#picadayfriday Has Returned!

Alas, it returns!!! Today marks the official end of the second week of school for me and the second week of preschool for Chloe. Two things are certain: we are both dog tired and we have both met a lot of amazing young people. :)
Being back in a normal routine also means the return of daily "daddy" pictures. Each morning on the way out the door, Chloe poses for a picture for her daddy. We started taking morning pictures last year when Rusty was traveling a lot and not getting to see his little girl much. Now, it's just engrained in Chloe's little brain. "I HAVE to take a "pipure" for daddy or he will be sad, mommy!"  Long story short, you can expect to see a few "daddy" pictures each week, for sure. I'll try to spare you as much as possible.
Without adieu, here is our week in pictures...

Friday:

Rusty finds this funny. Me, not so much. Chloe has gotten so tall that I now have to stand on her step stool to be tall enough to do her hair. I officially have short girl problems. :/ 

Saturday:

We took Chloe out to eat some Mexican food for lunch. I looked up from my menu and she just looked so cute sitting there pretending to read her menu. 

Sunday:

Swing 'yer pardner roun' and roun' ... We took a quick, like maybe less than 24 hour trip, to Emory last weekend to mow for Mamaw. Rusty forgot an "I'm going outside to get dirty kind of shirt," so he went looking in the closet to see what might be there that he could wear...and found this beaut.  Size 16, $2 thrift store tag, and complete with shoulder pads and leather fringe.  I mean really, it was a no brainer. I HAD to try it on! I don't know about you, but I think it does AMAZING things for my waistline!

Monday:

Our pretty little chef. She's so cute I could just eat her up!

Tuesday:

We started our week off HAPPY! She was excited to get up and go play with her friends! YAYAYAYAYAY!

Wednesday:

These gorgeous girls have been staring at me all day at work. Chloe must have found this in my desk drawer. Oh how I miss their sweet smiles.

Thursday:

Well, it's not a picture, but it's pretty stinkin' cute. Last week, the color of the week was red. They learned this cute song, and it's been stuck in all of our heads ever since.

Friday:

These beauties shipped today! Picture this: you log in to your Just Fab account only to find out that you have credit to spend. CREDIT!!! Like, English for FREE SHOES! See that invoice?!? I got $80 in shoes for a total of $0! I'm pretty excited to get my new red pumps, for sure, and now I'm also super anxious for some cooler weather so I can sport the new boots.

That's all I got for now, folk. Have a super fabulously great weekend!

Lori

#picadayfriday May 31-June 6

What an exciting week we have had! It all started with Chloe's dance recital on Saturday. This week was also the last week of school, Chloe said bye bye to her paci three weeks earlier than planned, and today is the last day that Chloe will be staying with Jakki...ever. I must say of all the big events and changes this week, her leaving Jakki is by far the most emotional. We wont' go there right now though. After three years with her, it's just too emotionally draining to think about.

Now, on to the fun part!

 

Saturday:

On Saturday, Rusty and I along with Chloe's closest family watched our baby girl have her dancing debut. I must say, she really was the cutest thing ever. Just look at her; so beautiful! Here is her tap performance, too!

Sunday:

After Chloe's recital on Saturday, we headed out to Arlington to meet Dusty, Kori, and the girls for the Daryl Dodd concert. It was a late night, and we were all pretty tired when we got home. So, on Sunday, we sat around, did laundry, and truly, not much else. Everyone needs a lazy day here and there. And, if you know Duke, you know being lazy is his number one hobby. I let him stay inside and be lazy with us all day long.  As you can see, he truly appreciated me. 

 

Monday:

Well rested, and ready to start the week! Little did she know what awaited her on that day. Rusty took her pacis away that night! Like, for good!

 Tuesday:

Both Tuesday and Wednesday I tried super hard to keep Chloe busy. I figured the busier we were, the less time she had to think about her long gone pacis.  We met Kelly and Kadence at the park both nights.  It worked like a charm! There were no tears, no whining...nothing! She was paci free all day and at bed time!

 

    Wednesday:

 Rotten. Just rotten.

 Thursday:

While at Walmart, Chloe spotted the princess fishing poles. Needless to say, we didn't walk away without one.  #justlikeherdaddy

 Friday:

Sweet Bittersweet Friday. Today is Chloe's last day staying with Jakki. There have been many a tear shed over this.  I've been trying to prepare Chloe for this, but I don't think she really understands.  We got Jakki a gift card last night for some pampering, and Chloe wanted to write Jakki's name on the envelope.   She's really growing up way too fast!

 

There you have it! Next week's pictures will stocked full of week one of summer fun! I can guarantee lots of water play and lazy day pictures!

Till next time,

Lori

Fun Facts and #picadayfriday

Yesterday, I was blog stalking some of my kiddos in class. Yes, I actually read their blogs; all 90 of them! Anyways, one of my sweet girls wrote a little fun facts list about herself. When I got to numbers 13 and 14, I literally laughed out loud. See for yourself why...

Then I got to thinking. Isn't this the true definition of success as a teacher?? I mean, your goal should never be to be the favorite teacher, just to be the favorite teacher. You want your students to like you for the right reasons, not because you act like their friend.  More than anything though, you want your students to respect you. That's such a fine line to walk. If you're too friendly, the respect goes away.  If you're too strict and "mean" as they would put it, they have no respect for you either.  Simply put, I sincerely loved reading number 13 and 14 because it tells me that I am likable but still respected. Success is mine! Now, I can retire. In honor of my sweet girl who made my day, and knowing that she and many other of my students read my blog, I thought I would do a top 10 fun facts list today before the #picadayfriday fun begins.  Who knows, maybe you'll learn something new about me. Here it goes...

 

1. It took me five years to graduate college because I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life, but when I finally did, I graduated first in my class with honors.

2. Mere months from college graduation, I told my mom I didn't want to use my degree, so I enrolled in the masters program, and went to college for a sixth year.

3. My favorite musicians are New Kids on the Block, Pitbull, and Kenny Chesney.

4. I have a favorite student. Don't ever let teachers tell you they don't. They're lying. ;P (Disclaimer: I also have lots and lots of first runners up!)

5. I want to open a car wash...and a cheer gym.

6. I gained 49 whopping pounds when I was pregnant with Chloe.  After I had Chloe, I lost 55 pounds.

7. Tori Spelling is and always will be my favorite celebrity ever.

8. I didn't take my first airplane ride until I was 23 years old. Chloe was only three months old when she took her first ride.

9. I don't have any tattoos and never will. My likes and dislikes change with the moon. I know I would regret it.

10.  I'm a crier. My kids think I'm rough and tough, but I'm a crier. I cried today actually when I medaled my cheerleaders that are going to high school. Like ugly, can't get through my speech cry.

11. My favorite person to follow on Twitter is Donnie Wahlberg. #purepositiveinspiration (He's also my favorite New Kid.)

 

There ya have it.  I even gave you an extra one for the road.  Did you learn anything new??

 

Now, on to #picadayfriday.  This week has been a busy one. It all started with the three day weekend and ended with two back to back nights of recital rehearsals until 8pm. Tomorrow is the big day!!! I'll have lots of recital pictures to post next week!

Saturday: 

What better to do while the gas is pumping than take mommy/Chloe selfies?

Sunday: 

It was a fight to take a nap. Her final request before submitting to sleep was "l want Wookie to go nite nite wif me." What can I say...AND, it worked! Here's a picture from her baby monitor. Yes, I still use a baby monitor. #dontjudge

Monday:

While scrolling through Twitter, I came across this. It made me ROFL. I know all my fellow English teachers can relate to this one. Mandi???  These kids really need to start writing their own essays. The teacher will always figure it out. #wearesmarterthanyou

Tuesday:

With Tuesday brought Mimi coming in the early morning hours to pick up Chloe for a three day rendezvous "grandma style." That pretty much equates to being spoiled rotten, having lots of fun, and eating candy with every meal. Here they are in downtown Dallas with my Mamaw, Chloe's great Mamaw.

Like a true sweetheart, she picked me a flower.

Wednesday:

On Wednesday, the spoiling continued when Chloe went to the zoo with her Mimi and Mamaw. Here they are on the monorail. I hear Mimi has lots of great pictures, but this is all I have.

 

Thursday: 

We reunited! After work, I met my mom and Chloe at the place Chloe is having her recital. It was night one of a two day rehearsal. Here she is holding hands with a little girl. I thought it was sweet. I have no idea who the other girl is, but they held hands forever!

Friday:

Night two of rehearsals was a dress rehearsal. She did fabulously. Here she is in the grand finale. I CAN'T WAIT FOR HER RECITAL TOMORROW!

 

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! There's only five days of school left in my neck of the woods!

 

Till next time,

 

Lori

Pic A Day Friday

Yes, I know, it's Tuesday. Let's just say Friday was a looonnnngggg and trying day.  I'm a teacher, it's May, there's 8 days left of school. Enough said, right?

Without adieu, here it goes...

Saturday:

Daddy was out of town, so I planned a mommy and Chloe day. We had a great time, just us girls. :)

 

 

Sunday:

I woke up to this gem Sunday morning. Some might get excited about this. I mean, it's my baby girl's third birthday for pete's sake! It actually made me kinda sad and a bit bummed out.  I don't want her to grow up. I don't want her to get older, bigger, and more independent. I want my toddler to be a toddler for forever! And, don't even get me started on big girl school. #notevergonnahappenpeople

 

Monday:

Ah,  Monday. You were no sweeter to me. Monday was greeted with my next countdown message. You see, Chloe has a slight addiction to her paci.  And, by slight, I mean extreme, over the top, heroine addict like addiction to her paci.  We've been telling her all year that on her third birthday she has to say bye bye to her paci. But, in return, she gets to make her own big girl Build a Bear, and when we go on vacation she gets to swim with the dolphins.  She's pretty darn excited about swimming with the dolphins, but honestly, I'm not looking forward to "Operation, Bye Bye Paci."  Besides her high chair, it's really all that's left of her baby stuff, and I know it's going to be hard on her....and Rusty and I. I think I'll be asking God to grant me lots of patience those first few days.  I know she and I both will be shedding a few tears.

Oh, and, to top off all this big girl action, my baby girl perfectly diapered her first baby without mommy's help! #stopgrowingup!

 

Tuesday:

Tuesday, sweet Tuesday brought with it dance pictures. Just look how adorable she looks! I even curled her hair!! We've worked for three long years to get her hair long enough to use a curling iron on. I won't mention that by the time we got to the dance studio, the curls were practically gone...or that she wouldn't smile for the photographer. We will just focus on how beautiful she  looks.

Wednesday:

On Wednesday, I mailed Chloe's third birthday invitations. Just look at these beauties!  Chloe is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse obsessed, and we will be having a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse extravaganza for her birthday....in a treehouse.  I must say, when it comes to her birthday, I tend to be a bit over the top. My two favorite parts of planning her birthday are the invites (no FB invites here, I like the real deal) and the birthday cake. Both must be over the top. With these invitations, her initial is on the mouse ears, and the invite actually slips into the red part Mickey Mouse head that has the buttons on it.  Both the mouse head and the invite are sewn, not glued, and the wording is as only Mickey himself would say it.  Love, love, LOVE these!  As for the cake, you'll just have to wait and see!!!

 

Thursday:

We ended our Thursday with a little playground fun. Rusty and Chloe had races to see who could climb the equipment and get to the bottom of the slide the quickest. It was comical to say the least.

 

Friday:

It's FRIDAY! Let's celebrate with a little picture for daddy before school.

 



There you have it, our week in review.

 



Till next time,

 

Lori

#picadayfriday

Here it is, my friends! My third attempt at #picadayfriday. I have so many fun pictures, almost solely of Chloe, to share this week. Let's just say, she's in a "take my picture" kind of phase. I'm really going to try to keep this up every week, but it's HARD to remember to take a meaningful picture everyday! 

Saturday:

A somber picture to remind you how precious life is. I taught almost all of these sweet babies, one of them for 3 consecutive years. Wear your seatbelt, friends. #RIPThomas

Sunday:

Happy Mother's Day!

Chloe: Mommy, open your mouth REAL big like this and I'll take your picture. 

Monday: 

My little fishie!

Tuesday: 

Cool weather means mommy gets to accessorize her outfit with a cardi. #fashionyes

My dance princess tried on her new recital outfit. Adorable! $100 adorable has yet to be decided...

Wednesday:

Chloe and I met Kelly and Kadence at the park. If these aren't the cutest, sweetest girls EVER!

One of the many perks of being a #girlmom. I thank God everyday for this sweet girl.

Thursday:

I was allowed to be in her selfie for daddy Thursday morning. It was my pleasure. 😃 AND, after a long day at the trampoline park and at field day, I came home to these beauties on my doorstep.

#wedgelove

Friday:

Here it is, Friday in a nutshell. The alarm went off at 3:30am. I made it to 3:30pm before I busted out the big guns.

While I struggled to stay awake at work, Chloe went to a swim party with the best babysitter/friend ever. She was too excited to pack her pool bag.

There you have it, #picadayfriday for this week!

Till next time,

Lori

#picadayfriday

Saturday: I'm potty training her. She's passing on her new found skills to her "beebee."

Sunday: This picture does NO justice to the pain my poor toe was in when Chloe launched a can of green beans (sharp cornered edge) straight into my toe. It got all bruised and (gasp) it was dang near impossible to wear my heels for a few days.

Monday: Coolest. Socks. Ever. They're worn by a pretty sweet kiddo, too. :)

Tuesday: The first game of the year! Chloe sported her new outfit "Gaysee" made her.

Wednesday: Best. Spaghetti Sauce. Ever. Seriously, I crave this stuff like some kind of spaghetti sauce crack head. AND, it's organic!!!! Go buy this, people!

Thursday: There's nothing like a Thursday night wedding to exhaust you the next day at work. My loves sure did have fun though. 

Friday: I've said it once, and I'll say it again. I seriously have the best cheerleaders EVER. I love them to the moon and back!

Have a safe and restful weekend, friends! I have a four hour cheer practice tomorrow morning, so I'm off to bed. 

Nightly night!

Lori