A New Year Approaches

It is amazing how fast Christmas comes and goes. Bill and I had a Lambert Family cleaning day on Saturday, and like a flash the decorations were gone and the garage was all cleaned out. Ok, the flash really took about 8 hours and one very large trip to the dump! Yesterday I cleaned the carpets and today I sit here ready to welcome the new year with a clean organized house! HOORAY! Now if you know me at all you know that this only happens once a year, but it does happen!!

As I reflect back on 2007 I could talk about so many things so I thought I would do my best at a Davis Letterman Top 10 (this writer is not on strike!)

Here goes!

Top 10 Most Memorable Moments of 2007 Lambert Style!!

10. Travis John starts kindergarten and we all survived! He has not had any behavior problems at all since the 3rd week of school. (go Trav!)

9. Tyler discovers his passion for acting and is cast in two plays, Oliver! and Miracle on 34th Street. Musical and Acting lessons start in January.

8. I got a new car and said good-bye to the mini van!

7. Travis decided that having a girlfriend that is 16 when you are only 5 is perfectly acceptable. He even told her she was Hot and wanted to date her. (Excuse Me!!!) This is the result of teaching 11th grade Sunday School!!

6. This year we added a new doctor to our list; right beside the "Cast Doctor" is the "Sinus Surgery Doctor." Oh-yeah! Travis had is first of what could be more surgeries to clear up sinus problems.

5. Tyler makes straight A's! YEAH!!

4. I left the classroom and loved every minute of it!

3. Vacations to El Paso, Port Aransas, Houston, and San Antonio brought fun times for all of us!

2. All of our family and friends are again HEALTHY and HAPPY at the end of another year.

1. God is so good, though we do not deserve it we have all that we need and our blessings are endless. HE is an AWESOME GOD!

Happy New Year!

It All Starts Tomorrow!

Well, I guess the "Big Guy" has loaded his sled is is ready to set off for the 24 hour journey around the world. Too think I have been stressed! I love Christmas Eve, it is the day that my family would get dressed up and travel to my Grandmother's house, eat (I never remember what, I was so excited for the presents), and open the zillions of presents under the tree. I have vivid memories of tons of presents filling the room beneath the tree and over flowing into the living room. Good Times! As soon as the meal was over we dove right into those gifts. I think the gift I remember getting the most was my Barbie Dream House. you know the one with the elevator and the hard pink bed. I know my dad and uncle spent half the night putting stickers on that house, only for me to get it home and rearrange it all. When the night ended we would pile the gifts into the car and I would fall fast asleep on the way home. I wonder how many times my dad carried me inside on Christmas Eve?? So many special memories of family members that I would rarely see took place on this night. So as we go out tomorrow for our new Christmas Tradition I hope that my boys are building these same quality memories. They are already saying first we go to church and hold candles, then we go to LeeLee's house (my mom) and eat dinner (sandwiches are much faster than the tamale dinner I had to sit through), and finally they get to open presents. Only again to fall asleep on the way home and be carried inside by their dad. I love Christmas Eve!

Long Time No Blog! (Miracle)

I must agree with my friend Erin when she apologizes for the lack of blogs. I did not even realize how long it has really been. I get on frequently and read about everyone else, but then something happens and I must move on to "life." So I am thinking about what has been going on since the end of November. So many things....I guess the main thing to mention is the production of Miracle on 34th Street.
As many of you know Tyler has been rehearsing for Miracle on 34th Street since October. This is our second production, the first and last production that will take place during the school year. This play almost killed all of us! Tyler was required to be at rehearsals from 6-9 each night the week before the play. The week of the play rehearsals moved from 6-10 every night! I bragged on my child and how strong he had been. We did not have any meltdowns or complaints. (very surprising!) That is until the show began! Show times were to be Thursday - Sunday one show a day. (Keep in mind we are still in school!) Thursday and Friday went smoothly, and then Saturday came. We had ten tickets to Saturday's show and Tyler's body began to show signs of his exhaustion. He was very lethargic and started running a low fever. GREAT! I am now put in the terrible predicament that mothers get in occasionally. Do I keep him home and suffer the consequences of half the family's loss of ticket money? OR Do I give the boy some Motrin and hope for the best, THE SHOP MUST GO ON! Reluctantly I gave him some Motrin and hoped it would work. ---side bar---What you might want to know is Tyler is a drama king! The slightest thing can become huge on a good day, when he is sick it can be 10 times worse. ---ok that being said---I watched him very carefully until time to go, he rode the Motrin High (what is in that stuff anyway, it is amazing?!) for the rest of the night. The show hand a minor glitch, but it was not my son! He did great! Only to be totally whipped that night. Sunday morning came and I did not even recognize the boy that came out of that front bedroom. I learned my lesson and realized officially how far I can push my kid. I felt awful!! Am I that mom from Highland Park that pushes her kid for her own fulfillment? Lord, I hope not! We stayed home Sunday and he slept almost all day! Monday my son was back and all was right with the world! WHEW! I am glad that is over!! (you are probably glad that story is over)
WEAK STOMACH FOLKS STOP READING HERE!!
Ok, I have to tell you all what happened on Saturday night at the show! Tell me if I am crazy or deserve a medal. Another family in our church had two children in the play, both younger than Tyler. Crazy I know, but besides the point. They have a third in a play in Dallas at the same time. Even Crazier! So they decide to drop all of their kids off at the plays and they go to a Christmas Party at South Fork Ranch, maybe not so crazy after all. Things are going well through the first Act. During intermission the children's choir is to come out and sing a few songs. Their kids are in this as well as Tyler. This is the third time I have seen this so I know what to expect, the kids look more tired but are doing a good job. Faith, their youngest, is unusually grouchy up on stage. I told Bill to look at her, it was almost humorous how mad she looked. Just then BLAH! She threw up into her hands and all over the stage. Keep the image in your mind of 25 kids up on stage singing and they never missed a beat. Two moms quickly jump up and take Faith off the stage, but leave the mess there. It is at this time that I am struck...what to do? I have to do something! I jump up and run to the bathroom to grab as many towels as I can. As I reach the back of the stage I notice a dad has followed me. I run to the stage only to realize that I do not have nearly enough towels. KIDS ARE STILL SINGING!! He comes up behind me with must have been a truckload of towels. As the kids sing we clean up the stage and run off. The show went on without a hitch! I washed my hands and then held Faith until her sitter took her home after the play. What a night! I guess being a teacher you see enough kids loose it in front of you that you just get immune to it!
YUCK I know! I am still waiting for my Academy to call to give me my award! Bill says I that I get is a qualification to walk behind the horses in the next parade. WHOOPIE!!
If you are still reading this good for you!
Good bye for now!

Busy Times!

http://www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/xmas_cnt.htm

(click here to see a countdown to Christmas)

I realize that I have not posted in a while, but I have been reading and anxiously awaiting the posts of others. Things here are in the normal pre-holiday chaos with the addition of Tyler's next play. Tyler is a choir member in the production of Miracle on 34th Street this weekend. Therefore, he has practice every night this week until 10:00pm. Not Fun! It does not seem terrible to think that we just have to drop him off and then we are free until 10, however it has turned the whole family upside down. Travis has a hard time falling asleep without Tyler and is bored to tears all night long. Bill and I take turns staying up and dressed to go get him. Tonight is my night so here I sit. I want so bad to put on the new silk jammies I got and lay in bed, but no. Instead I went to aerobics, showered and got dressed again. YUCK! Now keep in mind none of this would be happening if my son complained just once about these practices. Instead he lights up each and every time I take him. Tonight was the first time he saw the marquee which advertised the play! His words were "WOW! Now that is officially the coolest thing ever!" The Plaza Theater is in old downtown Garland so it still has the old fashioned movie theater feel. Flashing lights and a bright sign with removable letters! I will keep you posted on the shows. Take care!
*Prayers for Cody and Kristen as they move!
**Praises for Ryan and Vicki, they are there!
**LeRay completed a half marathon, YOU GO GIRL!

A Gift for Kristen!

Sometimes we all need a "Wave of the Magic Wand!" I hope it helps!

Black Friday

So my first question for you is... Where were you at 4 a.m. on Friday morning? Were you sleeping off that second piece of pumpkin pie? or possibly dreaming of the football games that were to come? Or were you among the "Crazy People" that woke up at four to go find the deal of a lifetime? There are only a few people that read this blog that I know I could have called at four to say, "We are nuts!"
Yes, at four a.m. you would have found me standing in line at the mall waiting for the doors to open at GameStop. I know I am crazy, but my adrenalin was pumping and I had a blast! I opened two stores Friday morning and got everything I wanted. I was a smart shopper that had the ads ready and knew where to start and what direction to go to get the items I needed and get out. I understand that my overseas friend might not understand the insanity to which I am referring to! I think this frenzy which is now referred to as Black Friday has gotten much more intense over the past few years. Stores around here opened as early as 4:00 a.m. People crowded around to get deals on flat screens, laptops, game systems, and various other forms of technology. Being the shopper by trade that I now claim to be this day is my "Super Bowl." I love nothing more than getting a good deal on something! Trust me you will know about it if I have gotten a good deal, have I told you about my $5.00 fresh turkey? Ok, Bill told me I could not Blog about that, everyone already knew. (not everyone...) Back to the point...Friday was a day that true bargain shoppers have grown to anticipate. No matter how early I need to wake up or how alone I might be in line, I will be there next year. Anybody want to join me??

Thanksgiving Lessons

Thanksgiving has been a great break from the business of life. We began our celebrations on Wednesday. Bill and I decided that the only problem with going somewhere else for Turkey dinner was missing out on the leftovers. So as you can tell we went all out and made green beans, sweet potatoes, and Bill fried a turkey. YUM YUM! As we sat down to eat we all thanked God for the ability to have such a nice meal with our family. The boys told us all of the "things" they were thankful for, we have not gotten to the deep abstract meaning of the holidays quite yet. It does bring joy to my heart to hear their little prayers thanking God for their webkins and dogs. To think of how innocent we begin! Lesson #1... We can survive a Thanksgiving away from family if needed! Good to know!

Thursday brought us a wave of cold winter weather, finally. We woke up and got bundled up for a family bike ride, opting out of the Trot with 35,000 other North Texans trying to justify the 5000 calories they are about to consume. It was a very nice ride, luckily the snow held off until later in the afternoon. Yes, you read correctly SNOW on Thanksgiving. Only 5-6 flakes, but snow nonetheless. (As I write this El Paso has 4 inches on the ground!) We watched plenty of football and headed over to Bill's Aunt and Uncle's house for dinner. We were scheduled to eat at half time of the Cowboy game. (I wonder how many other people base their meal time around the GAME. I was in one and then married into one so I know it is not just me.) Anyway, Bill left early for his family's house so that he would not have to miss any of the game and Travis decided to go with him. When Tyler and I got there at halftime Travis walked up to me and said "Mom, my eye itches!" Keep in mind that I have not even set my purse down. I look down at Travis to see a swollen version of what seems to be my child. His entire left side of his face is red and puffy! My first thought is "How long have you been like this?" and my second thought is "Where is your father?" Don't forget the game!! Nancy and I quickly jump into MomMode and run to 7-11 to pay twice as much for benadryll and eye drops. As we return to the festivities we learn that Bill's Aunt has 9 cats! 8 of which I assume Travis is allergic to! We quickly eat and watch Travis carefully, he is getting better, very tired but better. Only to look at Tyler and see his eye swelling up! Great! Dessert is gobbled up and we say our goodbyes! Lesson #2 learned...boys are allergic to cats! Good to know! Positive...boys fell asleep (thanks to benadryll) at 7:00 and Bill and I had the evening to ourselves.

I'll Take Thanksgiving!

I can not take credit for this, but I thought it was worthy of posting!

I'll take Thanksgiving!
You can have Halloween, New Year's, Christmas, the Fourth of July, Easter, Hanukkah and any day dedicated to presidents. You can stack them all up on one side, and the turkey and I will stand on the other.

I'll take Thanksgiving!

It is, to me, exactly what a holiday should be. For one thing, there are no gifts. You never have to worry about what to get someone for Thanksgiving or how much to spend. There are no lectures about "greed" or "commercialization" or how we're "forgetting the spirit" of Thanksgiving. No way. The spirit of Thanksgiving is eating. Who could forget that?
Secondly, it comes with football. What other holiday does that, New Year's Day, but at least with Thanksgiving, you don't have a hangover.

There is no "right" place to go on Thanksgiving except home. There is no church or synagogue. No graves that must be visited. No trekking out to watch fireworks.
You just sit on the couch, or sit at the table, and you laugh and eat and laugh and burp and ta-da you are credited with knowing the "true meaning" of the holiday.

Also, it comes with a parade. Did I mention the dressing? Not the turkey dressing; the human dressing. There isn't any! Oh, sure, maybe you put on a nice pair of pants. Maybe. But who really dresses up for Thanksgiving? You can celebrate in a sweatshirt. Can you say that about New Year's Eve? Not unless you're a lonely, pathetic loser.

And Thanksgiving doesn't require some smarty-pants history known only by your geeky cousin from Baltimore. Uh-uh. There's no quoting Lincoln or Washington. No reading from the Declaration of Independence. What do you need to know about Thanksgiving? The Pilgrims and the Indians had dinner. Pass the gravy!

Thanksgiving never moves. It is always on a Thursday, strategically placed so that you might as well take off Friday also, since Saturday and Sunday are next, and, while you're at it, maybe half of Wednesday just to pick up everyone from the airport. Thanksgiving gets you half a week off. What's Labor Day get you, Monday?

And there is no shopping on Thanksgiving, unlike Memorial Day or Presidents Day. Sure, there are Thanksgiving sales, but you do them on FRIDAY! How cool is that?

Also, there are no masks. You don't beg for candy from strangers. And nobody eggs your house.
Have I mentioned stuffing? There is no more celebratory food short of dessert than stuffing. Be honest. When you were young, you couldn't get enough of it, right? Maybe you hated cranberry sauce, but all kids loved stuffing. It was everything great about bread and pudding and hot, mushy food wrapped into one. Tell me you don't still feel that.

Tell me there's anything better than a meal that goes all night, that doesn't have an event tied to it, that doesn't come with a bill at the end.

Tell me there's anything better than only having to catch up with your aunts, uncles and cousins to feel like you did the holiday proud.

Tell me there's anything easier than passing plates.

Tell me there's any better place to appreciate what you have than in a kitchen filled with good smells. Especially Sylvia's "homemade" yeast rolls! or Pat's fruit bowl!

Tell me there's a better invention than "the kids' table."

And what holiday not only condones but pretty much expects you to fall asleep on the couch?
So let's sum up. No costumes, no presents, no services, no tuxedoes, no time limit, no guilt trips, and all the food, naps and football you want.

I'll take Thanksgiving! After all, no one tries to sit on the turkey's lap and ask for an X-box!

Yes, I'll take Thanksgiving!

My Elf Family

We are gearing up for Christmas!
hee hee
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9548696393

My New Toy

This is a picture of my new toy. I am now the proud owner of a Red Pacifica, as the boys are calling it "Mommy's Hot Rod." So funny to think that anything not a minivan is considered a "Hot Rod!" I am glad Tyler likes it, because it might be his first car. Yes, this is really what we were considering. I can not believe the fact that I might have bought my son's first car. CRAZY!

On a completely other note...I am an Houston this week on my own. I am attending the TAGT, Texas Association of Gifted Teachers. I am learning some really neat things. Right now we are talking about avatars and Second Life. I feel so dumb because I am just not into the virtual world, but this is really what are kids are into and we need to stay ahead of them. Can you imagine my posting in a virtual world? What would I look like? HMMMM!

Farewell Old Friend!

Well, it is with deep sadness that the Lamberts say goodbye to Hardy Soccer Ball Lambert. Hardy was a great friend that spent his days in a fishbowl! I must say that washing dishes tonight was not the same without his bubbly grin looking back at me. Hardy lived a nice long life that started out swimming among the roots of a plant in a pre-k classroom. Two summers ago we adopted him and made him our own. He loved his Grandma LeeLee and thanked her for fish sitting him one summer. The boys knew it was coming after we watched Hardy suffer these last few weeks. We can only hope that he has arrived at the fish bowl in the sky. Farewell my friend, you are missed!!

Halloween Fun!

As you can see Halloween was quite a family affair. Our neighborhood goes all out and everyone participates. It is a blast! I am always reminded of the scene in ET where the whole block is out together, well that is us. Bill and I look forward to it every year. This year we were Rock Star Groupies! FUN TIMES!!

Techno-Num Nut!

Ok, I hope this title did not offend anyone. I am not speaking of anyone in particular. You see today I am sitting in a workshop called "The Native are Restless: Reaching the GT student through technology." Sounds interesting, I am sure, to those of you who are not in education, to me however it sounded great. "Right up my alley" However, we have been in here for two hours and all he has taught me was how to use MySpace.com and now how to Blog. I am not lying or stretching the truth at all. So as I use my time wisely I decided to update my blog. Now this is where my bloggin brain starts to gripe! Why is it that advertisements never state the truth. Would it be so hard in our fast paced culture to just come right out and say... this is a boring class on stuff you already know, or this car is really not a good deal. Why!?! Don't we as consumers want the truth? Or Are we so fascinated by pretty words and hype that we still buy into this nonsense? Stay tuned this might get better!!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Being an only child I had the blessing of growing up to be best of friends with my mom. We are very close and talk numerous times a day. I thought that since she just celebrated her _ _ birthday that I would give you the Top 10 things that I love about my mom.

#10 My mom has forgiven me for stealing her car when I was in the 8th grade and taking it on a joy ride. (right mom?)
#9 My mom has a heart of gold. I can only hope to be a genuine and kind as she is.
#8 She is the best LeeLee in the world! As the boys say her house is made of fun!
#7 My mom is the type that would stay up until 3 AM talking you through your problem, even if it had no effect on her, and she had to go to work the next day.
#6 Do you know how many times I volunteered this working mother to bake cookies, brownies, or cupcakes for my class and then told her at the last minute. (I know those paybacks are coming!) She would always do it and they were perfect!
#5 Class- my mom has so much class! She lights up a room when she walks in, whether it is with her beauty or her smile you will not miss it.
#4 My mom is a pillar of strength. No matter what trial she is going through she sees the silver lining, pulls up her "big girl panties" and makes it through!
#3 Her love for my dad is unmatched! I challenge anyone to beat the love my folks have for each other. Just to think that they have been together since they were 13...AMAZING!
#2 She is a PRAYER WARRIOR! My mom wakes up with God and they talk, just the two of them, every day. Her prayer life is something that I look up to and strive to emulate. Everyone that meets her knows it. No matter what you are going through she has words of encouragement to help you through it. I know that I can trust her to be praying for me and my boys.
#1 She is my best friend! I can yell and scream and know that she will be there for me when I change my mind in ten minutes. I also know that she will set me straight when I need it, doesn't matter if I want to hear it at the time or not. She is patient and kind, caring and considerate, and she is AWESOME!!

I feel like an idiot!

Ok, Bloggin Buddies I have a bone to pick! I decided today that I would update a few things on my site, notice picture, and I found it! What is IT you ask? I found two misspelled words on my welcome note. If you took the time to read it and thought, OH MY! I apologize! But I ask if you saw it why didn't you tell me? I am going to declare some blog rules, like Man Law.

Blog Rule #1: If a friend misspells or mistypes a word correct her immediately.

Blog Rule #2: If a friend writes something in a rage that might be misconstrued please help her out gently. Gently is the key for fear that her blog did not release all of her rage and you might be the next target.

Blog Rule #3: If a blog offends you, know that we are sorry and did not "really" mean it to. Note our feelings could have changed by the time you read the post.

Feel free to add new rules of your own! I love Bloggin!

Do you know this child?

Travis has decided that he loves to have his face painted. At school his after-school-care-teacher brought paint and made him into a scary pumpkin, the 1st picture. It was hilarious! The second picture was taken at the Baylor game this past weekend. Travis and Tyler have met some boys that are also at every game and they look forward to sitting on the first row and watching the game with them. The one joy of Baylor football is it is not crowded! (There is emphasis on the ONE JOY!) Anyway, these boys decided to paint their face so of course it was not long before Travis was asking me if he could too. So yes I allowed a stranger to paint his face! I just think it is so cute! The real surprising thing is that he will sit still long enough to have this done!!!

I Love Fall!

Well, even though it does not feel like fall yet, it is! I just love this time of year. I love the colors, the clothes, the TV shows, and it is finally the time of year when we are settling into our routines. The boys have already bought their Halloween costumes, however I think that we will be buying another one just for fun. You see...Travis decided to be a knight. My mom took him to Target where he found a costume complete with the sword and shield. Only one problem...the costume does not come with pants! I am assuming that we are supposed to buy black sweat pants, but Travis will hear nothing of it. He came running out of his playroom declaring himself the "Knight of the Full Moon." Absolutely hilarious! This is one thing that my son does best...makes me laugh! I hope you have the picture in your mind of my little one, OK not so little, running down the hall and from the waist down he is pantless. It was great fun! Anyway from Texas to Ohio to Japan, Happy Fall Ya'll!

Why am I so busy?

(This picture makes me laugh! So I had to share!)

Well, it is that time of year again... the time when I wonder where did the day go? The boys are both in baseball right now as well as our many other activities. Tonight we rushed home from work/school to quickly get a little homework done, make dinner, eat in record time (all around the table at the same time, which should get us extra points), clean up while getting Travis dressed for his game. (Why are cleats so hard to put on?) Then we load up, and I mean this in the literal sense. Three of us in one car with bats, helmets, gloves, hats, the scooter because heaven forbid Tyler have to sit still for five minutes, and off we go! Yes you read correctly THREE of us! You see ALL of my BOYS play baseball on Tuesday nights. Bill stayed for the first half and then he was off to his own game. Thank goodness we are far enough into our marriage that he understand I do not need to go to every single game. Heck I am lucky to make it to one a season! The game was fun, but then the race was on again. Quick stop at Sonic for a celebratory sundae, home, shower, read, bed! WHEW! Now it is almost 9:00 and I have sat down for the first time all day. So I ask myself Why do I create this insanity? The answer is ...because I love it! I love the smile on Travis's face when he hit a home run for the second time in two games. I love hearing brisket for dinner, YUM, that is the best! I love to smell the clean little boys (not so little anymore) run from the shower to their bedroom. AND I love to sit here and not hear anything except the snoring of sleepy boys getting ready for tomorrow's adventures!

Mom is sick, Oh No!

A good friend of mine posted about her family's recent bought with the flu and how she learned for the first time that Mom does not get to be sick. You see dads can get sick and lay in bed all day just miserable, while the whole house will cater to his needs. It usually includes tiptoeing around so as to "not wake Daddy!" Where is that when Mommy is sick? What I have learned is that voice or not I still must clean the house (yes, the cleaning lady comes tomorrow) make dinner, get the shopping list ready, create a scrapbook page for Travis (not by choice, it was homework), make sure the boys are at baseball practice on time, etc....
Ladies we should rally up and demand change! Ok, so much for that burn your bra attitude that I tried to have. Even if Bill said, "Honey, you just lay down and relax. I will cater to everything that needs to be done. AND never mention it again." I would still get up every ten minutes just to make sure things were ok. We are mothers first! So no matter how sick we are or how bad it hurts we push on. We can be sick between 8 pm and 6 am, assuming no one else is sick. (Right Kristen?)
To all moms, YOU ARE GREAT!

Ponder This...

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today!
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.

Sometimes we do not feel equipped for the job that we are given, but we must remember that when we are following in HIS footsteps we have all the tools we need.

There have been times lately that I have wondered just why I am in the place I am. Then I am presented with a wonderful sign of HIS perfect plan for me. I feel so blessed to have friends that I can share this with.
I hope you see HIS blessings today!

The Good News or the Bad?

The Good News

The first day of school started off great! The boys walked right in and were only slightly nervous, you would never know it though. I only got teary eyed in the school, when I got in my car alone I did let the tears fall a bit. The hole in my heart was repaired when I picked them up and realized how much they loved their day. Tyler had so many great things to tell me about. Travis loved getting to be the "boy leader" for the day. Since he knew his way around the school he was sent on many errands. My job was fabulous! Just enough freedom to make the day go by quickly. I met with students today and had a great time learning all about them. I really am thinking I made the right choice. I know there will be tough times, but so far so good!

The BAD NEWS

It will be interesting to see how you read this blog...bad then good or good then bad. If you read the good first I hope I left you with a nice warm feeling about the first day of school, because I did not get to the second day. Yes, my little one has had a run in with the "LAW" Out law that is. (Heather Outlaw is his teacher.) As I am basking in the glory of my new job a get an e-mail from Mrs. Outlaw. POP! that was the sound of my happy bubble popping as I read..."He's had a really tough time sitting on the carpet, being quiet and following directions." Great, could he not just pick one thing to do? So I quickly respond and reassure her that it will be dealt with. Speed Forward to 4:00...I pull up to get the boys and they happily jump into the car, not noticing the grimace on my face. I immediately open Travis's backpack and folder.

The conversation went like this:

Mom: Travis did you move your clip?

Travis: Yes...How did you know that?

Mom: I got an email, what happened?

Travis: I don't know, I was just sitting there!

(I roll my eyes, I was expecting that!)

Mom: So you are saying she is lying?

Travis: Yes, she told me to move my clip for nothing...

Mom: What else did she say? (wait for it)

Travis: I guess she does not like it when I roll my eyes at her. Am I in trouble?

Mom: YES!!

(crying starts...)

Rolling his eyes! I am not sure of how it all transpired, but all he fessed up to was the eyes. It is only the second day of school!! What will the next 175 days be like? All of this is going round and round in my mind and I am slapped with a memory of kindergarten.

Very early in the year when I was five I was sent to the principal for ...spitting on teachers' cars while walking in line. I am positive that if we had e-mail my mother would have been notified immediately. Instead they let me be in control of telling my mom. She found out ...when I was in the sixth grade! (No Lie! Sorry Mom!) Luckily, I straightened up while keeping my secret! Hopefully my son will straighten up, if not it will be a long year with the "LAW."

A New Season

Tomorrow I embark on a "New Season" in my life. Yes, tomorrow I am officially the mother of "School-Age children." This might not seem like such a big deal, however it has been HUGE to me the last few weeks. Beth Moore explains a woman's life as a series of seasons that we all go through. Some transitions are easy and you welcome the change, and others are harder. I know that God has prepared me for this new change. I am also starting a new job tomorrow that has me very excited. You see, I did not want this job. I only applied because it was pushed on me and was a way to get out of the classroom. Well, little did I know that it would be molded to suit my every passion! Only God's Hand could have done that! This job will give me some freedoms that a classroom teacher would not have.

Tomorrow is an important day, I get to walk Travis into his class, turn and walk down the hall and get in my car, where I am sure I will break down into a pile of Maybeline Mess. (Aunt Lisa that could be Bobby Brown, if I had a hook up??) Anyway, I am sure that this season will bring amazing experiences that I never knew I could have. So I say good bye to the season that started 8 years ago in a small bathroom where I first found out that I was pregnant; and hello to a new season, one that does not require diapers or daycare, sippy cups or sleepless nights.

I am a JUNKIE!

OK, I know that title got your attention! I feel the need to make a confession and I think my blog is the best place to do it. You see for the past year I have become a junkie! Totally consumed by this one thing and everything about it. I wake up thinking of it, recite it in my head over and over all day until I can sneak away to my car for a little fix, and then at night I truly get my real dose. Well, it is time that I admit I have a problem and try my hardest to correct it. I do not think they have a 12 step program for me, however I hear that there are over 17 million other people that suffer from this same addiction. My fear is that it is too late for my children, I have already got them hooked too. (what kind of mother am I?)

Well, before any of you decide to disown me or delete me from your favorites I will tell you...I am a High School Musical Junkie. Yes, I know...you are thinking "how old is she?" I love it! I was one of the 17 million that set my DVR to record the premier only to learn that it was released on ON DEMAND the day before. (for shame!) I have downloaded the CD to my Ipod and I am sure that I am the oldest on the treadmill walking to Summer Vacation. My friends feed this addiction as well, Kelley will be bringing me the latest edition of Rolling Stone where Zac Efron is on the cover, don't worry I do not have him hanging on the ceiling...yet.

I agree it is a problem, and I should get some help, but those darn WILDCATS are just so much fun!

Any help for this 30 year old mother of 2?

Join me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F6lNN1cPY4

Farewell Summer 2007

This has been the longest summer since I graduated college and I can now say that I have enjoyed every moment of it. Every year I dread this day...The Last Official Day of Summer, this year is a little different. I really feel like the boys and I are ready for school to start, we have done all that we can do (well maybe...). I have compiled a list of the things I will miss most about this summer.

1. Sleeping until 9:00 am! I love that the boys are old enough to entertain themselves in the morning.


2. Sitting at the pool with Kelley go through our to do list, trying to decide what we can put off until tomorrow.


3. Seeing the joy in Travis's eyes when he learns that he can play outside all day. It was never too hot for him!


4. Napping in the afternoon (what a life...)


5. Staying up late with the house to myself reading and watching soaps, having nothing that I really "needed" to do.


6. Playing with the boys and watching them play with each other.


7. Travis's belly laugh when Tyler acts silly.


8. Answering the question "How many more days of summer?" Knowing that they are excited for school to start.

9. Seeing the little white bottoms go running from the shower to their bedroom. (hee hee!)

10. Hearing the words "Thanks mom that was a great summer!" from Tyler!





Well, it is a short list but has a lot of meaning to me. We have had a great time... me and my boys!!

New Trainee

Apparently I have the sign on my forehead that says "Please train your new employee on me". I hate it, Can we not set a register up in the back of the store and require these "trainees" to at least know the menu or whatever before we give them the main register on a Saturday. Not that I disagree with people getting out into the workforce, however do you see me coming and put the newbie on the register?

Yesterday I was at Walmart for my weekly grocery shopping. Sunday afternoon in Wylie is the BUSIEST time to be at walmart. All of us grab a basket and carefully merge into the traffic going from isle to isle. For goodness sake do not try and get out of the herd! Well, I had already put up with the "herding" of moms with shopping carts and was finally ready to go home. Of course I have one more hurdle in this glorious walmart trip and that is the register. As I pull up I notice that every line is out into the main aisle. Usually this is a signal to the management and they will quickly send out the troops to open more registers. So I stand in the middle lane just watching to make eye contact with any "associate" that has the ability to open a register. Do not laugh you know you do it too! SO I wait....and wait....nothing! I stood there and read an entire People magazine and still could not put my stuff on the belt. Now I am getting frustrated, this is walmart, I could scan the stuff faster than this lady is. And then it hits me...there is another person standing at the end of the lane clearly providing assistance...OH NO a TRAINEE! Why am I not surprised? 30 minutes after I got in line I hear, "Good afternoon, thank you for coming to walmart. Did you find everything you need?" Now I am at a fork in the road. I can say oh yes and drop it or I can say what I really think... "No this has been a terrible experience, first I was herded along aisle by aisle with people that have screaming kids and could not write a list if they wanted to, then I stand in line for 30 minutes to meet you who do not really care what I think but your new associate handbook told you to greet every customer like that so I am telling you what I think." Of course I did not say what I wanted to, I just smiled and said "Uhuh" and waited the 15 minutes it took her to scan my $80 worth of groceries. I left in a rage! I think a good training exercise would be for me to blow off some steam to one of these trainees and see how they handle it. (hee hee) Can you imagine me...(crying saying) and then last week my dog died and then yesterday there was nothing in the cookie jar...? That will teach them. Ok, I feel better, anybody else have "trainee ready" on their forehead?

Countdown is on!

Every year I get to this point of the summer, 5 days left, and I feel the need to cram everything I have procrastinated into a few days. I have now instilled this into my boys. They want to do something fun every day this week. Travis has decided that we can go to Hawaiian Falls, Chuck E Cheese, and the Museum today. Then tomorrow we can go to Six Flags and Cheesecake Factory. HA! It is a good thing I work, I think he spent my August paycheck in two days. Little do they know I am planning on painting, cleaning the closets, redoing the bathroom and steam cleaning the carpet on Monday. (hee hee) Really it is 10:30 and I have eaten breakfast with boys and now I am talking to my friends about all the things I should be doing. Now that is productive!

I do have a bone to pick with my bloggin' buddies...I hear rumors of numerous people reading this blog yet I only have one or two comments each time. I think if you read and do not leave comments you are snooping! HA! Caught you! I am making a new rule because I want to know you were here. If you read you must at least tell me Hi! You do not have to comment on my post but at least let me know that you were here. Deal? Well, we will see! Love to all!

Motherhood (A love hate relationship.)

When I became a mother I had no idea the intense emotions that I would feel. How could you love one person so much that it hurts? My aunt just sent her oldest daughter away to college, that is something I can not even imagine going through right now. The gamut of emotions that she is feeling is huge. Sad, joy, proud, lost, excited, hurt... WOW!
Isn't it amazing how we can look at our little ones and love them so much, even with their dirty feet and faces. Then in a blink of an eye Travis can bang the hammer into my kitchen floor leaving a huge divot in the linoleum and I feel completely different. GRRR! Then he comes into the bathroom, after being in time out, and gets down on all fours to help clean up with a smile so bright it can light the city. Immediately my anger disappears and me heart is filled with love for him.
Motherhood...I love it right now, but might change my mind in five minutes. (The boys are screaming...gotta go!)

Needing Some Motivation

I am feeling like a Bloggin' Slacker lately! I have two great friends that find it possible to blog almost daily. I love reading their posts and then find myself sitting there thinking, what can I possibly say that needs to be heard. (This is when the silence falls over the crowd and the pin drops, blink, blink, blink)

Is it bad that all I can think about writing is about people that should be the focus of some self-help book. I will not be tacky! However, as I was sitting with some neighbors yesterday we decided to buy an island (figuratively of course). On this island we can either vote you on forever or simply assign you a temporary pass to correct your actions. Think of it as a Hollywood style rehab! As we laughed last night at the number of people that should be voted on our island we realized that life would be much easier if we made the rules. HA! I know that surprises some of you, Jennifer wants to be in charge!

I was just wondering if any of you have people that you would like to send to us and what rules shall we add to this new democracy we are forming?

(WOW! I need to go back to work!)

I LOVE VACATIONS!

What a week! We returned today from a 7 and a half day trip to one of the most relaxing places I have found in Texas. I feel like the song, "I've been everywhere man..." Port Aransas, for those of you who do not know, is one of Texas's best kept secrets. It sits just south of Corpus Christi and north of South Padre. Three years ago some friends asked us if we wanted to join them for a couple of days on the beach. After realizing that it would be pretty affordable we took them up on it. Now we are hooked! The blue house on my previous blog is now our "beach house" according to the boys. It is three blocks from the beach, we always walk down there on the first day and on the way back we quickly realize that driving is worth it. This year we arrived on Sunday and left on Sunday. These were the only 7 days to not receive measurable rain in the last 45 days. Can you believe it? We swam, played, shopped, and just sat in the sun from 8 am to 10pm every day. I swear you would not recognize my children, they are little brown beach bums!

The very first day we were there I sat on the porch and did my quiet time while I looked up at the full moon above me. I could hear the seagulls and crickets in the background and could not help but marvel at the wonderful blessings we have around us. I get so caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle that I rarely take time to thank HIM for the little treasures so often taken for granted. I made a promise to take note of the things that would normally get overlooked. What an amazing world we live in! The intricate detail of every sea creature is nothing less that awe inspiring.

I am so lucky to have a family that loves to play together. Each day the boys woke up with a smile on their face ready to jump into the latest adventure. On the last night as I tucked them into bed I brought out a spiral notebook and titled the very back page "Our favorite things about vacation." Before they went to bed we filled the page with things we did. So many of their ideas included just being with family (The Foresters our an extension of our family now.) I was so proud of them at that moment. I think we all slept good knowing that we had fun together!

Good night friends!

On the Road Again!

We leave tomorrow for the BEACH! I am so excited to plop my rear in a chair and soak up the sun. According to weather reports we will only see a "chance" of rain each day. As some of you know it is usually monsoon weather when we are in Port A. This year we decided to wait until late July to try and avoid the rainy days. Little did we know that this would be the wettest Summer on record in Texas. (whatcha gonna do!) I will try and send pictures when I can! Think of us!

(The picture is of our beach house.)

TTFN

Is Summer Coming to and End?

Why is it that right when I get used to being off and I finally learn to "be still" (Yes, Mom) it is time for school to start back up? This is supposed to be my last official week off before vacation and I have a meeting scheduled every day except for Wednesday! BLAH! Bare with me while I whine for a minute...

Ok, I guess I am done with that! I have logged on and tried to block many times this week, but did not think you would really care about the mundane life we have right now. I have luckily not run into any notable people lately. Which is bad for the BLOGGER! I should hope that in all of the meetings I have this week there should be something interesting to share.

I will leave you with some of my very own KIDS SAY THE DARNEDEST THINGS:

Tyler:

"Mom why is that Shitterbong place so expensive?" (Schliterbon Water Park)

Travis:

"My soupcase is empty now can I please eat lunch?" (suitcase)

Tyler and Travis to my dad:

"Gungle please tell us that story again..." Words only to be spoken from the mouths of grandchildren, now that is unconditional love!

Tyler:

"A Russian, a Mexican, and a Texan walk into a bar..." Bill and I quickly shout "WAIT, that's enough!" (oh-my)

Tyler to my grandmother after telling her some "clean" jokes:

"I have some more but the might be inappropriate for you!" (Yes, our jokes are for 60 and under, lol)

Tyler coming from his playroom after going to the Dallas Art Museum:

"Mom, MOM! How do you spell... naked section?"

Yes folks, that is what I am raising! The future of our country!

Travis and Travis

When we choose a name for our child we rarely have the opportunity to know anything about their personality or how they are going to turn out. It is something though that parents fret over for many hours prior to coming to an agreement. Bill and I, I must say, did not argue much over names. It was something that came rather easy for us. Travis was named after Bill's Grandy. He is the most amazing man! He is strong and gentle, loving and compasionate, godly and brave, and built from steel! Travis Sykes will turn 90 next month and has beat cancer and defied all odds in ICU even when doctors said it was really "that time." He now has two very sweet nurses that help care for him in his little apartment built onto his daughters ranch house in El Paso. When we went to visit last week I learned how a name sake can truely influence the personality of the younger generation. My Travis knows that he is named after Grandy and he looked so forward to seeing him again. It was all I could do to keep my Travis from knocking down Grandy when he first saw him and ran to give him a hug. I could only think that this is how Grandy would have reacted as well. I see so many qualities of Bill's Grandy in my son and for that I know that God had his hand. My Travis is strong and gentle, loving and compassionate, godly and very brave, and not to mention built out of steel. I can only pray that my son will lead the godly life that Travis Sykes has led in his 90 years!

Traveling with the Boys!

Well, we are 600 miles away in good ol' El Paso. It is so great to be visiting family. We have had such a great time. It is so crazy to think that I could live here for 18 years and think there was never anything to do, and I come back for a week and can not seem to get enough time to do all of the things we want to do. I have eaten a lot of great Mexican Food! Nothing like what we have in Dallas, this is MEXICAN food. The real stuff is so much better, I wish you all could try it some time. However, you must first look past the whole in the wall locations that I would take you to.
Travis was very funny when we got here and stated that we had good Mexican food in Dallas, it was at a place called Taco Cabana. My family laughed and said they could show him some that was even better. : )
Speaking of funny comments...Tyler was telling jokes to my grandmother and stopped suddenly only to say "I have some more but they are not appropriate for you." Ha! I know she thought...Well what has your mother been teaching you? I just said they learned it from their Dad! (wink)
Finally Travis was so concerned yesterday when we drove into New Mexico. He was worried that they would not be able to understand what he wanted since they spoke "New Mexican" in New Mexico. I guess that means we speak TEXAN! Some would not disagree with that!
We come home tomorrow, flying luckily, and I will post more.
TTFN

Life as a Theatre Mom Ends (for now)

Today marks the first day in 7 days that I have not darkened the door of the Patty Granville Performance Hall. To that I say, "Thank you, Lord." My car will not miss driving back and forth to downtown Garland multiple times a day and neither will I. The entire experience of Oliver! was a great one for all of the Lambert's.

Some people go a lifetime and not truly find their passion, I believe that my son has found his. Would you believe that he never once complained about a late practice, a long practice, or a day that he had to miss out on something else to go to the show? I really thought today would be the day that he decided enough was enough. Travis was getting to go to a birthday party at their favorite place, ASI gymnastics, and Tyler had his final performance. Would you believe he was perfectly fine with that? Every day my child amazed me more! His love for the theatre has grown so much! I think we will be going to many more musicals, whether he is in it or not.

Thank you to all of our friends that took time out of their busy weeks and pocketbooks to support Tyler. There was not one show where he did not have someone, friends or family, there to watch. You all are awesome! I thank God for the great friends and family we have. And yes, to those in far off places I did record the highlights of the show for you! El Paso...we are bringing it on Friday!

I think we are going to be as lazy as Travis will let us tomorrow.
God Bless!

Oliver! Closes

Tyler's Opening Day

Tyler Open his show Oliver! today. I must say I was surprised with how well he did. If you know my child very well, you know that he can be somewhat emotional (putting it lightly) at the drop of the hat. I did not know what to expect... stage fright, embarrassment, or just pure joy. As you can tell from the picture, he did not miss a beat. I am sure the "glitches" will work out by Sunday, but it was a very moving day. I was in tears every time he came out. I will try and post more pictures as the weekend goes on.

Is it dishonest if...

So as I was in a local GameStop today I was forced to look deep inside and ask "Am I a dishonest person?" I think I have reasoned my way out of this one...you be the judge.

I decided that since my husband has been gone for five days that it is about time I start selling some of his stuff. HA! That sounded a lot worse than it was!! Really I took all of the X-Box games that he no longer can play, because he does not even have a functioning X-Box, to GameStop to hopefully sell them back. In my mind I figured I would get about $50 for the 12 games that I was selling back. Knowing that this is about $300 worth of games, I thought $50 was a fair trade for things attracting dust in my CD case. Well, wasn't I surprised when I met the "Associate of the Month" for what I am sure is not the first time. He agrees that he can buy back these games and proceeds to type the titles in the computer. About 3 games down my stack he pulls two out and gives them to me. I look puzzled, and he says I can not take duplicate games and they can not be in a sealed package. ENTER DISHONESTY!
HUH? I reply, to which he informs me that their policy is that they can not buy back games when more than one of the same game is brought in. Ok, so I take one away and say here now there is only one! (always trying to buck the system) He says No mam' I can not take them in the sealed package. Just a side bar, this game is Simpson's Road Rage, we have two one is still in the package. I am thinking this is a better deal because you know it is not scratched, better resale. OH NO! Not in the gaming industry!
Ok back to the Associate of the Month... Again I am looking puzzled and he repeats I can not take a game that is in the original packaging. In my mind I am so confused because clothes with the original tags go for even more at a resale shop. Very confused I take the other opened Road Rage and switch it out, I say ok then take this one. SAME GAME! Now he starts to get upset and says, "Our policy is not to take either game when two are brought in." Right now imagine my most confused face ever and I am sure I made some noise that went right along with my expression. I am now feeling like I am in a Seinfeld episode and Kramer is about to bust in! I finally grasp the situation and say, "Ok, so I will walk out and come back in with one Road Rage game and sell it to you." I am not taking this game back home! "Oh-that will be against policy I will still know it is you and that you have two!" he replies.
"What!?!?"
He then says "I will not break policy for you or anyone!"
OH-SLAP! I decided to shut up at that point and take my $8.40, yes that is correct 10 games resale for $8.40, and I went to lunch.
The whole time I drove I thought...Am I a terrible person for expecting people to break the rules for me. I guess I admire him for sticking to his guns, but PLLLEEEASE. so my question for all my readers is... what would you expect? Are you sitting there saying OMG just take the stupid game? Or are you saying Jennifer, rules are rules why would you think he would break them for you? Do we expect people to bend/break the rules to suit our needs? Am I that self-centered that I think those rules would not apply to me?
Please reply!
Good Night Good Friends!

Actor in the Making

Today Tyler had play practice all day and I learned what the tight knot in the pit of a mother's stomach feels like. You see up until now I have been the greatest thing to him. Eating lunch with me was never uncool, he still waves at me in front of his friends and is never afraid to give me a hug in the middle of a big crowd. Well, I think those days are coming to an end. My boy is growing up! Today he informed Travis and me that he did not want to eat lunch with us but would rather go across the street with his "thespian" friends. Yes, thespians-theatre folks- not the other... (dirty minds). I fought it at first, and then realized that he was not trying to be rude or disrespectful, just growing up. So with tears in our eyes Travis and I took our lunch and went home. I called mom to ask how to handle this man size knot that I knew would not go away until he was about 30. Fortunately she had the best answer of all- PRAYERS. I see now why my mother has bad knees, she must have spent half my life on her knees. (wink) I will go on teaching him right from wrong, but I can not be beside him at every decision I must pray that he makes the right choices, and when he doesn't pray that he learns from it. WOW! Changing diapers and sleepless nights seem easy when looking at the future!

Happy Father's Day

D- Dad did everything he could to make my life as great as possible!

A- Always made me laugh

D- Dad taught me to set goals and work hard to reach them.

D- Dad also taught me to PLAY harder than I worked.

Y- You are the reason why we celebrate today, I love you Dad!

Thanks for being sucha great Dad and Gungle to us!

A Day Alone!

Why is it that when we moms are at our breaking point all we ever want is a day alone, then we get it and we are lost. Today the boys went to South Garland MDO and I was alone. Not for lack of trying, called some old friends to try and set up lunch and it just did not work out. At the time I was stressed and thought... you know a day to myself will be nice. All I found out about a "day to myself" is that it is expensive. Shopping is boring by yourself, I think I would even choose to have Travis with me rather than be alone. He is a pretty good shopping buddy! Something I did experience while trying on bathing suits at Kohl's is worth blogging about though...As I walked alone through the store I hear the shouts of a mother calling for "Joseph..Joseph.." Having that motherly instinct I quickly turn to look hoping that this child is not truly lost. Oh-no he is about 18 months old in a sagging wet diaper that hangs out one leg of his shorts and is running loose through the store. He quietly says "Wha..What" Every time his mother calls him. Now let me paint this picture for you... she is not actually searching for him as she calls she is merely telling him where she is, she is still shopping. I quickly retreat to another department hoping to avoid the family all together, remember I am ALONE today. Much to my surprise, not, I can hear them all over the store. As I enter the fitting room I hear yet again Joseph, and see his little head pop out from under a dressing room door. GREAT! I have three bathing suits in hand and the fear of a little head coming under my door all of a sudden makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The calling continues and it is now a game that needs SUPER NANNY! He then starts slamming the fitting room doors and giggling, Mom is trying on clothes and I am sure is about as dressed as I am when SLAM, and my door pops open, yes, OPEN. You see at this store you do not have the integrity of a lock only the assumption that the person will look for feet before walking right in on you. OH Crap! Bathing suit top in one hand and door handle in the other I close it in record time. No I say "EXCUSE ME!" and the mom screams another name and some expletives in Spanish. Yes I do still remember those! "JOSEPH!" in a man's voice this time, well there is dad! I know the mother is horrified and proceeds to tell the man that he is useless. I get he impression this is not his only flaw! That was the last I heard of Joseph, but I am sure he will be around again. As for me I bought the suit! BIG SURPRISE! I am thinking of finding a door closing competition, I think I broke some world record today!!

9 Years of Wedded Bliss

Back to reality! Bill and I have returned from our 24 hour getaway to Fort Worth to celebrate our anniversary. WOW! Dallas might have the commerce, but FW wins for the best downtown. We really felt like we were back in NYC. We stayed at a beautiful hotel, gov rate of course (lil teacher secret), that was right in the middle of Sundance Square. I would highly recommend going there to just get away and not spend a lot of money. We started our day with a nice lunch and then a quiet nap without children to worry about. About 5:00 we got ready and walked down to the AMC and saw Knocked Up! It was one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time. So much truth in what it is like to be a mom. Unfortunately I found myself relating not to the young cute actress who is pregnant, but to the older sister who is ~happily ~married and a mom. The sister realizes she is no spring chicken when she is not allowed into a club but forced to wait in line. (oh- the shame) This is my life! No longer in my 20's or newly married. Now I must act mature in all areas! "whatever" Anyway back to the "getaway" we finished the evening with UNO Pizza and a trip to FourDAY Weekend. The comedy club decided that I looked like a great target to start their jokes with. Oh- yes the 2nd grade teacher from "COX" was a big hit! As Bill and I got on the elevator to leave our Hotel another couple got on. The couple was in their early 70's and very happy. She carried balloons that said Happy Anniversary, so of course being the nosey rosey that I am I had to ask How many years? She told me 51 and I quickly saw my future. Still happy after all these years!
My closing thought to myself is to remember the good times, the old times, and the sweet little couple that still loves each other after 51 years.

My First Post

I will run the race with endurance...this has been the theme verse of our VBS all week long! WOW have I lived that part of the week. This week I realized why I work! It is not so that I can earn a paycheck and be a strong woman that contributes her share to the house, nor is it so that my family can enjoy the luxuries of life. NO! It is so that I do not have to work with preschoolers all day! I am exhausted! I love children and I enjoy spending time with them, but I also enjoy peace and quiet. Today however, I am sitting at the computer starting my own BLOG because I have my life back and it is SUMMER! The time that makes all of the crap we as teachers put up with worth it! Tomorrow I will begin the full time job of loving on my kids, being there for my husband, and taking care of myself. I love being a working mom, I love it because I can appreciate these days so much. I almost take on a second personality in the summer. Tonight I close with saying that I am not running the same as I was yesterday...today I will jog and focus on the little blessings around me!