The dreaded R

So I've been in an Elementary school in Rowlett this semester, learning about the speech pathologist job in public schools. I've really enjoyed it so far. The kids are so very cute, but the paperwork is absolutely overwhelming. Today I had another interesting experience trying to explain to an 8 year old how to say 'r' sounds. That is a very hard concept! We had out this big model of the mouth, showing her how the sides of the tongue in the back should touch the top of the mouth right beside the teeth and the tongue has to be really tight because otherwise that sounds like a 'w'. Yikes. Little girl didn't get it. Not at allllll. I mean, no freakin wonder it's the hardest sound in the English language! I mean, you try it! Sit there and say "errrrrrr". Now think about where your tongue is and how to describe that to an 8 year old....nearly impossible. And it's so hard to see where she's actually putting her tongue since she's doing it incorrectly. Not to mention that there are 21 different variations of the 'r' sound. That's wayyy too many. We're gonna get it though. We're gonna get it.

Oscars

So I'm sitting here watching the Oscars tonight just thinking about my love for film. I've always loved movies. It's always been one of my family's favorite things when we're together, to have a relaxed night together with a great movie. I think movie nights will always be one of our family traditions. I think it's amazing how the actors and actresses can lose themselves so fully in a character. I have really always loved watching the Oscars, and it's so fun to see all the stars dressed up for such an event. It's all just so glamorous. Of course, one of my favorite parts is the red carpet before the show where you get to see the stars interviewed and without a script. Brandon doesn't get why I like that so much. It's a girl thing, I guess. I also loved watching Hugh Jackman tonight- so surprisingly funny and entertaining! Beyonce was pretty good too, and I really loved hearing so many Coldplay songs featured.

This year our favorites were Slumdog Millionaire, Benjamin Button and Dark Knight, all of which have won their share of awards. Brandon's fave was Dark Knight, the violent and kinda sad, not to mention extremely dark Batman story- shocking that he loved that one. I can admit it was good though. And if you haven't seen Slumdog Millionaire, you should go see it. I cried. And I guess the Academy must have loved it too since it took like every award possible. Next, I'm dying to see Doubt, Frost Nixon, Revolutionary Road, and Milk.

We also had a lot of favorite movies that weren't big winners tonight. Seven Pounds with Will Smith was really so touching. I cried my eyes out but it was definitely a new favorite. Man on Wire was also very interesting. Brandon loved it, and I thought it was a bit slow. But I guess I should have expected it since it is a documentary and all. It was just lacking the romance that I am always looking for in a movie. For that reason, I loved Mama Mia, Fools Gold, Nights in Rodanthe, and numerous other girly films. I guess I don't see why there isn't a little love story in every movie. Even Wall-E had it's gushy moments!

Well, that's enough of my thoughts for now. We had a wonderful weekend. I had a fun girls night with Meagan and Ashley Friday night while Brandon got to hang out with Justin and the other Rocketboys. Then we went to their concert downtown which was really good. So late, but worth it. Saturday we got to hang out with my Dad who came in town to do a mini-seminar at a church in Denton. So it was great to visit with him for a little while, and this morning we went to hear him speak. I'm always sad when he leaves though. It's hard living so far away and not having any idea really when I'll see my parents next. But I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful life here in Dallas with my wonderful hubby. We're really blessed. Anyways...like I said, that's enough of my thoughts for now. Now back to studying...

Austin weekend

Kim and Philip moved to Austin a few weeks ago. So this weekend Brandon's parents flew to Dallas and we took a trip to Austin to visit. We had a really fun time, and it was good to get out of Dallas for a few days. Away from jobs and studying and all that. And we got to see their cute house in Austin. We ate lots of yummy food, played Wii (very entertaining), walked around downtown, and went to see the movie New in Town, which was really cute. Not my favorite Renee Zellweger movie, but still very good.

This video was one of the favorite activities of the weekend. Bailey and Baxter would play tug of war, or at least their version of it. The dogs had such a blast and didn't slow down the whole weekend.



Here's some other pictures from the weekend...


Caught ya!


In their coordinating Valentine's outfits from Aunt Kimmy.


Leave my big ole beagle ears alone!!!


Dueling it out on the Wii.





Downtown in front of the Capital.


Inside the Capital.




Love him. Even though he hates his picture being taken.

We had such a fun weekend, and Bailey was worn out. She slept the whole way back to Dallas and immediately got in her bed and slept for the rest of the day after we got home.

Last night we watched The Bachelor. Unfortunately, he made the wrong decision... Jillian was my very favorite and he sent her home. Sorry if I ruined it for ya. I just feel like they could have found true lifelong happiness together. Here's to you, Jill. I hope you find the perfect man.



Molly and Melissa are sweet and all, but I'm just not sure about them. They have a lot to prove in the next couple weeks. Either way, I can't WAIT to hear what Deanna has to say when she comes back. She should tell him that he made a huge mistake by sending Jill home. I could go on and on about it, but I won't. Maybe Jillian will be the next Bachelorette, if ABC knows what they're doing. On another note, 24 was good this week- it's getting verrry intense. I don't know how Jack is going to get through this one.

Also, yesterday was my dad's birthday. Don't know what I'd do without him. Happy birthday Daddio. I hate that I couldn't be there to bake you a cake, but I hope it was a good one.

Go fetch!

The weather has been GORGEOUS, so we've been taking full advantage and going on walks every day. Here's an energetic Bailey showin off her skills:

Hopefully we'll have some good tricks to show off soon. Right now, we're still having a hard time remembering. Yesterday she got to have a play date with Sadie at Ryan and Allison's. The pups had a blast, and Bailey was exhausted afterwards. It's the best when Bailey gets to go to the dog park or play with another dog because she gets so worn out. Next weekend Bailey gets to play all weekend with her cousin Baxter, so that'll be really fun. Bailey always gets sad to leave him though. She can't help it- she has such human-like emotions!

Good Times

Wednesday did end up being icy after all, so all the schools were closed and Brandon was even off work. To celebrate, we spent the day deep cleaning our apartment, which we both hate terribly. Even Bailey got clean. It was great. Thank goodness for school closings! And Wednesday night, the ice was melted just enough for us to go out with James and Holly. James is one of Brandon's best friends from growing up, so Brandon has really enjoyed getting to hang out with him again. They invited us to the Mavs game which was really fun. Then Thursday, I took Bailey to the vet for her 9 month old shots. Dr Brantley said she was the prettiest puppy he's EVER seen. Ok not really but he might as well have. Then I made blackberry cobbler for our small group, because it is one of my very favorite desserts in the entire world. Besides chocolate ones of course.

Ok so then Friday night we hung out with Jared and Kristi and baby Colt. I cooked and we watched a movie. I got to hold Colt all night and he fell asleep in my arms. That baby must be about the most precious in the world. So so so cute. But I can't say that I'm jealous of changing those poopy diapers and getting up with him in the middle of the night. Someday I'll want all that, but not today. I'll just love on him for now.

Saturday I babysat for a couple hours and it was gorgeous outside, so we had a fun afternoon at the park. Saturday night we went out with James and Holly again. It was the first chance the boys could come up with to go to Top Golf. I embarrassed myself yet again by attempting a golf swing in public, but oh well. Brandon always does well, but James killed us all and made it look completely effortless. Then we went to Campisi's for some yummy Italian food.

Today we woke up early for church and heard our new preacher. I think we're really gonna like him. I attached his blog because I like reading his viewpoint on things. We took Bailey to the dog park this afternoon, which is one of her favorite things ever. It's good for her to run around and get out all her energy. Today she had to stick up for herself because some little yorkie was determined to hump her, but she wouldn't have it. Her momma taught her better than that...

Then I made cute football brownies for our group's Superbowl Party. We all had a good time with all our friends watching the game. Nobody really cared too much about the teams, but it would have been much more fun to see the Cardinals win. I talked to a lot of our friends who are house hunting and got a little jealous. I can't WAIT to have a house. Brandon either. But soon enough, soon enough.

It's cold again now which is so very upsetting since yesterday was soooo extremely beautiful. Ughhh. I guess that's the brief update on our lives. All I really need to do is lock myself in a room and study every moment for the next month. Prooooobably not gonna happen though. Eeeek!