"The Road" Less Traveled

So, school starts in a few days and I have to hustle and catch up on my summer reading. I desperately need to re-read a few things for my honors kids summer reading. I am re-reading Cormac McCarthy's The Road...it definitely changes when you re-read it. I think I like it even more the 2nd time around. It's a great one and the film version looks pretty promising.

I also needed to skim through Jeanette Walls The Glass Castle...that turned into a full re-read too. It has to be one of my favorite books. I don't usually have enough time to read for school and pleasure and it is pretty nice when my reading load becomes a "kill two birds" situation.

Worlds Strongest Baby

My crafty brother snuck a few pictures of Baylor Jane in her diaper; with a little free time the funniest picture was created. Too cute.

My "Little" Girl?

Baylor Jane is 20 lbs and five months this week! I love fat babies and my two daughters did not let me down. She is so fun to cuddle and kiss and I just want to eat up her cheeks.

This is my favorite picture of the week (2nd baby and I still take them like crazy...I've heard you take less of the 2nd child than the first born, not buying it)

God I Love The Bear.

5 Random Things...

I'm a copycat for sure, but this just seemed too fun.

1. When I was nine my dad won a contest on the radio that allowed me to be a clown in the Ringling Brothers Circus at the Toledo Sports Arena. It was petrifying. I was a "Mexican Clown" in a horribly racist sombrero and maracas and we were supposed to run around shoot guns in the air. Horrible.

2. My husband and I watched 2 seasons of 24 in 2 days. It was over Christmas break and we kept trying to stop, but we were so hooked.

3. My junior year of college I went on a blind date with a guy from NYC who bragged that he once went on a date with Natalie Portman. He told me the details about his entire date, it had not gone as well as he had planned. He also happened to be easily 6 inches shorter than me. At the end of the date he tried to kiss me and insisted that he could be Tom Cruise and I would be his Nicole Kidman. Never the less, I did not answer his call for a second date.

4. I absolutely LOVE the grilled cheese sandwiches at Toledo Hospital. I ate at least one a day each time I had a baby. My husband had to go to the hospital with chest pains and while we waited hours for his test results I ran over to the cafeteria. (He was fine, I'm not a horrible wife) They are just so good.

5. I am beginning to like the Disney Channel more than any other channel. I find myself watching it when there are no children in sight. Its pathetic I know, but it grows on you. I never dreamed I would laugh at Hanna Montana...pathetic.

Finally Summer

I am loving the weather we've been having. I've been in the pool more in the last week than the entire summer, the girls are loving all of the walks we've been taking and I actually have color. I no longer have legs that look like uncooked chicken. Still pale, but at least I'm darker than my baby now.

On the craptastic side of things, with this hot weather comes our AC going out. I'm certainly not loving how hot our little house is and I think that may be why we are always outside. The worst part is that maternity leave has left us broke and nothing left in the budget to fix it, until September! Why would we need it then? I should put a change cup out in front of my house because the rest of the week is calling for the mid-90's. Pool side is calling!

"Robert"

Somehow Addison learned who Robert Pattinson is and every time she sees a picture of him she shouts with glee "Robert?!!". She then precedes to chant over and over again..."where's Bella?...Bella mama, Bella? Makes me giggle, annoys my husband.

I do find it odd that she refers to him as Robert not "Edward" but she calls Kristen Stewart "Bella". Hmmmm...

P.S. she just kissed the computer screen and said "I love Robert...he cute!"

Damn It...

Well, if my toddler is going to experiment with repeating mommy's swear words at least she is doing it correctly?

I had to hold back a giggle at the sound of my 21 month old mumbling "damn it" like a grouchy old man when she dropped her sippy cup last week. I read that I should ignore it and she won't keep using a swear word if I don't freak out about it, but the thing is she used it with a real function. She was so clear in her expression of a specific emotion, clearly that would have been my regular reaction too or else she wouldn't have learned it.

Today she shut her door on her foot and she shouted "damn it mommy...that hurt!"

I am more aware than ever how much of a little sponge she is and I am really going to have to work on what I say in front of her. I can expect to have lots of embarrassing moments in the future, I am sure of this.

Twenty One Months Later...

I am a little shocked that my last post was over 21 months ago and the topic was the gender of my first baby...its a girl by the way! Oh, and I had another girl along the way....two girls under two and I love it. That probably has a lot to do with taking so long to post.

I have a blog for my English students to keep up and I just figure it is time to start blogging again. I want to document as much of my girls childhood as I can, it is flying by way to fast for me to even breathe. Addison is quite a little lady and Baylor is growing at crazy speeds and is such a little charmer.

Heres to hoping it doesn't take me another 21 months for my next post.

So, What are You Having?

I have come to the conclusion that the best decision I have made with this pregnancy is not finding out the gender. I am so excited to meet this little person and I love the joy on peoples faces after they ask "so, what are you having?" They actually get excited and I usually get a "good for you" or "I couldn't do it, but what a great surprise".

I feel like a kid on Christams Eve.

Oh, and I have been showered with the cutest citrus colored outfits. Not knowing your babies gender is a sure fire way to get super cute chocolate brown and baby blue/lime green outfits.

I can't wait for my Christmas Day!!!!

Oooohh, the Count Down is On!

On Monday, my midwife estimated I will be giving birth sometime in the next week and a half. I am a little weirded out that it could be any day, but I am ready. Oh, and the other estimate is that our child is more than likely going to be an 8 lb minimum. Darn Ry and his giant baby genes!

Peter the Cat

My pup is weird. He thinks he is a cat, he climbs on tables and sleeps on the edge of chairs. These two pictures are the latest instalment in his feline identity crisis.

McLovin and Company

I just watched Superbad...I haven't laughed that hard in very long time. A rarity in comedic movies, the previews are the least funny part of the movie. I recommend this raunchy comedy to anyone that wants to laugh with out thinking to hard!

Gabrielle Reece: My Pregnant Idol

I have always been a fan of Gabrielle Reece. Since I was in junior high I have looked up to the "Amazon Women" that was beautiful and a killer athlete. Her entire career her height has made her strong...that has helped me become comfortable in my skin. I remember reading her book "Big Girl in the Middle" as soon as it came out and I owe her words for why I stand strait and comfortably have a husband that is shorter than me.

Now, I look up to her as a mother. Reece is 5 months pregnant with her second child and she looks great!

I came home from work today and my husband informed me that the shape of my pregnant body reminds him of Gabrielle...it must be the 6+ feet of torso that we have in common(I resemble a basketball under my shirt). He came across Reece on the Today show discussing her new prenancy fitness program and is working as a part-time correspondant. She has been sharing her fitness advice on how to stay fit each trimester.

As I count down my last eight weeks I am proud that I worked out the entire pregnancy and I can't wait to start running again (my goal is to run a 5k by March). It is quite a motivation to see strong and dominant women like Gabby Reece balancing family, career and keeping her body healthy. I feel like feeling good and staying athletic during pregnancy leads to a healthy mommy. I hope her DVD's come out by the time I have by next baby.

Halloween and Motherhood

I LOVE Halloween. It is and always has been my favorite holiday. I have always dressed up and I am bummed that I will be too pregnant to throw a party this year (read up on my cross dressing dog). Even if I go early, my baby will be no more than a week old on Halloween so my plans will not go into action until Halloween 08'. But I have them.

For next year I am already going to commit to this adorable costume. I am so ready to be the mom that shows up in full costume and walks the kids to each house. I will probably "pretend" that I am holding my bag for a smaller child...ahhh free candy.

Peter the Poodle has Found His Costume

I may get this costume for my dog. I am as big as a house and I love Halloween so I think someone has to represent this season. Would I be damaging my male dog if I force him to cross dress?

Two and a half Months...

As the summer ends I have two and a half months left IF I go 40 weeks ( I am crossing my fingers for October 31st). At this point I feel like I will never give birth, but once school starts back up I have a feeling it might actually get here a lot faster than I realize-good!

New Post Secret Mini Movie and Book...

I am still addicted. The new book is out and there is a new mini movie on the blog. I check it every Sunday and this week is full (as always) of touching stuff.

PostSecret

I Have Been Told it is Today's Kids Grease...

I don't know what possessed him to leave it on, but after channel surfing for quite some time (my very large and 31 years old) husband stopped at the Disney Channel and High School Musical had just started. We sat and watched the entire thing! This event occured a few weeks ago.

Though I blush when I publicly admit this, I found it actually very entertaining. It is only recently that I let it slip out that we watched the entire movie, and to my surprise a room full of sane adults aged 21-50 said they too had secretly watched the movie and thought it reminded them of Grease.

I traditionally use being a high school teacher as an excuse for "researching" immature and teen related fads, that is purely why I watch a crap load of MTV (can the Hills be any more addicting?). This excuse makes me feel less guilty about watching mindless things and it makes me look like I care about my job (which I do and it actually helps to know what is going on in their worlds), but I honestly am entertained by the same things 14-19 year olds enjoy.

None the less, I can now say that I no longer role my eyes when I pass the High School Musical t-shirts in the windows of Limited Too, and I really want to see the remake of Hairspray (dreamy Zak Efron is staring as Link). My question is, if I am this susceptible to teen movies...what the heck is going to happen to me when I have this baby? I swear right now I will never watch Hanna Montana (though it is scary that I even know that it exists!)

YIKES!

And a pathetic P.S.- High School Musical 2 premieres Friday August 17th

Let's Dish!...the verdict

Let's Dish! was great! We both had a lot of fun and because we signed up for a lunch time slot we had lunch prepared for us for free. It was a great balsamic and pesto pizza.

Along with our main dishes we also got to pick from prepped side dishes, I am excited to heat up the Parmesan string beans tonight and I think the almond glazed asparagus sounds great for Sunday evening. I think what I like best (besides seeing Ryan in an apron and smiling) was portion control. The dishes are so healthy and it is nice to actually portion out our food. We are both looking forward to the Septembers menu (we still have money on the gift card too!!!) and trying this again.

In all, I rate this experience as a fun afternoon with my husband and a nice way to shock myself back into cooking. I get lazy during the summer and it is a nice transition...especially since I do not have to clean anything up or do the prep work ( I HATE to chop onion or garlic!)

Word on the street (the street is the cute older couple that was there the same time as us) is that there is a similar sort of shop going into Levis Commons in Perrysburg. I will have to do a little research on that one.

Trying out the "Let's Dish!"

For Christmas my mother-in-law got my husband and me a gift certificate for this newer little place to the area called Let's Dish! The concept is pretty cool, you go online, schedule a time, pick out your pre-determined menu and then register/pay. At the scheduled appointment you get to put together all the yummy meals you picked out, take them home, and freeze them until you are ready to devour them.

It seemed like a perfect gift that was originally intended to help out during the winter months while I coached basketball and Ry and I were never together to make dinner. Well, almost 8 months later and we have finally made our appointment and we are going tomorrow afternoon! I am excited and a little apprehensive. This could be awesome and a great (not to mention affordable-the meals price out to about $3.44 a serving) time saver or it could be a hot mess.

I will keep everyone posted!

Book Nerd and Proud

I always make a summer reading list and I usually finish somewhere between 5-6 of those books. This is my first summer in forever that I am not taking grad glasses so I have a bit more energy to do "recreational" reading. I am proudly ahead of my old game plan. My eyes are tired, but here is what I have devoured in two months...

DONE

Life of Pi -Yann Martel (Whitmer Summer book Club :))

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows-JK Rowling (It is okay, I wasn't overly impressed)

Baby Laughs -Jenny McCarthy ( I strongly recommend Belly Laughs as well, Jenny McCarthy is hilarious! She has an entertaining way of filling you in on all the disgusting things that everyone else is embarrassed to tell you about your body during pregnancy, and bringing home a newborn)

The Lovely Bones-Alice Sebold (Exceptional, now they are making it into a movie with Ryan Gosling slated as Jack Salmon...interesting)

What is the What -Dave Eggers (I adore Dave Eggers, I would like to re-read one of my all time favorite books A Heart Breaking Work of Staggering Genius)

Catcher in the Rye-Salinger (this is a re-read for the fall semester, I am pretty sure I have most of it memorized by now, geesh)

The Best Amercian Nonrequired Reading-2005 ed. Dave Eggers

STILL TO GO
And the Sea is Never Full-Memoirs of Ellie Wiesel
Children Playing Before A Statue of Hercules - David Sedaris
Ulysse by James Joyce

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

A Heart Breaking Work of Staggering Genius -(re-read)Dave Eggers

The Best American Nonrequired Reading-2004 ed. Dave Eggers

24 weeks and counting

That is 6 months for those who are not obsessively counting each week and the major developments in a normal pregnancy.

This is the 20 week ultra sound and we are not finding out the gender. I have found that most people look at me with sadness when I say "we are not finding out" like I am the worst person in the world. I just really want the surprise, I don't get Santa anymore...I need something. The looks and comments are at least kinder than when I tell them I planning on fully natural labor and cloth diapers. Opinions during pregnancy fly faster and heavier than while planning a wedding, apparently I am a disillusioned hippy.

I am over it.

The Zen of Nesting

It is the return of the slacker blogger... I have found the last few months have been super hectic, but I need to blog a bit to catch up. I am sure there were TONS of people sad to not read my words daily (insert sarcasm).

I am in the middle of painting the babies room (dealing with horrible back pain...this is becoming a blast) and Ry is knee deep in finishing the basement (dry wall is up, paint is next!). The house is in utter disarray and I have a joint 50th birthday party to throw here for my parents on Saturday-yikes! In the short, I am loving being pregnant (2nd trimester is waaaayyy better than 1st and I am dealing with the back pain) and nesting my butt off. The books do not lie, I can't sit still and I am juggling easily 8 projects all at once. Ahhh, what a relaxing summer.

I Love Shrek and This was Fun

Check out the Shrek 3 activity site. I had a little fun of my own dressing up Gingy for the beach. I suggest printing it out.

Suddenly I Realized This is Real...

I am afraid I might be "that mom". Yup, I framed my first ultra sound (thanks to the wonderful favor from Caroline Girl's wedding shower) and showed it to just about everyone at work that made eye contact with me. It is so exciting, I did not think I would get this worked up.

The coolest thing is hearing the heartbeat-surreal stuff! Oh, and contrary to my poor husbands initial thought...that is the umbilical cord sticking up (we don't have a boy... yet). I think this wild ride is about to get crazy!

Yeah!!!!

I am going the guess that in the next nine months the topics that appear on my blog will change dramatically. Yeah, baby feet in my house by November!!!!

Great Idea Turtle...

My buddy TurtleParade posted pictures of her wedding bouquet and it made me remember my own flowers. Though it was over a year ago, my flowers are still one of my favorite parts of the day (besides marrying the man of my dreams of course). I loved the combo of roses, gardinia delphinium and fresh herbs. Lavender and rosemary on a July day smell sooooo good.

Let's Hear it For My Girls...

My basketball team is still undefeated! I am very proud to be taking my girls into the league tourney as the #1 seed. I just keep soaking it in. There really is something great about setting up a solid offense, laying out your defense and then seeing your team execute it exactly as you planned- I am a very happy coach right now.

My Posts have Been All "Fluff" Lately...

but I sure do love these delicious Easter concoctions. Oooohh, and Jelly Beans!

I Love This Juice!!!

Hands down, best juice ever! My two favorites are the Apple and Red Machine and I love the way I feel after I drink them. Ry is now obsessed with Pomegranate and it is pleasant to finally see him all about an organic juice instead of 6 Cokes a day.

Design Your Own Mental Breakdown...

Britney has me thinking, what would I do if I had a breakdown...a real public breakdown?

I like to think that I would walk into a crowded public facility in my pajamas with chocolate all over my face and demand that everyone kisses my fat ass (I would also insert multiple expletives that would make my mother blush). It just seems like the coolest thing to do when you loose your mind is scream at all the people that proper society forces you to treat civilly . I think shaving my head takes too much thinking and not enough entertainment, I would just start screaming and then run off. I am not trying to poke fun at mental illness, I REALLY think this is what I would do. I am open to suggestions.

Why is this on CNN?

Now I enjoy the sick secret entertainment that I receive from the lives of famous people. I act rather pious and pretend I am above it, but I flip through People and watch E! like a decent portion of celeb addicted Americans. It is a cheap and harmless escape from my boring life and I know where to look for my fix.

Yet, I have been wondering why the hell has CNN started covering the death of Anna Nicole and Brit's new breakdown like it is fast breaking news is Iraq? Seriously, I never imagined I would hear Wolf Blitzen speak of Britney Spears seriously or Anna Nicole Smith casually. Odd, and perhaps a great let down for hard news. Last time I checked there has been some "serious" stuff going down in the world (we are still at war right?) and somehow it seems (insert sarcastic tone) slightly odd to be this concerned with what sort of rehab facility Brit is in or who will get baby Danilynn. I am going to scratch my head on this one for awhile.

My Little Pony and Friends

I LOVED My Little Pony! Here is my favorite:

Apple Jacks...she actually smelled like apples.

Also, I found the funnest little game...I scored 9 out of 12, I either really know My Little Pony's (weird) or I really know porn star names (even weirder) See how you do here.

Yeah, This is How I Rolled Back in the Day

Barf...Who are They Interviewing?

Check this article out...I beg to differ. Well, unless it is this guys sweat.

Thriller at my Wedding... It Would Have Looked Great!

Check this clip out it is hilarious. My maid of honor and I had joked around while sipping adult beverages a few month before my own wedding that the honor attendant and my husband learn this dance. My husband loves "old" Michael Jackson so it would not be completely out of character. Instead we had a good friend dress up as MJ and it was cute. These people put WAY more time into their reception entertainment then we did. http://us.video.aol.com/video.index.adp?pmmsid=1838945

Amy, I am willing to learn for you!

Why Are We Fascinated With People Like This?

I feel for any family that loses a loved one, so my heart goes out to those attached to Anna Nicole Smith but...why as a society does her death make top news? Why does Britney's divorce and Tom Cruise's sexuality entertain? I ask this as someone that is drawn in, often beyond her own self control, to E! or People.

We are a crazy species!

Officially the Best Commercial of the Night!

Check this hilarious Superbowl commercial out: Nationwide;KFed
Ohh, KFed. You really are a TOOL.

Pretty Cool, Thanks Turtle and Roonie!

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Oh Myspace!

Is Myspace over?

I think it may be for me, I just discovered my mid-life crisis- reject of a sister- in -law(and ALL of her super cool "gal-pals") have pages. They obviously keep them well updated which makes them even cooler.

I have also started getting an over abundance of messages from my students just to give me a "shout out" or see "whatz up, LOL". This always makes me feel weird and like my privacy has been invaded.

Yeah, I think I am all but over this cool computer fad. Hell, I can barely keep up my blog.

Funny

Man, as a 6th grader I loved this show. Funny shirt, I love Urbanoutfitters.

Oh Donna...

Here is a random bit of information: I have started the new semester andI have come across the 8th high school student in 2 years to tell me that I remind them of Donna from That 70's Show. They claim it is my voice, my personality and my manerisms. I don't really see it. I like Donna and I think she is funny/pretty so I will take the compliment, but it has me thinking.

Over the years I have been told at least 20 seperate times that I remind someone of their sister, best friend, cousin, chick they went to school with, boss or aunt. I have also been told I remind them of Jodi Foster, Teri Polo (Meet the Parents) and Gweneth Paltrow- I all of those both ridiculous and extremely flattering.

I wonder, what is it about me that makes so many people think of someone else. Do I have such a universal look and personality that I could be anyone OR do I just make people feel comfortable enough that they feel like they already know me. It is weird and I really wonder if other people get the "do you know who you remind of...." or "do you have a sister named 'so and so' because you look so much alike".

Weird.

Found...it's a Pretty Cool Find

So I found this interesting post on PostSecret and I realized I do this. Naturally, this new site I found is VERY entertaining. It is called Found, check it out.

*That is the most times I have ever written "found" at one time.

Let's Hear It, What Are Your Thoughts?

I am Loving This Album

I just bought Evanescence, The Open Door. It is so beautiful and errie, I am not sure how it has taken me this long to enjoy Evanescance but... it is certainly not leaving my CD player anytime soon.

Oh, Gheesh! Mean Girls Strike Again.

Why is it so hard for people to discipline their children and would this have happened if the group of girls weren't cute, popular and connected to the authority?

For more read the article. This is why I do not talk with the my players parents about issues until the girls come to me first.

Aaaagggghhhh! It's Snowzilla!

I am not sure who has more free time, the people who built Snowzilla, the people gawking, or the people complaining about it. Either way, check out this semi-interesting article: Alaska Snowman Has Some Neighbors Fuming

**On a side note, I am mad that I can't even build a mini-snowman...where is all the freaking snow?

He is my Favorite so it Works Out Well

You Are Fozzie Bear

"Wocka! Wocka!" You're the life of the party, and you love making people crack up. If only your routine didn't always bomb! You may find more groans than laughs, but always keep the jokes coming.

The Muppet Personality Test

Young@ Heart

Young@ Heart sing 'Fix You' by Coldplay

I stumbled across this amazing group and there story touched my heart. I am a huge Coldplay fan and Fix You is my favorite off of X's&Y's. I thought this clip would make me laugh but it brought a tear to my eye and made me smile. You find beauty in the oddest places.

Check out their story here!

Think Twice, Tattoo Once...

I have two tattoos, I love them (well one is crooked so I half love it) and they both have deep meaning. I think tattoos can be a great way to artisiticly express a memory, a feeling or an opinion. Some people do not have the same philosophy. Nothing, I repeat, nothing beats these horrible ideas that clearly are the result of alcohol or stupidity. I am sure glad I didn't put Jordan Knight on my butt when I was in 6th grade.

Dirty, but HILARIOUS!

My family spent Christmas day watching the funniest SNL in ages. Justin Timberlake hosted and my brother DVR'd it, but it was my dad that just kept replaying it over and over.

There is nothing like your 49 year old father singing a song about d*ck$ in a box while cutting the Christmas ham.

Justin Timberlake did a fantastic job hosting the show and this song will get in your head and never leave...and you feel so dirty singing it.

I feel like the Color Me Badd hair cuts make the whole video.

Sorry for putting something sort of vulgar on my blog, but it just makes me giggle.

Just One of Those Days...

Back to School, Back to School...Ohhhh, Back to School!

Nothing like the first day back after a winter break to make you feel like poo. I swear, some days I think I am suppose to be Chris Angel, Adam Sandler and Mother Frickin' Theresa all at once. I will be in bed by 9pm tonight!