Santa and Keira...Not BFFs

I have been MIA due to lack of time and energy. But, school is out for two weeks so you may to peek into our lives for a bit! Today was a great day at school. For some who don't know, I work at a lower income school with wonderful kids and faculty. I truly love my job and all the kids who attend Wilson. Our faculty adopted over 150 kids (who attend Wilson) as Christmas Angels. Today, I along with our counselors, I got to deliver the presents to the parents at their houses. It was a wonderful experience, delivering these presents to the oh so grateful parents, and it made me stop and think about how thankful I am for everything that I have.



We took Keira to see Santa on Wednesday night. Prior to that, we have been talking to her about the jolly fellow and any time she sees anything that resembles him, she points and Say's
"Ho, Ho, Ho". She loves everything about Christmas, the books, the songs, the lights, the rein deers, and especially Santa and Frosty! {Her favorite book is the Gingerbread Man! She will try and say something on the lines of, "Run Run as fast as you can....you can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!") SO, we were at North East Mall and in line. Kira kept pointing at him and seemed very excited about seeing him. I was excited too because I thought this may be a really, cute pic. Turns out...it is very memorable pic!

Halloween 2008

We had a fun Hallow's Eve. Keira was such a precious bumble bee and enjoyed going door to door. She even mumbled something that could possibly be heard as "trick-or-treat". Hope everyone had a good evening. Here are some pics that I took this week.

Keira, Avery, Bowen, and Nana (or Ne-Ne, as Keira calls her)

Reiley, Keira, and Delaney (with her eyes closed!)

Keira and her good friend Madeline who lives across the street from us.

Last weekend, we went with Brodie's parents to the annual Golden Retriever Rescue Picnic at Grapevine Lake. They rescued their Paddy dog a few years ago and go to this every year. We are looking for one to rescue soon. It was a lot of fun and I took some pictures. Here are my favorites!

This is Keira and her buddy Paddy. She loves her Paddy!

Fall Fun

Been very busy. Last Sunday was lots of fun. We took Keira to the Green Meadow Petting Farm and Pumpkin Patch. I think is the same one that was on Jon and Kate plus 8! There are several around the US and one happens to be in Grand Prarie. It is right by Joe Pool Marina. I would suggest going if you have little ones because it was a blast and Keira had lots of fun. We took our wagon so she could ride around but she enjoyed walking/running more. We saw lots of animals like goats, pigs and pigglets, cows, baby ducks, llamas, horses (or Neigh Neighs as Keira calls them) and even a zebra. We were alound to go in and pet all of the animlas. We even got to milk a cow. I was very amazed that we were able to do that. And it was really cool. We also went on a hay ride which was lots of fun. I was very impressed and hope to make this trip again next year.

Our TV went out in the living room...and not to mention any names...but some little person in our household was the last to touch a button on the TV. That is a big NO that we are apparently still working on. So we ended up getting a new big ol TV. Probalby too big for us but we are enjoying it. I cant wait to see the difference on Wii tennis. I bet I will be better now!

This weekend is my High School reunion. I am pretty excited. Brodie and I are going to both Friday and Saturday night. It should be fun to see old friends...and I am kinda looking forward to some kid free night outs. Brodie and I both took off work Friday so we can spend the day with Keira. No plans yet but maybe the zoo or something. We shall see. Saturday should be fun because all three of us are going with Brodie's mom and dad to the annual Golden Retriever Rescue Picnic. Keira loves dogs so I know she will have a ball. And maybe we will find a new member to add to our family!

Guck, Guck, Goose

Today was a lovely day! We had a fun family day and I am sad it has come to an end. We spent the morning lounging around and enjoying the morning with eachother. Then had a nice late lunch with Brodie's family where we celebrated Delaney's 8th birthday. We ate at IHOP which was very yummy! Then we came home, and Brodie and Keira took short naps while I finished reporing my kiddos grades for the first six weeks. I can not beleive six weeks has gone by already. Only five more six weeks left until summer! Thas funny to say. Actually I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. It will be here before we know it. Speeking of bees, Keira is going to be a bumble bee for Halloween. She has the cutest costume ever. It has a black tutu so she kinda looks like a bumble bee ballarina! I can't wait to see her all dressed up.

So, after doing some works, we took Keira to a duck pond. It was so fun. We brought bread and feed the ducks. They were so friendly and Keira just loved it. She kept calling them, "gucks!" It was too cute. And I was surprised that they were as friendly as they were. I guess they are used to people and kids. Keira was upset when we ran out of bread so I told her we would come back sometime this week. Here are some of my favorite pics from the duck pond....

Happy Feet

I have started tap dancing again. I was a dancer in my younger years...for along time actually. I was in tap, ballet, jazz, and point all through elementary and into Jr. High. But them I became the mascot in 9th grade and gave it up to be Wally Gator. I've always wanted to get back into dance...actually just tap. It was always my favorite. So I decided to start it up. Like I don't have enough free time on my hand...but I love it and am so glad to have found my new little dance studio, Frances Lea Dance Studio. This is my 4th week of tap lessons and we finished our first dance tonight. And I must say...I am really good! I am probably the best one in the class. Really! No joke there! (okay, so we only have 4 people, and one is a guy) Not that I have anything against guy tap dancers, but I think they are at a disadvantage because they have bigger feet, and seem a little more...clumsy. The guy in my class does anyway. So I am amazed how quick it came back to me and how happy my feet actually are! And man, I am getting a workout! I sweat so much in that hour. I wish I could go more that just one night a week. I have been practicing in out kitchen sometimes after I get home from work and Keira just loves to watch me and listen to the ratta tap tap! She just smiles and tries to dance with me, even though her shoes are silent. I remember when I had recitals and my dad would always be waiting in the audience with flowers. I can see Brodie there now with a bouquet for Keira. I can not wait until Keira is 2 so she too can show off her happy feet!

A moment to breath...and blog

I finally have some free time. Things are going good. Keira has just finished her first week of pre school and it went wonderfully! She loves going to school! No tears from her which is such a relief...especially since I taught pre school and I know how some kids are when their mommys and daddys leave them. She acted like she ruled the school! I am so happy for her. I have been getting notes home from the teacher and they all say what a joy she is, how helpful and verbal she is, and how happy she is all the time! It is so good to hear that. When Brodie droped her off the seconde day, she took off down the hall and went right to her classroom! I am so glad this is working out for her and I know how good this is for her as well. Here are some pics of her on the first day of school:
This was in our front yard...ignore the long grass! It was cut shortly after! She has her back pack and ready to go to school!This is in her classroom with her friends and her teacher Ms. Shannon.

We have been taking Keira for wagon rides which she loves. Here is a picture on one of our outings. She points up at the sky and says "moon" and "star". Keira is so much like her mommy. We both love shoes! I was on the couch doing some school work when I heard this shuffling....I looked over and Keira had a pair of my shoes on and was walking around! Glad I had my camera near by cause it was so funny. She tries to do this with Brodie's flip flops too.

I also must mention how good Keira is doing on the potty. She goes both #1 and #2 daily on her pink potty and is so proud of her self, as are we. After she is finished, she will stand up and giver herself a round of applause. She will tell us when she has to go and will run to the potty. Well...its my bedtime but will try and update more soon.

Sniff sniff....

Have not had too much free time to blog. The free time I do have I prefer to spend with Keira so I am beginning to realize that my blogs will be minimal. School is going great. I love my kids, my school, and my new coworkers. Everything seems to be going good. I still am kinda clueless on some things but I am getting the hand of it. It is very frustrating not knowing what exactly to do, what to teach and not having anyone to ask or go to for help. Everyone still thinks I know everything...which I do not! But I am doing what I can to give it my best. So far (this will change, I bet you a million) I have learned that I like teaching math better than teaching reading/language arts. That is so crazy because I hated math in all my school years. I like teaching reading, but it is still hard to plan a lesson because my kids are on all diffirent levels.

Speaking of school...Keira is about to start preschool. I am so excited for her and I know she will love it and that it will be so wonderful for her. Her wheels are always turning and she is always wanting to learn, play, and interact with others...especially kids. She will be in a Tuesday/Thursday class and...she is the only girl in the class. She will be the little Princess! There is so much I feel like I have to do this weekend to get her already....get a lunch box, get ID tags, monogram her lovey that she sleeps with, and much much more. My little girl is off to school... one more day of drying my tears away.

New Pics.....

Keira and Aspen snuggling

She is already for school, reading to BooBoo Kitty

Ode To The Graco Safeseat

(first time in the Graco)

Much thanks to the Graco SafeSeat (in French Roast)! It has been so wonderful to our little Keira. Lots of memories in that chair....first car ride home from the hospital, lots of spit up in its year(s), lots of naps with Keira and the kitty's, lots of crushed goldfish, and many many miles with precious Keira. The time has come for a replacement (which was delivered today!) We will never forget you , Graco...and maybe you will once again be used by a Dwyer (not too soon though!).

Yes yes, Keira has gotten to long for her carrier and we got a new car seat that goes up to 65 pounds. It came today and when I opened the box and set it next to the Graco one, Keira jumped right in, grabbed a book, and started reading. So I guess this will work. I ordered it without even seeing it in person and I think I made a wise choice. It looks so comfy with lots of room to grow. We will still be putting it rear facing because Keira still does not weigh enough, but I think it will not take long until we switch it. I also love the fact that it stays rear facing until 35 pounds since that is the safest way for them to ride. I love the color too. I know that is the least important thing about car seats, but the big ones all seem kinda ugly to me. Brown, or khaki. The pink ones are kinda cute but I don't want to buy another one if we have a boy one day. Our new seat is The First Years - true fit convertible seat in "sporty blue". Here are some pics. It is a monster next to the Graco!

Aspen loves laying in it!

My first week as a teacher has gone really good. It is hard being the new kid on the block. Not to mention, being the only special ed teacher in the whole school. People think I know EVERYTHING! My motto is, "fake it, till you make it". So I just act like I know what people are talking about. And I eventually do figure it all out. I have not met my kids yet. I will start that on Tuesday. This week has been dedicated to scheduling. I have to schedule when my kids leave their regular ed classroom to come see me in mine. And it is really confusing because some need help with math, some language arts, some reading...and they are all on different levels. I know it will be a trial and error thing and will eventually all work out. I am just so excited to meet them though and start teaching and helping them to become better students. It will be a wonderful year, I can already tell. Although I have lots to teach, they have lots to teach me as well! Hope all you teachers are having a wonderful first week!

28 years ago today...

Today was my birthday and boy it was a great day! Keira and I started off the day sleeping in bed together. She had a little trouble sleeping last night because her ouchies (teeth) were hurting. She has one of her top front in and the other it trying to do the same. So she slept with us last night because B and I were tired of taking turns going to sooth her. It has been a long time since we let her sleep with us and it will probably be a long time until she does it again. I forget what a bed hog she is. I woke up around 8 and we came into the living room where Brodie was watching TV. He gave me a box of cracker jacks and when I opened it there was a set of beautiful diamond hoop ear rings in it. I was so excited. He is so cute like that!

So then Keira and I went to toddler time at the MAC where we met up with Kelly, Avery and Bowen. They all played and played....so much fun. When we were leaving, I checked my messages and realized that a Prinicpal wanted to interview me for a position. So my gracious mother dropped what she was doing to watche Keira while I went home, chaned clothes and went up to interview, all in about one hour. And guess what...I got the job! Yea! I am now a teacher. Such a wonderful feeling. What a wonderful birthday present. I will be the special education inclusion teacher at Richard Wilson Elementary in Fort Worth. It is an older school. My dad actually went to school there from k-5th grade. Such a small world.

I have had such a wonderful 27 years and I know 28 will be just as great!

Im posting some new pics that were taken this past week of Baby K. We went to the Ringling Brothers circus and if you cant tell....K is not a fan of clowns. I think she gets that from me! Have you ever seen IT?

My inspiration

I have been inspired by the 2009 Ikea catalogue. Since I have had a child, we have collected a plether of toys, games, stuffed animals, shape sorter, instruments, shopping carts, strollers, play cars...and the list goes on. So we decided a while back to convert our office/guest room into a play room for Keira. I have a vision in my head what it was to look like. We started this project back in the beginning of spring. We moved our computer/office stuff to the living room in a nice desk armor, moved some old furniture to storage and started throwing stuff away. Well that little project was put on hold for a few months until...it came. It, being the new Ikea catalogue. We had painted 2 walls months ago and never got to the other two. That is what I did today. The painting is finished and I am ready to start the next step. Here are some pics of the color....I love it! I plan on putting up a chair wall, some red and white polka dot wall paper from the bottom up to the chair rail, and some cute Ikea shelving/table and chairs for K to play with.

We have had a fun few days. On Monday, Brodie, Keira and I went to Susan and Shelbys moms new home for a dip in the pool. We had lots of fun. Keira loves the water and just wants to jump right in all the time. She has no fear at all. She also loves for us to dunk her all the way in the water. She even kicks her feet and moves her arms as if to swim a little. I think we have a little Michael Phelps in training! Here are some pics.

Prior to painting today, Keira and I went to the park and then to Nana's, who was watching cousin Bowen. Keira and I played with Bowen who is getting so big and oh so cute. Keira just loves playing with him, and with Nana too. Keira kept taking his passy away from him and trying to keep it for herself. She does not even use her passy that much so it was kinda funny. It is so funny how Bowen and Keira are just about the same size.

Thanks Shelby!

While going through old pictures of Keira, I stared to notice that there are lots of Keira, lots of Keira and Brodie together, and hardly any of me and Keira together. So I was so excited when Shelby sent an email to me with a cute picture of me and Keira. I am sure all moms can realte to this because we are always the ones taking the cute pictures and therefore are never in them. So here is a cute one of me and K.

Happy Thursday.

New photos to brighten your evening...

EEEKKK!! The job hunt is not over.

So, school is starting soon and I still am jobless. So crazy that we are in such high demand for teachers, but yet so many of us are still looking. My hopes are still high, don't ask me why. I do have to say though, I am having lots of fun staying home with Baby K and am not ready to leave her yet. She is so entertaining. I was telling Brodie earlier that she is at the point now where she is so much fun. Prior to being the big ONE she was fun, but she is just blooming and keeps me on my toes. Lots of walking, mischief, and words. Today, she pointed up to the ceiling and said, "Fan". Just like that. I love it. And so smart too. She does not use passes any more except bed and nap times. So tonight when we were about to do story/milk/bed time routine, I told her to go get any passe she wanted. (I have a little basket that has a variety of passe's in it on a little shelf in her room.) So, she went and got the whole basket, brought it to me, picked out a pink passe and gave it to me. Then, she took the basket (I followed her without her knowing!) and she put it right back where it goes. My little neat freak! I love how she put it right back where it goes. Brodie and I both said that we have no idea who she got that from, neither of us has that in us. Ill put up some new pics soon.

Its been a while but I have been one busy momma. With class and job interviews...my life is crazy at the present time. I have been missing my Keira girl but I know she has been having lots of fun staying with Nana and Pappa Thom and Pappa Susan. Nana has taken her lots of fun places and Papa Thom and her go on fun walks during the day. I know she loves that time with them. I on the other hand am sick of the job hunt. Someone just needs to hire me. I am about to start some bribing!

A few months ago, I got Keira a potty so she can start getting used to it. Well, I did not know that I could make such a smarty cutie pattotie! She has used it many times, #1 and #2. She likes to sit on it and read books. Here are some recent pics...

I had to take this pic of her sleeping becase I thought she looked so precious holding her oh so soft pink blankie that she sleeps with every night.

We have been so entertained by all of Keir's bday presents. She has so many toys which are all played with every day. Here is a little clip of her in her play pool....

One year ago from today...

I now have a one year old. Today is July 14 and if this were one year ago, Keira would be living in the NICU at Arlington memorial and I would be going on another sleepless night because I was so worried about my new little princess. One year has gone by and we are so blessed to have the most gorgous, perfect. smart, and loving baby in the whole world! We have had such an exciting year with lots of laughs, smiles, giggles, crawls, words, hugs, kisses, baby steps, baby signs, zoo trips, parks trips, swimming pools, doggy and kitty kisses, first rodeos, first Ranger games, shopping trips, birthday partys and lots and lots of love. Keira is the light of our lives and I am the happieset mommy in the whole wide world.

We had such a wonderful first birthday with lots of friends and family. Keira was the cutest ever. Partys are so in her element. It was so funny to see her expressions when everyone arrived. It is like she knew the party was for her. She was so excited to see everyone and I know she had so much fun, being the star of the show. Shy is definitly not in her vocabulary. She reacted so funny to all the gifts too. And the cake... She is such a girly, prissy priss that she did not even want to dig in and get too dirty, and I thank her for that. Her danty little fingers finally got covered with icing, but being the caring and giving girl she is, she just wanted to feed mommy!

We are still recovering from the wonderful fun filled weekend.