Making Snowmen

Shane came back from Utah, with the back of his truck full of snow. So the girls couldn't wait to wake up this morning and go play in it and make a snowman. They even wore their jackets over their pajamas cause they were so excited. I think we are warmed up and ready for the trek to Mt. Charleston. They can't wait to go sledding. This time we will get all geared up and get ski pants, WARM gloves, hats, etc. I remember last time we went sledding; Leila and I ended up back in the car watching a movie with the heat on. That's my Leila!!

The Joy of Having Root Canals

There's nothing like spending your day off at the dentist office. I was so looking forward to seeing a movie, playing with the kids, etc. tomorrow (Nevada Day). I'm sure I will laugh at this in the future and remember how crazy my life was in my 30's. Let's recap, shall we? I went to the dentist recently with tooth pain. Come to find out, after the dentist was done wiggling my teeth, I end up with a crown that appears lose enough to drive my batty. So I go back only to find out that there's a crack in my root canal . He says smiling, "Looks like you are probably going to need an implant." Let's not forget what teacher's salaries are. And I'm left driving home with a fake looking tooth that's barely being held to my gums and wondering if I have any realtives that have come into any money. Wait, it's not over! I go to school thinking that I will deal with this on my day off on Friday. I get a call from my husband (while I am teaching) who is at my dentist office saying, "You have to come right now or else you won't be able to see the peridontist tomorrow." Luckily I get someone to cover my class and speed over to the office (which is like 25 minutes from school) like a maniac. Of course they get me in a half an hour later, and do some work on my tooth and put that fake tooth back in till tomorrow. I raced back to school after the appointment and wonder why didn't I eat at least one steak dinner the last two weeks. Needless to say, protein shakes don't go very far. Of course my protein shakes consist of ice cream, and chocolate syrup. Hey, I figure if I am going to drink my meals, they better taste good.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an interesting place! There's a big part of me that is so uncomfortable about living here but yet there is a little, little bit of me that would miss it here. When I say little bit, I mean a little bit. I love my classroom and all my students. I adore seeing all my old students and their siblings each day. I feel blessed to have my own two children at my neighborhood school. Of course, I love my house (that is too big to even clean). The weather is another thing that keeps you here. For the most part of the year (September-April), there is nice weather here. I am thankful for my pool as well during those long, hot spring and summer days. There is just one thing missing. It's not San Diego, CA! I just love San Diego and all the great things that go along with it. My ultimate dream would be to move to San Diego and open my own little cottage/coastal shop. Then I could get to meet others who love San Diego just as much as I do. Those of you that know me know what a big fan I am of the beach. Give me a country living or cottage living magazine, a chai tea latte, a beach chair to lounge in and beach toys for my girls to play with and I am a happy camper. Couldn't get any better!!! Only like 8 more weeks till we hit the beach. But who's counting? :)

Dentist Office Visit

I was so excited about getting my teeth cleaned today. Surprising, huh? I love that feeling of fresh polished teeth. I always vow to never drink soda or Starbuck's ever again so that I can keep my teeth clean. Then of course, reality sets in. It usually sets in when I have an exhausting day at work or with my own kiddies and I remind myself why I love Starbuck's so much. :) Well, I am sorry to say that it was not as enjoyable at the dentist office as I expected it to be. I mentioned to the hygenist that I get Vertigo if I lay too flat. Oh boy, did that set her off! Lucky for me, I got to hear how incovenient my vertigo was for her for the next 45 minutes. I tried to remember my mother's saying: "Life is 95% of how you react to it." This lady was making it harder and harder to remember that. Thank goodness that there are 2 hygenists. Better luck next time. Positive thing: teeth look good and feel good, even if the hygenist has neck or back pain today. :)

First Day of School

Today was the first day back at school. I loved it. The girls had a great start. So did I. My students are so intelligent and polite. They are so independent. I gave them free time to read and they were reading so many books. They couldn't wait to dig into that library. I was so excited about Leila's first day of first grade. She was already the class helper that took the girls to the bathroom all day. I am so proud of my little Leila. She looked like a little teacher in her fancy first day outfit. Taylor had a great day too. Of course, she misses her second grade teacher. Taylor looked so beautiful in her first day dress. When I looked at her and saw how much she has grown, it made me realize I have a third grader. She's so mature but yet so innocent. I love that about her. I will send pictures as soon as I get another free moment. I am off to wake up the girls and get them ready for their second day of school.

4th of July in Vegas was fun. We went to our friend Scott and Yesi's block party to set off fireworks. My girls had a blast. They had a water balloon fight, and swung at the pinata a few times. They couldn't get enough of the beautiful sparklers. Plus all of the neighbors were gracious hosts. The food was yummy and the fireworks were great. I was worried about Shane and Scott a few times. But they managed not to burn themselves or anybody's house for that matter.

Leila's 6th birthday

Some more luau birthday photos, in case you didn't get enough.

Leila's birthday luau

We survived the luau party

We did it. We survived another birthday party yet again. Leila's luau bash went very well. She had so much fun; other than the fact she was sad at the end because no one would listen to her. That's my Leila! Of course all the students from my pm class came to the party, which are also her friends. I know I am oficially crazy but it ended up bein gonly crazy at times. My favorite part of the party was when Shane told the kids to calm down and not act like idiots. I was horrified. Needless to say, we talked about party etiquette talk. After the party they were asking how soon they could come back for play dates in our pool. How cute is that?
It was so cute how one of Leila's friends, Jared made his mother go to the store to buy her a bouquet of flowers before the party. How sweet is that? Of course Leila just smiled and was hardly phased by it. Oh, what a heartbreaker she is going to be!!!!

Crafting Away

Took some new photos of things I have been making. I made another decorated clipboard and painted some pink distressed picture frames. Of course my favorite flower is framed in the frames. Check out http://www.ikea.com/ if you like frames. I love that store. We always have to stop there when we are in San Diego. As I am typing, I spotted Leila waking up from a nap so I had to take a snapshot. Her and Bella were laying next to each other so I had to take a picture. Also got a photo of Taylor's bedroom door. She caught the crafting bug from me and every month she redecorates her door to match the holiday of the month or season. Check out her latest door decoration.

Our new baby golden retriever

We are having so much fun with the new puppy, Hannah. She's Bella's twin. Already trained and we can't believe it. Golden retrievers are the best dog breeds because they are only happy when they are pleasing you. We lucked out. Pictures will be up in no time.
Another scorcher today, 104 degrees. Pool deck is being worked on so I guess we're headed inside to spend some more time with the puppy.