9 Days!

Being a school teacher I'm very aware of the Christmas season since we do a lot of fun Christmas (or I'm allowed to say Holiday) songs and acvities in my room right after Thasnkgiving which I love. But yesterday I was sitting outside and realized Christmas is only 9 days away!  It's exciting and sad all at the same time because I LOVE this time of year.  I've had my tree up (shamefully) since the week after Halloween.......

Anyway I have so much to look forward with my brother and sister in law coming to town with their kiddos next week and watching all the babies open their presents from Santa Christmas morning, I can't wait!

This year has been very rough discipline wise and most days I go home feeling very stressed out and poor Matt gets the butt end of that (sorry)  Anyway I teach in a rough area and for the most part the kids are wonderful, it's just always those 6 or 7 that really get under your skin.  But then there are the children that do this for you.....

It's called an Elfgram and the kids can buy one for 50 cents and send it out with a candy cane to their friends or teachers.

He wrote this on the back "Ms. Zacher (yup) I wanted to thank you for giving me a recorder.  I always want to play recorder my holl life"

Now this Christmas season I've been kind of a Grinch because I'm uber stressed out by many a number of things and am learning how to handle that stress by working out every day :)  But when I recieved this precious note from a 4th grade boy it made me realize why I'm a teacher.  Sometimes I forget when there are parents breathing down my neck telling me what a horrible person I am and programs that we only have so many weeks in advance to prepare for etc, that I forget to hug my kids and treat them with the patience many of them deserve.  So thank you sweet little 4th grade boy for bringing a smile to my face and warming my Grinch like heart.  I'm so glad you like to play the recorder even though it hurts my ears ;)

Merry Christmas!

Busy!

The closer we get to the Christmas break the crazier things get around school for sure!  This week I had something after work each night.  Last night was the first night I even really got to see Matt, who so graciously offered to cook me dinner for once which was sweet.

Monday night I got to babysit Camp, Emily always thinks its an imposition but little does she know I secretly love it and get so excited when I get to see them even if it's only a few minutes right before they go to bed.  Ellis was already in bed by the time I got there but she was so nice to wake up while I was there so I could change a diaper and get some smiles out of her.  She's so stinkin cute which I mean duh look at Camp.  Love them both.  Campbell is so funny, I was giving him his bath and I took his picture and it was like as soon as I pulled out my phone he said "cheese."  Love it.

Tuesday night we had our last night of our Fall season for softball and it was cold!  We were scheduled to play one game but if we won we played a second game for first place, well we won our first game so we played again!  I hit every time but never got on a base they kept catching it.  Matt hit a huge hit that ran 3 people in and got him to 3rd I was so proud!  It's really neat to watch him in his element since he loves sports so much.  Needless to say we did lose the 2nd game putting us in 2nd place but that's stll ok!

Wed. evening mom and I went to my first floral appointment and it was so much fun I'm really excited about the flowers I think I'm going to use.  Made me feel very bridal to be picking out my bouquet and he kept going on and on over my dress which made me feel special even if he was lying still made me feel good :)  Were going to purchase it the week after Christmas and I can't wait!!!  Hopefully we will get bridesmaids picked out by then too and I can stop worrying about what they're going to wear. 

Yesterday we took our choir kids to Northpark to perform and shop.  I love walking around the mall with them they get so excited to go in stores.  My group was really good and didnt' do anything to make me nervous.  Even though our pianist didn't show up to play our music for us the kids did a great job and I was very happy with their performance.

Tonight we have our school Chrismas party which will be fun and tomorrow night we have another one to go to as well so it will be a busy weekend!

Today was our last weigh in for the biggest loser, I've lost 16 pounds and gained muscle which I can tell!  On tuesday when we were playing softball I was running faster then I ever had before and my legs weren't aching by the time I hit the base!  I feel so good about myself right now, I've finally done something for me and not becasue I was being constantly reminded of my weight gain.  I am going to keep it up but will not be blogging about it anymore :) 

Happy Friday!

Holiday Fun

  My blogs have come few and far in between becuause I don't have time!  But I do want to mention some things I'm thankful for :)

My sister

Now I know Emily and I may have our differences and that's what makes us originals.  But I know that she loves me very much and has always been supportive of my efforts.  She has never made a negative comment about my weight gain and just smiles and says good job when I succeed in any area.  To me that's what makes a great sister.  Plus this picture is hilarious with ellis strapped on to the front of her :)  Love you Em!

This is Matt and his nephew Cooper who is exactly a week younger then Ellis. I'm thankful for Matt and the joy he brings me.  I have loved getting to know him this past year and a half and can't wait for many more years of our journey together.

I'm thankful for all my beautiful nieces and nephews.  Both my brother and sister have made some very cute children that I love to love on! 

I'm thankful for my entire family and the support they've me shown over the years.  I'm also thankful that I get to wake up every morning to a job that provides me with food and shelter and that I actually enjoy it (on most days)  I have so much to be thankful for.  Thank you Lord for giving me so much to be thankful for!

Only 12 more school days until Christmas break, now that I am VERY VERY thankful for ;)

 

Another post

This week was a crazy one I hardly had time to blink it was so busy.  We had our first program of the year yesterday, it was for our 3rd graders and they did a program called the colorless Kingdom and it was so cute! We've been working on it in class since right after Labor day so they were so proud of themselves yesterday which they should be because they did such an amazing job!  There was instrument parts ( up to 4 at a time) dancing, singing and acting!  So proud of them and SO glad it's over.  Lots of stress this past week with my co-worker.  Love him but he gets UBER stressed and it really stresses me out too.  SO I'm thankful today we can just enjoy the day!

No weight gained and none lost this week but that's ok!  I've lost inches more then weight honestly.  I'm toning up more and hopefully once that continues I'll see the scale move a little bit more.  But I feel really good about myself :)  SO THERE!

We had a friend of a friend take some pictures for us for our Save the Date magnets were doing.  He did a really nice job I thought for not ever doing it before :)  This is a picture we are not using, but we were happy to have someone take a few pretty pictures of us since we haven't really taken too many pictures over our year and a half of dating!

204 More Days :)  Love him.

Happy Friday!

Getting There

So this weekend Matt and I found and designed our cake for our wedding which I'm really excited about.  Then Yesterday I put on a regular sized pair of jeans that I had in my closet (not plus size have to order big girl size online jeans)  Jeans you can find in an actual store......I've dropped two pant sizes and a shirt size.....Needless to say I'm pretty proud of myself and thought I'd share this photo.  I obviously still have some tummy work to do but I'm getting there!  I was just so excited I could fit back in to these jeans! 

Two more sizes to go!

Another Friday!

Yay for Friday's!  I love Friday's, I only teach 4 classes on this day so it's a nice little break from the hectic week I have with very few breaks.  I am actually teaching more classes this year then the head teacher over here which is a first but it keeps me busy :)

Tomorrow Matt and I are having our first cake testing and then next Sat we will have another one.  I have a pretty good idea of what I want so I'm looking forward to seeing what we can all come up with. 

Next week we have our first program which will be with our 3rd graders and I'm looking forward to it and it being OVER!  haha programs are so much work.  I feel like we have so much more going on this year becasue our program requirement has been bumped up so everytime I turn around were looking for something new to do with a different grade level.  Let's just say I'm so ready for a BREAK! 

We had our weigh in today and I lost 3 pounds this week which is exciting :)  It's coming off slowly but surely.  I have an app on my phone that helps me count my calories and it says by May 31st I will have reached my goal weight so lets hope so! 

Have a great weekend! 

Only 213 more days....

 Where Matt asked me to marry him:)



Friday

It's amazing how quickly the weeks have been flying by and here we are another first week in November has come and gone.  I am looking forward to Daylight savings this weekend for driving in the dark in the mornings is really no fun. 

I have had severe back pain since Tuesday morning.  Not real sure what I did.  I worked out really hard on Monday and did some funky push ups so I"m wondering if I pulled something or have a pinched nerve.  Needless to say I haven't slept much this week for lying down is quite uncomfortable.  I've decided that I can't take it anymore and will be going to the Dr next week.  So my work outs for the rest of the week had to consist of walks which aren't enough when you're trying to see big numbers, so I've maintained haven't lost.  But it's better then GAINING!  I'm really mad because I had decided to up my work outs big time from 45 mins to an hour and 15 mins.  I have only 218 more days to be a thinner (not too skinny) version of myself :)  So let's kick this back pain in the butt and move on!

I feel like my blogs are quite boring so you will probably see fewer of them until I have more exciting things to tell.  Wedding plans are coming along nicely were looking for a cake place right now so that should be fun to go and see and try.  Other then that it seems all under control :)

Happy Birthday to my dad on Sunday!

Continuing on

First things first, this is for my mother who if I dont' post it here will ask me in an email, so no no, weight lost or gained this week.  I maintained what I did last week which I'm pleased with. 

Now moving on to more important things :)

I went dress shopping last weekend with some of my gf's and I'm pretty darn sure I found the dress.  I'm really excited about it!  So come on June 11th!

This week has been anothe crazy week, mom and I met with a caterer on Monday and figured out some food options for the reception which I'm fine with.  I had friends over for dinner last night and had fun with them but didn't enjoy watching the Rangers lose!

I got my flu shot today so I'm thankful we get those for free!

Something I'm looking forward to which is kind of dorky but I don't care, the month of Nov and Decemeber is when KVIL plays non stop Christmas music and I can't wait! 

This weekend will be a nice relaxing one because there is not much going on.  Mattt and I have been apt hunting the past month and I think we've decided on a place but we will see. 

I ran in to my sister and Campbell and Ellis at Supertarget yesterday and Campbell could hardly wait to yell out "BOOTS" to me, because he was wearing his cowboy boots and hat which I thought was hilarious.  Wish I had taken a picture.  Ellis gave me a smile too which warmed my heart.  Love those 3!

Here's a great verse I found for myself this week....

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding with guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
phillipians 4:6-7

Have a great weekend!

Short week

This week was short but filled with lots of school things we had to do so I've been busy!  I'm so glad it's Friday again, the days keep flying by!

Last Sunday Matt and I attended the Rangers game which was disappointing but then they won on Tuesday so that's excting for them!  On Halloween evening were going to our first Cowboys game.  One of his friends won tickets and passed them out amongst his friends which is really cool we get to go :)

Rangers game :)

We had our second and 3rd softball game this week.  We lost our first then won our 2nd.  I think we've finally found our groove which is exciting.  I love playing it's such great exercise and I ran a lot!  I also had an awesome hit at the end but the guy caught it was it was pretty sweet!

 

Can't believe in only 239 days (yup still counting)  I'll be Mrs. Matthew Craig Bourland :)  Pretty exciting.  This weekend were apt hunting again in Dallas (which I'm secretly rooting that's where we'll be)  But I know we will find somewhere that's comfortable for both of us.  So weird after 4 years of living on my own I'll have a roommate!  That should be interesting :)

Oh and ps we didn't have a weigh in today because our nurse is out but I went ahead and did my own weigh in this morning.  The scale is looking nicer and nicer these days. 

Have a great weekend! 

Accomplishments

Things I've accomplished this week....

Lost this week in our biggest loser challenge, Check!
Learned how to put on a baby bjorn successfully without harming the baby, Check!
Made my first bundt cake and didn't have it crumble to pieces, Check!
Finished writing out my entire guest list putting them in particular catergories, all by hand, Check!
Ran further then my last run, Check!
Gone down an entire size in pants, CHECK!


We also had our first Fall softball game this week which we lost but that's ok we had a lot of fun playing!  Some of the other teams are really serious but our team were ok with just having fun.  I hit every single time and got on base but the last time up to bat!  Which unfortunatly I struck out and was the 3rd out making us not get anymore runs to win but OH WELL!

I also got to spend some quality time with campbell and Ellis on Tuesday which always makes me happy.  I asked Campbell if he loved me and he said "yep".  I then asked Ellis the same thing and she cried so I'll continue working on her!

Have a great weekend!

Good times

Well I've lost 10 pounds this month and I'm very pleased with myself.  I've worked very hard eating right and exercising 6 ouf of the 7 days.  Now it's time to step up my game a little.  Matt and I will be doing the Jililan 30 day shred together which I'm excited that he's wanting to do it too.  So here we come lean, mean future Mr and Mrs Bourland!

I can't believe it's already October!  I know these next few months are going to fly by so I'm trying to enjoy every minute of it!

I was having a hard time deciding on colors for bridesmaids, which will be my sister and sister in law and I'm really happy about that!  I thought for a long time about all the wonderful friends I have and whose weddings I've been in but am happy and pleased to say that were all really excited about being in the house party!  So I think having Emily and Hilary is really special and I'm excited.  Anyway I have been looking at the knot.com searching for colors that just popped out at me and I came across this picture....

And I just knew that purple was going to be my color!  I may even go a hint lighter on the bridesmaids dresses but I love the color of the dresses on here they're so pretty.  Plus I think Emily and Hilary will look really pretty in purple. 

This weekend we have a fun line up with friends which of course will involve watching the Tx?Ou game, you know how much I love watching football....(not)  but I'm trying!

Here's to 253 more days (yes go ahead and roll your eyes I DO know how many more days till my wedding) of planning, spending time with family and friends and enjoying having a fiance :)  Life is good!

Were engaged!

So Matt proposed on Sunday at white rock lake where we met for the first time 16 months ago and we are just beyond excited! We feel very blessed with so many wonderful friends and family who are making this engagement week so special for us. 

Last night my bouje group had us over for dessert and tonight I have a gf taking me to a nice dinner and so many other things to look forward to with friends this week.  I think Matt and I haven't really gotten a moment of our own to really just let it all sink in but it's so much fun to share the news with everyone!

The ring

Looking forward to the year ahead!



Another Friday

I always try to just sum up my week on Friday's so here it goes.  We had our 3rd weigh in today and I lost 2 pounds this week, which gives me a total of 8 pounds I've lost ( I had lost 2 before we started the weigh ins)  So I was really excited about that!  I know it will get harder once I've lost the excess blubber I've been carrying around the past year and a half and I get back down to a "normal" weight for myself but I'm really excited to wear designer jeans, boots that don't have extra calf room, sweaters and cute dresses for the winter and in to the spring time.  Every time I walk in to anthropologie my FAVORITE store, I think I can't wait until I can fit in their tops again.  I got online and browsed through their sales items and saw a dress that I have, but in blue, which is really cute and it was on sale for 20 bucks and the only size left they had was an 8.  Well since a size 8 is my goal I ordered it for next spring and can't wait to reward myself by wearing it!

In other news, we've had our 3rd lock down of the year all within two weeks of each other.  According to the newspaper this is the 2nd highest crime rated area in Dallas!  Crazy to think that because the neighborhood where we are is so nice!  Hopefully we won't have to go on anymore of those because were not allowed to leave or move from our rooms so sometimes you end up with children in your room longer then you're supposed to!  Never a dull moment over here :)

Matt and I have signed up for another season of softball which starts sept 28th so were pretty excited about that!  Most of our team is returning which is awesome since we won the championship for the summer so I'm hoping for another Victory in the fall.  It will be nice to play in cooler weather too. 

Have a great Weekend!

TGIF

This short week has felt like a 6 day week!  So glad for it to finally be Friday.  I'm behind on blogging but at the moment I don't have a whole of fascinating things going on :)  We had our weigh in today and I only lost a pound this week but that's ok, better then gaining a pound.  Hoping next week will bring me better news! 

I guess Wed was an interesting day here in Dallas.  We had our first tornado in like forever.  Campbell and I were really enjoying his choir class at church when they evacuated us all in to Fellowship hall, where what else went on, but a full on hymn singalong of course!  Were not cliche or anything at PCBC :)  Tornado touched down a couple miles from church but didn't stay on the ground long so we weren't confined for too long.  Wish I could have seen it but I don't think Emily would have been too thrilled with me storm chasing with her son! 

I got to babysit Ellis and Campbell last weekend, where as I learned that Ellis has some strong lungs :)  Here are a couple of really cute pictures I took with my new iphone!  I was up for an upgrade so I went ahead and got the new one.  The camera on it is way better then my old one and has a flash and zoom.  It's better then my digital camera!

Camp sporting the new hair cut

Baby Ellis

Both the cuties together

It's happening

I've finally found something that works and that I'm really excited about!  This morning was our second weigh in and I've lost 3 pounds since last Friday.  It's not a lot of weight but to me it's the begining of many more pounds I'm hoping to shed!  I've walked every day, and done 3 days of weights and cardio classes after school with my co-workers.  I watch everything I eat and eat much smaller portions and dont' feel hungry at all.  I put on some shorts I've been fearing to wear because I'm so self concious right now, but I put them on this morning and they're actually baggy and I"m not about to rip through them!  I'm so glad were doing the biggest loser at my school because it's such an incentive to not have to pay those 2 dollars when you weigh in. 

Today is Friday and I have a fun long weekend to look forward to :)

Happy Labor day weekend!

Biggest Loser or Winner?

So this year my school is doing the biggest loser challenge on our campus.  It's a 10 dollar pay in fee and our wonderful school nurses weigh us every Friday (keeping our weight a secret).  If you gain weight you pay 2 dollars if you maintain the same weight you pay a 1.  On Tuesday's our Art teacher who is a certified Yoga instructor is leading a Yoga class right after school then on Thursday my team teacher Matt Byrd is leading the cardio class.

The pot right now is at 200 bucks and can continue to grow, the challenge is over on Dec 16th.  I weighed in this morning, I already knew my weight since I weigh myself every day so I wasn't suprised to see the number :)

I think as I continue on with this challenge I'll try and post pics of myself so for those of you and really myself can see the changes I'm hoping will happen this semester.  I"m really glad my school is doing this because it's going to be so much more motivating for me to work out with other positive people then to do it on my own :)  I don't expect to drop 50 pounds in 16 weeks but I'm leaning towards the 25 pound mark!

So here we go folks!

Here we go!

Well this week was teacher work week and at the begining of the week we had lots of meetings to attend!  But today and yesterday have been work days in our rooms and I can say I've gone above and beyond with my cutting, taping, stapling, word clip arts, and laminating skills to last me a lifetime!  I love my room this year and I think back on my very first year where I literally had like 3 little pathetic posters up because no one gave me any guidance on things to put up!  But every wall in my room is covered and I'm very pleased :)  I'm hoping I'm over prepared for the year so as things hit me later in the year I can be like "I already got it." 

This weekend Heather is in town.  She Matt and my friend Haley all share the exact same birthday, so Matt and I and some friends are taking her out tomorrow night which will be fun.  I only see her about every 6 months so I'm happy to spend some time with her before school starts back up and things are CRAZY!!!  So many extra things to do this year but it's my job!  Just wish we got paid over time ;)

Happy Friday!

Random Pictures

I just figured I would post some pictures from my summer, as quickly as it's gone by!

My best friend and old college roommate Haley got married!

Pretty Bride

bridesmaids and new sweet friends!

My main Squeeze

In June my friend Heather and I went to Arkansas to stay with her aunt and uncle who live in Mena.  They had chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, catfish, and we even ran across a snake!  We shot guns, went to Walmart endless amounts of times, swam in their pool, and mainly just enjoyed each other's company :)

The rest of the summer was quite a blur!  I took a two week music class at SMU that put my teaching to the test! Then  Ellis Jane Kretz was born on July 15th.  I was so excited to see her, that mom and I got up and waited all morning to meet her.  I didn't have my real camera to take pictures of her so this picture was taken the day after her birthday.  I bought her that onesie:)

Precious Angel

This was taken at Baylor's baby gift shop.  We were walking around the store and turned around and Campbell had found a babydoll and was rocking her.  Too cute!

Paige and Clay came and visited and Camp and her loved to bang on my piano!

Matt also became an uncle.  Cooper Jameson Bourland was born on July 21st!

I'm sad to see my summer go, but I'm also looking forward to the new school year, (not the 6am wake up call though) But I have great co-workers and the other music teacher and I are a great team and get along really well!  It will be great to see what all is in store for me this year!  Bye summer, see you again in 9 months!

No, No I won't go!

 I've had an extremly busy summer considering I didn't work at all this summer which is the first time I haven't worked since I was like 13! 

Last week my brother and niece paige came to visit and meet baby Ellis.  I don't know why I call her baby Ellis but now whenever I'm around her that's what I call her.  Maybe it's because Campbell calls her his baby.  We had lots of fun all playing together and spending some good family time :)

I can't believe that two weeks from Friday I'll be returning back to school for another full year of teaching!  The anxiety has already set in along with the sleepless nights.  The images of choir concerts, lesson planning, field trips and so much more have got my mind racing each night.  Most people aka my mom, would say all you can do is take one day at a time.  Well when you're a teacher then that's not possible.  There is always something to do and always something more to be added on to.  I should count my blessings though that I work in a school where there are two music teachers for we really do a great job of helping each other out. 

I'm grateful for another year of teaching and I have a feeling it's going to be a busy one at that!  This will be my 4th full year of teaching.  Before I blink again 10 years will have passed and I'll hopefully be a pro by then!

Here's to two more weeks of sleeping until 9, eating cereal on my couch in my pajamas until 10, working out at my leisure and being able to help out with Camp and Ellis.  I know Matt is greatful for my time off as well because I'm not near as tired or grumpy when we eat dinner together during the week.  Which reminds me, Matt became an Uncle last week for the first time and he's so excited!  He really is great with kids and it's fun watching him with Campbell.  I know he will be the best uncle Matt around!

Here's to hoping the school nightmares stop and I can enjoy my last two weeks of freedom!

It's july?

So my first month "off" I put in quotes because I hardly had a time to breathe it feels like during June.  When I started my music course at SMU I was in class for 9 hours then would go home and do homework for 2 sometimes more!  I can say that I learned a lot in my class and am really excited to get back in August to teach my kiddos some really cool things.

Now that my course is over I don't have a whole lot going on.  I've started back at the gym in the mornings which is really great to get done first thing so I can have the rest of my day to do pretty much nothing.  I haven't visited my pool but once this summer, but I havent' have much of an inkling to lay out really.  I'd rather spend my afternoons in the air conditioning reading a good book, which I'm on my 3rd of the summer!

Last weekend Matt and I spent with friends which was so much fun.  I really appreciate the close knit group of friends we've accumulated over the past year.  We've really enjoyed doing things with them.

Yesterday Matt and I had our first softball game with a Dallas league we joined with one of my teacher friends from school and her husband.  I asked to be put in outfield thinking I wouldn't have to really do much, but silly me forgetting were playing with men not boys and every ball hit I was running every which way to catch it.  Oh well I need the extra cardio!  Matt caught two fly balls and made it to home twice, I struck out both times but made a good effort:)

Next week Ellis Jane Kretz will be here, my second niece and I'll get to be an Aunt for the 4th time.  Babies everywhere I feel!  Matt's sister in law is also due next week and I'm praying those two kids don't share the same birthday!  I can't wait to meet Ellis as I know everyone else in my family is excited as well.

Much family time together in my future I can tell which is fine with me :)  I babysat my nephew Campbell yesterday while my sister went to the store at her Liege to get some things.  I took this picture with my camera and a new app I found which makes all your photos turn out pretty cool I think.  You can shake it and get it to change colors.  He looks so tall in this picture! 

I now have 5 weeks of summer left so I'm hoping it goes by SLOWLY!!

Summer so far

My summer so far has been extremly busy which is why I'm behind on my blogging, not that I have too much to share!

My first week off, I celebrated a year of dating with Matt who is an amazing man and so much  more then I deserve:)  Then I left for Mena Arkansas with one of my best gf's from college.  Her aunt and uncle live out there up on a mountain and we chased ducks, chickens, fed catfish, shot off some guns and saw a snake!  It was a fun girl's trip and nice to be out of dallas for a while. 

My second week off I cleaned, cooked some new things, worked out and hung out with my family a little.

Today I started my class at SMU.  It's a two week "workshop" class from 8-430.  I can honestly say I'm exhausted but in a fun and good way!  We danced, we sung, we did partner songs with people who I've never met before.  I think if I had taken this class before my first year of teaching I wouldn't have been so apt to have just jumped in to my inner music major dorkiness which I  kept very quiet in college.  I didn't care and everyone else that was there was the same way!  We had recorder class, pedagogy class, game class, and a movement/dance class.  At the end of the day today we did an hours worth of line dances and there were about 150 very sweaty people that left the building at 430!  I can honestly say I'm really going to learn some great things from all these wonderful teachers we have that are flown in from, Colorado, nebraska, Conneticut, Minneapoplis, and new Mexico.  Just today I have a huge packet of fun new things to teach in my classroom and I can't wait!!!

So yay for 9 more days of bonding time with other fellow music nerds and yay for putting myself out there in order to be a better teacher for my kiddos, even if it does mean I have to do some homework every night :)

Summer Time

Today is the last day with kids at school and I'm SO excited!  I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by and just like that it's June again.  What a crazy year it's been but honestly such a a good one!  I'm looking forward to some time off this summer to chill and hang with friends and love on my new niece and nephew as well.  I'm traveling with a gf to Arkansas next week and while it's not an ideal vacation spot I'm looking forward to seeing her and spending some time doing nothing but reading a book!

I'm also looking forward to the summer to spend some time on myself.  I'm going to be attending classes at my gym and working out really hard in hopes to lose about 20 pounds before school begins again.  I've been doing well with weight watchers but don't always have the time to hop to the gym when I'd like to, but have done a lot of walking! 

This weekend I'm going to buy new tires to put on my car, fun stuff and on Sunday Matt and I are going to see Wicked!!  So excited about that :)

As I'm writing this I'm listening to the morning announcements one last time this school year, WOOHOO!!!!

HAPPY SUMMER!!

Birthday weekend

I had a wonderful weekend celebrating my birth with friends!  Friday night six of us went to Nick and Sam's Grill which was really good but very noisey and dark.  Not a talking atmosphere at all, we were pretty much shouting at one another all night long.  Matt already gave me my birthday gift which were Wicked tickets last month, but he also suprised me with a sweet card and roses.  Sunday we went and had brunch after church with some of my closest friends from highschool at our favorite brunch place, Penne Pamadoro which was wonderful, then matt and I lounged out by the pool for the rest of the afternoon.  All in all I'd say it was a successful birthday. 

My sister sent me the best video of Campbell blowing me kisses and telling me happy birthday.  I wanted to put it on here but I can't figure out how.  Also my almost 3 year old neice called me and whispered happy birthday, but I think she got phone shy because I didn't get anything else from her.  Still made my day!

Here's a shot of me and Matt before dinner Friday.  Some day were going to take a photo where someone else is taking it for us!

I was lucky to spend my day with such a wonderful guy, family and friends!  Thank you everyone for making it a special day.

Recipes

My best friend Heather sent me a link to one of her friend's blog's who's also doing WW's.  I've cooked a lot in this past month because honestly, it's not healthy to eat out at all, and you might say well DUH Lindsey, but I've checked the point value for fast food and restaurant chains and even salads are not healthy to eat out. Anyway, if you ever want to cook a WW meal just click on this link.  She plans her meals out for the entire week which is great. 

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1486770/recipes/this%20week%27s%20recipe.pdf



Today were taking our 6th graders to see the Opera Madame Butterfly which is the opera I saw when I was in the 6th grade.  I'm hoping and praying that they behave! 

Happy Wednesday!

Birthday week

So this Friday I turn 27, which honestly is a little hard for even myself to believe.  When I started teaching I was only 23 :)  How quickly time flies!  Alot has happened during my 26th year.  My nephew Graham was born.  My sister got pregnant with a little baby girl who will grace us with her pressence on July 15th.  I met Matt, who has been so wonderful to me.  I've enjoyed many a weekends with wonderful friends.  I feel extremly blessed to have gotten where I am at this point in my life.  This August will mark my 3rd year of living on my own ,paying my own bills, and cooking for myself :)  I've come a long way in that department as well! 


So cheers to being 27 and not being afraid to grow another year older, but being thankful I get to do so!

6 Down

I've lost 6 pounds since starting weight watchers and I was actually told I'm losing too quickly, umm so?!  Ha, no more then 2 is usually the healthy weightloss so I'm a pound over.  Oh well I'm sure I'll slow down here when I get closer to my goal weight.  It really hasn't been too hard honestly to change my eating habits, I haven't had anything fried in 3 weeks now which honestly I haven't missed.  Last Thursday my parents took me to picasso's dinner after my kids choir concert and mom sat there with french fries while I enjoyed my fruit and it didn't bother me at all.  I've also got Matt eating healthy with me which is great as well.  I'm not expecting to be a size 6 again anytime soon but I can see that my goal is attainable for sure.  I just gotta keep focused. 


I can still have my cake and eat it too, it just now costs me 8 points.........;)

Oh the Joys

Oh the joys of being a music teacher in May.  With 4 programs on my to do list, a trip to Sandy lake, the Opera (which I'm really looking forward to) Buddy Fun day celebration on my birthday and a wedding to throw in the mix in Oklahoma!  I can't tell you how stressed and exhasusted I've been the past two weeks and now these next three are going to be about the same!  I've hardly had time to clean, and do laundry and go to the grocery store.  I guess maybe that's a tease of mommyhood someday I don't know, but I'm looking forward to June 4th!  I will have two weeks off before I start my SMU orff Level I class.  I'm looking forward to the class but not the hours, 8-5 every day and it comes with homework, but it will be fun to learn in a classroom again! 

I've lost 2 pounds this week which feels excellent.  I still have a long journey in front of me and as I get discouraged I remind myself of the outcome.  It's not going to all happen at once but it's going to happen :)  Last night I made 8 point taco salad in honor of Cinco de Mayo.  It was good.  I had 90/10 ground beef, low fat sour cream, ice berg lettuce, weight watchers cheese, and baked tostatoe chips.  It was yummy!  And I even had a point left over for the day.  No the points don't roll over you can't save them but I just like thinking that I do so well with my points system that I have some left over!

Looking forward to the weekend even though Friday I have to be up at Richardson highschool at 730 to watch 3 of my 5th grade girls audition for All District Elementary choir......lets just say Saturday is MY DAY!  Can't wait!

How's it going

It's going pretty well to answer my own question.  I've already logged my points for the day because I know exactly what I'm eating for all 3 meals and my snack.  I'm pretty hungry right now but I think that's to be expected.  I have 27 points a day and right now I'm at 10 which includes breakfast, snack and my lunch I packed.

Did I mention that this week is teacher appreciation week?  Yesterday there was a chocolate fountain in our lounge.....I ate a strawberry and no chocolate and it was sooooo hard!!!  Today they served us breakfast, bagels cream cheese fruit etc.....I stuck with my granola bar.  Tomorrow theyre cooking burgers and hot dogs for us for lunch......I requested a turkey burger and I'm bringing my own 2 point chips and fruit to go with it......

This will prove hard at times but the more I get used to being cautious as to what I eat the better I think it will be and the less my cravings are.  I am allowed to drink diet coke because it's 0 points so I do have one of those occasionally to reduce my sugar cravings!


Last night I made Matt and I 6 point chicken enchiladas!  They were pretty darn good if I say so myself.  I paired them with green beans which are 0 points as well so that was good!  I even ate 5 yes 5 M&M's to satisfy my sweet tooth.  I even had 2 points left over from the day!

I CAN DO THIS! 

Weight Watchers

Yes, I'm back on weight watchers.  Got my points total I can eat every day, go some new recipes to choose from and found my activity points for my Jillian Michael's video.  I've already tracked my points for the morning which were only two since I made myself stove top oatmeal which is so good with a smidge of promise low fat , low cholesterol butter and a pinch of sugar.  I've found some new recipes that Matt and I can try and cook together so we can both eat healthy.  I'm still doing my Jillian Michael's video 4 times a week which is great.  I've found some meetings I can attend during the week and I can weigh myself each week there as well.......so I'm ready. 


30 extra pounds, I'll see you later.

Success

Been doing Jillian michaels video for two weeks now and I'm an inch down in the waist and thighs, go me!  I've gone down a complete dress size as well.  I can't tell much difference but I feel good and that's all that matters right?!  Love that video, best thing I've found in a long time!  No pain no gain!

This weekend I'll be traveling to Oklahoma for one of my best friend's shower/bachelorette weekends.  Can't wait!  I haven't been to Oklahoma in a year so it will be nice to be out of Dallas for a little bit and enjoy some quality time with friends :)

Happy Monday!

No one mourns the wicked!

If you've ever seen the musical Wicked you know exactly which song I'm talking about.  I have been wanting to go see Wicked since I knew they were coming to Dallas last Fall!  So the other day I was talking about ordering tickets and Matt told me not to and I was like why not?  SPOILER ALERT!  I can't be suprised with anything apparantly because I question too much, so he spilled the beans.  He got us two tickets for my birthday for us to go see it in June.  I'm so excited!  I saw it about 5 years ago when they were last here and sat up in the nosebleeds and he got us orchestra seating so I'm super pumped.  So I've been listening to my wicked soundtrack I have on my phone, hoping that I'll be so close to the stage they'll be able to hear me sing along with the actors and they'll want me to join them on their tour next year.......stranger things have happened right?


Happy Earth Day!

Jillian MIchaels

So if you've ever seen the Biggest loser you know that I'm talking about one of the tough trainers on the show.  Well last night I was walking around Target and I wandered over to the work out section.  A few days ago my co worker told me about the 30 day 20 pounds lost shred video Jillian Micahels had put out.  Well as I was looking at the videos I noticed that particular one was on sale for 9 dollars so I bought it.  I went home and kind of starred at it for a while, then put my gym shoes on and turned it on. 

WOW, was it amazing!  I'm in love with this video.  It's about 30 mins of just intense work out.  She goes from circuit to circuit of abs, strengnth training and cardio.  I didn't rest the entire time.  I can honestly say that I'm sore this morning in my legs (squats) but it feels so good.  I hate going to the gym and walking on the treadmill for 30 mins and then lifting weights on a machine its so monotonous to me.  This way I can work out in my home. (sorry to my neighbor below me!) It has three different levels and I started on level one which was pretty hard but I can honestly say I kept up pretty darn well.  I kept thinking if those enormous people on biggest loser can do this so can I.  I'm honestly excited about going home and doing it again tonight even though I'm sore.  It was just so fun and so quick and she keeps you motivated where as in a gym I've got no one.  I'm excited and proud of myself.  I would suggest this to anyone who needs the inspiration and motivation to get up and moving.  I'm looking forward to seeing some changes even if they are small :)  Or large changes who knows!! 

I decided I didn't want this blog to be just about weight because I get too much empahsis about my weight quite a bit and I want this blog to be about just personal journeys that I go on in life and being able to live it the best way I can!  But I felt like sharing this video with everyone who's looking to tone and get some weight off in a fun and quick way!

In other news,  my nephews birthday is Saturday, I can't beleive he's turning 2!  I took this picture a couple of weeks ago when I was babysitting, I know a lot of my pics are bath pics but that's the only time i can get him to stay still long enough, he's super busy.  Oh and he also requested I put the clippy in his hair.  He is so beautfiul and I love that sweet face and can't wait to meet his baby sister in July!!

And Happy Birthday to my mom today!

Spring break etc.

I haven't blogged lately but that's because there's not a whole lot going on.  Last week for my spring break I got to spend every waking moment with family that was in town and it was a lot of fun!  I enjoyed playing with my niece Paige who is almost 3 and loads of fun!  This was the first time I'd been around her where she was ok with me picking her up and loving on her and playing games with her.  My brother and I tried playing hide and seek with her but she kep popping out of her hiding place saying, "Come and get me!" Too cute.  And even though Graham is only 2 months I enjoyed snuggling with him :)  Campbell my other nephew of course was fun as always, I loved watching him and Paige play.  I babysat him the other night and I said, Campbell where's Paige?  And he looked at me and said Paige?  And looked around and kind of shrugged, like he couldn't find her.  TOO CUTE!  I got a couple of cute shots of my lovely niece and nephews with my phone.  They're a little blurry but still cute.

Here's Campbell at one of our many park visits

Sleeping Graham

A little blurry because she wouldn't stand still, but still cute!

We had so much fun while they were all here.  It went by too fast!!  Love all the precious angels I get to love on :)

Bye Bye Coach shoes

I've never really been a huge shoe person.  Would I love a pair of Tory Burch ballet flats? Yes.  But I decided to save my money and continue wearing the black flats I already have.  My mom gave me her black coach flats that she never wore when I was a jr in college.  I loved those shoes so much!  They have been my favorite pair of working shoes since I've been teaching.  Well this winter I decided they probably need to be retired so alas, after spring break when it's closer to official sandal weather season, my little coach shoes will be put in the trash.  I'm sure I'll probably dig them out and hide them in the depths of my closet yet I know, it's their time to go.  Maybe next fall/winter I'll buy myself a cute pair of black flats, but I just couldn't depart with them yet.  I even went to shoe stores in search of a new pair, but felt like I was cheating on my coach shoes.  They've been with me for 3 years of teaching now, and it will be hard to say goodbye.  Here are some pictures below of my beloved coach shoes.

The white things are holes

Yet another giant hole

Goodbye old friends!  You have been so nice to my feet the past 5 years!

Marching along

Not a whole lot of new news to report!  Just trucking along.  Been another busy and stressful week.  We have 3 weeks to get an entire 4th grade music program put together and let's just say I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with the process.  We only see the kids twice a week and my 4th grade class is awesome I love them but they come on Thursdays and friday's and when we miss school next friday that means one lesson they don't get to review!  So I'm doing everything in my power to pack in more then a lessons worth of music with them during their 45 minute session wtih me :)  You can tell all the kids are ready for a break there has been a lot of craziness going on around here the past couple of weeks!  Only 5 more days until Spring break woohoo!!! Then only two more full months of school.

 I'm amazed at how quickly my life keeps passing me by.  I will be a 4th year teacher next year?!  I can't beleive that.  How far I have come with my classroom manangement and just how much faster I get stuff when teaching.  I'm learning to just put all that I have in to what I do because there is always speculation as to what elementary music teachers are actually teaching their kiddos before they go off to jr and highschool.  I'm teaching my kiddos to LOVE music!  And that it's everywhere in our personal lives!  I'm so ADD as you can probably tell by my posts that I'm all over the place, but my job really is perfect for me.  If you were a fly on the wall you would have seen me gallop around the room like a horse with 1st grade and "hunt" for leprechauns with Kindergarten.  It keeps me busy and I'm exhausted by the end of the day but it's so worth it!

I love my job!

Have a happy weekend!

It's March?!

How quickly this semester is flying by and I can't say I'm sad to see it go.  This weekend was a wonderful one!  I got to see a sweet friend from HS Saturday night as Matt and I attended the Espree show (my old show choir)  which was really cute.  I also tried on a dress that's a size smaller then I used to be and it fit!  Whatever I'm doing is working and I couldn't be more proud of myself.  It's nice when others can be proud of you but I'm like really proud of myself.  I still have 3 full months to lose the rest of it before my friend's wedding and I think I'm going to succeed!  Just like the little engine that could ;)  Just gotta keep going.

This week is yet another busy one at school, we have Meet the Teacher night Thursday which means another 12 hour day.  Last semester when we had it I had a good group that came down and saw me so we shall see.  Only 9 more days until spring break!  WOOHOO!!!!

Love this boy

So last night I got to babysit my nephew Campbell and he is just so awesome!  Even though we only got to play for an hour we had lots of fun!

 I can tell Campbell loves bath time because everytime I say, "Ok camp time to get out." his response is always no.  And luckily for Emily's last post I had a diaper on hand that we just popped right on after he got out.  Below are some pictures of him being silly in the tub!

He was saying Cheese in this one.

He loved that hair piece for some reason!

After bath we read two books and he talked with me a little.  He's so funny because whatever you say he will say back.  He repeated as best he could I love you back to me which was oh so sweet. We always worked a little on Lindsey, I've been saying Li-Li for now and it always comes out with him saying meme so we'll continue working on Lindsey!  And when you say give me a kiss he smacks his lips together or he plants a big wet one of you!  And of course my favorite is right before bed we said our prayers and rocked a little before I put him in his bed.  Love this little boy and can't wait to meet baby sister in July!

Valentine's weekend

I'd say this weekend was a pretty successful one.  I loved having the snow and while it was pretty I wasn't too sad to see it melt away since it caused so much destruction to trees everywhere around Dallas.  The village looked like it had a tornado go through it with all the branches down.  But I did enjoy my snow day and am even happier that we won't have to make it up since it was already a student Holiday and our staff development, so yay!

Thursday was the kids Valentine's day parties and I got lots of hugs and a few goodies from my adoring fans.  As a specials teacher I always think I'm extra special if a child brings me a gift since they don't see me on such a regular basis.  Here are a few goodies below that I received, and that doesn't cound the endless hugs and I love you's I got as well :)

On Saturday I got to visit witth my mom and play with Campbell who was very entertaining!  I think he played the piano for a good 20 minutes while I was there.  Maybe he'll be the next Rachmaninoff!  Then later that evening, Matt came and picked me up for our date evening which he suprised me with flowers and dinner and a movie.  It was fun since we don't go see a lot of movies because they're kind of expensive.  We saw Valentine's day which was cute but a litte long :)

My Valentine this year :)

All in all it was a great weekend and now it's back to another busy week!

It's snowing!

It's beautiful outside today so I have all my windows (6) blinds pulled up so I can watch the snow fall while I teach today.  I'm hoping that we will get to leave right after school today because I hear it's only supposed to get worse.  Tomorrow we have staff development and I'm wishfully hoping that it gets canceled and I can just sleep in.  I'm getting a cold and starting to lose my voice so I'd really love an extra day of rest. 

I had a kindergartner throw up in my classroom yesterday and no he did not make it to the trashcan.  Then all the other children started gagging and I felt like I was in the episode of the office where Pam has morning sickeness and throws up in a trashcan then everyone else starts throwing up everywhere!!  Sounds gross but one of the best opening scenes to that show!  So funny.  Needless to say the little boy finally walked down to the nurse and I distracted the children from the gross signt in the back by reading a Valentine's book :)  All in a days work!

Today is a busy day of teaching which is good because it makes the day go by quickly!  And I know all the children are having their Valentine's day parties today so it's going to be a crazy one as well! 

Matt and I aren't doing anything exciting for Valentine's day which is fine by me.  I've been wanting to see the movie Valentine's day ever since they started showing previews for it back in December so I think were going to go see that.

And in other good news I've officially lost an inch off my waist and other areas so that makes me happy.  It's been hard but I gotta keep going :) 

Happy Valentine's day weekend!

Rainy Days

The weather has been really dreary for the past week and it's supposed to be the same way this week.  So Saturday Matt and I went to Barnes and Noble and I got a couple of books that I'm excited to read. 

"The Charming Man" by Marian Keyes

"The Shoe addict" I can't remember the author.

You can tell they're real deep meaningful reads :)

Last night Matt and I attended a superbowl party with a couple of his friends.  It was fun and I was glad that it wasn't over real late!  Today starts a new week which I have a feeling will go by quickly.  My old roommate and her husband are coming to town this weeekend so matt and I are having dinner with them Friday so I'm super excited about that!  I haven't seen her since she got married last October. 


Have a great Monday!

Things I've noticed...

Middle button on my coat jacket is not near as tight when I button it.

I've had to put my watch on the next hole in order for it to fit correctly.

I'm starting to see my waist again :)

Just the little things can make you happy right?

And here's to (and praying for) a nice weekend of rest and relaxation! 

Updates

It's been a while since my last blog, so my apologies! 

I was super sick this weekend with a virus and it put me out of commission for a good two days.  Let's just say I will not be eating Chinese food again for a very long time. 

Nothing exciting to report really.  With the help of the bug I lost 5 pounds but I'm sure I'll gain it back.  Still haven't really felt the need to eat a lot of food which I'm ok with.  I've been watching my portions and today will be back at the gym to do a little cardio. 

Groundhog Phil saw his shadow so I guess that means six more weeks of winter!

Happy Groundhog day!

Swim suit season

Yes, I'm already thinking about this summer.  Now even though I'll be busy this summer there will definitely be time made for a little pool lounging!  So I've gone ahead and orderd the swim suit below in order to motivate me for the next four months.  The picture of the model is posted on my fridge at home so everytime I get the munchies I see her and think.....hmmm a piece of fruit please!