There's A Light...

8 days of school left! My concert went just fine, and I'm looking forward to next year! My administration is fantastic, my friends are great, and it's time to kick back and enjoy the summer mornings with Coda. So who's ready to play???

Summer's Comin'

Summer is on it's way. My final concert of the year is this Friday, and then it's time to put the room in order for next year. And next year, the 8th graders will be all mine. Meaning I will have had them for the full 3 years they've been at East. The first time I can say I've been the only Choir teacher the graduating kids have had. I am VERY excited about that! Hopefully they can pull themselves together to improve on this year! I'm so proud of my students this year. They have worked so hard to come so far from where their program used to be.

So I am excited to take a break from school, work on Mary Kay, and just enjoy the time away from teaching... until the fall, that is. =) One of my counterparts pointed out that they handed out the registration cards to the kids early this year, making them choose their electives when the performing arts programs were in their worst time of the year - U.I.L. Then they pointed out to the kids that they handed us our contracts at the same time. Let me tell you how many times the thought runs through your head about whether you are really going to sign that document or not. LOL. Of course, after this year, with the team I've got and the family at East that's been formed, I'm not going anywhere.

So I just had to share my enjoyment of the end of the year, and that I actually am looking forward to next fall.

San Antonio!

My choirs took a trip to San Antonio last weekend to compete and then go to Sea World! We did really well in our performance, earning a Superior ranking from all 3 judges, and we came in runner-up in class! West came in first, which was fantastic for them - they sounded so great!

Sea World was a blast - all my kiddos had fun, and I even got to ride the Steel Eel and the Great White. Shamu was awesome, and if you get to see their acrobatic show, Viva, with the Beluga whales and porpoises (porpi?), do it. Shamu's "Believe" is still the number 1 show to see, but Viva was amazing.

So I'm back after a chaotic time getting home (migraine landed me in the ER the morning we were leaving), but all is over and well. Can't wait to start planning next year's trip. I must be crazy. =)

Saturday Night...

... and I'm finally feeling motivated! At 10:40 PM. Bad timing. But laundry's getting done, and I've paid my bills and taken Coda out on a brief walk. How 'bout them apples?!?! Tomorrow I get to sing in church (I love my director - he makes singing in a church choir so much fun again!!!), take Coda to a new dog park with another choir director, his wife, and their two dogs (yay for doggie playdates!), and hopefully play some tennis! If not, I'll still have some time to relax or go work out or even go up to school (DREAD) to get some things done. Really, it's not a bad thing.

Speaking of school... yesterday was a sad day for the CISD family. Two of our '07 graduates died Thursday night/early Friday morning. The incidents were not related. Please pray for the families of those kids (they were 18) and for the CISD family. One was the daughter of one of our teachers, so we are all taking it hard. Thanks.
The news article is here.

My How We've Grown

I just finished looking at the wedding pictures that Heidi posted, and I can not get over the fact that my little sisters are so grown up. I feel as though you go through life and you have these ideas of how "old" you are or other people are based on their age. At age 25 you should be one way. Age 30, slightly more mature and adult-esque. And so on and so forth. But going through the ages, I still feel like I'm 25. Not that I am that far from it, but I don't see how turning 30 in a couple of years will change that. So my sisters seem trapped to me in their respective ages of 22 and 20. Looking at the wedding pictures though (and Heidi and Eric do an amazing job taking these photographs) I see my baby sisters all grown up. Aunt Carol saw it when Alyse was standing up at the altar. "She's grown in the last half hour - become a woman right before our eyes". And while I know what she means, Alyse has been that woman for longer than her wedding day. She's been more of a "grown woman" for longer than I think I'd like to admit. She's still "Peasers" to me.

And Stacy? I saw a picture of her and Taylor and couldn't move past it. She's so gorgeous, and happily married to a man I'm thrilled to have as a brother. All I could think was, "Wow, she's beautiful - and so happy!". She's always been the more independent and self-sufficient in my mind. And she is so good at going after what she wants and getting it! I know that I'm proud of her; I can't imagine how Mom and Bob must feel.

I feel inclined to comment on Heidi here, because she's more of a sister than blood could ever determine. But she's not a "baby" sister to me. She's my partner in "older sister-hood". I feel like she's a teammate to keep watch over the youngsters, ever though they haven't needed that in years, if ever. Must be part of an older sibling syndrome though, as I come across a lot of eldest children who feel the same way. It's a curse, knowing my younger sisters don't need (or even want, for that matter) me to watch out over them, but still feeing the urge to do so. Heidi's been good for that. She keeps me in line, reminding me of how independent and capable Stacy and Alyse are.

So here I sit wondering that if they are so much more grown, then where am I? I look back on the past couple of years and know that I am becoming the woman I want to be. Even though it took a few "bumps" in the road to help get me there. I am happy, love my job, have amazing friends, and truly enjoy my family. How blessed can one girl be? Oh and I can't leave out Coda. What would a blog posting of mine be without my puppy being mentioned? But we won't go into her "growth". 35 lbs. when I adopted her and 75 lbs. now, I think we all can attest to her maturity.

So I will go now, knowing my sisters are amazing and life is good. Hope you enjoyed the pondering today.

Beautiful Bride

Peasers got married this past weekend! She was an absolutely beautiful bride, as well as organized! Lucky Jeff is all I have to say! And I only cried once - Bob sang during the ceremony. It even helped me forget about the 4 inch heels I was wearing. Let's face it. I'd wear them all over again to see my sister so happy again to be marrying the man she loves! I'm sure Heidi will have some pics posted soon. I'll steal from her.

Talent? Skill? Luck?

Too cool for school.

ABC's of Kate

How did Katy know I would blog this if I were tagged???

A - Attached or single? Single. Right? Yeah, single.
B - Best friend? Jennifer, Amanda, Melissa... depends on the topic. =)
C - Cake or pie? Pie.
D - Day of choice? Tough one. Either Thursday or Saturday.
E - Essential item? Lip balm.
F - Favorite color? Purple!!!
G - Gummy bears or worms? Bears. Worms bring back memories of wanting to puke.
H - Hometown? Eagan, Minnesooooota!
I - Favorite indulgence? Katy, you're not alone. SHOES.
J - January or July? January. July is too freaking hot in this state!!!
K - Kids? Do my 90 students count?
L - Life isn't complete without? Family!! They are ALWAYS there for me!
M - Marriage date? Ummm... defunct.
N - Number of brothers and sisters? 3 sisters, 1 step-brother, and almost 2 awesome brother-in-laws.
O - Oranges or apples? Oranges unless they have a lot of skin on them, apples unless they're squishy.
P - Phobia and fears? I fear people don't like me. Then I realize, who COULDN'T like me? And if they don't, they're stupid.
Q - Quote? "I don't have an ego, I just love how awesome I am!"
R - Reason to smile? There are so many! Texas skies, Coda, family, hugs, friends...
S - Season of choice? Fall
T - Tag three people: Dagnabit, Katy already got Heidi. Umm... Alyse, Matt (yes YOU, Matt), and Jenny.
U - Unknown fact about me? Strange, but I'm going to go with Katy on this one... I like to sleep in my panties. Shorts and pj pants are not as comfortable as I would hope.
V - Vegetable? Bell Peppers
W - Worst habit? I talk VERY FAST.
X - X-ray or ultrasound? I don't care, just make me feel better!
Y - Your favorite food? Chips and salsa.
Z - Zodiac sign? Sagittarius. What that tells you, I don't know.

Lock Out

My dog locked me out of my apartment. You know that "security deadbolt" a lot of apartments have that only lock/unlock from the inside? She hit it while I was trying to get the other lock opened at 1:30 AM after a cast party. Poor Carol and Bill got to house me for the night, and they had to saw into my door today to get me back in! Crazy Coda hadn't made a mess though! And I missed the CISD Job Fair. My principal says I have the best excuse she's ever heard. =)

The Gondoliers

Tonight and Sunday afternoon, I'll be seen as 'Giulia' in Gilbert & Sullivan's operetta, "The Gondoliers"! Feel free to come on out to Colleyville to be entertained! http://www.regalopera.org/

Zebra

Heidi inspired me to post a photograph of my new shoes that I have been looking for FOR MONTHS! I am pleased to announce that Alyse and Mom were present at that location of, and purchase of my Zebra print heels. I'm in love.

Liam's Turn!

Liam turned 1 year old the day after Connor turned 2! Couple of entertaining photos for you...


By the end of the night the cake was all in his hair, too!


Watch out, Connor! It's the Kissy Monster!


We know. We're hott.

Go Dawgs!

Congrats to the Butler Bulldogs on winning the Horizon Championship! Onto the NCAA! And I totally made my students listen to the Butler Warsong today, while looking at a slide with the picture below gracing my screen. LOVE IT.

Connor's 2nd BDay!

Here are a couple pics from the party yesterday! I thought I'd better post them now rather than later considering Katy was chastising me via iChat yesterday about not updating. You'll see some more pics from Liam's party (tonight!) in the next day or two as well!
Enjoy!



Gran & Connor, loving those party favors!




Connor was all about his cupcake.




Connor tore into those gifts! I think he finally got it this year. These were HIS!

HP Printers

How excited am I that HP Inks come with a prepaid envelope for you to send them the old cartridge for recycling? PREPAID!!! Kudos to them for making me not cringe at my ink usage anymore. At least for the next 30 seconds.

Soulja Boy Teacher Style

You asked for it. The music's a little off, but not by too much.

Motherhood...

What does it mean when someone tells you you'll be a great mother... based on the way I "mother" my dog?

Tomorrow, I dance.

That's right. I will take on Soulja Boy with 15 other East teachers, and we will ROCK THE GYM! In yo face! LOL! Seriously though, the kids are going to die, it's so funny. I'm trying so hard to get it videotaped for you all. Don't worry, there will be evidence of this crazy routine.

The 8's

Katy tagged me. Dagnabit. Now I have to be insightful...

8 Things I’m Passionate About...

1. My Family
2. My Dog
3. Singing
4. My Students
5. Shoes
6. Laughing
7. Pasta
8. Learning New Things

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die...

1. Travel to Spain
2. Marry Someone who... there's a list. How about someone I won't divorce?
3. Become passionately involved with a charity
4. Have a lasting (hopefully positive) impact on my students
5. Own a HOME
6. Be a mom
7. Be a grandmother
8. Be satisfied with me.

8 Things I Say Often...

1. Totally
2. 'Sup
3. Is it naptime?
4. Good question! Why don't you answer that for the class?
5. Don't even...
6. Coda... NO!
7. Coda... OW!
8. Huh?

8 TV Shows I’ve Recently Watched...

1. Mythbusters
2. Dirty Jobs
3. CSI
4. The news
5. House Hunters
6. Designed to Sell
7. ColorSplash
8. Anything educational, really.

8 Songs I Could Listen to and sing (my own insert there) Over and Over...

1. Defy Gravity from Wicked
2. There's a Fine Line from Avenue Q
3. Waitin' for My Dearie from Brigadoon
4. That Sunday, That Summer
5. Online by Brad Paisley
6. Stay by Sugarland
7. A song by Sheryl Crow that I can't remember the title of...
8. You May be Right, I May be Crazy by Billy Joel

8 Things That Attract Me To My Best Friends...

1. Their humor.
2. Their willingness to laugh at themselves and incite that laughter.
3. Their ability to listen
4. I trust them!
5. They put me in situations and expose me to new things that I may not have tried by myself.
6. They aren't afraid to question me
7. They make me smile!
8. Their love for others.

8 Things I’ve Learned (or been reminded of) This Past Year...

1. It CAN be all about me.
2. I've learned that LIFE can be summed up in 3 words: It Goes On.
3. Music is how I feel most connected to God.
4. "God" is only one title or name
5. I love my family.
6. I love to sing in front of people.
7. I love to laugh - belly laughs
8. I've learned (and been reminded of how) to prioritize.


8 People I Think Should Do “8”...

1. Mom
2. Bob
3. Alyse
4. Stacy
5. Heidi (already did it)
6. Kyle
7. Matt
8. Amanda

Coda + Boxer = 110 Pounds

110 pounds. Think about it. Think about it coming straight at you, below the knee line, and as you try to move out of the way while bending your knees for hope of some stability, they hit. A witness said, "I looked and you were midair". That's right. Upper butt/lower back hit first, then my head. Two days later I have no bruises to sport (grrrr), my neck is killing me, and I can't walk around or sit without wincing. Good news? I met some nice people. And this one guys dog is named (get this) PAVLOV. How cool is THAT?!?!

I love my puppy. And she loves to run into me.