Happy New Year?

There is so much pressure that comes with a new year. People make reflections and resolutions, then start having expectations...of each other and of themselves. Several friends have asked me what my resolutions were this year and I was honest when I said that I didn't want to make any because I didn't want to disappoint. Besides, what could be better than this past year?!
I believe the last time I posted was in July, so I'll try and pick up there.
Brandon started working for Lewis Energy last June and, for a while, was bored out of his mind. No one really knew what his "job" was. They just knew they wanted him there. Since about October, they have started giving him more and more responsibilities as they begin to understand how valuable he is to them. He had a lot of knowledge about the company because he used to audit them for MONTHS! He likes it more and more and is very happy. (The Christmas bonus helped make him even happier!)
I started working at a new elementary school in August. I am still teaching 4th grade, but we do not switch, so I'm responsible for my 18 kiddos only. I like it a lot, but miss my Hopkins family. I don't think I'll ever work with a group of people like the group we had at Hopkins. I made some lasting friendships in my time there, and I'm thankful that we have managed to stay in touch and see each other quite frequently.
One of the highlights of our year was going to the World Series in Arlington. We went with 2 of our closest couple friends here in San Antonio and Syd and Blake. We were at the very last game. Although the Rangers didn't win, it was the experience of a lifetime, and we feel blessed to have been able to enjoy it!
Brooks- oh, Brooks. How he changed this year! He turned 2 on November 20, 2010. At his 2 year appointment, his doctor was amazed at his vocabulary. (Sometimes, I am too.) He says "Lub it" to tell you he loves you. He says "Mom, need somping to eat," when he wants a snack. And he can tell us when his tummy hurts or when he's mad. Sometimes, he can say way too much, like when he mimicked me and said, "Good Lord," the other night. He loved Christmas and totally got into Santa and lights this year. He was really mad at Santa when he woke up Christmas morning and all the milk was gone! He does something every day that amazes me. Brandon says all of the time, "He's such a little DUDE!"
One of the biggest events of the year, and of my life, was my sister getting married. Brandon, Brooks and I were all in the wedding party, and I was honored to be the Matron of Honor. Brooks was the ring bearer, but an unfortunate 'meltdown' occurred 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and he was unavailable for  the bearing-of-the-ring. Thank goodness for Brandon's parents! The ceremony and the reception were amazing, and Sydni looked stunning. Although I'm just her big sister, I felt a weight get lifted from my shoulders that day because I knew she was going to be ok- not just for now, but forever. Blake was my brother before it became official. Even though I get on him a lot for leaving half-drank soda cans laying around my house or for losing his wallet daily, no one on this Earth could take better care of my sister, so, for that, I am thankful. I truly consider their wedding day as one of my biggest life events. I am so proud of her!
So, rather than trying to make this year beat 2010, I'm going to aim for it to just simply be equal. It was such a great year for us, and I would consider myself lucky to have another year just as good. We are planning a couple of trips and, for once in our 12 year relationship together, Brandon and I may get to go somewhere over Spring Break together!!!!!!!!!! What a change!
Until next time- be blessed-
Kaylee

Summer 2010

With summer almost gone, I figured it's past time to post a new entry. This summer has been crazy! Brooks stayed in day care for 2 days a week. He loves it there and, there are times that when he doesn't go, he asks for his teachers (Cheryl and Jo Jo). Plus, that gave me time to clean (a little) and get ready for my new classroom (a lot)!
This summer we did so many things with our friends Amanda and Aubry  and  Candi and Maddux. Some of them include the San Antonio Zoo, Morgan's Wonderland, Inflatable World, the park, swimming, and The Children's Museum. (Some pictures are attached.) It has been interesting watching the kids play together this summer, especially since Brooks has quadruple the amount of energy and orneriness compared to that of Maddux and Aubry. He's a runner, not a walker. He's a thrower, not a roller. He's a yeller, not a talker. He's a linebacker, not a side liner. He's, no question, 150% boy! 
Sometime around July 4, Brooks decided he wanted to sit on the potty a few times. Don't worry, that didn't last! I went and bought all the potty stuff and then he decided he was done with that. Oh well, it'll happen sooner or later.
We also went to a wedding shower for Syd and got to stay in her brand new house. Brooks loved it there because he has the whole downstairs to run around in (with wooden floors) with Zena chasing him (on the wooden floors)! The wooden floors were his favorite noise maker for the long weekend we stayed. Syd and Blake might wait a little while longer than they originally planned for their first after our weekend there!
We have thoroughly enjoyed Brandon getting home earlier from work, too! (Especially on the days that Brooks does not go to day care!) Instead of 6:30 or 7:00, it's 5:30 or 6:00. That has been a nice change for all of us! He's having a hard time adjusting to the laid back and slower atmosphere of the new job. He just doesn't know what to do with himself! So far, he likes it a lot and is getting to know the company even better than before.
I have been going up to my classroom on Brooks's day care days for about 2 weeks. I've gotten a lot done, although if you walked in, you'd never know it! Taking over someones room that has been there or 15 years means there's a lot of stuff older than me that needs to be thrown away. I detest going through other people's trash, so now that I'm finally into my stuff it's easier to get through. Meme made me some adorable shelf curtains that I can't wait to get up! My theme is changing to owls and it is stinkin' cute!
Well, I think that's about all for now. I got a new (fancy) camera, so hopefully I'll be able to post pictures more often.
Until next time,
Kaylee

Lots Going On!

Let's see. Since the last time I posted, Brooks has learned so much and Brandon and I have both taken new jobs...I know, so much!

Brooks is now saying a gazillion things, making a gazillion sounds, and showing a gazillion personalities. (One of his new 'faces' is here.)He has learned how to say Gigi, Pops, Syd, Nana, Bobby, Aubry and Audrey (they sound the same), Maddux, his teacher's name: Cheryl, Carlos, olive, truck, Yo Gabba Gabba, Barney, Elmo...the list could keep going. I have to say that Carlos and olive are probably my faves. He also makes the noises for cow, turkey (his Great Aunt Denise has one), alligator, snake, elephant, tiger, lion, dog, and baby. It is so amazing to see him learning so many new things. But he's also learning how to be...mischievous. So, we working on him with that and working on our own patience, as well.
As for Brandon and me, we have both accepted new positions. He is going to work for an oil and gas company. They have sort of created the position for him, so I'm not sure of his official title. It is a nice raise and will hopefully be much nicer hours. In April, I put myself on the transfer list with my district to see if I could get something closer to my house. I never expected it to happen this year, but I got an email 2 weeks ago from a principal, went in for an interview that afternoon, and a week later go my official notice of transfer. As much as I hate to leave my school because of the friends I have made there, it is a great move for me. It is 10 mins from my house vs. 30 mins! That'll be wonderful!
Well, gotta go! It's 3 am and I'm awake after 4 hours of sleep. Guess I better try to get more zzzz's. Busy week ahead!
Until next time,
K

Morgan's Wonderland

Yesterday was a busy day! It started off with Brooks getting his first 'major' hair cut. Auntie Syd has cut his hair before, but I wouldn't let her take much off. She has been so busy with house and wedding plans and other future clients in her free time, that she hasn't had a chance to cut his hair, and he needed it badly! I told Margarita that he needed a cut but that I didn't want it too short.... To make a long story short, he screamed the entire 20 minute cut, and I cried like a baby when I got home. Why? His hair is all crooked (although Margarita did as well as she could under the circumstances) and now he looks so big and old. No more raggedy baby hair. He has a real, little boy hair cut! And he looks so much more like his Uncle G.
After the hair cut drama, we met Uncle Rod and Aunt Suzie at Morgan's Wonderland. They were in town for a Rotary Convention. This place is amazing! It is made for people with disabilities, however the regular public can also attend. It's a huge playground that is easy access for people or can't run, climb, or are confined to a wheelchair. All of this also makes it the perfect place for toddlers. Nothing is off limits, nothing is unsafe. Brooks can do it all!
He wasn't feeling well, so all we did was swing and ride the train. (Aunt Suzie snagged this picture while we were waiting on the train to start.) He had a blast though. I can tell you now that this will be one of the places that we visit frequently this summer. Visit the website to find out more! http://www.morganswonderland.com/. They operate with 90% volunteers, so if you can make a donation to help them continue to offer free admission to people with disabilities, please do so!
After all of that, we headed home for a long nap. When Brooks woke up, we headed to Amanda and Justin's house for BBQ that Brandon and the other Dad's had been "slaving" over all day. We had a lot of fun with our friends!
Until next time,
Kaylee

Getting Started

Before I make a habit of this, I'd like to see how it works. I think it would be very cool to be able to look back on this when Brooks is older. Then, I can remember all the sweet (and not so sweet) things that he did!