from them soon! I will keep you posted on the job hunt.

~PRAYER REQUESTS~
1. Please pray that our house sells quickly.
2. Pray that I find a job.
3. Continue to pray for Stellan and his family.
4. Pray for Jon and Kate. Divorce is hard. Pray that the kids feel God's love surrounding them.
5. Pray for my Nana. She is having heart surgery tomorrow.

I totally believe in the power of prayer and am so happy to be back in my hometown. God is great! (And Abby, I totally agree, the summer is flying by! Enjoy it while it lasts.)

The best gift...

We all celebrated Father's Day yesterday. My daddy is the best. He always worked hard to provide for us. He is patient and taught me how to play sports and how to drive. Believe ME, he was PATIENT. I am not good at sports, nor am I good at driving (according to my hubby). My dad, however, if VERY good at sports, expecially basketball. He tried and tried for me to get into basketball, but that NEVER happened. I was a total girly-girl. He did convince me to play softball....I played right bench. I was really good, can't you tell!?! Yesterday, we headed to church and then came home for a good ole' family lunch. I gave my dad a tie that he could wear with his new navy suit. Of course, before I gave him the gift, I was reading an article in the paper about the worst father's day gifts to give. #1 was a tie! Daddy loved it though and it looked smashing with his new navy suit. He even wore it to church.

On to the other daddy in my life. The hubby celebrated his first Father's day. We are officially in South Carolina. That was present enough, but I am of course got him some lovely gifts for his first official Daddy day! I made his card at Kodakgallery. It was pretty darn cute! Emma is absolutely in LOVE with her daddy. She grins and coos at him. He is an exceptional dad. Emma is so going to be a daddy's girl! Only bad thing, he had to leave us in the early afternoon to go to Columbia. His new job starts tomorrow with a two week training in Columbia. We are going to miss Daddy! Can't wait to have him back with us soon! Happy First Father's Day Honey! Love you!

Let me show ya somethin'

Mommy is packing, so I decided to write to you all. I want to take you on a tour of my jumperoo. I love it. I could sit in it for most of the day and never get bored. I like to spin and move from toy to toy. Here, I'll show you some of my favorite things to do!

My jumperoo makes all kinds of noises. I love to spin the spinnery things and make them rattle. Sometimes when I do it, I laugh really loud and Mommy laughs too! Daddy is amazed that I know how to work all my toys. I tell him "blassnnha aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" That means, "I am smart, Daddy!"

You caught me reading. My book has a mirror behind it and I like to look at it. There is a cute baby that looks a lot like me in that mirror! Wonder who it is?

Mommy and Daddy always read to me. My jumperoo has a book. I love turning the pages and looking at the dog and the duck. I am working on the "D" sound so that I can say Daddy!
Listen up little ones, this is my favorite part. This glowy thing plays music and makes funny sounds. I like to slap it. That's how you make it work. Sometimes I smack Mommy and Daddy, but they don't sing when I do that. Wonder why?

This here is a puppet. Don't know how it works yet, but I like to chew on it's ears. Tastes yummy!

Oh, Mommy's back. I hope you enjoyed your tour of my jumperoo. It's my most favorite thing!

One last pic, because Mommy says I am the cutest little thing!

How old is Emma?

Mommy~How old are you Doodlebug?

Doodlebug~ 5 months (look at my hands)

Mommy~ Too cute, sweetheart!

Doodlebug turned 5 months yesterday! It is hard to believe that she is already that old. It seems like yesterday that we were bringing her home from the hospital. This month Doodlebug has:

1. Eats everything. Expecially her pretty dresses that she likes to wad up in her hand and stuff right into her mouth. She usually looks like a wadded up wrinkled mess by the time we get anywhere, but she's cute so we let it slide. :)

2. She has started eating food. Prunes, Bananas, Carrots, Applesauce, and Green Beans. Applesauce is her favorite and Prunes are definately the worst. She was not a big fan of the cereal.

3. She has become an expert at her jumperoo. She spins around and knows how to work all the little gadgets. She loves banging the animals and making them sing.

4. She is a banger. She smacks and pulls hair. She is fascinated with fans, trees, and daddy. She always smiles for Mommy and is just a generally happy, go-lucky girl.

5. She is wearing Size 2 diapers and will be wearing 6-9 months clothing in one more month I think. Right on track.

6. She loves her feet, but hasn't quite figured out how to get them to her mouth yet.

7. She doesn't like to be left alone. She is happy to sit in her jumperoo, but she constantly looks around to make sure I am still in the room.

8. She took her first trip to the pool. Went to her first birthday party for her cousin, Isabella. Spent a week away from Mommy and Daddy and shortly will be making her first move.

Emma is such a joy. Every minute spent with her is heaven. I am truly enjoying being home with her this summer and it has only just begun. We thank God every day for this wonderful blessing! Happy 5 months, Sweetie!

Not Me Monday: I can't believe I'm doing this!

Have you ever had so much to do that you can't eat, sleep? Well that's me this week and I most certainly am NOT sitting at the computer blogging instead of working.

As I told you, we are moving in T-minus 4 days and I have not only packed one box and put the pack-n-play downstairs. There is certainly not a long list of things to be packed and put away and I am definately not sitting at the computer facebooking and blog stalking. Not me at all!

We had a showing a while back and I most certainly did NOT throw the dirty bottles in a plastic bag and throw them in a closet only to forget about them and wonder what the *heck* smelled so bad in the pantry. Ooops! I did NOT do that!

Speaking of smelly things. I cleaned out the pantry today and I did not throw the bags of trash in the garage and hope that my prince will take them out back when he gets home. I definately would NEVER do that!
Whilst trying to pack, I came across my fine china. I didn't wonder why we even got the stuff. It's not like the President or The Queen will ever come over for some Spaghetti. (Hubby says that's all I cook.) It is beautiful, but I haven't used it...ever. Wondering if I should start using it for other important guests...or for Friday Pizza nights. Absolutely not me!

Finally, I could not post without including a pic of Miss Cutie Patotie! Carrots are so yummy! Make sure you head over to My Charming Kids to see what everyone else has NOT been doing this week.

"Catch" up

Well, I wanted to update the blog, but I have no time. Too much to do. Today will be pictures only, well almost. Enjoy!

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh!

School is out, enough said!

Not Me Monday

Welcome to another Not Me Monday. I am here to share the honest truth and live to tell about it. I am dedicating this Not Me post to the past. Past mistakes, ones that I lived through and learned from.

My freshman year of college, I definately DID NOT get totally wrapped up in a stupid (and much older) boy and completely alienate my roommate and best friend. See, she didn't like him very much. I hate to have regrets, but this is definately one. I would NOT redo my entire freshman year and kick that boy to the curb. Nope not me!

I definately DO NOT wonder if I chose the right occupation. Don't get me wrong, I love teaching. Well, most days, but it seems like more and more is being piled on teacher's plates and nothing is getting taken off. I was a nursing major at the beginning of college. I would NOT like to shadow a nurse one day, just to see what it would be like. Definately NOT ME!

I spent the rest of college hopping from apartment to apartment. I moved every year. I definately DO NOT wish I would have just lived at home and saved my money. I was young and wanted to be independent. Well, Working and paying for my apartment gave me a sense of pride and taught me how to manage money, so I guess I wouldn't change this. Nope, not at all!

Check out MckMama's blog, My Charming Kids, and see what everyone else has NOT been doing this week. Happy Monday! It's my last one of this school year! Woo Hoo!

Contests Galore

So I am always game for a little contest...there is nothing like the thrill of winning....even if it's just a little trinket. There are so many great contests going on this week check out these blogs.....

That's Too Cute is giving away a gorgeous picnic basket.

Another blog is giving away some exercise stuff. Check out My Charming Life.

And lastly, don't forget about Living in the Moment. She is a girl after my own heart. She is giving away a monogrammed mouse pad and several other items.

Check out these awesome blogs and Good Luck! You could be the winner!

It's the beginning....and the end.

Well, we are moving. The hubby accepted a job in South Carolina that starts on the 22nd! I am so excited to be going "home," but I have made so many great memories here and I am going to miss it. Here are a few of my favorite things in Raleigh....

Our church. We were so luck to have found such a loving and open church family. I love Rolesville Baptist. The preacher is good mixture of a good Christian leader and just another sinner saved by the grace of God. He loves baseball and has played on the church softball team every year with the hubby. His wife, Teresa, is a people person. She makes you feel at home. We have really enjoyed getting to know all the members of this tiny church.

Randi, my mommy friend. She came to visit in the hospital and has given me numerous amounts of advice about parenting. She was there for me the night Emma had to go on the Bilirubin monitor and she kept me from losing my mind. She keeps me grounded and helps me be a better mommy. And...it doesn't hurt that she has ADORABLE kids too!
This will always be a special place for us. We went to dinner at Ruth's Chris on the most magical night...the night we got engaged (and my birthday!). We have yet to go back (it's a little expensive), but I would like to visit again sometime soon. The steaks were to DIE for.
My favorite store! Love, Love, LOVE it. I could shop all day. There will be a loft near where we are moving, but it is not as close. I will be making a monthly trip and loading up on all the cute clothes. I'll take Mel with me, she loves the store too! First things first though...I've got to loose weight! (Did Taebo tonight...totally kicked my big booty!)
Durham Bulls Baseball...the hubby and I love baseball. There is nothing like sitting in the stands with an ice cold one and a hot dog watching the game. Friday nights are the best...fireworks after the game! And then there's the Bull..when a player hits a homerun the eyes light up and the tail shakes. Oh, I'll miss you. Go Bulls!
My RES friends. I have made so many friends at my school and I will miss each and every one of them. Malana and Maria taught with me in 5th grade and kept me sane in the sea of hormones that is 10 year old boys and girls. My principal is a joy to work for and keeps me laughing every day. Julie, she's my fellow football fan and a crazy and loveable lady. Sandy is easy to work with and is like the big sister that I always wanted. She gives great advice and I look up to her as a teacher, fellow mother, and friend. Rolesville was my first job and I wil miss the school, the kids, and most of all...the teachers!

We moved to Raleigh in 2005. Since moving, we have gotten engaged, we both started new jobs, we bought our first house, I moved to a new grade level, I got a new principal, we made countless friends, we joined our church, and we welcomed our precious little girl into the world. Raleigh will always hold a special place in my heart, but I am thrilled to be going "home."

Not Me Monday

Welcome back to the blogging world....I totally have NOT been on a blogging heiatus. No, I didn't decide to give up the internet for a week....I have just been so darn busy with school and job hunting and moving...Yes..Ladies and Gents...we are Not moving. Nope NOT US! We could NOT be happy about finally living in the great state of South Carolina. Not us at all!

On a lighter note, I have NOT gone over a week without shaving my legs and definately did NOT wear a skirt to school today even though I didn't shave. I am totally NOT shaving tonight. (My hubby and the inside of my legs will be happy with me) Nope not me!

I am NOT totally stressed about the unknown. I have faith that God will provide, but I have never lived in this much lingo. I have no job...we haven't sold our house...but we have put all our faith into God and know that we are in his loving hands. He will know what to do! He is all-knowing and I believe he is letting us know that the time is right. We need to make our move. I am NOT asking for your continued prayer! Definately Not me!

I have to tell you, I have NOT been totally honest with you. I am NOT ready for summer break and am counting down the days hours until I no longer report to Room 208. I love my little darlings, but they are READY for summer. It is NOT hard to keep them under control and still try to teach since we do still have 7 days of school left. My kids did NOT ask this morning if they had homework this week and then whine and complain that I was NOT giving them homework this week. Most certainly NOT. Only 7 days 56 hours left of school.

Make sure you check out MckMama's blog...My Charming Kids. Love her!