10 Things I Learned in 2010

On reflecting over the past year, here's a few things I've learned:

1. I look good in hats.
2. I don’t look good in skinny jeans.
3. Potty training does not happen in one day. Anyone who says so, you and I need to meet……in a dark alley.
4. Families are complicated; but family loves you like no one else does.
5. I’m no Holly Homemaker; but I think I’m a pretty awesome mom.
6. I’m addicted to magazines with the words organization, storage solution or declutter in the title.
7. Writing is something I need to do and I should have never stopped.
8. The Christian life can be very exciting.
9. My daughter marches to the beat of her own drum. And I really like that about her.
10. That my husband has an amazing amount of determination. He’s quite brave and has actually inspired me to take chances.

2010 was quite a year! I wonder what 2011 will bring? Happy New Year!!!!

A New Normal

It's Day 2 of Andy's field training. He's been on duty for 41 minutes. And I'm not worried.

I thought I would be more worried. I am thankful for this.

Now, ask me how I feel when something really dangerous happens or he's on patrol alone. Fortunately, he won't be on his own for 5 months.

The emotion I'm feeling is lonely. Lily's asleep and Andy's gone and I have to go to bed alone. I hate going to bed alone. It won't always be this way. Just 4 nights a week for several weeks. In reality it will probably be that way for months, or more. And I need to find a way to get used to it.

I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that this is my life now. It's not going to change. Hearing Andy say, "I drew my gun twice last night." is going to be normal conversation for us. It's like a weird other life. Like when Elaine befriended the Bizarro Jerry, George and Kramer.

So what will I do tonight? Finish watching Bones, fold some laundry, do some lesson plans, and pray. Pray for Andy to make wise choices, for God to give him discernment, for me to find joy in the silence and for Andy to come home safely.

Merry Christmas!!

So I decided to bake cookies this year. Just sugar ones so Lil and I can cut out shapes and then decorate them at Grandma Lillian's tomorrow. I'm no Martha Stewart so of course, I ruined the first batch by putting in baking soda instead of baking powder. No matter. If the second batch doesn't work out, I can always buy premade sugar cookies to decorate, right?

Before I tackle the dishes, I'm just taking a moment to listen to Christmas music and look at my tree. I love the way it looks with all the presents underneath it. It's so beautiful. It almost makes me sad to think that in just two days, they'll all be gone. No more anticipation, no more suspense, no more "Did he get what I think he got me?" Until then, I'm going to savor these last couple days.

This morning when Lily and got up she noticed a new rain jacket I got for her yesterday. She exclaimed, "Is that for me? Is that for me? It's so beautiful!!" Then she saw new Dora bubble bath and some Christmas sprinkles I picked up at Target yesterday. These were just essential items, not presents. Yet she continued, "Dora bubbles for me? Sprinkles for me?" She was beside herself. It was so darn cute. I can't wait to see how she'll react when she gets actual presents.


Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas!!

It's a Sunday morning.

The rain is pattering outside. That nice gentle pattering where you could just lay in bed and listen to it all morning. Which is what I was doing until a certain sweet little voice said, "Bob?" and stumbled into our room and climbed into bed. (Right now, I'm Bob the Tomato and she's Larry the Cucumber.) Wrapped in her "Leaves" , the blanket she cannot sleep without, she cuddled with me in bed. My brief alone time was interrrupted but I didn't mind one bit.

It's my Christmas break and I got to sleep past 7, so it's all good.

It's been a busy week, no make that month. Actually, make that a year. We are in a brief lull right now. Andy is in orientation at the Sheriff's department. He often comes home early and has random days off. It's really nice. He's home every night. Field Training starts in a week and we don't know what his schedule will be. For now, though, he's home a lot and not driving around in a car with a gun. For now.

I swore this Christmas I wouldn't be crazy busy. I promised myself I would stop and reflect. Watch Christmas movies and drink hot cocoa; stare at my tree and contemplate. Make Christmas crafts. (I have no idea what craft that would be; but it seems like a Christmasy thing to do.)

But the reality was graduation, super fast trip to DL, school, grades, graduation party, Christmas program, birthday party, Christmas shopping, class Christmas party, report cards, Christmas cards. Are you dizzy yet?

And yes, my house looks like a tornado hit it.

I am still determined to stop the madness. So I sit here with my tea in hand, Christmas tree lit, Lily watching Veggie Tales' St. Nicholas and a beautiful card my sister, Doreen, gave me a couple of Christmases ago.

It looks like a photograph of an oil painting. It's beautiful. Mary is holding Jesus in both hands. She's raised his head to her lips and is kissing his forehead, just as I did a hundred times to Lily when she was an infant. The first time I saw this card I couldn't stop staring at it. That gentle, intimate moment, which is just a flash in time, was captured forever.

I had recently had Lily, so this picture stirred up a lot of emotion. But it got me to thinking. Even though he was God, Mary loved him so deeply as only a parent can, adored him, felt dangerously protective over him, and probably couldn't stop staring at him with all his little parts. It made that miraculous moment in that stable thousands of years ago seem even more miraculous.

If Mary loved Jesus with such depth, even as much as I love Lily, how much more did God love his Son? How much more pain must the Father had felt when that precious Son died on the cross, felt pain and sorrow and shame? How much more must the Father love me for allowing all that to happen.

It's an overwhelming thought. But I am so, so thankful. I cannot comprehend it, so I'll just give God the praise and worship him in my heart by stopping and reflecting on Him this next week.

A Month of Thankfulness........So it turns out, I'm married to a Sheriff Deputy.

Well, technically this is my last day to post something I am thankful for. Though, a thankful spirit should not stop with the month of November. I thought posting something everyday would be easy peasy; but it's been rather difficult. Maybe it's because November has proved to be the most hectic and surprising month of my year! And quite honestly I've had some days where I have felt far from thankful.

A month ago, I thought Andy was graduating from the academy and I would finally get my husband back. We'd take our trip to Disneyland and things would go back to some sort of normalcy.

But, as I've posted earlier, things did a complete 180. An academy final, agility test, all day Psych evaluation, a completed background check and 2 polygraphs later and Andy was offered a job with the sheriff's department. In a time when people are needing jobs, God practically handed this one to Andy. Don't get me wrong. He's worked his tushy off for a year. But the timing and the way everything fell into place was screaming "This is all God!!!!".

I'm so thankful and feel so blessed; but our lives our changing.....and I don't like change all that much.

He graduates on Thursday, we leave for DL on Friday, have to come back a day earlier than planned because he starts work Monday morning. Whoosh! I think I just got whiplash!

As he greeted me last night in his uniform and told me today about how he got issued his gun, bullets, pepper spray and shotgun (yes, I said shotgun!!) I realized that I think I'm still in a bit of shock. It hasn't quite sunk in.

It will be a crazy 6 months as he begins his field training. And while I'm so proud and excited for Andy and our family, I'm nervous, scared, (Did I mention they gave him a shotgun??) apprehensive and missing the life that was mine just a year ago. A way of life I'm never returning to.

So, what am I thankful for?

I'm thankful that my husband is going to do something he can be passionate about.
I'm thankful for so many family and friends who've supported and encouraged us throughout this past year.
I'm thankful for family living nearby. I couldn't have done this year, working full-time, without them.
I'm thankful for a sweet daughter who is about the easiest two-year old I know. (Most of the time:) )
I'm thankful that God gives us abundantly more than what we ask for or can imagine.
I'm thankful that things may not be super easy over the next few months because it will teach me to trust God more.

Did I mention the shotgun????

Much To Be Thankful For: Days 18-25

Yeah, so I'm just a little behind on my month of Thankfulness and the month is almost over. Brace yourselves. Here's the catch-up:
Day 18: I'm thankful that Lily likes to cuddle with me on the couch and watch cartoons. I love to spend that time with her.
Day 19: I'm thankful for Ibuprofen and heating pads.
Day 20: I'm thankful that mine and Andy's parents get along well and we can share holidays together.
Day 21: I'm thankful that God's timing is better than my timing and that He doesn't give me everything I ask for.
Day 22: I'm thankful for the petite section at JCPenneys and jeans that are "short" so I don't have to hem every pair of pants I buy.
Day 23: I'm thankful for my mom's sweet potatoes and that I have some in my refrigerator right now.
Day 24: For in-laws. They had Lily spend the night Thanksgiving Eve so Andy and I could sleep in Thanksgiving morning. One word: Marvelous! Christmas came early this year.
Day 25: My salvation. None of these things would even matter if I didn't have Christ in my life. I'm amazed, befuddled, grateful, blown over, and deeply thankful that He called me to Him and at a young age. Without Christ my life would have no meaning and purpose.

The Beautiful Sky: A Month of Thankfulness..............Day 17

I was walking out into the parking lot after leaving work today. I was focused on how fast I could get to my car and get to my in-law's house to pick up Lily. I've been getting home late these days and sometimes it is dark by the time I get home. I was determined to get home while it was still light out.

And then I looked up.

I saw the most amazing sky. The bright blue was darkening. There were twinges of pink peaking out behind an immense blanket of marshmallow clouds. It was amazing.

Then my eyes began to take in everything else around me. The beautiful fall trees with their changing leaves lined up like perfect little soldiers. I stopped for just a minute and thought, "I almost missed it. Thank you, God, for making me stop and see your beautiful creation.

My life has been so busy lately. Since Andy started the police academy last January while working full time, our lives have been hectic. Sometimes I just want to stop and do nothing. Or I just want to stop and absorb things. But, do I? Not very often. I'm glad I did today.

As I said in yesterday's post, Andy broached the subject to me about a year and half ago of wanting to become a police officer. I immediately put up my invisible, sound proof shield. I basically said, "Talk to the hand!" There was no reason to continue the conversation because it just wasn't going to happen. It was that simple!

But when you are called to do something, that desire just doesn't go away. That darn Andy wouldn't stop talking about it. I eventually had to listen and at least pretend to be open to the idea. I said what I say to a lot of other people. "If it's not meant to be, God will close the door." I guess I was hoping He'd close the door.

Well here we are, more than a year later, 2 weeks shy of his graduation from the police academy and God has not just opened the door; He's flung it wide open. And beyond that door is a runway with flashing signs and arrows pointing and saying, "Yes, this is what you are supposed to do. Come right this way!"

As of today, Andy has officially been offered a job with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff. How that all came about will be shared in my next post. A month ago we thought he'd be waiting around for a job after graduation just like most of his other classmates. In a matter of few weeks, though, everything has changed. It's a bit like a whirlwind. It's still sinking in for both of us, especially Andy. But amid the chaos, I know I need to stop and look up and notice the great things that God is doing in the life of my family.

This verse immediately came to mind:

Proverb 34:8 Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. How blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Change......I 'd rather have the kind that you find in your pocket: A Month of Thankfulness........ Day 17

I like to think of myself as easy going and up for anything.

"Want to take an impromptu road trip?" "Sure, I'll go."

"Sorry, the plans have changed last minute." "Oh, no big deal."

"Oops, I forgot to bring the money I owe you." "Don't sweat it. Pay whenever you can."

I like to think of myself as that kind of person. But the truth is, I don't like change. At least not when I don't know exactly how things are going to change.

I have a certain dish I get at every restaurant I go to. I hardly ever waver. I get the same thing at Starbucks EVERY time I go. I have the same few favorite movies that I watch over and over again. I'm pretty predictable. And I like it that way.

Well, life is about to change in the Bauer house. So many things are happening. It's quite exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time. But this story is rather long with twists and turns. It's a real page turner. So I can't possibly tell this story in one blog post. So consider this part one.

Once upon a time there was a boy named Andy. He said to his lovely wife one day, "I think I want to be a police officer.........."

Change is scary; but when it comes from the Lord, it's all good. He gives good things to us and for that I am very thankful.

God's Word: A Month of Thankfulness.........Day 16

Proverbs 3: 5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Have you ever traveled on a road that was so bended and curvy you couldn't see more than a few feet in front of you? You drive on high alert, constantly anticipating what is coming around the next bend.

That's how I feel these days. I'm not quite sure what's up ahead; but I know things are changing. I don't feel prepared. I honestly don't feel up to the challenge. I want to see all the way to the end of the road; but I can't.

For someone who rarely freaks out about anything; I've been having some freak outs. I'm worrying.

Doesn't God say not to worry? Doesn't he say that his yoke is easy and his burden is light? Doesn't he say that he will direct my paths, my family's paths?

Trust in the Lord. Just trust.

God is good. He is faithful. His Word is true. It lights the most curviest and darkest of paths. I know I've already written a post about God's Word this month. I figured another one was okay because that is what I'm truly thankful for today.

Lord, when I worry, help me to turn to your Word to guide and comfort me. Amen.

Books and Coffee; A Month of Thankfulness......Day 15

I love books. All kinds of books. Especially children's books. I guess me being an elementary teacher for the past 13 years has something to do with it.

Tonight I got to browse through Barnes and Nobles and purchase (with money from our school library) some books for my classroom. Maybe browse is not the right word. Having an almost 3 year old who constantly needed to go to the bathroom does not lend itself to browsing; but it was still fun. Plus, I got a free coffee! Score!

I'm so thankful for books. Books take you anywhere you want to go. They inspire you. They teach you. They enable you to look at life through someone else's eyes, to walk in someone else's shoes. You can laugh, cry, or be scared all from the comfort of your own comfy couch.

I love to sit on the floor of our public library and just pull books off the shelf and read. Just read. I have many favorite children's authors; but my most absolute fave is Patricia Polacco. If you've never read any of her books, I strongly recommend it. I would start off with my favorite, Thundercake. We actually made Thundercake in class last year.

I had fun tonight, just sitting on my couch and reading through some books I want to read to my class this week. And reading Spot Bakes a Cake to Lily. I'll end this post the way I begin our Book Nook time in class. "Get lost in a good book."





Another all time favorite.

Who Would Have Thought?: A Month of Thankfulness Day 13 and 14

Who would have thought a getting a new refrigerator would make one so happy? I should have known this would be a thrilling event since 3 of my top 5 gifts of all time were when Andy installed our dishwasher 2 1/2 years ago, when Andy bought me my very first washing machine, and the day our driveway was paved.

The new frig is awesome. A little large for our cozy kitchen; but so awesome. It has the freezer on the bottom with a bin that slides out. Nice feature.

This is worth two days of thankfulness, don't you think? But that would be cheating. So today's thankful thought is for days of rest. Today was a nice day of relaxing with my family. Those days have been few and far between lately so, I'm very thankful we had time together today.

TGIF: A Month of Thankfulness.........Day 9

So, it's driving me crazy that my day of thankfulness is not matching the actual date. I was trying not to be OCD about it; but I can't help it. I must catch up.

Day 9: I'm thankful for where I work. I love going to work and I love the people I work with, too.

Day 10: I'm thankful for God's Word. To have something that is 100 percent true, all the time, without fail is astounding to me. I can go to it anytime. It's God talking to me. I'm so thankful for such an amazing gift.

Day 11: I'm thankful for cozy fall nights, like tonight.

Day 12: I'm thankful for Fridays which means the weekend. TGIF!!! It's been a long week. Enough said.

My Dad: A Month of Thankfulness.....Day 8

A girl will always need her Dad. No matter how old one may get, you never outgrow that strong arm to hold you, the lap to sit on, or that voice that says that everything will be all right.

Case in point: The other night I came home with Lily and it was dark, really dark. I'm used to working late on certain nights because my mother - in - law has Lily and Andy is at school. I use that time to catch up in my classroom. Well, this darn time change has thrown my schedule out of whack. Now, coming home at 6p.m. is like coming home at 10 p.m.

I was mad at myself for not leaving any of the outside lights on. For being right off the highway, my little house on the hill is rather secluded. As I drove up my driveway, I noticed that an outside light was on and Lily's light in her room was on. I didn't leave the light on in her room before I left for work this morning.....or did I?

Of course, it took about 2.2 seconds for my mind to go there. You know where. A crazed burglar was in my house, no doubt, and waiting for me. My mind continued to race. If I went upstairs with Lily and there was an intruder, we were both done for; but I couldn't just leave her in the car to check things out armed only with cell phone. No, wait. I'm overreacting. Everything is probably fine. I left the light on by mistake. No worries.

But what if..........No, I couldn't risk it. I couldn't go in. I'll just go back to Chris and Lorri's. But, what about Jackson?!? He hadn't been out to go to the bathroom since 7 that morning!! I didn't want to come home to a puddle on my floor!! What was a girl to do?

Call her dad. What else?

He was over in 15 minutes, mom in tow. He had a thick wooden stick and charged ahead. I followed close behind my 6 foot 4 inch, silver haired hero. Mom stayed in the car with Lil. After checking all five of my rooms (Remember how small my house is from the last post? It didn't take long.), I could rest easy. No crazed burglar. Just a forgetful mom, trying to get out of the house and get to work on time.

Even at the age of thirty-......well, that's not really important. Even at my age, all grown up with a career and family of my own, I know I can count on my Dad in the most dire of moments.

So on this Veteran's Day, I want to say to my Dad, who also happens to be a Marine-Sempre Fi!!, .....thanks. Thanks for being my Dad and for always being there for me. I love you.

Now I have to make sure he knows I'm writing a blog so he can actually read this!!

My Little House On The Highway: A Month of Thankfulness......Day 7

Usually I have to check my attitude when it comes to my house. I live in a small house. Tiny actually. Built in 1951, I think it was meant to be a little bungalow hideaway back when Santa Rosa was all country and farmland. When Andy and I moved in back in 2006, it was fine. But throw in a kid and well, it's a little crowded.

I have a house, though. A roof over my head. It's cute and cottagy. It's how God has provided for our family and for that I am truly thankful.

When I say my house is tiny, I'm not exaggerating. There is this one spot right between the living room and hallway (and by hallway, I mean the 3 feet of carpet that connect our bedroom, Lily's bedroom and the bathroom) where if I stand and make 360 degree revolution, I can see almost every room in my house.

This is no joke.

I was feeling a bit under the weather this morning and had a headache. I was laying on the couch, drifting in and out of sleep. I never really fell asleep, or Lily would have free reign of the house! But I knew if she got into anything I'd hear her. The nice thing about my house is that Lily can never really go anywhere or get into anything without me knowing. It's great! I did rouse out of my semi-sleep to find Lily chewing on Jackson's leash. Or "lesh" as Lily calls it. I again asked Lily the question that has become quite common in our house. "Is it food? If it isn't food, we don't put it in our mouths."

Having a small space does make it easier, in ways, to keep track of a 2 year old. I'm thankful for that. It is mine and Andy's very first house, which will always make it a special place to us.Our First Christmas in the new house.

Before the fence.

Laughter: A Month of Thankfulness.....Day 6

Well, I've already failed in my quest to post one thing a day that I'm thankful for. That's okay, though. I'm just going to pick up from where I left off.

I laugh a lot. I feel so blessed to have friends who are funny and make me laugh. My family is pretty funny as well. Whenever I visit my sister in Colorado, I'm sure to get one of my leadaches. (I just made that word up. It comes from the words laughing and headaches. Definition: a headache most commonly brought on by a lack of oxygen due to intense and repetitive laughing.) I laugh everyday at work. I work with some very funny and silly people. And I teach 7 and 8 year olds. Enough said.

When life is busy and stressful, I'm so thankful for laughter. It makes the load seem lighter and easier to carry.

My Faithful God: A Month of Thankfulness.....Day 5

Today I was reminded through this morning's sermon about God's faithfulness. Exodus 16 recounts the story of how the Israelites grumbled against Moses when he led them out of Egypt because they didn't have enough food or because they didn't have the kind of food they had in Egypt.

I'm always amazed at how quickly they forgot their lives as slaves in a foreign country. They were oppressed for over 400 years! Yet, they complained and whined and wished they were back making bricks. Let's not forget the great sea of water that miraculously parted for them so they could walk across on dry land!

How pigheaded! How ungrateful! How much am I like the Israelites?!?!

Even though God was trying to give them rest from their opressors, they still grumbled and complained and thought Moses was leading them out to the desert to die. They were not exercising faith that God was truly delivering them and would provide for their every need.

When he gave them manna, they complained that that was all they had. They were tired of manna, they wanted meat. When he gave them meat, they complained about that too.

This really hit home for me today. God has been so faithful to my family in so many ways. So why do I worry? Why do I complain when He provides? Because it's not all packaged as perfectly as I've imagined complete with a pretty bow? He is at work all around me, providing what I need for each day. Sometimes He provides above and beyond what I could imagine.

And for that, I'm truly thankful.

That's My Girl !: A Month of Thankfulness...Day 3

On January 18, 2008, my life changed forever. It's funny to think of life before Lily came. Time to myself..... sleeping in........ these things are hazy, faint memories. And you know what, I wouldn't go back to life before Lily for a million bucks. As I said in yesterday's post, Andy makes me laugh every day. But Lily makes me laugh several times each day.

When Lily wakes up, she hits the ground running. I always wonder, "What crazy, funny thing is she going to say today?" There is no down time during the day for my little dynamo. But I love that about her. As her Pre-K teacher said yesterday. Lily loves life! Boy is this true. She's made me love life so much more.

Here's a few of my favorite pics as of late. They really capture my sweet girl's fun personality.

She loves to hide in our closet!
This was not staged!!
She loves to dance.
She's all sass!!
Silly girls.

A Month of Thankfulness...Day 2

I hope this is what we'll look like in 30 years!!


Well, I have about 17 minutes until it's Nov. 6th, so I'm making this post by the skin of my teeth.

So, what am I thankful for today? My dear husband. Today is his birthday. He spent the morning sleeping, which he is desperately lacking these days and the afternoon relaxing and eating my birthday treat bag I made for him last night.

The birthday treat basket has all his favorite treats: Salami, some sort of cheese, and peanut buttter m & m's. Somehow I forgot the mountain dew!!! Not sure how I forgot that one, but I did.

Then we got to take Lily and Allison to a place called My Gym. That was a blast to see them tumbling, climbing, jumping on the trampoline, and having so much fun. Then off to a birthday dinner at this parents. It was day.

With all that said, this is a perfect day to say why I'm thankful for Andy. I'm thankful for so many reasons. But the first one that pops into my mind is that he is such a helper to me. He helps with Lily, cleaning up around the house, and he's so good about last minute trips to grocery store. He's an attentive and loving husband and dad. He always makes me laugh. Everyday. He's the funniest person I know and I just like being around him. I really could go on and on, but I must post this by midnight.

He makes me so happy. I'm so thankful for him. Happy Birthday to my best friend!

A Thankful Thought Each Day Keeps The Pity Party Away

So, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed this week, for many reasons. Above the water I look cool, calm and collected. Underneath though, I'm pedaling......hard. All I could think to blog about was how tired I am. Then I moseyed on over to my friend Jamie's blog and saw that each day she was going to post something she was thankful for. What a great way to get the focus off of me and on all the good things God has done and is doing in my life.

So, I'm swiping her fabulous idea. I'm sure she won't mind.

Nov. 4th.- I'm so thankful for family to watch Lily while I'm at work. I've had to leave Lily with someone every day since she was 7 months old (just during the school year, not summer) while I go to work. It's always been a real struggle for me to do this. God has always given me amazing people to watch her and lover her, though. This year she has had her grandmas to watch her. Who better to care for her when I can't? Thanks, God.

Lily's First Day Of School......and the Giants are World Series champions!!!

The Giants won!!! Whooo Hoooo!!! Okay, enough said for now.I will be making a baseball post in the very near future. But, this post is about Lily.

My girl has officially begun her school career. She had a very good first day of school.

I teared up and my throat tightened but, I didn't cry. Andy and I walked her in her classroom and she acted as if she'd always been there. Granted, she's on campus at least twice a week and knows all the teachers by their first names. I could see I had nothing to worry about. After I hovered for a bit and Andy took enough video, it was time for us to leave. She gave me a kiss and barely a sideways glance. (Though, she asked Andy if he could stay and play with her. Sweet!) Then I was off to work.

Sigh...........

I thought about my girl all day. Will she tell her teachers when she has to go to the bathroom? Will she sit on the carpet and be a good listener? How will she nap? The report at the end of the day was great and she was so happy. I think she would have stayed if I had let her.

I got to see her several times today, which is wonderful. It helps me not to miss her as much.

God is good and I'm very thankful.

I Can't Believe She's Going To School

Less than a year ago I was dreading taking Lily's bottle away. She's was almost 2 and all her other little friends were straight juice cuppers. She couldn't be 2 and still be drinking out of a bottle now could she? She never sucked her thumb or a pacifier, but did she love her bottle! I felt like the moment I took it away she wouldn't be a "baby" anymore. I wasn't ready to give up Lily being a baby.

Now my 2, almost 3 year old, will be going to Pre-K, and I cannot believe it. This past year has been year of letting "baby" things go. We said good-bye to the bottle, the crib, and the diaper. She went from stringing a couple of words together to having funny and sometimes ridiculous full- on conversations. (I love those silly converstations!!)

As I pack her back-pack and make her lunch, I am excited for all the exploring she'll get to do and friends she'll make. I'm nervous that she'll be too busy playing and have an accident. (Then she'll have to change the super cute outfit I've picked out for her!) I'm happy that she'll be happy because I know she'll love school and her teachers. But I'm also sad. She can't be going to school yet!! She's not even 3! This wasn't supposed to happen for another year at least.

Most of all, I'm excited. I'll see her much more now that she'll be coming to school with me every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I can go watch her anytime I want to while she plays on the playground. In that way, I'm pretty lucky.

There remains just one question. Will I cry the moment Andy and I walk her to her classroom door or will I keep it together until I leave? Tears are a pretty sure thing.

It's The Little Things

Today was a day with little happy surprises. It started with a visit to Andy's school. It was the last day of PT (Physical Training) so they had it for 8 straight hours. Phew! I get winded running up our stairs. I can't imagine 8 hours of hard physical exertion!! It was open to family so Lily and I stopped by for a visit.

At one point they were practicing cuffing each other. One of Andy's classmates had to pin him down and cuff him. Lily called out, "Be careful, Daddy, be careful!" and "Get up, Daddy, get up!" It was cute. Seeing Andy in action made me appreciate what he does and how hard he works at school.

After some errands, Lily and I were walking back to the car and it started to rain. Every time we are out and it rains, Lily looks for puddles to jump in. Well, today we found a good one and she had her rain boots on. It wasn't raining very hard so I told her to go for it. She had a blast splashing and I had a blast watching. I don't have a picture of this, but that's okay. This one will be a special memory that's just for me. I'll never forget how she looked in her pink raincoat, laughing and jumping in the rain.

On the way home I had to stop at Starbucks. Yes, I said "had to."

Much to my delight, they handed my tall non-fat latte' to me in.............A RED CUP!! Enough said.

It doesn't take much to make me happy.

Andy in action at the Academy.
I had to put a picture of my girl in. Andy and I took a picture of her one night after she fell asleep. So cute!

Pumpkins and Poop....Yes, I said Poop

There are a few things you should know before you continue reading my blog. So listen up, all five of my readers! Besides posting a lot of pictures (which is why all of Lily's Aunties will be checking my blog), I talk about two things.... a lot. Lily and Lily's poop. I will blog a lot about the former (and Andy and I) and though not as much, I must blog about the latter.

Anyone who knows me well and has been around me the last 3 months knows that poop is all I talk about these days. Again, let me clarify. This is Lily's. I'm not a total weirdo! I'm hoping to do less of this as Lily's potty's training is drawing to an end. I think. You see, this whole potty training thing has totally taken over my life. It's been a long road and it hasn't been an easy one.

So, I'm just warning you.

I hope that one day, not every conversation I have will eventually find it's way back to the potty. But until then......

You must be thinking, what does pumpkins have to do with....you know? Nothing really. But today, the Writebols, Carrillos, Browns and Bauers (minus Peter and Andy) made an impromptu trip to the Pumpkin Patch. Since last Saturday's trip was thwarted by those pesky showers and this weekend promises the same, someone came up with this great idea. And a great idea it was!

There was a cute little hay ride and very dark hay maze (so I was told). The pumpkin patch was just the right size for our little girls. Not too big and busy. The land surrounding it was very countryish and farmy. I loved it!

We purchased our pumpkins and made our way to our cars just as it started to rain. Perfect timing. Since Andy wasn't able to make it, it was nice to have my mom join in on the fun. I was very disappointed that we weren't going to make our annual trip to the patch, but we made it after all.

And now, back to the........ you know. After the pumpkin patch, I dropped Lily off at home with Andy and left to go get dinner. Andy's job was to sit Lily on the potty and try to get her to.......you know. See, it's day 5 and no .........you know. I will spare you the horrific details of Lily's bm problems over the last 3 months. Just know, I was getting horrible bm flashbacks!

So when Andy called me on my cell phone and I heard Lily's sweet little voice say, "Mommy, I pooped in the potty!" I let out a whoop and holler. I never thought in my wildest dreams that one of the greatest joys in my life would be that my daughter would go to the bathroom without screaming like her eyeballs were on fire. But it is. And this mommy is glad.

What a nice end to an unexpectedly nice day.

Here are some more pictures. I promise. No pictures of ....... you know.

READY FOR CHRISTMAS

Well, it's official. I am ready for Christmas, and I haven't even seen the decorations out in the stores yet.

I'll tell you the moment my Christmas switch turned on. I took Lily out in our driveway/yard today after work to blow bubbles. The air was crisp and cool, but not too cold. And then I smelled it. You know how pine trees smell right after it rains? It reminded me of the Saturday after Thanksgiving when we go cut down our Christmas tree at the tree farm.

Needless to say, I've begun to play Christmas music. Hey it's only 2 months until Christmas! That's not too early, right?






Oh, to be 2 and completely entertained by a pile of dirt and pine needless!

So, I’m going to start a blog, again.

It's been a few years since I've posted on my former blog, Senorita Sassy Pants. I’ve wanted to start up again for years, but could always think of reasons why I shouldn't.

Reason #1: I don’t have time.

Well, I figure if I quit watching reruns of Glee and playing Farm Town, I should be able to squeeze in a half hour here and there to write.

Reason #2: I’ll start this blog and after a few weeks I’ll run out of ideas or lose the motivation and just quit. So why start at all?

This may very well be true. This was really a cop out for reason number #3.

Reason #3: Nobody will be interested in what I have to say.

This may also be very true. But I’ve decided to write this blog for me and for my family. If others like it……great. If they don’t and I never get a single comment………. That’s great too. Well, maybe not great, but I’ll get over it.

Life since Seniorita Sassy Pants has changed ALOT. While I'm still teaching, I now have an almost 3 year old daughter who keeps me on my toes and laughing. Andy is 5 weeks shy of finishing a year in the police academy. My life is crazy and busy most of the time and I'm almost certain this will not change any time soon. What better time to blog about it, right?

So, after saying all that, I’ll say one more thing………HERE I GO!!

Here are some pictures of life with the Bauers.