Friday, June 27, 2008

Pictures from today

Hello, My Love,

Today was so hard! I'm going to miss these kids so much! Even though they drive me crazy sometimes, I'm going to miss them. I took a few pictures but ignore the bad hair day. I got a TERRIBLE haircut last week so my only option was a ponytail. The last picture is of my new haircut. Even though she is out of the way, my old stylist, Autumn is worth the drive and worth EVERY penny! A word of advice to you....don't try and save money when it comes to your hair!
This is me and my buddy, Beth. She is such a goofy kid but I love her!

This is her serious face. Very serious face.
This is two seconds later.
This is me and Jasmine. She loves Hannah Montana. All the girls do. I wore a Hannah Montana shirt to work one day and they all thought I was the coolest thing in the world. I also told them that Hannah Montana stole my moves. Gotta love kids...they believe everything you say.

Me, Jasmine and Michelle being silly.



Me and Michelle. She is so smart. She's going into Kindergarten in the fall but I think she could go straight to 1st grade. She's already reading and spelling.



This is Abinaya. She was supposed to make a silly face too.


Take number two.

Jasmine again.





This is Lahar. I swear he is the Indian version of Mr. Bean.




This is Isabella. I call her Isabella Mozerella. I love her chubby little arms and legs!



This is Randi. She cries a lot. But she's cute even when she cries.

Me and my Isabella Mozerella. I threatened to stuff her in my purse and take her with me but I don't think her parents would have liked that too much. I think I'll miss her the most.


My new haircut! I can finally wear it down again.
Well, your dad said he was going to take me out to dinner so I'm not going to pass that up! I'm thinking Mexican....

Last day

Hello, My Love,

Today is my last day at this job and although I'm excited to start the new job and to be teaching again I will really miss some of these kids. For the last month and a half I've been filling in as the Pre-K teacher and I've grown pretty close to the kids in that class. They all know I'm leaving and keep asking me when my last day is and why am I going to a new school. How do you explain to 4 and 5 year olds about stress? I just tell them that I'm going to a school that is closer to my house and that I will miss them. Since my doctors are all in this area I will be able to stop by and visit when I have appointments. I also have a few friends that work here that I will miss seeing every day as well. My friend, Diana and I open in the morning at 6:30 and it's usually pretty quiet around here until about 7 so we'll sit and chat about stuff. I'll definitely miss that.

I'm anxious to start this new job. I hate first days. I always feel like the odd man out since I don't know anyone and don't know where anything is, etc. I just keep telling myself that I'm doing the right thing. Thank goodness your dad supports me. I wasn't sure if he would since this job pays less but he has been wonderful throughout this transition. I love him for that.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Going green

Hello, My Love,

So, your mom and dad are trying to go green. I don't think we could ever afford to go completely green as it pretty costly but we are doing our best to cut back on waste, recycle, use all natural cleaning products and buy organic food and products. Because of the rising cost of gas, groceries are more expensive, especially organic foods. Horizon organic milk costs $4.09 a half gallon. That's more expensive than gas!

As of now these are the things we are doing to go green:
  • Started our own garden. We have zucchini, cucumber, tomatoes, pumpkin, watermelon, jalapeno, basil, dill, rosemary and oregano. Right now everything is in pots but we plan on transplanting soon. I hope to add carrots once we transplant.
  • Buy organic dairy products. This way we avoid cows that have been given antibiotics and growth hormones. It's more expensive but I think it's worth it in the long run.
  • Shop at local farmer's markets to find cheaper and better-for-you vegetables and fruits.
  • Switched jobs to one that is closer to home and that I can ride my bike to.
  • Instead of bottled water we buy a 2.5 gallon jug and refill our water bottles.
  • Recycle everything possible.
  • Use eco-friendly cleaners. Seventh Generation is a great company and their website, www.seventhgeneration.com has coupons you can print out. Two other brands that I know of are Babyganics and Method. I haven't tried them yet but plan on it.
  • Using reusable tote bags at the grocery store. Some stores even give you a refund for using them. I believe Weis gives $.03 and Giant gives $.05 per bag.
  • Cutting back on our a/c use. We only turn it on when we're uncomfortable and then turn it off again once it cools off. During the day when we are not home we keep it off and turn on the fans.

These are things we plan on doing in the near future and once you are in the picture:

  • We hope to trade in our Honda Element (very bittersweet since I LOVE this car!) for a hybrid Honda Civic. We're just waiting to do this after we refinance our home loan in August.
  • Use cloth diapers. To maintain some sanity we would still use disposables (chlorine free by Seventh Generation) on road trips and possibly at night, if needed.
  • Use glass bottles. They are recyclable and much safer than plastic, especially with the BPA scare going on.
  • Breastfeed. This is, of course, up to mother nature. I just hope she cooperates.
  • Make our own baby food. This will avoid preservatives and additives that you just don't need.
  • Use mostly organic cotton for clothing, bedding and towels.
  • Use all organic/all natural lotions, ointments, shampoos, etc.

This is just the beginning of our green movement so there will be many more additions to both lists as time goes by.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Break time is over!

Hello, My Love,



It's been too long since I've written you last. I haven't forgotten about you, I just needed a mental break from everything baby related. I think that this month will be a productive month for your father and I and we are ready to try again. Your dad is going to the urologist on Wednesday and I hope they have some answers for him. He's been taking some vitamins that my doctor recommended and he says that he's noticed a difference.



I am starting a new job next Monday and I'm really excited about it. I have decided to take a step back from the position I currently hold. Right now I am the director of a large preschool which means lots of responsibilities and usually lots of stress. Lately I just don't have it in me to do my job. I miss being a teacher. I miss working with the kids in the classroom. So, I've found a place close to home and I could even ride my bike if I wanted. It has better benefits and although the pay is less I think with the benefits and the savings on gas it will all even out. So, starting Monday I am a teacher again.