Christmas time and kittens.....

I know, it's been a long time!  I haven't posted since I started teaching in September.  Things were pretty crazy for the first couple months and I never got back to my blog.  I can't promise I'll be a regular blogger, but I can at least try to be sporadic (did anyone else learn that word from the movie Clueless in the 90's?).

Anyways, now it's December, my favorite time of year!  We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I have all of my Christmas decorations and Snowmen out.  I LOVE IT!  James was a little less thrilled as he now has a month to listen to Christmas music and he had to do all the heavy lifting while getting out the decorations.  On Saturday evening with did our 5th annual gingerbread house making party with our longtime friends J&M.  Here is a picture of our masterpieces.


The one on the right is J&M's and the one on the left is mine and Jamie's. We're pros, right?!


Now for the big announcement.....Belle has a new....UNCLE? 

My mother and father-in-law got a new kitten, Murphy.  He is absolutely adorable!  James and I went with his mom to pick up Murphy from the animal shelter today and we hung out while he became adjusted to his new home.  He has more toys to play with than you could imagine for a cat, but his favorite toy so far....his tail!  He loves to chase his tail, just like a dog.  Belle will get a chance to meet Murphy sometime soon.  Here is a picture of the newest addition. This picture does not do him justice, but it's the best we have...

180 in a week....

I know it's been awhile...but in case you haven't heard I am now officially a third grade teacher!
My leisurely life of working 4 part time jobs on my own schedule, is now a life of working 12-14 hour days and waking up at the crack of dawn (definitely an adjustment for me). 
I started yesterday with my kids and they are a great!  I'm so excited about the rest of the year.

I must say a HUGE thank you to several people (because when you're a first year teacher, it takes a village to build a classroom).  So thank you VERY much to my in-laws, N.B., Mia, my mom, and of course my supportive husband.  I would not have even made it this far without all of your help.  When I get a chance to breathe and sleep again, I will make it up to you!

Needless to say I probably won't be posting as often; but I so appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers everyone has given me!

I Hate Goodbyes....

But I must say goodbye to...
1) The Olympics - I have been a complete Olympic junkie for the past two weeks; I cheered, I laughed and I cried; I find myself very reminiscent as I watch the closing ceremonies. I'm already looking forward to London 2012.

2) My Hyundai - we sold the Hyundai today and I was surprised at how sad I felt. I have so many memories in that little car; it was the first car that was all mine; my college car. It made many trips back and forth from College Station, drove me to many a Texas cities and even all the way to South Padre. Before her new owners came to pick her up, I found myself glancing out the window to look at my little red car. I wish I could've drove her one more time.

3) My little puppies - they are all going to their new homes, including my little baby girl, affectionately known as Runner. I helped birth them and now they are growing up and leaving the nest. I will miss them dearly and wish them all great lives.

So as I'm feeling sad about all of these goodbyes, I leave you with the Beatles and I say "Hello!"

The Beatles - Hello Goodbye

Belle the Laptop Cat

Belle loves laptop bags; she lays on them, near them...and in them!



She knows the best way to get daddy's attention is by acting like a computer!

We bought a new car!

World meet Hope the Honda!
(We HOPE it lasts a long time and we HOPE we can make the payments)



So we've joined the Honda Civic world thanks to my father-in-law who works at a Honda dealership. I'm sad to see my little red Hyundai go because it has been a great car (100,400 miles with no major problems), but it turns out it now needs a new transmission and James and I could not see putting the money into it. So Farewell little red Hyundai, and Hello Hope the Honda!

My best friend's engaged!!!

Ariel and Michael are engaged and I can't wait for all the planning and the wedding! Ariel has been my best friend since 6th grade and was my Maid of Honor in December.

Ariel and Michael, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I love you both and am so happy for you. I'm looking forward to a memorable year!



This is a pic of the happy couple last March!

Congrats again guys! Love you!

Taylor Wants a Puppy....

It's what I've always wanted; well at least since July 5th. I promised Jamie I would water it, because everyone knows that puppies need lots of water and sunshine. But he just doesn't want me to be happy.... *

Here are the babies born on July 5th to my parents Golden Retrievers:


Here is the baby girl I love.....


And here is one of the handsome little boys....





Realistically though, Jamie is right. We can't have a puppy until we have a little more space to provide. Someday though! In the meantime, whatever lucky person adopts my baby girl....you better take GOOD care of her!


(*Parts of this story adapted from my new favorite book Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems.)

Car problems

Just over a week ago my little Hyundai Accent passed 100,000 miles, thus expiring the extended warranty. My suspicions that Hyundais are ticking time bombs when the warranty expires were confirmed this morning. On the way to church this morning my little car decided it would cause some drama. The check engine light came on and the car decided it would NOT go past 27mph or shift into third gear. We are praying it is nothing major.

Here is a picture of my car in it's youth:

My Blog...

I decided that if I truly wanted to fit in with the Post family, I'd better join in. (Especially after, a few unmentioned Posts referred to the New Year's Eve wedding as "Jamie's wedding" when I was sitting right there and Jamie was no where in sight.

So although, I'm not the most exciting person in the world; I'll join in.

Some of my favorite and not so favorite things to do...

Favorites:
1. Trying new recipes - I might not be the best cook in the world but I like to try new things
2. Laundry - one of life's little pleasures
3. Playing Dr. Mario - I'm absolutely obsessed with this game (it's the only game I am better at than James)
4. Planning things (soon I will be helping my best friend plan her wedding, and I can't wait!)
5. Reading, when I can make the time

Not so favorite:
1. Losing games; especially to my husband!
2. Putting the clothes away after I have folded them
3. Cleaning the kitchen after the cooking
4. Sitting in traffic (after 1 1/2 of commuting to Dallas, this is so one of my least favorites)
5. Blow drying my hair (Weird, I know. I do this on a daily basis but I HATE it!)