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!

How Depressing...

So I just watched the news. The man said that tomorrow we're supposed to have the worst freeze we've had here in YEARS. Maybe he was lying or exaggerating, but those words make me very anxious. Now, if you know me, you know that I do not enjoy the cold. I really hate it more than anything in the entire world. I would rather be hot any day than be chilly. Today it rained and was in the upper 30s to low 40s. But tonight it's supposed to freeze. It makes me never want to leave my bed. Bailey hates it too, just like her momma. Such a smart puppy. I think my hatred for the cold has also contributed to my obsession with coats and jackets. I'm always wanting a new coat that I just really need. Lucky for me, Brandon is also a little cold-natured. I don't know what I'd do if he wasn't. God knew what he was doing when he brought us together. I always get so excited here in Dallas when it gets warm, like the other day when it was in the upper 60s. But as soon as I cheer up, the next day it plummets back down to those horrid 30s. Last week at the school I'm working at this semester, the principal came over the loud speaker to announce the day and weather and all that. She said "You know, kids, this is a special day because it's very unusual to have weather like this. Today it's going to be cold down into the 30s and hot all the way up into the 60s." Yeah, that's the word I would have used also: special. Texas is the only place in the world like this. I'm not used to it and I just don't like it. But who knows, maybe the weatherman was wrong and tomorrow will actually be 65 and sunny.

Our shows

As much as I hate to admit it, Brandon and I are addicted to some shows. I'm not too critical- I just want to be entertained. Brandon is a little more needy when it comes to quality TV. But he does have very good taste, I must say. We've grown in our love for Lost. It's so strange and difficult to understand, but we are just DYING to know what in the WORLD is going on!!!



Then there's the Bachelor. That's my embarrassing addiction. And every season I try to tell myself that I won't watch the next, but I just can't resist! I love watching all that drama and sit knowing full well who he should choose. It's also nice to just get all that girl drama over with at the beginning of the week. And Brandon is sweet enough to tolerate it. Well, tolerate is probably too strong a word. He doesn't mind it as much as he might tell you he does. He enjoys when the girls go on and on about how the Bachelor is so very thoughtful and generous to take them on these amazing dates and spend all this money on them when, of course, it's ABC coming up with these romantic ideas. But Jason this season really is wonderful and I hope he finds his true love.



Also on Monday nights is 24. Brandon and I are both addicted to it. It's the most intense show I've ever watched and I often have to turn my head away. It's definitely #1 for Brandon. He's always been a fan, and now I too love it. The long wait during the big writer's strike was well worth it. We counted down the days until the premiere and it hasn't let us down. This season might just be the best yet. Really, the drama is excellent and I'm always so disappointed when those little numbers click up on screen at the end of an hour.


Last, but CERTAINLY not least, is Grey's Anatomy. I feel like the characters are family and no matter how crazy and dumb they are, I have to remain loyal. I've been there with them since they began just as they've always been there for me. I understand the people who dislike Meredith and think she should get over her issues and I certainly get that Izzy is psycho and Cristina is totally depressing... BUT I will be there for them and support them no matter what. Meredith and McDreamy are meant for each other and I believe Cristina really can love again. I don't like the whole Denny thing and after this week's episode am feeling very uneasy. But I will always love all the drama that goes on at Seattle Grace.



Ok that's enough for now. I just thought I would reflect on my love for these shows since we in the middle of some really great drama on TV these days.

My last semester

Well, the stress is setting in for all I have to do before I graduate in May. There's so much to do. I can't WAIT until I no longer have to live from semester to semester. I'm so ready to be done with school!!! And Brandon is pretty ready for me to have a job too. My thick study book just came in the mail, so now I have no excuses not to start studying for the horrid tests that are hovering over my happy life. I hate these tests. I've never been good at studying. I either understand a concept or I don't. I'm horrible at "hitting the books" and memorizing information if I haven't learned it from the lectures. So the next month and a half are going to be interesting. I'll find every excuse I can not to study, but it's inevitable. I will be forced to review all the information I've learned over the past few years. I just have to keep reminding myself that in 4 months I'll be done with school forever. What a glorious day that will be.

A Year of Us

Brandon and I are starting our second year of wedded bliss. So before I begin posting all about our life, I want to give an update on what we've been up to this past year. We've been so very blessed to get involved with a church group that we absolutely love, we got a puppy who we adore, and we've had lots of fun with our families. We have been reminded again and again what amazing people God has surrounded us with.

JANUARY

Making our apartment a little more like home

FEBRUARY

Valentine's Day


Seeing Kim and Philip in Abilene

MARCH

My first Dallas Stars Game...so fun!


Mom came to visit


Camping with Kristi and Jared

APRIL

Brandon's parents, Kim, and Baxter came to visit

MAY

Florida Vacation


Such amazing friends!

JUNE

Krystina got married!


We welcomed Bailey into our family when she was 7 weeks old.


Bailey's first trip to the lake

JULY

Fourth of July

Bailey's first roadtrip

Bailey relaxed on the boat while Brandon learned to barefoot ski on our trip to Nashville


Six Flags with Kim and Philip

AUGUST

Cortney got married!

Dad came to visit


Our little puppy grew up!

SEPTEMBER

Kim's shower


Guy's wedding in Atlanta

OCTOBER

Brandon turned 25!!!
And we went to the Stars game to celebrate


Halloween (with the kids I babysit)


I got to see Jessi!


Brandon's work was shown off at some of the new Pizza Hut test stores in Dallas

NOVEMBER

Kim and Philip got married!!!

We went camping with our friends from church, and Brandon got to do some fishing.

James and Holly's Wedding Sweet Baby Colt

DECEMBER

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...


Bailey opening her stocking


Girl cousins


Christmas at the Cabin



What's Christmas without a little trout fishing?


One year down...