Christmas in Oklahoma

We have just spent a week in Oklahoma visiting family and friends for Christmas. It was a fabulous visit! Here are some pics:

Roy just loves having his picture taken!!!

My parents

My sister, my mom, and yours truly

My sister and her family

John got a stocking full of pickles!

Sweet Sarah posing for Auntie Debbie

My grandparents

I got a special treat this visit! My best friend from high school, Lacey, was in town with her new baby!!!!

Roy's niece, Keara, is now two years old. Isn't she a cutie?!!! She loves coffee - Starbucks, of course, and when we were visiting one night, she told her mom, "I need my coffee!"

Keara and mommy playing with the new kitchen set from Aunt Debbie and Uncle Roy.

Showing off for the camera with her new teddy bear from Uncle Adam - he built it himself at Build-a-Bear! Such a sweet uncle - yes, ladies, he's single and good looking!

My mom got Cleo a tent for Xmas! She was too nervous to play with it much while at Grandma's, but she has played in it and walked through it several times now that we are home.

I am so glad to be home in Texas where the weather is warm! While in Oklahoma, we got several inches of snow, and it was just too cold!!! Cleo liked the snow, but she would just shiver from being so cold.

If you think this looks like a sad puppy-dog face, then you are definitely correct! We always stay at Roy's grandma's house when we go to Oklahoma, and Cleo loves to hang out with Grandma while Roy and I are off visiting family. This time, however, Grandma was in the city visiting her daughter, so Cleo sometimes had to stay home alone during the day. She would sit in this chair and pout, looking at the front door. I think she was just wondering when Grandma was going to come back home. Poor thing...

We have been back in Texas for a couple of days now, and I must say we have done little but sleep and eat. It has been nice. Next week we both have to start back to schoolwork...

Random Updates

I can't believe it has been so long since I updated my blog! Things have been so busy at school and otherwise, I just haven't had much time. Roy and I are doing well. Roy is out of school for winter break; he did so well this semester: A, A-, and B+ in his classes. He also has become known as a hardworking grad assistant; one which works harder and longer than any other grad assistant, mostly due to the requirements of the professor he works for. Incidentally, that professor gave Roy a $50 gift card to Outback Steakhouse!!! I had a winter white martini, which was fantastic! My school is fine, just busier than ever. History fair just finished up today, and UIL finished a couple of weeks ago. I don't remember being this busy the past two years... I suppose it's because we have about 25 more students than we did last year, but really no additional staff members. That means we all have to do more.

We are leaving for Ponca on Thursday after school. We will be there about a week. We are taking Cleo with us again. She has been so great! Right now she is chewing on her Xmas gift - a peanut butter flavored candy cane bone. She is about 14lbs, so I have her on a no table food diet. I must take full responsibility for her being a bit overweight. It is so hard for me not to give in to her pouty face when she is begging for food. Roy and I are trying to watch our weight, too. It's ridiculous how much weight I've gained in the last two years. My goal is to lose 10-15lbs before the end of May. That way I will be my normal weight before I get pregnant - I hope. It is really exciting planning for parenthood. Roy and I were talking tonight about whether or not we should get rid of our piano. We decided to keep it because our kids might want to learn to play, or we could all take lessons together. Though we still have many fears, mostly financial, about parenting, I think we are as ready as can be.

Roy gave me one of my Xmas gifts early - he made me a lap desk for my jewelry making. It is great. I haven't officially sold any earrings yet, but I haven't exactly taken the opportunity to sell any, either. I have been trying to make several different styles to meet different tastes. I have given a few pairs away, and that has been good advertisement, but now I just need to say, "If you would like to order a pair, let me know" when people see a pair they love.

Okay, enough of this dull update... Merry Christmas, everyone!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...

Thanksgiving break has been just fabulous! I had made Roy promise not to do any schoolwork on Thanksgiving day, and he didn't. We just lazed around all day and watched T.V., ate, played Scrabbled, and cuddled. It had been since the beginning of the school year when we were able to spend that kind of time together. Friday morning I got up at 4:30am and went shopping for a couple of hours. When I came home I decided to put the Christmas tree up, and Cleo was excited and wanted to help. (She also wanted to eat everything I took out, but that's another story!) She kept jumping up onto/into the tree box, so I snapped a pic.

Later I put a reinderr headband on her back, and it made her crazy! She kept spinning around trying to get it off! (I'm mean, I know.) And yes, that's her very own mini Xmas tree; notice the base has been chewed on!
After a few hours, the tree finally made it up. Cleo kept walking underneath it until I got all the gifts wrapped and under there.
Last night we were able to visit Johnny and Kita. I once again proved my lack of talent when it comes to making homemade cookies - they turned out cakey. I followed Kita's recipe, so I don't know what on earth could have happened! Roy has told me for a few years now that I should just give up on making cookies. I normally just buy the premade dough; much easier anyway!

Today I have been editing David's book. I met with him a couple weeks ago, and he gave me some additions to insert. I am enjoying the project, but will be glad when it's all over.

Tomorrow is back to school for both Roy and me. He has a couple weeks left and I have four. It's hard to believe that this year has gone by so quickly.

One more thing ... my obgyn says I need to stop the pill at the end of May to have a baby May '09. I know it is not an exact science, but that's what we are shooting for anyway. I can see how mom's who cannot get pregnant can get so consumed with the idea of having a baby. I already think about it several times a day, and I'm not even pregnant yet! We have already chosen names! (boy: Warren Van [after Roy's dad]; girl: Ellisa Mercedes [after Roy's middle name, Ellis]) Here's to planning and hoping!

Surprise!

Last Friday Roy and I were talking about what we should do over the weekend. You know, things like edging, mopping the floors, and so on. As we pulled up in the driveway and got out of the car, Roy said, "We won't have time to do any of that." "Why," I said. "Look behind you," Roy told me. When I did, my mouth dropped open because there stood my mother, and my dad was stepping out of his truck. They came all the way from OK (7hrs) just to see me! I found out that they and Roy had been planning this little surprise for about a month now! Seems I was left out!!!! It was a really nice weekend. We shopped (my mom has lost so much weight she is in a large now!), cleaned (mom brought me these new Swiffer duster things that make dusting super easy), and cooked and ate (we made T-day dinner since they were here). After mom just had knee replacement surgery this summer, it was a difficult trip for her to make. It really was a nice surprise. Now we won't see family again until Xmas. Roy has promised that he won't do schoolwork on Tday, and that we can just spend the day together; I am really looking forward to that!
A few years ago I tried to make a pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin (some of our friends will remember the chunky pie), but this year, I didn't just "try" to make it, I DID make it and it was great!!!! It tastes so yummy. A totally different taste than the canned stuff. Heres a pic:

Isn't it beautiful?!!!!!

John and Sarah

This past weekend my sister and niece and nephew came down to visit. It was such fun! I must admit I had to take a two hour nap after they left, but it was well worth it. We played, chased Cleo, went to the zoo, ate lots of junk, talked about Cleo, made cookies, watched a movie, played with Cleo ... are you noticing a pattern here? Sarah is obsessed with Cleo. Most kids play house, but Sarah plays "Cleo." On Friday Cleo was laying on my lap with her nose between my knees; Sarah decided to do the same on her momma's lap, just to be like Cleo. Sometimes we would just be sitting and Sarah would smile and say, "Your dog's nice, Auntie Debbie; Cleo's nice." It is just too funny. Cleo did well; she likes both John and Sarah, but she definitely got tired of being messed with. A couple of times she just turned her head away when they kept trying to get her attention. Cleo adores my sister, though. She practically worships her; several times she was actually whimpering when she saw Kim until she got a dose of attention from her. We all had a great time. So now they are on there way home, and life goes on ... how boring. Here are some pics of our great weekend:

Finally, this stump in our front yard has purpose!
Making cookies with Auntie Debbie (Yes, using a roll of cookie dough is still "making" cookies!)

Now it's time to ice the cookies...

Now it's time to EAT the cookies - about half of them in one sitting!

Sarah as Cleo

Playing with Cleo's toys
Kissing Cleo

Just being a cutie!

Because of days like today...

Apparently I have become old and nasty in the past two years. Today two of my students (boys) looked at a picture of me and Roy that is only two years old, and they said, "Mrs. Garton, you look young in that picture," and "You should grow your hair long again and wear those glasses cause you look better in that picture"!!!!! I guess that's what two years and 8lbs can do to a person! Well, anyway, I gave the boys the speech about never telling a woman she looked better in a previous time, and I also pretended it didn't bug me, but it did. Why does getting old have to be so noticeable?!!! I should have told them that they are the ones making me look like this now! (Which, by the way, I don't think is all that bad, minus the cellulite. I may be 14lbs heavier than I was when we got married, but I am much healthier. I haven't passed out in years!) Oh, and the girl who is obsessed with my eyebrows pulled my shirt together today and said something about me not being able to button it up! (It was supposed to be unbuttoned and I had a cute tank with lace on under it.) Why do I keep teaching these crazy kids?!!!! Actually, I know why. It's because of days like today when I talk to them about sticking up for the underdog instead of making fun, and I see them later in the day actually doing it; it's because of days like today when I listen to them laughing hysterically with each other (rather than talking rudely to each other) as they try to speak in a fake British accent; it's because of days like today when a student practically has to be pushed out of my room because she doesn't want to leave it, even though she won't admit it; it's because of days like today when students come up and give me a hug because they know I will give them one in return ... yes, that's why I keep putting up with the comments and observations about my eyebrows, my body, my hair, my weight, and my age - because of days like today.

My Sweet Cleo

Whenever I take towels out of the dryer, Cleo just loves to get right in the middle of the pile while they are still warm. I was able to capture this cute pic of her tonight ... It is now 4hrs later, and the towels are still on the floor waiting to be folded; they are very patient. LOL

Kids have a weird way of complimenting

In previous posts I have mentioned how one of my students this year has this obsession with my eyebrows. Well, today I actually find out that she likes them, she just has a weird way of saying it. I was at her level (in the middle of correcting her poor behavior, actually), when she said, "I like your eyebrows, Mrs. Garton"! I was like, what is this obsession with my eyebrows!!!!!!! (I actually said that!) She giggled, but one of the girls in her group said it's because they are thin and "mine aren't; mine are so thick and bushy." So I realized that kids are just weird! That's all there is to it! This girl has gone from asking me if I fill in my eyebrows, to telling me my eyebrows are gray, to telling me she likes them. So, if you are feeling bad about your eyebrows, just pattern them after mine. Apparently they are something to talk about! LOL (How can I help but enjoy my job?!)

Last week my kids made landform maps out of sugar cookies! What do you think? Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Can you name the landforms that these food items represent?

Some Sad News

I got an email Friday from our breeder. She said Cleo's mom went into labor Thursday night, but she only had one puppy - a boy. The really sad thing is he was very weak and died shortly after. Our breeder said Reba Jo (that's Cleo's mom) was okay, but she is whining and really sad. So, no Isis for now...

What to post, what to post...

One would think that after starting school, I would have so much to say ... wrongo-dongo-dungle-buns! I have NOTHING to say! Yet, I still need to get out my 50,000 words, so here goes:

School is just about my whole life right now. I think part of it is due to my crazy new laptop on which I spent most of my evenings researching and stuff. Today I had no time at school to do anything, so when I got home, I had to call two parents, and I still need to email two parents! This week at school lesson-wise is not too taxing. The kids are making poster fairy tales, castles, and landform maps out of sugar cookies (which I have to bake ten of on Thurs. night!) I have a class webpage now, which is cool. Makes me feel like I'm going the extra mile.

We are getting excited about welcoming Isis into our family. I should hear this week whether or not she has been born. We should be able to see her when she's two weeks old. Roy told me since he named both dogs that I get to name both of our kids. What an agreement! I already have one girl's name - Ellissa Mercedes - but I can't think of a good boy name for the life of me, so I may just have to hope for two girls. I like the name Kenna or Kenda. If all goes as planned, I should be nearly one month pregnant a year from now! Scary thought, huh? Geez, I really need to lose these ten pounds, so I will be a step ahead! Esp. since one of my students keeps asking me questions like, "Are you still on a diet?" and "Do you feel small?" Oh, and one told me today that my eyebrows looked gray now. What the heck does that even mean!!!! LOL

We finally got our new roof on! It looks great! I think this weekend we might go to Lowes and get some trees to plant. We need to spice up our yard, and now's a good time, I guess.

So I have really run out of things to say, and I probably have written a few hundred words, so I will go now ... I need to sweep my floors and vacuum - ha! like that will really happen! :)

Isis - goddess of protection

Only God knows how long it had been since I had dusted and vacuumed, and He wouldn't even tell! It was bad, folks. It was so bad, that after doing just those two things, the whole living room looked clean. Last night I was able to clean nearly the whole house. It was a nice feeling. Today, in fact, I need to finish off the cleaning, and I can because this is my first day to not have any schoolwork to bring home!!! Hurray! I am feeling very much at ease, and I like it. I had almost forgotten what that felt like. My poor husband, on the other hand, is living, breathing, and eating schoolwork. But I tend to not have much sympathy for him because he chose this life. I suppose I chose my life of teaching as well, so what's my point? Not sure. LOL Oh boy. Don't you just get tired of being a woman sometimes? No, I am not thinking of having any surgical procedures to alter my female parts, but I just get tired of being emotional and flighty and not being able to think things through logically (Hillary Clinton doesn't face this, of course, for she has a handle on her emotions, which is why I think she would make a good President. Seriously, I may vote for her. She makes sense - but this isn't a political blog, so I'll stop this parenthetical blah,blah and get on with it). On the other hand, it's nice to just cry for ten minutes when something is wrong, and then afterward feel so much better....

We are getting a new puppy at the beginning of November! Her name is going to be Isis (eye-sis). She was the Egyptian goddess of protection, which is cool, cause Cleopatra was an Egyptian Pharaoh, and every pharaoh needs a protector! The puppies will be born the end of this month, and we will be able to take Cleo to help us pick Isis out. The neat thing is the puppy will officially be Cleo's sister - she has the same mom and dad. Her dad just died recently, so this is our last chance to get a sibling. We are excited, though I must admit, I am a bit nervous about the extra responsibility. Guess it will prep me for a kid.

Enough of the babbling...

I'm Breathing Again!!!!!

Okay, I know in the last post I said I was finally able to take a breath, but apparently I lied because now I feel like I can finally breath again. It's so nice! School is going great. Still super busy, but great. I love what I do and seldom have days when I wish I wasn't teaching ... such a nice feeling.

I have decided I need to hire someone to clean my house. Since that's not going to happen, I guess I'll just have to pay myself for each room I clean; perhaps that will motivate me. Housework is the one thing you have to do all your life and it never improves or gets to the point where you don't have to do it. (I know, some women could say that about sex. LOL)

I think I have a weird sense of humor tonight. Earlier this week one of my students asked me if I felt small. I asked if he meant "small" as in skinny or "small" as in meaningless. He said he meant skinny. When I said no, I just feel average, not too big and not too small, he said, "oh." I have no idea what in the world that even means, but of course I went the rest of my day thinking he thinks I am bigger than I was last year!!!!! Then I had another student, whom I was trying to help write an essay, ask me if I fill in my eyebrows!!!!! Why do those little brats have to be so observant anyway?!!!!!!! Good grief!!! Well, they do make me laugh daily, so I am never bored.

Otherwise things are going well too. My mom's second knee replacement went well. She's not recovering as quickly this time as she did with the last knee, but she is still doing well. My sister and I went and stayed with mom and dad in the hospital over Labor Day weekend. It was actually a bit of fun at mom's expense. We made fun of her while she was doped up, and we also called her the nocturnal Nazi because she never slept but always had something to tell us to do. We slept in these recliners in her hospital room that, I swear, had to come from a sex doctor's office. If you recline in them and just barely move, your whole pelvis starts pulsing and the chair goes everywhere! We had some great laughs at that. Another fun thing was that my dad took my sister and me out for breakfast, just father and daughters. We had never done that before, and it was really cool. It's funny how you appreciate your parents so much more after you are grown. I can only hope that I can instill in my kids the same core values that my parents instilled in me. It's scary to think how much I could mess my kids up! My friend said her goal is to raise her kids to make smart and informed decisions and to not have baggage to carry with them from their childhood. I like that. No baggage, just tickets. They can fly anywhere they want without worrying about something from their past weighing them down.

Tonight Roy and I ate at Tx Roadhouse with a friend. I had a watermelon margarita! It was really good. I had a peach one too, which is always good. Then I had a baked potato, Caesar salad, green beans, and rolls. Needless to say, I thought about becoming bulimic again, just this once, but I didn't. I'm the one who ate all the food and drink, so I will just make myself suffer through ... and I wonder why my student asked about me being small????? LOL

Okay, I know. It has taken you ten years just to read this blog. I suppose it's proof that I need to talk to "real" people sometimes and not just kids.....

A Whirlwind

Whew! I am just now getting a chance to take a deep breath! School began the 17th, and it has been quite a whirlwind the last week. I am teaching 5th grade reading, English, and social studies, and also a 6th grade English class. I teach six periods a day, which for most teachers, that's normal, but I was spoiled last year only having to teach five classes a day. Now that we've been in classes for a week, things are starting to calm and come into focus. I am breathing now, which is nice. LOL My students are great, and I seem to only have one that tries my patience - which I have less of these days - on a rather consistent basis. This is my fifth year of teaching and my first year of actually feeling like I am in control and have a grip on lessons and behaviors. So nice! The other fifth grade teacher is brand new, and it reminds me of my early days -- and I say thanks everyday that I made it through them. Being a teacher is hard work. I don't think people really understand how all-consuming it is unless they know someone well who is in the field. When school is going I dream about some aspect of my class almost every night, and I think about it all during the day too, of course, and then on the weekends I am planning for the next week, so it's in my mind then too - all consuming. I love it though. I just love being in charge and getting to boss others around! LOL I really am good at that! Editing is going well. I hope to finish it up this weekend. Next weekend I am going to OK to stay with my mom in the hospital while she has her second knee replacement. Roy and Cleo are going to go to Ponca to see family. Then on the 7th, I am chaperoning our school dance. Don't ask me why, cause I don't even know how to dance, but volunteering always looks good, so I decided to go for it. Roy's school has started with a bang. He is working for a new Old Testament professor at Baylor who is working him quite a bit. He will actually get to teach some classed this semester, which will be such a great experience for him. Since we are both in school now, it's like we just say goodbye in the mornings, hi honey, how was your day? in the afternoons, and goodnight baby, sleep well in the evenings. Such is life. So is this post long enough or what? Sorry guys. I don't get to talk to grown ups much anymore....

Update on Life

My trip home to Ponca City was so great! My mom's knee surgery went very well, and she is recovering faster than expected. It's amazing, really. I am blown away by her determination and will power. No one can ever say she's a wimp, that's for sure. I started work again last week. Inservice so far, but it has been stressful, to say the least. The school is just growing so quickly that we cannot keep up with it. I have also started editing my fourth book, and I am enjoying my new laptop that was purchased with the money I am making from editing. I got this fabulous new bag/carrying case too. It is very classy! This weekend we have been enjoying the company of an old highschool/college friend from Oklahoma. Yesterday we toured a local winery, which was really exciting. We even did a wine tasting and bought a bottle of white wine. The owners are from Sweden and have a fabulous accent! Last night we watched both of the Bourne movies, and today we went to the theater and watched the third one. I must say, Matt Damon is quite the sexy actor! Mmmhmm. :) We are still waiting to hear from our insurance company as to how much they will give us to repair our roof. Also, we had an incident with a file cabinet we purchased at Oakwood Express. Supposedly they only sell solid real wood, but somehow we ended up with particle board that has a laminate of rosewood, or something like that. Anyway, Roy's talked to the manager about it all, and he said he can't do much for us, so we will have to contact the corporate office. It's really frustrating because we bought a lot of furniture from them last year with the understanding that it's all solid wood ... surprise, surprise. So other than the Texas heat, the furniture store, and the insurance company, and stress at work, life is good. I have to go now ... Cleo just pooted on my lap and it is about to choke me!!!!!!!

Misc. babbling ... again

My mom had knee replacement surgery yesterday. Everything went well, but when I talked to her today, she was in a great deal of pain. I am flying up to help out this week. Leaving Mon. and returning Sat. Roy told me I have to get my nurse face on and toughen up. I get so queasy when others are in pain. When my sister was in therapy after a knee procedure, she was getting this shock therapy done on her knee, and I was the one lying on the floor trying not to pass out!

Today I made a window seat pillow for Cleo! It was so cool. I just measured everything, cut it out, sewed it together, stuffed it, and it looks pretty darn good, I must admit. I really enjoy sewing. I wish I had more time to do it. I really need to be a stay at home wife! Oh, ya, Roy laughed at me today because when I was cooking dinner, I had Cleo in a chair up at the counter "helping" me. She likes it, after all, so why not? Yes, further proof that I need a kid!

An update on our pumpkin growing around the rosebush -- it's not pumpkin after all; it's cantaloupe! We have eaten two now, and another is growing. So juicy and sweet! It is really cool. I think I will save some seed to plant for next year, only not by the rose bush.

Still making earrings, and lots of them. I made some adorable black disc type dangling ones last night. It took way too long, but they are oh so cute.

I was able to order my own personal laptop with a super cute girlie carry bag yesterday. I have another editing job, so I am using the money to buy a laptop. I am really excited about it. It will be here when I get back from Ponca.

By the way, for all those pet owners who read this (Hmm, seeing that only my mom, grandma, sister, and friend Melissa actually read my blog, I guess I should address this to Melissa, since none of the others have pets. Unless Kim wants to count Steve, my brother-in-law), we just discovered http://www.petmeds.com/. You can order Heartgard and Frontline/Advantix and other stuff at discounted prices, and shipping can be free too! I am all for ordering online and having it delivered to my door!

Okay, I guess that's it for me. I think I will go upstairs and try to hang some pictures and wall boxes in my room...

Oh, one more thing... I just discovered Yahoo avatars. It's where you can create yourself in a little icon character. You get to pick your face, hair, clothing, jewelry, pets, etc. Too fun.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows

Back in February, Roy's brother, Adam, gave him a wonderful birthday gift - a preorder for the final Harry Potter book to be delivered July 21st. Amazingly, the book was delivered on that exact day, even though it was the first day of its release, and millions were being delivered that same day. Well, since Roy is so busy with French in summer school, I got to read the book first!!!! I read most of Saturday afternoon, most of Sunday, and most of today, and I finished it tonight. I must say, that I was not disappointed, and I was even surprised at a few things, but I dare not give details just in case any of my friends (yes, you, Melissa) hasn't read it yet. It is a real shame that so many in the church world condemn them before ever even reading them. I suppose if one can't read HP w/o succumbing to magic, than one can't watch fairy tale movies like Cinderella, or shows like Bewitched. Amazing lessons can be learned through the HP series, and I even question what kind of a person I really am, and would I be willing to give my life for others (NOT that Harry does or doesn't give his life!!!!!)

Well, okay, enough of my soapbox ramblings.... The book was amazing, and I can't wait to talk to someone else who has finished the book ... and also to share it with my own children one day.

Tomorrow I will going to school to work a bit. I can't believe school's almost ready to start! I go back on the 8th for a week of inservice. The 30th of this month, I will be going to Ponca City to help out with my mom's surgery. Hopefully I can convince her to rest (love you mom!). Wed. our final estimate for fixing the roof and patio should come in. Our insurance is definitely going to have to give us more money to cover the replacement cost. This stuff is no fun! But, when it's all said and done, we'll have a new roof, which will look great if we have to sell the house after Roy graduates.

Okay, enough of my babbling for tonight....

Pamper Me

Last night, my friend Staci and I were pampered for just over an hour getting our thirtieth birthday presents to ourselves - spa pedicures! It was wonderful. My legs and feet tingled for about an hour afterward.

I am trying to make a pair or two of earrings every day. Here are a couple new ones. It's so fun to be creative! Trouble is, I want to keep almost every pair I make! Roy tells me I need to make two pairs of each kind, that way I'll have one for myself. Aren't guys smart?
I normally use the fish hook style, but I found some cute posts with flowers to try for this pair.

I think today must be the start of the Heart of Texas Balloon Glow, if not, the aliens have invaded using hot air balloons! (I know, bad humor, gotta get back to teaching.) So far this morning, I've seen about fifteen balloons fly over our house. They were so close, I could hear the firing of the hot air!

Signs of Boredom

I suppose these pics are truly signs of boredom for me. I haven't been doing much around here, though I feel like I've been busy (how does that work?). I have been making earrings, buying a few things for the house, watching Man vs Wild, cleaning, and, oh yes... painting the trim in the kitchen!!!! (Miracles do still happen!!!!!) I just have to paint the section behind the fridge and stove, and I'm done. Well, except for the cabinets, but I can't start on those yet. We need to pick out knobs and hinges and a light fixture. ... so maybe I'm not quite done... LOL

I found out that I will have another editing job! The president of LMI asked me to edit his next book this fall. I am excited to keep that part of my career going.

In two weeks I am going back to Ponca City to help my mom recover from knee replacement surgery. Then school starts Aug. 8th. Where has all the summer gone? I am looking forward to school though. I will be teaching the same subjects (Rdg, Eng, SS), but I will have five classes. The school added a second fifth grade class this fall. We are really growing.

Obviously I have NOTHING to talk about, so no reason to keep blabbing... Here are the pics:

Pouting Cleo

Cleo didn't seem to feel good last night. Normally she sits on our lap and sleeps, but last night, she climbed into her pillow, curled up, and slept. I thought she looked adorable (I need a real baby, I know.)

Hobby Lobby has become my new friend. I found this charger, these candles, and the stones ... all under $15!

I made my first two throw pillows! It was so easy. I just used the material left over from the sheet-curtains!
I have been making many pairs of earrings. I don't know, maybe I will start selling them. It's a fun hobby.

Ponca Trip and Misc Pics

After our cruise, we went home to Ponca City and visited our families. It was my dad's 65th birthday and John's 5th birthday. We had a big party - Spiderman for John and Cars for Dad.

One day, my mom won't have to spoil her grandpuppy; she'll have a real baby to spoil! Until then...

I had to get some cool "presents" for my niece and nephew. Sarah is eating a light up Ring Pop, and John is showing off a giant pickle.

Roy's sister, Christy, is such a great mommy to Keara.

After a bit of interrogation from me and Roy, Christy's boyfriend, Ty, was welcomed into the family. He and Christy are planning to have a Vegas wedding in March. Roy will have the honor of walking Christy down the isle in place of their dad.

On to the "misc" portion of this blog....

I have been watching lots of HGTV, and that means I have been looking, buying, and redoing ... you know Roy is loving that!!!! LOL

I found this new quilt while in Bartlesville, OK, shopping with my parents. It matches the paint in our guestroom perfectly. I am accenting with the sage color.

One of the shows on HGTV is always using plain white sheets to make curtains. Tried it and liked it. I didn't even have to sew them!

In our room, I am working to accent with the same red as our curtains. I found this red charger for $1.87 and the mosaic vase for $15 - both on clearance, of course. I think it adds a contemperary flair to our room.

I am still making jewelry. Earrings mostly, but it is fun. My sister says I should put them on ebay, but I'm not sure I want to mess with that. She flatters me though by giving me special orders for earrings and then showing them off when she wears them. Big sisters are so awesome!

Okay, it's late and I don't even know why in the world I am putting all these pics on my blog!!!!!!!!! I suppose I am bored, and that's why I'm doing all this creative stuff. Funny thing is, I still haven't finished the trim in the kitchen!!!!!!!!!!! I'll do that tomorrow...