My Sweet Brooks

5-31-11

Dear Brooks,

I can't believe you are 7 weeks old today. It seems that April 11th was just yesterday. It was on April 11th when daddy and I went to the doctor's office to have a sonogram. The test showed you weighing 9lbs and 6oz. I knew you were going to be a big boy. The doctors were therefore predicting you to be that weight or a pound more or less. I knew you were not a 10 pound baby. We sat down with Doctor Virtue to discuss our options. I think everyone thought at that point I would choose the c-section, but even if you were 10 pounds women have birthed 11 pound babies. I wanted to go through labor and have you the way God planned for women to birth a baby. We decided to induce the following day, April 12th. April 12th was your due date and this is also GiGi and Papa G's anniversary. I thought it was the perfect day to bring someone precious into our lives. Well, we arrived to the hospital early that morning and the inducing began. I was already 2cm dilated and 75% effaced. I had been that for three weeks, so everyone was expecting a long day. By 1 o'clock we were 6cm dilated. Everyone was shocked. As doctor Browning was counting the dilation, mouths were dropping as she passed 4. My room had been filled with family and friends all morning. I guess they were surprised I was not in pain. Contractions did not really bother me. I have been through things much more painful. At this point the doctor and I talked about an epidural. She once again brought up the fact that you might be a 10 pound baby. Well, even though I didn't think you were, I agreed that pushing a baby out that large would be much easier if I didn't feel anything. I knew the contractions would also be getting much stronger. The epidural did not hurt like I mentally prepared myself for. The only fear I had of the epidural was not even true. I was so afraid of not being able to feel my feet and legs. Well, the only area I could not feel was from my belly button down to my upper thigh. It was wonderful. I could still lift my legs.

Well, things slowed down a bit, but by 5 o'clock I was ready to push. Did I mention how much I loved my nurse. She was absolutely wonderful. I will definitely not forget how easy she made peeing in a bed pan and how fun she was to talk with. Mommy pushed for an hour and a half. They could see the top of your head and a little bit of hair, but your beautiful large head was not dropping. This is when the 10 pound baby was brought up again. The doctor and I had a conversation about how your size might be hindering you from continuing down the birth canal. This also led to conversations about protecting your shoulders from getting nerve damage. I definitely did not want to harm your cute little body in any way. So we decided to go with a c-section. To be honest with you in the back of my mind I thought all day long it was probably going to end that way. I still would not change any decisions your daddy and I made.

This was the first time I cried all day. I really did not want the c-section. I think mentally I did not prepare myself for it and I did not do much research about it. Up until April 11th I never once thought I would have to have a c-section. Well, I have had many procedures before so the surgery was not my concern. I was more nervous about the pain afterwards.

At 6:40 you arrived. You were 8 pounds and 6 ounces, 21 inches long. Mommy was right. Mommies are always right. You were a round, beautiful baby. I loved you so much already. Everything was perfect and 30 something relatives in the waiting room were so excited to finally meet you. Since that day I have fallen more in love with your personality and charm. Here begins a list of things I don't want to forget about you as an infant and a list of things I think you will enjoy reading about when you are much older.

In the beginning I struggled to change your diaper. I never babysat boys growing up. I had no idea they would pee so often while changing their diaper. The first 3 weeks we were averaging 3 outfits a day with you. At 7 weeks you have already done much better. I'm sure mommy and daddy have improved too.

In the hospital they are looking for so many poopy diapers each day. Well, Son you were an over achiever. You excelled in the pooping category just like your daddy.

Your aunt Tereza noticed one of the first days how much you dreamed. You made so many different facial expressions. Some of my favorites were big smiles and when you would pucker out your bottom lip. We all wondered what you possibly could be dreaming about. I explained to Tereza the sad face was a dream about your circumcision you had within 24 hours of being born. The big smiles were dreams about mommy feeding you. You loved to eat and still do.

Well, your first poop up the back was definitely in the hospital. You have had 2 others since then. One was so bad we had to take a full bath afterwards. It was everywhere. Not one of my favorite moments, but I still will cherish it.

The ride home from the hospital was wonderful. You loved your car seat. To this day you still love sleeping in your car seat. I hope this continues.

Once we got home I continued giving you mommy milk but through bottles. This worked out for us in so many ways. Daddy loved feeding you and so did Gigi and Meia. This is where you earned the nickname Piglet. Once we would take the bottle away to burp you not only would you get really upset, but you would snort. It always made me laugh. I then decided piglet worked as a nickname.

Oh how you love your Abby. Anytime Abby thought you and I were having playtime she too decided it was time to play. She would bring her green, squeaky bone and drop it in your lap. She didn't realize you could not play catch yet. You loved watching her though.

I soon realized if I could manage to get through a shower with you happy, I could continue to keep you happy with the blow dryer. You love it! Your eyes even follow the blow dryer as I move it from one hand to the next. I think you get this from Mommy. We both like white noise while we sleep and a blow dryer is a nice noise to have in the background.

You were sleeping in your crib around 5 weeks old. We had to swaddle you to keep you a sleep for more than an hour. One of our favorite reasons to watch you sleep was the flying arms. The slightest unfamiliar noise would make your arms going flying. Sometimes you slept with both arms in the air just because. We thought it looked like you were doing the tango or that you had a question you really wanted to ask. Swaddling helped keep your arms from waking you up.

Besides your family, there are two other things you absolutely love, the whale bathtub and your pacifier. The pacifier you chose to use is a 3-6 month. Therefore you can never keep it in your mouth for long without a little assistance. Just like your daddy though you love to have it in your mouth. The whale bathtub is where all the fun takes place each night. You love to pee in it, smile, laugh, and just listen to mommy and daddy sing and talk to you. I think this is one of our favorite times each day with you.

We love you so much!

Mommy and Daddy

Really??? We made it to 39 weeks?

Well, we start 39 weeks today. I can't believe he's not here and I can't believe at the same time that he's almost here. We went to the doctor yesterday and boy was it an eventful and uneventful appointment. We were running late so we sat longer than usual in the waiting room. Micheal of course was restless. Something always comes over him when we get to the doctor's office. I guess it is the unknown of what the doctor might say. He acts so weird and hyper the whole time. So we finally made it back to the little room where the doctor would come meet us. Micheal decided he would hide in the changing area behind the curtain. I know what you are thinking. I'm about to have two little boys to take care of. While he was behind the curtain, he decided to pass gas. It was pretty loud, so I was hoping it would not smell up the room. No matter what it was not appreciated. Well, within seconds the room begins to smell terrible. I told Micheal he better open the door before the doctor came in. The aroma could have knocked anyone out. As soon as he opened the door our nurse walked by and asked if he needed something. Haha, boy did she get a surprise. Both her and Micheal were laughing as he said, "I'm fine." She definitely knew what was going on. Micheal shut the door because he was soooo embarrassed, but the smell was still lingering. Then walks in the doctor, we call him fish hands because of his soft handshake. I was so embarrassed. He acted very professional and did not say anything of course. I on the other hand could not stop blushing. I knew he thought it was probably the constipated pregnant woman. Oh Micheal how I love thee!

We celebrated our 2 year anniversary yesterday. It was the 3rd day in a row that I cried. I have been so emotional these last couple of days. Poor Micheal! I thought that might mean something since I haven't been the whole pregnancy, but the doctor said we were still 2cm dilated and 75% effaced. This would be the uneventful news. With tears and still no Brooks, Micheal and I managed to have a wonderful dinner. My mom keeps talking about the full moon and how that will bring Brooks out. Well, I hate to bust her bubble, but we are having a waxing crescent tonight which means over a week and 1/2 before the full moon will arrive. We go back to the doctor in a week. They will do the sonogram and make sure Brooks is not too big. I guess if he is we will discuss a c-section. Otherwise we will schedule a date to induce. I really hope he comes on his own. I've been excited to say to Micheal, "MY WATER BROKE!" I guess time will tell.

Dear Brooks,

Hi it's mommy! I can't wait to hold you in my arms. I promise you will enjoy it much more than my tummy. Daddy can't wait to kiss your skin instead of mommy's tummy. We are both very excited to meet you and introduce you to so many people who already love you. I know the thought of leaving your home sounds scary, but it will be okay. I promise! Love you!

Mommy

Surprise!!

We began week 38 today, so Brooks can surprise us at any moment. Micheal really thinks he will come this week. I'm still hoping for Saturday, April 2nd! Monday started my first week at home while my friends are back at school teaching. It was a busy day and it went by really quick. Today seems to be doing the same. It's amazing how much there is to do with just two people living at home and preparing for a third. Brooks has been a party animal the last couple of nights so I'm usually up a few hours during the night watching tv, so Abby and I go back to bed when Micheal leaves for work. By the time we roll our lazy bottoms out of bed, get ready, walk, and eat, it's almost noon. I know the schedule will be a little different when Brooks gets here. I'm okay with that of course.

Well, yesterday we went to the doctor. It was 3 days since the last time we saw him. They scheduled it early because of my blood pressure. It's been PERFECT the whole pregnancy but was a little high last week. I was very anxious to get to the doctor yesterday to see if it was back to normal and to see if I was more dilated. Well, the blood pressure was down, which was great news. The doctor though did not do an exam since we had just had one. Haha, its funny how quickly things change. The first time I was somewhat dreading the exam and yesterday I felt like begging for one. Micheal did not understand. I felt like so much had changed since Thursday and was curious to find out if I was right. Oh well. So as we left he said see you next Monday or this week when Brooks arrives. If we make it to another appointment, it will be mine and Micheal's anniversary. I think we would rather spend it with Brooks too though.:) Oh how I LOVE surprises!! (not really)

Since this could be my last post before Brooks arrives I just want to say that I hope all of my pregnancies are this easy. I really loved being pregnant and am extremely blessed to have experienced this miracle. I hope Brooks is a lot like his daddy, because Micheal is a wonderful man and has been nothing but thoughtful and loving since the day we got married. I'm a lucky girl to be married to someone like him and I can't wait for Brooks to meet him and learn how to be a gentleman like his daddy.

Happy New Year!

I'm so excited for 2011. Micheal and I have already started the year off great visiting with family, trips with friends, and preparing for the arrival of Brooks. His furniture should be here at the end of the month along with some decorations. I can't wait for his room to be finished. We have a few things that have come in already: curtains, bedding,diaper bag, and blocks for his name.















I haven't put any belly pictures on Facebook or anything coworkers or students could see, but I have a few. I picked 1 to put on our blog for some friends that were wanting to see a bare belly, but unable to get pictures through their phone:) He's a growing boy. This is 28 weeks.

November 28th, 2010

I know what you might be thinking....it's been awhile. My sister and her new boyfriend stayed a couple nights with us over Thanksgiving Break, and yes I really like him. He asked Micheal and I what we do most of the time and we really did not come up with many answers. However, we are always busy.

Baby News: We are 20 weeks! Micheal and I decided to name our baby boy Brooks Anthony. Most of our family members really like the name, which makes us more confident in the name we chose. My mom thinks is sounds like a student who attends Harvard, while my sister thinks of an athlete. The middle name is Micheal's middle name and Pop's first name, which is Micheal's dad.....that's what Brooks will call him. Speaking of new names Micheal's mom will be Meia, my dad Papa G. and my mom GiGi. They are all very excited to be grandparents and have a little baby to love.

More news on Brooks Anthony: I first felt Brooks kick at 18 weeks. I'm not sure if I could feel him before this, but I was definitely sure it was him this one particular night. Micheal and I stayed up to watch movies on t.v., and of course Micheal feel asleep early. I decided to get a bowl of mini pickles while watching the movie. Well, Brooks either loves pickles or hates them, but boy did they get him moving. It was such a great moment. I woke Micheal to share the news. haha...oh he can make me laugh.... His first comment, "Did it hurt?"...."Are you okay?" I guess he's not aware of the size of Brooks. Yes, at 20 weeks I have a rather large belly taking over the view of my feet, but he still is only around 1lb and this happened 2 weeks before now. Oh how I love that man. He always makes me smile.

Micheal and I recently picked out the furniture and bedding for Brooks. We are planning to order the furniture this week and are going to wait awhile to see if someone purchases the bedding for us. I'm planning to order the sham this week to make sure it works with the room we've had painted for months. I know that seems to be out of order, but I love painting and over the summer painted both of the guest bedrooms. Im optimistic that the color will work fine, but want to make sure before someone else possibly purchases it for us. I have attached the following to show you the pictures of his soon to be room.

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/elis-elephant-nursery-bedding-boy/?pkey=bboys-nursery-bedding

http://www.bonavita.com/products/collections/product-collection/hudson-collection.html

The crib will be chocolate brown and we plan to order just one dresser. I can't wait for all of these to arrive and really begin working on where Brooks will sleep, play, eat, and grow.

Mackey News: FSU beat UF yesterday in Tallahasseee. Micheal was beside himself. We had a tailgate with a lot of friends and really enjoyed the whole trip, but it was definitely a nice 3 hours home with a victory under our belt. For those of you who might be wondering how I dressed for such a game, since I grew up a Gator and married a Seminole, I wore neutral colors. I therefore did not dissappoint my dad who was with us or my husband.

Abby, our precious dog who is really our first child to some extent, has been sick most of Thanksgiving Break. I've never seen a dog throw up as much as she did within two days. I'm so happy to say that she is back to her perky self. Oh how I missed her and worried for her. I hate when she is under the weather.

Well, tomorrow I head back to school from this wonderful break. It is going to be a rough week, but there is a lot to look forward to. Plus, we have three weeks until Christmas Break, so I think I will be able to handle it. Monday night we are planning to buy our Christmas tree, which is one of my favorite things about Christmas. Tuesday night the Mackey family is coming over for dinner to celebrate Meia and Pop's wedding anniversary. Then Friday Micheal and I are thinking about heading to North Carolina for the ACC championship in Charlotte.

I will work on adding more pictures to the blog to keep you posted. Happy Holidays!

October 20, 2010

First I would like to say Happy Birthday to Erin! I hope you had an awesome day. I love you. I now would like to write about the wonderful news. Micheal and I went to our third doctor's appointment. Once again another great doctor. I love the group I'm working with. They have all been absolutely wonderful and I have been able to get an appointment whenever I need it. Love them! We of course heard our baby' heartbeat which was 160. Yes, I know that means girl to some of you moms, but I recently had a friend give birth to a baby boy who had a heart beat at 160 beats per a minute. So here comes the exciting news......we will find out soon! November 11th, 2010 (11-11-10)....I pray he or she is willing to reveal themselves. :) By the way call me whenever you want just to say hi. I set my ringtone to the baby's heartbeat. I love hearing it!

October 5th, 2010

Today is the day! My students and Facebook by the end of the day will know that Micheal and I are pregnant. We started week 13 today and with so many people already knowing I figured it was past time to announce it on Facebook. Plus, with all the rumors at school going around I figured I could go ahead and let my students know too. It's still the middle of the day so I will continue to post as I get more information. As of now most of my students think we are going to have a boy. My 4th period: 4 votes for a girl & 11 votes for a boy, 5th period: 7 votes for a girl & 13 votes for a boy. I was actually shocked by this. I thought it would be a little closer. I guess we will see how the rest of the day goes. I will say this about 8th graders though, they either think I'm 21 or 31 year old. :) So maybe they really have no idea. Hopefully within 6 weeks we will know the real results.

Continued from blog above:
3rd period: 4 votes for a boy & 13 votes for a girl & 1st period: 9 votes for a girl & 9 votes for a boy. I forgot what the turnout was for 6th period but the majority thought a boy. We are now 14 weeks pregnant. Hopefully within 4 weeks we will know what we are having.

September 21,2010

I'm already looking forward to the weekend and it is only Tuesday. I love traveling, but a weekend away really puts you behind things at home. Plus, I enjoy the days of lying around the house.
Well, yesterday I had a rough day. I wasn't feeling well and a few other things happened that concerned me. After talking with the doctor, they changed my appointment from Friday to this morning. Everything went well and I believe everything will continue to be fine. We were able to hear our beautiful baby's heartbeat which reassured us of the miracle God has blessed us with. In 8 more weeks we will be able to find out the sex. I hope he or she likes to sit with their legs open. I'm planning to take the day off and go shopping. :)

August 30, 2010

Yay we saw our baby today! Yes, I said baby. The mother's intuition was wrong. That's okay though one healthy baby is all I've ever wanted. It was so exciting to see the heart beating as we watched our little person. I've heard if the heartbeat is above 140 it is a girl and less than that a boy. Micheal and I would be happy with either. Thank you again for praying for us and please continue to pray for us. We have a long road ahead of us, but so far it has been a great blessing. To all of my pregnant friends you of course are on our prayer list too.

Fall is in the air!

The weather has finally cooled down and I am excited to think about the leaves changing. School began for teachers three weeks ago and I've now had students in my class for two weeks. I was really looking forward to school starting. The first three months and the last month of school always are my favorite. I enjoy the content we are studying and for the most part the students are still really excited. I think this year is going to be a great year. I have a lot of students who seem really smart, hard working, and kind. I hope my intial thoughts continue to be proven correct.

Well, this is my third attempt to write in my blog within the last month. For some reason my computer begins to act up every time I want to post. So I have a lot to share. I've been searching for my camera cord for weeks now. Micheal and a large group of men from church were in a triathalon a few weeks back. I have some great pictures. Micheal is never shy. Even when his wardrobe covers maybe a 1/4 of his body. :) He looked halarious in his spandex and bright orange swim cap. As soon as I figure out how to get the pictures off my camera and onto my computer without the cord or with a new cord you will see.

We've also been painting our house. Micheal recently finished the cream yellow that runs from the kitchen to the family room and today began the cocoa in the hallways and the dinning room. It's a great contrast, but at first was a little scary. I thought it might be too dark, but I think we already love it. This upcoming week we are also planting our first tree. I know the tree I want but I still do not know what it is called. It's a small tree that will give a little bit of dimension to our front flowerbeds but not get too tall. It should grow enough to cover the window of our office. Our office is the next room to be painted. We are thinking a slate blue. It depends on a few things though, so we have to wait a few weeks.

Well, this is the year to get married. I'm in three weddings this school year. Two weddings are in December and one in May. Leigh Anne is getting married in Texas on December 22nd I believe and Shelley is getting married in Jacksonville on December 4th I believe. I'm looking forward to both weddings and hoping Shelley will still be able to live here after the wedding. I love this girl. Micheal has never been to Texas and I love certain cities in Texas so we are both looking forward to our trip to Houston.

We both love to travel and are already looking forward to our next big trip. New York this previous year was so much fun. This year I don't think we will have a BIG trip except for Texas, but we are hoping the following year we will be able to pick up again with our travels. Micheal's sister, Melissa, is getting married in May in Pensacola. Her wedding is going to be absolutely beautiful. I guess it has to be, she's a wedding planner. I didn't think about it at first, but I would think that's a lot of pressure. I mean this is your profession, so people expect her to know what works and what doesn't. No matter what she does though, her wedding will be beautiful.

Well, if all continues to go well we will be bringing a one month old baby or babies to Aunt Melissa's wedding. Micheal and I found out we were pregnant the first week of August. I believe it was August 10th. We were not planning to tell people until 12 weeks at least, but Micheal spilled the beans at church this morning. I'm hoping no one comments on facebook, because I still have not told my bestfriends from college minus Erin, I had to tell my BESTEST FRIEND :). (Don't worry these girls do not read this blog) Anyways, Micheal at the Men's Breakfast this morning, at church, was asked to introduce himself and tell how many souls he's responsible for. Well, Micheal said three. And he didn't mean Abby our dog. Even though she's definitely a family member. I don't think many people were paying attention; however, my dad then stood up and said, "And I can't wait until the 3rd." (at least this is how Micheal tells the story) I still don't think many people heard or were paying attention. I know a few people were kind and said congratulations to Micheal though. The funny part was when Micheal told me this story I said, "You mean't to say 4, right?"

Let me explain myself. I have a weird feeling we are pregnant with twins. Twins do run in the family, but there is not really any logical reason for this feeling. However, the first time we were pregnant I always said, "She's doing good today." or "The baby is growing." Even though we were only 5 weeks pregnant. Well, this time around at almost 8 weeks I always say "They." Micheal's aunt when we told her we were pregnant informed her grandson he was having cousins. Not just one cousin but cousins. LOL I met two cute twin boys today at a football game. One boy had a name Micheal and I have thrown around. They were standing in front of me in the line to get into the field. He introduced himself and his brother and asked how I was doing today. They were only three. :) We have our first ultrasound on Monday, so I guess we will know soon how many little babies are growing in there.

We are due April 12, 2010. This is my parent's anniversary. My dad was hoping for April 30th, but I told him there was no way the baby would be allowed to come that late. If the baby comes early, he or she or both could be born on mine and Micheal's wedding anniversary. No matter what date we are excited. The lady at the office already informed me the birth stone for April is a diamond. I laughed and said that means nothing to my husband unless you give him a lesson. She smiled and said, "Don't you worry." I really liked her. Micheal was sitting in the 2nd waiting room, so he could hear me laughing the whole twenty five minutes I was talking with her. He said he felt akward listening to me laugh and not knowing what I was saying. So he decided to text me 10 times. Which unfortunately, I heard each one. I read them while we waited to move to another room. Most of them read, "Please let me in." "What are you laughing so loud about?" "Alright, if you don't open the door, I'm coming in." Oh this boy makes me laugh.

A week from tomorrow we will be having a huge dinner at my house for some friends and family. (mainly family) We plan to tell them the news if the gossip has not spread to them by then. My dad informed me today though he already told my grandmother. I could not believe it. He's such a kid. He said she keeps wondering why I have not told her. Hello, Earth to Dad! Remember, I was planning the dinner. Oh well, it will still be fun to have everyone over and celebrate.

So things I've learned about being pregnant. I love chocolate milk. I don't always sleep as well and we are not even that far along. I enjoy naps everyday if possible and I would rather have a hot meal at lunch than the typical sandwhich I usually pack. So, today at the grocery story I bought two Smart Ones for work and will use leftovers the other days. Micheal, Abby, and I are really excited. We already have an idea for the room boy or girl. We of course will not begin anything for awhile. We definitely want to make sure everything continues to go well. We know a lot of people have prayed for us and we appreciate you and so does the baby/babies:)

Summer Begins!

I guess you can say summer officially begins for me today. At 1 o'clock today we waved bye to the children as they rode away on the yellow Twinkies. It is such a great feeling. :) I love teaching and I love the school I work for, but it is so exciting to wave bye to another group of kids. It makes you think back to those days in junior high, when you too thought the world was over because of the high school you were being forced to go to. Or because your boyfriend would be attending a different school then you. Everything was so dramatic and devastating. I think I watched 20 students cry today and at least 4 were boys. It's just a fun day.

I'm planning to work at the Y again this summer. I should start next week, so that gives me two days to relax and begin the summer to do list. I think I will start with the guest room. Micheal let me change his man room to a bedroom last weekend. I got a cute bed spread from Marshall's and a bed from Orange Park Furniture Store. The room needs to be painted desperately. I think that's where I will begin my summer. I'm thinking a green or blue. I guess we will see what I'm feeling on Friday.

It has been awhile since I last wrote. It is amazing how much can happen in one month. I last talked about gutters we would be getting on the house. I really did not have much to do with the decision on gutters. I did not think I needed to add my two cents. I figured a man and a professional would be able to accomplish this task without a woman's opinion. Well, I learned that if it has anything to do with something you care about you should be involved. I hated the gutters after they were put up. I felt like they framed the house and were way too obvious. It poured the day after we got the gutters so Micheal was just thrilled that they were doing the job. After a call to the gutter man and an email, he came back to the house to move one down gutter free of charge. I was very thankful for this. Moving just one gutter really made a difference.

We also went South this last month to a Bar Mitzvah. Micheal has a cousin that turned 13. It was just like the movies. I think Micheal enjoyed watching his uncle and aunt plunge into the air from their chairs the most. I had never been to a Bar Mitzvah before but it definitely was as large as a wedding. I think even more money spent than what we spent for my own wedding. The reception was decorated perfectly and the food was delicious. They had multiple entertainers and a lounge for the young people. I forgot to mention the cocktail hour that occurred before the doors were opened for the dinner. It really was a HUGE event. This was the weekend I also got to meet Micheal's grandmother for the first time. She is 98 years young. :) She was such a wonderful person to meet. I've never met someone at her age that is so with it. She went to every part of the weekend celebration. She was even up playing bingo when we stopped on Sunday to say bye before returning home. She really is a neat lady and I hope to spend more time with her this summer.

The last thing I want to post about is life. I know we some times take a moment to realize how blessed we are. Sometimes we might even stop to think how God had given us another day to live. But in reality we do not think about it enough. Bennie Vickers was such a great Christian. I've known Bennie since I was small. He has been a good friend to my grandparents for many years. I have fond memories of him and Louise from my childhood. He is going to be missed. It was such a shock to hear about his death. I just cried in front of my class feeling so bad for Louise. I could not believe someone who I saw almost all weekend and who looked absolutely great was no longer with us. I know it was surprising to a lot of people. This just goes to show how ready you have to be. God does not promise us another day.

We Love you Bennie!

I love the month of May!

I started a countdown today at school. We have 24 days left and I'm probably a little too excited. I do love my students and have enjoyed this group, but I'm ready for the summer break so bad I can taste it.

Micheal and I recently celebrated being married a year. Before we got married I had visions of how it would be and what we would do every weekend together. I did not think we would ever spend as much time in the yard as we do. Micheal hopes to one day hold the yard of the month throne! I love it though. I appreciate his passion. He really does want everyone to stop as they walk by and be pleased with his beautiful work. He would even enjoy compliments on his work. I think we have a conversation about the yard at least once a day. I know that seems silly but our yard really needed a lot of work when we moved in. Plus, most of the yards around us look inpeccable. The most recent conversation " how the rain affects our flowerbeds." It really stirs him up when the mulch is moved from the bed. So we have decided to stop having the conversation and fix the problem. We will be purchasing gutters next Friday. That is another thing I never thought about before marriage. Everything cost more compared to what I always thought. Being married to a financial buff, we save for things and budget well. I just never thought shades for a window, shutters, plants, etc. would cost as much as they do. Then again my husband has told me I just have expensive taste. It really makes you appreciate your parents though. As a child I never really thought about where all the money went. I spend at least two hundred dollars a week on food, and that is for two people and an amazing dog. I can't imagine when the children come around how much we will spend. Anyways, Micheal and I spend a lot of time in the yard. I guess it is becoming a hobby we share.

Well, I hope everyone has a great ending to their week!