Can't Sleep

Its 11:00 pm and I can't sleep. I keep thinking of all the things I need to get done before break, all the things I should have done with my extra week off, the bills that need to be paid, and so on. My mind is swimming with stuff!

Today after church Abby and I had lunch, she played and ate dog food (yuck) while I tried to take down Christmas decor. She kept me busy keeping her out of the dog food. How can that taste good!? Daniel was at man church, hunting. So when I put Abby down I laid down on the couch and thought I would close my eyes for just a few minutes....an hour and a half later I woke up. I wanted to get so much done, but I was so tired.

Right now I just pray for peace and the ability to relax and breath.

I'll post Christmas pictures soon! we had a great time with our families.

Sleep tight to all of you!

Grab Some Cocoa... this ones a long one!

For some reason I have not sat my butt down to update my blog. Life gets a little hairy I guess. So I am holed up in my snowy house with reruns and cabin fever dragging me down. I still have Christmas shopping to do. I have really learned my lesson this year, be done shopping in November. Last year Abby came early so I was not able to finish, and this year snow! I love it though!

This is what my house looks like right now. I took this picture 15 minutes ago. Isn't snow wonderful. It makes everything look so clean and pretty. Our yard is a mess right now....maybe that's why I like it so much.

I had an extra week off from school due to the weather! It has been fun spending that time with Abby, and getting ready for her first birthday party. We just had family over. There were over 30 people in our little house! It worked our though. Everyone had a blast, especially the birthday girl.

Abby loved ripping open her presents and got so excited to see what they were. It was so cute. Now her cake did not come out they way I had picture it. I wanted to make a mini three layer cake for her. It was harder than I thought. But it turned out. Daniel frosted it and we can say we did it together!

This first year with Abby has been wonderful! But we really could not have made it without our parents. They have helped us sooooo much. From diapers and formula to daycare. We really appreciate them and love them so much!

Happy Thanksgiving

THANKSGIVING

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING, BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS, I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP. THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED - THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION. SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.

I GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES, PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES. I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND, 'TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.

I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES.... HAPPY EATING TO ALL; PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY, MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP. MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP, MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS, MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE, MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS.

HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!

Randomness

These are just a bunch of random pictures I have taken in that last few days. Somethings are just too cute to miss! Daniel is on the floor with Abby and Bailey. Abby is actually sitting on Bailey. Can you tell that Bailey is bothered he he.

We went and had dinner and my brothers house a few weekends ago. The girls ended up in diapers and played the whole time.

Pretty Princesses

Abby loves to help out with house hold chores!

I hope you have a great day. I have some more pictures to share, but I better get to bed!

Any Ideas?

I am a goober. I messed up my last blog.
My daughter is 11 months old, yesterday!! I have a month to plan a first birthday on a tight budget. Do you have any ideas? What are some things you guys did on your babies 1st birthday...besides cry. I can't believe its been a year ( and I am still carrying the baby weight)!

OMG(gosh)!

Everyday I interact with technology in some way. It seems to be spreading faster than I can comprehend it. Don't get me wrong, a lot of it is fun and very useful. However, there is one piece of technology that scares me. I think its called a "kindle." You can down load books into this thin rectangular device. Oprah had it on a show of hers. It is very cool, and would eliminate back problems for those book toting students. I am just afraid my kids will miss out on the feel of buying a new book from the store. Opening it up and hearing the crinkle of the spine as they are about to read it. The smell of old library books. The satisfying sound of closing a book after they have finished. Have you ever seen "You've Got Mail?" and Meg Ryan has a boyfriend who only used type writers because he does not like the computer? That's how I feel about this device. I know it has great qualities. I just hope the old fashion book doesn't go out of style.

Blah

I am so tired. I am tired physically, and emotionally. I feel like there are so many things to do and keep up with and there is not enough time to do it all. There are things happening in my life that pull me down and it has been so hard to see the silver lining. My husband has been pulling me along; making me laugh and showing me the bright side. I want to be a strong, woman who can be the rock for her husband, and who never complains. But that has not been me. Sometimes I feel like I have failed as a wife and mother. I am just sending this out into cyber space. I just need to get it out and vent. Too bad chocolate is not a cure all! :)

Abby's First Halloween

This was Abby's first Halloween! Isn't she a beautiful Princess? Her Grandma Brown bought it for her. She was such a trooper the whole night. Of course we needed to Trick or Treat the family. She was up late, but handled herself like a real Princess. I was hoping that she would sleep in the next morning....but I was wrong!

The Pumpkin Patch

Abby and Dad checking out a HUGE pumpkin!

Today Abby and Daniel joined my class at the pumpkin patch. It was a great day for the pumpkin patch. Cloudy, but not rainy. A true Oregon Fall! Abby wasn't too sure what to think of the pumpkins, but she loved watching the kids and getting all of the attention. Here are some pictures of our day.

Later that night we carved our pumpkins and came up with these two creations!

Abby's first hair do!

Its That Time Of Year

Its the time of year when I rarely see my husband on the weekends. It's...hunting season. He is now constanly wearing camo gear, caring around guns, and promising our dog Bailey that if she brings back his goose, duck...or whatever, he'll cook her a steak. Don't ask.......it's a Daniel and Bailey thing. Last weekend his hard work and patience paid off. He shot himself a goose. Abby and I are so proud, and thankful we can stay home in the warm house. :)

He also took and passed a test in order to hunt certian geese.

Some updates of what has happened in the last month!

September was a busy month. We needed to reajust as a family when I went back to work. It actually has gone very smoothly. Daniel is such a pro at being Mr. Mom that I don't have to worry when I am at work. When he is working my mom takes care of Abby so I am able to work and give 100 % without worry. We are so blessed!

Abby is growing by leaps and bounds! She is eating "big people" food now with her baby food. I love the messes she makes....well most of the time. :) She is standing and able to walk around out coffee table. No teeth yet, but this girl can chew a piece of chicken like a pro!

She discovered sno cones this summer. This is a picture of when we went to one of Daniel's soft ball games. She ate this blue sno cone so fast! She would pause, shiver and dig in again. She had blue every where. I was certian that her clothes were ruined! However Stain stick saved the day. You would never guess she had blue all over those clothes.

SO I guess the new cool thing to do now is play under the excersauser. She was so funny. One day I walk into our bedroom and there she was. She follows us every where now. She reminds me of a little puppy. Daniel was already in there getting dressed or something. I think she would have played in there for hours if we didn't have to go somewhere.

Our neice Ashlynn had her third birthday September 30th! We celebrated princess style at Walleries Pizza in West Salem. Both girls had a blast.

Here is Abby and grandma Hughes. Grandma Hughes just celebrated her birthday October 12th.

Happy Birthday to the HUGHES GIRLS!!

October is going to be full of fun! Daniel is out hunting and soon the haunting will begin.

I'm Back!

Our computer at home has had some issues, but they are all fixed now. It was just too hard to fit in blogging at school. I can barely fit in checking my email, let alone check up on all my blogging gals. I have missed you and will be updating soon. I have papers to grade tonight though. I hope to spend my Friday night updating and all that. I am such a party animal! Well heres a great family picture you can enjoy! he he

Back to School

The last few weeks have been so busy. I have been working in my classroom, cleaning, hanging bulletin boards, and writing name tags. There are a number of other endless tasks that go along with it. This was the first week of school and it went off with out a hitch....is that how the saying goes? My class seems to be a good group of kids, and I am excited to start digging into all of the subject areas with them. I am finally teaching a straight 4th grade. This is the first time in 9 years that I have not taught a blend! Crazy huh?? My principal said," don't get used to it!" I will enjoy it while I have it this year!
I hope everyone has had a great beginning of the school year. I will post more pictures and stuff a little later. This month is always a busy one. Until then I will write and update here and there. Love you all!

I Did It

It about 45 minutes, but I finally figured out how to post my play list. So CRANK up those speakers and enjoy my personal favorites!

Walk Down Memory Lane

The Directions:
1. Leave a comment on my blog. (Even if you never have before!!!!--I know you're out there!!) In the comment, recall one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! Please be nice to me! :-).

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you..My friend Sharon just did this on her blog and I thought it was a fun one!

Growing Up With You

The other day I had to laugh at myself. I reached into the mail box and with waited anticipation I pulled out my Parents Magazine. I love magazines and its funny that magazines change as you go through life changes. I remember when I was in Jr. High and High school I loved reading Tiger Beat or any magazine with Kirk Cameron or New Kids On The Block on the cover. In college there was Seventeen, YM, Marie Claire. In my 2o's Cosmo (had all the sexy stuff). There were brides magazines through my engagement, cooking magazines through my first year of marriage and now.....I am thrilled to read Parents Magazine, or Family Fun is another great one. What do your magazines say about you??

Record Highs

It can be tough living in a house with no air conditioning when it reaches over 100 degrees. Usually our ceiling fans do a great job. We were very fortunate to have parents with air conditioning. We stayed the night a couple times with Daniels parents, and hung out at their house and at my parents house. What wonderful parents we have. We really are blessed. They have helped us in sooooooooooo many ways since Abby has been born. Here are a few pictures of how Abby survived the heat.

Look at those tight abs! So my question is, Why is it cute when she has chunky thighs, and a belly when she wears a bikini? I would probably look the same, but not cute on a 31 year old he he he.

She was such a sport through the heat. I think I whined about it more than she did. At least thats what Daniel would tell you! he he I hope all of you survived and are keeping cool.

A Parade Here, a Reunion There

One thing I love about living in Silverton is the small town feel. Silverton has quite a few city "holidays." One of them is Homer Davenport Days. I guess Homer Davenport was a political cartoonist back in the day. It is a weekend filled with a parade, davenport (couch) races, and a little celebration at the city park. The davenport races are a show in themselves. But this year was pretty special. Abby got to see her daddy in a parade.

Daniel is a Lieutenant for the Silverton Fire Department. He has been in charge of their new brush truck. He helped pick it out, and he designed the bumper. He is so proud of this truck, and he was able to drive it in the parade. The day before the parade he spent most of the day washing and shining up a few of the fire trucks, including "his" truck. Then the morning of the parade he left early to do a few touch ups. He is very detail oriented. Thats one reason why I love him so much!

Isn't he handsome!!! I made sure to run up and kiss. What girl can resist a fire fighter!

Abby enjoyed the beginning and saw her dad. However, she slept on her Grandma through a majority of it. At least she got a balloon. Hey! Thats her Grandpa Wes yawning in the background....he he he!

After the parade we went to my family reunion. I always enjoy them. Its nice to catch up with a few out of towners, and eat all day! Abby and her cousin Ashlynn were dressed like twins.

My Wish

I would love to have one day of sleeping in. I am not asking to sleep in until 10am. Maybe just 8am. Is that asking much? Anyone else feel the same way??

P.S. My little blog page is kind of messed up. You have to scroll way the heck down to see my other posts. Any one know how to fix that?
Until then, I will continue to play with it and see if I can fix it.

Crazy Busy Weekend!

July has been a busy month for us. We have gone to two weddings and have celebrated 3 birthdays. I think this weekend won for busiest weekend in July by far. But it was a lot of fun and we enjoyed every minute. Friday my brother Ryan turned 28!!! I can't believe it! So we celebrated by going to the beach. We did a little shopping, ate at Mo's and then headed to the beach. Me, being the Oregonian mother, bundled poor Abby up in a sweat shirt and pants and a hat. Poor kid. I was shocked that when we got down to the beach it was actually...hold on to your seats folks.....WARM!! Shocking I know. So she eventually shed a few layers.

While shopping daddy needed a little snack. Can you tell that someone else did too!! She was seriously diving for the ice cream. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen. Those of you who watch Jon and Kate Plus 8 would know Kate would be freaking out by now. Not me....just a little stain stick. he he

Abby wasn't quite sure of the sand at first. But it eventually ended up in her mouth. She was helping build a sand castle. Well, Ryan and Daniel were Ashlynn (who is 2) and Abby were busy destroying it.

Friday was a PERFECT day. I wish I had a picture of Ryan and his family. The girls had fun with the sand and putting their feet in the water. Daniel and Ryan were like little kids themselves dodging waves, and ended up soaked. Thank you Ryan, Kyla and Ashlynn for letting us share this special day with you!

On Sunday, July 27 we celebrated Daniel's 27th birthday. We had a ton of people in our house! We ate bbq and everyone brought yummy side dishes.

Daniel got gift cards, golf balls, and a golf club for his birthday. I think its a putter...I am not sure. Not the golfing kind. Give me a golf cart and a Mike's Hard Lemonade and thats golfing for me. His mom told me that his dad took a lot of care picking out just the right club for him.

Happy Birthday babe! You are such a great husband and father. Abby and I love you so much!

I am looking forward to August. Maybe a little rest......then work! YUCK!

The Last of My Candles

I know you are all on the edge of your seats wanting to know the latest about my drooping candles. I am welcoming this relief of hot weather today. But here is a picture from last week. I think its time I let go.

My Two Favorite People

How cute is this picture! I take a daily walk with a friend of mine in the morning. When I came home this is what I saw. I just had to capture the moment. Daniel is such a great dad. Whenever Abby Jo sees him she just lights up. I am the luckiest girl in the world!