Christmas events

It was our first Christmas together as a married couple and it was really fun.  On Christmas Eve we went to church, and then we went around to look at Christmas lights.  This one neighborhood, Prestonwood, does it up really nice.  It's a bunch of culs-de-sac (i think that is the proper way to pluralize that word) and so each cul-de-sac has a different theme, with a buch of cut outs.  At the end of each street, there is an island and there is one big cut out that ties the whole street together, very cool.  However, it had been kind of windy so some of the decorations had blown down.

On Christmas morning we woke up and opened presents.  I got (500) Days of Summer, some new pajamas, and also Russell got me a new camera, a Sony Cybershot, 12.1 mega pixels (over double what my old camer was).  I was very excited about it, I can definietly tell the difference in photo quality.

I got Russell a floor jack, two movies (District 9 and the Hangover). 

I also got him some new slippers (as previously discussed on the blog).  He needed them.  Look at the difference.  He was excited about them!

Rusty also got some new presents, he was excited for all his new toys.  He was down to one ball, now he has two new ropes, a plastic thinggy (hard to describe-lol) and some treats.

After we opened presents, I made pancakes in Christmas shapes.  I was proud of myself, and thought they were cute.

Later on we went to Russell's parents house and had a nice lunch (ham, potatoes, rolls, brocoli cheese casserole).  Then we opened presents there.  We got some nice stuff.  I got some earrings, clothes, some christmas ornaments, and some dvds.  Russell got some Texans stuff, a torque wrench, and some dvds.  We stayed there and hung out and then came home and watched a movie.  It was a great day.  I am jealous that some of my Dallas friends got snow.  (and its snowing there tonight again).  That's alright, hopefully it will make its way down here again.

Monday I went to get my fingerprints done (required by law for Texas educators- which is me!!!).  There are about 15 places to go in HOuston, and the closest one to our house was about 35-40 minutes away.  I mean really?!? There were none in the northwest region.  lame.  It took about 5 minutes to actually do it once I was there.  Which the building was pretty sketchy.  It was in a weird part of town, in a building that looked abandoned.  Oh well, got it done.  Afterwards me and Russell went and saw Sherlock Holmes.  It was really good- better than I thought it was going to be.  I recommend it.  Today Russell had to go back to work :( 

Happy Birthday Jesus!!

In the first light of the new day

No one knew he had arrived

Things continued as they had been

While the newborn softly cried

But the heavens wrapped in wonder

Knew the meaning of His birth

In the weakness of a baby

They knew God had come to earth

As his mother held Him closely

It was hard to understand

That this baby who not yet speaking

Was the word of God to man

He would tell them of His kingdom

But their heart would not believe

They would hate Him and in anger

They would nail Him to a tree

But the sadness would be broken

As the Son of Life arose

And the Firstborn of Creation

Would ascend and take His throne

He had left it redeem to us

But before His life began

He knew He’d come back not as a baby

But as the Lord of every man

Hear the angels as they’re singing

On the morning of His birth

But how much greater will our song be

When He comes again to earth

When He comes to RULE the earth

Merry Christmas from Russell, Stacy and Rusty

An Unexpected Find

So this morning when I woke up, Rusty wanted to go out (which is kinda weird because normally he is good until about 4 or 5pm-- but sometimes he likes to go out when its good weather).  When I went to let him back in, there was another dog in our back yard.  I look around to see where he could of came from, and I noticed that one of the fence slats is loose, and he could of came from the house next door (they have had a lot of company this week, so it could have been a relatives dog).  So i let him inside put on Rusty's leash, and take him next door.  They lady says it isn't hers. 

So I take him back to our house and put him in the back yard, while I can figure out what to do.  Well of course its a little beagle and so it starts barking to be let back inside.  So I wipe him off (a little muddy) and bring him inside.  I take pictures of him, so that I can make a "found" poster.  As I am putting on the finishing touches I hear someone yelling outside (as in calling for a dog).  So I run outside and ask if they are looking for a dog.  She said yes.  So i bring out the dog and she was all happy to have found him.  So for about 30 minutes Rusty had a cute little friend. 

I think Rusty thinks he is a bad friend, everytime he has a friend over they leave. lol.  Oh well, an exciting start to the morning!

What do you think?

What do you think is in this present??

Apparently Russell IMMEDIATELY thinks slippers (or houseshoes whatever you want to call them). He said he didnt' even say in his head "I wonder what that is?" it was an immediate "those are slippers."

How does he do that?  He is SO good at guessing presents.  Every year he does.  Last year he guessed a power drill (and he just guessed he didn't even see a present); however, I did a good enough job covinceing him that he was wrong.  When we first started dating I got him Dave Mathews tickets for his birthday and he guessed those. 

Good thing I have his big present hidden in the guest room closet. . . .

Christmas Lights

Sorry for two posts in one day (though I have realized I haven't blogged as much this month-sorry)

We finally finished putting up all the outside Christmas lights. It took us about 4 days, starting from when Russell gets home to when it gets dark (~1.5 hours). It's been kind of cold here lately, and it was definitely some of the colder days that we worked on it.

Russell working on the roof

What we accomplished after the first day

After the second work day the second peak done

And, apparently if you wait too long Walmart and other places run out of the lights that you need. So we decided to just put multi-colored lights on the upper bushes (it was going to be just red like the bottom).  But I think they turned out well being multi colored on the top.  A little variety!

 

The final product.  Again, we would of liked to do all the columns, but couldn't find any more rope lights.

And this little guy will welcome you into our home :)

I love Christmastime.  A little dissappointed in our neighbors, none have put up any lights or decorations.  And those that went all out for Halloween, don't seem to have the same sentiment towards Christmas.  Hmm...

It's Official!!

Yesterday I signed my contract, so it's 100% official.  The actual signing was kind of anti-climatic, it was online and you had to do an electronic signature, which basically means you just type your name.  Either way, I"m full time employed.  And even better, is that you only have to work 90 days to count as a full year, and so since there are 100 days in the semester, next year it will say I have taught a full year, and get the pay increase! 

Today, I went and met my team leader, as well as another lady who is starting this semester as well.  She has one year experience, so it's nice to have someone else who is new, and new to teaching.  My TL gave us a binder that had the scope and sequence, notes, TEKS, and other things to help us get started.  And they haven't started planning for the next semester, so we aren't too behind.  Tomorrow there is a retirement party, for the man I am replacing.  I wasn't going to go, because thats kid of akward, but my TL was like oh I'll give you some more stuff at the party.  So I guess I'm going. haha.

Other than that, not much is going on here.  On Sunday we were able to go to the Texans game with Kathy's group from Camp Periwinkle.  For the last three years they have had extra tickets, and we have gotten to go.  It's really nice because its in a luxury suite! 

Every time some of the cheerleaders come up, and lots of the boys (the reason we get to go is because the oldest group of boys from Camp Periwinkle are invited to the game, and we get the leftovers) take pictures with them.  And of course, Russell wanted his pictures with them. lol.

On Monday it was both dad's and Russell's mom's birthday.  We went out eat with Russell's family on Monday night.  It was a fun night, but I miss celebrating with my side of the family.  Happy Birthday to Dad and Kathy!!!

BIG NEWS!!

I GOT A JOB!!!!!

On Tuesday I sent out my resume to all the principals in CyFair again.  I picked (well Russell helped me pick) Tuesday so that they would have time to read through all their piled up emails from Thanksgiving break, and mine wouldn't just get pushed to the back.  Well Tuesday afternoon I got a call from CyCreek asking me to come in and interview on Friday.  I didn't tell to many people just because this summer I had quite a few interviews and had nothing come of it.

On Friday it was snowing(a good sign)!!  Russell called and said I should call the school to make sure that they were still open, because his work was closing early, and one of his friends wife works in Katy ISD and they were closing eatly as well.  So I called and was informed (rather rudely) that they were going to be open.  Leslie (her and Jeremy were in town for the weekend) told me goodluck and that they next time I saw her I could have a job.  I was thinking yeah right.  I have never heard any feedback within like a week, much less a day.

They interview went really well.  It was with the principal, AP, and the social studies department chair.  They seemed impressed that I knew a few teachers there already, and that Russell graduated from there.  Towards the end of the interview Mr. Wells (the principal) told me that they had already interviewed 5 other people for the position and that one had 16 years expreience.  First I was thinking that why would he tell me this, and how can i compete with that. 

He called me about 15 or 20 minutes after I got home, and asked if I had make it home alright (since it was snowing).  Thin he started saying nice things about me, I just thought he was building me up to let me down easy.  He kept talking for awhile and Russell (and I) were on the edge of our seat waiting for him to say yes or no.  Finally (after what seemed like forever), he offered me the position.  Russell started jumping up and down immediately.  Mr. Well's said I could take the weekend to think it over, or accept it right away.  I accepted it right away.lol. 

And when I saw Leslie for dinner, I did have a job!!!  I got the official email from HR today, and in a few weeks they will have me come in and sign the contract (they like to have everyone do it at the same time).  We are so excited.  I will be teaching 10th grade world history, and next year they hope to move me over to economics.  I can't wait, I start in January, so I have a month to get ready and prepare.  I have several boxes in the attic full of stuff for my classroom (pictures, maps, books, etc.) and now I get to get it down and use it.  And I don't have to student teach YAY!!! 

Thanks to all that were praying for this to happen!

No more squinty eyes

Ok this is just really funny.  I asked if Jeremy could make me less squinty in our family picture, because let's face it i'm squinty in all of them.  This is what he came up with . . . .

I give you permission to laugh for hours....because I did!!!  HAHAHAHAHAHA

Thanksgiving

We flew up to Dallas on Wednesday night, the flight wasn't bad at all, though it might take 4 hours (when you add time for getting to the airport, and whatnot) but it was much better than driving 4 hours.  Mom and dad picked us up and we went to OTB for dinner.  On Thursday we went to Nannie and Da's house for lunch.  It was nice to have everyone there.  My cousin Eric's kid, Cole was there.  He is just so cute!!

Afterwards, we went to Lauren's house to watch the Aggie game.  Though we didn't win, it was such a good game. It was fun to see Lauren, Mark, Rachel, and Katherine.  Lots of times it is hard to see them when we come for the weekend, because family takes priority.

On Friday the boys (dad, Russell, and Jeremy) went and played golf.  Leslie had to work, so me and mom went to go see New Moon.  We both have read the books, and both have husbands who don't care. lol.  Afterwards, we went shopping.  We went to Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Target and Mardels.  I was looking for a nativity scene, I liked the one at Mardels.  I also ended up getting part of Russell's present from Target.  So half of one present down, many more to go.  I don't know how some people have already finished their Christmas shopping.

On Saturday we took some family pictures.  I seem to be squinty in all of them.  Go figure, that is why I didn't have an outdoor wedding. lol.

After that we drove back down to Houston with my parents, and grandparents. It took quite awhile since we stopped by the Woodlands to see the babies.  But, I finally got to hold Brady, since last time he was a sleep head and didn't want to be held.  A week later, they are still so cute and still so tiny.

On Sunday my cousin Jeff got married to Maria.  It was a really nice wedding, and it was fun to see everybody from that side of the family again.  After the wedding we went and got Rusty back from Russell's parents.  He was very happy to be back!

Russell took the day off on Monday, so it was nice to have some time together.  We went and got out Christmas decorations.  We had gotten our tree a few weeks ago, which was a good thing because the one we liked was sold out at Hobby Lobby this week.  It was fun to get all the stuff so we can celebrate our first Christmas together as husband and wife.  We didn't get around to putting the outside lights up, we will do that later this week, but we were able to get all of the inside decorations put up.  I love Christmas time!

Brady and Olivia

I don't know if some of you know, but my cousin Jenny had her twins on the 10th.  We were able to go and see them today.  Mostly they were sleeping, and then they got a bottle.  I got to hold Olivia for a bit, while Brady was being fed.  Unfortunately once Brady was done eating, he went right back to sleep, so I didn't get to hold him.  They are so tiny and oh so cute.  I can't wait to see them again, once they are a little more active.  Overall, in this week of sadness, it was great to hang out with Chris and Jenny, and see the little ones. 

Me holding Miss Olivia

Olivia's close up

Brady sleeping in his chair

Two Pea's in a Pod

Allison

So Tuesday afternoon came with bad news. My childhood friend Allison Davis had died in a car accident on Monday night while she was driving home from feeding her horses. She was only 22. It's just so crazy to think about. We hung out a lot in high school and then almost every break during college. She was one of those friends that it could be months inbetween when we talked but it was like we didn't even miss a day. The last time we hung out was when I was in College Station for seminar class.

We went to her viewing in College Station (she was the assistant choir director at A&M Consolidated HS). It was obvious that she was loved. A lot of her students were there, fellow teachers, and friends from Huntsville. Her mom was handeling it really well, or so it looked. She was very calm; however, when Ashley, Russell, and I showed up, she started to cry. I think it was because we were some students or friends, but we had been around while, and truely loved her daughter. Tristan, her long time boyfriend, and soon to be fiance, was taking it very hard. It made me cry just looking at him. He loved her so much. Unfortunately we will never know why God decided to take her like He did, but until then she will be greatly missed.

Veterans Day

I was at Waller High School today (and will be for the same teacher tomorrow).  They had a very nice Veteran's Day Ceremony.  I was very inpressed!  They probably had 75 Veterans there, including 8 from World War II.  The choir sang, bang played, drill team danced, and even a reenactment of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima.  I'm not going to lie at one point it brought a tear to my eye (one of the senoirs in the Jr.ROTC at Waller presented a flag to his grandfather who was a WWII vet).  The class I was subbing was world history (I have subbed for her once before) and their assignment for today was to write letters to Veterans.  So if their are any veterans reading this (which I doubt but still...) thank you for all you have done.

Speaking of my sub job for these two days, the teacher called me this afternoon to check and see how things were going.  She said she requested me again, because the kids liked me, that she didn't have to go reteach everything, and that they students did their best work when I was there, better than when she is there!! YAY!  That makes me happy to hear.  When she gets back from her conference, I think I am going to ask her if I can put her as one of my references.  

Adventures in Subbing

This past week I worked everyday, a first.  Unfortunately two of those days were half days.  I subbed for the same 4th grade teacher for three afternoons ( on the last day I had a morning job at the high school ).  I can see why some of my friends want to teach 4th grade.  They are pretty cute, yet can function on their own if you need them too.  On the last day one boy gave me this:

What can I say I am pretty awesome (or asome). lol.

On Friday I was at one of the middle schools and during one of my classes we had some drama.  I was trying to get them quiet and one of the girls Catalina decided to help me out by telling everyone to be quiet.  Well another girl, Brooke, did not take this too well.  She said something to the effect of you can't tell me what to do and I'll "slap that smirk off your face".  Well Cataline runs out of the room crying, along with two of her friends.  I"m thinking this WOULD happen in MY classroom.  Well Brooke goes to the office, and they can't find Catalina.  They have to call her over the loud speaker before they find her.  Can we say middle school hormones.  I mean overreactions all over the place.  I guess the AP settled everything, and at the end of the day I got two handwritten apologies. 

On Friday night we went to dinner with Russell's family.  And just hung out the rest of the weekend.  Unfortunately almost all of our sprots teams lost :(  Aggies lose by one, Texans lose on a missed game-tying field goal with 1 second left, and the Aggie soccer team lost the Big 12 Championship Game.  The cowboys won!  Yeah we're boring.  Sorry.

Aggieland

This weekend turned into an exciting one.  On Thursday Russell asked if I wanted to go to the A&M game.  Since I was already going to have to go to College Staion for my seminar class, and because I love going to the games, I said yes!  Cody and I drove up early Saturday morning (though we thought it might be early- we had a long debate whether class started at 8 or 9- it ended up being 9).  Class was ok.  Three hours of talking to my friends is fine, but to be so early on a weekend is not as fun.  Russell came and picked me up at noon when class was over.  The tickets we got came with a parking pass, so we went and parked on West Campus and walked over to all the game day activities.  Russell's mom, Kathy was there with some kids from Texas Children's Hospital, so we tailgated with them.  Our seats were in the Zone.  So it was great to sit in the shade, and have our own area to hang out and eat and drink.  Very nice, that's the only way I want to go from now on.  But I'm sure you have to donate thousands of dollars before you even get offered the seats.  It was a great game, we played so well.  I hope the Aggies continue to play this way!  We got back aorund 7, and were able to still hand out candy to trick-or-treaters.  I got way more candy than needed, so I'm giving it to Cody to have in her classroom, because what all is left is the hard candy, gum suckers, and tootsie rolls.

It was nice to have an extra hour of sleep!  However, both Russell and I didn't sleep in all that long, and it felt like we had forever until church time.  We took two cars to church because I needed to leave at 1:15 to make it over to the Woodlands for Maria's shower.  She is getting married on the 29th.  Russell (and normally me too) help tear down our church, which meets in a middle school, and its normally around 2 when we get home.  Maria's shower was fun, it was nice to hang out with that side of the family.  jenny should be having the twins any day now!!  Tonight we went to Chili's to take advantage for their 3 courses for 2 people for $20 deal.  Now we are stuffed! 

I can't believe it's already November!  This year has flown by.  On the way to College Station, Cody was telling me about two teachers in her department that might be leaving at the end of this semester (one for an AP position, another older man who can't keep up with the technology).  So be praying that maybe one of those positions will open up and they will want to hire me! 

Crusades and Flu Shots

Yesterday was an eventful day:  I was able to find a sub job at Waller High for a history teacher.  I always want to do social studies, but unfortunately those are few and far between.  It was a last minute absence, so the teacher didn't have the standard worksheets for me.  I actually got to teach!!!!  It felt so good, I will admit I'm not the most knowledgable about the Crusades, but those kids got a good lecture!  A few of the students commented on how I should  be a teacher.  I'm trying kids, I'm trying

To make matters worst, I had interviewed at Waller HS, and the teacher who interviewed me set up the powerpoint for me, remembered me, and was like oh your subbing.  And I just wanted to be like yeah because you didn't hire me!  DUH!

The day was really good, until the last period.  There were four boys that kept throwing colored pencils, markers, and even books across the room at each other.  I told them to stop, like a million times, but I ended up sending them to the principal's office.  My first office referral- I didn't really know how to do it.  One kid told me he would pay me a dollar not too.  haha!  Maybe ten. . . 

So after the drama in 8th period, I went to Russell's work to get my free flu shot.  I got a Daffy Duck bandaid, and a Tootsie Pop.  They know me all to well.  Russell did not get one, if I get the flu because of him I will be mad.  Hopefully that does not happen.

We decided to get Taco Bell for dinner.  I go and get all the way there and the next one to order when I decide I think I have enough in cash to pay for it.  When I lookin my purse, my wallet is not there.  I don't take a purse when I sub, I keep my phone and wallet in my backpack, it's harder to get stolen.  So thankfully there is another lane around the drive-thru line, so I didn't have to sit there and say I forgot my wallet.  So what shoud have been a 10 minute trip turned into a 30 minute one becuase I had to go home, and then back.  Oh well, it was yummy and worth it.

Today has been really rainy.  And supposed to continue to rain tomorrow.  Hopefully I don't float away!

Sneaky Dog

Well our precious Rusty is trying to pull a fast one over us.  At the hotel one day he decided to lay on the comforter that we threw at the foot of the bed.  I didn't think too much of it because it wasn't our comforter so I didn't really care.  Well now (granted its been two weeks since this happened) he is trying do that on our comforter- and now I care.  The first night he tried he layed down on it, and I told him no and he went back to his blankets, but in the morning guess where he was? Back on our comforter.  Then the next night he dragged his blankets toward the foot of the bed.  It's always really cute when he drags his blankets somewhere else, so I didn't think anything of it.  Guess where he was in the morning? on our comforter :(  He tried again two nights ago but I folded our conforter to where he couldn't get on it, and made him put his blankets back in the corner.  Who knew three nights of "luxury" on a hotel comforter could lead to bad habits?

Well he is still precious even if he is bad!

I decorated our house for Halloween/Fall.  Since then I have added a larger pumpkin too, but I think it looks good and can last all the way til Thanksgiving.  There are some houses in our neighborhood that have gone way above and beyond normal decorations.  I hope they give out good candy or else that is just disappointing.  I think our decorations go well with our candy.  We have some good candy (Reese's, KitKats, etc.) for the age appropriate kids and some not as good candy (tootsie rolls, taffy, etc.) for those kids who are taller than me that are still trick or treating.   That's my philosophy, if you're taller than me you are too old to trick or treat. lol.

My amazing mother-in-law gave us flowers out of the blue, it was really sweet of her!  But then I found out that she won 4 tickets to the Texans game in a few weeks, and the 4 original McCarthy's will be going, and I will be staying at home.  She tells me the flowers are unrelated...but I'm not so sure.  (Actually I am sure, because the flowers came Friday and she got the tickets on Saturday, just giving her a hard time).  I am blessed to have such amazing in-laws.

Our Fun Weekends

So both Russell and I had exciting and fun weekends.  Unfortunately they weren't together.

I had a blast hanging out with my favorite Colorado family (and I can say that because my other favorties no longer live in Colorado).  Kristin and I stayed at Leslie and Jeremy's new apartment, so it was fun getting to hang out with just her and spend more time with Leslie than I normally do when we stay at mom and dads.  We did fun things like go to the youth group's Pancake and Karaoke night, and played putt putt.  While I was there I was also able to see Rachel, Amanda, and Lauren.  All at separate times, which made for a busy weekend, but I wouldn't of had it any other way. 

Russell had a fun weekend as well.  He went to Goliad where they had the Texas Mile.  Apparently it is where a bunch of people bring their cars on an old airport runway and they race on the track that's a mile long.  He went with his friend Bill, and they had lots of fun.  Unfortunatly, being out in the sun all day made Russell come home a lobster.  He is very sunburnt :(

This was also a very exiting for a few of my friends.  Katie, my best friend from high school, and one of my bridemaids, got engaged on Friday morning.  Of course, she said yes.  Her and Tommy have been dating for about 4 and half years now.  My former roommate Jill got engaged on Sunday night, to Ross, they have been dating for over 3 years now.  I am super excited for both of them!

It was a very exciting weekend, and a very exhausting one.  I didn't have aj ob lined up for today, which I was fine with.  I was looking forward to sleeping in, and then getting things organized.  I went straight from the hotel for two weeks, to Dallas.  However, I recieved a call this morning at 6:25am for a job, so I took it.  But school starts at 7:25 and I have to be there by 7, and the school was 15-20 minutes away ( which then I got lost and was late ).  So I scrambled to get ready, didn't eat breakfast, and since it was a half day, I didn't pack a lunch.  Thank goodness I threw in a oatmeal cream pie, and a granola bar, because when I was on my way home from that job, I got a call for another one in the afternoon.  I was looking forward to napping when I got home, but I went and "taught" French instead.  I was STARVING when I was finally done for the day.  But money talks and so I work.  Speaking of which, I FINALLY got paid this weekend.  WOOHOO!!

Second Honeymoon

We call our time at the hotel our second honeymood, for no other reason than the fact we were in a hotel for a long time.  It was no way reminscent of New Zealand.  The hotel itself wasn't that bad.  But it was weird being away from home but still doing our regular routines.  Russell's training included a Petroleum Engineering class, that had quizzes and tests, which meant studying and homework.  A lot like college again, which Russell was not a fan of. lol.  Last night we were all too eager to check out. In Honor of our second "honeymoon" I am going to post some pictures from our first (I can't believe it's been over 7 months)!

Us in Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu

Milford Sound

Mount Cook (for the one second it wasn't covered by clouds)

Christchurch Cathedral

Tomorrow (the 17th) will be Russell and I's 5 anniversary from when we first started dating.  I can't believe it's been 5 years.  Unfortunately we will not be together on this special day.  I will be going to Dallas today to see my family and the Thiemans.  I'm excited to see them, and glad they are coming to Texas.  We knew they were coming since this summer but I had gotten the dates mixed up and let Russell plan a day trip on Saturday with his friends to Goliad for a Car Race thing.  More posts to come from our respective weekends.  Yay for cooler weather!!!

Something Scary, Something Hilarious, and Something Exciting

So we are living in a hotel, but Russell forgot his work shoes.  We went back to the house to get them and to put the trashcans back in the garage.  We pulled up and both of us went to get the trashcan and recycling bin and i noticed there was alight coming from the front window.  At first I thought it might be a glare, but then noticed the light was coming out the front door as well.  So I tell Russell.  He goes and looks in the front doors window (he is tall enough to) adn says he doesn't see anyone.  I made him go in with a golf club from the garage and go through the house.  After he goes through the enitre house, I go into our bedroom, Russell jumps out from the bathroom and scares me half to death.  NOT. FUNNY.  I guess we just left the light on when we left yesterday.

Now, onto something hilarious.  We went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner tonight and Russell got a little surprise....

He was wearing flip flops and a bird POOPED on him.  HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Lastly, I am going to be one of Lauren's birdesmaids.  I am super excited!!!

Nothing too Interesting

Well when I started this blog I was wondering if our lives would be exciting enough to have somethign to write about often.  Well this has been a pretty boring week, so if you are bored reading it, well I lived it!

We started our Bible study again this week.  We were supposed to start last week but Carl, our leader, had the flu and was out for a week.  So far we are the only people signed up, besides our leaders Carl and Jennifer, so if you are interested and lve int he Houston area, we meet on Tuesday's at 6:30.

On Friday I went to College Station, for a student teaching meeting.  The actual meeting was on the 18th, but I didn't know about it until about Wednesday.  So I emailed, explained my situation, and was able to watcha video of the meeting and fill out the application in time.  Of the 15 subs in our program only 6 came.  Dr. Kelly, our program director, sent out a link to the student teacing webpage (where the info about the meeting was) at the begining of August, but at that time I was still having a few interviews and didn't pay attention.  It wasn't until I was looking to see when he wanted us to email in our sub sheets, that I noticed it again.  So it was a whirlwind, kinda lame, trip, but necessary.

This weekend we kinda did some fall cleaning instead of spring cleaning.  Russell mowed both the front and back yards, I used our new electric hedge trimmers to trim our hedges.  It worked great!! I was skeptical (and actually made Russell put it back) when he first put it on our cart at Home Depot a few weeks ago.  It's kinda a lot of money for something we wont use all that often.  But after using it, I am a believer.  You can actually see our house now from behind the bushes.

On Saturday we cleaned out the garage.  It was pretty clean anyways but swept out all the grass that had blown in, and swept down the cobwebs in the corners.  We also switched the shelf that was in the laundry room, and kinda big in there, with the small book shelf that was in the garage.  The shelves that are now in the garage can hold everything that was on the book shelf and most all the stuff lining the walls.  They both work better where they are now, and look great.  I also dusted the house, swept, moped, and did three loads of laundry.  Not. Fun.

This should be an interesting two weeks coming up.  Russell has a two week training thing.  If we lived anywhere else he would just be gone for two weeks, but since we live in Houston and that's where the training is, we will all (me, Russell, and Rusty) be living in a hotel for two weeks.  It's mandatory that he stay and since we don't want to be apart for that long, I'm joining.  It's an extended stay hotel, so pets are allowed, it has a full kitchen.  We can always come back and get things from the house if need be.  I wish we had a reason to be out of the house, like perhaps fumagation or something, but no.  So we shall see how it is going to work.

For this training Russell will have homework assignments to do, so I know he is enjoying having to do that again.  He is doing one right now as we speak, and he tried to get me to do it.  I told him I did plenty of his assignments in college when he was too busy (english and ethics, not engineering) and he never did any of mine.  Feel free to text him during the week making fun of his homework.  I know I will be- haha!

And just for kicks!  My two cuties!!

Apparently We Are Sportsy

After going to the Astro's game on Wednesday, we continued the sports theme by going to the Texans game on Sunday.  It was really fun and a good game.  However, if you watched it you know, that it ended sadly.  Two bad calls, which negated two touchdowns that could have tied the game, in the last 2 minutes allowed Jacksonville to win.  We had club level tickets (which unfortunately were not given for free like our Astros tickets were).  It was nice to have our own food lines and bathrooms, so there was hardly any wait at all.  A lady in the bathroom even gave me a paper towel to dry my hands. fancy. I don't even think it was that fancy when we have gone with Camp Periwinkle and sat in the suites.  However, then all the food and stuff was free.  Were hoping they will have extra tickets again this year so we can go again.

Battle Red day at the Texans game

We dog-sat my friend Cody's dog Katie Bell (yes named after Harry Potter) while she was up in Dallas this weekend.  Good thing we got rid of Bandit or we would have had three dogs, and Russell might of had zero wives. lol.  Katie Bell is sweet so it was a fun weekend.  Though with having a second dog with us the last few weeks, I think we (and I mean Russell) has gooten the itch for a seond dog out of our system.  Though it's nice for Rusty to have a play mate, they always play and you always have to watch after them.  I think we like our one puppy, who is lazy loves to cuddle, and is perfect.

I subbed for 7th grade math today.  I am so not made to be a math teacher, I am really bad at explaining why things are.  It's math, it is because it is.  This one girl was giving me attitude and telling me I was going it wrong (and I know I was foing it right).  I told her if you want to do it your way, then fine but you will fail.  oops I don't know if that is waht I should be saying to her.  But that class was BAD so I was pretty fed up at the point.  The teacher was gone because he had the flu.  One of the other teachers came in right before the bell rang and Lysoled EVERYTHING.  I HATE Lysol, I hate the smell it reminds me of bathrooms (not pleasant) and I could barely breathe until 3rd period.  If I am steril, I know why. lol.  One thing that I have realized is that kids are sick- literally.  I don't think I have ever washed my hands so much in my life, and put on Purell like it is lotion (and you know me and my lotion habits).  I think I will get a ful shot.  I have gotten one the last 3 years free at my work (God forbid that some of the athletes get sick) it was nice because it was free.  I think I'm going to try and see if they are doing it free anywhere.  I think at Walgreen's you can get it done for $25.  But I would rather spend that $25 on something other than a fluy shot.... we'll see. 

Take It Back

I take it back.  It was NOT me driving on the day of the red light camera.  I just assumed it was from this past weekend when I was there for seminar.  And when you have pictoral and video evidence it was hard to say it wasn't you.  BUT on the way to dinner tonight I made the comment like I should try and get Dr. Kelly to pay it for me since I was only in College Station for class.  Russell goes I thought it said the 5th.  I was trying to rack my brain on why I was in CS for on the 5th.  Then it dawned on me.......

We were there for the football game....

and RUSSELL drove NOT me

he was giving me such a hard time, telling me I was wasting money.  Now it's him who is wasting the money.  HA!!

I'll try and see if I can get the video up. lol.

Interesting Week

So this week has been kinda interesting...

It started with us getting Bandit (see previous post).  Well he did not make the cut.  He was the most frustrating dog ever.  The lady claimed he was potty trained, didn't bark, didn't chew.  We found those all to be false.  In the 5 days he was with us he chewed up his bed padding, the throw pillows in the guest room, Russell's x-box cord, the trash, a box of cards, the toilet paper holder, and the futon (i was furious at the last one).  He barked when he was outside for too long and whined all night long.  And when we would try to bop him on the nose for doing bad things he would squirt a little pee out.  Rusty had some scratches on him from them playing.  So we knew it wasn't working out.  The lady came back Wednesday at 5 and picked him up.  Apparently someone else had replied to the ad, so she was going to bring Bandit to them.  In the end we were very relieved to be rid of him.  I think Rusty was too.  Rusty slept I think for the first time last night now that Bandit was gone.  They were sleeping together in the guest room, I would go in there and check on them, and they would both be panting and looking at my goofy like "what we aren't doing anything" and I'm like YEAH RIGHT. lol.  So today Rusty had a day at the spa.  He needed his nails trimmed so I took him up to Petsmart and he got a mani pedi and bath, and apparently some really strong perfume.  Maybe we will try again for a second dog this summer.

Russell got free tickets to the Astro's game last night.  They were great seats right behind home plate, 28 rows up.  They were from one of the vendors and Russell's work.  They were $50 tickets plus a parking pass.  It was kind of a boring game (no home runs) but the Astro's broke a 9 game losing streak and won.  Afterwards we went and got some gelato.  It was a fun night, and I think it did us both good to leave the stress that Bandit gave us behind.

While subbing this week I have watched the first 45 minutes of Journey to the Center of the Earth six different times.  If you need a very detailed description on if I can give it to you, but I have no clue what happens at the end.  I subbed today for one out our Bible study leaders today, so that was kinda fun.  Her kids were really good.  One, I swear, was high or on drugs or something, he was acting really weird.  But I don't know how he usually acts so I couldn't really say.

In the mail today I got a ticket for $75 from the red light cameras in College Station (another reason that going for seminar class is gay). I was trying to make a right turn before it turned red.  Apparently I didn't make it.  UGH it's just so lame. 

Were going out tonight for Tony's birthday (Russell's brother).  For once neither of his or Russell's birthdays has fallen during a Huricane.  Hurican Rita was on Tony's borthday and Huricane Ike was on Russells.  Note to self: don't have babies during huricane season.

Our New Addition

So Russell has been talking about for some time getting a brother or sister for Rusty.  I was a bit hesitant.  Where Russell has grown up with two dogs, I grew up with no dogs, so one was a nice compromise.  Well apparently the want ads that get emailed to Russell at his work were too much and we now have Bandit.  His owners dropped him off on Friday.  It's nice to have someone to play with Rusty, and they get along quite nicely.  However, there are a few behavior things that have me concerned.  Russell reminds me that Rusty had behavior issues when we first got him, and that it will jut take a few weeks to get him used to our routines and whatnot.  I"m not sold on him yet; however, I didn't really like Rusty at first either (and I love him now)....  We are giving him two weeks, and if he still hasn't gotten adjusted we will give him back.  What do ya'll think??

On a different note, Lauren and Mark (we went to the Aggie football game with them, see picture in that post) got engaged!!!  We are very excited for them!!

I had my seminar class Saturday.  It was pretty pointless, but it was fun to see all my friends again.  And it wasn't that akward that I'm not full time.  There are probably 6 or 7 subs besides me, so it's nice to know i'm not the only one who couldn't find a job.  Afterwards I got to hang out with Katie (and eat Laynes) and the Allison.

I finally got an ironing board today.  I have several thoughts on this:  how can it be so expensive???  The cheapest I found was at Walmart for $16.  Target and Bed Bath Beyond's cheapest ones were over $30.  I think it's a ploy.  Obviously we don't iron that much (it's been 6 months and we are just now getting an ironing board) Cody borrowed our iron for about a month and we didn't need it, excpept when Mom came into town and needed to use it (we used my hair straightener instead for the bottom of her pants- lol), so why does it require so much equipment??  Oh well, if any one needs anything iron, we have all the equipment now- though I am no good at it.  I'll just continue on in my wrinklely existance :)

And just so Rusty doesn't get jealous of all the attention Bandit is getting (and because he is just so dang cute)

Oh and now by popular demand (as in mom and Les) you can now comment.  Apparently I had it set where you had to be a member to comment, that is no longer the case.  Sorry if this caused you inconvience before :)