So yesterday I had a scary moment, or so I thought. I woke up, felt great, and went to take a shower to go to work. While in the shower, I suddenly got very weak-kneed and my vision started to blur, then it started fading toward a little spot in the center (if that makes any sense!). I was well on my way to fainting in the shower. I think it's funny, b/c my one thought was that I hadn't washed all of my 200 body parts yet! God forbid I get out of the shower before I'm done cleaning! I managed to make it to my bed before I hit the floor, and laid there until I calmed down (as I was breathing as though I had just run ten marathons). I called work to tell them I would be in late, b/c I had to eat and lie down for a while to regain my composure. I did, and when I woke up, I had NO energy. I finally got ahold of my dr. office, and they said it's a normal thing in pregnancy, but it was definitely creepy and unexpected. I had no energy all day until the later evening.

Well, that about sums up my day yesterday. Today was pretty uneventful. It was my first day back since last Tues. before Thanksgiving. My kids were okay, but an abnormally high amount of them wanted to sleep. To be honest, I didn't really feel like fighting them, either. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow, though, b/c I have decided to add some new rules for being allowed to eat as a reward every two weeks, and one of them is that they can't get a write-up in any of their classes (it used to be just in mine). They won't like that. Oh well, too bad for them. I just hate having to tell them stuff like that, b/c they are so whiny!

We took TJ to his Nana's and Grandaddy's house again today. I swear that Tuesdays are such sad days for me. It also gives me even more of a reason to look forward to Fridays. I hate leaving him, though. I'm going to email my real estate agent when I finish this and harrass him some more about getting our house sold. I think he needs it. The house is so awesome, and it's on the cover...I can't imagine WHY it hasn't sold yet. The house at the end of the street that was about $50,000 too much sold, so why not mine?

Well, I really don't have much to say right now. I want desperately to have insightful comments, but I have none. Oh, I did watch Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban last night. I have to say I wasn't totally impressed. The story was VERY changed from the book. Yes, I understand that in order to fit the whole story into the movie they must do that, but I think that in the process of editing and cutting and pasting they lost a lot of what makes Harry Potter stories so great. Don't get me wrong...As far as good movies go, I think the movie was fantastic. The acting was good, I think Harry Potter is so cute, everything was as believable as it can be, and it made sense as far as the movie was concerned. I think, as probably most Harry Potter readers were, that the movie did not do the book justice, though. The third book was my favorite of them all. I was so upset that I couldn't read it fast enough, b/c it was so very suspenseful and great, that you would find me trying to read it on my long drive to work (this was when I still lived in Lancaster and had an hour drive every day one way). You can ask my neighbor teacher if you want proof. Yes, it was bad, but this was by far my favorite, and I was a little disappointed when I saw the movie cut out the best parts. I will say, though, if you are not a reader of the books, or you are capable of letting loose and pretending they are unrelated, then the movie was great. I would highly recommend it.

Okay, I shall see you all tomorrow, and I hope you have a wonderful and promising day!

TJ can be such a ham sometimes! 

I told you they're gonna hook up! 

What a cutie! 

Such good buddies! 

I have a feeling that I may not get around to posting tomorrow, so while I have time tonight and the want to do it, I will post now. Technically, though, it is tomorrow anyway (12:10 am), so I guess I'm good to go.

Didn't do much today. I got to sleep in, which ROCKED! I don't want to go back to work Monday, or even home tomorrow. Don't get me wrong...I miss Trey and want to see him tomorrow. I know he misses TJ, and me I hope. However, I know that when I get there there will be loads of laundry that need to be washed, the house will need to be cleaned, I'll need to plan for school Monday, I'll feel sick again, and I'LL HAVE TO WORK MONDAY! In my mind, if I never go home, I'll never have to work again. I knew having a few days off would be very bad for me! Gotta look at the good side, though, right?

So, anyway, I went to Ashley's house tonight to see Leah, and Ashley and Will of course! I feel kinda bad, seeing as she is my brother's ex and all, and there seems to be some bad karma b/t Ashley and Jimmy's new g/f Kara. However, after many years of him dating her, I formed a friendship with her, and now that we have kids that are one month apart, I like hanging out with her. Ashley and her new beau Will are getting married next year, though, and I should hope that I will be invited (as she was one of my bridesmaids, and I still hang out with her when I can), but I was wondering today if my brother will be invited, too. If not, that could be wierd, although my brother probably wouldn't care.

Oh, so anyway, TJ and Leah played with each other today. I was a little shocked, to tell the truth. I mean, I'm not bragging, but I hear that TJ speaks very well for his age. I agree, I guess, but I haven't ever really seen any other kids his age to compare him to. Leah is one month younger than TJ. She is saying single words like Mommy, Daddy, Nemo, baby, stuff like that. She says a lot in the way of gibberish. She's super cute! It just surprised me, b/c TJ is not only speaking in sentences, he has a HUGE vocabulary and pretty good grammar (especially for a not yet two year old!). Not to mention the fact that he's pretty damn bossy at times! What was really funny to me was that he is such a nerd. While Leah was busy rolling and flipping around on the floor like a cheerleader, TJ was very seriously working on and studying her toys where you put the shapes in the right holes. When Leah tried to play, too, he freaked out when she tried to put the wrong shape in the wrong hole. Later, Leah was watching her favorite movie, Finding Nemo, and I kept trying to get TJ to lay down and watch it with her. Nope, he was busy singing "Jingle Bells" along with their Christmas decoration and working diligently on another one of her shape learning toys. Then Ashley gave them some popcorn to eat, and Leah spilled hers on the floor. TJ ran over and started picking it up and putting it back in the bowl...he said, "Clean up," and told her she had to clean up. I didn't know whether or not to be proud or freaked out that I have raised such an anal kid! I'm glad that TJ is doing so well, but I swear sometimes he scares me. He is going to know more than I do by the time that he's three!

Well, that's about it. I hope you guys have a great day, and I'll see you tomorrow!

So I'm here at Mommy's house until tomorrow. I love it here. I get to sleep in, I have all my friends at hand, and it's just wonderful! I have come to the conclusion that there is something seriously wrong with our apartment that we are in now, as I have been really sick in many ways since we moved there. I thought it was just the bad heating and air, but now I think it's more. I was talking to a guy at work the other day, and he said that my headaches might be coming from mold or mildew, which I'm about 99% sure is all over our apt. Also, my mom mentioned that I first started having really bad headaches back when we moved to our house on Pinecrest, where we had gas for the first time. I had some pretty bad ones in Lancaster, too. We have gas at this apt, too. I think she has something. If you've ever heard of people getting sick from gas or mold, please let me know. It could help our case in getting out of the apt, as they aren't letting us go easily. Regardless, we are moving in about two weeks, and I can not wait! That's why I love it here...I wake up and feel great every morning! No headaches, no soreness....just good and rested.

So last night I went out with Julia and Mike. It was so much fun! I couldn't drink or anything, but that was fine, b/c I had a great time being sober! We went to some Mexican restaurant, and that was cool. There was some gay guy that Mike knew from work, and he spent the whole time checking Mike out. He was ugly and gross, but nonetheless he was just staring. It was creepy. Then, when he left he bought us all flan. Julia and Mike thought it was nasty, and had no qualms at yelling their thoughts out loud for the whole restaurant to hear! Then, a Mexican guy walked over to wipe down the table next to us, and as loud as can be, Mike said, "You don't want to date Mexican men! They are too passionate!" Yeah, so it's much more fun to be the sober one...and boy, did I see what's it like when you're not the loud one (as I usually am!).

So afterwards we went to Patrick's, which is a gay bar, kinda the smokey pool type. It's a fun place, but it was kinda dead. We met all of Mike's friends, and Julia made a new buddy. Oh, and did I mention that this was Julia's first time going to a gay bar? I think after last night she's sold. She saw some cross-dressers, we learned some gossip, then we left, for much more fun!

We went to the Pantheon next. Oh, what fun! It's a totally loud gay dance club downtown, and there was a drag show last night! Julia got the royal introduction to gay party life last night! It was cool! There were only four "women" in the show, but it was still neat. AFterwards we danced and danced and danced...I am so sore today! I, of course, didn't dance as much as Mike and Julia did, as us pregos can't handle the boogy down as much! It was fun, though! I'm so happy I got to hang out with my two best friends ever!

I'm ready for Trey to be sent back to Charleston, even though I would never wish that on him. OH, and if you happen to think that a move to Siberia would be cool, please let me know. I have an idea....

Okay, I'll talk to you later, as I have no deep thoughts today, just banter on my life. You guys have a wonderful day, and I'll see you tomorrow!

I really liked what Traci had to say today. So, if you get a chance, do read it. Good food for thought.

As you may have noticed, today is Thanksgiving. A wonderful day of the year where families who don't speak all year find the time and place in their hearts to put up with each other for a few hours and try not to kill each other. Of course, there are the brawls and riots that you watch about on the news, but overall, a nice day of the year. Usually, if they can manage to eat before the fight, the fighting will be avoided, as the turkey puts everyone to sleep. Yes, my favorite time of the day, when we all finish eating, after hours of working in the kitchen , the men go off for napping and "watching football" (through closed eyelids), while the women go back to their positions and commense the cleaning rituals. Yes, we could try to get the men to clean, but really, do we want to have to after clean when they finish?

And so, I look forward to this day, as it is progressing. Trey is off at the playground having fun with TJ, Bo is in his room playing on his computer. Mommy and I are in the kitchen cooking and cleaning. (Yes, I'm taking a break, but I have to hurry so I can rush back and finish before people show up.) The tradition goes on. I say, let's liberate! Let's make the new tradition that the guys go in the kitchen and cook and clean, and the women sit and watch rented movies and get to go to the playground. I need followers, so do sign up to get on my bandwagon. Also, if you have already figured out how to make this work, do write and tell me, so I can use your wisdom to start my movement.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I hope you're having fun, and I'll see you tomorrow!

I couldn't post yesterday. I don't know what was up, as I could read everything just fine, and post to other people's blogs. I just couldn't get mine to work. Figures! I actually had time and was motivated to do it yesterday! Oh well....

There's not a whole lot to say about yesterday or today. I didn't go to church yesterday b/c TJ has a little cold, and his nose has been running like a faucet. I didn't think they would appreciate me sending my sick child in there to infect all the other children, so...God and I had one-on-one yesterday. I did laundry, did some shopping for school, and that's about it. It was nice. I stayed busy enough that I didn't feel bad with my usual pains b/c of sitting around the house. I washed the dishes, but there were so many that I had almost another load left. I meant to wash them last night, but I was too tired. They are still calling my name, and I am still pretending that that's not what I'm called!

Today was rather uneventful. We cooked mini pumpkin pies and made little turkeys out of Oreo cookies, candy corn, frosting and Hershey kisses. The guys really seemed to enjoy it, and I'm glad. I'm sure as soon as they all left my class they were on sugar highs. Those cookies were CRAZY! One thing that was pretty great was that we just sat around and kinda talked while they made the turkeys, then after while they ate, and it was really nice. I was glad that they were all comfortable enough to chat, but still behaved enough not to talk about inappropriate stuff like gang stuff and their plans for misbehaving. I've found that since they think I'm pretty "cool" that they also have forgotten that I'm a teacher and that they are not supposed to talk about gang stuff around me. As well, I've had to remind them multiple times that if they talk about plans they have in front of me that I'm required as part of my job to report it. I don't mind being liked, and I think I keep pretty good classroom discipline, but I really guess I should work on making it more clear about what they can and can't talk about in my classroom. I have no desire to have any part in their bad decisions.

I bought my first Christmas present today. It was for TJ. I have been about to die for him to have some skates, so I got him the little ones that you put on your shoes and that have the wide wheels in the back. I think they're called My First Skates or something. It's about all I can do to hang on to them until Christmas now. I want to take them out and let him skate so bad it hurts. I also enjoyed the fact that this will be the last year that I can buy TJ's gifts for him while he stands next to me and not have to worry about it. He was so busy playing with everything that made noise that he could have cared less about them. To be honest, he may not care for the skates for a long time anyway, but I'll sure be ready when he does! I'll have to find mine and go skating with him someday. Well, until I'm not prego anymore, I'll have to send Trey, I guess. I'm sure to fall and do something bad!

Okay, well, like I said, nothing exciting. I'm working on having fun and thrilling news for you. Or at least some thoughtful thoughts. Until then, you guys have a great day, and I'll talk to you tomorrow!

So I'm thinking that maybe Fridays are just not a possibility when it comes to posting. Also, Tuesdays are a rough one. Those are both the days that we have to drive to LA to get or give TJ. I will try, but please don't be upset if you don't see me post those days. Our entire evening is taken up on those days. Believe me, I'd much rather be posting than going, of course! Maybe someday we'll sell our house and not have to worry about going anymore!

So, today was a nice day. I didn't do anything, really. I thought of a bunch of stuff I could do, then some stuff I need to do. Then I thought of what I really wanted to do, and that was nothing. TJ is sick, and he's spoiled by his grandfather, who lets him sleep with him when he's there. So last night he woke up at around 2 am SCREAMING. I couldn't get him to lay back down, so I took him to our room. He went back to sleep, sorta. He tossed, he turned, he hit me in the head with his head (several times), he kicked me (also several times), he cried a lot. I'm pretty sure none of the three of us really got any good sleep last night. Poor Trey, who had to work today. Anyway, when we got up this morning, I felt not one bit rested. So, I fought it out for a few hours, and when the time came, tossed TJ in his bed for a nap (which he needed b/c he, too, was noticeably tired). Of course, he doesn't do that sleeping alone thing anymore. So he cried for about twenty minutes, till finally I got tired of hearing it, as I was trying to nap as well, and again brought him to my room. It worked, he slept. However, he only slept about a third of his normal nap, b/c, again, he is sick and could barely breathe when he was lying down. At least it was something, though. Oh, and I know Trey got no sleep, b/c he passed out tonight around 8 o'clock. He needs it, though.

So, after nap time and lunch, we bathed. Then we went to the playground. That was the big event of my day. We all need haircuts, TJ needs some pants, I need to return a dress, etc. I thought, though, that I would do something far more important. So TJ and I went to play. It was great! He ran away from me, I chased him. He drank from the water fountain. He ran away from me some more. I chased some more. A little girl tried to play with him, at which point he turned into a demure, bashful little flower. Funny stuff! Then Trey met us and we went to Moe's Southwest Grill. Gina and Wes told us it was good. I agree. It was pretty good, a lot like a place we went to in Charlotte, that I can't remember the name of. It's one of those trendy burrito kinda places. I thought mine was pretty good, Trey said his was alright. It was lacking in something, and I wanted sour cream, but did not want to pay almost another dollar for it. However, Charleston has the burrito BOMB, hands down, at Juanita Greenberg's. Although they shrunk them down some from the original two ton burritos, they are still the BEST I've found. Plus, you don't have to pay for every little thing. We vowed that sometime over the holiday season we will find time to go downtown and get the hook-up. So, for all you Charlestonians, or those who have close access, you are SOOO lucky! If not, though, Moe's isn't bad.

Alright, I guess I'll go now. I'm still tired, and I must rest to go visit God tomorrow. I'll talk to you then, and until we meet again, have a blessed and wonderful day!

Caffeine withdrawal is a very hard thing. I originally stopped cold turkey with the whole caffeine thing, but that almost killed me. So, I went to cutting down, and it's not working with me, either, even after weeks of being cut back. I am having the WORST headaches lately, and I can't see straight. Please, if you are not hooked on caffeine, NEVER get hooked. It's a dangerous and evil drug that controls your life. I hate to sound like a just say no commercial, but it's so true...

Soooo, today was a decent day. They messed up and put the kid I asked to be in my class in someone else's class, so I have to get that fixed. We've been watching a movie all week, so it's been kinda nice. I just make sure no one's trying to sneak and do something wrong, and it's all good. Tomorrow, though, I'll have to be a real teacher again. The movie's over, so I'll have to teach them something! Ahhhh! Okay, it's not so bad, but...they'll all cry b/c it's Friday, and they seem to think Friday's are fun days. Oh well, too bad for them. I made a kid mad today, b/c we were watching the movie, and he wanted to sit and talk to his buddy about stuff he shouldn't be. So I went and sat next to him at the table they were at. It was great. I didn't say a word, just turned and watched the movie. You would be surprised at how fast and how angry he got when I did that. He kept saying, "Mrs. Pitchford, you messin' up. (Yeah, he's white, but he thinks he's black) I'm 'bout to cuss you out. You need to go away, or I'm gonna cuss you out." It was totally hilarious to me, but I kept my composure and just calmly watched the movie. He got madder. After a few minutes he realized I wasn't leaving, so he calmed down and started watching the movie. Fun stuff! I really probably should have written him up when he threatened to cuss me out, but I don't like to do that. He gets sent to ISS so much now, that they have started letting him take out trash and sweep the halls when he gets sent out of class. I don't see a purpose in sending him out of class, except to make my life easier, b/c it's just a reward to him. How on earth could it be a punishment to someone who could care less about learning to get to leave class and roam around the school unsupervised? You gotta love the way things work in the world anymore...

Oh, we watched White Chicks last night. Trey begged to rent it, b/c I was totally against it. He said he heard at work that it was SOOO funny. So, I gave in and got it. Let me just tell you that he fell asleep three times during the movie (and the only reason he woke up was b/c I kept making him wake up to watch his lame movie!), and went to check his email through most of the rest of it. It was so sad. I think I chuckled a couple of times, and it was mostly b/c I felt I needed to and forced myself to. You would really have to have a POWERFUL imagination to have begun to try to believe that these two black guys could pass for two white blond girls. Also, for former In Living Color brothers, a very funny show, the movie was VERY lacking in funny. It was painful. The acting was bad. The best part to me was that I recognized the girl who played Six on Blossom. Oh, now that was a fun show!

Alright, time to go watch Bad Santanow. We saw it last year at Christmas, and it was so funny (yet enormously crude and vile) that we had to rent it and watch it again. I love this movie! I hope you guys all have a wonderful stupendous day, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Today was a sad day, as it is again Tuesday, and TJ is again gone. I will say it was kinda cool, b/c Bob came to Columbia for a Baptist thing, and he took him back with him. So at least we didn't have to drive for three hours. That was a plus, but it didn't take the sadness out of our hearts of pawning off our child again. It's wierd, every week I can just feel my heart sink a little more at these moments. I can see it in Trey, too. We can't do this much longer.

On the bright side, though, since we had free time, we went to the movies. We saw The Grudge. It was okay. I liked Saw much better, and so did Trey. There were many moments that I was sure something scary should happen, so I went ahead and jumped. Of course, nothing happened then. However, when freaky stuff did happen, I already knew it was coming and wasn't scared. I don't really get the movie, either. I mean, the scary undead dead people, or whatever, would jump at you and scream or something, and their eyes were really big, kinda like cute little kittens (think Puss in Boots in Shrek 2 if you've seen it already), and then the people would die. There were a lot of questions that really didn't get answered, and a lot of details left out that shouldn't have been. Most of the movie didn't make sense to me. They tried to kinda explain, but didn't finish the explanation. I've heard there is going to be a sequel (duh!), and I'm sure I'll watch it out of pure curiosity just to see if they answer anything else. I really just thought it was okay, though. I much preferred Saw.

Oh, one last thought before I go. I had a fun moment today. I saw a student standing in the hall as I was coming back from lunch. He looked really familiar to me, but I was sure that he had not been going to our school. I thought for about two seconds, and it hit me. I went and asked him his name to make sure...and he confirmed my thought. It's funny, too, I was just thinking less than a week ago about the middle school students I student taught a few years ago, and who I thought I might see again at DJJ. There was one kid in particular that I was sure had either already been there, or would be soon. I even told another teacher about him, and we were going to look him up when we got a chance. Guess what....I don't have to look him up now....He'll be in my class tomorrow! Funny, funny stuff...

Okay then, you guys have a wonderful and exciting day! I'm out, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Nothing makes me madder than writing a long and involved blog post, and then losing it when I go to post it. I figured I would probably have trouble with it last night, so I thought I would be smart and copy it first, so I could paste it on a new post if it didn't work. Uhhh, that would have worked fine, had I not been doing ten other things and stupidly copied something else right after I copied my post! What is the cure for random stupidity? Oh, who am I kidding...I need one for constant stupidity!

Anyway, yesterday was so cool! TJ got baptized, and a ton of people came to see him! I was so thrilled and truly touched. I wish TJ knew just how loved he is. He, of course, was just happy to have so much attention and to see all his favorite people, and even some he didn't even know! Trey's parents, my parents, my grandparents, Mike Evans, Wilson, Julia and her daughter Alison, Marie and her kids, Kiernan and Mariann, and Wesley and Gina, with their kids Blake and Julia, all came. Also, Yu Fong Chong, a chaplain at DJJ whom I know and who knows the pastor at my church, came to see. Isn't that so special! I, of course, forgot to bring a video camera, and left the camera I took terrible pics on in Gayle's car. One day we'll have tons of videos of TJ running around the house doing nothing, but nothing to show him the important stuff that happened in his life! Anyway, TJ sat through the whole service and did really well. He tried to sing the songs a couple of times after they were over, but it was pretty quiet and kinda cute! He was so well behaved until we went to the front for his baptism. Then he thought it was time to run around, and he was about to bust to get down out of our arms. Overall, though, he did well. He only fussed when Pastor Jones took him and put the water on his head, but I probably would have freaked out, too. Then, after that part, we got to walk him around the sanctuary and they sang a song to TJ with his name in it! It was awesome! Oh, and something else I thought was cool was that Alison (3), Blake (5), and Julia (3) all stayed through the service. They all went up when they had the children's sermon, and it was a pretty fun one. I was so proud of all of them! They were all so well behaved for such an adult event. Afterwards we all went to eat at Ryan's, and thank goodness my mom went ahead of us and got a table! Thank you, Mommy. It was so great! I made a poor showing for a buffet and ate less than most of the children. What's up with that!

I went into a long spiel yesterday about how I have really taken to the whole family thing, and told all the good points about all my friend's and family's children, but I will have to come back to that b/c I have to talk about today now.

This evening Trey and I got to watch Blake and Julia, our nephew and neice, for Wes and Gina. It was so fun! I can honestly say that right now I am EXHAUSTED, but it was worth it. They are great kids, and I'm glad that their parents have obviously spent some time raising them to be so great. I have met plenty of kids that have no manners, and these two are not them. I hope TJ grows up to be as well-behaved as them. We went to the park and played, then came home and played. Then we ate, and they ate more than me! When bedtime came and they, especially Julia, found four-hundred reasons to come tell me something, it really took me back. I told Trey that it was quite normal, seeing as how he was pretty much raised as an only child in that respect. When Gina came to get them, they were both passed out in TJ's closet. Couldn't really explain that one, but it was cute! Julia had managed to position herself in such a way that if she ever decided to move her foot, she would belt Blake in the head. Oh, to be a sibling! It was a nice wake-up call, too. I've grown so accustomed to having just my one child, and his one personality, and him only sharing and playing with us. It really made me think about how soon that will all change. We've got a long road ahead of us! Just think how fun it will be!

Well, I guess that's enough for now. I hope that you guys have a great day, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Is there a song about Friday? If not, there really should be. I mean, for some it's a really great day, right about 4:00ish. I was in a great mood at work today, and someone asked me about it...as I was walking out the door. Yep, I was in a great mood b/c I was leaving early! What's more, I was leaving early to meet my sister for lunch, how great! I never get to see her, as we are both very VERY busy people, and never seem to be able to cross paths. So, when she told me she had to come to Columbia for a conference, I said, "Sure, I'll skip work!" Oh, come on, as if you thought I'd say I'd rather stay there! It was quite nice. We went to Dreaming, as would be expected, and had a nice LARGE lunch. We got to talk and reminisce for a little while, and I sure did like it. The single life must be doing her great, b/c Susan is looking FABULOUS! I really liked her hair, even though she kept saying it was getting big (it was raining and very humid today). I didn't think it was, and I wish now that my hair would hurry up and grow back out. Doubt that will happen anytime soon, though, as I am going in a little while to get it cut. Anyway, I'm glad she came.

I gotta go and get TJ's Christmas present in a minute. I'm getting him and kitchen and fake food. I'm so excited! I know he'll love it. I don't know what I'm going to do with it until Christmas, but it's on sale right now, so I have to go buy it. It's a really cool one with a light, buttons that beep, a working play phone, and all kinds of cool stuff. Not to mention the fact that it looks somewhat masculine. He will love it!

So, as for now, I'm expecting these people to show on Sunday for TJ's baptism, tentatively, of course:
Mommy/Bo
Bob/Gayle/possibly grandkids
Mike/Johnny
Wesley/Gina/Blake/Julia
Julia/possibly family
Marie/Kiernan/Mariann
Mike E.
Wilson-maybe

And I think that's it. Susan said she wanted to, but she has to work Sat. night, so I guess I should at least be glad I got to see her today. If there is anyone else who thinks they may come, do let me know. I think I got everyone. I'm so excited! TJ is such a lucky kid to have such a great family and such great friends! I think that's why I wanted another kid. I mean, who could deny that another child would greatly benefit from such a wonderful support group of people and love? I feel so special. I love everybody! I have such a great life! If you ever question how wonderful your life is, just think about all the great people out there that love you. I have to tell my kids that all the time, when they're really down. I mean, after all, I love them. I hope they know that. I should tell them again Monday, in case they forgot!

Okay, I'm off to get chopped now. You guys have a great day, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Well, I got a day off, and now it's over. Boo hoo hoo!

I thought I might get to sleep in today, but TJ made sure that that would not happen. I got about an extra 20 minutes. It was cute, though. He woke up screaming at about 7 (he usually sleeps until at least 9), and I went to get him and bring him to my bed. I said, "Did you have a scary dream?" (he seemed freaked out) He said, "Had scary dream, Mommy." I figured he didn't know what he was talking about, but it was still cute. So then he wanted milk...we went to get it. As I was getting it, he started freaking out and yelling that it was broken and we had to fix it. I asked what, but he was kind of in a trance or something, not quite there and not telling me what. I think maybe he really did have a bad dream. Later, he had to go in time out for a while b/c he bit me twice. When I came to get him (I had put him in his crib), he said, "Had a scary dream, Mommy." Great! Now he thinks his bed is a scary dream place....Still cute, though...

So we had to take him to my mom's tonight. We ate at Sticky Fingers, where my brother and his girlfriend, who now refers to us as "family" and calls TJ her "nephew" (Can you see Bubba getting married? Hmmmm....could it be in the works?), both work. They were there and we got to see them a little bit. It was nice, and Trey found something he kinda liked there (he doesn't like it, usually). I got upset while we were there b/c I had decided that I wanted to come home this year and be with my family on Thanksgiving Day, and get to chill instead of rushing off to Trey's family's house, too. Then I found out that my brother was supposed to go to Jacksonville that week for some training or something, and wouldn't be there. I was like, "We will just stay home and eat as the three of us. Whatever!" However, right before we left, Jimmy came and told us that he found out he doesn't have to go till the next week. YIPPEE! So now I get to be with my family for Thanksgiving! It would have sucked w/o my brother. We tend to be very troublesome together, and it's so much fun! We're getting all old now, but I sure hope we still act the same and piss Mommy off at least once! I can't wait! I was also upset, though, b/c TJ is growing up! He doesn't even cry now when we leave him with people. He didn't even care that we left! He'll be in college by next week! I hate leaving him. It's so sad!

Well, my day was none eventful. Sadly, that was about as exciting as it got. So, now you know, and knowing is half the battle. Go ahead, say it. I'll talk to you tomorrow, surely with more exciting news. Have a great day!

Maybe it's the weather and the time change....Maybe it's just my life! Needless to say, today was a strange day.

First, school just went strangely. I had a lot of kids not show up, which was nice, but it was the ones that always come and would have no reason not to be there. Wierd. Then they let the kids out WAYYYY early for lunch, which was also nice, but of course, kept them forever at the end of the day, when I really wish they would take them before I get there! Oh well...overall it wasn't too bad a day. Just wierd.

So we went to Lancaster this afternoon to take TJ to Nana's for the week, and when we got there we found out that KK was staying over as well (yaa, someone for TJ to play with!), but that she is also sick as a dog. Mind you, no one mentioned this to us before we came. So, we were left to decide to leave him there and run the risk of him getting sick, or bringing him home. We opted to bring him home and find another means of babysitting. He is getting baptized this weekend, and I can't have him sick for that. Not to mention, he is getting his flu shot on Monday, so he has to be well for that. As well, if he gets sick, then I surely will, too, and I can't take anything for it. So, away we went. I could tell that Trey's mom was upset, and I felt bad, but I did it for his own good, right? Last year he didn't have a flu shot, and we had to take him to the emergency room on New Year's Eve. I really don't want to go through that again. KK looked so bad! I felt bad for her, and you could tell she was happy to see TJ, too. Especially sucked to waste three hours of driving for nothing. I hate times like this. Well, now on the flip side, my mom gets to see TJ a couple of days this week! That should be nice for her.

Another strange part of tonight was that we went to Los Mariachis in LA, which has moved to a new building close to our old house. The guy who served us all the time at the old one was our server tonight, too. He is usually right on the ball, but tonight our service was terrible. I really think, though, that they were greatly short-staffed (the restaurant is more than twice the size of the old one), and didn't realize how busy they would be. There were a lot of people there, especially for a Tuesday. I guess that should make them happy, though, once they get prepared and make sure to be well staffed! It took a long time to get in and out of there, though, and it was just an awkward experience overall.

Okay, well, I guess you have seen why my day was wierd. I think this time of year, though, just feels odd in general. This weather stuff and dark at 5 stuff is creepy. I know that once I finally get used to it every year, it changes back a few days later! So, I must accept, and move on.

You guys have a great day, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Okay, so I'll start with yesterday, as it was a great day all in all. First we went to church, which was nice. TJ didn't even cry when I left the nursery, and it was so great, yet a little scary. Just another reminder that he is growing up! Afterwards, I had to go to work for open house, and it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be (which I knew would happen!). I got to meet some of the families of some of my kids, and it was nice. I may hate MH, in a loving way of course, but he has the cutest little sister. She's 4, and it was hard to try to talk professionally to his mother about him when there was this adorable little cutey running around my room (especially since I had to send TJ away for the time :( . It's hard to believe that these two kids, MH and his sister, came from the same mother and family. Also, the kid I was telling you was coming did, and he had the cutest little brother! He's nine months old, and I told him that he better get his butt out of DJJ and home to that child to set a good example before I beat his butt! I think he will, too, which is great. Sad for me, b/c I'm sure he'll be replaced with some deviant miscreant, but all the better for him, right?

Anyway, after that, I went to the fall festival at church, and Gina, Wesley and kids met me there with TJ. I had a lot of fun! TJ made a candle for Thanksgiving, and a turkey magnet (which will forever reside on my refridgerator!). He was obsessed with the little googly-eye I put on the turkey, so I had to get him another one to play with so I could leave the one I put on the turkey. They had a pie eating contest that they wanted me to be in, and I had thought about doing it, until I found out what it was. I was thinking (oh silly me!) that they gave each person a piece of pie at a time, and whoever ate the most pieces won. HAHAHA! I am so naive! No, no, no....I went to watch the kid contest, and they said they were giving everyone their bags in a second to put over their heads. I questioned this, and it took a few minutes to register....Ahhh, what! NO WAY would I be in this contest! I can't use my hands?! I have to eat pudding with just my face! Yeah, if you know me, you know that all the money in the world would not get me to put pudding on my face. I am so wierd about my face and stuff touching it, that I would die! I did find out, though, that Wesley is the same way....so maybe it's inherited from Daddy....The best part, though, was that TJ rode a pony for the first time! I am such a bad mom that I forgot my camera, but it was so cool! TJ was totally freaked out at first, and it was hard to get him on it. When it started moving, though, he calmed down some. He still held on for dear life, but afterwards he petted the horse and we talked to it and looked at its face. I think he liked it, especially since he talked about it for a while after. Then he was inspired to walk around singing Old MacDonald for the next hour! I liked the festival. It was small, but cool.

Lastly, I watched Shrek 2 last night. It was a super cute movie. I still like the first one more, but it was funny, in a way that both children and adults could appreciate, and very entertaining. I had heard that Puss in Boots was the best part of the movie, and I have to say, he was a very big part of why the movie was so cool. The little kitten look, classic! I love the plot twist, it was very creative. So, thumbs up from me. I think it's a great choice for the whole family to watch together!

I won't tell you about today, b/c it sucked! So, I will see you tomorrow, and you guys have a great day!

Okay, so I'll start with yesterday, as it was a great day all in all. First we went to church, which was nice. TJ didn't even cry when I left the nursery, and it was so great, yet a little scary. Just another reminder that he is growing up! Afterwards, I had to go to work for open house, and it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be (which I knew would happen!). I got to meet some of the families of some of my kids, and it was nice. I may hate MH, in a loving way of course, but he has the cutest little sister. She's 4, and it was hard to try to talk professionally to his mother about him when there was this adorable little cutey running around my room (especially since I had to send TJ away for the time :( . It's hard to believe that these two kids, MH and his sister, came from the same mother and family. Also, the kid I was telling you was coming did, and he had the cutest little brother! He's nine months old, and I told him that he better get his butt out of DJJ and home to that child to set a good example before I beat his butt! I think he will, too, which is great. Sad for me, b/c I'm sure he'll be replaced with some deviant miscreant, but all the better for him, right?

Anyway, after that, I went to the fall festival at church, and Gina, Wesley and kids met me there with TJ. I had a lot of fun! TJ made a candle for Thanksgiving, and a turkey magnet (which will forever reside on my refridgerator!). He was obsessed with the little googly-eye I put on the turkey, so I had to get him another one to play with so I could leave the one I put on the turkey. They had a pie eating contest that they wanted me to be in, and I had thought about doing it, until I found out what it was. I was thinking (oh silly me!) that they gave each person a piece of pie at a time, and whoever ate the most pieces won. HAHAHA! I am so naive! No, no, no....I went to watch the kid contest, and they said they were giving everyone their bags in a second to put over their heads. I questioned this, and it took a few minutes to register....Ahhh, what! NO WAY would I be in this contest! I can't use my hands?! I have to eat pudding with just my face! Yeah, if you know me, you know that all the money in the world would not get me to put pudding on my face. I am so wierd about my face and stuff touching it, that I would die! I did find out, though, that Wesley is the same way....so maybe it's inherited from Daddy....The best part, though, was that TJ rode a pony for the first time! I am such a bad mom that I forgot my camera, but it was so cool! TJ was totally freaked out at first, and it was hard to get him on it. When it started moving, though, he calmed down some. He still held on for dear life, but afterwards he petted the horse and we talked to it and looked at its face. I think he liked it, especially since he talked about it for a while after. Then he was inspired to walk around singing Old MacDonald for the next hour! I liked the festival. It was small, but cool.

Lastly, I watched Shrek 2 last night. It was a super cute movie. I still like the first one more, but it was funny, in a way that both children and adults could appreciate, and very entertaining. I had heard that Puss in Boots was the best part of the movie, and I have to say, he was a very big part of why the movie was so cool. The little kitten look, classic! I love the plot twist, it was very creative. So, thumbs up from me. I think it's a great choice for the whole family to watch together!

I won't tell you about today, b/c it sucked! So, I will see you tomorrow, and you guys have a great day!

Today was SO busy, and I want to tell anyone who cares to read all about it, but I'm SOOOOOO tired right now. I will write tomorrow and tell you all about it. Plus, I just finished watching Shrek 2....very cool movie...So, do come visit tomorrow, please. See you then!

I like writing on here, b/c I can put my thoughts down and get them out of my system. However, it's not all that I wish it to be, b/c you can't really put ANYTHING. There is some stuff that one would like to discuss and get input on, but that just can't be aired in such a way that the whole world has access to it. I guess, though, that you can't expect one good thing to be the best at everything, eh? Or, something like that.

I am in a pissy mood today. Not only are there things that I can't talk about on here, but I have to work tomorrow. This fact shouldn't upset me as much as it is, but I have no control over it. I think it's just the dumbest thing in the world to have open house for school on a Sunday. I see where they are coming from, as parents have visitation on Sundays, and since they'll already be there, they can come on over to the school to meet the teachers. However, when I signed on, I did not sign on for weekends. I get two freaking days off each week. One of these is spent washing clothes and cleaning the house, since I have no time or energy to do it the rest of the week. The other day is spent trying to catch up on all of the errands and stuff I missed during the rest of the week. Sometimes I even try to rest for a little while. Then, there's the whole trying to spend time with my child, whom I NEVER get to see thing. So, when they obligate me to come in on a Sunday to see a bunch of parents that care just as little to meet me as I do them, I get angry. Plus, I'm going to have to go in a little early to clean my room, as my students are messy and disgusting. The only thing at all that is making me look forward to it is that I have ONE student who has asked me everyday for the last two weeks if I will be there, b/c he is bringing his mom. He is the sweetest kid in the world, and I wouldn't mind meeting his parents. I don't want to waste three hours of my day to, but at least if they show up I will have something to brighten my day a little. I do hate open house, though, b/c I have to stand there and tell my students' parents all kinds of nice things about their kids (which, depending on the kid, usually isn't that hard). Then they don't seem to go away, though, and I feel like I'm being evaluated. This is funny, since these are, for the most part, parents that could have cared less about their kids for their whole lives, and are only coming for the free food we give them. I shouldn't say that...but, well, it's true. I will say that last time I had the most parents show up to my class out of all of the other teachers I talked to. I guess I should feel good. Of course, that just meant I stayed busy the whole time, while everyone else got to just hang out and do other things. Oh well, I should just get over it and move on, eh? I'll have to try, maybe tomorrow morning....

I don't like to have totally crappy posts, but that's the mood I'm in, so I'm sorry. Oh, I watched Manhunter today. It's an old 80's or early 90's, I think, version of the same book that the movie Red Dragon was based on. It's one of the books in the whole Silence of the Lambs series. I saw Red Dragon in the theater, and I really liked it. I heard that Manhunter was better. I'll admit, I'm not so much into the enjoyment of older films and low budget movies, and I am impressed and entertained by big budgets, big names, and fancy writing and effects. Sue me. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate good acting, and even if the movie is big, I don't care for bad acting. Anyway, back to the movie, it sucked in my opinion. I'm sure it's b/c I saw Red Dragon first, and it had my favorite actor, Ed Norton, in it, but it really was just better. I thought they put the story together in a better order, and their lines weren't quite as corny as Manhunter. Oh, and Manhunter had lots and lots of really lame 80's music (yeah, embarrassed that you liked it now, right?) that reminded me way too much of porn music (bow chica bow bow). I also watched Van Helsing...it bored me. It was a big movie, and the acting wasn't too bad. I wasn't convinced by the bad attempts at Transylvanian accents, and the actor who did Dracula...ick! There are only a hundred guys that would have been better for the part! I do like Hugh Jackman, not Kate Beckinsale so much. Hugh is just hot! The effects were alright, but really obvious. I did like the women vampires when they flew, that was cool. However, the plot was lacking, and the movie just dragged on. Kinda boring after a while, and hard to focus my attention on. So, that's just my opinion of these movies, but maybe it'll help you save a couple bucks when it comes down to renting your next movie. Of course, if you go to rent Manhunter, I will really wonder about you. Go with Red Dragon instead!

I spend all week looking forward to Friday, so it can be over. Now it is. Thankfully. It was, as usual, a very long week. It actually was a pretty good one, but still quite long. My guess is that next week will also be very long to me. And so it goes, this thing called life. Do you think there is ever a point where the weeks don't seem long? Oh, wait, we call those weeks "vacation"!

Did I mention that our house is on the cover of the Real Estate Book this month? I feel really good about this. My work cronies and I decided that your house must be pretty special to get to be on the cover. Lee pointed out that they don't put crap on the cover! Yes, my house is indeed not crap, and now I will just wait for someone else to figure that out! Please, if you get a chance, help out and pray that it sells this month. I can't think of a better Christmas present, and I will definitely keep you all in all of my prayers as well.

I went out after school again and hung out with some worky friends. It was fun. We did find ourselves talking about school for a bit, but it wasn't too bad. You know, when you're in with sympathizers, there's no stress b/c you all agree. I drank WAY too much Coke, though, and when I left I was high on caffeine! I have managed to get myself used to having one Coke per day, and I had that for lunch. I was a little scary and shaky for a couple of hours...fun stuff!

We went to Traci's for dinner tonight when we went to get TJ. That was fun. I have never been one for family time, as I was not raised in a family kind of family, if you know what I mean. No one in either of my families, mom's or dad's, was ever too comfortable with each other. I like hanging out with Trey's family. It's fun. It's a feeling I really can't say I've ever had before in my life. Family time was spent on holidays because we had to, and most of it was spent wondering when in the world you could finally leave. I really don't want to leave when we hang out over there, sometimes. I mean, there is the drama and all the crap that I could do without, that, of course, I've wrapped myself right up in. Naturally, I know better than to partake of it, but I do it anyway. I'm guessing that's just human nature, especially since I was raised in constant drama, and don't know anything different. I do try to work on caring less about that. Nevertheless, the overall atmosphere when I'm over there is fun and comfortable, and it's much better than being home alone. I think that's why I had so much fun on our trip to Myrtle Beach. I didn't think I'd be able to handle Trey's whole family for a week. However, we had our space, but we also had the opportunity to do different things and with different people if we wanted. Had it just been Trey, TJ and I, we would have been forced to be with each other or totally alone, and that would have sucked. I like being able to spend time with different people all at once. Maybe that's why I wanted another kid so bad...variety. Who knows!

Well, I guess that's it for now. I hope you have a wonderful Saturday, and I will talk to you soon!

I don't know what the deal is, but I have been having lots of problems with the whole blog thing for the last couple days. I haven't been able to post my own posts, or comment on anyone else's. Hopefully it's fixed now.

So, last night we saw this COOL movie. It's called Saw, and it's super creepy. There was one guy in it, one of the main characters, and I can't say that I thought his acting was all that great, except at the end. For that matter, the other guy trapped in the room was a pretty bad actor, too. But the movie overall was great! It's about this guy who's a killer, but not really. He sets people up in situations where they have to make a choice, and if they choose wrong, they end up killing themselves, sorta. In other words, he never actually physically kills them himself. It was very suspenseful, and gory, too. I would compare it to Hannibal and Seven on the gore score. What I liked the most was that you didn't expect all the stuff that happened. The twists weren't totally obvious. It was quite creepy. The scariest part to me, which is always scary to me in movies like this, is that if someone wanted to really do this, they could. That, I think, is my biggest fear that scary movies bring out. It's one thing if you watch Freddie or Jason...you know that will never happen. When you watch a movie about a psychopath, though, that is totally possible. If there's one thing I've learned from my job, it's that there are a LOT of people out there that have no qualms with hurting others in many ways. Anyway, if you think you can handle some gore, and you like suspense and deep thought, do go see this movie. I highly recommend it.

Today was a good day, I guess. I told Trey last night that I was feeling better this week, and that I hadn't really felt too sick since Monday. Thought maybe the whole morning sickness thing was over. So, when I woke up this morning sick as a dog, I figured I'd asked for it! Maybe next time! What's more, I think I'm getting a cold. Yippee!

So, tonight is the season premiere of The O.C. If you can, you should watch. It's the best show on earth! I have been waiting for this FOREVER! I swear that when I love a show, they make me wait till the end of the world for the next season to come on. Finally it's here! I'm so excited! I can't wait!

Well, talk at you later. Have a great day!

So I'm sitting here looking at this, I see that there is nothing on here from yesterday. I'm confused. I honestly don't remember posting anything yesterday, but it seems like I must have. So where did it go? Did I post? I don't know....

Today was good, b/c I only worked half a day. I got off at lunch to go and vote. How fun! We had to go to Lancaster b/c we didn't switch our registration when we moved. I think that worked for the best, b/c we only waited about 20 minutes. I heard people were waiting upwards of two hours or more. Igh! We took TJ, and I honestly don't think that would have worked. Not at all.

Afterwards we went to the house and got some stuff done. Trey blew the leaves, which were in great abundance, and I worked on some stuff inside. We also got a copy of the Real Estate Book, and our house is on the cover. It's so beautiful! This has gotta work!

The best part of today was when we got home. We stopped at the grocery store on the way home to get some food. I decided that we should cook. Trey was talking about pizza, so I suggested we make our own. It was fun! We put onions, pepperoni, pineapple, roma tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms and peppers (on Trey's side) on it. I think that's it. It was so yummy! What was really cool was that we each seasoned our own side, and they were totally different. Trey's was much more spicy and hot than mine, and mine was much more garlicy. His had more pepperoni, so it was also a little greasier. It was much better than ordering out, b/c we did it ourselves. We even thought of stuff that we could do to improve it next time, like use better dough. Plus, we spent time together. How fun! And, much cheaper!

Well, gotta run for now! Have a great day, and I'll see you tomorrow!