One down...36 to go!

This was my first week back to school. Compared to previous years, this has to be my favorite first week of school to date. I can't believe I am saying that considering my condition...

Monday, I got to school about 6:40 to prepare for my new students. I begin to feel sick, (achy, sore throat, head ache) but I thought it was just my nerves. Throughout the day, I felt worse and worse. I thought...this CAN'T be happening (all you teachers out there know, the first day of school is the MOST important day of the year). I needed to make a good impression, but all I wanted to do was put my head on my desk.

Tuesday, I woke up without a voice...I mean, NO voice. WHAT???? Are you kidding me? How am I supposed to go over procedures and teach with no voice? Well, to answer the questions...you don't, but somehow I managed to get everything I wanted to do accomplished.

Wednesday, a little better, but not great.
Thursday, no change.
Today, a little better.

Somehow, I made it. Plus, I think I made a positive impact on the students, taught my procedures, and even started in on my mini-lessons. My students are SO sweet. For the first time in a couple of years, I feel like they act like true 5th graders.

12 month check-up

I was SO disappointed because I left my camera in the car. Needless to say, I don't have any pics from Ava's doctor's appointment--it was memorable. This was the first time that she climbed all over the furniture and was into everything. While waiting on the doc, she fell hard on the rolly chair and got a BIG bruise on her left cheek.

The doc said that everything looked great with Peanut. She is 22 lbs 15 ounces (70th percentile). She is 29.5 inches tall (62nd percentile). We were concerned about the shots; however, our doctor eased our fears and Ava Grace will get the MMR in December at her 15 month check-up. Today, she received three shots--all of which she has had before. We were able to discuss our concerns about Ava's picky eating. I think I have some answers and obviously she's not hurting! All in all, it was a good visit.

Here's a couple of stats on our little girl:
Sleeps from 7:15 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. (it's SO nice!)
Eats 4 bottles of Organic Whole Milk (no more formula or breast milk)
Eats 3 meals a day (if you want to call it that)
Loves Baby Cheetos (Gerber Graduates) I like them, too!
LOVES to hug!
Points at lights
Says "UH-OH"
Climbs on anything she can find!
Pretends she's talking on the phone with anything that resembles a phone (ex. tongue depressor at the Dr.'s office)
Loves her baby dolls
Dances to music
Plays copycat
Loves books
Opens and shuts cabinet doors, doors, her book case (open, close, open, close, open...for some reason, she always leaves it open!)
She has 6 cutters (They are stinkin' sharp.)
Walks like a pro!
Just as sweet as she can be!

Getting Ready

It's that time again and I am really getting excited. I will be meeting a lot of my students tonight at "Meet the Teacher Night." I am looking forward to this year for many reasons, but one major reason is that I have a new classroom. The past four years of my teaching career, I have been in the smallest classroom at the school. I was in the smallest at Horn Lake and I have been in one of the smallest here in Fort Smith. It is really hard teaching 28 big fifth graders in such a tiny space. This year, I am in the largest classroom at our school! I am pumped. My classroom theme again this year is "Smileys and Polka Dots" (no particular reason, except that it's cute). I am proud to say that I made the curtains. But I must say, I had a little bit of "expert" help. Here are some pics of my massive new classroom!!! All it's missing is the kids!

They Say It's Your Birthday!

Tonight, we went out to celebrate Ava Grace's actual birthday. First, we went to eat--Ava Grace tried three mini desserts. Yum!!! She loved it!

Next, we went to a place that Ava and her daddy go to some Fridays...Pet Co (or...The Poor Man's Zoo as we like to call it).

Ava Grace is 12 months old!

Our little girl is 12 months old or 1 year old...whatever you want to call it. We laugh when people say, "My child is 27 months old." When is it okay just to say, "My kid is two"?  This is the last picture we will take with Lamby.  They have been fun, but also a pain. I can't believe she is a year old. Wow, this has been an incredible year. Tonight, Graham, Ava Grace, and I will have a family party. We are going to offer her a little more cake and ice cream and spend time with one another. Two years ago August 13th was just another day. Now, it will be a day of celebration! I love it!!!

Happy Birthday, Ava Grace!

Happy Birthday Peanut! A year ago today, at 12:27 p.m., you came into the world. You have been such a wonderful addition to our family. This time last year, we were meeting you for the first time; now we couldn't imagine our lives without you in it! As I write this post, I am reminded of your birth day. I was a little out of it, considering I was strapped to a table and numb from the neck down, but I will never forget your sweet face looking at me. I had tediously prepared for your arrival, making sure that every detail was taken care of before you came. I was so excited that the day you were to be born, I got up around 3:30 a.m. and I read my Bible, watered the yard, and cleaned up the one or two specks of dust I left during my nesting period. I wanted everything to be perfect for you. Nothing would prepare me for the overwhelming task of parenting ahead of me, but I was so consumed with my immediate love for you that it didn't matter. I love you so much. You have filled my life with so much joy!



Lord, You are so gracious. Thank You for this little precious gift. Help and guide us as we raise this little one. I pray that she will come to know You and fear You. I pray that You will protect her and keep her safe. I pray that You will be the desire of her heart. We love you Lord. This child has given me a small glimpse of your love for us!

Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds. Psalm 66:5

Ladybug Birthday Party

Whew! The party is over, but it sure was fun! Ava Grace was a little doll at her party. I could tell that she had a blast. I was so pleased with everything, especially the cake. When I went to pick it up, it read: "Happy 1st Birthday Ava Trace." I even spelled it out for the lady when I ordered it. I about died when I first saw it, but they fixed it with no problem. Here are a ton of pictures from AG's big day. They aren't in any particular order. Also, check out the video at the end of the post of Ava Grace eating her cake.

Ava Grace's First Birthday from Leslie Hale on Vimeo.

Fashion Queen!

Had to post this cute outfit.