Keeping up with Tex and Troop

So...

2011-10-30T19:53:00.001-07:00

Having a baby makes updating a neglected blog all the more difficult. Jake is now 7 months old, on the verge of full on crawling (he scoots/army crawls like a champ tho!), he has two teeth and a smile that could melt glaciers. Pretty much the best thing that ever happened in my life, and I'm not apologizing for that at all. He's been sick the last week or so, threw up all over Nic and Kate's place (sooooo sorry for that guys), and got his dad and me sick (ugh). So this past week pretty much sucked.

Off to do the laundry the stupid city guys made me put off. They turned off our water (ON A SUNDAY) to work on broken pipes. Sorry but if they've put it off this long couldn't have waited until tomorrow? Just saying.

What a day!

2011-02-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

Well we knew it was going to be bad. I just didn't realize it was going to lead to me being Mrs. Cranky-Pants this morning. The storm hit in the middle of the night and continued for at least three hours. How do I know you ask? Simple! Chico.

We let the dogs sleep in the house instead of out on the porch because it was supposed to be so cold. Our adorable border collie pup decided he didn't like the thunder and practically headbutted me every time it thundered if my hand wasn't where he could snuggle it. I slept off and on during the storm until he left me alone. Last time I looked at the clock it was 2AM.

Cue Cody's cell ringing The Ring of Doom (that's what I call it secretly in my head) 45 minutes later. He got to start his day REALLY early! Someone wrecked and he was off to help them out. As he was finishing up I started having Braxton Hicks Contraction (BHC), which SUCK by the way. Waved him off to help the unfortunate idiot who decided to drive in this weather. I walked around for a good 25-30 minutes because every time I laid down I had another BHC. Eventually I got to go back to sleep around 330-ish. The entire time I was dealing with them I kept thinking "Really? You want to do this now? I don't think so kid."

It seemed that as soon as I closed my eyes Cody called me to get me out of bed so I could make it into work (it was really 630 I was just flipping exhausted from the long night). So after grumpily getting ready I headed to work at a whopping 25-30mph until I hit the County line, then I cranked it to 40 because it wasn't as bad. I was probably going 55-60mph 6 miles outside of Menard because Menard didn't get hit with this storm hardly at all.

Day was pretty easy, I had already planned to be out today just in case the roads were impassable in the morning, so it was a "follow the subplans and take it easy" kind of day. Cody called right before lunch, and yes I answered the phone in front of my students. You can fire me if you want, he NEVER calls when I'm at work and it made me worry. So Cody tells me that it's getting WORSE in Concho, snowing and in some places there is 2 inches of ice on the road. He also tells me that at one point going to a wreck he was running lights and sirens but couldn't go faster than 20mph without turning sideways and the Game Warden who has 4 wheel drive couldn't go faster than 30mph. I took that as my cue to tell my principal "I'm going to head home since it's getting worse and it doesn't look like it'll be better tomorrow morning so I probably won't be here tomorrow either." They practically kicked my pregnant butt out the door (because of the weather, they're all very motherly to me when it comes to my being pregnant).

So I was home by 115, I left Menard at 1240. The drive usually only takes me 20 minutes. I had people FLYING passed me like there wasn't visible ice on the ground. Idiots.

Anyway just had to share, I'm off to be productive in my house.

It's the final countdown

2011-01-29T08:32:00.000-08:00

Oh yes, I've started a count down. We are 9 weeks away from the due date currently. That equals 63 days! Last time we went to the doctor my uterus measured 30cm which means the munchkin is right on track. We go again this Wednesday for another check up.

I've been retaining water in my ankles if I'm up on my feet too long so I do most of my teaching sitting down now. My wedding bands have been relegated to a necklace for fear of my fingers swelling too much and my not being able to get them off.

Cody is set to finish Jake's room this next weekend, over his four-day. Hopefully when I get back from NB we'll have a floor in there! Then we'll have a place to put Jake's stuff that's he's already received. Is it silly that I'm so excited about putting his room together?

Anyway, Cody's cousin and aunt threw a baby shower for me up in Coppell a few weeks ago. ~~I haven't gotten pictures up on Flickr just yet but after I post this I'm going to take a few snap shots of the things we got and post them on Flickr~~. They're up! Then I'll go write thank you notes.

4D sono's

2011-01-05T14:42:00.001-08:00

Well Cody and I went to the Doctor's office on Monday and pretty much spent half the day there. We got to do our sonogram first thing (after I choked down the glucose solution it wasn't too bad I was just full from Breakfast and couldn't chug it like Cody suggested). The sonographer, Cher, did her fetal survey. She said everything looked good from the sonograms, I don't remember what she measured him at but his size was 27 wks 4 days, and I was at 27 wks 1 day. So he's measuring a LITTLE big but not as much as he was at the last sonogram. She also said he weighs 2 lbs 4 oz currently, and his heartbeat was around 134 or so. After the fetal survey we got to see his sweet little face on the 4D sonograms. To see some of the sonogram pictures head over to our Flickr Page, you have to be marked as a friend or family to see them.

After we did the sonogram, we had a few more minutes to wait until I could go get my blood drawn for the glucose test. Finally the timer went off and I wandered to the Lab, got jabbed and then wandered back over to Cody to wait for our visit with the Doc. That part of the visit was pretty uneventful. Cody and I asked some questions we had been wondering about, got some answers and went on our merry way. We also found out we have entered the stage of going every two weeks to the doctors office. I'm pretty sure I don't have any more sick days to take to go to the appointments. I'm not too terribly worried about it, the school has been very helpful during this entire deal.

Anyway next Appointment is January 19th, I'll update measurements and what not at that point.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T22:06:00.001-08:00

Well Cody made a comment a few months back that made me laugh, it was something along the lines of "I'm surprised you haven't started a blog about Lil'un yet." At the time of course we had no idea we were having a boy, nor did we know what we'd call the little tyke. Well thankfully that's been taken care of and we do have a name for him! Cody and I decided on Jacob Mathis to go with Cody's family tradition of having boys with JMA initials. We go on Monday for the 4D sonogram, glucose testing and regular check up. I'm sure that this one will take an eternity, just like the last time we had a sonogram, but Cody and I are very excited (words really don't express my excitement) to see his face so here's hoping the kiddo cooperates! If he does I'll post pictures on Flickr for family and friends to see. So if you don't have a Flickr account get one! This is my Flickr URL to friend me: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tex_bap/ I upload pictures to this all the time, and once Jake is here I'm sure there will be daily updates of photos.

As for the kiddo and me, we're doing fine. He's decided that my lower right rib is an AWESOME spot to plant his heel and stretch to try and find a little more room. That's just about the most uncomfortable thing I've ever experienced so far during this journey. He also likes to kick at anything that puts weight on "his territory" as I've decided to call it. Cody has received a few knocks to the ear region when he puts his head down there. Also he doesn't like when I'm in one place for very long so sitting or laying down for hours is out of the question, he'll let his displeasure be known by hooking his heel in my rib or kicking the snot out of my insides. I can tell that he's going to be quite a handful when he finally arrives but am TOTALLY looking forward to it. So basically he's behaving like a boy and I'm pretty sure he's going to be exactly like Cody...God help us, from the stories I've heard we're in for it.

Cody's been fine, working his tail off like normal during this time of the year. Hopefully after this weekend things will wind down for him. He's being hard a work trying to get Jake's bedroom finished but has been having a hard time finding TIME to get it done. He and a friend put down the laminate wood flooring in the living room a few months back and I'm very much looking forward to having it in the bedrooms. It is ten times easier to keep clean than a carpet!

As for me and work? It's been an entertaining year so far! Middle school is entirely different from 9th grade and teaching 3 grades at once is quite a challenge (add in a pregnancy and it's enough to drive a person insane!) but manageable. I'm very much looking forward to next semester, 7th and 8th grade are doing Mythology (Greek/Roman and Egyptian) the 4th six weeks and 6th grade is going over World War II. The students are very sweet and I enjoy teaching them, the people I work with are amazing and I really enjoy it in Menard over working in Angelo.

Update for Anon

2010-06-24T20:26:00.001-07:00

Well since I had an anonymous complainer I'll update.

Life has been hectic. I survived my first year of teaching...barely. I don't know if I'll ever want to teach 9th grade again after that year. I don't think they would have been as bad if there had been some semblance of discipline at that school.

No matter, I've moved to greener pastures! I'll be teaching in a new school district closer to home next year and I'm really looking forward to it! I'll be teaching grades 6-8 English. I AM the English department :-). I was also told I would be the coach of the ELA UIL which is exciting, I've never done UIL before so this will be an experience.

Cody it doing fine, he's in a new Sergeant area now so things are a lot smoother. He is now the only Troop in our county because his partner promoted and is no longer on the road. He seems to get into more trouble without his partner.

We've been gardening up a storm, and since Mom found a cord that matches my camera I'll update my Flickr account with some photos! Last year Cody and I tried gardening from pots. That didn't work out well for us. This year Cody tilled up a large portion of our backyard for me and I came home with tons of plants. We have Canteloupe, Watermelon, Cucumber, Tomato, Bell Pepper, Jalepeno, Onion and Strawberries growing in our garden! It looks like a complete jungle right now with all the plants growing together. Next year I think fewer vine plants will be in order.

The dogs are swamped with fleas this year, I don't think Bandit has stopped itching even though we've given him two baths in a week. Chico isn't much better, the only plus he has is that he can actually reach his itches where poor Bandit and his stubby legs cannot. Cody is taking Chico to the vet tomorrow so he's going to pick up some meds the vet recommended.

Merry (belated) Christmas!

2009-12-26T20:29:00.000-08:00

Well Cody and I had our first Mr. & Mrs. Christmas, it was great. While we didn't spend it with our families (his job kept us home) we spent it together and we both enjoyed it. We spent Christmas Eve and Day with his partner John and his family. They were nice enough to invite us over so we didn't spend the day totally alone. We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and that Santa brought you what you asked for. :-)

Much Love,
Cody and Beth

Wow

2009-12-17T14:20:00.001-08:00

Already halfway through my first year of teaching. My last day of the semester is tomorrow and I only have two classes. As most of you know it's been a little rocky, but according to every teacher I've talked to that's par for the course your first year. I've made some awesome friends and enjoy what I do most of the time. Some days I'm surprised I haven't gone ballistic or broken down crying.

Tomorrow Cody and I are going to College Station to see Grego, Cody's brother, graduate from A&M! Saturday his cousin Amber is graduating from Sam Houston. So we have a jam-packed weekend. We'll more than likely be heading back to Eden extra early on Sunday because Cody has to work 3-12 since his Sarge didn't give him Sunday off like Cody asked. Then I get to go pick up two dogs by myself. Yay

I'm off for two weeks which doesn't seem nearly long enough and will be going back to work the 4th. I don't know if I'll get to see family over the holiday, which stinks. It's hard to travel during this time of the year what with Cody's job. So if I don't see you, Love you and have a great Christmas and New Year!

Long over due update

2009-12-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

For those of you who haven't heard:

We adopted a new dog, his name is Chico. Currently we are dealing with his seperation anxiety (in other words, he's chewing up things)
My sister Katie had her baby a little early but everything is fine, Charlotte is doing awesome and is overcoming adversity by leaps and bounds. Like a tiny Supergirl.
I'm still working at CFC, things are great but preparing for TAKS is exhausting. Oh and they won't turn on the boiler so we can actually be warm.
It snowed today so I stayed home with the boys, by the time the snow and ice started melting it was pointless for me to go to work (I would have had an 1 and 1/2 left).
Our Christmas Tree is up, lights are on the house and the Nativity set is up! Yay Christmas :-) I so love this time of year.

Buttercup

2009-08-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

I present the newest member of the named vehicles, Buttercup! She is a 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid, amazing sound system with a GREAT bluetooth that is SO handy while driving. Leather seats, driver and passenger seats are even HEATED how cool is that?!

Oh and even better? I have headlamp washers. As Cody says, the guy could have just shown me that and I would have bought the car. Not really but it's a fun toy, I bought her for the gas mileage. Mom took the pictures and I stole them off her flickr. I figured she wouldn't be too upset if I did that.

Oh and that awesome strand of pearls I'm sporting? Cody got those as a "Yay you got a job I thought these would look pretty on you" gift. Isn't he the most awesomest hubby ever?

Um more information about Buttercup, she has a six CD changer, SAT radio built in (which we will add to our account shortly), and awesome center console set up that I freaking adore (everything is easy and at my finger tips which was NOT the case in Hoss (that's Cody's truck, yes I named him too! I thought naming him after the big guy from Bonanza was appropriate.)

Oh and if you haven't quite figured it out yet, Buttercup is named after the green Powerpuff Girl. She's mah favorite!

Long Overdue

2009-08-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since we posted anything. Sorry about that, I completely forgot about this in the hub-bub and then continued to forget it.

Updates since the wedding:

Beth got a job! Yay me!
Bandit is still happy as can be and is starting to spend more time outside as it gets cooler (in the mornings and late evenings)
Cody is still loving his job

I have multiple meetings and workshops to go to in the next two weeks. Can you say "Freak out"? I have two weeks to get ready for school and I'm not sure where to begin. Hopefully my department will help me out.

Even better? My jaw started bothering me a couple days ago and yesterday felt like it should be twice the size it was. Today it hasn't been as bad but still uncomfortable. Called the dentists office and had to leave a message. Hopefully they'll call back soon and I can get an appointment or something.

Okay so....

2009-04-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

...not so much with the internet. I'm at my parents house typing this up, Cody and I haven't had time to get a phone line set up, life is kinda busy. We've settled comfortably into our home and schedules, well his is a little wonky but mine is just fine.

I passed my PPR with a 272 and have taken my Content. I don't know the score on that just yet and will have to wait for a while before I do because of the written portion. I should get the report by early May, keep your fingers crossed for me!

I have three weeks left in my semester and am looking forward to the end of student teaching and my college career and am ready to move in to the next phase of my life: marriage and full time teacher. There aren't many openings for a secondary English teacher in the area, the school I'm doing my student teaching at has an opening as one of the English teachers is retiring at the end of this year. Of course I'm applying for it but what some people don't realize is that the line to apply at this school is about a mile long. More experienced teachers will be vying for the job so I'll apply but won't hold my breath. Keep me in your prayers and keep your fingers crossed with me that I find a job, I'm told not to worry but I still am and won't stop until I have a contract between my skinny fingers.

I'll be observed for the final time next week so far my observations have been fine. 2's and 3's next time will be the first time I can receive 4's so I'm hoping I can make it up to a 4 in some areas. My supervisor has told me that if I don't not to worry about it because a lot of what they're scoring us on is stuff that will come in time. Of course I'm one of those impatient people that wants to be perfect now and beats themselves up when they mess up.

Cody's fine, he's adjusting well to the new station. He and his partner get along great and he's enjoying the area. Hopefully I can find a job in the area so we don't have to pack up and leave right when we're getting settled.

Keep us in your prayers, hope everyone's Easter was excellent, Cody and I spent the day with my parents. I'll update with pictures next time, I left the camera in Eden. Hopefully the next time I update I'll be updating from my own home!

Wow

2009-03-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened since I last updated.

We closed on the house a day later than initially planned. Started moving that Saturday (March 7th). Kim and Mike, Cody's mom and stepdad, brought his furniture and clothes that was left in Ft. Worth to the house the Saturday after we closed. They helped get us started on moving in, which I'm grateful for. I think it would have been awful if we hadn't had the help.

I had my second observation right before we left for Spring Break. I didn't improve as much as I wanted to but we're working on it.

Cody finally got all his stuff out of the Trailer and into the house last Saturday (March 14th). I don't know how we crammed so much junk into that Trailer. Then Sunday we met with our minister for our first of three meetings. She gave us homework and got to know us. Pointed out a few issues we need to talk about. She seems really nice, Cody and I both liked her. Monday I went through the stuff we brought into the house Saturday while Cody was at work. Tuesday and Wednesday weren't that eventful.

I was cleared by the English department to take my Content exam and will take that April 4th so send happy thoughts my way on that day please. I took my PPR exam on Thursday before Mom and I left for New Braunfels. I don't have the results on that just yet so I'll have to keep y'all updated.

Thursday after I took my PPR Mom and I left for New Braunfels and to read about those adventures head over to the wedding blog.

Student Teaching/ Troop Update

2009-02-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

Well to start things off, I was observed on Tuesday this week. It went well, I received 2's and 3's (the highest I can receive at the moment is a 3). I know what I need to do bring my performance up to a 3 in every category, most of it comes with practice and experience.

Over all the week was good, I had two parent teacher conferences, a tornado drill, and a faculty meeting. They all went fine, nothing to complain about.

As for Cody, he received an email today at 5pm stateing that his transfer would be effective March 1st. Yes that would be this coming Sunday. We were expecting his transfer to go through April 1st. So everything we had to get done during March we have to get done in 2 weeks. We're not worried about it, just letting everyone know what's going on. Just keep your fingers crossed that we can get someone to appraise the house by the 5th.

Car Woes

2009-02-19T16:04:00.000-08:00

Ugh.

So my car (Timmy) has been misbehaving. I'm not sure exactly what's wrong with him but he's been at it for over a week. He's left me stranded three times. It's not the battery, I promise. When I try to turn my engine over he makes ONE "tch" noise and nothing. Some times he works and sometimes he doesn't. After he messed my morning up I decided I'd had enough. So I dropped him off at the dealership today and am praying that they fix the problem by 5 tomorrow and I can go see Cody and Bandit.

I'm growing a wee-bit tired of him. So if anyone has the overwhelming urge to give me a decent car let me know!

House Pictures

2009-02-17T19:10:00.001-08:00

Front of house 2
Originally uploaded by Tex05

Cody and I went back to the house on Saturday to meet with the inspector. He was pleasant and courteous and let me fill in words for him when he couldn't think of any to say. (I have a habit of providing words to speed people up).

The house checked out, the only suggestion was we ask them to replace the water heater. Considering what we're getting the house for we decided we could eat the cost of a new heater.

My flickr account has more pictures that are available to view. Head over and take a look!

Whew!

2009-02-13T19:37:00.001-08:00

Wow, what a week. Cody had to deal with a lot of crazy stuff. They had really high winds Tuesday and people wrecked left and right because of it. He also had several OTHER things happen too. His family and a select few of mine know about what I'm talking about, but I don't want to plaster it all over the net. Let's just say that Karma is awesome in it's justice.

My week was fast paced. Pun intended. I got pulled over Tuesday and was ticketed for speed. I accepted it gracefully and hunched in on myself at the thought of telling Cody. He's understandably irritated when it comes to speeding especially when the person speeding is me. Ugh off that horrible subject and on to another!

The students turned in their projects this week. I have 73 students, that doesn't sound like many (thankfully it really ISN'T). I've been grading all of the projects so far. I've had some AMAZING projects (highest score is 110) and some HORRIBLE projects (lowest so far 56). I'm no where near finishing grading but it's obvious some students didn't pay attention at all.

My favorite excuse this week was "I was sick Monday that's why I don't have it." I gave the student a confused look and replied, "The project was for homework, and you've known for two weeks the due date was today. Sign the book and turn it in before Friday." Students have to sign a "Homework Notebook" if they don't have their homework, the first is a freebie the second and third are detentions.

Wednesday we came to school and half the school didn't have power. The night before we had high winds (the ones that Cody had to deal with). After they restored power we didn't have a network. Wednesday was one of those days.

Thursday we had TAKS General Training. Holy cow, we have to do that EVERY year? Talk about boring. Luckily I can use the experience towards my continuing education requirement for Student Teaching.

Today wasn't too interesting, we continued TAKS scoring with the students. Hopefully they're paying attention to what we're telling them and they'll be able to recognize their work as 2's or 3's. (On the short answer portion of the TAKS the highest a student can score is a 3, 2 is a good answer 3's are above and beyond the call of duty).

Next week we'll be doing the same thing. My first FORMAL observation is next week, I'm a little nervous but I think it'll be okay. I have to email my supervisor and set up the day and class period before I go to sleep tonight. So keep your fingers crossed for me and send happy thoughts my way :D.

Tomorrow Cody and I are going to get the house inspected. We'll be taking pictures for you so be expecting them!

Forgive any errors I'm a little tired...

Week Three - Student Teaching

2009-02-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

This week and last week have been awesome. I didn't update last week because of the house, I was too excited and then quickly distracted by life to post anything. Nothing to out of the ordinary has happened at school. I've fallen into a comfortable routine of classes and what's expected of me. I taught two lessons this past week, it was a lot of fun but I felt awkward. I'm sure that's because I didn't plan the lesson myself from conception to practice. My cooperative teacher thinks I did just fine. My supervisor dropped into see me once last week and once this week. The first time I was expecting her, the second she just appeared out of nowhere. She's a sweet lady, but she likes to talk. I did, however, make clear that I felt the "training" we interupted our Wednesday with was useless.

I received an email last week about going back to ASU for "Taskstream training". That's silly, I thought, We were trained during Orientation. Why do we need more? Surely there isn't something more important than being in the classroom and making lesson plans?

You see, this "training" took place during my planning period AND my lunch time (1230 to 130). Oh buddy that ruffled my feathers. Why have the students that are out of district TRAVEL for training in the middle of the day? I grudgingly attended because it was required. I was more than astonished that my English buddy, who is doing her Student Teaching in Midland, appeared. She had a 3 hour round trip for 15 minutes of wasted time. They taught us nothing we didn't already know, just repeated the same thing they told us the first week of school during Orientation.

The rest of the week was uneventful. The students have a project due Tuesday and Wednesday (they are on block at Wall). So I get to see who has been bald-face lying to me and my cooperative teacher about getting their work done. I'm sure I'll update about it next week.

Got Tagged...one word only

2009-02-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

My friend Jenn tagged me so here I am we'll see how I do.

1. Where is your cell phone? table
2. Where is your significant other? road
3. Your hair color? Brown
4. Your mother? kitchen
5. Your father? tvroom
6. Your favorite thing? Cody
7. Your dream last night? Bizarro
8. Your goal? Certificates (2)
9. The room you are in? bedroom
10. Your hobby? learning
11. Your fear? Losing my family
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Mommy :-D
13. Where were you last night? here
14. What you are not? sad
15. One of your wish list items? photographer
16. Where you grew up? sanang
17. The last thing you did? work
18. What you are wearing? casual
19. Your TV? WAW
20. Your pet? Bandit
21. Your computer? Dell
22. Your mood? tired
23. Missing someone? Cody
24. Your car? Timmy
25. Something you are not wearing? shoes
26. Favorite story? Mine and Cody's
27. Your Summer? Wedding!!
28. Love someone? my Cody
29. Your favorite color? pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? 8th period
31. Last time you cried? weeks ago

Okay I tried only a few are more than a word. I tag Amy, sorry Maime have to pick someone.

Big news!

2009-01-30T15:31:00.000-08:00

We got a house!

Cody and I decided a while back that we would prefer to stay in this area for a little while, and a few years down the road re-evaluate if we wanted to move or stay put. So, we started talking about a house in Eden. Cody browsed for houses online to get an idea of the market. We saw one online that looked good but when we went to view it, we decided "not so much". Our agent showed us a few more houses that we again felt "not so much" but made the first house seem more desirable. He showed us one house where the living room was smaller than Mom's office and the bedrooms would fit a queen sized bed and that's it. Another house was right next to roosters and totally gutted, he wouldn't have had it ready in time for us to move in.

Then after Cody asked, "You have anything else?" he showed us this ADORABLE house! We didn't have our camera with us so we couldn't take pictures so you'll have to take my word on how cute the house is. When we were pulling up Cody and I both "ooh'ed" on it, then we went inside, I saw the dinning room/living room, and HOORAY, it was BIG! The two bedrooms are reasonable size bathroom in between. Even the bathroom is cute! The kitchen is a nice size, and there is a laundry room (HUGE!), an enclosed sun porch (cozy reading spot!), a front porch and a nice sized backyard. I can't wait to go back and take pictures!

Just to give you a time line on how fast this all happened. Cody and I went and viewed houses on Wednesday. Cody placed an offer on the house while I was at work on Thursday. Our agent guy called Cody and told him that the woman selling the house signed the contract THIS MORNING! Eek! I'm so excited.

Now I just need everyone to pray REALLY hard that Beth finds a job in the area! Cody's working tonight so I doubt we'll hear his side of this story until later.

Oh, by the way, Mrs. Sefcik says "hi!" to all siblings. She teaches at Wall Elementary and when she found out that I was student teaching there, she came to say hi and we caught up. I'll update that tidbit tomorrow probably.

Troops Update

2009-01-26T00:54:00.000-08:00

Well my update is a little less exciting, I did get to experience a new event in work, and I (maybe we) am getting more excited about moving closer to Beth. It is looking like mid-March I will be in Eden. I will miss the friends, co-workers and work experience I have here in Iraan, but I feel I need to be closer to our close friends and each other. So here is a run down of my week.

Monday-Cade and I went to the gun range, then went to dinner with a close group of friends (something I have missed since being in Iraan).
Tuesday-I was assigned to help with the Presidential Duty for President Bush in Midland. It was Bush's welcome home party after he left DC. I was assigned to block an intersection for the motorcade route. It was a neat experience and a good welcome home. I got to see the motorcade but have no clue which one was his vehicle. It was a long day but definitely worth it at the end of the day.
Weds till today-I was back on the Highway.

I learned next time not to leave Beth both Bandit and the Xbox. I not only had to go through the week without Beth, but also no Bandit or an Xbox to occupy my time.

Week 1 - Student Teaching

2009-01-23T16:33:00.000-08:00

Whew.

I don't think I have ever been as tired as I am right now. This week was long, stressful, and a lot of fun. I had so much information thrown at me all at once that I don't know what to do with half of it. I'm not used to the long school hours anymore; college spoiled me rotten.

Just to give you a run down of my week:

Monday:

Cody and I met friends for lunch.
Cody spent the rest of the day with his friend while I relaxed with Bandit.
We went to dinner with friends (and babies!) hope we can do it again soon.

Tuesday:

Student Teaching Orientation from 830 AM to 330PM
Cody left for work around 9AM
Took Patrick to lunch
Met up with Kat for a few hours after Orientation
Had a hiccup with the bridal party around 7PM
Went out with Kat for a few hours because of hiccup, planned Bachelorette party and Bridal Shower

Wednesday:

Student Teaching Orientation from 9AM to 330PM
Huge gap of free time spent with Bandit at Parents house
After Orientation fixed hiccup by making a few phone calls

Thursday:

Met my Principal and Cooperative Teacher, both seem awesome!
Drove to Eden out of curiosity (almost ran out of gas, didn't think that one through very well)
Timed drive back to Wall from Eden (just shy of 30 minutes if you're curious)
Time drive back to San Angelo from Wall (right around 10 to 12 minutes depending on lights in San Angelo)
Went back to ASU for final part of Orientation day ended at 330

Friday (Today):

First day of Student Teaching!
Had a substitute, my teacher was sick (she picked up a stomach virus from her son)
Students took a test - B day kids look awesome have a few to look out for but nothing to hard
Realized just how long an hour and thirty minutes is...eek
Came home tired but excited

That is my first week of student teaching! There isn't much exciting on Cody's front, he knows how to update the blog if he wants to. I'm now off to update the wedding blog.

Update time!

2009-01-20T21:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I found out where I'm doing my student teaching! I'll start my student teaching at Wall ISD on Friday. I'm super excited and looking forward to the experience, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I get to meet my principal and cooperative teacher Thursday.

Cody and I spent most of Saturday shopping for clothes for my semester, we bought a bunch of cute outfits. Without hurting his "manliness" I want to say that Cody knows exactly what will look professional on me. He picked out 3/4's of the wardrobe and two of the three pairs of shoes.

Sunday Cody, Kat and I went to the gun range. Kat had never shot a gun before, 10 years of friendship and somehow the girl has never shot a gun. So after finding this out I called Cody and asked him (read: told him) if he would take us shooting. He did, and we had a blast. We shot for a good 2 and half hours everything from his 22 rifle to his 12 gauge (?) shotgun...we each shot a slug. Holy COW did that hurt. I knew I was in trouble when Cody, who didn't move with ANY of the other shells jerked back a little.

Monday, without either of us realizing it, made a year since Cody proposed to me! We have six months until the wedding. I'm so excited, words don't describe it :D.

Update on Troop's Transfer

2009-01-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

I forgot to let everyone know about Cody's transfer.

We were informed that Cody's request for transfer to Eden was approved. The transfer to New Braunfels was given to a Troop with one year seniority. ONE year! I was amazed at the luck.

Moving on, Cody was also informed that he'll be detached until further notice. The sergeant area he is currently in is short handed so Cody has to stay in the area until they can replace him. The estimate right now is March, but Cody is thinking it'll be closer to April before he can leave Iraan.

So that's the story on Cody's transfer!

FINALLY!!

2009-01-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

I finally received that email that told me what classes to register for. I registered immediately, of course. Now I just have to sit on my hands some more and wait to figure out where I'll be student teaching. I'll keep y'all updated!

Just for those wondering (this is a rant you are warned)

2008-12-30T14:57:00.000-08:00

I forgot to let everyone know, I still don't know anything about where I'm being placed for student teaching. I don't get to know until the first day of the semester. Do I sound upset about this to you? Well I am, it frustrates me to no end that there is no way we can know a head of time. They tell us not to be stressed out over student teaching but how can we NOT be stressed out when we have no idea what is going to happen to us?

Oh and on top of not knowing where I'm being placed I haven't even registered for classes. Nope! Don't get to do that until next week when the LOVELY lady that runs this operation sees fit to email the classes I need to register for. So my refund money that I rely on so heavily for gas (as well as professional clothes for this semester) won't be here for a while.

There HAS to be a better way to make this entire process work better. I don't care if "This is the way it is done" it STINKS! And it most definitely needs to change.

So just to recap my tiny rant:

Don't know where I'm Student Teaching
Not registered for classes
Won't know a thing for another two weeks

Oh and my head cold is now a chest cold. PERFECT! I'm going to crawl under a rock and be grumpy. Thanks for letting me rant.

Happy Holidays!!

2008-12-29T13:04:00.000-08:00

Well Cody and I have had a wonderful Holiday season and it isn't even over! December 13th through December 22 we were up in Fort Worth visiting his mom and stepdad. We had a wonderful time, we got to see his younger brother, grandma, granny (his great grandmother), and his cousin and her two boys. We went shopping with Kim (Cody's mom), Grandma, Granny, Ashley (cousin) her two boys and Greg (brother) on Wednesday for a few hours in Frisco. We had a great time there, I added a Build-a-Bear Penguin to my collection of cute penguins. The penguin's name is Monty if you're curious. Friday we went to Holiday at the Park with Kim and Mike (step dad) and Greg. That was SO much fun, Greg and I rode the Titan together in the very front. Our eyes were watering at the end it was so cold and the wind was so strong, you might have thought we were crying. At the very end of the night Cody and I watched the others ride the Superman ride (we thought they were crazy). Then we called it a night and headed back home (we spent 430PM-940PM at the park and enjoyed every moment of it).

Cody and I drove to San Angelo December 22nd. Cody had to go back to Iraan the next day because he had to work Tuesday and Wednesday. Luckily he was able to switch his night shift for a day shift and make it to San Angelo for Christmas Eve which is when my family opens presents. He also had Christmas Day off which was awesome, so we got to stay until Friday early afternoon (he had to work that night). The poor guy seems to work all the time.

My oldest sister Amy, her husband Lynn and their three kids arrived Tuesday evening and my brother Nic was in town as well. The kids loved Bandit after they got used to his noise, they weren't used to such a noisy dog.

Currently we're in Iraan, Cody's working and I'm cleaning up and recovering from a cold that appeared Saturday evening. I'll be staying until next Monday, Cody has his two day and then he'll be heading to Van Horn for a week. I'll take the time before the semester starts to get semi-organized (I'm never completely organized).

Anyway, I hope everyone had a great Christmas (or whatever you celebrate) and have a special someone to kiss at midnight on New Year's Eve. :D

Troops Update

2008-12-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know I am actually putting a post on a blog (watch out). What Beth forgot to tell y'all is I put in for a transfer on duty station on the 1st. Beth and I have found out that we need to get out more and hang out with more people, instead of staying in the trailer. We talked it over awhile back and determined we really like the New Braunfels area. Last month it really hit home with how far apart we live and living in Iraan is not accomplishing much for Beth and mine's future. Therefore, I put in two requested places to transfer to, 1st pick is New Braunfels and the 2nd is Eden. New Braunfels, because it is where we would love to settle down, start our lives and hopefully a family. Yes, I know it is a longer drive to New Braunfels to San Angelo then Iraan to San Angelo, but we have agreed it would be better for me to try to get there as soon as possible since it is a popular spot. Eden, because it is only about 30 minutes from Beth. This way I can keep trying for the New Braunfels area and be closer to Beth while she finishes up school. We will keep our fingers crossed and pray about it. Hope everyone has a good Holiday and Remember all Troops work on Holidays, so keep it slow.

Random Student Teaching update

2008-12-01T22:35:00.000-08:00

I forgot to let everyone know, I've been "conditionally approved" to student teach next semester. The only reason it is "conditional" is because I'm still taking three classes that I have to pass in order to student teach. At this point in time I'm making A's in all three classes and expect to do well on the finals; so I don't see a problem with my being "Officially Approved" with in the next few weeks. I'll let you know as soon as I know.

Speaking of "Official", ASU's student affiliate of the NCTE is now "officially official"! They voted us in tonight after clearing up some questions they Student Senate had. Either I jumbled my overview or their brains did, but what's done is done. What really matters is we now have money to send our seven students to an amazing conference in January! Be excited for them! Sometime this week, I have to be trained so I can be the official Presidente of ASU's NCTE Student Affiliate (that's our official title). Not a big deal, only forty five minutes of my life. I just keep telling myself that it'll look good to have “ASU NCTE Student Affiliate President” on my resume.

Ok that's just a little update on my student teaching...*gasp* it's only SEVEN weeks away?! Ugh, I'm so nervous; it is ridiculous how nervous I am. Keep me in your prayers (and Cody too, he needs them so he can stay sane around me!).

Much Love!

First Post

2008-11-16T17:43:00.000-08:00

I'd been planning to start a blog to keep everyone up to date on the comings and goings of life after planning a wedding. Well I decided to hatch the plan earlier for a few reasons; they are as follows:

I deleted my Myspace account
I start Student Teaching in *gulp* 9 weeks
It is always better to establish something early than to put it off until you have no time

The first two are the real reasons, obviously. I figured that if I started this before I start my final semester I could update it to let people know how I'm fairing in the classroom and how Cody is doing putting up with my frazzled nerves. To explain the blog name, I was nicknamed "Tex" a while back after my friends decided a character had been based on me. I nicknamed Cody "Troop" for obvious reasons.

I think I might set an update schedule where I update once or twice a week but I will decide that later.