Aidan Scott

What can I say about this little man? Oh so much! Aidan unlike his sister was NOT a surprise. We planned him except we did not know he would be a HE. We were told more then once that he was a SHE! Before the doctor could say "its a boy" my husband and I quote said "What? Thats a penis!! Thats a penis!!" I (from a very foggy state) said "but, its a girl, they don't have penises."

So there we were with this perfect chubby little baby boy. Who came home to a lavender room with fairies and butterflies. We did change that though. Since then he has not only loved me and showed that love unlike no other male ever in my life. Such devotion and even wanted to marry me for a while. But also has turned my world upside down. I have to say I am girly, most of the time. I hate outside, (except the beach maybe) hate bugs, hate yuckiness. Aidan LOVES all of these, plus he is so prone to some how hurting himself. I think I do too though.



He of course has his down sides, he can be VERY whinny, and lazy. Not sure why but, he is. We are working on that. But, he is one of the most loving people I know. He excepts others without a thought. He loves living things and really wants to make the world an amazing place. I LOVE that about him. He is my boy and always will be. He reminds me of a small version of my husband and I love that. He is my Aidan.

Where did the time go????

So last week with GREAT intentions I planned on blogging about my favorite people until Christmas. I think that was about 4 or 5 blogs that I knew I would write about. However some sickness hit, then Christmas then I painted my bedroom and got caught up in my project. The project is my family history. So to say the least I am really doing this late but, couldn't just let it go. So with no more wait here is another one of my favorite people!

Favorite people....

Well, I got into a research project and never got to my post last night. More on the project later...


Onto my favorite things~ My little princess Kenna. When I found out I was pregnant I was surprised, scared, worried and so unsure of my future. I just knew I already loved her, from that very minute. She came into my life at a time when I was no where near prepared for a child and neither was her father. She came very quick it seemed, two weeks isn't really that early but, it was time. The cord was too short so I had to have an emergency c section. No time to react, kind of like the way I found out I was having her. I always loved my last name, it was a name that stood for so much in my life. I knew that would be her name, after me and boy did it fit! She was tiny, and sweet and looked just like me. We were so in love with her. Since then we have fallen harder every day. I loved taking naps with her and cuddling with her and watching her become the sweet, silly little girl she is. She is everything I wish I was. She is so kind, forgiving and passionate about everything. I hope she is always like this. She makes all my awful feelings disappear and can always touch my heart and bring a smile to my face. She is one of my very best friends and I hope we will always be as close as we are now. Through thick and thin, good and bad and all through our lives. I love you moo moo ; )

These are a few of my favorite things

I just love that Christmas song. It always brings a smile to my face. In the spirit of the season I have decided to blog about some of my favorite things.....or should I say people. They are in no random order just things I absolutely love and can not live with out. Or wouldn't want to live without. So each day until Christmas I will choose one thing or person ; ) to blog about.

Oklahoma Sunsets

When I first moved to Oklahoma 9 years ago I hated it. Everything about it I hated. There were many reasons for my hatred but, one think I did love was the sunsets here. The sunrises are also amazing. I just happen to be in the kitchen cleaning up dinner tonight when I looked out to see one of the colorful sunsets. The pinks were so vibrant I had to drop everything and go right outside to take some pictures. I really wanted to share them with you. Although the view only lasted about 5 minutes or so they were perfect. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

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'Tis the Season!

Ahhh, it is such a wonderful time of year. The smells, the sights and the sounds. I can't get enough. We have been so busy with school activities and other such things that we have yet to decorate a tree and put up the decorations. Luckily today we will be doing so and to top it off we are off to see Scrooge at Sooner Theaters here in Norman.
Usually I have taken Kenna to see something festive there but, this year I thought I would add the boys to the mix. When I saw the ad for Scrooge I thought was a great way to share with the men in my life. lol. So this afternoon we will be taking Aidan to his first ever play. Strange to think it has take us this long. He is almost 6. But, better late then never. RIght now we are waiting for the tree to fall and I am super excited to decorate. Pics to come soon. Remember to vote the blog on Mommyblogs!

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Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It is not only a reminder that winter is on the way and Christmas is right around the corner. It is a time when I remember some of the good times as a little girl, when I remember how blessed I am. I get so caught up in the woe is me sometimes that I forget how I am blessed everyday. I have two healthy, happy children. I have a husband that I am still in love with and who is in love with me. Nowadays that is not so common. I have a career I have dreamed about for so long.
I am thankful for all of this and more. Today I will not be negative, or think of what things could be or what I am missing. I will enjoy my time with my children and husband and have a fun, memorable day. Hope you all enjoy this great time with the ones you love.

Shutterfly Holiday Photo Cards 2010

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. With the wonderful fun comes the other things....shopping, fighting crowds and dealing with the commercialism of the Holidays. Shutterfly changes all of that. Their new holiday card collection for 2010 is amazing,http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards. Not only are there hundreds of designs and layouts they make it so easy to make in minutes and order right in time to mail out. I have a ton of friends and family plus co workers and neighbors I give cards to. Every year I want to send something that will cover the whole of the season, and this year Shutterfly has helped me.

With in ten minutes I had my cards finished. I was able to narrow my search for the "perfect" card down by format, number of pictures, price, color, holiday or season and paper size, type and even Designer. Some of the designers they feature include: Fresh Lemonade, Stacy Claire Boyd, LIVESTRONG, and even Shutterfly's own personal designs. I personally chose one of the Shutterfly designs, it was just everything I could ask for. I was able to share 8 pictures of my cuties in a beautiful tree design. The name of the card I chose is the Picture Tree Christmas in a 4x8, and they also have 5x7s as well. So you may be asking cost, right? Because with this time of year comes the cost of everything it seems. Well, the more you order the less they are. This particular card starts at .55 cents for 12 and can go up to 225+ at .32 cents each. Not bad if you ask me. You can't really put a price on tradition and capturing the perfect moment between your loved ones. I know that I will be sticking with Shutterfly for next year as well. I have NEVER been dissatisfied as a customer and I have enjoyed making gifts and photo books for family and myself. Wish I could share my card with ya but you will just have to wait to you get it in the mail... Thanks Shutterfly!!

Fall........it is sometimes a time of year that may be thought to be sad, or dull. But some of the beauty of the season is the colors of the ending of summer. Here are some pictures I took today. I plan to take some more tomorrow. I just use a plain old camera with no special lenses. I just love capturing the moment.

Fall is officially here...

Fall was not always one of my favorite times of year. Although I have always loved the beginning of the school year and Halloween and of course my favorite Thanksgiving. Growing up in the North East, the winter on the way made me not so happy. I hated the long, long winter at times. Not completely but, not so often either. Now living here in the middle of the country, it is beautiful and I love the on again off again great weather.

With that said, we are having a very small Thanksgiving dinner this year. It does beat the ones where it was just me and the kids because Danny was on shift at the department. So we are going to make some crafts, eat some amazing food, let the kids help and maybe watch some good movies. I am really looking forward to this one.

On the other hand, Kenna had a Sock Hop at her school this week. It was VERY focused on raising money and they have tons so it wasn't as fun as we would have liked. However, we did make the most and enjoyed the first hour. I decided that I would make her a Poodle skirt,

one that was NOT felt. I think it turned out pretty good. Let me know what you think, let me know what you think of the pictures.

Upcycled T shirt Dress

Since the weather is getting cooler and my children can not wear shorts anymore. I went through my daughters clothes yesterday. Got rid of a ton of things. I didn't realize how many t shirts my daughter had and how many had stains or where so worn out that I couldn't really donate them or save them. So I decided to upcycle them and make a t shirt dress.... Here is the results. I didn't really like it at first but, she loved it and when I finally saw it on her I decided it was pretty cute. Let me know what you think. It's my first one....

Halloween fun!!

I just love Halloween. The idea you can dress up as anything you want for one day or more and be something you could never be is just magical. My daughter is very insistent that she wear a 'homemade' costume which keeps me VERY busy this time of year. However, I love her enthusiasm and the fact that she is so original. Two years ago she had us all dressed as the Addams Family, and last year she was a genie, but, she focuses on details. She was Medusa this year. My son on the other hand is easier but, still likes homemade if possible. He was super easy this year. He was a skeleton. I found a sweat shirt at Walmart that had the skeleton graphics on the front and a hood that zipped over his face. I did make the pants but, they didn't take much.

I was a sweet, nice witch, who loves a little evil. lol. Here are some pictures....

Swagbucks!

Just found this amazing site called swagbucks. If you are not already aware of it it is a great way to earn free (YES I SAID FREE) items. All you do is set up an account and start earning. No credit cards, No fees, No address needed! You email is NOT given out. All you do is use their search engine when searching and you earn points. There are tons of other ways to earn. When you have earned 450 SB you get a free $5 gift card to places like Amazon. All can be done online, so its easy and fun. Swagbucks uses Google and Ask anyway when searching. It is just a great way to earn notice for them. Why not enjoy yourself and reap the benefits! Here is my account if you would like to check it out.

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/erin310

Disney Plans!

So we are planning our 2nd Disney World trip next spring. We LOVE the world and can not wait to go back. So the first time we went, I wanted to make the most for the least amount of money. I brought lots of little toys and goodies for the kids to choose from, (cut down on spending), I sent food and Disney type snacks. I also got Disney t shirts for the whole family on clearance online so we could all match. They say if you match you get chosen for certain things. Well its true! We were chosen to sit in the VIP section of the Lights, Motor, Action show and it rocked!!!

I have been doing my usual research when I find the time and found this great blog here is a link,

http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/

I love this Disney t shirt idea. Easy, inexpensive and very versatile. Can't wait to try it. I'll post pics when ready and I will share more Disney goodies soon!!

Another LONG break...

I have not been blogging because I did not have a computer. I hate being so dependent on a machine but, my God I missed having one. We went all out and finally got a Mac. How happy we are! I am not sure how to use this thing completely yet. Although I did take two classes in college on them. But, I will figure it all out. Danny on the other had has been a pain in the %#@! He is so frustrated by computers and gets mad at me for not knowing what he is trying to do. I'll have to put everything in a youtube tutorial and hope he watches. lol. Glad to be back. Missed this.

Dollar Tree Fun!!

So if you are anything like me you LOVE finding amazing things at a VERY low price. Of course one of my favorite places is the Dollar Tree. I love a place you can get so many different types of items for such a cheap price. I have found at times (although rare) that similar items can be found else where for a better price...like maybe Walmart or Target.

I recently found a great blog which you may already know about. Here is the link http://www.dollarstorecrafts.com/ I can't stay away! I haven't had a chance to start any of the projects but, can't wait to get into some of them.

Here are a few of my favorites so far...http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2010/08/paint-your-clothes/, So cool and I want one!

I really want one of these for my classroom....http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2010/07/make-a-pouf-from-throw-rugs/

And here is one that every little girl would love...

http://http//dollarstorecrafts.com/2010/05/make-a-blingy-chandelier/

When I make something I will post a tutorial...looking forward to being creative = )

So as you can see wow! LOVE IT! Got to check it out if you like to make crafts and save money.... Lots more I didn't post there.

teaching

So the school year has begun and I find myself having almost no time for this blog. I don't like when that happens. This school year has been very different this year so far. For one, I am now a 1st grade teacher and I am working with a new team. I was so blessed and lucky to work with my Kindergarten team last year. Each and everyone of them taught me so much about teaching and team work. I hope I bring that to my new team and that we get to know each other just as well.

I do have some familiar faces in my room again. It is really nice to have a few of my old students from last year. I am learning every day what first graders are like and what needs they have. I am excited to watch them grow this year. It is just a rough beginning. But, here I go!!

Found a Great Blog with amazing Kids stuff!!

So as I was browsing the Internet last night I found this great blog. Chez Beeper Bebe has some really cute things such as projects, etsy and recipes. I decided to click on the link to "Cool Kiddo Things". I immediately fell in love. Not only was I able to make my own superhero (and boy was she amazing!!) but, there were so many different sites listed that my kids loved. You can print out vintage paper dolls, paint, read about arts and crafts and many many more options. I highly recommend! Here is a link. Check it out! And that is not an order its a demand ; )
www.chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/

Way too long!

It feels like an eternity since I have blogged! This will not be a very long post but, I will be posting soon with pictures and stories of our trips to Ireland (!!!) and New Jersey. Tons of fun on both parts but, when we returned too much was going on. So much actually that I have not had enough time to blog. I am now a 1st grade teacher, not a kindergarten one any more. Not the most happy however, I am excited to work with my new team and to have some new experiences. This is how we grow and learn right? I may even get some of my old kiddo's back. That would be great! lol. Well maybe...

While we are talking kids, Kenna and Aidan are good. I am ready for them to head back to school. They were spoiled rotten on vacation and need a little reality check. Kenna is heading into 3rd grade! Can't believe she is half way through elementary school and Aidan is going to be a kindergartener! WOW! My baby boy is also growing up. They are driving each other CRAZY!! In return me and their father as well. I know they will occasionally fight but, my goodness lately it is like cats and dogs in this house. I will soon be posting some of my favorite crafts and ideas that I have worked on all summer. Gosh I have missed blogging = )

New License...

So today I spent over 3 hours getting a new licence. Here is my back story. The other day, I realized that my licence expired and I had to wait till Tuesday because of the holiday weekend to go for a new one. I went to the tag agency to get one with my birth certificate and they informed me (after looking over my birth certificate for at least 5 minutes) that it is not a state issued bc but, a city bc. Ok, I didn't know that you needed a state bc. I was told to then go to the department of safety here in Norman. I soon find out they are closed for the day. Was not told at the tag agency. So today I go, and have to take a number, I am told that it will be at least 3 hours. 3 HOURS!!!!! What in the world are they doing??? There were only 17 other people in the waiting room, and they were on number 272 and I was 299. You do the math. After 3 hours of waiting with some of Norman's finest, and patient and not so patient residence. (It is amazing what some people will do after waiting 4 hours to be waited on). I am then called! YEAH finally!!! When I go up to the desk the only worker (a woman) tells me I am the cutest thing. Well, thanks I guess. At this point I have wasted my day. Not really wanting compliments. She then looks at my passport and says I have to sign some paper work and then go BACK to the tag agency. Yup, all they needed to do here was check to make sure my passport was real. I am at a loss at this point. I tell the woman that it was easier to get my passport then a new licence. I can leave the country but, can't drive in Oklahoma. She informs me that I live in one of the safest state in America because they are very strict with their IDs. It all has to do with the Merrell Bombing. For some reason I find this a little hard to believe considering my husband is a fireman and a paramedic and he see's tons at work plus, I hear on the news all the time about identity theft. So after all this I finally got my new licence and hate the pic. Stuck with a pissed off look on my face for the next 4 years. Oh, well. 4 more days till I leave for a very long vacation. Counting down!

Walmart

With this topic, I could probably write or type for a very long time. So many things to say about this place. I tried to boycott for a long time however, my budget sent me back. Why am I mentioning this strange yet interesting place where I can save a little bit more on food? Well, I have to go there today. Not looking forward to this trip at all. I find that since I have been on my summer break I have been going double the amount I was during the school year. Why do I despise going here? Well, I feel like I have stepped into some strange twilight zone. Ok, not all the people there are that bad, hey I shop there. lol. However, the staff and a majority of the clientele are so creepy. I have to say I have considered posting some of my sightings on that website people of walmart. But, really it is not my place to post someones picture who is just going about their day. Maybe they think the same of me. Why am I being so judgemental? Not really sure. It might be that I get a real strange anxiety every time I go shopping here. On the other hand I LOVE visiting Target. Maybe I'll stop there today. Not sure if there is enough time. If interested check out the walmart site. Some very interesting peoplehttp://www.peopleofwalmart.com!

4th of July

Maybe its just me but, it doesn't feel like the 4th of July. It is kinda rainy here and not much going on in the Attaway household. Except that I am doing laundry, cleaning and taking care of children's needs. There are just some chores that never go away, that never let up. For example: dishes, even with a dish washer they are always there! Laundry, don't get me started. As a matter of fact I happen to still be in PJs because I had no clothes to wear today. Hopefully soon...But, what are our plans today? Well we are headed to a friends house for some good food, good drinks and great company. Maybe some swimming for the kids. Maybe some fireworks. I am still contemplating if I want to keep them up till after 10 to watch fireworks. I know it only happens once a year but, keeping two kids happy till 9:45 and patient is my least favorite part of this wonderful holiday.

So what is my favorite part of the 4th? I love: being with family and friends, bbqing and hanging out near a pool or other body of water, listening to the excitement of children (especially my own) over all the fun like fireworks, and water balloons and popsicle's. I love the fact that its summer and I am just enjoying life. I love all the memories of this holiday, not one that I can think of is bad. Going to the shore and watching the fireworks from the AC beach. I also remember going out in Elizabeth and watching fireworks on a cement slab of some sort. Being with family, lots of cousins. Eating my grandmothers famous potato salad, macaroni salad and beans. Getting Italian ice and running around in my bathing suit, all while smacking at the mosquito's. Playing with sparklers and not worrying someone was going to get hurt. And of course I LOVE that I have the freedom to enjoy all of this. To be free to say what I think, read what I think, worship how I wish, and write what I want without censoring myself. I am grateful for all the men and women who have fought to keep this freedom alive. It is a great feeling, and I love the 4th weather I am cleaning or hanging out by the pool. It is a day to celebrate being an American.

VERY FIRST BLOG!!

What up? Maybe you are wondering Why am I starting a blog. Like I have nothing else going on in my life. Well, I am trying something new. I need a place to vent, a place I can share my interests, thoughts, and maybe a joke or two.

So, onto this coming week:
We leave for the East Coast on the 12th and I am very excited! On the 14th we (and I mean Danny and I! Yup- NO KIDS!) are headed to Ireland!!!!!! I can not express the joy I am feeling right now....well maybe I can. I never imagined that 1. Danny and I would take a week long trip with out kids any time soon. 2. That we would be leaving the country. 3. That we wouldn't have to worry who they are with and what they are doing!

So of course with joy there comes some worries, right? I am a mother and I've got too much to think about. Are they going to be good, and they going to miss me too much. Are they going to be able to wait to see us and still follow all the "rules" I have supplied for them. Oh Boy, maybe I am a little more worried then I originally thought. Four days with Diane, (grandma, their great grandmother) and five with Matt and Karin and of course cute little Ava. Some of the things I am thinking about:
Will they be spoiled too much
Will Aidan behave and actually listen
Will Aidan eat
Will Kenna get completely out of control and not calm down when asked
Will they go to bed at night without too much trouble
Will Kenna boss her brother and pick on him
I guess I could go on but, for now I will not.

I have too much else to think about and do. This week I am completing a few projects. Yup, I have started making things, dolls (ugly dolls), clothing, and tutu's. I also have to prep for a garage sale on Saturday. Not sure why I am doing this at this point but, here I am thinking of it right now. I also have tutoring for Kenna, Zumba, Zumba and more Zumba. Play date on Tuesday, shopping and multiple calls to prep for out trip. I also am worried about Beemer. Is he going to be ok? Is he going to eat? Our dog does NOT do well when we are away. Well for now I am going to stop worrying and enjoy the rest of the evening.