Hawaii

Oh how Greg and I needed a break. Greg would probably say I needed one more than he. It would be an understatement to say I was a little stressed out in the months prior to our trip. The pressures of being a teacher, mommy, and everything else I am was getting to me a bit. I really wanted a relaxing vacation and that is what we got. We had great company and wonderful dinners. We went on a snorkeling trip that also turned into whale watching. We went to a Luau. Overall, it was just amazing. I have come home with my patience bank full once again. I feel a difference in my reaction time with the kids. I am trying to approach every bicker or argument with new and improved energy. The funny thing is, they have been playing pretty great with each other since we came back.
Greg and I really really enjoyed our time together. It is always good to reconnect and not just feel like a mom and dad. He truly is a miracle in my life, and I appreciate him and everything he does for us everyday.
xoxoxox

Brady and Brooke love the movie "The Nightmare Before Christmas"

It was a great night between brother and sister..Yeah
Love Brooke's face. She was excited about the candy cane in her hand!
I love Disney Family Night. It is one of our favorite nights of the year. It starts a little late, but this year the kids made it all the way to 11pm. They were both exhausted but we were able to fit so many rides and a parade into our night. The discounts were great and everyone is just so nice. I love the park being pretty empty and walking onto rides... So much fun. We got really bundled up. Iit was really cold out there. I hope our children remember these holiday memories. I know Greg and I will cherish them, as we do every year.

Brady is 8

Brady had a blast at Boomers. He was among friends and had a great time playing Lazer Tag, go karts, and games. He is growing up so fast, and he is so full of love and excitement for everything. He is just a ray of sunshine everyday. He loves to snuggle with me..still!! I hope I have many more years of this. He also loves to do more for himself lately. He enjoys tryingt o make his own breakfast and take care of his allergy treatments on his own. He is really into his newly found love for fashion. Although, I am not crazy about his skinny jean choices and some of his t-shirt color choices, I am trying to give him some creative freedoms. I am a true believer in giving children a voice and a say on what is going on with them.
He is sometimes more challenged in his patience for Brooke, but we are working on that. He is a wonderful little boy and I am proud of him. I look forward to this year...
I love you my little man....

Brooke's Ear Surgery

Brookie was born with a folded over ear, and although her daddy and I love it, I know that as an adult she would not. Even sooner, as a sophomore in high school, she would not like it. I pictured her wanted to put her hair up for Homecoming or Prom and feeling self conscious. I also envisioned her on her wedding day wanting to wear her hair up and again not wanting to because of her ear. So, on November 17th, Greg and I took her in for her outpatient surgery. As every mommy knows it is so hard to k now that your child will go through some level of pain and discomfort because of a decision you made for her. It was hard to watch her be carried off into surgery and it was hard to watch her cry when we had to change the bandages. It literally would break my heart every time. Three weeks later we are doing better. She still does not want anyone to touch it, but she is doing 100% better. All I can say is, she will thank me for it one day...

Darn Facebook....

The Loves of my Life


Okay so facebook has taken over the little free time I had. I just realized that the last time I posted, I was returning to work from my last vacation. Next Friday is the start of my next vacation. WoW!!! Those three months went by fast. Well, this is by far the biggest reason I enjoy teaching. I will get to spend 6 and a half weeks with my kiddos. I can't wait. This is my favorite time of the year and I am excited to be home with them. So, I will blog more... I promise Julie.

Best Month Off Ever

First real train ride to San Clemente to the Petting Zoo!!!

Brookie's first dance recital!!
Soak City!!
Swim Fun at Mel's!!!!!!!!!!!!




Concerts in the park!!!

Beach Days!!!!


I have spent my share of vacation months with a child or two in time out for most of the day. I have spent my months off cleaning and cooking many meals. However, this month I have spent my time with wonderful friends and lots of family time. We attended as many Sunday summer concerts as we could. We went on play date with Melanie and Katherine. Thanks Melanie for sharing your parents' pool. We had a blast at Sunset Beach with Katherine and the kids. It has been just wonderful. Diapers and sippy cups are gone. Time outs have been minimal and I have just truly enjoyed this month. I have also enjoyed eating and drinking wine this month, I have gained a few pounds..but that's okay I have enjoyed every bite and sip. Greg and I have had some great nights alone this month, and we have also spent our share of nights at the Corona football field. Whatever the agenda, we've done it as a family. That has been so special this month.
So going back to work is always hard. I know non-teacher friends feel no sympathy for me, but it is truly hard to go back after being a stay at home mom. This month it will be especially hard since I have had such an amazing vacation. There have truly been months when I couldn't wait to get back to work. This is not one of those.. I am promising myself right now to try and not get stressed out juggling the insane schedule of full time work, two children, two sets of extra curricular activities, homework, dinners, and baths and bedtime stories. I am going to try to be everything to everyone as long as I can. I have exactly 12 weeks until my next vacation and I will hold on until then. xoxox love to all!!Here are a few of our highlights of the month..

June was Crazy!!!

So, everytime I think my month could not get any busier..it does. July has already shaped up to be booked solid.. I do love it though. June started with my birthday and the mud run. That will now be a yearly tradition. Brady received Principal's Award at school. I am so super proud of him. We took a trip to the river with Greg's family. We finished up the month going to Vegas with friends. I am truly blessed to have a life filled with love, wonderful friendships, beautiful children, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I love my life.....xoxoxo