Happy 2013

 Well, I guess I haven't been good at keeping up with my  blog. Life is just too busy! And when I talk about 'this year' I'm usually talking about a school year. That's how my brain works. So this year has been great. It's the first year since I've begun teaching that I actually love what I do. My students are absolutely wonderful. I have some of the smartest kids I've ever had in first grade which makes it fun and exciting. I still have some little stinkers but that's never going to change. I've been able to do things with them that I've never been able to do with my students because they're past the point of where they need to be. I'm very excited for what the future brings. I have some exciting news about next year that I can't really talk about yet, but it's something I've wanted to do for a very long time. So, now that I've left you hanging, I'll talk about home. The kids are great. By this time last year, Landry had had pneumonia 3 times and spent almost a week in the hospital. This year, she's had pneumonia once and spent two nights in the hospital. Maybe by next year, she will be totally free of pneumonia and no hospital visit!! This year, they said it wasn't related to her aspiration issue. My personal opinion is that the pneumonia last year weakened her lungs and she just can't handle cold weather. So we're doing breathing treatments everyday until the weather gets warmer. She is a little spit fire. She definitely keeps us on our toes at all times. She wears me out but I wouldn't change a thing. She is stubborn, persistent, strong willed and so very funny with all her quirks and mannerisms. Colt is growing up more and more into a little man. He is such an old soul. He likes being at home more than anything. He is a little shy around people he doesn't know very well. He loves just being at home with mom, dad and Jakie. He loves playing with his sister. He's such a good brother. Most of the time, they get along. But, like any other brother and sister, they fight too. Landry is pretty tough. She holds her own with him. I love that they're only two years apart b/c they are such good friends. So mommy and daddy desperately needed a trip so we booked a cruise leaving from New Orleans. It wasn't exactly what we expected but we made the most of it. I was sick the first 2 days and then Jared followed. So we basically felt better the day before we came home. I think we need a do-over! We had never been to New Orleans. Jared is not a big seafood fan but he said this was the very best catfish he's every had. We went to a seafood restaurant called Deanies (recommended by my principal who is from LA). Unfortunately, I had the first symptoms of a stomach virus (given to me by my sweet daughter before we left).

 We tried to get a picture of us in front of Bourbon street. It was soooo cold!

 This was after we'd been in our room on the cruise ship for two days (being sick. Jared caught the virus too). We were headed out to dinner, finally ready to eat!
 This was the first night before Jared started feeling bad. He was giving me his "I hate taking pictures" face.

 This was as much as Cozumel that I got to see. I felt 100% better when we got to Cozumel but Jared didn't. So I went to the top of the ship and waved. :(
 This was out last night on the ship

 Uncle Jakie lives with us again. We love having him around (I think Colt does too)

 My sweet, spunky Landry

 Colt's first time  bowling. He had a blast

 It's nice when the weather is in the 60's during the winter. We can get out of the house and play!

She loves to scare mommy and daddy by climbing. I think she's part monkey!

Colt is signed up to start tee-ball in the spring. Uncle Jakie is giving him a batting lesson. So fun!

 Uncle Jakie likes having a 'doll' to play with. He was having fun fixing Colt's hair. I don't know who had more fun. Jake or Colt? HAHA!!