Beautiful Baby!

This post is a double doozie...Part about all of the new babies in our life, and part of looking forward to holding our very own little one in April! That's right...WE'RE "PREGO"!

Oh the joy of holding beautiful babies! There are many sweet friends and family who have had babies these past months, and meeting each one of them has been such a joy. And to see my friends and family become mommas and daddies, that has been pretty incredible too. Here is a peek of all the sweet tiny ones that have blessed this world this year:

My very first nephew, Jacob Scott Harris, was born in February, on his Papa's birthday. This was a very special little baby to me because my sister, Jennie, asked me to be in the room and take pictures of his birth. She did such a good job -  she was so calm and focused. It was amazing to be there and witness such a sweet little miracle. I love this little man so much too! He's already grown from a tiny newborn squawker to a cubby, smily 6-month old.

Two other very special babies are the first twins to our family, Rylee and Emma! Their story seems to be straight out of a wonderful movie. My cousin, Sara, and her husband, Jon, hoped to get pregnant while he was home on R & R from Afghanistan in September. They certainly accomplished their goal, and two-fold! Jon made it home safely in January, and we were all excited to watch how these sweet babies' story would unfold. Their momma had to go on bed rest for just a few weeks before she was induced, but overall, she had a healthy pregnancy. They finally made their debut on May 10: Rylee was first out with tons of dark brown hair, but some problems that caused her to be in the NICU, and Emma was next at with a tinier little body, but more healthy overall. I finally got to meet them during Emily and Joel's wedding weekend, and when I first saw them, I immediately began crying. They are just so amazing and so beautiful! We have prayed for their safe arrival, and them being there just made me feel so thankful for them.

That same week that the twins were born, my dear friend, Kendel, had her baby boy, Cameron. She is one of the many moms that I get to share this year with as we all become moms for the very first time. He is a sweet little guy too, and I hope I get to be his babysitter next year when I am staying home with our little one!

Joseph is another little man born this year to my best friend of 16 years, Joellen. Though this was her second baby, due at the end of July, she was such a trooper through the heat and our 10 year high school reunion that she had promised to attend with me. He has the face of a Brown, and it's exciting to see another wonderful woman in my life become such a wonderful momma too.

Ellery Cate was born to a sweet friend of mine and a first time mother, Heather, at the beginning of August. I was especially excited for her and her husband because she had been wanting to have a baby for quite some time before she finally got what she had hoped for: a precious little nugget.

Last but not least, another Norman High friend, Shannon, had her first just a few weeks ago. His name is Knox, and is tiny and squishy just like so many of these other cuties that are going to be born in the next year with Baby Valentas.

And with the birth of each new sweetie, it made Chris and I yearn more and more to become parents ourselves, so here we are now, 12 weeks along, and bursting at the seams to share with you all what these last few months have given us.

3 Weeks - July 22

Well, we weren't really quite sure that I was pregnant when we went to Disney, but I started to feel different, like there was a bubble in my tummy, so we took a set of these pictures in case we were, to help us tell Chris's family. And it turns out we were! 

4 Weeks - August 1

We really were pregnant! The day before we left for Hawaii was the earliest we could take a test and we were dying to do it...And this is our faces after we found out! (Yes, I peed on that stick...haha...)

The first of many belly pictures, but I had to get them started before we left. We were so excited, and
couldn't believe it actually worked! I have been answering these questions every week since we found out, so here we go!

1. Total weight gain: +3 from my skinniest this summer...With my 10 year reunion and plans for Hawaii, I lost about 15 total, but had already gained some back from all the traveling.
2. Maternity clothes?: Nope!
3. Stretch marks?: Old ones, but no new ones!
4. Sleep?: Pretty sleepy...
5. Best moment this week?: Finding out we were FOR SURE pregnant!
6. Miss anything?: Not being able to exercise intensely anymore...Too tired!
7. Movement?: None
8. Food cravings?: Fruit mostly
9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Nothing yet really...Everything sounds good to eat!
10. Gender?: Don't know...
11. Labor signs?: Definitely not!
12. Symptoms?: Very hungry all the time, and tired
13. Belly button in or out?: In for sure
14. Wedding rings on or off?: On for sure
15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Happy and hungry...What better combination to go on vacation with!?!
16. Looking forward to most?: Seeing Janae and her girls, and telling them, even though we know it's early!

5 Weeks - August 8

1. Total weight gain: Probably still +3...Not sure since we didn't have a scale

2. Maternity clothes?: Nope! Still my "skinny summer clothes"

3. Stretch marks?: No new ones

4. Sleep?: Sleeping great on vacation especially with the time change!

5. Best moment this week?: Relaxing at the beach in beautiful Hawaii thinking about the tiny bean in my tummy.

6. Miss anything?: Kind of miss fruity alcohol drinks, since they are plentiful here in Hawaii!

7. Movement?: No

8. Food cravings?: Cheese and bread and seafood 

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Airplane rides? Does that count? Gah...I hate airplanes!

10. Gender?: Don't know

11. Labor signs?: No way Jose

12. Symptoms?: Hungry hungry hungry...and sleepy

13. Belly button in or out?: In for shizzle

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On for shizzle

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Happy happy! What a beautiful place to be when you first find out you're pregnant! We took another test here, and it was positive too!

16. Looking forward to most?: Getting home, making our chalkboard, and starting to plan for this baby!

6 Weeks - August 12

1. Total weight gain: +4

2. Maternity clothes?: No siree!

3. Stretch marks?: None new

4. Sleep?: Good thing school stuff hasn't started because I am pooped!

5. Best moment this week?: Getting this chalkboard made and taking our first picture with it! :)

6. Miss anything?: Looking forward to losing weight, because now it's all gaining weight! And my cute summer clothes are starting to get too tight. Waaahhhh!

7. Movement?: None

8. Food cravings?: Cheese and bread still

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Not really

10. Gender?: Don't know!

11. Labor signs?: Nope!

12. Symptoms?: Tired tired tired and hungry hungry hungry...Getting used to eating smaller, more frequent meals!

13. Belly button in or out?: In

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Happy except for when I remember that summer fun it almost over...No more swimming, vacationing, or sleeping in too soon.

16. Looking forward to most?: My birthday next week and taking "Prego" pictures for the announcement!

7 Weeks - August 19

1. Total weight gain: +4

2. Maternity clothes?: No, but skinny summer clothes are not doing it for me anymore...Moving on to my bigger clothes

3. Stretch marks?: No new ones still

4. Sleep?: Sleeping pretty good, but needing more now that school stuff has started.

5. Best moment this week?: Taking pictures with Loan at Target in the pasta sauce aisle. Got our first congratulations!

6. Miss anything?: Coffee. Especially this week with school about to start. I miss my Coconut Mocha friend.

7. Movement?: Does gas count? :) LOL!

8. Food cravings?: Still the things I love normally...Cheese, bread, desserts...

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: The thought of watching Magic Mike? Seriously though, almost naked dude body somehow makes me feel ill. TMI? Maybe. Sorry!

10. Gender?: Not sure...Kind of praying for a girl right now. Tee her...

11. Labor signs?: Nope

12. Symptoms?: Tired and hungry, hungry and tired...Feeling extra "poofy" too. Probably because of all the bday celebrating I have been doing. 

13. Belly button in or out?: In

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Happy thinking about baby...Grumpy about starting school. Feeling pretty lazy these days. Very unmotivated to do much of anything!

16. Looking forward to most?: Going to our first doctor's appointment and then telling our families next weekend! If only they don't guess first...Geez! I can't wait!

8 Weeks - August 26

1. Total weight gain: +5...Possibly due to all the delicious birthday foods I've been eating too! And we've been eating out a lot with school in full swing this week.

2. Maternity clothes?: No, but starting to look at my clothes and decide which ones hide my tummy best for now, until I can tell everyone!

3. Stretch marks?: None new.

4. Sleep?: Extremely tired, and still sleeping good. Side effect of school + first trimester. My poor husband!

5. Best moment this week?: Having the doctor say "You are definitely pregnant!" AND telling our families! 

6. Miss anything?: Coffee and fruity adult beverages. There's a great need for both of these this time of year with school starting and birthday celebrating. Darn it! 

7. Movement?: Nope

8. Food cravings?: Cheese, fried food, bread, desserts, sweets, sugar...

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Grilled meat. The thought of eating it sounds disgusting.

10. Gender?: Don't know...Is Baby V a he or she???

11. Labor signs?: Nooooo

12. Symptoms?: Same old same old...Tired and hungry. And I feel kind of like you do right after you get off a roller coaster. Kind of woosy all the time? Still figuring out how to eat regularly so this doesn't happen.

13. Belly button in or out?: IN

14. Wedding rings on or off?: ON

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Happy, yes, but feeling somewhat moody now too. Probably due to feeling fatter by the minute, totally exhausted, and totally useless. 

16. Looking forward to most?: Telling our closest friends next weekend! A few know, but most don't! Hooray!

9 Weeks - September 2

1. Total weight gain: +6...Eating all the birthday goodness!

2. Maternity clothes?: Nope, but resigned several of my clothes to post-baby now. Boo.

3. Stretch marks?: No

4. Sleep?: Sleeping good still!

5. Best moment this week?: Telling our friends! They were so happy for us!

6. Miss anything?: Shopping for new clothes, since I have no idea where I'll be in October even. 

7. Movement?: None

8. Food cravings?: Soda, sweets, bread, peanut butter, real coffee...decaf sucks!

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Dog poop and stinky dog breath

10. Gender?: Hoping for a girl!

11. Labor signs?: No!

12. Symptoms?: Tired, nausea in the morning, chest starting to be sore

13. Belly button in or out?: In

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Half and half - most moodiness has to do with beginning of year school stress and feeling too "poofy".

16. Looking forward to most?: Getting our very first ultrasound on Friday! And telling some of my NHS family!

10 Weeks - September 9

1. Total weight gain: +7...Need to chill on the food

2. Maternity clothes?: No but shopping for them now! Makes me feel a bit happier!

3. Stretch marks?: None new still.

4. Sleep?: Been tossing and turning a lot at night, and waking up feeling hot and nauseous. :(

5. Best moment this week?: Seeing our tiny one for the first time! It finally feels real...We could hardly hold it together when we first saw it! It fluttered its little leg at us and we heard the heartbeat too. So special.

6. Miss anything?: Shopping still...What size will I be? And having to watch the amount of caffeine I have...I want soda more than ever!

7. Movement?: No

8. Food cravings?: Soda, sweets, bread 

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Vegetables and salad! Ewwww!

10. Gender?: Nurse told us that the baby had a fast heartbeat (189), which often means a girl!

11. Labor signs?: No

12. Symptoms?: Tired, woosy, cranky, lazy, tight clothes

13. Belly button in or out?: In

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Both still! ARGH...

16. Looking forward to most?: Telling the world! And both the Kansas and Oklahoma State Fair...YUM!

11 Weeks - September 16

1. Total weight gain: +7

2. Maternity clothes?: Bought my first shirts with Mom and Aunt Jayne in Hutchinson. Sara also let me borrow a whole tub of clothes that I can't wait to look through. And then when I got home, Chris has bought me a shirt too! So sweet...

3. Stretch marks?: None new

4. Sleep?: Waking up in the night to go to the restroom is totally annoying, since I normally don't at all. 

5. Best moment this week?: Buying cute maternity clothes and hanging out with the Henry women all weekend. 

6. Miss anything?: Caffeine in unmonitored amounts. 

7. Movement?: No

8. Food cravings?: Bread, fried food, dessert, coffee 

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Still vegetables or pretty much anything considered healthy.

10. Gender?: Don't know for sure still

11. Labor signs?: No

12. Symptoms?: Tired and hungry, and lazy and useless. Poor Chris. He's the best husband!

13. Belly button in or out?: In

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Getting happier now that I am starting to look more pregnant and less just fat. Hooray!

16. Looking forward to most?: Telling my head principal and the rest of Norman High!

12 Weeks - September 23

1. Total weight gain: +7

2. Maternity clothes?: Planning on wearing some of my new shirts this week!

3. Stretch marks?: No

4. Sleep?: Allergies and having to go 2 times a night is kicking my butt. I have been taking naps almost everyday and/or going to bed at 10:00. I'm old!

5. Best moment this week?: Feeling the first breezes of fall...Come on beautiful weather, boots, and tights!

6. Miss anything?: Coffee every morning, feeling slim, even having the energy to exercise! WOW! That's crazy talk!

7. Movement?: No

8. Food cravings?: State fair food :), bread, sweets 

9. Anything make you queasy or sick?: Random weird smells

10. Gender?: Still keeping my fingers crossed for a girl! But peeking at boy stuff makes me happy too.

11. Labor signs?: No

12. Symptoms?: Some cramping here and there as my uterus grows (sorry if that's TMI), tired, lazy, hungry, and often "hungry"

13. Belly button in or out?: In

14. Wedding rings on or off?: On

15. Happy or moody most of the time?: Happy mostly now that I everyone knows and that I am looking preggo!

16. Looking forward to most?: Making it facebook official and telling the world! And now I can wear those cute maternity clothes!

Savoring Summer

July is gone, August is here, and school will be starting soon. But I am doing my best to savor each moment left of summer by spending time with those I love and soaking up some last bits of sun. And while June was a "work month", July has been just the opposite. Maybe just as busy, but much more fun. I would not have wanted the best summer of my life to be any differently.

Over the 4th of July, it is a tradition to visit my Dad in Nebraska, eat good food, and watch the local fireworks. Growing up, I spent six weeks every summer in Kearney, so my summer is never fulfilled until I get to experience it's version of "small town America".

When we got home, my sister, Janae, from Hawaii, had come to visit! She came to see family before picking up her three sweet girlies. We don't get to see these lovely ladies but just once a year, so we made sure to take advantage of every opportunity. We ate lunch with Mom and got pedicures, had a shopping day for the great grandkids with Memaw that ended with a fashion show and dinner, and we also went to the drive-in to see Brave. Those little smiley faces make us so happy!

While they were here, my other sister, Jennie, and I had our 10 year high school reunion. I have nerded out about this day since we graduated, and even made all my high school gal friends promise they would go. The first evening there was a banquet and those gals friends all came to it. Some of us met each others husbands for the very first time and hadn't seen each other in years, but for others it was a catch up after a only a few months. Either way, it was so good to see each other again. The next night, Jennie, Melissa, and I went to a club called The Office. This was an adults only atmosphere, but allowed us to talk to many people we hadn't seen since we graduated and be a little silly too. The last evening there was a family BBQ at one of the parks in Moore, where we got to see some of our good friends and their kiddos for the first time. I had such a great time at each event, and the overall feeling I got from everyone was that it was so good to see each other and catch up. We were all past our high school egocentricities, and it was nice to see people who just were caring about each other, even if we didn't know each other that well in high school. It was different than I had expected, but still a really wonderful time that I will always remember.

After about a week, we then headed to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida with Chris's family! The magic of Disney never ceases to amaze me, make me cry, or give me goosebumps, and this trip did not disappoint! Though the heat was ridiculous at times, we still had a wonderful time with Tom, Tess, and Ashley. We rode some of our favorites from Tower of Terror to Pirates of the Caribbean to Toy Story Mania, ate delicious food from Mickey mouse ice cream to Italian to a family-style Thanksgiving inspired meal, and bought some fun souvenirs, like some new kitchen gadgets and Vinylmations for Ashley. But most of all, we spent time together and enjoyed doing it, even through sweat and smiles. Part of the reason I love Disney so much is the extra effort they put in to making memories with your family. I have distinct memories from my first trip with my Dad the summer after first grade, from each of the three times I have been with my family, from our honeymoon, and every other time in between. You walk by a ride or a landmark and say to yourself, "I remember when...", and the memories come flooding back. I am pretty sure that going to anything Disney is the closest thing on Earth to Heaven, and I am reminded of this each time we go. We made some wonderful memories on this trip too, many that will crack me up for years to come!

The next weekend after we returned home, some of my close friends and I went on our semi-annual trip to Dallas for some outlet shopping. I am not sure how it started...Maybe from my best friend, Francesca, and I driving down for shopping a few years in a row, or from wedding dress shopping with Lindsey and Danielle the summer after we got engaged...But we started it several years ago, took a break last year, and had to do it big this year! This time we even stayed in a hotel! We usually all ride together in someone's car, and we have specific memories from each trip where we learn more about each other and we have even helped two of our friends (Emily & Joel) finally get together. This time was mostly gals and Darin, but this year there was the addition of Tai. And while we're gone, the dudes also get to hang out. After a long day of shopping, my favorite part of the trip was when we all dressed in our new clothes with matching patriotism and went to dinner. We wanted to watch the Olympics and didn't care that we all coordinated. It was so fun and good time to share with my good friends!

Our last leg of our beautifully busy month was a trip to Hawaii to visit Janae, Zoie, Lily, and Sophie! We went last year, and wanted to find a way to get back again this year, so we did. And we went at just the right time with a serious heat wave in Oklahoma. From the minute we arrived, we were overwhelmed with the beauty of everything: the skies, the mountains, the flowering trees, the flowering weeds, the ocean, the weather, and so much more. We spent our first few days with Janae and

the girls going to the beach everyday, seeing the sights, taking the girls to school and picking them up, going the Swap Meet for fresh fruit and souvenirs, eating Janae's home-cooked meals, and just relaxing. The girls all love the beach so much, and any time we went we were guaranteed there would not be any fighting or whining, but just happy little mermaids in the sea. After a few days, we then headed to Disney's Aulani resort. We drove around the island on our way there, and saw Waimea Valley, the Dole Plantation, Giovanni's Shrimp Shack, and much more. Then we finally arrived at Aulani, and it was magical from that moment on! They greeted us by name, took our bags to our room, gave us leis, and walked us to the check-in desk. The resort was amazing, and it was a perfect example of another reason why I love Disney: there was not detail unthought of! We ate lots of food, attended a Starlit Hui, swam in the ocean and pools, floated the lazy river, went on some awesome water slides, and watched the sunset over the ocean. Every part of our experience there was wonderfully relaxing and I hope we can go again someday with our own kiddos. On our last day in Hawaii, we headed back to spend the last hours with all 4 girls. We did some homework, then headed out to dinner at a place that Janae and JD always go to when they want to feel like they are at home. The girls loved it too, and also were pumped beacuse we got shaved ice for dessert! They were cracking us up all day with dance moves and silly dramatics, while also warming our hearts with many sweet "we're going to miss you!". Hawaii is such a wonderful place for so many reasons, but most of all because there is family there. Maybe there's a way I can figure out how to get back there soon? Tee hee...

Sometimes I get overwhelmed with my "to do's', but then I remember moments like all of these that remind me what this life is really about. I may not have a perfect body, a balanced bank account, or perfectly clean and organized house. But what we do have is amazing people in our lives. We try our best, each and every day, to show others how much we love and appreciate them, and we value each moment with them. We hope that you can see that in how we live, and that we inspire you to do the same. I mean, YOLO, right?!? :)

Simple Sweet Summertime

Ahhh... "My" summer has officially begun now that summer school is over! Since school has been out, it feels that I have been still running on full force with trying to "get stuff done"! But I've also been able to do some relaxing and catching up with people too. So far, here is what summer has included:

Friends & Family
This is always one of my favorite reasons for summertime. I've gotten to see friends I haven't seen in a long while, and also spend time with those that I see on a more regular basis. I've gone swimming, to the drive-in, and watched the Thunder in the playoffs with some of my close college friends, lunch dates with old friends and my sister, pool party with my NHS English peeps, a picnic with family and friends for Jazz in June, dinner with my speddies,Summer Breeze concerts with just chris and Lucy, as well as with some good friends too, and many other dates here and there with other loved ones.

At the beginning of June, we watched two of our dearest friends (and both family now) get married! We have prayed for Em & Joel to get married for years, and are glad they are finally married! I am sure there will be an entire blog later related to this...

And with arrivals, first meetings, and news of more babies in the future, there have been and will continue to be many sweet baby celebrations (more to come on this too)!

Seeing all these sweet faces this first month of summer makes me look forward to even more time with others that I haven't seen yet!


Swimming & Sun
Ohhhh how I love relaxing by the pool! I have gone at least once a week so far, either as I apartment pool "borrow" (shhhh! Don't tell!), or spend time with friends at their pools. I spent my summers as a child swimming almost everyday, so I have many good memories at the pool. Besides, how else is there to beat this summer heat?


Purposeful Projects
Before starting this post, I looked through my last posts a bit, and saw the same to do's over and over. Well, some of those are done and more are getting done! Wicky WHAT!?!? I've wanted to relpaint several parts of our house since we first painted three years ago, and we've already done the kitchen, dining, living room, porch, and hallway. There's other things we've done here and there, but our list is much smaller than it was even a month ago. And I'm getting some photo books done too. It feels good to get stuff done, but I hope I can also remember the importance of taking this time to rejuvenate, and not over strain myself.


Excellent Exercise
Well it's not always "excellent", but I am proud of where I am! After the holiday season, I kicked it into high gear, and started Jillian Michaels workouts and "yogging" again. Then started Jillian Michaels 90 Day Body Revolution. I haven't lost as much as I hoped, but I am still trekking away! I'd still like to get rid of 15 lbs more, but I am proud of many life changes I have made. We rarely drink soda, chips, fast food, or fried food, I exercise almost everyday, we eat much more lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and we eat smaller portions overall. It feels good to be healthier, though I know I still have a long way to go. Baby steps is what it takes though, right?

I have much more to say about what all has happened over the past 6 months, and my hope is that I can take more time to write about it. There have been babies, weddings, parties and showers, and EOIs, Prom, and saying "see you soon" to some sweet teacher friends. If the first half of 2012 is any indication of what the rest of the year will be like, I know it will be our best year yet!

P.S. Sorry for any typos, misspellings, and what-not. This blog had to get typed, but was all on my phone!

New Year's Nostalgia

I am always so sad to leave Christmas behind. I love everything about Christmas... the sparkling lights, the warm fires in fireplaces, getting out decorations and having memories flood back, the joyful music, the tasty goodies, the happy movies, and time with ones we love. Our house is my most favorite at this time of year, because I can just imagine what it must have been like on that first Christmas for this home in 1947. Just after WWII, where our country felt a different sense of pride and hope, I am sure this was a warm and happy place, with a brightly lit tree in the front window. I like to think that we are taking our home back to it's more original state, back to a time more like the setting in "A Christmas Story". Christmas is such a beautiful time, and I always wish it could stay a little longer. Many of my most vivid and favorite memories are from Christmas too, whether it was with my big family of 7 or just my Dad, our dog, Rosy, and me. You can bet I am already counting down to Christmas next year!

But I also look forward to a new year - a new opportunity to simply start fresh. Whether it's cliche or not, I always make New Year's resolutions, and they always seem to fall into three categories: health, organization, and finances. So here I am again, with my lists of goals for this new year, with also what I've learned about these over the past year.

Health
I've done the best I have ever done this past year in eating better and exercising more, but I am going to continue this, with more of an urgency, because I am hoping that we will get to start a family this year. That is my heart's desire, and has been for as long as I can remember. Watching several of my friends become mothers over the past few years makes, me long even more for that day when I will have a sweet little one in my arms too. How beautiful that day will be.

I am also so thankful for my actual health in terms of well-being. So many people struggle with illnesses that I cannot even fathom what it is like. Both Chris and I are healthy, and I definitely don't that for granted. We've said goodbye to a few dear family members this year too, who have struggled with cancer, and it puts everything back into perspective. It reminds us that time with people is the most valuable gift.

Organization
This is always part of my "to do" list and though it's not necessarily supremely important, I want to make room for other things in our lives, and getting organized can help us to that. So I am following a blog that outlines simple ways to de-clutter and organize everyday of the year. (http://www.mysimplerlife.com/2012.htm) And again, I am preparing for a family, and by doing these, it will be all the more possible.

Finances

This past year was big for us because for the first time in over 10 years, I am finally credit card debt free! What an amazing feeling it is! Now onto the next debt...I also plan to read Dave Ramsey's book, Financial Peace, hoping to scale back, save more, pay off debt, and you guessed it, prepare to start our family! :) 

With this beautiful holiday season and 2011 coming to an end, I want to remember so much...From a scary surgery for our sweet dog, finding a church we love, running in the OKC Memorial Marathon Relay, hosting NHS Prom 2011, a terrifying 2 weeks with my Dad in the hospital, our fabulous vacation the Daniels' own Hawaii,  news about a new nephew and twins that will all be here in the spring, watching my baby brother in his final season of high school marching band, getting nominated for teacher of the year, celebrating 3 years of marriage and 10 years together, saying goodbye to loved ones too soon, to a love story with a proposal so magical that it belongs in the movies, this year has been amazing! I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for the Valentas Family, and much love to each of yours in the coming year!

Vapid with the "V" Alliteration...

Well, hello there! I am getting a little vapid, or lacking interest, in the use of alliteration of V for each title, so I hearby dub this my last V alliterated blog. But, I think I can meet the challenge of continuing with alliteration with the titles, with all letters this time though. How's that sound? :)

I am writing from the end of a glorious Fall Break (which I LOVEY LOVE LOVE fall...Did you know that?), where I thoroughly enjoyed the much needed time off. Here's what I did on this wonderful break...

Shopped...
Oh I sure did shop, and it was GOOD! I went shopping at the outlet malls with one of my dear friends of over 15 years. She and I always can pick up where we left off, even if we don't see each other for months. I love a friendship like hers, where it's just easy to be together and enjoy one another's company. Through life's changes, and thick and thin, we have stuck together, and I know that we always will. And by the way, we found some fabulous items to add to our fall wardrobe.

Slept in...
Have I mentioned that I LOOOOOOVE sleeping? Why did I give up all those nap times as a child? I want to take it back now! Or why can't I store up sleep from the summer and use it as needed during the school year? Anyways, I have slept A LOT this Fall Break, and I am not ashamed of it. It has been amazing, especially with all this rain. And I am really good at it too!

Graded/planned for school...
I tried very hard to get everything done before school was out, but there's always more to do. It's okay though, because I got to spend the afternoon on Friday (before it started raining) grading, planning, and reading on OU's Campus with the dog. It was a windy, but lovely day, and I was able to get it all done! YAY! Though I haven't blogged since school has started, I am really loving teaching this year. I feel almost as if I have been "enlightened" this year...Some say your truly better year is your third year, but I am a bit of a slow learner, and this fourth year has been the very very best so far. Now, if I could just teach and not do all that extra stuff! Darn it! But that's not how the world of education works, and I am well aware of that.

Read...
I've never really loved reading, but since becoming an English teacher, I have had a real passion for reading reading reading! So right now, I am finishing up One Day by David Nicholls, which I have enjoyed, though not LOVED. So I am on to a new book, but not sure which one to pick next...Twlight Series? 'Tis? Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy? Baby Proof? And the list goes on and on...

Cooked...
I have this increasing passion for cooking, and I love making food for others! It makes me so happy to make something for someone else (my husband, my colleagues, my friends, my family, my students...), and to see them happy, even just for a moment, because of something I made. Maybe I love it too because I can control this small aspect of my life, while so much else changes, for better and for worse. Here's a few things I've tried this week...
Baked Potato Soup
Caramel Apple Cheescake Bars
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

And a few things I am trying this week...
Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Pumpkin Scones

Relaxed... 
Or I might say, sat on the couch, watched TV, and added to my new addiction pinterest? I love love love this new website, that connects to other websites, blogs, etc. of fabulous and delicious ideas.

Which brings me to my final bit of Fall Break, relaxing with Chris while watching "Julie & Julia"and eating a dessert of caramel apple cheesecake bars, pumpkin cupcake with salted caramel frosting, and apple cider. Every time I watch this movie, I just about want to cry. I may have written about this before, but I love Julie's blog, Julia's funny phrases, Paris, and the story about two women lost in their lives, who finally find their way because of cooking for others. It's just a movie that leaves you feeling happy and ready to bake soon...What a lovely break it has been!

View from Mrs. Valentas

 Can't believe this wonderful summer is coming to an end. It truly has been wonderful - productive, relaxing, fun, and full of memories with people I love. I don't want it to end, on one hand, but I am also looking forward to a new year full of new opportunities, challenges, and surprises.

Our vacation to Hawaii was incredible, and now I want to go back so badly!It was great to just be with Chris and spend time with him. We were able to see so much there, thanks to the kindness and hospitality of Janae, JD, and our three sweet nieces! We enjoyed the Dole Plantation, the Swap Meet, several beautiful beaches, Pearl Harbor, and lots of pineapple and coconut, among so many other things. I was so sad to leave such a beautiful place!

1. Finish reading Harry Potter, among at least 5 other books.
I finished reading Harry Potter last time I wrote, but I've also been working my way through some Emily Griffin books and The Hunger Games trilogy. I'm also rereading The Help, which I first read last summer. It is one of my very most favorite books, second only to To Kill a Mockingbird. The movie came out this summer, and I was so excited to see it, that I saw it twice the day it came out, once with Mom, Emily, and Aunt Jayne, and then once with all my awesome colleagues. What an incredible story...If you haven't read it, READ IT! I would say this has been a goal that has been met this summer. :)

2. Get healthier with eating and exercise, and be within a healthy BMI.
Though I didn't meet the weight and size goals maybe that I wished for, I am happier and healthier with myself. Now I just need to keep it up with running and exercising on a regular basis.

3. Reorganize and purge my classroom.
Did this last time too...YAY! A new place to start off on a new foot...

4. Paint trim of the house, and maybe a new roof?
We started the process and have the paint, but DANG! It has been way too hot to do anything more. We did get a new roof  this week, and it looks lovely!

5. Find a church "home".
Our favorite place is still Journey, and where we'll continue to go this year. 

6. Pay off all credit cards... YIKES!
I think this one will be accomplished at the end of this month. What a great feeling that will be!

7. Catch up with our photo albums and framing memories.
Haven't completed all of these projects, but I am glad that I was able to get several done.

8. Reorganize and purge our house.
Yes siree! Again, didn't get all those projects on my list done, but I think I am okay with that.

9. Spend time with people I love every week.
This was a really wonderful part of the summer that I miss out on during the busy busy school year.  I'll still spend time with my loved ones as much as I can though!

10. RELAX!

Biggest goal that I have met, and probably needed to as well. I have tried to remember this summer was not just about accomplishing a to do list. I have been able to spend more time than ever relaxing. Very thankful for this summer!

I have high hopes for this year ahead, and of course another set of school year goals, but for now, I'll remember how this summer has been so refreshing! I must keep reminding myself that though I did not accomplish every single little "to do", it was a very successful summer in so many ways. I've had my challenges, but right now, life is GOOD! :) Here's to the end of an awesome summer!