SURPRISE!

So I have no pictures depicting the event, but I have to thank my amazing friends and sweet husband for my wonderful birthday surprise! I pretty much imagined my birthday going by without much event this year, because I'm enormously pregnant, slightly grumpy, you know ... I had just planned on celebrating my 30th birthday next year when I looked and felt better. Anyway, Kevin kept telling me we were going to be celebrating my birthday this weekend, but was pretty vague. Babysitting was lined up and we were planning to go to dinner. I was a little curious, but didn't ask too many questions. However, when we got to The Melting Pot for dinner and they took us to a table for two, and Kevin had to ask if there was a room, or another table with a lot of people, I figured something must be up. So, once they took us to the right room, all my best friends and their spouses were there waiting for us. It was the perfect way to celebrate! Thank you all so much for EVERYTHING! I love you and am so glad you are part of my life!

I Am Officially 30!

It happened Sunday, my first real over the hill birthday came and went, and I survived. I don't have a lot to say on the subject, but felt the need to at least acknowledge it. I can't say that aging has ever really bothered me, not yet anyway. It was a fun day. Once again, the girls couldn't wait to give me the presents that they had wrapped. I received a dance trophy, some lotion, a bracelet, a snow globe, a ball and various other things found around the house. As I was opening them, I laughed until I cried at all of the interesting things they found around the house and were so excited to give me. The girls with my birthday cake that Kevin went and purchased all on his own. (from Merritt's at that)

These were my real present. They look sort of dorky in this picture, but I got my first pair of "nice" sunglasses that I'm sure will do a great job of protecting my aging eyes from the sun.

Tonight as I got home from work considerably later than usual, listened to the girls talk about their day, visited with Kevin about our weekend and plans for the week, ate dinner with the family, watched the girls dance around the their favorite Taylor Swift songs, listened to the girls sing at the top of their lungs as they took a shower, laughed at the crazy ways the baby was moving around, cuddled with Londyn while listening to Skylar read Green Eggs and Ham for the 785th time which now includes expression and leading questions, I couldn't help but think 30 is good. At this point in my life there is no place else I'd rather be, there's nothing more I could ask for. It's perfectly imperfect, and I love it.

Bowling....for the first time

So all I can say is why haven't we done this before?!?! Kevin's cousin was here visiting for the weekend, so we decided to go bowling Friday night. It wasn't at all crowded, and the girls LOVED it. Their only prior bowling experience was on an arcade game when they went to watch my grandmother bowl, so the real thing was quite a treat. I, of course, sat out, but enjoyed watching everyone else have a great time. Skylar cheesing it up for the camera.

Londyn showing off the cool outfit she was sporting for family bowling night.

Nick, Londyn and Kevin

Nick and Skylar

Whew!

That's all I can say about the last week! Getting back into the swing of things has been challenging to say the least. Everything actually went quite smoothly, nothing to complain about, it was just crazy busy trying to get my classroom ready and get the girls and myself back into a routine of waking up and being somewhere everyday! Although things are going great, I must admit I was plum pooped by the time I got home. Mentally and physically exhausted, hence the lack of blogging. This week seems to be a little better, I think I'm starting to adjust to the schedule, and Kevin has been helping out a lot. The girls are loving school, which makes it much easier to get them up and ready. They are also wiped by the time they get home, so far bedtime has been smooth sailing. We'll see how long that lasts. Anyway, I hope everyone else's transition back into routine is going well!

First Day of School

Londyn on her first day of Pre-K. Not at all excited about getting her picture taken.

My shy little Skylar on her first day of Kindergarten who appears to be coming out of her shell with this sassy pose.

Both of my not so baby babies on their first day of school 2009.

Skylar also made the slide show on the BA Ledger website. I guess that's one of the advantages of being a teacher's kid and being at school early! The link is below if you want to check it out.

Broken Arrow Ledger - Broken Arrow, Oklahoma - Neighbor Newspapers > News > 2009 Back to school

Meet the Teacher

Tonight was Meet the Teacher and I absolutely hated it that I couldn't take the girls, but Kevin managed without me. He brought me the paperwork to fill out, but he did get them both there in time, and even managed to get a picture. What a good dad! This is Skylar with her Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Goss. She will be with me at Arrowhead.

This is Londyn with her Pre-K teacher Mrs. Glowacki. She will be at Liberty this year.

Both girls are very excited about the upcoming school year as am I. I have to admit I'm a little sad at the thought of them being old enough to go to school, but for the most part am looking forward to it. Kevin commented that he felt like a "real" parent now that he had to go to such an event and sign up for PTA. I guess it does mean we're getting older too!

Back To School Bash

This weekend our school had our annual picnic which was hosted by Rhema Bible Church this year. They wanted to have it before school started because they purchased backpacks and school supplies for every single child at our school! How awesome is that? In addition, they provided free lunch, sno-cones, cotton candy, and like 15 inflatables for the kids to play on. As a teacher, we are always required to go to these events, but usually have to work them. This year, we got to just mingle with the kids and have a good time. That was especially nice since Skylar will be attending Arrowhead this year, and was able to join in the fun. I thought she would be too shy to participate much, but as soon as we got there, a couple of older girls grabbed them and they were off. They both had a great time. Tomorrow night is "Meet the Teacher'. I, of course, can't go because I will be in my own class meeting my students. Kevin has strict instructions on taking the girls to meet their teachers at two different schools, filling out the necessary paperwork, signing up for PTA, buying school t-shirts, and taking photos of the girls with their teachers. We'll see how that turns out:)

Hanging out having a sno-cone break in the insane heat.

Getting a quick tour of the fire truck before they had to take a call.

The End

...of summer that is. Yes, it is officially over. No more sleeping in, leisurely days, afternoon naps, days lounging at the pool, afternoon movies, visits to Missouri, outdoor concerts, etc. We concluded our final day of summer with a sweltering day at the pool last week, and I've been working ever since. However, I can't say that I'm all that upset. It was a great summer, but it just means I am that much closer to having this baby boy, and there is a lot to look forward to and keep us busy between now and then. Skylar will be starting kindergarten, so she is beside herself with excitement. I am so excited to have her at school with me this year. Londyn will be in Pre-K, and she is also very much looking forward going to the "big" school. Unfortunately she won't be at my building until next year, but I'm sure we'll survive. I am excited to be going back into the classroom this year. I've been teaching a pullout the last two years, so I'm looking forward to having my own group of students again. I will be teaching 4th grade Language Arts and Social Studies, which are my favorite subjects to teach, so it should be a good year!

Us....

He's not handy, I'm not crafty.

He's not good at yardwork, I'm not good at housework.

He's laid back, I'm high strung.

He's a saver, I'm spender.

He's focused, I'm scattered.

He's always late, I'm always early.

He likes to relax, I'm a busybody.

He sees the big picture, I see the details.

He thinks about the future, I think about tomorrow.

He thinks eating is a waste of time, I am always thinking about the next meal.

He's thin, I'm....pregnant.

He likes to read, I like to talk.

He loves me, I love him.

Yesterday we celebrated our 8 year anniversary. Sometimes it seems like yesterday, sometimes it seems like forever. Despite our incompetencies and our differences that keep life interesting, I can honestly say each year gets better, each day sweeter. I love our life together, and although we occassionally struggle to find common ground, I know we are always focused on the same goal. Together we strive to serve God each day, and raise our family accordingly. We've been blessed beyond belief with amazing children, family, friends and each other. Happy Anniversary, Kevin! I love you!

The BEST Baby Shower EVER!

Yes, I realize I sound like a 12 year old, but I can't help but brag! I had my baby shower this morning, and everything was so perfect, every detail coordinated. I'm so lucky to have such wonderfully talented, caring friends that would go to such lengths to throw such a great shower for me. I got a few pictures of the decorations and details, but my friend Heather has more of that and the guests that I may have to post later. (Oh, and yes, I am posting some pregnancy pictures of me below. Don't judge, surely I'll look normal again in a year or so.) The adorable invitation...(Faith hosted the shower at her new house 2 weeks after moving in, and everything was AMAZING!)

The SWEET baby banner which was precious and this picture doesn't do it justice at all. Me and the girls in front of the cupcakes and drinks.

The hostesses w/me: Kyler, Faith, Tara, Me, Shannon, Heather

My family that came in for the shower: Mom, Anastyn, Grandma Del, Me, Erin and the girls. (My sister-in-law Kesha would've been here too, but she is also pregnant and gets carsick which is magnified by pregnancy, so we missed her, but are looking forward to another baby in the family to love.)

The girls helping me open the gifts. They LOVED digging into the presents for their new little brother. I'm pretty sure they thought the shower was for them. There was a little confusion that the baby would also be arriving today, but I think we got that worked out.

We got lots of great things for the little man, and I am now more excited than ever for him to get here. Thanks again to all of our friends and family for being here and helping us celebrate the arrival of the still nameless Baby Boy Lawrence. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such a great support system.