The Collins Family

Pictures Picture Picture...

2009-10-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

With so much going on between teaching and coaching varsity cheer at the school I teach at I have been extremely overwhelmed and when I haven't been at school or at some random cheer camp I've been keeping myself away from the computer so that I can spend more time with Khloe. Here are a few pictures from the past couple weeks.

These are my most fav Jammies she has

Waiting for her tumbling class to start

Her first time eatting ravioli, she LOVED it!

A few of the sugar cookies we made Sunday

We took Khloe to the fair so she could see the animals she

wasn't too sure about the at all

Making cupcakes showing off one of her new jammies for the fall weather that grandma picked up for us,

must be nice to have a job you can leave for lunch... where can I find me one of those.

Food for Baby...

2009-09-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Khloe is13 months and really isn't wanting to eat baby food anymore. Who could blame her, throw everything you can think of in a blender and go... not quite appetizing (although my mom appears to be a fan of Gerber's banana pudding). Lately I've been tryind desperately to find things I can cook for Kevin and I that Khlo can eat as well. Mac n' Cheese works lovely, hot dogs, grilled cheese etc, but one can only stand these basic things for so long. So I've taken to my favorite recipe site AllRecipes. Now I love many things from this site; my "famous" buffalo wing soup came from this site.

Since I have had such success with this site I was hoping they would have many things for my purpose. Great thing was they had a link for "kid friendly foods." What cracks me up is I went to the beef section, Khloe has an iron-deficiency and needs a ton of iron so beef is a great option, but they have nothing but meatloaf. Honestly, is the only thing made from beef that kids will like is meatloaf?!?!? I trully find that hard to believe... I'm thinking I'm going to need to pick up some kid cook books so we can find somethings. Anyone know of great things for kiddo's just beginning to eat I would love to hear about them, especially things high in iron!

I know I've been terrible with blogging and posting pictures, I have tons I promise and will post them this week!

Sorry...

2009-09-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

I've been away from the blogging world for about a week now. I've been sick, tierd and well just lazy since my wonderful students blew up on me. Yes I said students, the next day a lovely girl decided to show me just how unlady-like she is.

I will be up a running in a few days.

This actually happened today!

2009-09-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

Me: (to student sitting in hall who belonged in the classroom) Hey so since you're not with your group inside the classroom does this mean you want to take the test instead of do the project.

Student: What the hell, don't talk to me like a child.

stunned I say nothing because I can't believe this person actually has the guts to say that.

Student: yeah you have nothing to say

Me: no I'm silent because I'm replaying this situation in my head, because I know you didn't just talk to me like that. I hope you enjoy taking the exam tomorrow.

***later***

Crap student to another student: Did you hear me put that Bi*** in her place.

Not crap student: no I had no idea what was going on.

Me: Please stop standing there talking about the situation, it is only making this worse.

Student: G** D***, what the f*** is your f***ing problem! Get off my f***ing back you b****.

Me: (calmly) okay well...

Student: yeah Mrs. all high and mighty do what the b****says.

Me: You're only adding to the situation...

Crap student: F*** you!

Student walks out of my class...

Me: Well on top of everything else that's ditching my friend...

Okay so honestly parents out there what has happened that some of these kids think that this is acceptable. This isn't the first flip out in a classroom, and I dare say not the last. This was actually a first for me, and I must say I am beyond words to describe how this made me feel in the moment. I actually automatically went to blogging, but let myself cool realizing that: one, this isn't exactly a student that one gets so excited to have in class, and 2 although I love that there are some students that feel comfortable enough to sit down at my desk and hold what to them is "important" conversation, I'm not in this line of work to make friends with little teenagers. I love Literature and love the vacation time... So if I have to put up with a couple ignorant people who think unjustly treating a human being like trash and using the f-word every other word makes them feel empowered so that I can get through to some students who will find the joy in a great book, I'll take it. There is something unspeakable about having a redneck country boy come up to you and devulge that he really enjoyed reading Their Eyes Were Watching God...

Birthdays and Leotards

2009-09-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Khloe had her first non-family birthday party. Millie, Khloe's friend, (Kevin's friends little girl) turned one this weekend and had a lovely (in case no one has noticed I adore using the term lovely, it reminds me of the Audrey Hepburn era which is well just lovely) party at a park in Lexington. Khloe was as always fearless! They had a bounce house set up on the pavement and my little diva made sure the big kids knew she was in charge, a majority of the time she ruled it all by herself.

Sitting with Millie

Daddy trying to hold her back
I've been telling Kevin for weeks now that we need to get Khloe into some sort of tumbling class, and Salem Gymnastics has a parent/tot class, but Kevin has had many reservations with putting her in the classes. After seeing her Sunday all his questions were laid to rest and we signed her up today!

While there, she tried her best to run right out into the thick of it all, everyone was blown away with how she was already set to jump in. We even had a lady creepily excited about her small size, she wickedly commented that Khloe may always be tiny... sorry lady I'm not a stage mommy who's going to push her little girl to win gold in 13 years!

Once we had the little one signed up we realized that we were going to find it difficult to find an itty leotard, as it is for her first class (this Wednesday!!!) she'll be wearing a swimsuit, poor baby! Luckily, I have found a site that has size 12 months. I will just have to get one of each and then take them in... geez this skinny thing will one day be a blessing for her, but right now it's quite a curse. Stay tuned for pictures of her first class on Thursday!

Fi and Mi

2009-09-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

So this past week I blogged about my excitement regarding an online boutique - Fi and Me. Again I found this site in the round about way from a childhood friend's blog - The Aubut Family. I was certain that the clothing would be great, because of the wonderful review, but I knew nothing about the amazing service.

Before I purchased Khloe's new dress I had reservations on what size would be best for her - she is a whole 16 pounds, and 30 inches long. I emailed Ratna (owner, creator, extraordinaire) of Fi and Me and asked her about the sizing. I was responded to rather quickly, and immediately bought Khloe's dress. I picked a 6/9 because I thought maybe that was the size that was best, then I eagerly awaited the lovely dress. Saturday, to my delight we received a package from beautiful Eugene, Oregon ( ahhh I miss the West Coast). Upon opening the package, I found a lovely card with a nice note, saying that she had sent a different size based on Khloe's measurements, and that if she was wrong she would send the correct size out immediately. It was PERFECT! The smaller size is just wonderful on her.

Not quite sure which I am more thrilled about - the dress, or how wonderful they were! My husband is constantly telling me that I give people too much credit and that not everyone is considerate... I'm let down far too much. Then, there are situations like this that fill me with much joy and remember that some people really are just remarkable.

Everyone truly must check out Fi and Me! There's just something heart warming about receiving a product that is amazing, (the dress itself honestly is... fabric, stitching and all) with the complete knowledge that the person who crafted it genuinely cares about what they do. Passion and love being put into a product most definitely makes the end result breathe taking!

Khloe in her lovely dress!

Now if I could just choose between the Asian Abstract and Pick-Nick...

Loser!

2009-09-11T05:04:00.000-07:00

Today marks the first time I will ever want to be an actual loser! The faculty at my school is having it's very own Biggest Loser competition. We had this last year and being in a small school, in a small town I had no desire to have my imperfections on display for all the town. Gossip is like breathing around here, and the adults treat it like it's there key to life. I sat on the sidelines and simply observed how it would work - would your actual weight be on display, would your inability to lose be out for everyone to know... I was quite surprised at how well the competition went last year. The only thing that was ever displayed was who the bigger losers of each week were, weights were never known only the losses.

So I have decided to step up and try my hand at this. Maybe this will be the thing that gives me that push to lose all this weight. Now I can't put all of it off on being "baby weight," before I became pregnant I want to lose ten pounds, but then 30 of it is what I have not lost since Khloe was born. Not that I want to make excuses, but I was doing so well with not putting a ton of weight on while pregnant. Then in the end it was strange it seemed as if no matter what I did I got bigger everywhere, but my stomach. I was growing, but she wasn't. This unfortunately is one of the many side effects of eclampsia... I do have to say I am proud of my self for not gaining anymore weight since then. I do know someone who has, they complain about it and then stuff their face with even more food - go figure.

My problem is this, I don't make time for myself. I tend to wake up shower go to school, devote myself to my classes, go to cheer practice 2 days a week, a game one. When I go home I'm all about Khloe and family. I always say that I'm going to walk on the treadmill, that is collecting dust in the basement, but then I begin to feel guilty that I'm going to take an hour away from Khloe. I say okay when she's asleep I will do it, then Kevin gets home and I for some strange reason I enjoy spending time with my husband - odd isn't. Essentially, I never make time to workout, I haven't even had a hair cut in over a year! It's clear I need to find time for myself!

The initial weigh in was today and I'm pretty excited.

Cute blogs and sites I'm now loving!

2009-09-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

Khoe’s getting to the age where clothes are becoming far more fun. Nail polish, jewelry and all the exciting girly things are starting to take place. I am super excited, because I’ve somewhat reconnected with a childhood friend who has a fantastic blog which pretty consistently highlights all things girly!

This week alone I have fallen in love with the Etsy shop and website Fi and Me. Fi and Me has possibly some of the cutest dresses that aren't too glamorous, for girls of all sizes. Now, I know it's no secret to anyone Khloe is an itty girl. But from 3 pounds 6.7 ounces to 16 pounds in a year, we think she’s perfect. Unfortunately, the poor baby doll doesn’t fit most clothes and is still wearing 6/9 months, but can’t wear pants because she’s actually too tall. These dresses are soooo perfect for her, I can’t wait to get the one we’ve ordered.

Through the Aubut Family blog I also found another site that pretty much is helping me keep Khloe the diva she is. Park Avenue Princess; which is just that - perfect for a princess! Today I found what has to be the most perfect nail polish for little girls! Piggy Paint!

I have been trying to find some beautiful colors that would match my lovely daughter and let me tell you, if you don't have a little girl you will fall in love with these colors for yourself. My personal fav is Ice Cream Dream; at this point Khloe's going to be Ariel for Halloween and it seems to be a perfect color for that. But here's the best part - the polish is non-toxic, odor free and KID FRIENDLY! I love this, I'm so excited to get some and paint her toes. Now if only I could narrow it down to just a couple shades...

Mama, Dada, Woof?!?!?!

2009-09-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post this new step in Khloe's life when it happened, because I actually have a picture to accompany the story, but I'm at school now and don't have the picture with me, so I will post it later. My wonderful daughter goes wobbling through the living room holding a stuffed Dalmatian that she has become quite attached to as of late. She looked at the dog with these intense eyes gave it a huge kiss then barked!

Yes my lovely blond haired, blue eyed, giggly girl says Mama, Dada, and now barks. So proud!!!

Last night was softball night, my husband plays for the church league, and my beautiful little girl decided to cheer daddy on by barking. We were showing her that daddy was pitching, doing the whole yay daddy thing, so she clapped and barked him on. The best part was that she saw a dog and then barked at it. So I'm choosing to say that my daughter is really smart, not that she's very strange...

Okay I know, it's rather comical I have a barking daughter!

It's not about Politics

2009-09-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

I'm probably the least political person you will come across. This isn't because I don't know about it, or I don't care. It's simply because my beliefs conservative, liberal, or otherwise shouldn't be what turns someone in one direction or another. I feel that people should form their own opinions based on facts, not on what someone unconnected to the political forum has to say.

Today at noon Eastern time, the President gave a wholly unpolitical speech to the youth of America. His message was simple: Take responsibility for yourself, no one else will. Don't make excuses just do.

I thought this was a great speech regardless of who gave it. What I thought was beyond terrible was our youth, my "wonderful" students. The President made a comment about how he understands that there are many students out there who have awful home lives, but that can't be an excuse for having a bad attitude towards teachers and not passing your classes. A student of mine said yes it is. After the speech this is what took place:

Me: Alright you guys, do you as individuals truly believe if you have a not so great home life that gives you the right to act disrespectful to me or any other teacher?

Student A: Yeah it do...

Student B: Well no, your not the one making things difficult.

Student A: Excuse me, it ain't my fault what my parents does.

Me: You are right. Your parents actions are unrelated to you. You haven't done anything to make them the way they are.

Student B: Neither have any teachers.

Me: Do you want for your children what you have, or do you want better?

Student A: Hell no... Theys goin' to have everythang!

Me: Well there you go that's the point of the speech. He said not to make excuses do better than what you have been given. Finish school, do something beyond: college, technical school, etc.

Student A: Oh F*** that, I'm just here because my mom would kick my a**, I ain't do more than I have to the rich people can pay my way through life...

Me: Speechless...

Yep that is a true story. This has nothing to do with politics, but everything to do with our youth being so lazy, so disrespectful, and wanting everyone else to do for them.

I'm not saying I was perfect in High School, I'm sure I annoyed a teacher or 12, but I would never have said or even attempted many of the things they do these days. I'm not stupid, I know it isn't the same in every school, I'm in a small town.

Then moving on to my next class nothing got better... It's going to be a rough semester!

The Weekend Rewind

2009-09-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

The Collins fam had quite a crazy weekend. Khloe and I did some shopping on Saturday, where I learned that she is becoming more feisty by the minute, we had a few fits about the silliest things. For example a Halloween bid - honestly I can understand if it was a beautiful dress, some great shoes, but a bib! I was embarrassed, but after seeing another child throwing a tantrum I realized she wasn't that bad at all. I'm just far to used to her being so mellow and giggly.

Saturday night we went to the monthly car show in Pilot Mt. Kevin's Papa, has a gorgeous Ford Galaxy, and I'm not exaggerating when I say he cleans it with a baby diaper, he really does! We went out to see them and some of the other cars. I really would LOVE a '69 Mustang! Maybe if I bother Kevin enough! Ha. We had to leave the show early because Khlo was acting pretty strange, then decided to throw-up an entire sippy-cup of pediasure! It wasn't funny really, poor baby, but it was as if she aimed right for my mom getting her entire leg soaked! Sorry mom, Khloe must have known it was a new outfit.

Sunday was Kevin's Nanny's birthday so we went to church with them. We had a big get together in the evening, grilled steaks and just ate way too much. Before everyone came over, Kev, Khlo and I went in to Winston ( I make it sound like we live so far, it's like 15 min. from R.H.) and got Khloe her Halloween costume. I know it's early, but stuff goes fast and I'm not about to be that mom saying "well I wanted her to be... but they don't have it anymore." I had thought about making her something, but with being back to work, and coaching cheer I don't want to overwhelm myself. Khloe's obsessed with Little Mermaid, when she sees her, she squeals and dances around so we thought it would be fitting! But there is always a good chance that I will change my mind and she'll be something else. I have many pictures of the weekend, but when I went to get my camera out of my purse I realized it was in the car, and then realized so are my keys and Kevin was already at work. I will post them tomorrow. But until then here are a few from her cupcake themed birthday party. (Is it bad that I am already thinking of her next birthday?? )

Daddy Days...

2009-09-04T05:21:00.000-07:00

Okay so it has been a CRAZY going back to work. I swear I will get back in the swing of blogging... It really does help, kinda like the New Kids on the Block diary I had in 4th grade that helped me through many a rough days... Darn those guys upsetting me so with breaking up right when they stole my heart!!!

Since I last posted there have been many things that have gone down in the life of me. Khloe's birthday was pretty amazing... This girl is prob more stylish than her mommy. Kevin has moved jobs, he works long hours which is really rough. He doesn't get home until after Khloe's asleep, which in some ways makes me feel like a single mom. But he does have a day off during the week which she LOVES!!! They have daddy/Khloe day and although she's only one, she knows it! This past Tuesday Kevin actually drove me to work because he needed to get my registration for my car renewed and he was a real genius and brought a demo car home instead of his so I couldn't take it to work. But the two of them went shopping, ran errands, and played endlessly. It was actually quite sweet when they picked me up, because where she started out with a pebbles style pony in her hair, it was sticking straight up! She lost the hair tie, and Kevin being the uber-guy that he is just let her hair be. You know everyone who saw them thought "awww daddy's day with his little girl, mom's going to kill him for that hair!" I didn't, I just laughed at her hair that matched the ice cream on her face and shirt. But I wasn't pleased with the Tony Romo jersey! I'm a niners fan!!! What the crap?!?!?! Oh, but they did think of me. I got a stadium seat for all the football games I get to attend because of coaching cheer! How sweet... Next time I must teach her... Shoes, purse, and if in doubt Tiffany's!!!

I must get back to paying attention to my students, I really do frown upon cheating during a test, however if your slick enough to get it passed me then well done my friend!

I'm Baaaaaack!

2009-08-25T10:32:00.001-07:00

Okay so my best blogging is at work. Sure I should be devoting my every waking moment to my hormone enthralled ass hole, *humpfff*, angel students and their education. But please isn't this world really about me and just getting a pay check... Ha I wish I could truly think that way, dear Lord and your son Baby Jesus I would be in the WRONG line of work if I was just working for a paycheck. But don't mistake if my ass ever won the lottery or some sweet old lady left me her life's savings (not moth balls and shit) I would split faster than you know.

Today went quite well. There are so many random things that happen in my classroom that I honestly don't remember them the next year. I had a kid come in today and try to get me to remember a few boys' conversation the last day of school. His words were "Collins really you have to remember that conversation, I mean it was out there, you sat there saying 'for the love of Baby Jesus just stop talking." Um news flash buddy, that comes out of my mouth atleast 3 times a class period.

Finally my little freak explains that they were talking about being good friends with their hand, what items they would use; lotions, etc. Okay again anyone who teaches 7-12 should know this is not an unusual thing for boys these days. They have no fear of what they say, sometimes I wish I had some fierce earmuffs that would magically appear when they start opening their mouths.

SOOOO... I have decided that I'm going to have to find some way to keep a daily record of what happens in my classroom. Maybe I'll do another blog, but try to keep it anon.

Decisions, decisions...

Neglectful Blogger...

2009-07-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

In general I am a super productive person. As a new parent I am all over the place! Since it's been summer Khloe and I have spent all our time out side, going to the park, walking, swimming... I honestly have had no time to take it to the net. Sure I could spend time with it at night, but oddly enough with having no real "work" to do during the day I have become increasingly lazy at night. I've come to find that my best blogging took place during my planning period at work. So with a fantastic movie waiting for my viewing pleasure I will leave you with my fav pic so far of the summer...

I promise soon I will become the blogger I know I can be.

Khloe smooshing her face against the storm door. I think she thought she could lick her way in the house!

I'm Baaaaaack!

2009-06-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have been off the face of the blogging planet for quite sometime. Apologize, apologize! It's been an insane month where I have not had a chance to just sit, between end-of-the-year crap at work/school, taking on cheer leading, and just life in general I've been running around like a chicken with her head cut off... (disturbing I know, I've never seen this happen to a chicken, but something tells me Michael Vick would mos def love it.)

Anyway, it's FINALLY summer in the South, or East, well Southeastern limbo... I mean it is called NORTH Carolina right? Okay Lori swallow some Ritalin and stay on track here...

It's summer time which brings out the baby pools and birthday parties. My nephew Michael had his birthday party last weekend, he's a whole 4 years old, but acts 15! I don't have the pictures from the party just yet, well I do but I don't. My dad mistakenly took my camera with him to Atlantic City (we have pretty much the same picture producer), darn pops doesn't he know take the daughter not the camera!

But no fear I have some previous pictures of Khloe in her first time "swimming", and Rural Hall's 30th Anniversary Celebration (well being Incorporated).

Khloe Loves Brushes

Emma was asleep in the back

Michael went down this 100x

Check out the 2 toofers! The top two are coming in now!

Khloe wasn't sure for about 2.5 seconds

But soon LOVED the water!
Khloe telling Emma to stop cryingShe loves this random toy - keeps it in her mouth like a dogs bone
And then there's daddy's tie

Life is crazy...

2009-06-02T17:48:00.001-07:00

Okay I am so terrible right now! I love to blog, but right now the end of school has been so much hell that it's unbearable, to do much of anything when I FINALLY get home!

Here's the quick low down: this year for some ignorant reason they decided to have graduation at a different location than the football field. But to secure this facility they couldn't graduate on the 13th which is when they should based on our school schedule. They could only get June 6th! They tried to spin this wonderful thing, it would be advantageous for everyone, no downside at all. Oh no no no! This is sheer hell! We started testing Monday (in NC there are state tests following numerous classes you take), where only seniors are testing all others are supposed to be in designated classes for that amount of time not testing! This is how our schedule works:

Monday: 1st -7:55-12:00 (I have planning so I had to read a Physical Science test to a girl!)
2nd-12:05 - 1:40 (lunch is during this time)
3rd - 1:45 - 2:20
4th - 2:25 = 3:10

Okay rather than type each day out for this week how it works is today 2nd was the 4 hour block and 1st at the end of the day and so on for the rest of the week.

Seriously administrators what do you really think we can get teenagers to do for 4 hours??? Wouldn't the logical thing have been to do all testing early and then underclassmen have four days of fun? To answer myself yes, yes it would have made more sense, but that's not the way of the education system! So we'll babysit kids while we show them 2 movies in a row, and then try to keep them contained for the rest of the day even though they are ready to jump out the windows (no worries about window jumping fatalities the school is one level).

THEN, Friday-Wednesday, all the kids get to have their 4 days of testing: each class period has their own day and the only upside is they get released at 12.

So take all of this and throw in my insane decision to coach varsity cheer and all that that entails before summer beings I'm quite useless right now.

Who needs Hulu, become an educator and your brain is certain to become soup!

Job blues...

2009-05-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

So here is my dilemma, that I keep getting faced with and I can't keep turning the other way. My job - wonderful, wonderful, soul sucking, making me a bitter old mean ass teacher job. Now in the beginning I loved being a teacher, I understood that it wasn't great money let alone good money; it's simply money. I was content with this because I truly loved what I was doing, had summers off, pretty good benefits, retirement, all the fantastic stable things we all look for in a career. Yes, I will admit, there have always been days when I questioned my sanity because the piece of shit kids I teach, but I reminded myself daily that it is the area I'm teaching in - buy my time where I'm at and then move to another district that isn't so country. It was a long term plan I was more that happy to deal with - until now.

I have a daughter, a family! I can't be one of those people who go to work and bring it home, Khloe deserves a mom who is 100% there when she's physically there. This is important especially with my husband being in sales and being on for work practically 24/7 (I hate that phrase). Then, when I think further down the line, to Khloe starting preschool - I wont be able to take her and see her off, it will be my first day of school as well. This will happen over and over again, kindergarten, field trips, etc.

Now lets go back to what has made all this come to a head making me feel that I have to get out before I'm too vested. My salary has been cut, all of us lovely hard working teachers are losing our large income. Not only that, but they have cut our health care - meds are going up, vision is completely gone, dental narrowed, and more money will be coming out of my check to pay for having less health care coverage.

So, although it isn't necessary, Kevin keeps telling me I don't have to, I feel like I have to take on coaching cheer again to make up for the lost income. But don't get the wrong idea, the pay as coach doesn't make up what I'm losing.

Getting a different job isn't a must, neither is the coaching, but I can't not pull my weight income wise. My husband does a great job, and I'm sorry, but I love the disposable income that we have had. It's nice to give Khloe things that she doesn't need, it's nice to give my husband and I things we don't need. It's those things that make working so hard worth the sweat.

So until I can find a job making what I was previously, I will be coaching cheer, grading papers all night long, and slowly becoming that bitter teacher we all remember in school.

Maybe my feelings will change, but as for now I'm on the job hunt!
Wish me luck...

Too Soon?

2009-05-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

Okay today has been quite a lazy day in regards to teaching. They were all taking tests and that has left me with so much time on my hands, which got me thinking about all the drama my mom is having planning my nephew's 4th birthday which is a month a away.

Now, I'm a planner and an organizer! I can't help it, all through college I was an event planner. So when it comes to having to plan parties, events, etc. I tend to go over board, and and have extravaganzas rather than just a celebration. Now as I said, my mom is planning my nephews party and for reasons uncontrollable (SIL) it has not been great. So I decided that 1. I am going to help my mom out and B. I think I will begin on Khloe's 1st.

Okay, Okay I know her birthday is something like 3 months away, but like I said I am a serious planner. If I don't have OCD-ish organization for everything like holidays and parties I become a great big ball of anxiety. So I am beginning the planning. Now my big problem(s) are I can't find anything in stores I even half like! I did find this cupcake theme that is adorable!

I thought that ordering it online made it expensive, but shipping is a whole $12, no biggie. The thing that is making it a billion dollars is the fact that with just family we have 50 people that will be there. Then throw in, 20-25 friends... Is that ridiculous for a birthday party? This is the main thing I'm struggling with... 75 people at a birthday party!

Seriously people call me, text me, leave a comment... Is this too many people for a birthday party?

Swine Flu Explained

2009-04-30T06:06:00.000-07:00

I give you the culprit of spreading the swine flu!

This picture I am sure is a foreshadowing of what Khloe is going to try! I mean she already tries to eat the poor dogs ear.

I hope everyone is staying healthy! And for goodness sake don't lick any pigs!

Weightloss Wednesday

2009-04-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

Okay so not so good this past week. Well, actually it's tolerable, not anything to get depressed about. I've maintained,To me at least I didn't gain. Ha, I rhymed! Anyway, I could have done way better with the way I ate, but certain circumstances made it impossible to deny myself life's little indulgences! There are times we just have to give in to the chocolate and well, I certainly did.

This week I have promised myself that I am going to go crazy with the water! This morning I filled an empty gallon Nursery water jug with fresh water, and brought a cup like thing with me that I intend to fill up and drink through out the day. I think with the addition of a ton of water this will help out greatly, not to mention it's finally summer here and water is so important this time of year.

The second thing that may be a bit tougher, but I am intent on trying is getting to bed at a decent hour so I can get up and get a workout in before work. Giving me two workouts a day. Okay, so maybe I don't exactly workout, but I do a fun little strength video and walk 2 miles. I might have to suck it up and join the Y for some classes.

Well 39 to go! Stay tuned to next Wednesday!

Monday, Monday, Monday...

2009-04-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

Today I am supposed to give a run down on my weight loss for the passed week. How well I ate, worked out and what I did bad. Except I have no idea what my outcome was. I didn't weigh myself this morning not out of fear, but simply because I am too sore and was running late. Not to mention saying Weight loss Wednesday is far more fun of an alliteration! So stay tuned till then...

This weekend I am so sorry, I just don't have any pictures. Not for a lack of opportunity, but the ability and more so desire.

Friday, we headed out to the Softball fields for our fantastic league games. My husband loves playing, not for fun mind you. He's serious and get pissed, you can see him swearing, and it's a church league!!!! The worst part is that we arrive way before his game so we're watching the other teams play and for some reason Kevin thinks that they aren't going to have enough girls to play. So he looks at me and says "run home and get your shoes you have to play." I turn in my comfy chair look at him and his friends and say I'm sorry I don't run... They laugh because they think I am joking, but seriously I don't run! After a back and forth, I have to fly back home and get some shoes, and the worst part of that was, as soon as I was unlocking the door it dawned on me that all my workout clothes including shoes were already in the back of the car! 10 points for being a genius. Thankfully when I got back it turned out all the girls had shown up so I didn't have to play. They won by a ton not sure the score, but he was happy. Big problem is they play tonight and some girls can't make it so Kevin thinks I'm going to play. Like I said I don't run, it feels strange, I'm sure people are laughing at the way I run, and even when I'm in my best shape of my life I just can't I don't know I guess I wasn't built to run!

Saturday, I took Khloe and my nephew to the park. I'm mean and make them walk 2 miles with me before they can play. Okay they don't actually walk they sit in the fun wagon with a canopy and I pull their 40 pounds total behind me. After that though Michael went running for the big slide, but before I could get Khloe in the swing he was holding my leg crying because he felt sick. I took him to my dad and let him and Khloe sleep while I ran errands, which I forgot how easy it is to accomplish things when your by yourself.

Sunday, Kevin and I left Khloe with his parents and drove down to Chapel Hill, to meet up with Kevin's brother and girlfriend Luci (she goes to UNC). We went to see Dustin play baseball. Travis and Dustin, Dusty whatever he's going by today, grew up together so they wanted to support the #3 rated baseball player in the nation (I think that's what they said???). So we watched Carolina play Maryland and let me tell you, we were going to take some great pics of Ackley playing and UNC, but that just was not going to happen! 1. I forgot how long baseball games are and 2. it was freaking hot! Now I know it wasn't Arizona hot, but I haven't been home in 3 years so I think I'm a little ruined with the cool weather. I was dying! I love when I get pit sweat, it's so attractive, but I was far better off than the lady in front of us whose entire shirt was dripping in sweat, that was nasty. The worst part was that I didn't put any lotion on, so I am BURNT! I have never been burnt like this to my memory EVER! My knees are burnt! I can't walk! To not have pain, I have to prop my legs up, bent in the same position I was in while they got burnt. This is going to be rather awkward to teach while sitting like this. The kids can get over it, they're going to make fun of me anyways so might as well make it really good!

I am so not playing tonight, if I can't stand I certainly can't play softball! Maybe my subconsciousness did this on purpose so I wouldn't have to embarrass myself pretending to play softball tonight?!?!?

Sunglasses

2009-04-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

I've been wishing for warm weather for so long now. It's April nearly May and on the way to work this morning my car said it was 45 out! What is that?!?!? Seriously! But, it is slowly heating up around here a whole 82 yesterday! Ha! Anyway, with the warm weather comes summer attire and I am in full belief that I'm in desperate need of new sunglasses. I dropped the hints to my husband this passed weekend, I mean Mommy's Day is coming up here in just a few weeks. At first my husband threw out the smart ass comment that my gift from him would be coming from Wal-Mart, and Khloe's from the Dollar General! Isn't he just so cute... Then he stopped dead in his tracks in the middle of the Target parking lot, with cars coming all directions! He was appalled, he went on and on about how I have Sunglasses that cost 385 billion dollars I don't need new ones, that he's sure he could find some girl out there that would love a pair of Chanel Sunglasses if I didn't want mine anymore... I swear he was sounding like my father! I explained to him though, that if I had the Coach Sunglasses I could rotate the two, therefore lengthening the life of the Chanel's. Kind of like how he has 20 Affliction shirts that I swear look exactly alike, but he has more than one so he doesn't have to wear the same one over and over. It makes sense to me... Maybe he'll warm-up to the new sunglasses as the weather does... or maybe I'll just go and get them for myself... decisions, decisions!

Weightloss Monday

2009-04-20T05:13:00.000-07:00

Okay I really didn't want to post anything, because I just love the pictures of my pumpkin pie that are below and just didn't want to. But I have to or I wont be sticking to my plan...

1 lb Lost! 39 lbs to go!

Okay I should be happy that I at least lost one pound, but I'm not. It isn't that I'm not proud, I'm more disappointed in myself. This passed week was Spring Break and should have been a breeze to workout everyday, but I allowed the lazy me to sink in and it only happened 3 days! I also most def could have ate better as well. So, now, I look at it as if I had only got off my fat butt and walked or something everyday and made Kevin take all the Easter goodies to work I could have lost even more!

A pound lost is better than a pound gained!

Spring Pictures

2009-04-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

Friday my Mother-In-Law and I took Khloe to get her pictures done, yet again, we're obsessed what can I say... They came out Uh-Mazing!It was so difficult to narrow down what we wanted, it was nearly impossible. Khloe happens to be an extremely photogenic girl, we call her our little model! Here are a few of the pictures, although all 71 of the were lovely!

Queen of The Swing

2009-04-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

Yay! It has finally warmed up here and the rain has stopped - of course when Spring Break is about over! Although, this week, we had intended on painting the house, we are still holed up in our over-cramped condo! It's okay, I felt awful for getting pissed off about everything pretty much coming to a halt, but then found out our realtor went through quite a dramatic situation, so then I of course felt like crap. Anyway, Khloe and I have just been hanging out, battling nap time, making a mess with her toys (reminding me of the importance of the playroom and great room in the new house), eating yummy green beans, cooking strange dinners, and swinging at the park. Okay so lets be real there is only so much the poor thing can do at the park, she'll only be 8 months next week, and is small for her age. But let me tell you, she will swing and swing and swing...

Here are some of the pics from this afternoon:

She was so proud she put her hood up

all by herself

I LOVE this one!

Spring Break-ish

2009-04-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

Okay so I'm on Spring Break. This year I decided I didn't want to go anywhere on vacation I wanted to stay at home, relax, go to the park... It hasn't quite turned out that way. For starters it rained all day yesterday as well as Monday. So Khloe and I have been stuck inside praying for warmer weather.

Cannot wait to take her swimming!

Khloe has hit her crawling and pulling up stage. Kevin and I have been trying to put off the whole baby proofing till we move in to the new house (has been pushed to end of April), but Khloe's getting around far too well now. Our feeble attempt to do some "in the mean time" proofing has proven to be a joke.

Notice our wonderful couch pillows doing a terrible
job of keeping her away from the T.V.
Hopefully the nice weather today will stay and we can go to the park. For now I'm off for round two of this little nap battle Khloe has decided to partake in...

Weight loss, Monday...

2009-04-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

Okay so for awhile, since August 23, 2008 actually, I have been saying I need to lose weight I've got to workout, blah blah blah... Well this weekend one picture has really put it into perspective for me. Seriously have you ever felt like yeah I need to lose some weight, but in the back of your mind you really don't think you're that fat? Well I'm pretty sure that's the way it has been with me.
So now it's for real! I am so going to lose weight! 40 pounds actually! Every Monday, I am going to post my status, (I'm not going to divulge my actual weight) how much I've lost, even if I gain. I'm hoping this will make me lose the weight out of fear of looking stupid!

Then (love my skinny legs!) &...

Now - Yikes!

Stay tuned...

Cupcakes, Egg Hunts, Easter and more!

2009-04-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

I may be biased, but just BEAUTIFUL!We were so proud of this cupcake!

This was just nasty, but she loved it

She was confused with the basket.

She looked like a Princess

Before Church with her cousin Michael

Emma, Michael, and Khloe
(This was the only moment Emma wasn't screaming)

It was right in front of her, but wouldn't grab it

Delicious...

2009-04-09T10:52:00.001-07:00

I heart Edward Cullen, I mean Rob Pattinson!

Wordless-ish Wednesday

2009-04-08T15:43:00.001-07:00

We had a beautiful Sunday. Here are some of Khloe's day. There were a million and one pictures (actually 187 to be exact) so I narrowed it.

Crazy Weekend in Pictures

2009-04-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

Friday my mom and I took Khloe to the Greensboro Children's Museum. Yes I understand she's only 7 months, but I think it's never too early to try and have fun. Here's some pictures from GCM.

Decorating Easter Eggs; we had to Velcro the smock to the chair so she wouldn't eat everything!

They had a Post Office for the kids to make cards and have them sent to different areas in the Museum . She couldn't make a card so we thought we'd try to send her...

There was a replica of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, with sand. Khloe LOVED it!
And finally the mirror wall - the best spent 30 minutes ever!

Finally in honor of the Carolina Tar Heels...

UPDATE: Although my butt was in bed at 11 I missed the end of the game, Carolina won the NCAA Basketball Championship. I'm every bit an Arizona Wildcat, but it's sort-of the home team and my husband is obsessed so yay for making him happy! And Thank goodness the seasons over I can have my husband back, well till football season starts!

This was only Saturday afternoon, and doesn't include her professional Spring Pictures. Stay tuned!

Monday's a Croc...

2009-04-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

So the old saying goes: April Showers Bring May Flowers... Personally I feel April showers bring idiotic drivers, ugly clothes, and Crocs.

This passed weekend was beautiful! We took Khloe to get some Spring pictures taken at Olan Mills in the mall, and because it was so lovely out we parked a distance away so that we could walk. Then we went to a park so she could get her fill of swinging! We have to get one for the yard because she is in love with swinging, but I'm not in love with some of the kids that parks bring out. Sunday she had a fit for bubbles outside, basically the girl loves being outside in any form.

Unfortunately, it's raining today, and not just a little drizzle, but pouring. The kind that causes intense puddles that consume the whole bottom quarter of your pants! Which is fantastic because it's a Monday and we all know that Mondays are the BEST day of the week.

Because it is a Monday, I didn't get up when I should have. In turn making me have to rush out the door, which meant something was going to be left behind! Dang it, my students research papers! I was supposed to give them their rough drafts back so they can fix, more like do for the first time, their in-text citations (plagiarizing little punks). Oh well, they just finished reading The Crucible and took their test on Friday so I'll let them watch a movie. The Craft makes sense right?!?!? It's about witches and well okay maybe not perfectly appropriate, but we have 4 days this week and then they are on Spring Break. Be honest with ourselves how on top of things and eager to learn were we the few days before a week off? NOT AT ALL - Besides I do feel like I'm coming down with something. I think it may be the teacher version of senioritis... I hear it is highly contagious! Not good, only cuddling with my pumpkin pie watching Pretty in Pink can cure it.

Well, until then, I will be sitting here in my lovely classroom wearing my water proof crocs, waiting for my 2nd period to come galloping in with pure enthusiasm (insanity).

C Is For Cookie...

2009-04-01T17:58:00.001-07:00

Khloe had her first Gerber graduates cookie! She was such a mess AND needed an insane bath that stuff gets crusted on her skin! Nasty, but in such a cute way.

She wasn't sure about it at first

Yep she loves it

Yes there is mess on her chest!

Those eyes get whatever she wants

All done and stuff on everything imaginable

My nephew Michael found the most random item in the third row of the car.

This hat came with my cotton candy at the Circus on Valentines! I knew it had to be somewhere!

My niece Emma, 3 weeks old and only 4 pounds lighter than Khlo!

There was never a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him to sleep. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Blah blah and a bunch of crap on a cracker

2009-04-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

Okay it's Wednesday half way through the week, hump day, it should be a great day right?!?! Ha yeah right! It actually all started yesterday when my husband called me at school. I forgot to turn off the ringer on my cell phone so I'm sure you can see how well that went over with 22, 17 years. "Mrs. Collins give me your phone..." Blah Blah Blah... Um guess what pimple infested idiots I'm an adult and if I get a call during class pretty sure it might be important, and not "Ohmigah you need to get out of class now, Hannah is in the hall of C building and talking to your man."

So I do the ignore thing and in between classes call Kevin back to find out he had blown a tire and his dad had to come help him and all this stuff that really wasn't an emergency, just letting me know that his morning was crap! To me I think no big deal get a new tire move on life is normal. And I thought it was, so I went about my normal Tuesday. Kevin plays basketball with friends every Tuesday so I went with my mom and sister-in-law to the mall to find my new niece an Easter dress. Now, I'm not going to go into the excitement of that, but more so to my Gymboree with a stroller experience. I'm sure all you mommies know that not one store makes it friendly for a stroller, not even stores geared toward the person who sits laid back chillin' in that stroller. This I understand and commence to do the little stroller tug and pull dance through out the store. But as if this isn't fun enough some genius person decided lets throw in 2 crazy girls and their moms who are allowing them to run around a store as if it were their bedroom.
First, I'm in my little corner looking at a cute dress for my niece Emma and these girls coming careening around the corner. I'm blocked in and they don't turn around and run the other way, no no they want to go the way that I'm blocking. So, because it makes so much since the two of them as if speaking to one another telepathically take the front of the stroller and shove it under a round rack of clothes. Okay I fully understand that I should have been able to prevent my poor little girl from be submerged in the abyss of clothes, but honestly I was taken completely off guard. I truly could not believe that this was going on with their moms not 2 feet away. Then about 5 minutes later on the other side of the store I'm caught again in yet a very tight squeeze with these girls. So, once again, do they turn around go the other way? Do they push the stroller, nope I was braised for that this time. Ahhhh no, they literally climb over the stroller, one girl's shoe nearly used Khloe's leg as a spring board! At this point I'm making a face toward my mom and the ladies realize something happened. They ask, so I tell. Then the lady says "girls next time a stroller is in your way you tell them to move it!"
What the &*%$?!?!?! Are you kidding me? Okay maybe you ignorant people need keep your children next to you in a store. Pretty sure there was another couple in there with two kids and the husband was running after them to keep them in line. I just can't believe people sometimes! I completely understand that Khloe is going to be crazy and run, but she will get in trouble and not that 'get over here, stop that' - b.s. Seriously take your child by the hand and make them mind. My mom said I was overreacting 'their just little girls' Yes they were just little girls, but their mothers are grown women who need to be getting control of their children in a public place... but I digress.

As if the day wasn't fantastic enough our quick trip turned in to a billion hour extravaganza. I return home well passed Khloe's bed time and Kevin walks in trying to explain that he has to take my SUV and I have to take his brother's truck to work, blah blah blah blah he explained I barely listened... So this morning I'm driving Travis' Ranger. Okay I am not one to hate on someones vehicle, but good lord Travis I hate your truck! It drives like a truck. Not smooth and crisp down the road, but bouncy and all out of control. And turning, oh lord that was fun! You can't quickly make a turn it's more 'hey there, look at me check out the whites of my eyes, oh and thank you for flipping me off you have a great day to and yes I have my foot on the gas, and no I can't go any faster.'
Breathe in breathe out... it's alright, it really is! Cause my students are acting out scenes from The Crucible and one group has taken on the scene where John Proctor calls Abby a whore, and it's pretty much an ironic group to be doing this scene. Oh the hilarity it will bring my yucky rainy day (oh it literally is raining today damn it!)

Peace: it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your hearts. - unknown

Thank you blog world for allowing me to vent here and not my heart shaped diary, I feel so much better.

Miss Home...

2009-03-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

So I realize that I'm a truly blessed person. I'm more than grateful for all that I have, and understand that I wouldn't have all that I do if I had stayed in Arizona. I wouldn't have met my wonderful husband, nor would I have the blessing of my beautiful daughter! But sometimes I wish I could have it ALL, as in my love that I have here in North Carolina, but in Arizona!

I can't help it I miss home so desperately. I have friends here, but not like the ones from home. I guess there is really nothing like the people you grew up with.

I wanted to put a pic from back in the day here, I think it has Lauren,

Sarah, Krysta, Carly, Lindsay, Marty and me, but it isn't something I have at school.

You know it's Arizona though. The warm, breathe taking Spring weather (right now I'm sitting in my classroom with a sweater on, and not just because it's chilly in a classroom). I miss cacti, traffic on the 101, tumble weeds, Ostrich festival, rocks of many colors, and having the most beautiful desert mountain view from my backyard. Not to mention I miss people who can speak proper English! If I hear one more person use the phrase done did in another sentence I will go off, not to mention the inability to use the word doesn't in place of don't. Oh and somebody explain to me how these females can eat biscuits and gravy practically every morning and not be enormous???

We have plans to come out next Easter, which is a year away, but I don't care I'm still slightly counting down and I cannot wait! It has been 3 years since I have been home, and that is 3 years too many!

Budget Cuts...

2009-03-31T05:32:00.000-07:00

Yes my friends we are in a recession and all that other blah blah... Thankfully Kevin and I have not been effected by it thus far (cross fingers, knock on wood). I'm generally not a political person. I know what I feel is important, and what appeals to me. If it is different for you, well thank God that your an American because that is allowed here. As a matter of fact, it is an expressed right you are given. But like I said I'm not an overly political person, I vote the way I see fit, regardless of political party. I am sure all of us can agree though that the one industry we should never mess with is education!

Unfortunately, they are messing with it and it's not just because I'm a teacher, but I think this is the worst thing we could possibly do! There is actually a district in the next town over from us that is cutting back many jobs. There are teachers who are actually losing their jobs!!! This is just ignorant to me. Sure this may be a quick fix with the county's budget, but what you do to the school's will effect that community for many years to come. These kids are our future, yes I understand that that is an overly cliche statement, but Whitney had it right! Honestly, think about this, we are cutting back teachers! There will be students going from already overly crowded classrooms to pure insanity. I recommend everyone try being a sub for one day, see how having 28 students in class is tremendously ineffective. Then think about adding about 5 more students to that class and figure out a way to teach each and every one of them in 45 to 90 minutes. I could go on forever about the importance of the education system, but I wont. I am not the person who sits there arguing over the fact that I should make far more money than I do. Yes, I do feel this, but I knew what I was getting into financially when I decided to be a teacher. It has never been some closed up secret that teachers make crap. Keep screwing us by paying us so very little, but don't mess with the quality of education we are giving our children.

Luckily, however, for me my county doesn't seem to be faced with cutting back teachers, just summer school. Now normally I could care less, it would teach some of these kids that you actually have to work during the school year! This year though, I have been hoping to teach. Since I had to go off payroll when I had Khloe that took away my eligibility of 12 month salary, so I wont be paid over the summer. Thus the reason I wanted to teach summer school. If they don't have it I will hopefully be working at my mother-in-law's company for $8 an hour, yay for me! Okay, I fully understand that sarcasm may not be picked up on the computer, but dear lord I would rather play in the road!

Cartoons

2009-03-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Sitting in class with my "angel" students I'm overhearing things about cartoon characters -"did you know that Sponge Bob is gay?"- which gets me thinking, remember The Smurfs? You know, when we decided that Smurfette was a slut and giving it up to all the Smurf boys.

Why is it that as teenagers we decide to take sweet innocent cartoons that gave us such joy as children and completely demoralize them? It really is sad, poor Dora, the things that you can find on her. "Grown up" Dora just makes me sad, seriously google it... I don't want to post the picture as this is public and I'm a responsible adult (at least I'm trying). But in the computer lab my students felt the need to look it up, it is awful! map is between her legs! Oh and they so wonderfully showed me that there are no-no toys of Dora. Maybe this upsets me because my poor little baby girl sits there watching these cute cartoons with complete awe.

Oh well - either way I still truly believe that Shaggy hears Scooby talking because he's tripping!

Kernersville, K'Ville, K'Vegas...

2009-03-26T05:04:00.001-07:00

Yay! Woot Woot! We finally bought a house, and we close April 15! I've kept it to myself because every time we find a house something ridonkulous happens and we don't get it. This time, though, we are in the clear so far...

K'Ville is the ultimate Southern Suburban area. It is right between Winston Salem and Greensboro. To me it is the North Carolina equivalent of Chandler. Oh yeah and Chris Daughtry of American Idol lives in Kernersville, so that makes it cool, right?!?!? Ha!

The house we are buying I am so excited about. It's across the street from the Elementary School, which I personally think is adorable! It has a huge front and back yard. There is so much I want to do with the yard- it's not that it's awful just plain; grass in the front, grass in the back, no flowers, no trees etc.

I want to plant something like this along the front porch

I'm super happy with the inside! Nothing needs to be fixed! Which in this day and age when you buy a home that was previously lived in there seems to always be something. Not here, evidently it was a foreclosure that two investors went in and completely remodeled. New kitchen, bathrooms, floors, light fixtures... But of course I have plenty I want to do with the inside. I'm not a white wall person in the least. I have to have color, but not over powering, everything has to have a flow. I'm not the person who has one bright blue kitchen and then the the family room purple! Oh no no, that's tacky, I prefer tasteful. I'm thinking yellow through out the main living areas. Especially in the great room, with larger rooms it's difficult to find a color that wont over power and seem out of control. I think a soft-ish yellow would brighten up that area perfectly.

The one room that might be a bit dark in the wall area is the kitchen. We have lighthouse kitchen stuff (I'm admittedly obsessed). The cabinets are white, so I really think red would look amazing!

This is the yellow I'm looking at This is an idea of what it would look like
minus the hideous curtain

There is so much I want to do to make the house look perfect! Thankfully it is all decorating not serious fixer-upper stuff! Kevin is constantly telling me that it's stupid to try and do everything right away. I'm sorry, but I'm the person that when you move is up till 8 in the morning, while everyone else is passed out, still unpacking and getting things in their home. And please between my mom, mother-in-law, and me we are painting queens, so I fully intend to have everything painted before we move in!

There are a ton of other finishing touches (something with the fireplace?!?!) I would love to do, but know that there is a limit to what we can/should do when we first move in. After all, I'm a teacher and he's a salesman not millionaires!

Not So Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T15:34:00.001-07:00

Here some fun pics. I'm still trying to figure out how to stretch the size of the pictures without making them look abnormal...

Emma, my niece. The one picture we've managed to get.

Standing up on her own, kinda

I love this hat

My dad says I dress her up like a doll. I just think you should be fashionable even if you can't dress yourself ;o)

Wilmington

2009-03-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

Here are the picture from our weekend in Wilmington.

The Graystone Inn
On the pier at Wrightsville BeachOak Island Lighthouse

Kevin and I in front of the lighthouse

Kevin on the Ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher

And because I can't put pictures on here without my little pumpkin pie here's one to last you till tomorrow!

Anniversary...

2009-03-24T11:28:00.001-07:00

According to Webster, surprise means to impress forcibly through unexpectedness. According to me it is crap! Well the leading up to the surprise. Please don't misunderstand me, I love receiving things just as much as the next person. It's just surprises and I have a love-hate relationship. The leading up to drives me insane! I become consumed with trying desperately to figure out what in the world it could be. Thinking of the obvious, and then the completely off the wall. It rules my life!

This past week was no different. Kevin and my anniversary was this past Sunday, and my loving husband thought he would give me a huge surprise with what we were going to do. I thought it was just going to some restaurant I had been wanting to try out. This bothered me because, how was I to know what to wear, more so what shoes to wear! Kevin likes to say whatever you want with regards to this, which always puts me being slightly over dressed. So I obsessed over what to wear. Then on Wednesday a student of mine comes in and tells me she knows what I am doing over the weekend. She had over heard Kevin at CVS talking to the parent of yet another student of mine. Then as the week passed more and more people in our little town knew what was going on!

Friday Kevin had a 2 day basketball tournament at church and it seemed that as well everyone there knew. I was talking with people about being there the following day for day two and they would look at me like whatever. I felt strange, and became quite self conscience when talking to some people. I thought at one point that I had something on me, but as it turned out they all knew we weren't going to be there for the second day.

Saturday I just gave up; didn't care anymore. I'd wear some nice trouser jeans, a blouse, and boots and be done with it. I went for my everyday walk and after only a mile I used the potty. As I'm washing my hands in walks my mom, telling me I had to come home now. I was freaking out, I thought something had happened to Khloe, she wasn't able to come with me to the park because it was too cold for her little ear infection prone self. After reassuring me that pumpkin pie was safe, she explained that I had to get Khloe packed, Kevin's mom was picking her up at 12. I needed to pack a bag with something nice to wear tonight and bring Cali (doggie) back to the house, and be at the lot at 2 sharp.

I could not believe this! That hour and a half moved by soooo slowly. When we finally got on the road Kevin wouldn't tell me a thing, and still not knowing my way around this state I was clueless as to what we were headed toward. At one point he had me convinced that we were going Chapel Hill to see the campus and watch Carolina play Duke in baseball. If you know my husband that isn't to off base, so easy to think he would do. I mean the epitome of romantic would be seeing Arizona and Carolina meet each other in the NCAA tournament!
After we passed every UNC exit, I finally realized we were going to Wilmington (the coast). I was soooooo excited, but he had me under the impression we were staying at Comfort Suites. This I bought because we are watching our money because we are in process of buying a house. It really wasn't a big deal to me where we stayed.

When we got to Wilmington we pulled in front of this beautiful old building, my sneaky husband told me to wait in the car that he thought the GPS was lost and would ask inside where the hotel was. I seriously sat there thinking 'is he really going in to ask where the comfort suites is?' I embarrassingly sat there dumb to it all till I finally turned my head toward the road and saw a sign that read "Graystone Inn: Bed and Breakfast." Kevin then came and opened the car door and said get out dumb a..

I was so shocked! He did so good I was so proud! We had the best time, it was the most beautiful Inn. I will get pictures up soon!

Case of the Mondays...

2009-03-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was in High School I have had myself some really bad migraines. In Arizona, I seemed to have them all the time during the summer. It was so bad I had my own neurologist that checked my brain annually and put me on some pretty intense meds! When I moved to N.C. it actually changed! I don't get them as often, it seems as though they come with the change of the seasons, the climate change or something... So naturally with last week beginning in the teens, being snowed in, and then rounding out with temps in the 80's I have been fighting off the pain. Until this morning... I actually got up, and in my ignorance of trying to save my sick days till I'm in double digits, attempted to go to work. Dressed with make-up and hair done, it wasn't until I went into my closet to get my shoes that I realized it wasn't going to happen. I intended to get black ballerina flats and came out with silver crocs?!?! Then as I passed by a mirror I finally realized that my dress was on backwards! ( I swear that's not too difficult to do there's no ties it just slips on and the pattern is same on front as it is on back.) Anywho, long story short I am at home today, and yes I shouldn't be on the computer I should be in bed, but that's just not the kind of person I am, unless my head is stuck in a toilet. There are things I could get done, and I fully feel that just not having to be with my angel of students today will heal the throbbing!

This weekend was quite a wild and crazy one. Friday, our losing record of a boys basketball team some how pulled a rabbit out of their hat and made it to the regional! It was such an amazing game, close to till the end. I lost my voice, have bruises on my hands, and solidified my students belief that I am nuts! We lost, but those boys were champions in our eyes!

Saturday was fun cleaning... I think Kevin needs to sell an extra car a month so we can have Molly Maid come in and do the hard core once a month pulling couches out, cleaning blinds etc cleaning. But the weather was amazing so we went to my parents house and cooked out. It fantastic because my nephew has been dying to get his big bounce out that Kevin and I got him for his last birthday. It was great Khloe got to try it out, which when grandma put her in she was not happy, but Uncle Rocky brought her back and took her in a little at a time and she LOVED it!

laughing so hard she gave her self hiccups

she realized if she flailed her arms and legs she would bounceWith her cousin Michael

Sunday was a normal Sunday, church and supper. Except I think somehow I have been put on the coed softball team! Seriously, my position would be getting a tan in outfield while my husband covers center and right field for the both of us!

That's it for now... as my niece's birth approaches there will be more to come. For now I have found the cure for my head: getting down on the floor and playing with my daughter!

Stay Classy My Friends

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-04T15:04:00.000-08:00

I was at a Holocaust workshop today at Temple Emmanuel, and couldn't help but get choked up when the survivor who spoke to us in closing talked about watching babies being brutally killed. As I was crying I thought about my little one and realized that she is getting so big so quickly! It just blows my mind that she's almost 7 months old now! Here's some of my fav pics we have from early on.

Worst Blogger EVER!

2009-03-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

Okay I'm officially the worst blogger! It is insanely diff to be a teacher and have a life let alone be witty in reality as well in print... The only reason I found myself some bloggy time is because we are working on our 2nd snowed in-ish day. yes that's what I said snow day! Seriousness here it went from this...To this in basically one whole week...Oh and on top of this crazy weather that's swirling around us we're trying so hard to find us a house and, it is honestly the most stressful sitch EVER! I swear I think we are closing in on about a billion houses we have seen so far and nothing! Oh well, here some going insane in the house pictures and little Miss Pumpkin Pie.
Happy Tuesday!

Monday, Monday...

2009-02-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

Today started as Monday's do... Woke-up late, forgot I needed gas until half way to work. Had parents show up 30 minutes early (I wasn't there when they got there, whoopsadaisy)

I am a terrible person because my day became wonderful when hearing the horrible time another teacher was having with a student and their parent. I truly do feel bad for being slightly uplifted at the thought that 'thank God I'm not in that situation this semester.' I know what this fellow teacher is going through, I've watched her class while for her and they are the epitome of awful students! But like I said, it makes me soooo happy that FINALLY it is not me with those type of students and they're parents.

This weekend it was beautiful, so we got out and let Khloe see the sun!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

Finally back to the real world, well kinda, so I'll keep the words few and just allow the lovely images to do the talking.

This face! How could anything be more beautiful!

Off Task Friday...

2009-01-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

Okay I am far too amped up to teach a single thing today, so I have opted for movie day. I have to give myself credit I did pick a rather educational movie, that in all honesty these kids would never have seen or heard of unless I introduced it to them. Finding Forrester... I am telling you this is one film that should be seen! If it makes even the most ADHD redneck kid sit in silence, and not because he's sleeping it has to be enjoyable right???

So what to do when I have seen this movie over and over again? Read blogs of course!!!

Okay here is one that is full of joviality(SAT word, 10 pts!)
http://www.postcardsfromyomomma.com/
Postcards From Yo Mama... I swear I fear I will be just as these ladies! Sorry in advance for that Khloe!

Another is Stuff White People Like http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com
I got this one from a student when he called out in class "Yo Mrs. Collins, yous like dat she-it white peoples be down wit," My response was no words, simply throwing a dry erase marker at his head. Granted I missed, but eventually figured out what he was talking about and looked it up. Honestly, it's good reads! The best part is reading people talking trash to one another through comments. Oh what a glorious world we live in...
Read up, have a laugh and then get back to work!

Go Cardinals! I'll post when I get back from Tampa!

Thirsty Thursday...

2009-01-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

Okay so you learn something new everyday!

Today I learned that I am waisting my time busting my ass! You get more grief being a teacher that does their job and expects students to live up to any kind of standard, than you would if you take on the role as babysitter, keep your mouth shut and base grades solely on endless movie reviews! Way to go educational system, I pray this isn't in every district. Hopefully I somehow ended up in this secret mecca where shitty ass teachers can go hide out and do nothing!

I'll just fill my cup with some more Margarita, go to work hung over and be praised for how wonderful I am doing today...

It okay though! 3:30 Friday I will be on my way to Tampa! Go Cardinals! Honestly growing up I LOVED the 49ers, huge huge fan. But I always liked the Cardinals, they were the home team. Then as I got older it was just embarrassing to admit that I went to the games religiously wearing my Arizona (Phoenix originally) shirt and oh who can forget the amazing scrunchy!

Anyway I'm excited for the warm weather and people that will understand the gloriousness of cactus jelly and how to actually pronounce words like Tempe and Saguaro!

Not So Wordless Wednesday!

2009-01-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

Little Miss Khloe

She's just such a chill little thing! I'm afraid to have a second, he/she might be insane!

This is the funniest thing ever! The hat and the cocoon! Cold states cause the greatest clothing moments!

Little girl was fighting sleep so hard, but in time baby girl was out!

Bear Down Arizona, Bear Down Red and Blue...

Having Khloe is honestly the greatest little thing to happen to my life. Having a little one truly changes your life. However, you have to remember to have me time and us time! Please, please my friends don't be those people who stop their lives for their children and become bitter about life before their kids are out of high school!

Kevin and I

Alli and I on NYE unfortunately the only picture I got from the night!

1, 2, 3, 4 Come On Everybody, Do The Jane Fonda...

2009-01-28T05:20:00.000-08:00

Okay there comes a time that you can no longer say "oh it's okay that I've got a tire around my waist I just had a baby." At some point one has to stop blaming the poor innocent, screaming, crying, green bean throwing, teething, peeing, pooping, bundle of giggles. Honestly, we're not all celebrities who can just wake up from the c-section/tummy tuck and walk out in our size zero jeans. Come to grips ladies no matter what Fabulousity Kimora throws at it, the term "baby fat" with a ph or f will never be sexy with regards to a woman's figure!

Quite honestly, I've come to this realization because I've passed the "baby fat" stage. This is no longer pregnancy weight, Khloe is 5 months old, lets be real with one another it is now I'm a lazy ass weight...

A fellow Linguist and I have decided we are going to be Skinny Bitches! Yep, we're going to walk everyday, eat right and get that hotness back!

But hey, you know it's raining outside so lets shoot for tomorrow...

Oh well, here's to all the ladies out there who want to be back in the Skinny Bitch Club!

Later today I'll add some "Wordless Wednesday" pictures in honor of the little Princess whose existence gave me my new curves...

Pop...

2009-01-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

This is my first time so please be gentle...

I decided, after reading many blogs and finally realizing that my husband is getting increasingly better at ignoring my random conversations, to be a whore and jump on the blog train. And what better time than now? The baby has passed out after her battle between me and the peas. She won... it was very bitter, and I do believe this may be one veggie I take out of my diet now.

I am going to take the lame, about me route for a first entry. I thought maybe I would just say how you doin' and just move on, but I don't have the Joey Tribbiani charisma so here goes...

I'm a teacher and pretty much wake up 10 months out of the year thinking "why the hell am I a teacher?" Then again I wake up to my husband's alarm in July, roll over, bury my head in my pillow and think "hells yes, thank God I'm a teacher!" In all honesty I do love being a teacher. Except I would love these idiot high school kids to grow an original bone in their body. I am so over that kid every semester who mocks me. "Like ohmigod Mrs. Collins, totally." One I don't use the word totally in that matter, B. as if I've never heard that before! and three I would very much so rather sound like I walked off the set of 90210 than an ignorant redneck... "I done did..."

My husband Kevin is from here in North Carolina, and pretty much the reason I didn't go running like Forrest back to Arizona after my one year. Kevin is in the car business which I love because I tend to get a new car every year, and his connections so wonderfully feeds my habit!

We welcomed our daughter, Khloe Brielle, 5 weeks early on August 22, 2008. She is a miracle and blows my mind leaving me without words on a regular basis, which is quite a feat since words are pretty much my life.

At this moment in our life we are in the gambling stages of buying a house. It's such a pain in the tuchas. It is so difficult to find a place that I love enough to make this huge of an investment. I miss me some stucco and tile roofs. Oh and somebody tell me what this green ish is! Honestly I need to start me a business growing emo grass, cause that stuff would cut itself and I know I would pay whatever the cost for that stuff!

I think that is all for now, it is pretty late out here on the East Coast and the smell of my defeat is beginning to cause a gag reflex. And as much as I am sure that would turn my husband on I think I'd rather not...