Disney On Ice

A couple of weeks ago Bob got tickets from work to take E to see Disney on Ice. We were in his company's suite, which was awesome. However, Ellie who enjoyed the show and the seats, asked if next time she can be close like she was last time. When we took her to Disney Princess on Ice in the winter we were 2nd row.

Loving the suite seats :)

First Day of Preschool

What, time for preschool already? We had a busy, expensive, weekend trying to get everything ready for Ellie's first day of preschool. Bob and I are so different about a lot of things, and sending our little girl off to school is the same. I am so excited and happy for her (maybe that is the teacher in me), while Bob is sad that his little girl is growing up.

I am so lucky to have my Mom who can take her each day. It is so priceless to me to have her in a good preschool, and having my Mom take her is so appreciated-Thanks Mom, I love you. Ellie is so lucky to have a Memaw like you.

The book she is holding in her hand is the First Day of Preschool. We have been reading it every night since we got it a few weeks ago. She says that she is ready.

I couldn't wait to hear about her first day. I called Mom on my lunch, and she said that she had a great day. She said that she did not even care when Mom left. Such a big girl. We are so blessed to have such a sweet, caring, and amazing little girl. She will definitely do great things for God and to those who come in her life in the future

The Old Days

I got to be reminded of how much fun I had at my Nanny's house when I was growing up. I can always remember that everytime the family got together we would end up outside (as long as it was not snowing or raining) playing baseball. We all got together at Nanny's today for Labor Day. She made a wonderful dinner, and then someone suggested we go out and play some baseball. It was so fun. I did not really get to play, because I helped Ellie get her first experience with baseball and Burgin family sports. She loved it.

She is the cutest little short stop

Swing Batter

Poor Maddie had to sit this one out

I got tired so Daddy came up to the plate

After we left Nanny's we went by Janets to celebrate her birthday. Her birthday is tomorrow. Here she is with her girls. Meg and Eme came over too.

She got in

I had Ellie's preschool all lined out. She was going to go to an awesome preschool in Scottsburg, which would be so convenient for me. But when I switch jobs I became frantic to find her a preschool that I was willing to send her to with an opening. I received a call from St Paul's telling me they had one opening. So I thought that is where I would send her. Then I got an email from the owner of Growing Minds saying they may possibly have an opening and she would let me know. Last night we got a call asking us if we still wanted to send E there. Well that was a no brainer, of course I wanted to send her there. She said they decided to create a class that was for older three year old and younger four year olds. So everyone in Ellie's class will be within three or four months of her age. She will start out going two days a week, and then we will have the option at the first of the year to send her an additional day.

We met with one of the owners today after school. Ellie was so excited to look around her classroom and see her name on her cubbie and her desk. I am so proud of my little girl. I think Bob was a little sad.

Already!!

I am already feeling my schedule and it is only day to. After school we took Maddie to the doctor for her 9 month check-up. She weighs 15 lbs and 11.5 oz (only about five oz more than E at this age) and is 26 1/2 inches long (exactly same as E). I was so happy to hear that they already had the flu shot in. So I would not to rush back in November to get it for the girls. Also they could give it to E too (sure glad we decided to bring her along too). She was not to happy and was not in the mindset for her vaccine. But thank goodness they had the mist which she does not mind.

Ellie at 9 months

Maddie-9 months

I must be crazy

Yeah I am pretty sure that I am. Tonight I started my first of two classes that I am taking this fall. I can not believe that I am raising two young girls, starting a new job (with preparations for 4 new classes), taking two classes at IUS, AND in about two weeks I will be start auditions for the fall production. This is going to be a busy fall, but so rewarding in the long run. I just have to keep my sanity.

Happy Birthday Papaw Wayne

Happy Birthday Dad. Enjoy your 50 and holding steady :)

9 months

Baby Maddie is 9 months today. We take her to the doctor in a few days, so I will post her stats then.

Also, Ellie wanted to have a camp out in the living room. She feel asleep so fast. Look at how cute she is in her race car sleeping bag.

Football

I forgot how much football brought a school together. I have missed being part of a football school so much. The kids were so excited and ready for the football game tonight. I was too. Bob and I went to the game and had so much fun. Even though they lost a tough game, I am still proud of them and look forward to watching many more games.

Day One

Today I realized something great, high school students in Charlestown are the same as high school students in Scottsburg. This made me quite happy because I know that I can successfully teach those of students. A lot of things are different at CHS, but the students are not. I was excited to see with each class the different connections I had with the students and their relatives. It is so nice to finally connect to the students I teach, and the faculty I work with. It brings me great joy and honor to teach beside many teachers who have taught me, including two of my awesome English teachers Barbara Berry and Brenda VonAlmen. I can not wait to see what the school year has in store for me.

My Gang

Today I met my theater kids for lunch in Clarksville. They are all getting ready to head off to college next week. It was nice to catch up with them and hear about the summer. Also to see their excitement about college and what lies ahead of them is exciting.

Logan and John doing their hand shake one last time for us all.

I am really going to miss these guys.

They were my laughter when I had no reason to laugh.

They were the cause of my rare stressful fits, twice a year.

They were the hightlight of the last school year (well that and my maternity leave :)

They were the best group of theater students any director could ask for, and I wish them luck and success that I know each of them will have.

She sleeps

Lunch with My Bestie

I am so sad that I will not get to see my work bestie everyday this year. Today Laura and her girls met the girls and myself at Charlestown Pizza Company for lunch. After lunch we went to the park to play a little before the heat and nap time sent us our separate ways. I sure am going to miss her, but I hope that even though we are divided that we still remain close. I have met some of my best friends and closest acquaintances at SHS and I will never forget them.

Miss Caroline enjoying her first swing

I think this girl is loving a good swing too

E had to swing too.

It's Official

I am GCCS School Board approved. Today has definitely bittersweet. I got the keys to my new room-and by new I mean new. There are so many cool gadgets and a window. But tonight also was a sad night. After Bob got home from work we loaded the girls up and went to Scottsburg to clean out my room. WOW, I did not realize how much stuff I had. It did not take long to empty my room, but I did have a truck load full in which we had to tie down with straps. I say farewell to SHS with many fond memories, but I am excited at what waits ahead for me.

RIP Jim

On our way to Georgia Friday, I saw that my boss when I worked at the bank had passed away. He was such a great guy who I respected and looked up to for many years. I had just went into the bank a couple of weeks before and talked to him for a bit. I am very sadden by this news. It was nice to have the opportunity to go to his funeral, it was a great to see all the people in the community that he impacted through his dedication to his job.

You will be missed Jim Drake.

Baycation

This weekend we went on our mini-vacation of the summer. We struggled deciding where we wanted to go. I knew that with me changing schools that I could not be gone for long. So last minute decision, I choose Alpharetta, GA. Why Alpharetta you say? Well the American Girl Doll Store of course. We stayed at a really nice Marriott that had an American Girl Doll package. I was so impressed and can not wait to go back-but note to self-must bring lots more money :)

After we checkin then E had to check her and Elizabeth in
My Girls

We found a Bahama Breeze-yum-o

Ellie and Elizabeth had cookies and milk every night

Love that smile

My poor baby is a little conceded. She couldn't stop kissing herself.

This is the bed that came with our package. We even got to take it home.

Here is Ariel taking a nap with Ellie.

We had a nice breakfast every morning that came with our package.

Even Elizabeth got a seat.

Elizabeth getting her crazy hair done. Too cute!

So I am a sucker. I felt so guilty that we spent all that money buying E things and not Maddie, that I went back in for one more purchase. A bitty baby. She loves it. She keeps playing with the eyes and hugging and kissing all over it.

My happy girl and I

Elizabeth had to sit at the table too

Sleeping baby with her Bitty Baby

Wow-did that just happen?

Last week I got a call about an English job that was posted at Charlestown High School. I had completely forgotten that I had applied for it, plus there are only two weeks until school starts. I would love to be back home and one day be directing the theater. So yesterday I went into the interview. I left feeling very accomplished, it has been five years since I interviewed. Well today I got a call from the principal saying that they are offering me the job. This is so bittersweet. I love my job at Scottsburg and the people there, but this is such an awesome opportunity to be home and close to my kids.

So now I have to start the dreaded moving process. And plan four new classes before school starts in two weeks.

First time in 3.5 years

Last night was the first time in three and a half years since we have not had a child sleeping in our room. I must admit, it was very odd. Maddie does not sleep in our bed, but her baby bed was in our room. I definitely enjoyed having my babies so close I could hear them breathe, but I am very glad that they are now in their own room.

They both slept so good last night. So here is to many more sleepful nights in the future.

Ahhh

For mother's day this year my wonderful husband got me a gift certificate to Z Salon and Spa. Today my appointment finally came around. It was so nice. My time started with a 45 minutes pedicure. Then I had a 30 minute massage. It was so worth the drive. I really enjoyed my time there, and I can not wait to go back and finish off my gift card.

When I came home, Bob had Maddie's bed torn down and taken from our room to be put in Ellie's room. I am so thankful for all that he has done over the past few weeks to help me with my spontaneous remodel.

Painting Again

I moved everything out of Ellie's room and started to paint. She picked out a dark pink (because pink and blue is her favorite color). I got a good start, and then Bob came home and help me finish it up. I am so pleased at my painting skills.

I am in a painting mood. I am going to continue painting the hallway and living room. I may not have this much excitement for long. Now the transition of moving the two girls into the same room is all we have left

School

Today I finally made it up to school to work a little in my classroom. This is the first time I have been up there since I left in June. I have a lot of work ahead of me; I came into school to find that my classroom had been moved. Yuck. I was so overwhelmed that I just left, and went to lunch with my fellow teachers Debbie and Ashlee. It was a nice catch up. I enjoy being out of school, but I sure do miss those I work with.

Daddy's Girl

This little girl loves her daddy so much. This has become her new "nest." She loves to fall asleep just like this.

Happy Birthday Bestie

Today is my best friend's big 3-0. Happy birthday Megs :)

Burst of Energy

All of a sudden I got a huge burst of energy. I finally convinced Ellie that she should share her room with Madelyn, and then turn our computer room into a playroom. She was actually pretty excited about the idea of sharing her room. Bob and myself were not so excited about cleaning the spare room out. But we finally did it. I did not realize how much stuff we had in there. It is a good thing that we have the garage.

Today we painted the room Ellie's choice color-light purple. It turned out beautiful. We also got some princess stickers to stick on the wall. We got all of the toys moved in and it looks great. Ellie has so much room to play, and I don't have to walk over toys to get in and our of Ellie's room.

Now to move on to Ellie's bedroom and to move Maddie in.

Visitor

We have a new visitor that has been hanging around the house. Ellie calls it (don't want to get close enough to tell if male or female) "lucky." It is lucky that her Daddy is letting it hang around.

My Little Cowgirl

All ready for the fair.

Visit with the Justice's

I have not really seen my work bestie since she left on maternity leave in March. I have really missed her. We finally were able to work our schedules out to spend some time together this afternoon. Maddie and Caroline were so cute together. They would just stare and watch each other so closely. Ellie loves playing with Ally and Em-and they are so good with her.

Caroline and Maddie playing

Ellie insisted on swinging Ally

Our girls

Things That Annoy Me

I like things to be in order and in place. At the end of the school year I knew that there would be a possibility that I may switch rooms, but no one was certain-so I did not want to spend time packing just to unpack in the same room. This morning I got a call from another teacher asking me when I would be able to get all my stuff out of my room. WHAT!? Not only did he tell me that we were switching rooms, but also half of my stuff was already moved to another room (which happened to be the wrong room). This really stressed me out, especially since most of my stuff was bought with my personal money. So thankfully mom was not busy so that I could go to school and see what was where and what was left to be moved.

By the time I got to school, the custodians (who I really like and get along with) had neatly moved all my stuff into my new room. Which meant that I only had to move the stuff in my cabinets. Double yikes, those things are full.

I was so overwhelmed when I got there that I just left. Bob came back with me later to help move everything into my new room.

I do not like being negative at all-so here is something that makes me smile. Ellie keeps asking when Maddie will be big enough to share a bed with her. After I got home we all came in to take a nap (something that has become a normal afternoon routine). Here are the two girls "sharing a bed." Ellie finally decided that she is on board with moving her toys into the spare room and she and Maddie sharing a bedroom. My goal is to get Maddie and her baby bed out of our room before school starts back up.

4th Weekend

Shew, what a long weekend. We have been so busy all weekend long with fourth activities. I feel bad because we could not make them all. Ellie really loves fireworks, and she was so excited to go several places to enjoy them.

Bob started off Saturday working in the garage. Ellie and I enjoyed the sunshine and water play

Nap time was fun with my cuties

Meghan invited us over to her and Josh's house for a small get together and fireworks on Sunday. This was probably one of the first times Maddie actually got to swim. She LOVED it.

Tried several times to catch a picture of all of us girls

As soon as the all the guys got in to swim, of course, a large thunderstorm rolled up. Lighting fireworks in the rain was nice. :)

Bob playing with the girls

Today we went to my Aunt Gina's for a little visit, then headed to my Aunt Kendra's for food and fireworks. The girls loved the fireworks and hanging out with their cousins.

Jumping on the trampoline with Matt

Maddie and Nanny time

Such a cute smile, to bad it is side ways

Ellie and Aunt Shannon