Santa's coming to town!

I don't think I've ever been so excited about Christmas as I am this year.  Or at least not since I actually believed in Santa Claus and made cookies, and peeked around the corner like I had to go to the bathroom, and stayed up all night.  I used to lie awake practically the entire night while everyone else was sound asleep and I was the first one up and awake.  I still am as an adult...usually the first awake.

This year holds an exception amount of excitement for me.  Santa won't actually be coming to our house on Christmas Eve but instead on Friday.  Due to our circumstances of course.  But it doesn't even seem to matter.  We will have all of our kids together.  We're going to make Christmas cookies on Friday with the little kids and let them decorate.  We'll leave them out for Santa and put them in their pjs and watch a Christmas movie.  We'll lay out all of their presents just like Santa did when I was little.  We'll watch all of their sweet faces as they enter the living room in the morning and see their presents.  Through all of the adjustments and little things we deal with, I am happier than I have ever been.  Truly happy and I just can't wait for that moment.  I have everything I have ever wanted...just about....but that's a topic for another time.  I am blessed beyond belief.

I've been looking through lots of old pictures lately.  I can't believe this will be Jack's third Christmas.  Even since last year, he has completely changed from a baby to a little boy.  I miss that so much.

First Christmas Eve

Second Christmas at Kelly's

Can't wait to see what this Christmas will bring.....

Hugs and prayers from Texas

I am in utter shock and awe and can't stop thinking about the children in those classrooms, their families, their teachers, and their community.  As a teacher and a mother, I take my day by day routine for granted - taking Jack to school each day believing he is completely safe for those 9 hours.  These parents got up and took their children to school, kissing and hugging them, and probably relishing in the fact that it was Friday and they had the weekend to look forward to, as I always do.  Christmas is a week and a half away and it's a purely magical time for children.  They are almost out for school...probably taking spelling tests and making Christmas crafts to give their parents.  And one person walks in and changes all of their fates forever.  He stole their lives and those that were left to live - he stole their innocence.  These children, these teachers, these families - they will NEVER be the same.  I can't stop thinking about it or saying prayers for them every moment that it enters my mind again.  I think Jared thinks I'm crazy but this really gets to me.

We go through a lockdown drill at school every couple of months - practice, get an announcement that we did well, and go back about our business.  But this really hit home for me.  What would I really do if this happened at my school?  I went to a psychic during our last girl's weekend right before our wedding and she told me something bad was going to happen at my school and someone was going to lose their life and I would be there.  She said we would be in a large group setting when it happened or when we found out.  It about scared the bejeezus out of me and I remember being almost sick going to work that Monday morning and for the next couple of weeks thereafter.  Nothing has come of it and I thank God daily that it hasn't.  But today I just can't help but think that this could be anyone of us.  And how would I react?

Jack's school has a code system when you enter and exit and just this week, the computer crashed so the door has been open and there has only been a sign in/out sheet.  Now I'm totally freaked out about taking him to school.  My heart is heavy and I'm sending out lots of prayers for the children, their families, and their communities.  I can't even imagine what they are feeling. And I'm completely petrified about the world our children will grow up in.  How did it come to this?

Adjusting Phase?

I've put off writing here for the last couple of months for many reasons.  For awhile, I felt like I barely had time to blink, I felt like the things I wanted to say I should really keep in my head, it was feeling more like an obligation than fun, AND I know people are not interested in my boring, little life.  But this is my outlet and somedays I feel like I'm going to lose it if I don't just get these things off my chest once and for all.

I have used the word "adjusting" more in the past couple of months than I could have ever imagined.  We are all in a state of adjusting around here and it has proved to be more of a challenge than I could ever have imagined.  I am adjusting to more people in our household, which also comes with more opinions.  Most of which are not welcome.  Jack is adjusting to coming and going and also having the girls come and go, as well as someone new being his parent and living there all the time. Jared is adjusting to all of us and our ways, some of which I can tell he wasn't aware of when we were just dating.  And the girls are adjusting to having a stepmom....or stepmonster as some people like to call it.

I know that no family is perfect and every one has their issues.  Ours just seems to be so complicated sometimes. There are all these extra facets that come with it.  Three kids with three sets of parents, which comes with three different opinions.  Wooo...I am worn out, exhausted, and tense.  I'm trying to work on being a better me and letting go of all of this.  It is not doing me any good but I'm finding that the older I get, the harder this is for me and I like to think I have good reason....that it's because I have become a tad wiser and not as much of a pushover as I used to be.  It used to be so easy for me to forgive and move on but something has changed and it really is a challenge.  I've decided that this is going to be one of my resolutions to really work on in the next year.  It's not doing any good and wasting energy but nonetheless, they are my feelings and they are valid.

And the best part is that this whole adjusting phase that seems so hard at times is 110% worth it.  What I have lost in some ways, I have gained tenfold in others and it feels better than perfection.

This is my first Christmas ever where I feel like I really have my own family.  We are creating our own traditions and though it's unconventional, it's more than I've ever had since leaving my parent's house.  It's such a special time and I think this is going to be such a special holiday for us. We are making memories daily and soaking it all in. 

My new family

Oh happy day!  I'm now a wife and Mrs. Janicek...I absolutely love saying that.  Saturday was an absolutely perfect day.  I can't stop thinking about all of the people we love being there and how it was a complete group effort.  It was amazing and everything I've ever wanted.  But the best part was waking up to my new husband.  The journey, the marriage....it's going to be an adventure for us both and I am so excited about this.  We had all of our favorite people (minus a couple who couldn't make it :( ) there on that day and it really meant so much to me.  Tony was there to marry us and did such an amazing job.  One thing that resonated with me is what he said about our journey - that neither one of us would change it because it brought us our children and gave us a new purpose in life.  And this.......that sometimes life doesn't turn out the way you plan. Sometimes it turns out even better.  My eyes well up with tears everytime I think about that line because it is absolutely 100% true.  I wouldn't change one step of my life - it made me who I am today and tested me to my core.  It gave me a deeper appreciation for the things I have, as well as a new perspective.  And it brought Jared into my life. 

Our new family.

9 days left and sunshine ahead

Yeah, 9 more days! I seriously can't wait and I'm so excited.  I have waited my whole life to feel this way about someone.  And there is no rain in the forecast...hallelujah, thank you Jesus!  Although it's supposed to be hot...but oh well.  Hot and sunny is better than raining!

Stress is all around so all I can do is try to keep a good perspective.  At this point, we can only do what we can do and not worry.  At the end of the day, we'll be married no matter what.  And that is more than enough.

Knock on wood

People keep asking me how school is going this year.  I continue to worry a little that the bottom is about to fall out of everything in my life, including this.  My classes are amazing.  Really...they are.  They listen, they do what I ask, and have even told me on numerous occasions that they love coming to my class and think I'm so funny.  They compliment me daily on my outfits (very important to me) and have even said today that they would wear everything that I wear.  Big compliment coming from teenagers to a thirtysomething woman.  Even my only male fashion design student told me he liked my shoes.  I realize these are in the mags right now and I bought some this weekend, even telling Jared that I'm a trendsetter and I bet I'll get lots of compliments on them.  Which I did...which in turns making me very happy.  Best thing you can do for me is compliment my outfit.  Okay, not really.  I like compliments in general.  But seriously, my kids are great.  They make coming to work a joy.  Let's hope this trend continues.

On another note, we are having a friend fiesta this weekend and Jared is headed to Matagorda with the boys.  Jack went to his dad's today so I won't even have anyone to drop off in the morning.  I actually look forward to this and waking him up in the morning.  When he's still sleepy and puts his hands around my neck and doesn't let go right away.  Makes my heart happy.  I've been stressed and struggling with some things lately so this weekend of relaxation could not come at a better time and I think it will be just the re-charge I need.  One of the biggest things I miss about San Marcos is having a group of psychiatrists at any given hour. 
Peace.....

prayers

I laid Jack down last night afor the first time, showed him how to put his tiny palms together for his prayers.  We say a little prayer nightly but this was his first time to "participate" if you will.  I look at this little being and how full my heart feels just watching him.  Time has flown by and I wish I could freeze so many moments.  I feel like the first year went by the quickest and I put myself on autopilot just to survive.  I blocked out moments.  I got through moments.  And I always want those moments back.  I look at old pictures or pictures of him with his long, shaggy hair and sweet, pink cheeks and I wish I could back, if just for a moment. 

I have an unhealthy habit of not always living in the present as most of us do and of being scared of being too happy.  I guess with my history I assume the bottom will eventually fall out of things when life is too perfect.  I'm having those moments now.  I pray.  I try to pray daily.  I try to remind myself to pray even more and that I need to go to church because then bad things will not happen. I know...it's silly.I can't pray away the inevitable and my life is wonderful.  Yes, bad things have happened and these won't be the only trials and tribulations I see in my lifetime.  But I am healthy, I have a great job, a home, a car that runs, a beautiful and healthy child, a wonderfully supportive family and friends, and an amazing man who loves me just the way I am. I have friends that are going through much more.  My heart is heavy for them and their own trials. 

So...today I will not worry.  I will only do this.

And this.....

2 weeks of school and sick already!

It's been awhile since I've written - the adjustment to going  back to work, Jack starting and daycare, and finishing up the last few items on our list of wedding to-dos really zapped all the time and energy I had.  For some reason I'm having a hard time adjusting to going back to work this year.  I'm not sure if it's the weather, the fact that I love spending summer days with my little man, getting up early, or that I've been teaching for 10 years.  yes, count it - 10 years....ahhh! How did that happen?  I can't possibly be old enough to have the same job for this long.  I did some calculations and my first job and first class of kindergarteners would be starting their freshman year of high school this year.  That's just plain crazy.

Jack is now in his second week of daycare.  It's been quite an adjustment for all of us.  I always swore I would never be one of those parents crying when they dropped off their child at my kindergarten class.  And I didn't....until I took my first step out the door that day.  I cried the whole way to work.  I cried again multiple times during first period.  I even made my co-worker cry as she thought about her 40 year old son and their memories of that time.  Jack did not cry.  Not that day at least, thank you, God!  But he did cry the rest of the week.  And we have to have a pep talk everyday that Mommy goes to school, Honey goes to school, Kelly goes to school, Jill goes to school, Campbell goes to school....you get the picture.  He seems to be loving it and is doing well.  He's happy as a lark when I pick him up.  He hasn't a bad report once (except that he cries sometime and doesn't eat much but hey, you can't win them all).
Here's a picture from the first day....I will cherish this picture forever.

Taking his seat at Small World

 

Breaking in his new boots

We got almost everything done on our list of wedding to-dos besides a couple minor items.  We also got in a quick trip to see Kelly and Tony Sunday night....went to hit golf balls at a kid-friendly driving range and had some Mexican and margaritas.  Jack loved it all .... think I definitely have a lefty on my hands though.

 

Part of attending school and daycare means contracting every bug, virus, infection, cold, etc.  That part I had forgotten about.  I think Jack brought a little bug home and now I'm home for the day with it.  Actually this is my third day but the first where I consented to stay home.  I never use my days for being sick myself.  I usually just gut it up but this was not possible...plus I needed to disinfect the house.  I felt as though I was on my last leg and have been in survival mode.  Luckily, I have Jared to thank for keeping everything together for the past couple days.  He bathed Jack, cleaned the kitchen, got whatever I needed, gave me some space to relax, did some wedding projects....God, I love that guy.  I don't know what I would have done without me. 

It really made me realize how horrible a feeling it is to be sick.  I can't imagine what it's like to have something much more serious than a stomach bug where you never really feel 100%.  I kept thinking to myself, "God, if you will just make me feel better, I will do a., b, and c....".  I truly have a new compassion for those who are in these circumstances and will make an extra effort to say a prayer for them daily.  What a blessing I take for granted to walk around in a fairly healthy and normal body and be able to do whatever I want, whenever I want.  I will not complain about a couple extra pounds or a little gray hair.  Never again.

On one more note, Kelly sent me this picture yesterday.  Look at the resemblance between Jack and I.  This is one of my most favorite pictures of my mom and I .... just before we went to the rodeo in Houston.  I was 3 years old.  Look how pretty my mom looks, too....:)

A letter to my younger self

I always liked the Brad Paisley song, "If I could write this letter to me."  He talks about everything he would tell himself if he could go back - talks about girls, being nice to his parents, etc.  I find myself thinking about all of the things I wish I knew back then. I try to live a life of no regrets but to be perfectly honest, I have regrets. I have many.  I know that if I knew then what I know now, I would have saved myself and others lots of heartache.  But that's the thing about life...you can't change the past, only the future.  What's done is done and we must make our peace with it.  I'm still in the process and maybe this letter will give me just a little more of that peace.

If I could write a letter to me, I would tell myself to be nicer to my parents.  As a parent now myself, I can only imagine what it must have been like to be my mom or dad and hear me say the awful things that I did to them.  If Jack said those things to me (and I'm sure that day is coming...as they say, payback is a bitch), I would lock myself in my room and cry.  My mom laughs now and says that you tell yourself "I know I love this child but where is she?" But seriously, I would have hugged them everyday, even as a teenager.  I would have appreciated them more and everything they gave up so that I could have a car, go to college, etc. But instead I was an unappreciate, spoiled brat and will spend the rest of my life making up for it.

If I could write a letter to me, I would have taken care of me first.  When I think back, I know that I spent way too much of my time and efforts investing in relationships with people who did not cherish me.  I sometimes felt like the confidence I felt relied simply on being with someone and not from within.  I have always struggled with this...being confident and not wishing I was like someone else.  This is the one thing I want Jack to be - confident.  I want him to be his own person and do it with pride.  I want him to not worry about what everyone else is saying, doing, thinking....and march to the beat of his own drum.  I have never been this way and still won't even dance in public without a few cocktails because I'm afraid of how stupid I look.  Why do I even care?  I know that I've missed out on a few moments in life because of this.  It's something I'm working on and probably always will.

If I could write a letter to me, I would have chosen more wisely.  This is a big one for me.  I read somewhere that marrying the right partner determines something like 98% of your happiness....more like 110%.  In college, I would have thought about the kind of person I wanted to marry.  What did they value?  What were their parents like?  What kinds of goals did they have?  I would have been selective.  I wouldn't have made all my decisions based on pure emotion but more logic. 

I'm one of the lucky ones though....I got a second chance.  Sure, it came with a price but that's ok.  I am changed because of things and will probably never be the trusting one I once was.  And I'm okay with that.  This time around, I checked off all the boxes of logic and emotion and I got the most amazing prize in the end.  In less than two months, he will be my husband and I will be his wife and we will grow old together.  Our love is pure and simple.  There is no saying things you can't take back or doing things to be sorry for.   We talk, we laugh, we listen, we spend time together, we love our kids, and it is everything I've ever wanted.

If I could write a letter to me, I would have paid more attention at Sunday School.  I seriously wonder how someone who spent every Sunday at church knows as little as I do about the Bible.  I don't know if I have ADD or what but it seems like very little of what I heard every week sunk in.  This definitely needs to be a priority on my list now.

I know there are more things I would have told myself but I think some of those things are just part of growing pains.  These are my most important and will be in this virtual diary for my kids to one day read.  I hope they find some insight in all of this and think a little more about their choices.  I wish I had.  But the past is the past and I'm okay with that.   At least I realize these things now.

To the past, present, and the future,
Cortney

Life unplugged

I haven't done a post in awhile due to my work laptop attaining a virus and my personal laptop finally crashing after almost 10 years of good use.  We moved Jared's computer over, which is very handy, but then I decided to go at least a month and just enjoy my summer so I actually had something to post about.  Wedding planning is coming along great - sweet and simple is the idea.  It is kind of amazing how sweet and simple still requires lots of detail, thought, and money.  But oh well, you only get married once, right?  I mean twice. That's it.  No more. :)  Hey, I have to find some humor in it all.  And knowing that the path that we've both been down has led to each other and the best friend I could ever have has been worth every single second.

So in the past month, I've finished most of the projects on my list (with the exception of potty training but everyone I know says wait with boys), finished lots of wedding projects, and taken a couple of mini-vacations.  We floated the river kid-free and last week we spend four days at the lake as a family and with family.  Schlitterbahn, Gruene Hall, Landa Park, swimming in the river, smores...you name it.  We were all waterlogged and sunburned but had a great time together and I will cherish these moments forever.  It was very special and I'm so glad we did it. 

Gruene Hall

Riding the train at Landa Park

Swimming at Landa Park

Here's to a week and a half left of summer!  Jack is still replying "nope" when I ask him if he's going to school...Yikes!

Happily. Ever. After.

Happily Ever After....so it turns out that my story will end with a happily ever after after all!  I ask myself daily how this all happened?  How did I get so lucky?  Where did things change from a Lifetime movie into a fairy tale? If you had asked me a year and a half ago, I would have assumed that I would be raising Jack on my own and most likely be single forever.  But someone amazing came back into my life and showed me what real love is.  He gave me faith....in having a best friend and partner, that I can trust someone, that there really is someone out there perfect for me.......

 I got the best gift in the entire world this Saturday.  The most amazing man and my best friend asked me a very important question....and I said YES!!!  It was the second most wonderful moment of my life and I thank God everyday for Jared.  I cannot wait to spend the rest of our lives together and grow old with him.  He is nothing short of amazing.

Jared took me fishing on Saturday evening...to the spot we went on our first date.  I thought some things were odd but just tried to put it aside and be in the moment.  I turned around to see him grab his guitar from the truck and thought it was odd but oh, well.  He sat down and played our song.  I still really didn't think a proposal was coming at this moment.  I was just trying to enjoy it and not get my hopes up.  It was the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.  Afterwards, he said that he is happier than he's ever been and asked me to marry him.  His roommate, Matt, was hiding across the pond and got pictures. 

I don't think there are any words to explain so I'll just let the pictures speak volumes.....

On another note, the last four days have been a whirlwind of ups and downs.  Jared's little brother, Jake, is in town from Colorado on vacation.  We celebrated Saturday night and Sunday, he was loading a four wheeler onto a trailer when it started to flip.  He jumped off and hit his head on a rock. We thought it was minor and only needed stitches at first.  What started out as something minor has been a life-altering moment for all of us. Jake ended up with two fractures in his C-2 vertebrae and ended up being lifelighted to Bryan for surgery. He had surgery yesterday and everything went well. He will hopefully go home tomorrow but will have to stay in Texas for a couple of weeks and get checked out again before going back to Colorado.  He truly had an angel watching over him.  I think it was a reminder for all of us how quickly life can change....how every move you make can affect your future.  In the blink of an eye,  life can change and tomorrow isn't certain for any of us.  Please keep Jake and our family in your thoughts and prayers....

Crabs, new rooms, and one day and counting....

Jack's  been on summer vacation with his dad since Friday.  Not even a full week and I miss him more than I can even imagine.  I feel like a part of me is missing and I try to keep my days filled but sometimes I find myself standing in the kitchen and not knowing what to do.  It's good for him to spend time with his dad and good for me to have a break but I don't think I'll ever get used to this and I don't want to.  Anyway, I'm counting down the next 24 hours and can't wait. 

Before he left, we took him on a daytrip to the beach and had a blast!  He was a little hesitant at first but once we got him in, he was Mr. Independent and wanted us to let go of him while he was in the water.  We had to practically drag him back to the shore.  Jack also had a bad expeience with a crab but all in all, it was a successful trip and I think we'll be hitting the beach again soon!

I spent my week "off" doing projects around the house and hanging out.  Jack will return to a new "big boy bed".  Very exciting....and a little nervewracking since I know staying in the dang thing is going to be a battle but it's time.

Some of my favorite people came in town this weekend and we had an amazing weekend at Summer Musicfest.....hence the pictures. 

Here's to hoping the next 26 hours fly by! Can't wait to see my Jack......

I love Pinterest but you're making me a crazy woman.  Here are my most recent projects this summer.

Distressed turquoise shelf for my re-decorated bathroom

Wire-wrapped turquoise ring

Jack's refinished table complete with chalkboard top and distressed chairs

Last, but not least, my new letters and bar.  Now if only I had some alcohol to stock it!

Next major project is Jack's big-boy room....my handyman, AKA my Dad, built two headboards for twin beds for Jack's new room and now we're focusing on painting these, as well as a bookcase, and getting everything ready to make this happen.  Pics to come soon....

Weekends, Good Friends, and a Wedding to Remember

We have begun our never-ending weekend AKA summer and we are loving it.  Swimming lessons, hanging in our PJ's until the late morning, watching our favorite movies over and over, and lots of summer projects.  Jared and I went to our friends, Justin and Erin's wedding this weekend, while Jack enjoyed a long weekend at his dad's.  It was fantastic - they had every detail perfectly planned, Erin was a stunning bride, and we had an amazing time....we pretty much always have a good time wherever we go.  What can I say?  I have always loved a good party....except for this time I did not throw up on my dress or fall down on the dance floor (yes, I've done both of these before).

Weddings always bring out my sentimental side and Justin and Erin made it more than known that the people who were there made the day for them - that they were a special group of people and really stressed how important they were.  It got me thinking about my relationships with my friends.  I am not one with lots of friends but I must say that I have the most amazing friends anyone could ever ask for.  They are the drop everything, be there when you need them, listen to the same vent 50 times over, always support my decisions, give you the shirt off their back, know everything about you and still love you kind of gals.  We've been friends through thick and thin - through growing up, changing personalities, dating, marriage, babies, divorce, death, illness, and the list goes on. They aren't just there when I need them - they helped me survive. They are not just my friends, they are my family. I honestly don't know where I would be without them.  And I've realized lately that not every woman has these types of friends and I am beyond lucky.  So this post is dedicated to an amazing group of woman who inspire me every single day - I love you girls beyond words.

Okay, enough sappiness - we also got to stay with Kelly and Tony this weekend, which also always makes for a good time so in the spirit of always ending on a good note, I leave you with some entertaining pics.   These two have no shortage of fun in their lives and this weekend was no exception.  Thanks, sister!



Where's Woody?

Ever noticed how little kids can watch the same show or movie over and over and over again?  I remember this with Kasey when she was little...first it was "101 Dalmations" and then "Free Willy."  She even went so far as to make us pretend to jump out of the water like we were whales and we called her Jesse for a few months of her life.  Jack hasn't taken it to that extreme just yet but he is absolutely obsessed with Toy Story...we probably end up watching it 3 to 6 times each day...at least there's two to choose from.  And now we have Woody and Bullseye figurines to keep up with so I probably here around 75 times a day, "where Woody?" or "where Woody hat?"  What brainiac decided to give Woody a tiny little hat that comes off?  I mean really?  I thought he wouldn't notice if it was there or not but believe me, he does.  Anyway, just a little rant as I sit here enjoying my morning coffee on this second glorious day of summer and already watching the credits for our first run of Toy Story this morning.  I'm going to just enjoy it and soak it all in for I know these moments will be fast and fleeting and before I know it, Jack will want to stay at a friend's or be asking me for the car keys.

On another note, this is the summer of DIY.....for all you on Pinterest, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  I have made my dining room table my craft area and have already finished two projects - wire-wrapped rings and a distressed, turquoise shelf for my bathroom.  Old houses come with absolutely no storage so you have to be creative.  My goal is to do one craft a day so we'll see what I've accomplished by the end of the week.  Can't wait to share....Happy Summer to all my teacher friends!

enough said

Recognize that gal in the picture? 
Yes, that is an armadillo and yes, I look like I'm about to wet my pants. 

Anyone who knows me knows that this is not my 'normal' but isn't it amazing how a few strokes of bad luck, a couple of years of wisdom, and someone truly amazing can change your perspective of what you think is fun?  I feel like that defines me these days.  Jared is truly amazing.  He is a wonderful friend, a great dad, and a supportive partner....and the list goes on and on.  He is everything I've always wanted in a man and I honestly thank God everyday that he's in my life.  I don't think I've ever really had more fun than I have in the past year.....and there aren't any words that accurately describe my love for him or how he makes me feel. 

And yes, I know this is sappy.  But I'm feeling extra special today and I need to give credit where credit is due by putting at least one post on this blog about this amazing man (even if I'm still refusing to let him read it just yet).  In other words, I love him :)

"You're doing it wrong!"

Lately, I feel like this is an exact desciption of my life.  I constantly hear this quote from "Mr.Mom" running through my head.  You see, Jack is now 2.  What comes with growing up and being able to do and say all kinds of new things is the terrible two's.  I have heard of this time and time again....hell, I teach Child Development. But seeing this in your own child is a different story.  I feel like I'm constantly disciplining, timing out, trying to keep my cool. 
And I hear this voice in the back of my head again.  I'm afraid I'm messing up royally.  This week has been a very trying week for all of us.  Jack was sick on his birthday, we had an eventful weekend, and we've been a little off schedule this week. I was at my "I've had it" moment on Wednesday night and then Thursday came.  It was a much better day for all of us and just what I needed to remind myself that I can do this.  I feel even worse sometimes because I have so many blessings and so much to be thankful for and complaining just makes me feel worse.  So there's my story for the week and I'll leave it at that.

On to other events, Jack's 2nd birthday party went off without a hitch.  He and I are blessed beyond belief that we had so many people come to spend the day with us.  It was a great day and I think he really enjoyed it.  Sunday was Mother's Day and I don't know that I've ever felt more special.  I got a new watch from my mom and dad, a gigantic ruler from Kelly and Tony (you hang it vertically to measure your child's growth throughout the years...oh so cool!  Can't wait to give these as baby shower gifts!), a giftcard to Bliss from Jared, and an oh-so-cute tie-dyed dress/skirt from Jack(aka Jared). They made me feel wonderful and I'm so lucky.  We had breakfast at my house and gave my mom and Peggy a much deserved break from cooking.  It was the best weekend we've had in a long time. 

Pictures to come from the events this past weekend once I figure out how to upload from my new camara!

Rewards

The other day I was given one of the best rewards ever.  Jack and I spent the weekend together - just the two of us.  It was just what we needed and I'm definitely reaping the rewards this week.  Jack came in and asked me for a chip and when I gave it to him he said, "thank you, mommy" - no coaching, no bribing, no begging and pleading from him.  I turned and looked out the window and felt pure joy - I am doing my  job as a mother and I was proud of myself. 

My little love is going to be two in five days.  I can't believe it.  To think of how different life was two years ago at this time....different doesn't even begin to describe it.  I was married, we were preparing for our first child, I was on bedrest anxiously awaiting his arrival and worried about what was to come.  Two difficult, dramatic, and trying years have gone by and life is completely different.  But better than ever.  I saw this picture yesterday that said "It's never too late to live happily ever after." My thoughts exactly. 

I leave you with my little love's 2 year pictures.  He is not a baby anymore but a little boy....a little boy with the sweetest smile, infectious giggle, and a beautiful heart. 

Today is a good day.

Today is a good day.  I started a blog...something I've been thinking of doing for awhile now.  I used to have one - some of you may remember.  But I took a much-needed hiatus and thought we needed a new beginning...so here goes - A Day in the Life of Cookie.  What the heck?  You may wonder...some special people in my life call me Cookie and I like it.  I've never had a nickname before and I can't think of a better one.  I don't think I have anything uber interesting to say on a daily basis but I hope you stop by and visit sometimes and that you at least get a little laugh.


Today is a good day...there are many reasons. I have been blessed beyond belief on any given day of the week.  I know this is true.  But today just ended up being a good day and I realized they were all simple reasons, which I like even better.  As I've gotten  a tad older (and I like to think wiser), I've realized that I take lots of enjoyment in simple pleasures...a Diet Coke fountain drink, birds singing in the morning, hot coffee, wearing my bikini all day for no reason but that I can, a certain someone's giggle, a hug, fresh flowers, or a good margarita.

 These are mine for today:

1.  one of my students made me a bracelet ...yeah for teachers
2.  I had a chocolate covered apple after lunch
3.  It's Friday and nothing but simple fun on the agenda this weekend
4.  I got new headbands yesterday ...anyone that knows me knows that this fashionista loves new accessories
5.  TAKS is over and my duties as a hall monitor are done.
6.  There are only 24 days of school left...need I say more?
7.  I'm itching to take some new pics with my camera and this weekend will be the perfect time.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend....2 year pics of my Jack to come!