SNOW 2010

This is insane! I feel like I am on vacation in Colorado and I am sitting in my bed in my own home! I am loving the view. Driving in it, not so much. My car got stuck in the driveway. It took Kevin an hour to shovel the snow and get his car in. Mine, he informs me is front wheel drive and he saved the day with his uuber awesome driving skills. He spun my tires and the car slid to the right, then to the left…. and then ever so nicely into the garage. I was all ready to call state farm because my husband was going to wreck the car into the house! :) I gotta have more faith!

Anyway, here are some pictures and video of  the snow!

When I woke up on Wednesday morning….

On my way to school wed. morning, I thought these trees looked so pretty. Every one was driving about 10 miles an hour so I was able to take a picture:

Our school in the snow!!!

view outside my window at 8:40am:

around noon:

ALL day long, all the kids wanted to do was go outside and play in the snow. Every period, can we go outside? Please? Coach????? We were instructed to keep the kiddos inside. But the second school was over, they all ran outside and started throwing snow balls! SO FUN!

Driving home from school:

snow fall by 5pm:

My dog loves to roll in the grass… but when he does it in the snow, I call it making doggie snow angels!

My dog has long legs and the snow is almost up to his belly, in TEXAS! Most snow fall in a single day in the history of DFW!

around 10pm….

The next morning, it’s done snowing… but look at all that’s left!!! They say about 11 inches!

 

video of Murphy making snow angels, please ignore my ramblings:

Birthday Wishes

What a great day I had!

It all started last night. I went over to my parents house to see my brother. He broke his collar bone playing hockey. :( He is in a sling but seems to be doing just fine. My parents asked me what I wanted for my birthday. Now, I know this may seem childish, but I REALLY want a bike. We have a bike trail in our neighborhood and one at the park near my school. I didn't realize how expensive bikes are! We are talking $300 to $600!! There are so many choices! My mom asked me what kind I wanted and I said, "uh, a purple one."

I had no idea all that goes in to picking a bike. My rents and I went over the local bike shop (that I didn't know existed) and I got a lesson on all things bike. I think I need a 10 speed... ANYWAY... when I got home Kevin had a card and a gift waiting for me. He was so excited he couldn't wait until my actual bday, today. After I opened the card he took me to Bed Bath and Beyond to get the expensive bath mats I have been wanting since we moved in back in June! I'll post pictures soon, they look great!

Then today, my actual bday, I was serenaded every class period by my students. They stopped by in the halls to give me a hug and tell me happy birthday. Some made me cards and one of my students made me a bracelet. (pictured above) I have the best students!

I had messages all day long from friends and family... like I said, what a great day.

Kev and I just got back from the Keg Steakhouse in the Highlands. I am stuffed! AAAAnnnnnddddd we just booked our flight to Hawaii this summer for our 5 year wedding anniversary!!!! YAY!

Kev is throwing me a bday party tomorrow night that he was planning to be a surprise but worried that he wouldn't invite everyone that I wanted so he told me about it. :) Dinner with my parents on Saturday night and his mom on Sunday... I am going to be birthdayed out! Like that could happen!

Hope you guys are having a great day and thanks again for all the birthday wishes. They really made my day!!

Movie Tavern

On Monday we had a day off from school, so to celebrate MLK day, I met up with Jenn & Kate to go see a movie. We met at Jenn & Chris' apartment in fort worth. I LOVE her taste in home decor. She just has the best style. I want her to come redo my entire house!

We went to the new Movie Tavern in Downtown Fort Worth to see Up in the Air. The theater is soooo nice! It is about 40 minutes from my house, but totally worth the drive. They have leather seats, huge arm rests and individual TV trays that moves. The food is wonderful! Oh, and the matinee was only $5. I highly recommend this place.

I thought the movie was really good. The white haired lady in front of us really made the movie though. Every funny line she's hit the man next to her and laugh. The ones that were really funny she would repeat them loudly as well. But, even if she isn't at your theater, I still think it's worth seeing. :)

I really want to see Dear John. I love Channing Tatum! It comes out February 5th, can't wait!!!!

Twenty Ten

So, as my lovely friend Jessi reminded me today, I have dubbed 2010.... THE YEAR OF ALYSSA. This year will be all things great and wonderful because that is what Alyssa is. I have heard that positive self talk is good for you and doesn't AT ALL make you sound conceited. That said... I am determined that this year is going to be AWESOME. Well, how is it going so far you ask?

I had a great 7th grade basketball tournament that first weekend back and we placed 2nd. Losing to the ONLY team that we just can not seem to beat... but the heater was broken in the gym. It was about as cold inside as out... talking below freezing.

Saturday night I took my Gma out for a night on the town. We went to her favorite restaurant, Del Frisco's and we had a ball! We drank champagne and clinked our glasses to 2010 (the year of Alyssa). After dinner Grandma ordered the "Del Special" a drink she and Grandpa would always use to finish their meal...

I think my flash blinded her...

After our fabulous dinner we went back to her house and watched the tivoed Cowboy game. Well, the first quarter and then the last 5 minutes... it was really late after all. BUT way to go Cowboys, let's see if you can do it again! I had the best night hanging out with my Gma!

Then on Sunday I started to get a scratchy throat. GREAT! Monday I went to school but by Monday night I started to feel horrible. The kids had finals this week and I really needed to be there to help them out... but the Bronchitis knocked me on my bohiney! I feel horrible still and I sound like a man. blah. But I went into work on Thursday and Friday and I was there for them to take their exams. And they all passed with flying colors! I have a smart group of kiddos!

So.. the year of Alyssa.... will get better. Oh and in case you are wondering, I am totally open to sharing my year with anyone else.... :) Make it your year too.

Outside My Window…

Everybody has those moments when you feel like you can’t make it. That your plate is too full… You are juggling too many balls in the air and if you slow down for even a second they will all come crashing to the floor. I have felt that way this entire semester with coaching. I have tried my hardest to look competent and knowledgeable. But that is TIRING!! I have had to take all this one day at a time. I am always telling myself, I can do anything for one day, because if I let my self look at the next week or even the next day, I get overwhelmed.

Last year, I was able to retreat into my bubble when things got tough. I could see the big picture and had faith that everything was happening for a reason. Everything would work itself out if I would just let it… I am having trouble letting go this year. My bubble seems to have become nonexistent and the thing that I was able to let roll last year are sticking to me this year…

Maybe that comes with being a 2^nd year teacher. The newness is gone… But I have found some inspiration.

I am always looking for anthems for my life. Songs that make me feel good or say what I am thinking, and I recently heard the song “Outside my window” and have fallen in love. I get so excited when it comes on the radio! It isn’t available as a single on Itunes yet, but I was able to purchase the video. If you haven’t heard it yet, check it out…

What’s outside your window?

Outside My Window Lyrics –Sarah Buxton
Outside my window

I see a red bird singin’ sittin’ on a wire
Wish I knew what he’s thinkin’

outside my window
I see a couple kissin’ huggin’ and a-lovin’
Man, that’s just what I’ve been missin’
These days when everythin’ is crazy
Some things are never ever changin’
chorus:
(You) still need stars when you’re wishin’ at night
A best friend to set you right, a good laugh, a warm bath
And a beautiful song you can sing along to
Good news that’ll make you cry
All the little things that money cant buy
No wars, no more, just a big rainbow outside my window
La la la la la la (outside my window)
Outside my window I see the bluest ocean
Sails in the sunlight rockin’ in the sweetest motion
Outside my window I hear a church bell ringin’
Nobody fightin’ over what hymn they’re singin’
I know I’m dreamin’ like a child
But some things just don’t go out of style like
(chorus)
Outside my window I see a flag that’s wavin’
Hands joined together, everybody’s celebrating, yeah
La la la la la la, outside my window
La la la la la la, everybody’s lookin’ outside my window

(chorus)

Winter Wonderland

For those of you who live under a rock, it SNOWED in TEXAS on CHRISTMAS EVE!!! :)

 

Kevin scraping the snow off his windows at his Mom’s house.

The Lawthers in the snow!

Murphy making snow angels….

Our House on Christmas Morning… see the nice doggie snow angel in the middle of our yard? Murph did that as I was walking from the front door to where I stood to take this picture… little stinker!

Hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Last Day of Florida

Kevin and I had such a great time in Florida. But the time definitely flew by and before we knew it, it was time to head to home.

Jack got a tent with tunnel entrance from his grandparents (Jordan’s mom & dad) for Christmas. He was using the tube to store all his little goodies.

 

Jordan & I took the little boat out. It started raining the second we left the dock & stopped the moment we returned. BUT it was so fun to see the Bay from their boat and I think Jordan & I will totally be taking the boat out over spring break. :)

Jordan & me all bundled up, it was cold on the water!

The Boys untying the boat for us…

I love that the expression on the boy’s faces as we drove away…. :)

My driver!!!

Thank you guys so much for an AWESOME time! We miss you already and can’t wait for March! We already booked our flight! 3/12 (evening) –3/17!!!!

And finally, I leave you with a 3 minute video of a very uncooperative Jack. :) He knows all his body parts and we spent about 5 minutes where he showed me everything from his head to his feet…. so I decided to get out the camera to get it on film. Well, that’s about the time he became interested in doing ANYTHING but showing me all his knowledge. All that said, he’s so adorable in this video.

AHS program picture

Back in August, Kevin and I had our picture taken by Southern Flair Photography for the AHS football program. AHS does a few pages on the coaches and their families. The owners of Southern Flair went to Arlington High so they totally hooked us up with prints for Chirstmas at a major discount.

I think the picture turned out really cute:

PS. I have posts ready to be written, including snow pictures from Xmas eve & our last day in Florida... hopefully I will get that taken care of tomorrow. I can't believe our vacation time is coming to an end. It FLEW BY! But at least we have the weekend!

Sunset on the Emerald Coast

Jordan and I headed out to the outlet mall yesterday while the boys went fishing. We went the the Nike store where we found the biggest shoes on the planet! Size 22. Below is a picture of Jordan holding the shoe that is the width of her. We tried to take a picture of the shoe next to Jack, but he wasn’t having it. So it looks more like the shoe is attacking him.. or vice versa. :)

 

As we were driving home we stopped at the coast to take pictures of the sunset. It was so gorgeous.

Jackson is getting to be such a big boy. He is hilarious! When people walk by him, he says “low, low, low” (hello) until the person looks at him. When a phone rings on the tv he says, “low?”  Every dog, duck, kitty, & frog he sees he gets very excited to tell you about it. It’s precious!

Shark bait:

Visiting Jordan, Brad & Jack

Kev and I left for Florida yesterday morning. We had a 8am flight so we got up at 4:45am, the time we'd normally get up to leave if we were driving to see them, and headed to pick up Kevin's Mom. She graciously aggreed to take us to the airport. We got to airport right at 6am. The day after Christmas, you'd think there would be a ton of people there. Umm, not so much! Which was awesome. We were pretty much the only ones going through security, no line... and we got through in about 5 minutes. They needed to check the laptop for explosives. They swabbed my hands for explosives too! All clear! We walked to our gate and our tiny plane was already there, we are so leaving on time. Kev and I had seats 2A & 3A. The plane is 1 seat then the isle then 2 seats.

Now we had an hour and a half to kill before boarding. So we ate at Mickey D's and then paid 5$ for 15 minutes in the massage chair. We thought, what a deal! But, it was so painful!! Note to self, 3 minutes was $1. Try that first then spend $5 if the chair was worth it. There was supposed to be music and the chair was to recline and all this stuff... uh no go. & my back hurts today. OH WELL!

Anyway, the time flew by and be began to board at 7:40am, right on schedule. And after co-pilot arrived (at 8:10am) as the plane was supposed to take of (immediately asking the stewardess for gingerale), the toilet got fixed, and we de-iced... we finally took off at 8:30am. Why they couldn't take care of those things while we were sitting at the gate, I have no idea! But 30 minutes late, no big deal in the grand scheme of things.

We arrived at 10:30am! We would of still been in Louisiana if we were driving and here we were, 15 minutes later hugging Jordana & loving on Baby Jack!

We are having an awesome time. Brad made us all shrimp & grits and it was so delicious! Here is a video of Kevin and Jack playing... it was so cute, I had to share!

Hanging out with Haley

Last Weekend we went over to Haley Harris' house to watch the Cowboys beat the undefeated Saints. I love that the Cowboys can beat undefeated teams, but lose to easier ones... ANYWAY! Haley's house is SO cute! I love how she's decorated! She needs to take me shopping! We had a great time catching up and we ended the night playing dominoes like we did back in high school and college.

Thanks for a great night guys!!

Picture below is attempt #3, cuz Josh wouldn't stop flipping off the camera, hince Kev's "take the damn picture" smile. :)

A Night Out

Last night I met up with some of my best friends from junior high. It was more than a meet up, it was something that I have been needing for some time now. I emailed them on Tuesday begging them to break and any plans they may have to hang out with me last night. :) We have been trying to get together since October!!! I don't think any of them had to break any plans... it just finally worked out! We met at Gloria's in the highlands and had a fantastic dinner.

Sam, Bert, Goose, & Teeny:

At the end of dinner, Lucy presented us with our Xmas gift that brought tears to our eyes. I looked in the bag and saw a little blue box! Which in itself is very exciting and then when we opened the box... we saw these:

Inside the box was a necklace with our initial on the charm. Grown up friendship necklaces. I was blown away. I am so lucky to have such amazing friends in my life! Thank you GOOSE! I love it and it means so much to me!

After dinner, we went and saw "Princess and the Frog" at the Studio Movie Grill. It was so cute! I definitely recommend it! It was a fabulous night of laughter and friendship. As I am coming out of my funk, I am realizing what I need the most and that is my husband, my friends and my family.

THANKS FOR A GREAT NIGHT LADIES- VBFFE!

Boykin's Visit

Jordan, Brad and Jack stayed with us over Thanksgiving! I was so grateful to have them with us. Jordan actually surprised me by coming in early and coming to my Gpa's funeral. I was so surprised! She's amazing! We had the best time hanging out... We love you Boykins! We will see you soon! COUNTING THE DAYS! These pics are not the best quality, I took them with my phone... but I had to share:

Mama and baby matching footsie pj's:

I love this kid:

Ramble

Christmas is my favorite time of year, but I am sad to say that this year I don't want it to come. I don't want to go to my Gma's and see the empty chair where my Gpa has sat for the past 27 years of my life to open gifts. Or see someone else in it or at the head of the table... I'm going to have to just get over it. Xmas will come, I will go to my Gma's and I will look at the empty chair. Maybe I'll be able to picture him there and remember all the great times... I really hope so! Sorry, I should probably just erase this as I am rambling about nothing but every time I try to say something about how I am really feeling, I feel SOOO guilty.

It's ridiculous, I know. But everyone says to remember that he is happy now and to be happy for him. I am. But I am sad for me. And that makes me feel selfish which in turn makes me feel guilty. Why can't I be happy. Knowing that he lived 81 years on the earth and made a HUGE impact on people's lives? It's almost been a month and I feel like I am just now coming out of this funk I have been in. I have hulled up in my house and my classroom. I haven't really seen anyone except for my husband and the people who throw themselves in front of me (aka, my students)...

Now I have been REALLY busy. Coaching will do that to a person. SO annoying. But I've been happy to have the distractions, to be busy, to have the excuse to retreat. Maybe that is starting to go away. I really would like to feel like myself again, and not some crazy person who could burst into tears at any moment. I've done that. I am always alone, but my mind will wander and the next thing you know, Niagara Falls.

I have missed Blogging too. But I can't blame that on losing Gpa. I blame that on losing my life to coaching. I have 3 1/2 days left and then 2 glorious (jury duty filled) weeks off! Kevin and I are going to Florida to see the Boykin's the day after Xmas. I can't wait. I always feel better when I am around that family. :)

Here's to a happier blog... I just know it's in my future. Thanks for listening, if you still there, BTW.