Saturday Stars

This afternoon we headed to Dallas for the Stars game!  We both enjoy hockey and have been to a few games during previous seasons, but it is not one of the sports Miles must watch religiously (for that list, just think of any other sport).

I was very impressed with the players' stamina and energy.  I had forgotten that the players never stop moving in hockey.

We got kicked in the head and had toys thrown at us a few times.  I don't think it was personal.

We spotted the recently hung banner for the Mavericks 2011 NBA Championship.  

And, the Stars won 4-1!

DONOT EAT DONUTS

I would like to address one resolution that I have for 2012.  It's more like a self-ordered mandate.

STOP GETTING DONUTS ON YOUR WAY TO WORK!!

I am not going to sugar-glaze it.
I am not going to sprinkle the truth with bits of sweetness.
I am not going to cover the facts in chocolate.
I am not going to leave a hole in the middle of the story.

My name is Michelle, and I am a donut-holic.

Before you ask, no this is not something that began with pregnancy cravings or is cute in any, "Oh, you have to get a donut sometimes," type of way.  This is a for real problem. 

It all began my junior year of high school...  I took a dual credit class at TCC in high school.  Between that morning class and my 2nd block I had enough time for breakfast.  My other TCC classmates and I would head to M Donuts off of Matlock, stuff our faces with donuts, and then go on with the day.  It wasn't a problem at this point in my life because I was in high-school, played tennis for four hours a day, and was in high school.

To emphasize how often I got donuts, though, let me just make a side note to tell you that I once went back to this donut shop in college, while home for a break.  After placing what had been my standard order, she looked up and said, "I didn't recognize you, because you are wearing a different perfume."  She knew my smell, people. 

So, throughout college, I just missed breakfast.  Completely.  I was never awake for breakfast.  And, that did help.  However, there was a place called Kolache Rolf's that was open all day with fresh kolaches.  They were like crack, too.  But, it was nothing compared to my donuts. 

After beginning work at my current donut school, I mean middle school (see, it's an obsession), it quickly came to my attention that there was a donut shop on the way.  Now, I have regressed right back into high school donut-eating mode and frequent Sublett Donuts.  However, now I am not in high school, with a high school heart or body.  Now, I am not playing tennis for four hours after school.  In fact, yesterday, I fell asleep on the couch after school.  Now, my metabolism hates me.  So, it's, now, a problem.  See what I'm saying!?

My husband found me out, unexpectedly, a while back...  One morning, Miles and I were on our way to his parents' house, which is close to my work and my donut shop.  I casually suggested that the place was good and that we should stop in.  As soon as we walk through the door, the woman asks, "Teacher, why you here on Saturday? This your husband? The usual?"  I flushed and placed our order.  Miles didn't say anything, but we got into the car to leave and he just looked at me, "The usual, huh?"

For a long time my donut problem has been something I sat on, like a deep, dark secret.  But, I am outing myself to the blogging public in hopes that it might help me achieve my goal, to meet my resolution. 

Because, well you see, this morning, on the third day of the new year, I was halfway to work when I saw my cleaners bag full of clothes that I really need back by this afternoon.  And, there is a same-day cleaners right next to....you guessed it - the donut shop! 

I am not going to sugar-glaze it.
I am not going to sprinkle the truth with bits of sweetness.
I am not going to cover the facts in chocolate.
I am not going to leave a hole in the middle of the story.

My name is Michelle, and I am a donut-holic.

Wrapping it Up

It is making me feel anxious and guilty that I haven't posted since the beginning of December!  Not that my readers particularly mind, but I am kind of weird about certain things.  With today being the last of the year, I feel like I'd be ending 2011 without all of my ducks in a row.  And, as people who speak to me daily know, I am trying to line things up and get organized before - all of the sudden - I'm a mom, it's 2023, I'm a grandmother, Miles is retiring, etc. etc.!  I sometimes worry about the future, is what I'm saying, y'all.

Tomorrow marks a new year, and I definitely have some goals for this year (please see aforementioned worries concerning future), but let me back up and tell you about our super-busy, fun, and festive December, for now.  I will try to keep it brief, but not really, because we did a TON OF STUFF. 

December 3rd was my niece, Scarlett Jane's, 5th birthday!  I can't believe she's five. 

December 8th was Bennie Rue's 60th birthday.  We celebrated with a special surprise party!

December 10th we went to a wedding in Dallas.  It was for Katie, Miles' childhood friend and my college buddy.

December 12th was Joanie's birthday.  I didn't get to spend it with her, since for some reason it's not a national holiday and work called.  But, my mom was there.  Read about it and see her cute pictures, here! 

December 12-16th was my last week of work before a two-week break.  I was pretty tired from the three weeks back since Thanksgiving break.  So, that worked out well!  I worked hard and didn't bring home any school-work for the break, but I brought home about forty pounds of food/gifts from my sweet students.

December 16th we went out for a fancy dinner at Mercury Chop House with a friend from college and his wife, Dev and Anna.  It was great to see them, since we don't get together nearly enough!  I need to get Anna to send the one picture we took...

December 17th marked my getting the new family car we've been needing, and we attended the Grand Prairie Lights. It was crowded but cool.

December 18th was a great day spent with two of my best friends, Britney and Emily.  Britney and I met Em in Grapevine to walk and shop on the adorably festive Main Street!  I needed this girls' day badly, and we had a wonderful time shopping and catching up.  We were supposed to take a picture in front of the big tree, but we got caught up with our good time.

December 19th I had a doctor's appointment with the sonographer.  He checked all of baby girl's organs, measurements, etc. to see that all was well.  All was well! Yea!

December 21st was Miles' work holiday party!  I got to put faces to names I hear a lot, so it was a great time.  Here's the only picture - with my awesome pink toilet in the background.  I was trying to see if I looked pregnant or just fat. 

December 23rd was spent registering for baby gear with my dear sister.  I owe her for life for making an overwhelming experience easy breezy!    Miles & I also went to see Jacob and their girls at my parents and visited his grandmother at his parents.

December 24th was Christmas Eve.  We celebrate with my side of the family on Christmas Eve.  We had a wonderful time!  Seeing the kids enjoying Christmas and each other is the best.  That evening we went to the Jenkins to be with the rest of the family.  There were more cute kids there!  Also, it was my cousin Joe's birthday.  Celebrations, galore!

December 25th was, of course, Christmas Day.  We spent the day with Miles' side of the family, and it was extra special this year with his grandmother joining the festivities.

December 28th was my smiley niece, Lucy's, 1st birthday! I have no idea how she is already one year old, or how she is only one year old, since it feels like she's been a part of my life forever.  I stole this picture from my sister's blog because it was so adorable.  Here is the link to more from her day. 

This past week, there has also been a bit more family time, some time with friends, some time working on baby stuff, a lot of time spent on house duties, and, in general, just utilizing the time I have to get these things in.  

In many ways, my December reflects this past year of my life.  It was crazy busy and full of people I love.  I wouldn't have it any other way!

I hope 2012 is as blessed and fantastic as 2011.

Meant to Be...

When I see Miles on his hands and knees searching for the perfect gray, stuffed kitten, I know our having a girl was meant to be. 

If he's willing to delve into the debauchery that is Toys R' Us for my sweet niece, he'll probably do anything for our baby girl. 

Just saying...makes me happy. :)

Making a List...

1.  Time has been flying, and my week off of work (sorry, I am a teacher and have an exorbitant amount of time off) went by so quickly.  I had a bunch of plans, things I was going to accomplish throughout the week.  I was about 70% successful - at relaxing.  And, about 30% successful in getting things checked off the to do list.  If you know me, you know that ratio could have definitely been worse!

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2.  I had carolers at my door Sunday.  It was awkward, because they were just kids, and I felt like they wanted something for their efforts.  I was all, "Y'all do know I'm out of Halloween candy, right??"  I mean, I finished that off a week ago.

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3.  We did put up the holiday decorations.  Miles' outdoor lights are definitely the best part of our decor.  My attempts to pull something sophisticated together inside - with my menorah and a hodge podge of Christmas stuff - leaves me feeling insufficient and weak. 

Looking at Pinterest all day, does not help with that feeling.  People are, apparently, really good at decorating.

4.  I just realized during that last little nugget of truth, that I never mentioned Thanksgiving on my blog.  Happy late Thanksgiving!  We are super grateful for all of our blessings, family, and friends.  We ate too much, of course.

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5.  I'm  doing a yoga class, when I can find pants that fit.  Last week, we had a sub.  She made me take naps in different positions for an hour.  It was everything I could do not to burst out laughing during all of these moments of relaxation - being relaxed and reflective is just so not me. 

My normal instructor was back this week.  She makes me feel stretched and strengthened!  I am the least flexible or strong person I know, so having this feeling once a week is important to me.  I have bruises on my knees and can barely sit down on the toilet, but at least it feels effective instead of funny. 

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6.  Breakfast for dinner is good fun.  I had fun the other night.  Just thought I'd share this gem of a dinner idea.

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7.  I'm in the process of looking for a new, used car.  This is beyond exciting to me because I do not like my current car.  It's tiny.  Brett, Shannon, and I have had some major debates on the topic of a van over the past six years.  Despite the fact that they've brainwashed their children into thinking the van is the "coolest car ever," I will not be getting a van just because I'm having a baby. 

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8.  I have five family members with December birthdays.  You can feel sorry for them now.  

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9. And, on random number 9, I'm out of random things to list!

Think Pink

Miles and I were very anxious and excited to find out the gender of our baby this past week.  We didn't want to get our hopes up, because it is semi-early in the pregnancy to find out.  But, you can't help doing so, really.  

As you'll see below, we found out that we are having a little baby girl!  As you'll also see below, she looks like a bird right now.  Her new nickname is Birdie.  

Hopefully, you will not think it is weird that I am keeping a journal (don't know if that's the right word) of cards about the baby experience to possibly share with Birdie in future years, or to just reflect on myself.  They help me process what is going on and remember the differences week to week with how I am feeling physically and emotionally.  

This week I wanted to share my card with all of you.  Since I would want to share everything in this one, I thought it was appropriate.  Enjoy!

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Last weekend, I went to Houston to visit my sister and her girls.  Jacob was out of town, so I didn't get to see him.  But, it was a fun girls' weekend.  I love getting to hang out with Joanie.  She spoiled me with good food, great talks, and a sleep number bed.  I can't wait to go back, again!

I wish she lived closer, but I am really lucky to have her as my sister.  

My nieces are so darn cute! 

Ava, who is three years "old", was very interested in the fact that I am pregnant.  She would point at, or touch, my belly and say funny things.  She said, "My daddy told me you have a baby in your belly," or, "Is it a baby brother or a baby sister?"  Each of these comments was without prompting, at moments I was alone with Ava, and not talking about being pregnant - so it was pretty funny. 

"What? I'm just asking..."

One of her other best questions was, "Why do you have a baby in your belly?"  I responded, "Well, do you remember your Uncle Miles?..." 

Lucy, who is ten months "new", was very polite and didn't pry at all into my personal life.  She just made me hope I have a smiling, happy baby like her. 

"Life is good when you can almost walk!"

My other nephew and niece have also made hilarious comments about my being pregnant, when they found out and since. 

Ben is seven and very knowledgeable about what to expect when the baby arrives, "Good luck with that baby," he told Miles and I as we left his house, "it's going to cry all the time!"  True that, Ben, true that.  And, thank you for the well wishes. 

"You're going to need 'em, Aunt Chell!"

Scarlett, four going on twenty-four, loves babies.  We will always remember how adorable she was with her attention to each Ava and Lucy, when they were infants.  Well, the next time she saw me after the baby announcement, she kept looking at me all funny. With hope in her voice, she finally asked, "Did you already have your baby?"  It had been one week! 

"I could definitely do it in a week - look how easy this is."

All I know, is that my baby is going to be very lucky to be surrounded with all of these fun and funny playmates as he or she (we don't know if it's a baby brother or baby sister, yet) grows up.  I had to write down their comments before I get old and forget what they said.  Plus, I will definitely need ammo to embarrass them in the future, when they get too cool for me.