Bye bye October!

Can you believe it's almost November? Before I wish away October, let me tell you more about what our family has been doing! This has been such a crazy month because we are in the height of cheerleading season! I'm either at practice, at a football game, or at a competition. When I'm not doing those things, I'm trying to be a mommy and to do somethings around my house. My house/decorating has seriously taken a hit! I did choose a wall color for my "fireplace room." I'm feeling the itch to be creative, but I've had NO TIME to do so. So here's what I'm thinking: I want the behr color toffee crunch on my walls, two slip cover chairs, and this fun storage bench to go along the window for Claire's toys. I want a dresser that I can refinish myself, then I want to number my drawers. This is going to house all family play items (board games, blankets, etc). Here are some pictures of what I want!

Falling for Fall!

Wow! September was exhausting and fun! I'm very thankful for this new Cobb County Calendar as it allowed a week for fun in the sun! St. George Island is gorgeous, but I really thought it was going to be busy like Destin. I was so wrong. I think we left twice to go to Apalachicola to get groceries and supplies, but other than that we just stayed at our beautiful beach house! I have to say I learned so much about myself and I really needed a week off from the craziness at work. The best part was that I got to be a mommy for one whole week! No cheerleading, schedules to be changed, nothing! It was just Claire and me! Every morning we would wake up and we were greeted with the sunrise. Then it was a dip in the pool or a walk on the beach. Followed by more beach activities. When the babies slept, the parents did nothing and it was amazing! Era slept for 3 whole hours (Lucky!) and Claire would sleep about an hour and half. We had oysters, shrimp, fish, yummy food, great company! I was so sad to go. I'm thinking about another trip in February... maybe somewhere it snows?! I feel refreshed and now it's on to October (A.K.A.- the month of cheerleading). Soon cheerleading will be over and I'll get to pick Claire up after school and be a mommy again! Love her and I love my family!

CONGRATS!!!!

Hello all!! I'd like to tell you about our friends Emily and Kurtis. Jeff and Kurtis have known each other for many years and they are really good friends. Kurtis is funny, smart, and knows a lot about sports. Sometimes I think he should have his own show because he knows WAAAAY too much! Kurtis met a girl named Emily. Now, if you know me, then you know that ALMOST EVERY best friend I've ever had is named Emily- in fact, it's my default name. I love Emilys and when I met this particular Emily, I felt the same way! She is creative, sarcastic (but sweet), and generally wonderful! I love spending time with her and I try not to be dorky and ask her to teach me how to do things- she is really freaking creative!
Kurtis and Emily got married on Sept 1st and they had a reception/party last friday. Unfortunately I couldn't go because I had cheerleading, but I can't wait to be friends with her for years to come- I'm secretly hoping they move really close to us. So cheers to Emily and Kurtis- two really great people!! :o)

Is fall falling??

When Claire goes to my mom's house in the morning, I'm leaving around 6:30am. It is so stinking dark and chilly!! Makes me super excited about fall!! I see a few orange leaves on the ground and I can't help but think about football, brunswick stew, and crisp, cool air!! Can you believe that Claire was that small (picture above) and now she is sassy, funny, and running!?! I can't believe it either! She is way too funny!

I'm smack dab in the middle of cheerleading season, but nothing is better than coming home from a long, hard day at the office/cheerleading to see my sweet girl and to get a big, fat kiss!! She is little Miss Independent and she wants to climb, run, etc on everything! For any new moms out there, enjoy every moment. I remember I would almost wish away Claire's baby time because I couldn't wait for her to hit her next milestone. Now I wish I would have made the most of every day.

Now to change the subject- I'm getting the decorating itch back! Jeff and I have talked about really doing some landscaping this fall because my yard looks crazy! Stupid weeds suck! I want to also redo my porch and to put some better porch furniture out there. So excited! Time to make a new wreath!

Until next time... :o)

SUPER MOM

Everyone has their own worries, problems, etc. So this is not my complain session, but rather one main question: How in the world do women do it? How do we- wash the clothes, pack the bags, pack the lunches, drive everywhere, work full time, make the family/hubby happy, and be good at all of it. I have this problem where my expectations for my life are unrealistic. I currently work full time as a counselor for a high school, which I absolutely love, and I'm also the Varsity Football and Varsity Competition coach. I say that I coach, but my cheer moms really do most of it. I'm thankful for them because I wouldn't be able to survive! I do have this day dream where I get to leave work at 3:45- like everyone else- and I go pick up Claire and we have a great afternoon together. After football season, I'll be able to do this! If anyone has the magical lottery numbers or happen to know how to get rich quick, it'd be much appreciated!!!

12 month Dr. Visit

Sweet Claire Bear had her 12 month check up today! Jeff and I like to guess what her height and weight is before we go in. Boy, was I totally wrong! I thought she'd be under 30" and over 23 lbs. This are the official stats:
Height: 30"
Weight: 21.5 lbs

What a skinny minnie! Part of the reason why she's not bigger is because she's a picky eater. She loves strawberries one minute, then she's throwing them at the puppy the next. She's still not talking, but she can play peek-a-boo, patty cake, and barks at the dog. She's very active and loves to run, jump, and play! So thankful for my sweet little girl!

Back to School

Going back to school is bitter sweet. Yes, I absolutely love my job and I love working with the kids; but, I really love spending time with my sweet little girl! Isn't she gorgeous! We go for her one year check up this thursday and I can't wait to see how much she's grown and developed! I love how she will hug me, kiss me, and crawl up in my lap. She loves her daddy and I even caught her petting the puppy the other day! Too cute! I know it's sad to say, but I am counting down the days until summer vacation. The positive is we have Labor day weekend in two weeks and then a full week off two weeks after that! We're going to the beach with all of our wonderful family! One whole week at a gorgeous house with a pool by the beach- can't wait!

Side note: This weekend I got to hang with my niece Era. I know that her parents know how friggin cute she is, but I never realized it until that day. She is seriously a wonderfully funny and cute baby! She would give me kisses and she kept saying, "OUT!" (from the itsy bitsy spider and how the rain washed the spider OUT!). Too cute! I love that she and Claire get to be close!

So here are the positives about school- I get to still be with my wonderful guidance gals! I have a new office that has a window! I get to be a counselor this year! I really like our new administrators and they are very efficient and wonderful! I have fun!