Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Random Bits of Information

Coco...I apologize in advance if this post in any way shape or form resembles your "Random Friday" posts. I'll buy you a bottle glass of wine in Fredericksburg.

1.  The painting is done. Have you ever painted over a booger? I have now. Gross. The repairs have been made. How did our boys manage to rip the toilet paper holders off the wall in both of their bathrooms? Flowers have been planted. I don't enjoy yard work, but I love how it looks when it's done. We're ready. Our realtor and friend, Joe Cloud, is coming over tonight to list our house.

2. Spring sports are in full swing in Soladayland. Last week we had something every.single.night but received a break this go round with only 3 out of 5 nights booked.

3. I went out to recess duty yesterday, and when I came back to my classroom for my lunch break, my sweet hubby surprised me and was sitting at my desk with lunch from Pei Wei. Yum....him and the food.

4. Carter has been begging me to change his name to Alvin lately. I have no idea why.

5. When we were doing one of those little questions from the "Family Dinner Questions" jar the other night, the question was, "If you had to have a disability, would you choose to be blind, deaf, or confined to a wheel chair?" It was amazing to hear everyone's perspective of what really matters to them.

6. Austin has been breaking out on his face lately. Zits scare me....not because they're gross but because of all that comes along with zits starting to appear.

7. There are only 45 school days left this year. Hello summer.

Have a fantastic Wednesday!!

Monday, March 29, 2010

How Cool is This!

Do you remember my post a few weeks ago about a book I bought titled
E is for Ethics?
Well, we officially started reading it with the kids this past Thursday evening, and they loved it! Each chapter includes a short story about a specific moral or value, along with questions to guide a family discussion. The first story was about honesty, and it was such a great opportunity to hear what their little minds think is right vs. wrong. As a blended family, this book also gives us a chance to further strengthen our bond as a complete family unit. Here's the really cool part...Saturday evening, I received an email stating the author of the book had left a post on my blog, thanking me for sharing it with my blogland friends!
 Check it out...

"Thanks SO much for the kind words. I love hearing "real world" examples of families using the book. Please tell your friends! (I guess you've already told the world through you blog, so I'm just being greedy!) But seriously, word-of-mouth (or blog) is about all we have for this little project and I just hope as many families can enjoy it as possible. It really works doesn't it?

Thanks again,

IAN"
 
How cool is that!?!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Weekend Recap!

Weekend, oh glorious weekend...
Where did you go?
How quickly you're gone.
How you do it, I'll never know!

Friday was a date night
for just you and me
It was happy hour and then home
for a quiet night you see

Saturday was very busy
full of rearranging and cleaning
Saying we're organized now
has a whole new meaning!

We had sushi at Naan
with some very dear friends
then met up with some more
celebrating a night with no ends!

Sunday was oh so busy
Worked our fingers to the bone
So much was accomplished
In and around our great home!

It was another fantastico weekend in Soladayland. We spent every moment of free time trying to get the house ready to go on the market here fairly soon. We moved Preston into his own room...he and Carter have been sharing a room...and Preston was s.t.o.k.e.d. to come home today to his own space. I lost my sewing/craft room in the switch, but it's totally worth the loss. Hopefully our next house will have 5 rooms, so that I can get my sweatshop back up and running.

Saturday night was a blast. We had dinner at Naan with 2 other couples from the baseball crew, and then went over to Mi Cocina to meet Alisha and her hubby, Bryan, along with some other great friends, where they were celebrating Bryan's 35th birthday. What.a.great.time.
I have a nice bruise on my leg to proove it.


Sheryl, Kathy and I
I have no idea why my hand is casually placed on Kathy's right boob...
Not a great pic...I insisted on not using the flash. My bad.
Kristin, Alisha's sweet sister, Alisha, and I
Good times + great friends=fabulous weekend!

Friday, March 26, 2010

It's Friday!

I love you, Friday.
You are full of so many possibilities.
You are gracious, kind, and cause me to smile.
Thank you for the date night tonight with the sweet hunk of a man that is my husband and the opportunity to stay up late without the fear of having to wake before the sun.
I love you, Friday.

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!!!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Change Number Two

We are doing it...I know where your mind just went, Coco, but I didn't mean it like that.
This weekend is a kid-free weekend, and other than a date night with my hubby on Friday and a triple date with 2 other couples from the baseball crew for sushi...along with hopefully meeting up with friends celebrating Alisha's sweet hubby's birthday, Ryan and I will working like craazaay to get our house ready to put on the market.  Yes, we're taking the plunge into the housing market...which has seen better days, but who's current trend is showing great signs of improvement. 

The reason for the move, you ask? Well, it's like this. Since I'm not going to be teaching next school year, Preston and Carter would have to go to the school our neighborhood is zoned for and then move again after next school year because Austin would then be going into high school, and we don't want him going to the one we're zoned for...so we were going to move to Prosper...hopefully...after next school year regardless. Did all that make sense?

Preparing to put your house on the market is a beating. Packing is a beating. Keeping your house spotless is a beating. Moving is a beating. It's like childbirth....after all the work, you get something really nice out of it in the end. Here's to a busy weekend!!

Happy Thursday!!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

Lots o' changes going on in the Soladay family...good ones, exciting ones. The first big change is that I have officially resigned as a full-time teacher for next school year. I am stepping down from the incredible world of empowering little minds. It's a very strange feeling because for so long, part of my identity has been "teacher". I still plan on substitute teaching a few days a week, but I'd like to focus more on my curtain/bedding making business. I am little nervous about the move, but Ryan continues to assure me that change is good!
“Growth means change, and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown.”

Monday, March 22, 2010

Happy Monday!

It was really hard getting up at the crack of dawn today after 10 days of bliss. Spring break is over....TAKS testing is 2 short weeks away.  I needed a quiet ride to work/school this morning to prepare myself for 52 fifth graders...Preston wanted to talk trivia about cars with the fastest acceleration. Have you ever wanted one of those limo windows that roll up and down separating the front and the back seat? I did. This morning.

Happy Monday!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Weekend Recap!

Weekend, oh glorious weekend...
Where did you go?
How quickly you're gone.
How you do it, I'll never know!

We attended a wedding on Friday
of a couple so precious and in love
We visited with close friends
and our own wedding, we reminisced of.

Saturday was spent relaxing
and spending family time together
Then a father-son outing
in the cold and snowy weather.

Sunday morning Ryan cooked breakfast
and the kids played out in the snow
We prepared for a busy week ahead
full of school, sports, homework, you know!

Spring break is over
time to go back to school
but what a great time we had
It really was super cool!

Ryan and I went to a wedding of a guy at his office named Steve. He and his new wife, Mary, are such a sweet couple.  It was fun to see some of our really good friends:
Kristin, Kelly and I
I am so happy to be standing next to this man in this picture....I'm going to get sappy for a minute, so if it bothers you, TYA...if not, stick around, my friends! When you go to a wedding, you can't help but reflect on your own, and this wedding was no exception.  When they read 1 Corinthians 13:4...Love is patient, love is kind...you know the one...Ryan squeezed my hand and we smiled at each other, remembering it being read at our wedding. I remember Ryan texting me the entire scripture early in our relationship...He so had me at that moment!  It has special meaning to us because it describes to the "t" the way we want our marriage to be...patient, kind, not envious or boastful, truthful, honest, not easily angered...and we work to make sure it really is. We're not perfect, but we're perfect for each other.  Damn it's good, and how handsome is this man in his suit!
 
On Saturday, Trysten called Ryan on the way home from Houston with his mom, and asked if he would take him out to eat....Ryan JUMPED at the chance for some father-son time, so these 2 handsome guys below, went to Dave & Buster for some male bonding and then to see The Lightening Thief. They had a great time...I love seeing them together.
On Sunday, we woke up to massive amounts of snow, so the boys went outside to play!
Ryan and Trysten made an igloo!
Carter came back inside, and I found him with all of his books at the bottom of the stairs...I love this little guy.
I hope your weekend was just as great!
Here's to the beginning of a new week!!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Adventure Time!

Where do I begin with the story of 
our "adventure" at Fossil Rim Wildlife Park
with the Coco crew? Can you say, "crazy-fun"!!?

Preston, Carter and I arrived in Glen Rose about 30 minutes before Coco and her precious cargo which worked out perfectly because that's about how long it took to just wait in line to buy tickets to enter the park.  Right about the time the boys and I made it to the front of the line, I turned and there was Coco with the coolest kid ever sportin' a popped collar and a smile that will surely get him lots of trouble with the ladies later on down the road...total miniature Matthew McConaughey...and the sweetest little blonde that has absolutely captured my Carter's heart...I have pictures to proove this allegation. 

After forking over 5 grand, we all piled in Coco's SUV and took off into the wildlife.  I think we saw about 15 animals total, including 1 extremely testy ostrich, which Coco's husband later accused her of punching after it snapped at Preston's finger.  Scared us to death, but all was well. It was good times, people, and as if it couldn't get any better, we decided to take our own wild animals well behaved children to a cute little mexican restaurant for a bite to eat out on the patio, a rita for the moms and a some more girl talk.  Let's just say that taking four children to eat after they had been couped up in a car for 3 hours has its drawbacks. I have pictures to proove this too.

Now, for some pictures of las festivas!

Within 5 minutes of meeting, Carter had already claimed "Daisey Mayes", as he kept calling her, as his girl!
How cute is this!
Coco and Tessie Mayes! I have to say, I am major impressed with Coco's driving skills. At any given moment during the 3 hour tour through vacant fields fields of animals, she had not 1 but 2 children climbing over her head and into her lap, and she never flinched. I think at one point, we had all four kids in the driver's and passenger's seats with us. 
Uh...excuse us. I think these animals are a lot smarter than we think. I firmly believe they block the road just to get back at all the kids pelting them with food. Wouldn't you!?
Preston trying to name the 15 animals we saw...which didn't include ANY giraffes...I think they hid them from us.
How can this cute little thing not make you smile?! Notice the silver sharpie across her cheek? Ya, that happened in the car during "our adventure".
Carter's picture taking skills:
It's gettin' crazy!
Maybe we should call it a day before they kick us out!
Saying goodbye!
So sweet...
Did you guys not hear us say, "No playing in the parking lot!!!??"
What a day!!!
This was so much fun, and it definitely won't be our last playdate!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Change of Plans!

Yesterday, I mentioned taking my little guys to the Ft. Worth Zoo...plans have shifted a bit, and this is where we're headed instead:
Yes, you are correct. It really is Fossil Rim Wildlife Park in Glen Rose, Texas! I haven't been anywhere like this since the International Wildlife Park back in the 80's! The boys are super excited, and I cannot wait to finally meet Coco and her precious Tessie Mayes and Bram, AKA "The Braminator"! We are hopping in our SUVs and headed out for some good old fashion fun! Should be a blast...lots of pictures to come!

Happy Thursday!!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Let the Fun Begin!

In just a few short hours, my little men will return! They had a great time with their dad in San Antonio staying at the Hyatt Hill Country.  Such an awesome resort for families.  I have been several times with the boys in the past, and it's an excellent venue for letting kids be kids, i.e. a lazy river, beach front pool, making smores at sunset, movies on the lawn at night with the family while relaxing on massive quilts, bike riding, crafts. You name it, they have it!

The next few days are packed with fun! It all begins with Preston's baseball game tonight.  Their coach is having all the boys wear green shirts in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Love it! The onset of baseball season also means the baseball crew is together again! Always good times.

"The Teenager" is going to Six Flags with a close friend tomorrow while I take the little guys to the Ft. Worth Zoo...I told them over the phone last night, and Preston and Carter can't wait to buy a pressed penny at the zoo to add to their Penny Passports! Thanks, Casey for the recommendation!
Let the fun begin!
Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Missing My Boys...

My boys have been gone since Friday, and I'm really missing the little guys...Their dad has been kind to send me some pictures of all the fun being had! 




I'm glad they're having such a great time!
Seeing their faces makes me smile...

Monday, March 15, 2010

Weekend Recap!

Weekend, oh glorious weekend...
Where did you go?
How quickly you're gone.
How you do it, I'll never know!

We kicked off our alone time
by clebrating in style
We ate sushi at Naan
where we sat on "our sofa" all the while.

We shopped all day Saturday
and bought our first piece of art!
Ate a romantic dinner at Jaspers
You just continue to melt my heart!

We had margaritas at Gloria's
sat out on the patio for a bit
Enjoyed the beautiful weather
and each other's company, I must admit!

Sunday brought relaxation
and time spent just hanging out
We hung up our new painting
One of our best weekends, there's no doubt!

The best part about it
is our alone time isn't done
We still have 2 more days
to have a little fun!


Ryan and I have been searching for a piece of art to go above our fireplace for some time now, and we came across this painting at a new antique shop we disccovered and fell in love with it as soon as we saw it.  It really is beautiful, and the colors look amazing in our family room.  Ryan hung it up yesterday, and after a few tries, he was able to get it just right!  It wasn't easy people.  We felt like such grown ups after we bought it. Ha ha! I kept saying, "Ryan, we bought our first piece of art. We're real adults!"
It was a big purchase for us, and we're pretty excited about it!

Happy Monday!!!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Friday!!

It.is.Friday.
Spring.break.starts.now.
My children are going out of town with their father and Trysten with his mother.  What does this mean, you ask?  Thanks for asking.  I'll tell you:
Alone.time.with.my.favorite.man.

We haven't completely decided what we're going to do as of yet.  Should we take off to Shreveport and try out Ryan's new found love of playing craps?  We're toying with the idea.  I do know there will be shopping, romantic dinners, lunches on patios, meeting for happy hour after hubby gets off work, mani and pedis, some live music here and there.

I am kicking off the official commencement of spring break with some of my fellow teacher peeps following the ringing of the 3:00 bell today, with a little happy hour celebration of our own.  It's always a good time when a group of teachers get together...especially this group!
Our students are wound like yo-yos, which means we are ready for a change of scenery!  Did I mention that today my students will be watching THE 5th grade video?  You know the one I mean...My Changing Body...Good times. 

Have a great Friday and an even better spring break!!!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Etc.

It's been a busy week here in the Soladay household as usual...baseball practice, homework, projects, Open House, Maverick game, etc., so here's a post full of random happenings and meaningless thoughts.

Last night, Ryan arranged for some male bonding time with "The Teenager" via a Dallas Mavericks game.  Hello 13 game winning streak!  I sent Ryan with the camera, and this is the result:

Can you say great seats!
I love these 2 guys...
Game time!
This is where the pictures get interesting....

Okay...
Really?
I guess "the boys" enjoyed the scenery!  I'm glad they had such a great time.  Ryan truly is an awesome stepdad, and Austin ate up every moment!

**************************************************************

Here is another one of Carter's masterpiece's I pulled out of his backpack recently. I don't know why, but it makes me smile...and laugh. Sweet boy! Check out my hair:
******************************************************************
Since Ryan was gone last night, I did something I rarely do, and after doing so, I remembered why...I had set up 3 episodes...including the reunion show...of The Real Housewives of Orange County on the DVR, and once the boys were in bed, I watched all three commercial free.  Here are the thoughts I walked away with:

Tamra and Simon-
Ummm...wingnut and jerko
My favorite line was: "I do not control my wife. But if I didn't control her, just think what she'd be like!" 
Okay...Am I the only one who thinks that made no sense whatsoever?
Here's another one: "We have a perfect marriage. If your marriage is 51% good and 49% bad then you're perfect."
Gee, that sounds "perfect" to me.  I also loved how incredibly rude and disrespectful Simon was to Tamra in the limo, curses at her, and then tried to simply apologize and say I love you, so that they could make it through the party.  It was like watching a train wreck.

Vicki and Don-
They were the least annoying couple.  Strange, but the least annoying.  I can handle them.

Gretchen and Slade-
Wow! She is a hot little number...Slade...not so much. He makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit.  Last time I watched this show, Gretchen was with the old guy, so I was surprised to find out he had died, and she had already moved on.

Lynne and Whatever Her Husband's Name is:
Let's see...they can't manage their money to the point that they lose their home, they live WAY beyond their means, and Lynne's husband hides all of this from her because he doesn't want to "hurt" her.  Their 2 teenage daughters are trashy mouthed, spoiled brats that show up highly intoxicated to the end of summer party.  Classy.

Alexis and Her Sugar Daddy:
Is she his slave? Does she realize how stupid he makes her look, and where the heck are the kids?  Are they ever with the kids?  I would love to see a picture of Alexis before she had her lips done. They are GINORMOUS.  Just sayin'.

The Women as a Whole:
Catty. Deceitful. Mean. Self-absorbed.
They are awful to each other which has always been one of the main reasons I haven't watched it regularly.  So much negativity.  I am sure they are great people inside, but wow...the pressure to keep up their appearances must be exhausting.  Sure makes me appreciate my simple existence, my kids, my family, and my hubby.

That's all I have! Have a fabulous day!
Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

E is for Ethics

I thought I would share this awesome book
I discovered at the bookfair which is at my school this week. 
 I.LOVE.THE.BOOKFAIR.


One of the reviews I read describes the book's contents and purpose:

"This slim (just over 100 page) book contains 26 stories on a variety of moral issues, including honesty, tact, loyalty, integrity and responsibility. Each story runs less than 2 pages, and presents the main character in a situation where s/he is in a moral quandary -- followed by a "what should the main character do now?" Then there are three or four follow-up questions, and two relevant quotations. It also includes one colorful, cartoonish illustration per story, which are appealing to the young reader."


It's a great way to discuss important issues with your kids such as honesty, perseverance, loyalty, kindness, trust, empathy, charity, responsibility and more.  Good stuff for children to learn about in this crazy, materialistic world full of hate, betrayal, instability and all that other.....crap.  It can be a scary place out there for our little ones, so I'm all about equipping them with ways to make good choices! 

As the review said, there are 26 stories, so my plan is for Ryan and I to read one short chapter with the boys, probably on Thursday nights when we're all together, and give them a chance to share their thoughts or ask any questions they may have.  

Click on the title above to check it out!

Happy Wednesday!



Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Boys Equal Fun

Behold the greatness of Carter and Trysten's jam session.  I love the fact that Trysten continues to get down on his guitar, rockstar style, the entire time Carter is dancing around and running from the camera!  I'm not exactly sure what Trysten was staring at on the tv, since it was on satellite radio, but he was definitely rockin'!


Monday, March 8, 2010

Weekend Recap!

Weekend, oh glorious weekend...
Where did you go?
How quickly you're gone.
How you do it, I'll never know!

There was a school dance and a car show
and a Wheel of Fortune attempt
lots of fun and laughter
while the boys made a GINORMOUS tent!

We had lunch on the patio
at one of our favorite eating spots
celebrated a little family birthday
with presents, cake and ice cream...of which we had a lot!

Pop and Grandma were in town
and came over for a bit,
Ryan grilled out delicious steaks
and around the family table we did sit.

It was all about our family
from beginning to the end
Always looking forward to the next time
when we can do it all over again!

Father and son heading to the school dance.  Be still my heart...handsome boys...Ryan said he saw Trysten about every 10 minutes as he would zooooom past him running around with his friends!
I opened up the freezer on Saturday morning, and this is what I found:
and this:
and this:
Not sure what the fascination was with freezing their toys, but it went on all.weekend.long.
Oh, I forgot this one...What?!!
We decided to go to the Dallas Auto Show, before the Wheel of Fortune auditions, located in the same building, and the boys...including Ryan...were in their element among all the engines, tires and testosterone:
Preston and Trysten picked out their favorites:
So did Ryan:
One day, baby! I promise! I must say, my man looked pretty hot sitting in his dream car!=)
The boys learned about all the available types of energy sources...fossil fuels, renewable resources and nuclear resources...
so they could:
Having a blast!
So....the story on the Wheel...After wandering around steel and tires for a few hours, we walked down to the auditions...along with EVERYONE else in America.  Once in line, we discovered the wait was going to be 2 hours...so Ryan and I debated whether to subject the little guys to 2 hours of this....
and this...
We put our excitement aside, took one for the team, and decided not to torture their anxious, active, hyper little souls.  One of the crew assured us a return next year, so Ryan and I felt better about leaving and decided next time would be sans children...for their sake and ours!  We left and drove straight to Gloria's for cerviche, a margarita...only for the adults...enchiladas and chicken fingers out on the patio! Heaven!

Sunday was another busy day beginning with a belated birthday celebration for my neice, Addyson!  Here she is with her daddy, my brother!
 My newest neice, Alexis...sweet baby girl!
 My mother and the teenager!

 My sis-in-law and friend, Jennifer...love her!
The lovebirds =)
Later that evening, Pop and Grandma, who were in town from New York, came over for dinner.  We miss them so much and cannot wait for them to move back!  One tradition we have with them is eating artichoke with melted butter...Yum! The boys devoured it!
Silly boys!

What a fun filled family weekend!
Happy Monday!!!

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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Random Bits of Information

Coco...I apologize in advance if this post in any way shape or form resembles your "Random Friday" posts. I'll buy you a bottle glass of wine in Fredericksburg.

1.  The painting is done. Have you ever painted over a booger? I have now. Gross. The repairs have been made. How did our boys manage to rip the toilet paper holders off the wall in both of their bathrooms? Flowers have been planted. I don't enjoy yard work, but I love how it looks when it's done. We're ready. Our realtor and friend, Joe Cloud, is coming over tonight to list our house.

2. Spring sports are in full swing in Soladayland. Last week we had something every.single.night but received a break this go round with only 3 out of 5 nights booked.

3. I went out to recess duty yesterday, and when I came back to my classroom for my lunch break, my sweet hubby surprised me and was sitting at my desk with lunch from Pei Wei. Yum....him and the food.

4. Carter has been begging me to change his name to Alvin lately. I have no idea why.

5. When we were doing one of those little questions from the "Family Dinner Questions" jar the other night, the question was, "If you had to have a disability, would you choose to be blind, deaf, or confined to a wheel chair?" It was amazing to hear everyone's perspective of what really matters to them.

6. Austin has been breaking out on his face lately. Zits scare me....not because they're gross but because of all that comes along with zits starting to appear.

7. There are only 45 school days left this year. Hello summer.

Have a fantastic Wednesday!!

Monday, March 29, 2010

How Cool is This!

Do you remember my post a few weeks ago about a book I bought titled
E is for Ethics?
Well, we officially started reading it with the kids this past Thursday evening, and they loved it! Each chapter includes a short story about a specific moral or value, along with questions to guide a family discussion. The first story was about honesty, and it was such a great opportunity to hear what their little minds think is right vs. wrong. As a blended family, this book also gives us a chance to further strengthen our bond as a complete family unit. Here's the really cool part...Saturday evening, I received an email stating the author of the book had left a post on my blog, thanking me for sharing it with my blogland friends!
 Check it out...

"Thanks SO much for the kind words. I love hearing "real world" examples of families using the book. Please tell your friends! (I guess you've already told the world through you blog, so I'm just being greedy!) But seriously, word-of-mouth (or blog) is about all we have for this little project and I just hope as many families can enjoy it as possible. It really works doesn't it?

Thanks again,

IAN"
 
How cool is that!?!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Weekend Recap!

Weekend, oh glorious weekend...
Where did you go?
How quickly you're gone.
How you do it, I'll never know!

Friday was a date night
for just you and me
It was happy hour and then home
for a quiet night you see

Saturday was very busy
full of rearranging and cleaning
Saying we're organized now
has a whole new meaning!

We had sushi at Naan
with some very dear friends
then met up with some more
celebrating a night with no ends!

Sunday was oh so busy
Worked our fingers to the bone
So much was accomplished
In and around our great home!

It was another fantastico weekend in Soladayland. We spent every moment of free time trying to get the house ready to go on the market here fairly soon. We moved Preston into his own room...he and Carter have been sharing a room...and Preston was s.t.o.k.e.d. to come home today to his own space. I lost my sewing/craft room in the switch, but it's totally worth the loss. Hopefully our next house will have 5 rooms, so that I can get my sweatshop back up and running.

Saturday night was a blast. We had dinner at Naan with 2 other couples from the baseball crew, and then went over to Mi Cocina to meet Alisha and her hubby, Bryan, along with some other great friends, where they were celebrating Bryan's 35th birthday. What.a.great.time.
I have a nice bruise on my leg to proove it.


Sheryl, Kathy and I
I have no idea why my hand is casually placed on Kathy's right boob...
Not a great pic...I insisted on not using the flash. My bad.
Kristin, Alisha's sweet sister, Alisha, and I
Good times + great friends=fabulous weekend!

Friday, March 26, 2010

It's Friday!

I love you, Friday.
You are full of so many possibilities.
You are gracious, kind, and cause me to smile.
Thank you for the date night tonight with the sweet hunk of a man that is my husband and the opportunity to stay up late without the fear of having to wake before the sun.
I love you, Friday.

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!!!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Change Number Two

We are doing it...I know where your mind just went, Coco, but I didn't mean it like that.
This weekend is a kid-free weekend, and other than a date night with my hubby on Friday and a triple date with 2 other couples from the baseball crew for sushi...along with hopefully meeting up with friends celebrating Alisha's sweet hubby's birthday, Ryan and I will working like craazaay to get our house ready to put on the market.  Yes, we're taking the plunge into the housing market...which has seen better days, but who's current trend is showing great signs of improvement. 

The reason for the move, you ask? Well, it's like this. Since I'm not going to be teaching next school year, Preston and Carter would have to go to the school our neighborhood is zoned for and then move again after next school year because Austin would then be going into high school, and we don't want him going to the one we're zoned for...so we were going to move to Prosper...hopefully...after next school year regardless. Did all that make sense?

Preparing to put your house on the market is a beating. Packing is a beating. Keeping your house spotless is a beating. Moving is a beating. It's like childbirth....after all the work, you get something really nice out of it in the end. Here's to a busy weekend!!

Happy Thursday!!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

Lots o' changes going on in the Soladay family...good ones, exciting ones. The first big change is that I have officially resigned as a full-time teacher for next school year. I am stepping down from the incredible world of empowering little minds. It's a very strange feeling because for so long, part of my identity has been "teacher". I still plan on substitute teaching a few days a week, but I'd like to focus more on my curtain/bedding making business. I am little nervous about the move, but Ryan continues to assure me that change is good!
“Growth means change, and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown.”

Monday, March 22, 2010

Happy Monday!

It was really hard getting up at the crack of dawn today after 10 days of bliss. Spring break is over....TAKS testing is 2 short weeks away.  I needed a quiet ride to work/school this morning to prepare myself for 52 fifth graders...Preston wanted to talk trivia about cars with the fastest acceleration. Have you ever wanted one of those limo windows that roll up and down separating the front and the back seat? I did. This morning.

Happy Monday!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Weekend Recap!

Weekend, oh glorious weekend...
Where did you go?
How quickly you're gone.
How you do it, I'll never know!

We attended a wedding on Friday
of a couple so precious and in love
We visited with close friends
and our own wedding, we reminisced of.

Saturday was spent relaxing
and spending family time together
Then a father-son outing
in the cold and snowy weather.

Sunday morning Ryan cooked breakfast
and the kids played out in the snow
We prepared for a busy week ahead
full of school, sports, homework, you know!

Spring break is over
time to go back to school
but what a great time we had
It really was super cool!

Ryan and I went to a wedding of a guy at his office named Steve. He and his new wife, Mary, are such a sweet couple.  It was fun to see some of our really good friends:
Kristin, Kelly and I
I am so happy to be standing next to this man in this picture....I'm going to get sappy for a minute, so if it bothers you, TYA...if not, stick around, my friends! When you go to a wedding, you can't help but reflect on your own, and this wedding was no exception.  When they read 1 Corinthians 13:4...Love is patient, love is kind...you know the one...Ryan squeezed my hand and we smiled at each other, remembering it being read at our wedding. I remember Ryan texting me the entire scripture early in our relationship...He so had me at that moment!  It has special meaning to us because it describes to the "t" the way we want our marriage to be...patient, kind, not envious or boastful, truthful, honest, not easily angered...and we work to make sure it really is. We're not perfect, but we're perfect for each other.  Damn it's good, and how handsome is this man in his suit!
 
On Saturday, Trysten called Ryan on the way home from Houston with his mom, and asked if he would take him out to eat....Ryan JUMPED at the chance for some father-son time, so these 2 handsome guys below, went to Dave & Buster for some male bonding and then to see The Lightening Thief. They had a great time...I love seeing them together.
On Sunday, we woke up to massive amounts of snow, so the boys went outside to play!
Ryan and Trysten made an igloo!
Carter came back inside, and I found him with all of his books at the bottom of the stairs...I love this little guy.
I hope your weekend was just as great!
Here's to the beginning of a new week!!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Adventure Time!

Where do I begin with the story of 
our "adventure" at Fossil Rim Wildlife Park
with the Coco crew? Can you say, "crazy-fun"!!?

Preston, Carter and I arrived in Glen Rose about 30 minutes before Coco and her precious cargo which worked out perfectly because that's about how long it took to just wait in line to buy tickets to enter the park.  Right about the time the boys and I made it to the front of the line, I turned and there was Coco with the coolest kid ever sportin' a popped collar and a smile that will surely get him lots of trouble with the ladies later on down the road...total miniature Matthew McConaughey...and the sweetest little blonde that has absolutely captured my Carter's heart...I have pictures to proove this allegation. 

After forking over 5 grand, we all piled in Coco's SUV and took off into the wildlife.  I think we saw about 15 animals total, including 1 extremely testy ostrich, which Coco's husband later accused her of punching after it snapped at Preston's finger.  Scared us to death, but all was well. It was good times, people, and as if it couldn't get any better, we decided to take our own wild animals well behaved children to a cute little mexican restaurant for a bite to eat out on the patio, a rita for the moms and a some more girl talk.  Let's just say that taking four children to eat after they had been couped up in a car for 3 hours has its drawbacks. I have pictures to proove this too.

Now, for some pictures of las festivas!

Within 5 minutes of meeting, Carter had already claimed "Daisey Mayes", as he kept calling her, as his girl!
How cute is this!
Coco and Tessie Mayes! I have to say, I am major impressed with Coco's driving skills. At any given moment during the 3 hour tour through vacant fields fields of animals, she had not 1 but 2 children climbing over her head and into her lap, and she never flinched. I think at one point, we had all four kids in the driver's and passenger's seats with us. 
Uh...excuse us. I think these animals are a lot smarter than we think. I firmly believe they block the road just to get back at all the kids pelting them with food. Wouldn't you!?
Preston trying to name the 15 animals we saw...which didn't include ANY giraffes...I think they hid them from us.
How can this cute little thing not make you smile?! Notice the silver sharpie across her cheek? Ya, that happened in the car during "our adventure".
Carter's picture taking skills:
It's gettin' crazy!
Maybe we should call it a day before they kick us out!
Saying goodbye!
So sweet...
Did you guys not hear us say, "No playing in the parking lot!!!??"
What a day!!!
This was so much fun, and it definitely won't be our last playdate!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Change of Plans!

Yesterday, I mentioned taking my little guys to the Ft. Worth Zoo...plans have shifted a bit, and this is where we're headed instead:
Yes, you are correct. It really is Fossil Rim Wildlife Park in Glen Rose, Texas! I haven't been anywhere like this since the International Wildlife Park back in the 80's! The boys are super excited, and I cannot wait to finally meet Coco and her precious Tessie Mayes and Bram, AKA "The Braminator"! We are hopping in our SUVs and headed out for some good old fashion fun! Should be a blast...lots of pictures to come!

Happy Thursday!!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Let the Fun Begin!

In just a few short hours, my little men will return! They had a great time with their dad in San Antonio staying at the Hyatt Hill Country.  Such an awesome resort for families.  I have been several times with the boys in the past, and it's an excellent venue for letting kids be kids, i.e. a lazy river, beach front pool, making smores at sunset, movies on the lawn at night with the family while relaxing on massive quilts, bike riding, crafts. You name it, they have it!

The next few days are packed with fun! It all begins with Preston's baseball game tonight.  Their coach is having all the boys wear green shirts in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Love it! The onset of baseball season also means the baseball crew is together again! Always good times.

"The Teenager" is going to Six Flags with a close friend tomorrow while I take the little guys to the Ft. Worth Zoo...I told them over the phone last night, and Preston and Carter can't wait to buy a pressed penny at the zoo to add to their Penny Passports! Thanks, Casey for the recommendation!
Let the fun begin!
Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Missing My Boys...

My boys have been gone since Friday, and I'm really missing the little guys...Their dad has been kind to send me some pictures of all the fun being had! 




I'm glad they're having such a great time!
Seeing their faces makes me smile...

Monday, March 15, 2010

Weekend Recap!

Weekend, oh glorious weekend...
Where did you go?
How quickly you're gone.
How you do it, I'll never know!

We kicked off our alone time
by clebrating in style
We ate sushi at Naan
where we sat on "our sofa" all the while.

We shopped all day Saturday
and bought our first piece of art!
Ate a romantic dinner at Jaspers
You just continue to melt my heart!

We had margaritas at Gloria's
sat out on the patio for a bit
Enjoyed the beautiful weather
and each other's company, I must admit!

Sunday brought relaxation
and time spent just hanging out
We hung up our new painting
One of our best weekends, there's no doubt!

The best part about it
is our alone time isn't done
We still have 2 more days
to have a little fun!


Ryan and I have been searching for a piece of art to go above our fireplace for some time now, and we came across this painting at a new antique shop we disccovered and fell in love with it as soon as we saw it.  It really is beautiful, and the colors look amazing in our family room.  Ryan hung it up yesterday, and after a few tries, he was able to get it just right!  It wasn't easy people.  We felt like such grown ups after we bought it. Ha ha! I kept saying, "Ryan, we bought our first piece of art. We're real adults!"
It was a big purchase for us, and we're pretty excited about it!

Happy Monday!!!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Friday!!

It.is.Friday.
Spring.break.starts.now.
My children are going out of town with their father and Trysten with his mother.  What does this mean, you ask?  Thanks for asking.  I'll tell you:
Alone.time.with.my.favorite.man.

We haven't completely decided what we're going to do as of yet.  Should we take off to Shreveport and try out Ryan's new found love of playing craps?  We're toying with the idea.  I do know there will be shopping, romantic dinners, lunches on patios, meeting for happy hour after hubby gets off work, mani and pedis, some live music here and there.

I am kicking off the official commencement of spring break with some of my fellow teacher peeps following the ringing of the 3:00 bell today, with a little happy hour celebration of our own.  It's always a good time when a group of teachers get together...especially this group!
Our students are wound like yo-yos, which means we are ready for a change of scenery!  Did I mention that today my students will be watching THE 5th grade video?  You know the one I mean...My Changing Body...Good times. 

Have a great Friday and an even better spring break!!!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Etc.

It's been a busy week here in the Soladay household as usual...baseball practice, homework, projects, Open House, Maverick game, etc., so here's a post full of random happenings and meaningless thoughts.

Last night, Ryan arranged for some male bonding time with "The Teenager" via a Dallas Mavericks game.  Hello 13 game winning streak!  I sent Ryan with the camera, and this is the result:

Can you say great seats!
I love these 2 guys...
Game time!
This is where the pictures get interesting....

Okay...
Really?
I guess "the boys" enjoyed the scenery!  I'm glad they had such a great time.  Ryan truly is an awesome stepdad, and Austin ate up every moment!

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Here is another one of Carter's masterpiece's I pulled out of his backpack recently. I don't know why, but it makes me smile...and laugh. Sweet boy! Check out my hair:
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Since Ryan was gone last night, I did something I rarely do, and after doing so, I remembered why...I had set up 3 episodes...including the reunion show...of The Real Housewives of Orange County on the DVR, and once the boys were in bed, I watched all three commercial free.  Here are the thoughts I walked away with:

Tamra and Simon-
Ummm...wingnut and jerko
My favorite line was: "I do not control my wife. But if I didn't control her, just think what she'd be like!" 
Okay...Am I the only one who thinks that made no sense whatsoever?
Here's another one: "We have a perfect marriage. If your marriage is 51% good and 49% bad then you're perfect."
Gee, that sounds "perfect" to me.  I also loved how incredibly rude and disrespectful Simon was to Tamra in the limo, curses at her, and then tried to simply apologize and say I love you, so that they could make it through the party.  It was like watching a train wreck.

Vicki and Don-
They were the least annoying couple.  Strange, but the least annoying.  I can handle them.

Gretchen and Slade-
Wow! She is a hot little number...Slade...not so much. He makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit.  Last time I watched this show, Gretchen was with the old guy, so I was surprised to find out he had died, and she had already moved on.

Lynne and Whatever Her Husband's Name is:
Let's see...they can't manage their money to the point that they lose their home, they live WAY beyond their means, and Lynne's husband hides all of this from her because he doesn't want to "hurt" her.  Their 2 teenage daughters are trashy mouthed, spoiled brats that show up highly intoxicated to the end of summer party.  Classy.

Alexis and Her Sugar Daddy:
Is she his slave? Does she realize how stupid he makes her look, and where the heck are the kids?  Are they ever with the kids?  I would love to see a picture of Alexis before she had her lips done. They are GINORMOUS.  Just sayin'.

The Women as a Whole:
Catty. Deceitful. Mean. Self-absorbed.
They are awful to each other which has always been one of the main reasons I haven't watched it regularly.  So much negativity.  I am sure they are great people inside, but wow...the pressure to keep up their appearances must be exhausting.  Sure makes me appreciate my simple existence, my kids, my family, and my hubby.

That's all I have! Have a fabulous day!
Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

E is for Ethics

I thought I would share this awesome book
I discovered at the bookfair which is at my school this week. 
 I.LOVE.THE.BOOKFAIR.


One of the reviews I read describes the book's contents and purpose:

"This slim (just over 100 page) book contains 26 stories on a variety of moral issues, including honesty, tact, loyalty, integrity and responsibility. Each story runs less than 2 pages, and presents the main character in a situation where s/he is in a moral quandary -- followed by a "what should the main character do now?" Then there are three or four follow-up questions, and two relevant quotations. It also includes one colorful, cartoonish illustration per story, which are appealing to the young reader."


It's a great way to discuss important issues with your kids such as honesty, perseverance, loyalty, kindness, trust, empathy, charity, responsibility and more.  Good stuff for children to learn about in this crazy, materialistic world full of hate, betrayal, instability and all that other.....crap.  It can be a scary place out there for our little ones, so I'm all about equipping them with ways to make good choices! 

As the review said, there are 26 stories, so my plan is for Ryan and I to read one short chapter with the boys, probably on Thursday nights when we're all together, and give them a chance to share their thoughts or ask any questions they may have.  

Click on the title above to check it out!

Happy Wednesday!



Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Boys Equal Fun

Behold the greatness of Carter and Trysten's jam session.  I love the fact that Trysten continues to get down on his guitar, rockstar style, the entire time Carter is dancing around and running from the camera!  I'm not exactly sure what Trysten was staring at on the tv, since it was on satellite radio, but he was definitely rockin'!


Monday, March 8, 2010

Weekend Recap!

Weekend, oh glorious weekend...
Where did you go?
How quickly you're gone.
How you do it, I'll never know!

There was a school dance and a car show
and a Wheel of Fortune attempt
lots of fun and laughter
while the boys made a GINORMOUS tent!

We had lunch on the patio
at one of our favorite eating spots
celebrated a little family birthday
with presents, cake and ice cream...of which we had a lot!

Pop and Grandma were in town
and came over for a bit,
Ryan grilled out delicious steaks
and around the family table we did sit.

It was all about our family
from beginning to the end
Always looking forward to the next time
when we can do it all over again!

Father and son heading to the school dance.  Be still my heart...handsome boys...Ryan said he saw Trysten about every 10 minutes as he would zooooom past him running around with his friends!
I opened up the freezer on Saturday morning, and this is what I found:
and this:
and this:
Not sure what the fascination was with freezing their toys, but it went on all.weekend.long.
Oh, I forgot this one...What?!!
We decided to go to the Dallas Auto Show, before the Wheel of Fortune auditions, located in the same building, and the boys...including Ryan...were in their element among all the engines, tires and testosterone:
Preston and Trysten picked out their favorites:
So did Ryan:
One day, baby! I promise! I must say, my man looked pretty hot sitting in his dream car!=)
The boys learned about all the available types of energy sources...fossil fuels, renewable resources and nuclear resources...
so they could:
Having a blast!
So....the story on the Wheel...After wandering around steel and tires for a few hours, we walked down to the auditions...along with EVERYONE else in America.  Once in line, we discovered the wait was going to be 2 hours...so Ryan and I debated whether to subject the little guys to 2 hours of this....
and this...
We put our excitement aside, took one for the team, and decided not to torture their anxious, active, hyper little souls.  One of the crew assured us a return next year, so Ryan and I felt better about leaving and decided next time would be sans children...for their sake and ours!  We left and drove straight to Gloria's for cerviche, a margarita...only for the adults...enchiladas and chicken fingers out on the patio! Heaven!

Sunday was another busy day beginning with a belated birthday celebration for my neice, Addyson!  Here she is with her daddy, my brother!
 My newest neice, Alexis...sweet baby girl!
 My mother and the teenager!

 My sis-in-law and friend, Jennifer...love her!
The lovebirds =)
Later that evening, Pop and Grandma, who were in town from New York, came over for dinner.  We miss them so much and cannot wait for them to move back!  One tradition we have with them is eating artichoke with melted butter...Yum! The boys devoured it!
Silly boys!

What a fun filled family weekend!
Happy Monday!!!