Super Speed!

That's a Bowen term for when you need to move really fast, and that is the way I feel like the last few weeks have gone, super speed! We leave to go skiing in Telluride Colorado on Friday morning so I have to have all Christmas things attended to to by then, I'm pretty close but still so far away! I love this time of year so I'm trying not to make it all about lists and errands.

Right now I'm enjoying a peaceful house because my two lovely little children have not been the best best of friends. I think it's a byproduct of over stimulation of this time of year mixed with not enough sleep and I'm hoping it's going to pass because they are really hard to be around right now with all the bickering and whining. I've even had afternoons when they aren't allowed to play with each other! Aack!

Two stories for you:

One:
I lost my kids in Wal-Mart. Laine wanted to get some fruit snacks and I needed to get some almond bark. These two items are on separate isles about 25 feet away from each other. So I showed Laine where the fruit snacks are and showed her where the almond bark is. Physically took her to both places. Dropped them off at the FS, whet to do my thing. 60-90 seconds later I'm done I go and look for them...no where to be found. Gone. I stroll down the center aisle a few aisles each way, no kids. This is in the town I teach in so I had seen several people I knew so I wasn't too worried I thought someone would probably help me out. Then I heard my name on the intercom "Heather Williams please come to Customer Service your party is waiting" at least it didn't say "We will now hand out the Mother of the Year Award to Heather Williams for losing her kids in Wal Mart, Ms. Williams, please come claim your ham". When I got to CS there my children were not crying but smiling, a mom of a kid I taught at my former school was there with them saying what a great job they did knowing all their information...FYI if you get lost in Wal Mart you get all 3 boxes of fruit snacks you haves in your little hands! AND great big hugs!

Story Two:

words that came out of my mouth in 5th/6th PE the other day when asked a question about a game we were about to play:

No...you may not hold your balls with both hands.


yes I said that...then I stopped and laughed about it and acknowledged it, how can you not with that age group. So we all had a big laugh and then moved on. It is the best thing I've ever said in a PE class.

Feast

I asked Bowen to feed Pumkin Batman...

what more can I say?

Life at the WIlliams' house

Has been a whole lot of laying around folks. It's really bad. Medication is to blame. I had to increase my head medicine, which makes me tired, and at the same time my Thyroid was off, which makes me tired. I had to have a frigging fight with the Nurse Practitioner at my Dr. office to get her to increase my medication. Finally my Doctor looked at my labs and increased it, in 5 days I feel 50% better which is saying a lot, just ask Jonathan. Jonathan has also started a medicine that makes him tired, wow, aren't we a whole basket of fun times!!! Hopefully, things will be looking up around here real soon!

Halloween was fun! Mom, Meredith, Ryan, and Blake came to visit and we had a great time. On Friday night we went to see Paranormal Activity, don't worry we didn't take the kids. But there were little kids there, WTH people! That was just about the scariest movie I've seen, I could not wait for it to be over. I wore a scarf to the theatre and spent most of the movie with the scarf over my head with my hands over my face. That bad guys. We managed to eat our way through Babe's and Ol' South with Trick or Treating in between. I felt a need to exercise.

Laine, Bowen, Blake and our friends,Peyton and Logan.

This is a picture of the vampire after she bit the baby's head!

Laine looks scary in ALL of the Halloween pics! Blake is really cute though!

Today I am posting at home because Bowen is sick. I have two stories to share from this illness.

One:

Yesterday on the way home from school (60% home) Bowen coughed so much he barfed. We were on the Interstate, I had nothing to clean him up with. I handed him my sweatshirt to wipe his face, rolled down the windows, and drove like a bat out of hell to the house. What would you have done? Laine was over in her seat with her eyes shut and her ears plugged the entire time, I wish I could have done that.

Two:

Today I warned Bowen on the way to the Doctor that he would probably have to wear a Dr. mask in the waiting room since he had a cough. He cried. I told him no big deal, I'll wear one too. We get to the office, there's the sign that says coughers wear masks so I tell him he has to wear a mask and show it to him and put it on him and ask for one for myself. He freaks out. Heads for the door, yelling that he wants to go back home. So here I am in my mask, he's in his mask now crying, coughing, and gagging. We head to the trash can, he calms down a little but still gags every time I put the mask down. Then the lady at the window tells me forget the mask if its going to make him sick. Every time he coughs the people in the waiting room look at us funny. FYI it wasn't the Swine Flu just a sinus infection.

Sleepiest Vampire in the whole world!

Last night we braved the yucky weather (only because we love the Reinkes AND we forked out non-refundable dough) and went to BOO at the Zoo. It ended up to being a really great time, I dressed the kids in their thermal underwear under their costumes and away we went! It was great, no lines, no sweat like some years, no worries that we were going to lose the kids among the throngs of people...

we did forget the camera, maybe that was good because of the light mist but just look at this sleeping vampire we took a picture of after we arrived home:

Isn't she cute?

Just for Laughs!

You might have to squint at the screen to read the descriptions of poop but yes, there was or is a dude named Bristol who decided there are 7 types of poop. There you have it folks, I would think 1 and 7 would be the most unhealthy ones to have. I mean I say a guy named Bristol, that's usually how science works, this guy must have been the top scientist of feces, I bet he was the talk at all the parties. I'm going to Google it right now and find out for sure.

Edited to add: developed at the University of Bristol by a guy named Heaton. Numbers 3 and 4 are the ideal stools to have. Write that down in your big chief notebook

Skin, poop and costumes

Perhaps not in that order...

Tomorrow Bowen has an appointment with a GI specialist to examine his GI? Really he's been having transient diarrhea the only reason I know to call it that is the Internet. It comes and goes and we don't know why but 4 year olds aren't supposed to have the runs for days in a row. So, they will probably do all sorts of tests that will require prizes, I can't even imagine so I'm just not thinking about it. But what I hope the most is that is doesn't involve him drinking any barium fluid given Bowen's propensity for barfing. So, say a prayer for Bowen tomorrow!

Laine and Bowen received their costumes in the mail the other day and were TOTALLY exited about it! Laine actually wanted to be something scary this year and went for a vampire. Bowen, oh, Bowen. Jonathan and I kiddingly call him gamer, dungeon master etc...but when he requested to be Dan from Bakugan we just laughed and knew our fate was sealed! So here are some pictures of the Vampiress and Dan the Man:

My skin! It looks better! I wanted to show some before and after pictures and tell you guys what I have been using just in case you are interested. Some of it is Wal Mart cheap some of it is a Rx and some you need to get on Ebay so it is not so expensive.

This picture was taken right after I went to the dermatologist:

About 4 weeks after I started using all the stuff they told me to use:

Taken Last week:

Here is what I am using:

A face wash without any oil in it Regular Cetaphil not the one for oily skin, funny enough it has oil in it.

RX- Epiduo it has benzoil perozide and whatever Retin-A is in it. It's awesome!

At night I use a Glycolic acid face wash from Jan Marini. You can get it cheaper on ebay.

At night I also use an antioxidant face cream from Revale. It's expensive, but has won awards and every woman in my dermatologist's office uses it. Again, look on ebay to find it cheaper.

Oh and please excuse my right eye in those pictures, it had decided to go off and party the night before those pictures, and is actually still misbehaving and partying all night long! It looks terrible!

Eagerly awaiting the mail!

Because I knew that our picture CD from Now and Then Photography would be in my mailbox one day this week! Lisa is awesome as I have said before, here are a few more pictures that I love! I can't wait to put them in frames all over my house. They are beautiful, funny and bring out the best in each one of us! Thanks again Lisa!

Date Night!

We had a Mom/Bowen, Dad/Laine date night last Saturday! Jonathan had the idea and it was great! He said we needed to spend some alone time with each of the kids once in a while so we are starting a family tradition!

Bowen got to choose what he wanted to do, I know that's a little risky with a 4 year old but I thought he chose well. We went to eat at Chili's and the went bowling. His first choice was Putt-Putt but it was raining so we had to have a plan B. BTW, Bowen beat me.

Laine and Jonathan went with the surprise date. Jonathan took Laine to the Italian Inn and then they ventured over to the Miniature horse show at Will Rogers. Laine loved it and at one point I actually received video of mini horses pulling regular sized people in carts. Wow. They had a blast.

What's up???????

Friends I am tired. If you don't know my schedule, I get up at 5:00 on MWF to go and workout at the Y, on Thursday I get up at 5:30 and workout at home. Tuesday is my day to sleep in. I teach 44 children constantly from 9:40-3:40 on MWF with only a lunch break and no assistant. Now, if you think that is complaining, it's not! I cannot even begin to explain how much better I like my job this year! I might even love it sometimes (shhh don't tell anybody)! But it makes me tired to the BONE.

Today I received a note from a parent that went something like this:

Mrs Williams:

Please excuse Ann from PE today she is still trying to get over a couch. If you have any questions please call me.

Thanks,

Mrs. Ann

Yes, Mrs. Ann I have a question...is a couch so hard to get over that you kid can't play 4 square? I mean it's just cushions and stuff! HA! That one really cracked me up!

Laine and Bowen had their first soccer game on Saturday! Laine did a great job she even scored a goal! Bowen and his team basically chased the ball kicked a couple of times before it went out of bounds. They will improve but he sure was cute!

Family Pictures!

Lisa Woods of Now and Then Photography did an awesome photo shoot for us the other day in Fort Worth. We were near the ghetto which totally suits our style, check them out:

You will have to scroll down a bit to see a sneak peek!

http://www.nowandthenphotography.com/blog/

I can't say enough about the greatness of these pictures, Lisa captured the essence of our family!

Laine Emory follow-up

Let's see, Laine is doing MUCH better! Thank You Lord! The day after I wrote the last Laine post I went to school and cried to the school counselor and told her everything Laine had said. She pulled Laine out of class and visited with her and even got her own daughter out of class so that they could have a little play time together and feed Heather's fish (our girls are in the same class). The following day I talked to Laine's teacher and let her know what Laine was feeling and she said she would keep an eye on her for me. Ever since then Laine has had good days, even some great days. We have had to have some lessons. First is keeping her hands to herself, being her PE teacher I have an eye in the sky and I notice that Laine is always touching and sometimes (most) is it unwanted. She has to learn that is not helping her in the gaining friends area if she in annoying people (I promise that is not how I put it to her :) ). Then we told her she has to work on being tough. This is at home and at school. If Bowen pushes or bites her she cries. We told her to push him back. Don't let him boss you around. Same thing at school, if someone is purposefully being mean don't cry and be pitiful...but what to say back... any suggestions? I don't want to teach her to be mean back but a snappy retort of some type would be perfect. Comments please...

Created in art today...

Just thought I'd lighten the mood on the blog a little! Bowen should feel awkward if he goes around with his mouth looking like that all the time!

PS:I talked with the school counselor today and have a teacher conference tomorrow. That stuff is weird when you teach AT the school your child attends. AND Laine had a good day today. I'll update after the conference.

Laine Emory

Oh my heart is breaking tonight friends. I had a gut feeling. It started before today but today sealed the deal. This morning I asked Laine if her friends were excited that she got bunnies. She told me she wasn't sure because when she told everyone they didn't really say anything. Guys, this girl is ecstatic about these bunnies. I would imagine she told the entire class about them. Then I decided to watch her at recess today when I had a little break. She went from group to group never really staying for long. Never really finding a game to play. In fact at one point I watched her walk up to a group of kids and talk to them and they all eventually ran off. That's when I knew things weren't going well for her. SO we talked with her tonight after supper about school and friends. And Laine feels left out. Laine feels like people don't like her. Laine even said she doesn't really like going to school because of the friend thing as she called it.

If you don't know Laine she is quite possibly the happiest child ever. She is never disrespectful, never mean. Rarely in a bad mood. She has a personality of her own and if teachers at her school were to describe her they would say she is "just Laine" because there is no one else like her. I never knew that until she became school age and I became her PE teacher. I don't want this year to break her spirit. I don't want school to become a place she doesn't want to be. Please God, let this be a beginning of school thing and PLEASE let her find some good friends in her class. My heart! It hurts!

Always,Sometimes, Never

I saw this on Annalee's blog and thought it was a cute idea and it gets me blogging more too! (Oh and if anyone can give a tutorial on how to make someones name a link to their blog I'd be much obliged because I can't figure it out because I guess I'm stupid)

Always
I always wear a watch I mean 24 hours a day I NEVER take it off. That means it's fancy.

I always do and put up all my laundry at once.

I always fix supper during the week.

I always go to the doctor as soon as I feel a little bit sick.

I always cry when I get really mad.

I always smile when my children walk into the room

Sometimes

I sometimes get tickled when Bowen gags and barfs for some strange reason, sometimes I get mad.

Sometimes I wish Bowen was still a mamma's boy.

Sometimes I wish I didn't have to work.

I sometimes think I've turned my kids into me. They automatically want a list of what we are going to do and then what is going to come next! Imagine me, liking that!

Sometimes I still get a large Diet Coke extra ice at Sonic happy hour even though I'm not supposed to.

Sometimes I still look at my kids and get teary eyed at how incredibly beautiful and smart they are.

Never

I am never too patient.

Never will you find me in bed past 9:00

I will never tell your secrets.

I will never go to bed without brushing my teeth or washing my face

I could never drink too much water

I would have never guessed I would be a runner.

I am never not reading a book or listening to a book on my ipod.

I can't even...oh stop looking at me you're making me cry

Yesterday these guys drove off in three cars and a U-haul to Abilene. Meredith told me not to be sad that she would be back on Tuesday to sign the closing papers but then she cried when she hugged me so that wasn't fair at all. That's really all I can say on the topic at this moment because I'm crying right now and I have an eye appointment in 20 minutes and I don't need any more eye redness than I already have. I miss them madly. More posts on the topic to come.

Fun times at a fun wedding!

Me and the beautiful bride! I loved being able to be there a couple of days before the wedding and helping out and hanging out with Leslie's friends! We had such a great time.

Speaking of Leslie's friends here are two girls that I would steal I I got the chance! Erica and Kelley are SO much fun and the best is they love books as much as I do and the VERY best part is they are just as big Harry Potter nerds as I am (Leslie too) so it's great to get together with them and talk books and HP! They are awesome!

So, I am a proclaimed blog stalker and I got to meet two people's blog I stalk! Jenni who I check up on periodically was there she and her husband were super nice! And I'd like to give a shout out to Caleb for being the best usher ever!

http://jennibro.blogspot.com/

After the reception we had some major Rock Band fun over at Justin and Leslie's they threw a legit party! Over on the left you will notice one half of the Carlile crew yet another blog I stalk! Trey and Jenn were really a fun couple! Jonathan and I loved Justin and Leslie's friends!

Here is a picture of Bowen that I absolutely love! He got Mimi's camera and started taking pictures, pretty soon we see him taking off toward the front of the church where the amazing photographer was taking pictures. I started making my way up there to break that whole thing up because what professional photographer wants a 4 year old up in her area, well apparently this one! She just let him step right in front of her and snap a pic! Too funny!

Cute family pic!

We cannot ever express how much fun we had with Justin Leslie and and all their friends while we were there in Jasper! It was such a blessing to get to experience that with them!

Cutest girl in the world!

Before:

After:





Side shots:

A couple of nights ago Laine and I were looking at pictures of updos for the wedding. She saw a little girl with a bob and a cute barrette, she said she wanted that hairdo! So, we looked at some more styles and she saw another little girl with a swing bob and she said that is the style I want for the wedding! So that is what she got! I think it's the cutest thing ever!

That Blake she's at it again!

Today I watched Blake while Meredith went to get her hair did. The first thing we did after naptime was play Bakugan. She told me it was a lame baby game and that we needed to do some big girl stuff pronto.

A little make-up always helps

Blush, blue eyeshadow and lipstick were her demands for an afternoon of dancing.

There, ready to party down

Now for the party look: high heels and a cool purse are a must for all party girls.

Next thing I know Blake had her some rockin accessories on including earrings! How did that girl get her ears pierced? Her mom is going to kill me!

All that's left now is to party down! I like that Boom Boom Pow!

I've dove lots of things and I haven't blogged about any of them!

That's because I've hardly been in town long enough to unpack my suitcase and breathe a second much less type a blog! Whew!

Vegas was fabulous! Here are some of my favorite Vegas things:

*The Venetian

* Blue Man Group

* walking the strip everyday (take tennis shoes when you go)

* looking, and looking and looking and always seeing something new

* being there with someone who knows the ropes, thanks Mom!

When I left I decided to take a figurine with me and take pictures of him at different landmarks in Las Vegas so Laine and Bowen would have something fun to see from my trip. I sent them from my phone.

Thank Goodness the kids didn't see us have to get Batman out of this wee spot of trouble :)