Gift to the Parents in my class

Love this kids with all my heart! There is never a dull moment with NINE 2 year olds!

Sometimes you get discouraged,

Because I am so small,

And always leave my fingerprints,

On furniture and walls.

But every day I’m growing,

I’ll be grown up someday,

And all those tiny handprints,

Will surely fade away.

So here’s a final handprint,

Just so you can recall,

Exactly how my fingers looked,

When I was very small.

So I'm going to but their hand prints next to this poem, a photo of them under and frame it. My school is not allowed to celebrate Christmas or give gifts but I think of how proud I was as a child when I made a gift for my parents at school. So I'm making it happen and thank God the Director just left on vacation. :) Hope they LOVE it!!!

Love this little Girl!

My kiddos in the evening!

Stamps and fun!

HAIR CUT TIME

So today Ryan and I set out to get his hair cut.

Of course we started out at 5 O'clock.

We went to two neighboring hair cut places, one was about to close and was going to be $35 and the other girl wanted to charge $55.

Ugh F that!!

Seriously to cut a guys hair $55, I've never even payed more than $14 to cut my hair.

So we decided late this evening that I was going to cut Ryan's hair.

We had a pair of school scissors and a brush.

We debated using the fun zig zag scrap booking scissors. hahaha!

I'm pretty sure most use a comb and special scissors.

I've always enjoyed Ry's long hair and I love it in a ponytail but yesterday Ryan bought a suit and when he put it on he looked like a million dollars.

But it really hit home that the hair had to go.

It started out uber long - longest its ever been

And CHOP!! We debated shaving it and donating it. But I'm not sure if I could handle that drastic of a change.

The Final Hair Doo!!

And then we started to try and find a new style, we landed on this one!

Just Kidding!

Forgot to take a picture of the emo one with his bangs covering one eye.

I love you Babe, and thanks for trusting me with a pair a scissors in your face.

P.S. Think I missed my calling in the hair department!

I Love IT!

My little Inter-Racial couple!

This Picture is priceless!

PS. They are two and I did not set them up for this photo!

Happy 7 Year Anniversary!

On Halloween Ry and I celebrated 7 years together.

We spent the night at my besties in Capitola and then spent the next day in Monterey.

Enjoying one of our favorites, clam chowder in a bread bowl.

Sometimes I cant believe how long we have been together but the truth is I've loved every second of it.

I love that we finally live together again and get to end the day and wake up next to each other.

We will see where the wind takes us in the marriage department... Teehee!!

A feel good thing

So this evening Ryan's little sister Nicki called me because for school she needed to interview someone in her family, and she picked me!

Wow can you even believe it!

I trumped all three brothers. Jay, Just and even RY!

And I had a hard time not rubbing it in Ry's face.

So Nicki asked me around nine questions and the one that I hard the hardest time answer was, when was a time that you were really proud of yourself.

And the truth is I never really stopped to think about what I've done that makes me proud of myself but yet I know that I am proud of myself for many things.

I ended up telling her the day I got my full time job, because it was the first thing that I truly felt I got all on my own with no ones help. And that made me proud.

But it was kind of crazy that I actually had to think about what I was proud of myself for and that I didn't have an instant answer.

It really touched my heart to be picked for Nicki's Family interview and the truth is I'm so very blessed to be part of the Andrade family.

Not officially with a ring or something but from date one they welcomed me with smiles and open arms.

They are so loving and I could not have asked for better inlaws! :)

Side note my first memory of meeting Nicki was when Ry and I went the Winter Ball, Nicki put on her prettiest dress and came done from her room to take pictures with us.

I love you Nicki from the bottom of my heart and soul!

I'm so lucky that you consider me your sister and part of your family.

Party in the bathtub up in Tahoe

Tesching Nicki to have a Wild side!

Big Hugs!

Tub time!

So I've been on a search of tub pictures for my bathroom and came across this one!

Could he be any cuter?!

Can't wait to have a little Ry/K sometime.

Well...I can wait but I'm just excited to see what they will look like.

Kids say the best stuff

Today one little girl said, "K farted, I heard it."

I just about dies laughing.

I love that my class is starting to talk more and they are starting to notice farts.

hahaha!

Guess I can't fart and blame it on little kids anymore! jk!

Oh and did I mention that I taught another little girl to say, "butt cream"

OOPS!!!

Not sure if I should be a teacher, kids are like sponges that soak it all in and repeat it all!!

Memom's 80th Birthday!!

Last week we celebrated my Memom's 80th Birthday!

We had a party for her and 60 of her close friends and family were there.

It was so great to see her beaming with joy and smiling to see her loved ones all in one place.

This is a picture of my Memom and her four children: Uncle Dave, my Mom, Memom, Auntie and Uncle Joe.

My Memom was a nurse and was an RN for many years. Some of these ladies worked with my grandma out at the hospital. My grandma is so social and had so many friends from different things in her life.

She sings in the choir at our church and has done that for as long as I can remembe. She is also a part of the YLI which stands for Young Lady Institute. Above is a picture of her and her ladies. She is also a part of a bible study group that meets once a week. And many more organizations that I don't know the name of.

I have a special place in my heart for older people. As many of you may know I used to take care of my other grandma who we called Avo. She moved in with us around January 2006 having Alzheimer's and slowing getting worse. My Memom was a saving grace and helped me twice a week with my Avo so that I could go to school. She would make me breakfast and get me off to school on time. I had a very hard time trying to get through Jr College not only watching my Avo, but working at Jamba juice every weekend, nannying 3 five year olds 2 days a week while being my Avo's primary care taker. My Memom was one of my Angels and Inspiration through it all.

I've always felt a very close to my Memom, I think we are very similar in the way we love and our out look on people and life. At her party I put together a slide show for her and it came out really well. I thought about getting up there and saying thank you to my Memom for all the times she helped me with my Avo and one of the reasons I didn't loose my mind during that tough time is contributed directly to her. So much of me wanted to get up but I knew I'd just cry, hard to believe I know, but I'm totally sensitive! When I love someone so much putting words to do justice to the amount of love I feel is really difficult for me.

She is a gift from God and touches the life of everyone she meets.

Memom, You will probably never know how much I love, respect and look up to you!

Thank you for all that you do!

I LOVE YOU!!

My School Friends

As I finish up my second week of work, it is starting to sink in that I am not in school.

And I love it!

I really enjoyed going to Sacramento State and I just wanted to give a shout out to my school friends.

I went to Sac thinking I didn't need to really have friends and I was just there to go to school and go home.

But I met some girls that became amazing friends and we have had many great conversations and laughs.

And as school starts up again, I just wanted to tell my School Friends that I love you and you will always have a special place in my heart just for you.

My group of friends that were Liberal Studies, that I met in my class Music experiences. Which translates over to singing kid songs and playing silly instruments. Ricki, Ashley, Katie, Jessica, Me, Courtney and Teri. We always celebrated everyone's birthdays with cake and orange crush soda. :)

My Amazing Friend Julia! I love you and Miss you! Yup thats right ALUMNI!!

Our Pajama/Rock Band/Megan's Birthday Party! Thanks Kelly for having us over!

Legally Blonde the Musical... "Oh my God, Oh my God you guys!"

My Child Development Crew!

Megan, Me, Kelly, Julia and Holley. (not pictured Cassie)

I had a great 2 years with you girls and I'm so sad it's over!

Keep in touch and visit whenever you want.

Love you Always!

Holla it's PD!

Yup thats right...PAY DAY!!

Today was my first pay day and I also got my teacher badge and key to the front door.

For the first time I am one of those people who have direct deposit.

I'm not sure if I like it yet, although it does save a trip to the bank but I don't ever get to cash a check.

humm...

I'm so excited to have a job that makes more than minimum wage!

I feel like such a big kid.

I'm actually making some money and I really love my job.

I have been trying to figure out my expenses and how much I should save for up coming things.

Like maybe for a big party that starts with a "W"

I don't know? :)

Although I do have an exciting student loan to pay for coming up.

My goal is to pay it off by next August.

So we will see how that pans out.

Well until next time...

Bottoms UP!!

My new Babies!

So I started work with the kids this week...and I love it! They are so cute and funny!

You know you've found your perfect job when you're working and it doesn't even feel like work. The worst thing about my job is just getting up early, thats it. And once I'm there I forget about the time. I'm so blessed to have a great partner teacher and 7 beautiful babies in my class. Although in two weeks I'll have two more. And truth be told they are so cute, that wiping butts and snotty noses isn't even that bad.

This is how my kids sit for story time they are all under two and can sit and listen to 3 books. Today we definitely read "Polar bear polar bear what do you hear." An oldie but goodie!

I can't wait to see this group of kids grow up and get potty trained and become confident, fun loving children. I seriously love them and it's been 4 days. I'm so lucky to spend 40 hours out of my week with them. So worth it!

A Peaceful Weekend

This weekend is the first weekend that Ryan and I have had no where to go.

We were busy all summer with fun stuff but we always packing and unpacking a bag.

This weekend we got to sleep in, eat at home and just hang out.

Ryan's Best friend Eric spent the night and we played wii and another fighting game on the computer.

It's so fun to see Ry and Eric together.

Eric has been Ry's best friend since high school but I've know Eric since the good o'l Sacred Heart days.

Ry and Eric always make each other laugh and they make fun of stuff, which in turn just makes me laugh.

I just love to sit back and watch them.

I think one of the best things about having our own place is being able to have friends and family over to our place.

I like to do things like make dinner and breakfast.

Think I'm a cross between Betty Crocker and Aunt Jemima! :) haha JK!

Anyways, I hope this day goes as slow as possible because tomorrow I start teaching full time.

I hope that I survive!

I have a feeling that working with children 17 months to age 2 will be good birth control.

Well, think good thoughts for me tomorrow.

And... Happy Sunday Everyone!

And thumbs up to a great week!!!

Last day of Summer!

Today is my last day of freedom!

I start work tomorrow.

I am finally joining the world with a 8 to 5pm job.

Tomorrow and Friday the school is closed to clean and fix up the classrooms to start the new year on Monday.

I'm so excited to see where this job takes me and if I am even good at it.

I just really hope it goes well.

I love that it is the hottest time of year when we are going to be cleaning the entire school.

And I'm sure since I'm one of the youngest I'll be doing the dirty work, like the high up places and the crawl underneath places :)

Oh well, I'm just happy to have an income and a job!

Alena & Matthew's Wedding

This weekend we spent the weekend in Napa Celebrating my cousin Alena's Wedding.

The wedding was beautiful and it was so fun to have everyone together.

After going to two weddings in a row its made me think so much about what I want at my own wedding.

Not really sure when that will be. :)

I'm just happy to have a boyfriend that loves me and that makes me laugh everyday.

Although at both weddings think we got asked about ten times, "When's the wedding?" "Whats taking so long?" "What are you waiting for?"

I think we are next in line for Ry's side and maybe next on my side.

I'm just realizing much money and time that goes into a wedding and it is so crazy.

All the girls got ready at the country club locker room.

Uncle Joe and Alena (Alena Looked so Beautiful!!)

Nothing better than family!

My Roomies!

I love my siblings!

Me, Matt, Jill and Nick

It's official!

I got a JOB!!!

YAY!!

I had two very great options and today was decision day.

I picked a place called "Future Assets Child Development Center"

I will be Co-Teaching in the 2 year old room.

They seem like an amazing place to work and really excited to have me on board with their team.

The only thing I'm nervous about is being able to pronounce and spell the children's names.

The center is in Cupertino so the asian population is pretty high.

So with my eyes I'll fit right in! ;)

I'm very excited and thrilled to have a full time job.

An income would be nice hahaha!

Bye bye Trophy wife! Hello Sugar Mama! JK!

Camping with the Bestie

Every August for both of our birthdays, Sandi and I escape the world and go camping just us.

Sandi and I rocking the Jamba visors. One perk of working there!

This year we went to a place called Sugar Pine Reservoir.

It was BEAUTIFUL and the water was so clean and clear.

Sandi got a new inflatable Kayak that we got to try out too.

Our campsite was cozy and was isolated enough to pop a squat and not have to walk to the bathroom every 30 minutes! haha!

It had a view of the water and there was a break in the trees so that we could see the amazing stars at night.

There was supposed to be a neat meteor shower but we didn't stay up late enough for it.

But we did see about 6 shooting stars :)

Kayaking was neat and totally awesome, but I must say my arms were mighty sore the next day.

As always we had fun talking, laughing and just sharing some one on one time together.

Love you Sandi and Thanks for being YOU!!

Can't wait for next time...

Yup today is the Day!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

YAY!!!

I'm joining the 23 Club! ahhh!!!

Ry + K = Love

There is only one happiness in life -- to love and to be loved.

This might be it?

I have an interview today at 2:45pm.

And I hope that it goes great!

It is at a place called Future Assets.

If you want to check it out here is the website: http://futureassets.com/about

I couldn't be more excited to find a job that I love to go to everyday.

I have a good feeling about this place and hope that it is right for me.

Keep your fingers crossed for me today!

It's August!

You know what that means?!

It's almost my birthday!

August 14th if you don't know :)

I'm a huge fan of birthdays!

I believe in having a birthday party with all the people that are close to you.

I also usually milk my birthday for a week but in the recent years it's becoming more of a birthday few weeks.

This year opening ceremonies started in July when we had girls shopping day and my grandma bought me some professional clothes to help get me a job.

This year my birthday is on a Saturday and of course one of Ryan's cousins is getting married on my birthday.

UGH! Total bummer!

I'm not bitter at all! :)

Anyways, heres some pictures from the last few birthdays.

My Birthday at Chevys!

My friends that show up every year!

21 Birthday Bash

This past year I spent my birthday in Croatia with Ryan's relatives and they surprised me with two cakes. Yummy!! Funny story about the #2's. Ryan's cousins actually had to drive to a couple other towns on the island to find another #2.

We had cake for breakfast!!

Something New..

"I kept Runnin." -Forest Gump

Tomorrow I'm running the Wharf to Wharf which is a six mile run from Santa Cruz to Capitola.

From what I hear there are bands playing along the way, balloon arches at every mile and people just having a good time being healthy.

I do admit I am a fan of shows like Biggest Loser and the most recent Losing It with Jillian Michaels.

And I've realized how much of life and working out it like 90% mental.

It is a constant mind game.

Your body will do anything, it is just wrapping your mind around it.

I'm really excited to run the wharf to wharf this year with my friend Sandi and her sisters.

I've actually never ran 6 miles straight before so we'll see.

I'm sure this is something I should have trained a little more for.

I'll keep you posted on if we survive! :)

Happy Summer Everyone!!

Hope you all take some time this summer to put on your tennis shoes and go out for a walk or run! The flowers out and around are beautiful!

Job Hunting...

So Tuesday, I starting Job Hunting, and by the end of Tuesday day I had an interview set up for Wednesday.

So this morning at 10 am. I set off to an interview at a place called K's Quality Child Development Center.

Could it be anymore perfect having a "K" in it. :)

I'm really excited to think that I have a job and I am going back to talk details tomorrow at 1pm.

I'm SUPER excited and hope that this place is a perfect match for me.

Keep your fingers crossed!!

Lake Tulloch

The weekend following the 4th of July, my family and Ry's family were invited to La casa de Perricone. The weather was beautiful and the water was perfect too. We had fun on all the water toys and just hanging out. We definitely got good at floating!!

Sara and I floating on a noodle drinking a pina colada.

My favorite Men in my life. My dad, Ry and Ry's dad Joe.

A very fun toy! The huge trampoline with the blob off of it.

Nicki and I riding the tube. It was Nicki's first time and she had a blast.

What we all do best! Sit around the table talking eating and laughing.

Thank you Sandi and Steve for sharing your gorgeous house and fun toys with all of our family. Couldn't have been a more relaxing vacation. Thanks again! Love you!