Cavalier Girl

Thirty-One Fabulous!

2012-02-25T21:40:00.003-06:00

So just recently I had been praying for guidance... and I received an answer quite clearly.

^{Proverbs 31:}
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Chase and I have been taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at church since January; however, we read his Total Money Makeover book last year and have been working on the Baby Steps for quite some time.

Well I had been seeking a way to put forth more effort and to assist in future plans and well this just popped into my lap. Take a love of organization and cute, stylish bags and you have Thirty-One. I am quite smitten with just about everything to do with this company and product. If you want to know more, feel free to ask!!!

My very own consultant kit!

Amen.

Slacker

2012-02-12T14:55:00.000-06:00

I've been a terrible blogging slacker, but when I feel overwhelmed, blogging is the first thing to go!

To catch you up though, Connor is 7 months old now, I'm still taking my awesome online photo class from Little Fashion Diaries, and life is still good! Connor has started really trying to move and groove. Chase and I even caught him trying to pull up on the side of his crib.

He loves to babble, touch and chew on everything, and eat at the table with us. He's growing so very fast and I sometimes wish we could hit pause for a couple of days! He loves blowing bubbles and even has learned how to gurgle recently. It's so cute to listen to his sounds... he is definitely a vocal little boy!

For my photo class, I have really learned a lot and am amped to continue learning more! I'll post my most recent photos from the class. This week's assignment is somewhat of a surprise, so you won't see my photo until after Tuesday! *wink wink*

Anyhoodle, that's all for now!

Photos as promised:

Landscape (near where we took our maternity photos)

Bzzzzz....

2012-01-16T14:44:00.002-06:00

Since I'm stuck at home with a bug today, I decided to edit and prepare my photos for our assignment this week!

This week's lesson was titled "Color and Balance." More specifically, creating a composition with complimentary colors and contrasting colors based on the color wheel. Also adding a little color to a scene that has lots of it's complimentary color in it. All while keeping things balanced and using a 'less is more' approach.

How's that for a lesson? I feel challenged! I have had a much more... interesting... time figuring out how and what to photograph this week.

Not to feel like a broken record, but I photographed my boy! Since the purpose for me taking this class is to learn how to take better photographs of our family and more specifically Baby C, I don't feel guilty!

I chose to use a few simple backdrops on our kitchen floor by the back sliding doors. I clamped down the sheets/blankets (with Chase's clamps from the garage) to the backs of our dining room chairs. (Stole the idea from Blaire Perry!) Then I set him up with a very special knitted hat given to us by one of my sweet student's mom. My heart just about melted after seeing the very first picture. Instead of high color contrast, I used a low color contrast and used different hues of green to try to create a calmer photo... Not sure if that's technical or anything, just trying stuff out!

It just kept getting better!

Then, I flipped the blanket over to show the second sheet underneath (which was just a plain old white sheet). We removed the hat and substituted a very special toy given to us by Grammie (Hubs' mom).

I love his chubby fingers and dimpled hands.

Now I know red and orange aren't exactly on the complete opposite side of the color wheel, but they popped in these photos.

I'll keep on experimenting!

Snapshot!

2012-01-13T06:44:00.000-06:00

For about the last year, I have been obsessed with an app on my iPhone. It's name? Instagram.

It rocks. I can connect with other mommas and people across the world who are interested in taking an obscene amount of pictures of their cute babies and other interesting subjects.

Just within the last month, I have started following a gal who runs the blog http://www.littlefashiondiary.com/. She blogs about fashion of course, but also about photography and life in general.

Well last week, she decided to put together a free online photoraphy course! I have wanted to take a photography course of some sort for the last three years, but due to paying off debt, or just time constraints, I have yet to do so! So I signed up for that puppy and right away got to work on our first assignment. The assignment was about composition. (using the rule of thirds, interesting subject, non-distracting background, etc...) Of course, I chose my sweet baby boy as my "interesting subject" and we sat out on the back deck that Chase built a couple of months ago and laughed it up! I got a few absolutely adorable shots that I plan on framing, but the winner was this picture.

It just goes to show that all will be provided in due time... patience grasshopper.

I'm so excited to be better able to capture precious moments like these and display them in our home or share them with my family and friends. Since our families live 4 hours away in each direction, I want them to be able to experience their grandchild day-to-day, even if they don't get to see him daily!

So, anyhoodle.

My main reason for blogging, is that when I opened my mail inbox this morning, I let out a squeal and happily announced to hubs that my photo was chosen along with 7 others as a "Class Standout!!"

I also got my first badge!! I shall display is proudly on my humble little blog for all to see.. ;)

So there you have it folks! I'm just plain smitten and can't wait to get started on next week's assignment- "Complimentary Colors & Contrast."

Minication

2012-01-03T11:12:00.001-06:00

Ah... what a relaxing weekend! Hubs and I took a short minication to Eureka Springs this weekend and it was exactly what we needed. We didn't go with a long list of sights to see or an agenda. Our goal was to relax. The Grand Treehouses were absolutely perfect for accomplishing just that.

Besides the fact that they were cozy, cute and comfy- they had a relaxing fireplace and jacuzzi to boot!

We weren't hermits the entire time. We did enjoy the delish food at a few local places. "Local Flavor" was my favorite though... also during our stay we saw the "Big Jesus" as Chase called it, or "Christ of the Ozarks." It was my second time seeing it (first time was when I was 13ish) and it seemed just as humongo to me as it did the first time! Favorite quote from Hubs was when we were walking up to the statue and he said "Freeze!..... We're standing in the shadow of Jesus..." and in fact, we were.

My favorite part...

Happy little man at home with Grandma!

Messy and happy little man...

Half a year?

2011-12-29T12:42:00.003-06:00

Has half of a year already gone by since my little man was born? It's sufficient to say that time. is. flying.

Today we went in for our 6 month check up!
weight: 16.06oz
height 27.5 inches ( I was off last time, I thought he was longer!)
head: 16.5 inches

He has a nice growth chart and seems to be going along just fine. However... one of his ears was still infected and he still had thrush from the previous antibiotics and when I was on antibiotics. Chase has also been battling sickness this last week as well! I am so ready for my home to be sickness free for a while!

Here are some things Connor loves to do right now:
Connor likes to...
- Feed himself with his spoon (while making a mess ;) and feed himself mum mums and other little finger foods that are soft
- Listen to music from various music playing toys he has
- Sit up and watch what's going on around him
- Jump in his jumper
- Laugh and babble with Mommy and Daddy
- Be in the Moby wrap while Mom does housework
- Go for walks and jogs with Mommy and Daddy
- Pet Bailey and touch and grab at everything around!
- Sit in the shopping cart seat all by himself

These are just a few of the things that he has started or has been doing for a while. It's amazing seeing him learn new things and grow so quickly. Children really are a crazy amazing blessing.

This weekend Chase and I are spending our first nights away from our little man to go spend the weekend in Eureka Springs. My mom is going to spend the weekend at our house with little man! Say a special prayer that he is the sweet boy for her that he is for us! I am afraid his schedule has been a little wonky since he's been sick.

12-29-11 at WalMart

Here's hoping the next 6 months slow down a little! Before we know it, little C will be crawling, walking, talking.. and growing all too quickly.

Mini-vacation? I think yes...

2011-12-06T20:43:00.001-06:00

After this busy season, we are definitely going to need some down time.

Christmas is always busy, but it seems as though this year it is especially so. I wish we could just sit back and really enjoy the real reason for the season and spend less time doing "stuff."

Giving up so much home time doesn't quite seem to be worth it as much as it used to. Isn't it funny how things work like that? We spend our entire lives going to school to get an education so we can have a nice job and nice things, then you have a child and you would give anything (especially all of those nice things) to just spend all of your time with them.

Hubs just finished grilling a delicious dinner (in 20 degree weather... he's awesome) and he's also cleaning the kitchen while I blog (and Baby C sleeps..). I feel so blessed with them.

Anyhoodles, we have booked two fabulous nights at a treehouse in Eureka Springs for New Years Eve!
We'll be staying in the Royal Oak Treehouse! I'll definitely take pictures and share with you next month!!

http://www.thetreehouses.com/index.html

We have yet to spend a night away from our amazing little man, so this will be quite an experience! Even though we have to leave our main scoop, we are looking forward to some relaxation time and alone time and Grandma is looking forward to grandson time!

I think that's what we call a win/win!

Little man is 5+ months old now and is such a blessing to us.

At five months he:
- is rolling over tummy to back
- laughing/giggling and loves to play in his jumper
- has two teeth about to push through on his bottom gums
- loves sweet potatoes, butternut squash, green beans, apples and momma just made some peas tonight!
- has begun grabbing at glasses, lips, cheeks, hair.. just about anything and everything! (beware!)
- turns his head at the sound of his name
- he currently has his first runny/icky nose.. I'm sure it's the first of many!!

Toodles until next time!!

Let's get organized.. organized...

2011-11-19T18:07:00.001-06:00

So Hubs and I have been working on getting the Cavalier house organized. We're paying off debt, and taking names.. and along with that comes the desire to be more organized everywhere.

Last weekend he started in the garage after he built us a deck and a platform bed frame for our new mattress. The house is pretty organized. I made sure our junk drawer got an overhaul, and we cleaned out under the bed.

Next on my list to de-clutter is the guest bedroom closet (aka: craft closet that never gets used...) and Hub's closet. My clothes need to be sorted through again, but I'm wary of getting rid of anything because I've OFFICIALLY started Weight Watchers again and don't know what will fit and when... so It may just stay cram packed with clothes for now.

At least the clothes are color coded and sorted by length. (I totally have C sitting in my lap and he totally just drooled down my leg. The joys of motherhood ;)

Anyhoodle, today Hubs built an incredible bill sorter that lets us see our bills due in order from the first of the month to the end of the month. Kinda hard to explain so I'll show you a picture.

Pinterest has become a great source of organization projects, too. Up next is a nail polish storage system (to get them out of my closet and up where I can see them all), a chalkboard menu for the kitchen, and a glass covered calendar with dry erase marker for the kitchen/dining room as well. (Hopefully to help take some of the clutter off of the refrigerator.

By way of little man, we have started playing with toys a lot more, grabbing hold of just about everything (even mom's drinking cup- thankfully we've had no casualties yet) and eating solids. At his last appointment, Little C was 29 1/2 inches long, 14.9 lbs (>95% in height and 35% in weight... I think).

He loves:
- sitting in his bumbo chair with toys
- sitting in his high chair also with toys or talking to me while I make dinner
- playing in his jumperoo
- watching his mobile in his crib
- LOVES bathtime still
- would eat sweet potatoes and butternut squash all day (I make it- super duper easy!)

Anyhoodle, that's all folks!! Off I got o finish laundry, try to file paid bills and empty the dishwasher.... it's never ending! (but at least it's fun)

Freedom!

2011-11-05T12:39:00.000-05:00

This is the first free weekend that I have had in.... I can't remember! It felt so refreshing to sleep in (7:30am) and get up with little man, let him play in his pajamas in his own room while I took a shower and got ready.

We then fed little man,gave him a bath (since we missed ours last night- I was with Connor at Kaci's watching Kailyn while she and her hubby went to a Razorback basketball game- after which she gifted us with tickets two two games over the next two weeks!!!!) and then little man went down for a nap around 9:30am (usual). However, it's 12:30pm and he's still asleep (unusual).

Connor never really has been the best napper. He'll take one small nap in the afternoon typically, but he does sleep through the night so I've never complained! (sttn meaning he doesn't wake up except to eat once or twice and always goes back to sleep) I would love to give up those night feedings and sleep solid through the night, but I kind of really look forward to our cuddle time. It's so precious and I know how quickly he's growing and soon won't want to cuddle as much. I'll take what I can, when I can!

Other than that, I've dusted, steam mopped the floors, cleaned the bathrooms/kitchen, finished the laundry, and put dinner in the Crock Pot, and Chase ran the vacuum. This means the rest of the weekend is family time!

There are a few other things I'd like to get done (weed the front flowerbed and clean up the limbs in the backyard), but those things can wait.

Tonight while Hubs plays with the FJC at Crystal Bridges, I'll be taking C to watch the Razorback Football game at a friend's house for a watch party! She has a sweet little boy that's a month younger than Connor, and the Richardson's have a little boy as well who is just a few weeks younger than C! They were my "preggo posse" gals... I pretty much <3 them!

Excuse my extreme chatty-ness. It's been a long few weeks and it feels so refreshing to be HOME!

Pictures of the watch party coming soon!

Toodles. :)

This is Halloween!

2011-10-31T18:25:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again- the smell of pumpkin is filling the kitchen, the chiminea is lit and the candy ready to be given out! (what I haven't eaten yet, anyway...)
I have a secret obsession with Almond Joys, so unfortunately guys, there are none left in our candy bowl!

However, there is an uber cute little alien awaiting our trick-or-treaters, so hopefully that makes up for our lack of chocolate covered coconut.

No, I haven't raided the mother ship... Connor is dressed up as the cutest, and drool-iest little alien I know.

Proof:

No more pictures, please...

The last one is just thrown in there to show the lovely evening about to be had!

The end!

Pumpkin Patchin'

2011-10-09T21:03:00.001-05:00

Is it already Sunday night? These days go by so super fast it's not even fair! However, this weekend I was able to rest (much needed since I have been so sick the last few weeks) and spend much needed time with Little C and Big C.

Saturday Chase went and played golf with a friend and I slept in all morning (trying to get over this icky stuff). After I bumped around the house for a few hours, I finally cleaned, did laundry and enjoyed the day with Little C.

Hubs also brought home a sweet gas grill as well! We're already planning next week's menu for lots of grilling...

Today has been busy, but we came home after church and napped.. and napped some more, and then traveled back up to Bentonville for a Chili Cook-Off and Pumpkin Patch. Which leads me to the title of this post! Of course I took the camera and snapped some cute photos of Baby C.

Some friends who are more camera savvy than I am were there and showed me a few pointers and let me test out their sweet lens. I'm pretty sure I know what's going on my Christmas list for this year.

Anyhoodle, I know the real reason you're reading, so I'll give ya the pictures already!

Pin me!

2011-10-02T19:36:00.002-05:00

I am addicted... to Pinterest!

For years, I've had tons of great ideas for crafts, projects, and organization but always "forget" what I had in mind, or never know exactly how to make it happen.

Pinterest, you've solved all of my problems!!

I already have two projects in queue and can't wait to try out some of these delish recipes.

Amazing!

Come and pin along with me!
http://pinterest.com/kalyncavalier/

Toodles!

Toppling Tower..

2011-09-27T18:13:00.003-05:00

Some days I just feel like I can't quite catch up... bills need to be paid, house cleaned... thankfully my laundry IS caught up, but lessons need to be planned and all of these things seem to be taking away from my time with the two people I want to spend the most time with! (Hubs and little C if you weren't quite sure!)

Today was one of THOSE days where I wished all day I could just stay home with my sweet boy and watch him as he grows and becomes less of a newborn and more of an infant/baby. He's so much fun and it's terribly hard for me to miss out on so much of his life.

As I write this, he's hanging out next to me on his play gym "talking," grabbing, and chewing- all of which are new this week! He's a hoot in the morning before I have to leave for work and it's hard putting him in that car seat and taking him to the babysitter so she can play all day with my little ball of fun!

Sorry for the down post.. It's just part of the battle of being a working mom- I understand! One one hand I'm helping Chase provide a better future for our family, but on the other, I feel like a failure. Besides the fact I can't do it all by myself anymore (laundry, housework, lessons, yard work,pumping, and our happy little guy...) I feel like all of those extra things I do take away from my time with him at home.

So if you see me at work running like a mad-woman through the halls, it's only because I'm trying as hard as I can to get all of my work done at 'work' and not take anything home to distract from my time with my main squeezes. Or if I am hesitant to commit to something after school or on the weekends... well you understand!!

On a fun note- we're going camping with the Harrimans on Saturday! Super duper fun awaits.

Here are some new photos of the cutest little boy I know...

Hog Heaven

2011-09-03T16:19:00.001-05:00

Dear Baby C,

Today you got to experience your first day of college football. So far you've really enjoyed it! Your Uncle Tim, Aunt Jessica, cousins Trinitie, Faith and Barrett and Grandpa Grover all came to visit. They loved you and you adored the- giving them tons of little smiles and coos.

You wore the cutest little Hogs t-shirt (Mom has a matching one, but couldn't find one for Dad yet..) We ate at Mad Pizza and now you're sleeping the afternoon away!

Oh, and last night you slept for 5+ hours straight!! From 11-4 you didn't make a peep. You ate at 4 and then slept again until 6, ate a little more and slept until 9! I think you were making up for yesterday when you didn't take a nap all... day... long... You were pretty tuckered out at the end of the day.

You sleep really well every night, but you do like to be fed every 3-4 hours typically. We're working on that though!

Basically, little dude.. you rock and we love you.

Love,
Mom (and Dad)

Babywearing

2011-09-01T17:50:00.001-05:00

Today we embarked on a new journey : babywearing...

Actually, it's more for me than for him. He is more than content to play under his Baby Einstein play gym forever it seems or his super rad Rain Forest mobile by Fisher Price. But sometimes I just want to cuddle and hold him since this time is going by far too quickly.

I'm kinda in love with the idea of babywearing. I had a Pea Pod sling given to me, and then got a free sling from Seven Slings; however, baby boy liked neither of them. I also wasn't comfortable with the way hey laid/sat in slings. They also cut into my shoulder and just did not fit well. The Pea Pod was too small, and in trying to compensate for the smallishness of the pod, I ordered too large of a Seven Sling.

So in effort to find a wrap/sling we liked, I purchased a Moby Wrap and oh-my-heavens, I'm in love.

Besides the fact that Connor is all too happy to be snug and cozy next to his ~~lunch~~ mom, the wrap is like heaven on my back. It distributes the weight super evenly and the fabric is very flexible and comfortable. Also.. I can nurse hands free while doing things around the house... although I much prefer snuggling up with my little guy for the later- but sometimes laundry does need to be folded or lessons typed up.
I'm also looking forward to using this for outings instead of carrying around the baby carrier+baby.

You guys know how much I love my Graco Snap-n-Go, but this is super duper easy and takes even less time than getting the stroller out of the trunk... and requires less baggage when you need to get in and out of a busy store/place.

We're all about efficiency here! (and affordability..)

It's basically a win!

Definitely a baby in there.. and he's nursing! (excuse the cheesy IPhone photo..)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T20:41:00.002-05:00

Workin' on a Full House

2011-08-27T21:40:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was the epitome of a beautiful, wonderful, relaxing and fulfilling day. We've had lots of these lately. So blessed.

It all started with a little bit of lesson planning (which is always fun to do!) and then I went up to the school to make some visual aids for my sub next week. Speaking of... next week is my last week at home with my baby. I have quite a few mixed feelings about this, but mostly I am trying to prepare myself for being apart from him (I did it during in-service; however, I knew it was only for a few days..).

Anyhoodle, let's stay faaaar away from that topic for now because, well... that just stinks.

The cool part of yesterday was getting to hang out in my pajamas all day with little man and hubs and then end the afternoon watching hubs play with Full House in Orchard Park for the Bentonville Concert in the Park series. I was able to sit next to my sweet friend Mandy (whose husband also plays in Full House) and got a small glimpse at what the Cavalier house might look like in a few years... she has three sweet and energetic boys.

We took our quilt, some cool water, and ourselves, and Connor and I parked it on the quilt. He was such a good baby, and just cooed and looked around the whole time. It was only a little warm at the beginning, after which it cooled down to be a wonderful evening!

Today, Baby C has taken two great naps, and is currently asleep for the night. Hubs was super-hubs, and cleaned the house with baby in tow while I went grocery shopping. Even though I have been in a weird funk today and have been kinda cranky, I realllllllllllly appreciate his awesome-hubbiness.

Anyhoodle, here's photo proof of aforementioned activities.

"Chillin' with my mom.. you know"

My boys...

On the left he was only a week old, and on the right, almost two months! He's growing so much.

Our new mobile. He was mesmerized!

Sweet baby boy practicing great head support!

No routine. but lots of fun!

2011-08-25T09:21:00.000-05:00

Greetings friends!

So, since I'm not really in a set routine (right now my tv is set to babylove 24/7) I forget that I haven't blogged in like a bajillion days.

I know when I start back to work, and get into more of a routine, that things will fall into place. The few days that I did teacher in-service was like that!

What an adventure we are having with our little man. He is quite the charmer. He has started smiling and almost giggling quite a bit, and he loves to hold onto my hands and pull up. His head support is quite good and he loves to sit up to watch what is going on around him. Quite the curious little bugger!

We went to visit Chase's family this weekend (his brothers and sister's-in-law had yet to meet Connor!). He and Grammy became best buddies. I did learn that he doesn't nap too well away from home, but when we got home he fell right back into his usual sleeping pattern! (That makes mom a happy camper.) He also rode spectacularly well in the car on the way there. The way home he slept off and on, but had a bit of a tummy ache in-between.

Tonight we're grilling burgers and who-knows-what with our friends! Before that; however, hubs gets to mow the jungle of a lawn out there.All of this rain made the grass spring up anew! ;) Maybe I will be able to weed the front flower bed, too if it's not too hot and if little man takes a good afternoon nap.

Anyhoodle, all is well on our end though!

If I could turn back time... insert Cher voice here

2011-08-06T19:56:00.000-05:00

I have determined that our mini person is growing entirely too fast.

So fast, that I cannot seem to keep up with his speediness via blog.

Here's me trying harder to keep up with his cuteness!

Things that Connor has done within the last month: (yes folks, he's over a month old now!)
- been incredibly cute
- smile all the time (and sometimes in response- not just for gas!)
- sat in his bumbo
- had his pictures taken by the wonderful Blaire Perry
- cooed and raptor screeched
- been an amazing sleeper at night! (he eats and goes right back to sleep)
- consistent in his sleeping at night (wakes up at 1:30 and 4:00ish).
- worked with mom and dad in mom's classroom
- stayed with aunt kaci and was a really good boy
- went with mom to get a pedicure and haircut

On a non (my) baby note, I just watched this ridiculous documentary called Nursery University about the process that Manhattan families go through just to get their children into pre-schools in NYC. Seriously??
Tuition at some of these places is $20,000 a SEMESTER! It's so serious that they have application mania days where they only take phone calls for two hours for applications (yes, only applications!) after which they have an extensive interview process where they will interview hundreds of families to maybe only choose 20. Some schools bypass that and operate on a strict lottery system. I just find this crazy!

Mind= blown.

Can I just reiterate how thankful I am to be in a place where I love my job, love the town/area I live in, love the people I get to work with and be around everyday, and have a safe and relatively inexpensive place to take my kiddo while I work where the said people I work with also take their children...

Me= thankful.

My classroom at school is also coming along. It would have been near impossible for me to do it alone. Hubs has been there every weekend with me for the last few weeks and I worked my dad to the bone when he was here last.. (sorry dad!). It sure does look great though! I'm really excited to get back to school when the time comes and see those kiddos!

For now.. I am going to go to enjoy the peace and quiet here. Chase has a performance tonight, and Connor is taking his pre- bath nap. That means Bailey and I get some much needed relaxation. ;)

Don't think I forgot your pictures...

"What choo talkin' bout, Willis?"

Bumbo time!

He had a tummy ache this day.. and didn't sleep at all the day before.

This was the aftermath of the tummy ache.. poor dude.

Post baby body- not as bad as I thought it would be!

#stankface

Eatin' with Aunt Kaci.. yum.

More bumbo! (sorry it's crooked!)

Tomorrow, my mom, grandma and grandpa are coming to visit! It's their first time to see Baby C since he was born.

Toodles!

It's Saturday!

2011-07-09T11:28:00.000-05:00

Well it's officially been one week and one day since we came home from the hospital! I was terrified that these first few weeks were going to be absolutely horrendous (from all the horror stories about people telling me that you just "get through" those first few weeks); however, I am LOVING this time. He is sooo little and I already don't want him to get bigger.

We've had a steady stream of visitors and wonderful women from my school who have blessed us with dinner for the last week! I wish I would have taken some photos, but it always looked so good that all I could think about was chowing down.

Physically, I'm feeling great! Yesterday was the first day that we ventured out just the two of us. We went to Taste of Thai in Fayetteville with my dear friend Audra, and then ventured to the mall to walk for a little while. Only at the very end did I start to feel fatigued.

Connor did amazing!! He loves his car seat and stroller and loves the motion of being strolled around. I failed to get any photos there.

I DID get some pictures this morning. He looks quite dapper in his little jumper. He kinda matches Dad!

Family Photo!

Now we get to spend the afternoon with my wonderful sister, her husband and her sweet daughter!

You, Me and Baby Makes Three!

2011-07-06T16:20:00.003-05:00

It's amazing how much life can change in just one short week. One week ago today I was in labor with our sweet little Connor. Life still seems quite surreal at the moment, and I've been thinking for a few days on what to say about his entrance into our world.

We went in late Tuesday evening (6-27-11) to be induced early the next morning. My doctor (Dr. Emily Hinton is fabulous!) started me on a little pill to help thin out the rest of my cervix through the night on Tuesday. Wednesday morning, I woke up, brushed my teeth (for the last time not as a mommy!) and the anesthesiologist came in. Chase held my hand through the entire process. <3 him.

I must say that Chase was my rock through the entire process. I was (even though it may not have shown on the outside) terrified and unsure of myself, but Chase was there every step to get me ice, rub my arm, and make sure I was taken care of in every way and encourage me.

The nurses and doctors at Willow Creek were just wonderful. When we first checked in, all I wanted to do was take our little guy home; however, at the end of our time, I wasn't ready to leave. I felt so safe and secure there- and very well cared for.

Anyhoodle.. after the anesthesiologist left, they began Pitocin and from 8:00 until 4:00 it was a waiting game. I didn't progress very fast at first, so around 4:00 Chase and I decided to try to take a nap. When I woke up, I felt extreme pressure, so I asked the nurse if she could check. Sure enough in that hour time span, I had progressed from 4cm to 10cm. When she told me we were ready to start pushing, I got a terrible case of the shakes, but Chase helped me breathe and calm down... and our nurse warmed up another blanket for me. Our delivery nurse's name was Nicole, and she was stellar. She did two "practice" pushes through two contractions with us, and called for Dr. Hinton because little man was crowning. When Dr. Hinton walked in she barely had enough time to put on her scrubs and gloves before our little Connor was born. We did two contractions with Dr. Hinton and there he was!

I remember that extreme wave of euphoria seeing him for the first time, and seeing Chase's face... it was just incredible.

After delivery, Chase and I held him and took some time to marvel at this incredible gift of life. Just knowing that our little baby grew inside me for nine months, and he was now with us was and is still slightly unreal. It truly is a gift.

Connor weighed in at 7lbs 8oz, 21 inches long and a full head of black hair! He is a master nurser, and latched on perfectly the first time. As long as he's fed, dry, and warm, he's the happiest little baby. He loves having his little feet rubbed and loves being carried around in the baby sling. He even loves his car seat.

We've made a few trips to Target, Applebee's, and the pediatrician's office, and he falls asleep every single time we go in the car.

As for me, I'm recovering wonderfully! My energy is great, and even though it's going to take a coupe of weeks to rebound fully, I feel great. Having little man in my arms makes all the pain and fatigue go away though.

Throughout the last few weeks, we have been blessed by wonderful visitors, friends, family, cards, gifts, and phone calls. All of your prayers and thoughts were received graciously and we cannot thank you enough!

So, to end this novel, I'll tell you how our superstud did at his newborn check-up today at the pediatrician!

He weighed in at : 7lbs 6oz! Only 2oz under birth weight. That means he's eating like a champ!

and for your viewing pleasure.... pictures!

We're going to be parents!

Connor's heartbeat and my contractions..

All ready!

Last picture together before little man!

My nurse rocked.. she knew where the popsicles were.

Here he is! 7lbs 8 oz.

First picture with Baby C

He has daddy's lips... and dimples. (/swoon)

First family photo. 7-1-11

Headed home with our baby boy.

Stay Tuned....

2011-06-29T09:11:00.001-05:00

Exciting stuff happening today!!

Pictures and details to follow in the following hours/days.

Puppy Therapy

2011-06-26T12:05:00.002-05:00

We (and by we I mean hubs...) hung the name frame in Baby C's room last night and I'm digging it!

Chase is so super handy... <3 him.

And since the photos are actually uploading correctly this time, I'll add one of the crib side so you don't have to sprain your neck to see it!

So there you have it!

Now... for some puppy therapy.

Isn't she sweet?

Oh Baby Baby!

2011-06-24T17:55:00.002-05:00

Little C is still snug and cozy right now! We just finished with the last day of the UofA Music Teacher workshop- such a blast! The most exciting part of our week so far was yesterday at lunch when my sweet preggo posse pal Caroline's water broke during our lunch break at the workshop! She and her husband Cole welcomed precious Charlotte into the world last night at 8:48pm. We visited her today, and oh.... just precious. It made me that much more anxious to meet Connor!

Today we focused on 'Music and Movement' in the classroom and basically we moved from 9:00am until 3:30pm today. It was the most fun I've had learning since last summer's Artie Almeida workshop! Today's presenter Deborah Stehlik is a music teacher from Long Island, New York and she had some FABU ideas and concept lessons that I can't WAIT to share with my students.

However, my favorite part of the day was the dancing! We learned quite a few different dances; however, my favorite was a "Paso Doble" that will be SO much fun to create a lesson around and possibly have the kiddos perform for the school. My wheels were churning and I now want to create a program around different styles of dances (a la DWTS) and call it something like "Dancing with the Wildcats" or "Working it with the Wildcats" and create a program around different styles of dance and the history/culture behind each dance. There could even be a teacher dance! I mean seriously... FUN, right??

Anyhoodle, can you tell I'm excited?

Last order of business: Operation BabyEscape 2011

It's been 40 weeks little Connor. You can come out ANY day now.

Bzzzzz! Busy Bee!

2011-06-23T08:17:00.000-05:00

I still have yet to have a complete day of just absolutely "summer" yet. I'm not really complaining since it has helped pass the last two weeks fairly quickly and I am not just sitting at home waiting for little man to arrive; however... I wouldn't mind a day to just stick my booty in a pool and read a good book.

There are quite a few on my list to read! One I even have checked out on my Nook and haven't even cracked it yet! I think I only have a week left on that rental, too.. :o)

This week has been full of music teacher workshopping! It's been an absolute blast. I love getting the chance to hang out with and brainstorm with fellow teachers. Especially those of the music kind because they give me so many fabulous, fun, and exciting ideas to use in the classroom.

and on that note, it's time to head to the workshop!! See y'all soon!

Ready!

2011-06-19T21:00:00.003-05:00

Another week has gone by, and still no little man! He might just hold on until the very end!

However...

the house is clean
laundry is finished
coupons are clipped
meals are planned
groceries are in the house
bills are paid
budget for month is done
sheets are clean
room is ready
lawn is manicured

So, little Connor, you can come any time you want now! Mommy is ready!

I suppose my car DOES need to be washed/swept and the window's could use a good Windex... I might save that for tomorrow.

Next doctor's appointment: Monday, June 20, 2011 @ 3:45.
EDD: June, 26, 2011

Will he make it? Will he be late? Early?
Taking bets now... you can ante up with frozen lasagna! ;)

By the way....
Happy Father's Day to my amazing and supportive dad. Don't know what I'd do without him!

Wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’

2011-06-15T08:25:00.000-05:00

Still no little dude yet!

We had the 38 week appointment on Monday and I'm still about 1cm dilated and 70% effaced. I've been having more Braxton Hicks contractions though, so my body is practicing.

Hopefully we'll go into spontaneous labor within the next two weeks! I'm starting to get the feeling though that he is going to make us wait and come when he wants. ;)

I've been staying super busy around here- cleaning, laundry, babysitting for my sweet friend, seeing many sweet friends- trying to enjoy the last few weeks with bubs safe in my tummy. It's like free childcare for the next two weeks!

Anyhoodle, not much to blog about. I've been swimming as often as I can find someone to go swimming with, and it's magical. It really does wonders for relieving the pressure from my lower back and helps with any swelling in my feet/hands.Thankfully, since I drink like- no joke- 3/4 32oz Nalgene bottles of water a day, I've been able to keep off any major swelling, but I still feel puffy. It happens!

No pictures today- bad blogger!

Toodles until next time!

Ahoy!

2011-06-12T12:30:00.001-05:00

Things in the Cavalier house have yet to slow down yet, but we are making progress on the baby front! His room is almost complete for the moment. The only two major things we need to do are hang curtains and a large name frame... and I THINK it will be complete.

Who knows though- I am never satisfied with any project and end up changing things about a bajillion times before I'm somewhat content.

Some news that I failed to share with you all formally is that I am officially the music teacher at Walker Elementary School! This school has been such a huge blessing to us and I am in awe at how God's masterful plan puts people exactly where they need to be at the perfect time.

Although this summer is going to be a little crazy with little dude on the way, and trying to set up the classroom for next year and hopefully, maybe, possibly start back to school on time... I am looking forward to learning and growing next year more than ever. My biggest dilemma is how and if I can start back to school 6 weeks postpartum. I know that 6 weeks is a LONG time; however, that is only a blink in the life of our little baby and he will only be little once. The biggest stitch is that I don't want to miss out on any of the school activities, or learning experiences with my kiddos at school! Those first few weeks are so much fun and provide such a great time to capture the kiddos' attention for the year.
Any opinions from other teaching mommas out there?

Please say a prayer as we try to follow His plan.

In other news, I've been having some pretty consistent contractions since last night- just none that have been 5 minutes apart for more than an hour. I think we're getting close!!

Now.. Photo Time!! (sorry, for the time being, blogger is being silly and keeps rotating my photos the wrong way.... sigh)

Crib!

Changing table

Cute little name frame

Ta-da!

Still lacking curatins, and need to put up a few more things, but for the most part, this is it.

Suggestions? Comments?

Toodles for now, y'all!

May.. be I missed the month of May?

2011-06-04T00:42:00.001-05:00

Things around here have been crazy, to say the least! Apparently I'm a really bad blogger for the month of May, because I completely missed it. Better luck next year ;) (yeah right.. blogging during the last four weeks of school takes skillz that I don't have yet!)

Really though, May was a fun month, but I seriously don't know where it went. It's like, one day it was here, and the next it was gone! There were a few programs in May... a field trip... lots of teaching and rehearsing for June performances, and a very tired mommy-to-be.

However, it was loads of fun and a learning experience. The teachers at my school know how to finish strong and make it fun at the end! I've looked more forward to getting up the last month than I can ever really recall in my life. #blessedbeyondbelief

Hubs and I have been focusing on "Financial Peace University" and saving for our future. We've come to the conclusion that basically we're not in charge and that in the strangest and most bizarre ways, we have been and will always be provided for. It's a humbling and surreal experience to receive just the right amount of what you need to cover unforeseen costs at the last moment.

Anyhoodle, there's the recap!! We're nearing the end of pregnancy and it's bittersweet... because growing a life inside of you is unlike anything else you will ever experience. The gift of life is such a miracle!

That being said, we are so excited to meet our little boy and hold him and get to know him outside of the womb. He already has quite the personality and is quite the mover! He even seems to know when Chase is trying to feel him kick because he instantly stops the moment Chase lays his hand on my tummy. (he has luckily and sneakily gotten a few good kicks and bumps though)

Here are the last few weeks just to show how much little C has grown.

About 32 weeks @ Chris and Steph's

35 weeks

37 weeks

Toodles for now! After I work on the little dude's room tomorrow, I'll try to post some photos!

Thankful

2011-04-09T13:40:00.000-05:00

So very thankful for another beautiful day with my loves.

I'm also thankful for working with uplifting and persevering women and men on a daily basis. My sweet friend Reba shared about ups and downs in life and how the downs sure do make the ups seem even sweeter- especially when they are in juxtaposition to such a low. In all though, I give praise and thanks.

Thankful that I got to spend a very productive and beautiful morning with Hubs and B.
Thankful that I get to feel Baby C kicking around in my tummy.
Thankful that friends are so thoughtful and giving.
Thankful for beautiful Saturday mornings and afternoons.
Thankful for a workplace that cares so much.

For those of you seeking an update on little Connor, here's the most recent photo of my little growing weed taken this morning.

29 weeks (although he was measuring about 4 days ahead at our last scan)

I'm also thankful that I get to go to WalMart on a sunny Saturday afternoon (insert tongue in cheek)...
Off we go!

Boyce Avenue + Boyz II Men = LOVE!

2011-04-06T17:09:00.000-05:00

I have some serious love for this song. The modernization of the Boyz II Men epicness is basically amazing.

That's really all I have to say.

Sunshine rocks.

2011-04-03T17:09:00.000-05:00

Just sayin'.

There is nothing like a beautiful, warm, sunny, albeit a little windy day to boost your motivation! After church, hubs and I did the grocery shopping for the week, visited with my amazing lovely gal pal Megan, and then got down to work.

It is the truth that manual labor really does give you one of the greatest senses of accomplishment. Yesterday, we cleaned house and I did laundry. (... although I didn't say I folded the laundry.. *cough*) Today, I planted another plant, pulled some weeds, and then cleaned/detailed the inside of my car. Outside can wait because we have storms this week!

As we speak (type), hubs is detailing his car as well!

Admittedly, his car needed the detail far more than mine. ;)

To finish the lovely day, I get to grill and relax with my sweet hubs.

Sunday, please don't leave yet. You've been most productive, and fun!

The Wall

2011-04-02T17:59:00.002-05:00

I've hit it.

There are all these cute ideas in my head, but I can't seem to decide what to do in Baby C's room.

So here's where we are right now! I've found this bedding at my favorite consignment store (9 Months Later in Springdale) for $30.00 and fell in love with it! It's easy to plan around because it's neutral and there are tons of colors in it.

We've purchased the crib, changing table, and a cubby storage piece that is uber versatile. Our amazing friend is making bedding and tons of cute stuff, but I'm not sure what colors, so I'm going neutral at the moment.

I'm looking forward to making a cornice, curtains, and adding some cute wall decorations and making some book slings for the walls.

Basically, I have a to-do list, I'm just waiting to match colors with what we get. It's going to be fun!

Here's what it looks like right now. We'll see how it transforms in the next few months!

So.. imagine some shelves on either side of the mirror... some word decals on the same wall. Cute pom mobile from the ceiling. Curtains, a cornice, sweet book slings and that MIGHT be what Baby C's room looks like in a few months. Basically.. I know nothing.

I DO know that we are measuring 28 weeks 4 days right now, and that little Connor is 2.5 lbs and very active! He is sitting breech; however, he has plenty of time to flip, so we're not worried.

28 weeks xD

Please, comment me your ideas! I am in desperate need of guidance. <3

Toodles!

Bangarang

2011-03-24T13:39:00.000-05:00

Me + scissors = scary.

Thank goodness it's just hair and I didn't cut too short. :P

Now... Must. Stop. Procrastinating.

Time to get down and clean the house and finish the laundry.. and tackle that to-do list. (which is thankfully short).

I'll see you on the flip side!

Beautiful Days:

2011-03-23T09:49:00.001-05:00

They are meant to be cherished.

Today is one of those days. The sun is shining in the house from the windows, I had a great walk on the treadmill and a super awesome yoga session (which alleviated some of that back pain from travelling 8+ hours in the car this week), yummy and healthy breakfast (something which I have NOT been doing this last week- sugary carbs are not my friend), and hanging out with my hubs before he goes to work. <3

I wish every day could be like this. Each day is absolutely special, but the joy that days like today bring is just unique. What makes it even more special is that I came home to shampooed carpets, a clean house, no laundry and a happy puppy. All thanks to super-hubs.

Life is Good. All the time. But today, it is extra good.

You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt...

2011-03-13T12:51:00.000-05:00

and so I did!

Things around here seem so much more "put together" when the flower beds are cleaned out. Now, if the laundry and house would follow suit today, it will be a complete trifecta.

The front of the house went from this:

To this:

Still a few things we'd like to do (flowering plants, lighting, etc) but it's an improvement for sure.
Of course, one cannot get away from gardening without casualties... thankfully it was only my forearms this time.

It's possible that my skin is more sensitive than normal, because I don't recall the juniper bushes attacking me this badly last time 'round. I look like a mottled trout!

So there you have it!

By the way, thanks to my super-hubs for lifting and laying all the mulch after I weeded and pruned. He kinda rocks.

<3 the end!

Hey heartburn...

2011-03-04T20:07:00.000-06:00

I thought we had an agreement. I wouldn't eat peanuts and peanut butter, and you would leave me alone!

/evilstareglare

Extreme boredom this evening has led to an organized closet, laundry finished and much needed thunderstorm cuddles on the sofa with B.

It's only 8:00?

Read me! (all the way.. don't you stop half way)

2011-03-01T18:44:00.002-06:00

I suppose I've been silent for a little too long, but with all the snow days, catching up with the K kiddos from the snow days (by the way, they ROCKED their program and were uber cute doing so), programs and life, I've kinda been in a "meh" mood.

The sunshine the past few days has definitely helped though! Thank you sunshine! Please don't go away for so long next time. My mood desperately depends on you.

So to catch you up, here are are some photos in sequential order starting from oldest to most recent.

20 Weeks (half way!)

22 Weeks!

23 Weeks!

23 weeks (again)

He's quite the kicker and mover. It's probably one of the greatest feelings I've ever felt.. so I don't mind when he uses my bladder as a trampoline.

On an exciting note, the second grade classes at my school created a spectacular video showing how they want to reduce waste daily in the Find Your Footprint contest for National Geographic. Not surprisingly (because their video is wonderful and creative) they made it to the Top 6! Currently they are in 1st (!!!!) place, but to make sure that they win, you should go vote for them on all of your different electronic devices. Voting is limited to one per computer, so you can vote once from as many computers/iPhones/iPod touches that you'd like.

Just click on this link and look for the most wonderful video (that would be the "Helping the World and Saving Our Future" by Betsy Wright from Springdale, AR) and click vote! It's pretty simple, and you will be helping put $35,000 worth of Promethean boards and technology in the hands of hundreds of deserving children.

If you vote (and you totally should because it's super easy), leave me a comment telling me! I'd love to hear from you!

That's all folks! Until next time, toodles.

Spoke too soon..

2011-01-29T19:24:00.003-06:00

I ended up not getting any of the car seat/carries that I thought we would! My bad! I went to the awesome 9 Months Later today, and they had an awesome car seat (Graco Safe Seat) that I fell in love with for less than 1/2 of the price it is new, so I totally bought it.

Best part, it absolutely matches the stroller frame perfectly, so it looks like they were made for each other. (color wise- because they were 'made' for each other).

Here's a photo of the cuteness together.

and then the carrier by itself.

Now, it's not a super trendy pattern but rather a very sleek black with grey and blue accents! I love how slick it looks when all together. Very snappy!

So there ya go!

By the way, I forgot to mention that today was the most amazing January 29th ever. 76 and breezy. I had to buy a new top whilst we were walking around because I was dying in my sweater and scarf. Lunch and shopping all day at the Promenade was snazzilicious.

Kthxbaitheend.

Love my job.

2011-01-28T15:34:00.001-06:00

Just a quick update.

Kindergarten program is going! We've learned three songs, and might be able to put one more on the stage next week if we work hard! (and if we don't get snow/ice on Tuesday causing us to miss school). If we miss school next week... well let's just not talk about that possibility, because I don't want to stress this weekend, mmkay?

School is going great! I work with some amazing and talented kids, and I only hope I can showcase their excellence and hard work appropriately! They rock. The end.

If you keep up with Facebook at all, you probably get to see some of the random and funny things I get to hear every day.

Scenario 1:

At the end of drumline yesterday, Jackson (5th grade boy) walks up holding the bucket of percussion mallets and says:

"Mrs. Cavalier, Ryan Mallet called and he's having a family reunion.. he needs his Mallets back!"

So random, and so silly, but I still get a good laugh.

Scenario 2:

While giving apple scented stamps at the end of class, a kindergarten boy responds to his stamp's scent by saying...

"Mmmm smells like chicken!"

Doesn't get much better than that folks.

Two weeks in a row?

2011-01-23T21:09:00.000-06:00

Clean house/laundry/bills paid and plans done two weeks in a row? I'll take it.

Seems kind of trivial seeing as for the last however many years, this has been normal, but since the whole sickness/morning sickness thing, this is a big deal.

I'm pretty worried about my K program, seeing as for the last three weeks, we have not had a regular school week and none of the K classes know their songs yet... I'll keep you posted on that one. :)

In other news, I finally took a Baby C + Kalyn picture! Now, I don't LOOK super pregnant to me, (just a little rounder in the mid section) but I definitely had to buy new pants this weekend. I had been able to get by in my normal jeans until Saturday, until it was just impossible to zip anymore.

If you Facebook, then you've seen this photo... so my apologies!

So that's all folks!

2011-01-16T20:45:00.001-06:00

I finally (for the first time since October) have a clean house (and laundry/fridge/closets) sans holiday decorations. I clean best when a little angry. :P

So THIS is what it feels like to be human again.

Now, if only Chase hadn't decided to shrimp boil new potatoes in my nice, clean, fresh smelling house...........

Oh well.

Another poll for you!

2011-01-15T11:58:00.004-06:00

A decision has been reached! Car seat/carrier #1 is the winner! I am on the list if one of these bad boys comes through the consignment store Nine Months Later.

Just in case you forgot, it looks like this:

Brunswick

Besides the fact that it's uber cute (honestly, cuteness factor wasn't considered until after the following), I chose this model because it is #1 uber safe and Graco has fewer recalls than most, #2 very convenient, (See the Graco SnugRide Stroller AND swing frames!) and #3 will be suitable until our kiddo is 35 lbs (as long as he isn't super long). So reasonably, it will last for the whole first year.

Don't feel abused blog readers, but I need your opinion once more. One of our familie's oldest (and I don't mean age) friends has offered to make the crib bedding/curtains/stuff (Yes I know, awesome). This being said, I just have to pick out my fabrics and a pattern.

Honestly, after seeing the prices of bedding/accessories, I was going to go sale rack/generic. Her offer is uber generous and greatly appreciated!!

Here are four fabrics combos/styles that I've come up with that I really like. Problem is, they're all different (completely).

I designed all of these with fabrics from http://www.babybedding.com/ and their Nursery Designer. I love the simple and clean pattern- so that's going to stick, but the colors/fabrics are all up for negotiation! She has access to tons of fabric, so she might be able to match some of these fabrics, or find them elsewhere, too! We'll see. :)

Now #3 and #4 are practically the same minus the cute owls on #3. Hey, I like owls. :)

If you want to be super creative/helpful, go to http://www.babybedding.com/and design one for me and leave the link in the comment section! That would be fun!

So there you go! Get to commenting.

By the way-

2011-01-14T16:36:00.000-06:00

I forgot the most coolest and most important news of all!
Baby C is officially detectable my Konar. (Kalyn Sonar)

Yes, I have been feeling tons and tons of little flutterflies in my lower tummy... and no (Chase), it's not gas. :P

Today I was sitting at my desk writing lesson plans, and all of a sudden I felt my bladder go pinch-pinch- gotta GO!
Maybe that was some baby pressure on my bladder? Either that, or maybe I should invest in some Detrol.

Nananananananana Batman!

2011-01-14T13:47:00.000-06:00

It's Friday Friday Friday!
and...... I'm not sick!

(knocks on wood)

In celebration of this non-sickness, no plans Friday, we're going to Chili's and maybe a movie. (If I can stay awake past 7:00pm because I didn't go to sleep until 4am, and got up at 6am, granted I did sleep all the way to and back home from Little Rock).

"Why the heck were you in Little Rock last night and why were you out until 4:00am, Kalyn??" you ask?

Well, our favorite local ska band, (SixHungSprung), which just so happens to be one of the dozen, but probably my favorite, bands Hub's plays in, opened for Reel Big Fish last night at Juanuta's. It was the very first night of their 2011 tour, and it was fun.

*note: don't try the food at Juanita's... chips/salsa are fine*

So we drove down after work, met up with Steph, Chris, and more rad people who drove 3 hours on a Thursday night to only wake up 3 hours later and go to work, and completely rocked out. Baby C's first rock concert (in utero)! I don't think Baby C will be going to any rock concerts for a very long while after joining us in the world. ;o)

RBF were great, and personnel changes aside (*tear*) it was a rad concert. It was pretty fantastic because Juanita's is a fairly intimate venue, and we were up front the whole time. I was pretty worried about being up front and so close to the mosh pit, but thanks to the manly, husky, Baby protecting men, I was spared from the circle pit of doom.

Steph even snagged the set list and got a sweet Aaron signature on it.

Overall, it was a fun night with friends.

In-case you missed the memo:

2011-01-11T12:02:00.002-06:00

It's a boy!

We have officially purchased something baby, and it was fun. Mom bought Baby C two cute little newborn outfits.. and they are so TINY! I can't believe that in about ~~six~~ FIVE?!?! months I'm going to be holding something that little in my arms. It kind of blows my mind.

We also bough a Graco SnugRide Stroller brand new at my favorite consignment store (Nine Months Later). I decided I definitely want the Graco SungRide 35 car seat... just waiting for one to pass through above mentioned consignment store (it's not like we have 6 months to wait or anything). The car seat just clips perfectly into the stroller. It's magical.

No waking baby to move to a stroller, no big/bulky/transformer style stroller. Just simple and inexpensive (comparatively).

Only problem is choosing a pattern. I want your opinion!

#1.

I won't tell you my preference until later.

Anyhoodle, so today we have a snow day from school, which is fabulous because I had to come home yesterday (strep throat) and was going to miss today as well.

This whole being sick, getting better for one week, and then getting sick all over again was old two months ago. I had SO much fun teaching last week because I was well and had energy! It's hard to find joy in things when all your body wants to do is rest and try to get well.

All the sickness aside, today I am going to sit down and tackle this office! I'm moving it completely to the spare bedroom today (sans furniture, because moving a ~~75 lb~~ way heavier than I thought desk by myself is a bad idea). But I will be cleaning out both closets, packing up the bookshelves into tubs and "scootching" them into the garage for Hubs to put in the attic, and purging a lot of crap we don't need or use. :o)

Maybe with all the junk organized, and maybe, POSSIBLY a completely clean and sanitized house, I will be able to get good night's rest tonight.

Want to see my bomb diggity list?

Here goes!

This is not THE post..

2011-01-07T13:37:00.001-06:00

but, seriously I am salivating while reading the Wakarusa lineup.

Um, who's going to go camp with an 8 month pregnant Kalyn and rock out for 4 days? Because wow! Can I buy my pass now? (and maybe book a hotel room, because camping while 8 months pregnant might be a little scary for all parties involved).

By the way, I'm not kidding.

It's a....

2011-01-06T16:52:00.000-06:00

we'll find out tomorrow!

2:30 appointment time.

Now, if finding a name were as easy as making a PBJ, I would be in heaven...

Maybe someone should try to take a look at some names, *cough Hubs cough* because apparently mine all stink. ;)

Look out for an "it's a.." post tomorrow!

Veggie Pie for the Soul?

2010-12-29T17:51:00.000-06:00

Just as good (if not better) for the soul.

It's pretty delish.

The biscuits turned out way better than I expected. Ran out of baking powder, so B and I improvised with the cream of tartar and baking soda. (she's always hanging around to catch wayward morsels). They were just the right amount of brown, and nice and flaky on the inside. The tops could have stood to have been a little less crunchy, but hey I'm not picky! (and it's not like Chase would touch this with a 10' pole). ;)

I usually do the shortcut way (cream of chicken soup), but 1) didn't have that in the cupboard, and 2) wanted a veggie pie, not chicken. My stomach has been pretty messed up the last few days, and now I'm running a fever, so the less processed stuff in my system, the better.

Anyhoodle, so that's that! I'll probably share the recipe a little later in the week! So stay tuned.

Top Ten Things You Weren't Told About Pregnancy BEFORE You Got Pregnant:

2010-12-27T16:10:00.003-06:00

10a. Eating for two? Eating at ALL during the first trimester and part of the second is impossible.
10b. The "pregnancy glow" also causes clogged pores apparently, causing your face to declare nuclear war on itself.
9. Sciatic nerve pain is a _________. (fill in the blank)
8. Taking nice hot showers makes you want to vomit.. and pass out.
7. One word. Constipation.
6. You will go through more bottles of Palmer's Coco Butter than you might imagine (especially during winter months).
5. Sometimes unwanted advice makes you want to kick someone in the shin. *smiles and rainbows!!*
4. No matter what trimester you are, you WILL go pee 25 times a day.
3. Zantac is your BFF. Just sayin'
2. You will want to LIVE in leggings, pajama pants, and sweats.
1. You will love your little nugget more than you can imagine...

Most of this is suppose to be funny, so please don't think I am not enjoying pregnancy!! I'm learning to take every moment in stride.

Right now, I just happen to striding to and from the toilet to either pee or throw up...

Thank goodness I love you Baby C.

Let it Snow..

2010-12-25T12:40:00.003-06:00

It's snowing (flurries at least).. on Christmas! (two years in a row, really?) However, this year's snow isn't near as epic as last. For the south, snow at all is pretty incredible.

Christmas 2009 in Oklahoma

I bet that RV Dealership is realllllly regretting their '$10,000 back towards the loan on your new RV if it snows on Christmas when you buy now!' gimmick.. because there are definite snow flurries outside.

Anyhoodle, as a gift this year to Chase (and myself, who are we kidding) I got one of these. Battery life aside, it's pretty wonderful! So to share our first Christmas at home together, we recorded it.

We really miss our family, but travelling is a huge pain for me right now (imagine my already terrible car sickness magnified by 1000x). It was pretty hard talking to my dad, mom, bub, nieces, nephews, and sister without completely busting into tears yesterday and today. They all had dinner together yesterday and got to be together though- which is awesome. Today they are all over at my brother's house celebrating together today. Next year we'll so be there (+1) I missed you guys (if you read this!). K, I promise to stop talking in parenthesis now.

Just in case the video was too boring for you, here are some photos instead!

The end!

Merry Christmas!

Rainbows... and shiny stuff.

2010-12-22T00:22:00.002-06:00

Why is it when I wake up in the middle of the night, I feel like a cold pancake after Sunday brunch??

Seriously, my body feels limp, I have NO balance (hence me falling flat on my face) and I walk around in a half zombie-like stupor when I get up to find the loo in the middle of the night... I don't recall this level of passed-out-ed-ness before. It's like a new level of hardcore sleep- which for me is ridic because I already slept like a hungover frat boy.

K, I'm going off in search of rainbows again... Where's Kenny Loggins?

Stupid crazy dream.

2010-12-12T14:48:00.001-06:00

These dreams are ridic.

Last night, I had a dream that these white and black bots were taking over the world (think iRobot without the face). Apparently they were starting at my school, because in my dream, I was constantly going back to the school to get batteries/life supplies, etc.

Why batteries you ask? The bots ate only batteries, so if you gave them batteries they let you live. They were also sucking life, light, and color out of the world (from what my dream told me) because everything was dark all the time.. and the lights were always flashing and flickering.

In order to get out of the city, we had to take this train/tram thing, so I ran with Bailey and we magically got on board the tram to take us to safety.

Evidently, going south was the way to go, so I drove south with Bailey and ended up in a single wide trailer with lots of canned food in a forest in south Texas (funny, seeing as south Texas is barren as all get out). My biggest worry- how to let Bailey outside to use the bathroom without her running off, because the trailer didn't have a fence.

There was another gal in the trailer (dunno her name- just that she was a druggie) and I ended up kicking her out to the bots, because she was compromising our position to get stuff from her dealers.

In the end, I lived with Bailey in the trailer with lots of canned good, and the curtains perpetually drawn. What a life..

I seriously woke up about 4 times throughout the night, and tried to think about other stuff before falling asleep, but always reverted to this dream.

/wants more happy, snuggly, warm, delicious dreams... not creepy druggie bot dreams.

Baby C makes an appearance!

2010-12-09T15:30:00.000-06:00

I got to see baby C today! The heartbeat was so strong and the Dr. found it right away! 160bpm!

Over the moon excited right now. :)

Baby C is measuring exactly what we though, and everything looks healthy! We are going for a screening next Thursday and will get more pictures- woo!

The coolest news is that at our next appointment, January 7th, we should find out if it's a boy or a girl.

Fruit salad, yummy yummy.

2010-12-07T11:07:00.001-06:00

How did gummy bear go from a raspberry to a lime so quickly?? The last few weeks have flown by.
We had Dessert Theater and Hanging of the Greens rehearsals ay church last week and three performances this weekend. It was tons of fun, but I'm happy for a break! The philharmonic has a performance in two weeks, so it's time to start practicing for that (during which we will be putting the 5th grade program on stage!)

See what I mean! Time is flying! Christmas break is quickly approaching!! *happy dance*

I feel horrible, but the only thing I want to do when break gets here is stay curled up in a blanket on the sofa! Hopefully after the 1st trimester, I'll get my energy back.

I found a small piece of it last night! Had a good ol' jog on the treadmill! Today= not so great, but small steps... :)

Oh, and can I seriously get someone to come clean out my fridge??? You might need a hazmat suit...
Toodles!!

Sigh....

2010-11-27T00:59:00.000-06:00

I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror

And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer

But my breath fogged up the glass

And so I drew a new face and laughed

I guess what I'm be saying is there ain't no better reason

To rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasons

It's what we aim to do

Our name is our virtue

I made is 21 days...

2010-11-24T15:55:00.000-06:00

until sickness, exhaustion, and pregnancy just kicked my butt.

Better luck next year, NaBloPoMo... You know, I could go back and fill in the gaps, but I honestly just don't have the energy right now.

Two more weeks until 2nd trimester... let the countdown begin!

O' Christmas Tree...

2010-11-21T09:53:00.004-06:00

Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree. I'm so glad we bought you.

So two years ago, our Christmas tree official died. In its absence last year, we put up hub's mini-tree from his college days. It was uber cute, but since we could afford it this year, we finally replaced dear old tree... and it's uber pretty! (and was on sale at Hobby Lobby this weekend...and I definitely got the last one).

It's typical to wait until the day after Thanksgiving to put up the tree, but next weekend/the following three weeks are going to be so super busy that I want to be able to enjoy the process of putting up a tree instead of "making time." So today, I'm going to make myself exercise (because honestly I feel like poo, but hopefully it'll help!!!), clean the house, work on my 4 ft. mountain of laundry, and decorate for Christmas!!

Definitely watch for pictures later!

Here Comes Santa Claus....

2010-11-20T09:53:00.000-06:00

Right down Santa Claus lane.

It is upon us!

2010-11-19T08:54:00.003-06:00

So I am the first to say "please wait until after Thanksgiving to start the Christmas festivities!!" However, we started the 5th grade program two weeks ago, and of course it is centered around Christmas. It was inevitable that I would get bitten by the Christmas bug... Stupid catchy Christmas songs!
So I'm sitting here making part assignments and contemplating if I should clean the house tonight, put away my lovely fall decorations and get in the Christmas spirit!! (and tackle the mountain of laundry that is literally 4 feet tall)
I think it's gonna happen... Be on the lookout for my cider/fireplace/snicker doodle post that is sure to follow.

Vivid..

2010-11-18T06:49:00.000-06:00

In the last two weeks, my dreams hve seemed so so real. It's very strange to wake up believing that what just took place in dream land is true.

Last night's dream was wicked creepy at first- involving guns and machetees. Not a big fan...
The second half of the night involved someone from the past that I am just not too sure about... That's my way of saying they're shady. So, also not a big fan. Why can't I dream about living on the beach in Spain or nestlings up in the mountains of Aspen in a hottub.

Kapish?

Um.. really?

2010-11-17T13:06:00.002-06:00

It seems unbelievable to me that Bristol Palin could beat out Brandy... /sigh.

I loved the look on the pro-dancer's faces though when it was announced the Brandy was going home. Utter shock!

Quite a disappointment DWTS. I voted every week (for Brandy- because I thought she was the best and most expressive!).

I am mostly frustrated because of the attention Bristol is getting for her "abstinence" speeches.. when it seems that she hasn't had much time since the birth of her child to practice those values. Maybe if she had been taught something other than "abstinence only" then... well that's another rant entirely.

Anyhoodle, this blog is reserved for happy stuff, so on to cooler stuff! There are only 4 more school days until Thanksgiving break!!! After that, there are only three weeks until Christmas break!

It's a whole new world.

2010-11-16T19:59:00.000-06:00

I totally loved the usage of the 4th movement of Dvorak's New World Symphony in GLEE this week.
Not gonna lie, I kinda /gigglesnorted.

In other news, my face decided to declare nuclear war on itself, so I have intervened with Proactive. During my freshman year of high school, I used it and it worked wonderfully, but I haven't used it since... and in TWO days my face is almost completely clear.

This stuff is absolutely marvelous- and it smells uber fresh!

Toodles until tomorrow!

Magic pill!

2010-11-15T20:14:00.000-06:00

This little pill has FINALLY given me some relief today. How fabulous it was to spend the last half of the day nausea free.

I know they call it "morning sickness" but whoever coined that term was seriously delusional.
So, off I go to work tomorrow, nausea free!

Which means I can focus on cooler things like the 5th grade program parts and countdown to Christmas!

wordless weekend.

2010-11-14T14:14:00.000-06:00

Wordless weekend... Driving to store and not getting sick!

2010-11-13T16:49:00.000-06:00

Wordless weekend...

2010-11-12T17:31:00.001-06:00

Music to my eyes...

2010-11-11T08:57:00.000-06:00

So many of you know I teach elementary music... But if you don't, well now you do.

I have become increasingly fond of a publication called MusicExpress. The creative lessons in this magazine are wonderful and really help get my creative juices flowing! I say all this because tomorrow is my lesson plan day and I finally got all of this years issues of MusicExpress!

Talley ho into lesson plan-ville!!! (gobble gobble)

Pampered... and Chefs.

2010-11-10T17:18:00.002-06:00

Mmm. pedicures (and manicures) rock.

My tootsies are so refreshed after some tender-lovin'-care. I wish I could do this every day... but that just isn't happening.

Right now, I have a homemade lasagna in the oven and am about to make a salad. Then we're heading to Stephanie and Chris's house for dinner! She's making dessert, soup and bread. Tomorrow night is my Pampered Chef with my favorite pampered chef, Jenni Cox!!

If you want to order anything online, feel free to do so at:

http://www.pamperedchef.biz/jennicox

(make sure I'm your hostess!)

So, off I go, into the wild blue yonder.. er, I mean into the kitchen to make a salad.

Also, don't forget tomorrow is Veteran's Day, so take some time to think of those who have sacrificed for our freedom. I'll be commemorating with a fun program with my 4th grade friends!

Toodles!

Nostalgia..

2010-11-09T17:16:00.000-06:00

So I saw Emma Watson's short hair-do a while back; however, seeing this today at the grocery store made me REALLLLLY want to cut off all of my locks again. Maybe it's the hormones, or maybe it's the fact that it seems that the more hair I have, the more hair that falls out... because man, I hate cleaning the shower drain now.

and because short hair rocks.. and it SO easy.

And on a site note, I love my dad (and mom), they're the best.

(could I say the word "and" any more today?)

The end.

2010-11-08T16:05:00.001-06:00

So my face has mostly been the color of my delish Flying Burrito Quesadilla all day.... Until I finally decided spaghetti sounded amazing.... Only to find Joe's was closed. So here I am, eating a a green quesadilla waiting for 5:45 to roll around so I can watch my 4th graders rock their Veteran's Day program tonight.

wordless weekend... Clean house.

2010-11-07T18:35:00.002-06:00

wordless weekend.

2010-11-06T17:42:00.001-05:00

Friday post.. totally didn't post!

2010-11-05T23:40:00.001-05:00

So tonight I was at the FJC concert after a long afternoon of retail therapy with my great friend, S, and I made post from my phone... but guess what, it didn't show up! Bummer bummer!

We enjoyed shopping, (I enjoyed Qdoba) and then we both enjoyed some stellar jazz at the UARK Bowl.

Good night!

For your viewing pleasure..... Not.

2010-11-04T07:12:00.003-05:00

It figures that the one morning I get up early enough to lounge, and toss on the tele while drinking my juice, that the connection would be interrupted. I'll take that as a sign that I should try to use my time wisely...

-sighs

Coming soon..

2010-11-03T17:32:00.000-05:00

Baby Cavalier!!!

Baby Cavalier was a little surprise that we are overjoyed about! We are still in shock and awe that we will be parents in less than a year.

Cute huh? I'll keep you updated!!

Coming soon...

2010-11-03T06:53:00.001-05:00

Stay tuned for excitig news... Coming soon!

Blah: Day #2 NaBloPoMo

2010-11-02T15:43:00.003-05:00

Candy Corn = 1

Kalyn = 0

(disclaimer: I only ate 1/3 of this bag... today)

I didn't just fail my eat healthy trend today.... I spit in it's face. (hey, at least they were made with REAL honey and are FAT FREE! Right?!?!?..... not)

Dear body,
I'm sorry for ingesting an obscene amount of sugar today. I promise not to do it again (mostly because Halloween is over and they've taken away/sold all of the candy corn).

Please forgive me and don't blow up into a blimp. I promise to jog and extra mile tonight.... And do yoga.

Sincerely,
Kalyn

Pizza Night: Day #1 NaBloPoMo

2010-11-01T16:33:00.000-05:00

Tonight is definitely pizza night.

Don't you ever have those days where you seem to run, run, run?
From the moment I sat down my bag this morning at school, I had one thing going on right after the other. Definitely a run, run, run day.

I'm not complaining, because the more I have to do during the day, the more enjoyable the school day is. I love working with the students and being creative with time.

Another great thing about today was the awesome 4th grade! We are currently working on a Veteran's Day program that will take place a week from today. Today was our first day on stage, and they were FABULOUS! Their behavior was soooo respectful, and that just blessed me to no end at the end a looooong day.

We've been getting new technology in the music classroom, and the big thing is the Smartboard, new laptops, and ELMO projectors. Well... since day one, mine have not been working/connected properly. First, my D-drive on the computer was not registering, and second the audio wasn't being projected correctly.
Thankfully, the computer lab manager was able to make my new laptop work after school, and connect the audio to my new Smartboard, so it's in full functioning order!!! (thankfully..)

So when I came into my class after car duty, I walked in to a room infiltrated with Michael Jackson! It was awesome!

Anyhoodle, it's time to order some yummy, delish, mouthwatering pizza and put my feet up! My big news is due on Wednesday. I hope you're excited- because you totally should be!

Until tomorrow, Adieu!

Tomorrow is a new day...

2010-10-31T19:33:00.000-05:00

full of lots of new stuff!

The most notable thing beginning tomorrow is NaBloPoMo! Which means National Blog Posting Month. It's a great time where bloggers set the goal of posting on their blog every day for a month.

Sound easy?

I did it once last year for the month of February (because it had the fewest days..) but never have I attempted during the actual blog posting month of November. We'll see how I fare.. hopefully I won't be a snore.

During the month of November, I'll post every day (whether it be short and sweet and from my mobile) or goofy/funny/boring/long... you get the picture. On Saturday/Sunday we'll observe the allowed "Wordless Wednesday" as determined my the official NaBloPoMo rules! ;)

So, I have a few surprises up my sleeve for you guys- I promise you won't be let down!

Toodles!

Apple of my eye...

2010-10-26T17:31:00.002-05:00

I am addicted to apples... and more specifically honeycrisp apples.
Seriously, go get one and try em! They're kind of delicious.

McCrafty

2010-10-23T09:20:00.000-05:00

Last weekend was quite a blur- the Arkansas Philharmonic concert went well! I always get inspired to practice more when we play amazing repertoire. We had three rehearsals (3 hours Friday, 3 hours Saturday and 3 hour Sunday prior to the 2 hour concert at 3:00)

Quite the whirlwind it was! (.... says Yoda). After the 3 hour marathon on Saturday, hubs and I thought it would be relaxing to stroll around at the War Eagle Craft Fair because the last two years we have gone it has been just that, relaxing.

Boy, were we wrong! We got about 5 miles from the parking areas and traffic was at a standstill. We sat for an HOUR after sitting in a rehearsal for 3. By the time we got there, we tried to enjoy it, but there were so many darn people it was just miserable... so we left after walking through two tents.

Lesson learned? Go the War Eagle UBER early in the morning to avoid massive traffic.

Apparently the craft fair has become quite popular, because in recent years I have never seen it this busy! (mind you we went DURING the Arkansas vs. Auburn game as well!

Even though it was crazy, hubs and I made a pretty good time of it and enjoyed lots of fab. conversation in the car (for an hour... ahem).

Regardless, I'm pretty darn-tootin lucky to have a best friend like him. :)

We DID manage to get a photo there!

This year's photo: 2010 War Eagle

2009 War Eagle

So that's that! Today we are going to meet Tim, Trinitie, Faith, Barrett and Dad at Grubb's in Fayetteville to watch the Arkansas vs. Ole Miss game! Hopefully we get a W!

More news coming in November!

Until then, toodles!

Rockstar

2010-10-12T22:24:00.000-05:00

My apologies... I forgot that Peter Ilitch Tschaikowsky was a rockstar.

I've been practicing/listening to Symphony No. 4 for the past few days, and have never rocked so hard before in my life.

Just a little dramatic, but not much!

Really though- listen to the Finale and tell me if it doesn't send you to another universe?! Definitely a MO.

Marathon Life

2010-10-11T22:20:00.002-05:00

At the end of each day, it seriously feels as thought I've ran a marathon... or atleast a 1/2.

Teaching really does rock my face off though, and I put all I have into it everyday (which I guess kinda explains the exhaustion)! Maybe some amped up exercise in the evenings or mornings would help give me an energy boost?

Some exciting news-- I FINALLY got back into my Weight Watchers groove this week. Thankfully I maintained for the last 3+ months? (Wowie, did that fly by or what), but I am so pumped to be back into my groove! Hopefully I can shed these last few pounds before the end of the year.

Now I must rant.. just a little.. it doesn't happen often, but I am appalled by a new up and coming fashion...

Now, I am the first to say that I love ruffles... when done right. But seriously, what is up with these tacky one-shouldered tops and dresses with ruffles that look like 80s Barbie gone wrong?

Example #1:

Example #2:

Ick.

Ruffles = cute and feminine...

Most of the time.

In other news, our 3rd Grade Program at Walker went fabulously. The kids were so amped, and so was I! What a talented and dedicated bunch of kiddos. <3

Off to read some with my buddy, Nook!

(OOooo, and Happy Birthday to my best friend, Hubs!)

2010-09-14T22:12:00.002-05:00

By the way.... have I mentioned that I love this girl?

Just sayin'. She's cute.

The End.

A day without sunshine is like, well, night...

2010-09-14T22:01:00.000-05:00

...and my weekend was definitely full of sunshine!

Friday after school, I traveled via the lovely and (a-hem) scenic I-40 to Oklahoma. If you didn't catch the sarcasm, I-40 just so happens to be one of the straightest, blandest stretches of highway. The trees aren't bad... but after a while, they all sorta blur together.

However, the drive was so worth the outcome because on the other side of I-40 awaited my family! I was able to see everybody in the family minus the sister and nephew/niece/brother-in-law. Hopefully next time, there will be enough minutes in the day to see everyone! I always leave home with plans to try to see/do more, but once I arrive at my destination, time always runs away.

Friday evening, Mom and Paul and I had a delish dinner at Paul's Place and then returned home for a fun evening of Farkle with friends.

The kiddos arrived the next morning.. and from there it becomes a whirlwind in my mind. I definitely remember lots of fun being had... swimming, snacking, football-ing, and relaxing, but I can't quite remember in what order those happened! Photo proof!

Also, Mom gave me my first real birthday cake in... 5 years! Minus the really sweet/gimpy cake hubs made two years ago.

Little goose with the water hose kept spraying us...

He looks sweet.. ;)

Mini-Me Niece!

Nom.

We kinda rock.

The following photos are from the previous weekend when Chase and I watched the Hogs game at Kris' house. Isn't he cute?

and yes... they were as good as they look.

That's all folks! It's another lovely school day tomorrow! I'm working ont he 3rd grade program right now, and assigning parts has kinda been messing with my head, so off to dream land I go!

Oops.. just remembered I need to set up vet appointments for the kiddos to get their yearly check-ups! Time sure does fly.

Shenanigans

2010-09-05T21:20:00.000-05:00

Not many words describe weeks like this one except... fabulous!

#1 reason this week was fab is Hubs.

Meet Nook (and my delish peppermint tea). Hubs surprised me with a trip to Barnes and Noble to buy my coveted Nook.

I LOVE NOOK!

Barnes and Noble really knew what they were doing when they designed him. He's super stellar awesome. The end.

#2 reason this week was fab is.. (drum roll please)...........

TA-DA! I'm officially certified! I took a summer class, so it took me a bit longer to receive my certification, but it made itl! I'm a real teacher! :)

#3 reason this weel was fab was...

Blue Man Group calling the Hogs!

NOM!

The Razorback game!! We devoured delish wings and cheese dip at our friend Kris's house and watched the Hogs trample Tennessee Tech. *Sighs* I missed football season!

and the final (#4) reason this week was fab was...

A relaxing evening with Hubs and friends.

We also added some fall decor to the outside (and inside) of the house, which coincidentally brought cooler temperatures along with em'. Fall truly is my favorite time of year. Summer is great at the beginning, but at the end, nothing is better than crisp air and turning leaves.

So my friends, I'm going to go enjoy Nook and read another book! (and possibly enjoy one of the beverages pictured above... a-hem!)

Blue daba di daba die!

2010-09-01T23:14:00.002-05:00

So contrary to what my blog portrays, I actually DO still have a life, I've just been uber busy and unable to update.

I'll condense the last few weeks.. (ahem, months) into a few short bullets.

1. I went to Denver to help my beautimous friend Jayme (Spicer) Kain move!
2. I am teaching!
3. Teaching takes lots of energy, so I go to bed super early.
4. Teaching makes me happy, so I'm always uber happy.
5. NEW CAR!
6. Blue Man Group = a hilarious and delicious treat for the eyes and ears
7. I'm going to visit my family in Oklahoma next weekend.
8. I'll be 24 (gasp) in 18 days. :)
9. We FINALLY finished/cleaned up the garden in the front of the house. Now we look legit!

I know, right??

So if that wasn't a good enough update for y'all, I'll throw in some photos.

Here they come:

Pretty Denver downtown via IPhone!

After the Zoo in Denver.

Self explanatory..

Shiny!

Blue Man Group will rock your face off.. Just sayin'

BMG Dance Party!

Kinda love this dude..

And finally!

So that's about it. Sorry Mom I am so behind on blogging! Love you and see you next weekend! ;)

Please pray..

2010-07-30T08:35:00.000-05:00

A friend from college needs your prayers...read more here.

He is such a strong Christian and I know he is in God's care, but please
pray for his comfort and for strength and peace for all those surrounding and supporting him.

Thank you.

Let's Do The Time Warp...

2010-07-26T09:56:00.002-05:00

The University of Arkansas Band/Music Department sponsor a Music/Band Camp every summer- it is actually the venue through which I learned of the UofA and decided to come to school here from lonely Oklahoma. The camp is designed to show music students from middle school through high school a great time while playing music.. and it most certainly does!

However, being a counselor this year was even MORE fun than actually being a camper here 6 years ago. (gasp, has it been that long?)

I hijacked a few photos from my friends to share with you.. some of which are pretty entertaining.

Camp Registration!

more registration....

Laura Jean working the T-shirts... with her cute little T-Shirt sign.

Rock Band.... need I say more?

It was Mr. Jackson's 30th and final year as head counselor of Junior High week... I was signing the picture frame that was later given to him from all of the counselors.

Goofy..

Mr. Allen rocking it with his students.

Band Camp Dance! Doesn't get any cooler.. we were doing the "Time Warp." It has been a tradition since before I started going to camp.

You WILL eat a cookie!

It's what we do.

Between the two camps (Middle School/Junior High week and Senior High Week), a small group of us go out and have dinner and relax on a patio somewhere around Fayetteville to talk about all the super-awesome things that happened during the week. We went to Common Grounds this year, and it was so relaxing! I even snagged a few photos with friends/hubs.

That's really all I have for now, folks! Toodles!

Jazz in the Park

2010-07-24T11:31:00.000-05:00

Bentonville is now sponsoring an Orchards Park Summer Concert Series that mimics the Gulley Park Concert in the Park Series in Fayetteville. Luckily, they contacted the FJC (Fayetteville Jazz Collective) to play last night, which meant lots of fun girl time for me with Jayme, Megan and Pam! (Cute picnic basket/cooler/quilt included)
Full House (another group hubs plays in) will be playing on August 27th!

(apologies for the terrible photo quality and power lines!)

My close friend Jayme is moving to Denver this week (I'm driving out with her on Wednesday and flying back Sunday), so it was quite the treat to spend time with her working music camp the last two weeks, and @ the FJC last night.

(isn't she pretty!)

Speaking of UA Music Camp Counselor-ing... what a blast! The counselor/staff crew that works the camp are incredible and so much fun to work with. Staying in the Pomfret dorms and eating in the Pomfreteria is pretty terrible- not gonna lie; however, hanging with tons of rad musicians/teachers/people is so worth the small price of cold showers and starvation (or NOT eating the terrible, awful, nasty food).

I did not take any band camp pictures (gasp) but tons of my friends did, so I'll hijack their photos as soon as they post them!

Anyhoodle, that's about it!

Tonight, the FJC will be playing on the main stage at the Walton Arts Center with Tom Tirrato to play a Frank Sinatra Tribute... I'm not gonna lie- it's going to reallllllly rock.

If you're bored, throw on your little black dress and come out for a night of dancing and fun!

Before/During!

2010-07-09T08:52:00.001-05:00

I'm going to share with you some... disturbing... photos. Hopefully you see as huge of a difference between them as I do. I had to search hardcore for these terrible photos because usually I delete bad photos of myself before anyone can see them.

What I'm about to share with you are some "before" photos of before I started my "get healthy revolution with Weight Watchers."

Hopefully you see as big of a difference as I do. For me, these are quite embarrassing and personal, so sharing them is "kind of a big deal."

So, here goes!

Before:

Now here are some current photos taken within the last few weeks. I feel so much more confident now- more like the old me!

I won't call these after, because I haven't reached the end of my journey, so we'll call them "during" photos. :)

During:

This one is most recent- taken last night before my date with hubs.

Speaking of my date with hubs, we went to see "Toy Story 3!" What a terrific movie for all ages! I laughed/giggled/snorted almost the entire way through.. until the very end, where I basically almost cried.

I still remember seeing the very first "Toy Story" in theaters with my grandma when I was really young. *sigh*

Anyhoodle, it was fantastic and I highly recommend it if you have not seen it.

So that's that. We have dramatic photos, a movie review, and exciting news.... oh wait, I forgot my exciting news...!

I'll be gone for the next two weeks because I'll be counselor-ing it up at the UA Music Camp in the Pomfret Dorms! (Woo!) I'm stellar excited to spend two weeks with some of my favorite past/present people from the UofA. I also will get a chance to run some hills with my buddy Rusty! Hopefully it rocks and doesn't kill me. ;) The one thing I'm not looking forward to is trying to eat healthy while eating cafeteria food (gag). I plan on taking a nice stash of fresh fruits that I can eat on the fly. Basically, I hear that camp food consists of fat, fat and more fat. Yay? :(

I'll try to give an update during the week sometime with some sweet pictures!

What is YOUR favorite camp memory??

Post Race!

2010-06-26T12:45:00.002-05:00

I'm addicted.

Easy as that- the high from running the race this morning was the coolest feeling I have experienced since like.. my wedding.

I seriously have the best gal friends in the world and the best husband. Chase supported from the side-lines and took photos, while Steph and I ran the first mile together (I slowed down my pace after that) and Kaci and her husband Micah flew!

What a great feeling to push yourself to the end, and finish with such umpf. It rocked. my. world.

For the last few months of training, I've heard of this "runners high," but until today, I had never experienced it. Well, about a mile out from the finish line, I saw the little light at the end of the tunnel, and got a surge of energy the size of Texas that really pushed me through to the end. My super awesome buddy Kaci came and sprinted the last .1 mile with me.

So cool!

After that, Chase and I went DIRECTLY to the Bentonville FBC rehearsal (where I was still too amped to play well) and now it's time for a hair appointment with the super fly Sarah @ Black Sheep.

The official time was 40:02- which is my best time out of all of my training runs! I didn't walk although there were a few times where my mind and I played the "who's more stubborn" game. Even though the pace was slow, I feel so accomplished and can't wait to have another go at it!

So here are the stats:

Distance: 5k (3.1 mi)
Duration: 40:02
Avg Pace: 12.54 min/mi
Calories Burned: 271

My goal was to be under a 13 min. mile (which is pretty darn slow) and I made it! (barely) Party on, Wayne!

Pre-Race

Also Pre-Race

Setting the watch!

My buddy and me!

The end.

Race day!

2010-06-26T06:42:00.000-05:00

5k day is here.

:) I'll update ya later!

I had a bit of a foot pain/numbness last week, so I took time off and when I came back this week, the heat killed me, but I feel good today!

Today's schedule:

Race

Straight to Bentonville FBC Celebrate America rehearsal

Hair cut (sorry for the nasty/sweaty/salty hair, Sarah!)

Reagan Smash.

2010-06-18T19:26:00.001-05:00

I wish I could say that life has been uneventful this week (because let's be honest- I prefer most events in my life to be somewhat planned); however, this week has thrown (literally) all sorts of fun things my way!

Monday morning on my way to work, I was driving on I-540 southbound in the left hand lane about five car lengths behind this random Ford 350 pulling a trailer full of wood/dow rods/lumber, etc and somehow a piece of their wood ended up in my windshield.

It took all the composure I could muster (as I was screaming in my mom's ear on my wireless phone ear piece obscenities that no mother should have to hear her daughter scream) to not go tumbling off of the road. The driver of the truck had no clue of what just happened, so I straightened out my wheel and caught up to them on the interstate and was waving frantically out of my window to pull over. The truck had two Hispanic men in it, and they LAUGHED as I pointed for them to pull over/pointed at my windshield and their truck trailer!!!!! (maybe they thought I was flirting with them???) so I got in front of them, put on my brakes and made them stop.

In hindsight, that might not have been the safest thing to do, but all I was thinking is that these dudes are going to pay.

I called the police first, and since I was only an exit away from work (and coincidentally an exit away from Chase) I called Chase and he came right away. The State Trooper called my phone back and asked us to get off the interstate and go to the parking lot of a hotel so I tried to explain to the drivers of the other car what the Trooper had said to do. The dudes acted like they didn't speak English (which I found out later they did) so I spoke to them in Spanish. Finally (with me in front of them and Chase behind them) we got to the Trooper and tickets were issued (to them) and we exchanged information and we went on our merry (riiight) way.

So... later that day I file a claim with their insurance company (Alfa Vision = crappiest insurance EVER) and they DENIED the claim because they said the other driver was using his vehicle for business and they don't cover businesses.... *rolls eyes*

So, logically we try to contact the driver of the truck....

Fake phone number and address.
(or at least not really the real address of the driver and the phone number definitely did not work.)

Which means his license was probably fake which means he was probably not a legal citizen. GREAT!

I call the trooper to ask for assistance in finding the driver's real phone number, and they say that cannot help due to privacy, etc... Really, guys?!

You can imagine that by this point I am in utter SHOCK that a driver can literally come close to killing another person on the highway because of negligence and ignorance and suffer no repercussions.

Finally, I give in and call my insurance company who has now taken over the matter. Basically, we have filed an 'uninsured motorist' claim under our insurance. State Farm is completely amazing and our agents are taking the best care of us. Tommy Reddick and Kelli Morris are now legit homies in my book.

However, it doesn't diminish the fact that out there somewhere, someone got off 100% free because they learned how to cheat the system...

/rant over

Camping this weekend should make everything better though.

Oh, and even cooler news- I wore a size 8 jean this week! *happy dance*

(excuse the bad quality/work bathroom)

Sunshine is delicious.

2010-06-15T16:38:00.004-05:00

Dear Summer,

I have missed you. Thanks for hanging out today and not standing me up.We should meet more often.

Call me. ;)
Kalyn

Disclaimer: The sushi was the most delicious sushi I have ever eaten. It was filled with salmon/tuna/crab, arugula, cucumber, and carrots wrapped in rice paper. 100% awesomeness.

The Great Cajun Crawfish Boil: Cavalier Style

2010-06-01T14:55:00.005-05:00

For the third year running (and for my third year with them) , the Cavaliers celebrated Memorial Day with a kick butt crawfish boil.

Every year, without fail, is fabulous and this year was no exception. All of the Cajun bases were covered- we had crawfish, shrimp, new potatoes, sausage, corn, lemons.... and watermelon. Chase's dad's side of the family is from Southern Louisiana, and we take pride in the Cavalier name. My favorite part every year is watching the guys drain the big pot and carry it over to the table covered in a slicky table cloth... and pour them directly onto the table cloth!! From there, we all stand/sit around the edge of the table and peel and eat the little guys. It's so tasty and so much fun!

2008

2009 (missed the photo op this year)

2010

Unfortunately this year, while I was snapping away at the little guys, one snapped the spicy juice right into my eye. For about thirty seconds it felt like I was jabbing a thousand tiny little needles into my eye.

Cajun Crawfish juice + eye = really bad.

I don't suggest that you try it at home.

All of the our immediate family from the Cavalier side was there + one from the Butler clan. :) So that means: Chase's parents Angie and Roy, my father Grover, Chase and me, his brother Corey and his wife Beaura and their two girls Abby and Rose, and Chase's brother Chad and his wife Victoria and their sons Nick and Cody. We had a full house with lots of kids playing in the water... and of course we took B with us as well. (no trip is complete without our Super Awesome-Cute Pup).

13 1/2 total. The 1/2 is Bailey... don't get any funny ideas there about that 1/2. No baby bumps hiding around here!

At one point during the day on Monday, we feared it was going to rain like last year:

[2009 Crawfish Boil]

(...not like that stops us from eating our crawfish...)

But we survivied with only a few small rain drops!

Here's a photo re-cap of the event!

Preparations

Well isn't he just adorable? (and delicious) /snort

Super cute pup, ftw!

Yum! So colorful, too.

Favorite part!!!!

Handsome Hubs caught pre-mid-smile/eat.

Sweet niece.

Me!

Sweet nephew!

Sweet other niece. :) Love this photo btw.

Sweet (sometimes) dad ;)

Cotton candy goodness! We made it ourselves. Beaura (sister-in-law) has a cotton candy machine. It's stellar neat!

Even though we don't get to see our family all that much, it is traditions like these that keep us close and connected.

Loving them is surely easy... especially when they frantically run to get cold cloths to wipe the crawfish juice from your eyes because they know it hurt like a beast.

Now that's true love.

Ketchup!

2010-05-28T16:14:00.001-05:00

Hi guys! Sorry for the little hiatus- I just have been in a funk lately and am FINALLY out of it.

Do you ever just have those weeks where you really question... everything? This week has been my week. I am only out of the funk because I finally subbed in an elementary school again and realized that I have such a passion for those kids. I love them and they rock. It might have helped a little that I got to sub at Shaw... with some of the sweetest/coolest teachers I know. (besides my buddy Kaci who is on her 16th (whhhhat) anniversary trip with her hubs.) (who coincidentally rocks as well )

The last few weeks have been filled with tons of ups and downs, but as I sit here munching on my strawberries, bananas and chocolate pudding... and laughing cow and triscuits (I had an accidentally super small lunch), I can really only think about the things that I am thankful for- and for that I am thankful.

Last Friday I was able to go to a Natural's game with Kaci and her awesome family (Chase had to play with Full House in Gentry), but we had a blast! Photo proof below.

(Apologies for the grainy photos. They were taken with the trusty iPhone)

Later in the week, I took a nice drive out to Lake Wedington! It was such a beautiful afternoon. I definitely could not resist the water. (can you imagine that it rocks, too??)

While there, I actually wore this....

YUP that's a bikini and that's me. I haven't worn one of those since high school. (W to the O O T). Which leads me to my next topic. I lost 3.1 more pounds this week! That makes a total of 28 lbs lost. :) Party on, Wayne. If you're wondering how I did it, I follow the Weight Watcher's plan, and it rocks. I still have a LONG way to go to goal... so don't judge, but why not? Right? Rock.

On a much similar note, I also ran almost 3 miles every other day this week (cross training in between) and DIDN'T WALK! I RAN! It also rocked.

Sorry for the excessive caps, but if you know me, you know that I totally stink at running. Well, apparently not anymore. Next week, I plan on running the full mileage plus a little. Running has become so enjoyable and I actually look forward to my runs... it also rocks.

Now to end the week and celebrate a little, I enjoyed a few of these....

with a few of my gal pals on a friend's patio via candlelight. It was fab. Yes it too did rock.

So really, life doesn't stink- apparently it rocks. :)

Spring is in the air... literally.

2010-05-18T14:59:00.005-05:00

This:

+ wind =

This:

Which is indeed very bad for our yard and makes it look like a porcupine. Which is why we have Tru Green coming this week!

We also grilled a massive amount of meat last weekend. It was fun! Photo proof:

Chicken, fish, pork, and potatoes/corn. Chase ate/took most of this for work last week, but I did indulge in some lean pork and delish fish! Nom?

In less-boring-for-you-news, I changed my blog layout! My friend Caroline recently did a blog-makeover on her own blog, which inspired me to dive in deeper to customize my own. I haven't gotten all snazzified yet, but I did make my own Header! I also added some sweet new tunes to my blog-player. :) (snaps for me)

Anyhoodle, that's all for now.

Here's a picture of Super-Cute-Pup, ftw.

Gumbo!

2010-05-15T16:10:00.003-05:00

This post is my version of "Blogger Gumbo." Ya get a little bit of everything!

*Warning: PHOTO OVERLOAD!*

Graduation came (and went) and we had a blast! I previously posted about the upcoming commencement and photos... so, here they are!

Us with our nieces before graduation! They're getting to be so big. :)

SAI Sisters before graduation int he tunnel at Bud Walton Arena. After playing with Commencement Band for four years, I deserve to finally graduate! ;)

Meg and I after the ceremony. She drove from Tulsa to see me walk. (and she also gifted me an amazing Brighton charm bracelet with a cute little teacher apple charm!)

Hubs and Me

Mother and Father-in-law after the ceremony.

Dad!!

Nieces and Nephew and Me! This is what happens when you try to get all four of us smiling in a photo.

That evening, after all the family left to go back to their respective homes, Chase and I went out to play pool and celebrate with a few of our closest friends that were here in town. It was so nice to be able to relax and enjoy an evening with such awesome people.

Here's what went down:

Pool with my ladies. Love Meg's face in this one. Indicative of how much fun we were having.

Self photography skills put to the test. :)

Hubs calls this his "GQ" pose. I think he looks pretty sexy!

Most recently, Geneva and Brad Chavez were married Rogers, AR! They had beautiful ceremony at the Chapel on the Creeks and an amazingly fun reception at the Embassy Suites John Q. Hammons Center!

Chase Bradley's speech was pretty stinkin' great and funny! Chase (my Chase) and I laughed and talking about it the whole ride home. After Chase Bradley's (Mindy's Hubs) flawless recount of how Brad and Geneva met... and the funny happenings along the way, he raised his glass and said "To Brad and Mindy." *cough* Wasn't the bride's name... *ahem* Geneva?? Needless to say, Mindy must always be on Chase's mind. We all had a great laugh- what a fun memory.

Here's my favorite photo of the night with my amazing and beautiful friend Mindy. If you recall, we threw a Fondue Party for her before she moved away to Mississippi with her Hubs.

So basically.. I graduated, we celebrated and wedding!

The end.

Toodles!

Cavalier Girl

Thirty-One Fabulous!

Slacker

Bzzzzz....

Snapshot!

Minication

Half a year?

Mini-vacation? I think yes...

Let's get organized.. organized...

Freedom!

This is Halloween!

Pumpkin Patchin'

Pin me!

Toppling Tower..

Hog Heaven

Babywearing

Wordless Wednesday

Workin' on a Full House

No routine. but lots of fun!

If I could turn back time... *insert Cher voice here*

It's Saturday!

You, Me and Baby Makes Three!

Stay Tuned....

Puppy Therapy

Oh Baby Baby!

Bzzzzz! Busy Bee!

Ready!

Wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’

Ahoy!

May.. be I missed the month of May?

Thankful

Boyce Avenue + Boyz II Men = LOVE!

Sunshine rocks.

The Wall

Bangarang

Beautiful Days:

You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt...

Hey heartburn...

Read me! (all the way.. don't you stop half way)

Spoke too soon..

Love my job.

Two weeks in a row?

Another poll for you!

By the way-

Nananananananana Batman!

In-case you missed the memo:

This is not THE post..

It's a....

Veggie Pie for the Soul?

Top Ten Things You Weren't Told About Pregnancy BEFORE You Got Pregnant:

Let it Snow..

Rainbows... and shiny stuff.

Stupid crazy dream.

Baby C makes an appearance!

Fruit salad, yummy yummy.

Sigh....

I made is 21 days...

O' Christmas Tree...

Here Comes Santa Claus....

It is upon us!

Vivid..

Um.. really?

It's a whole new world.

Magic pill!

wordless weekend.

Wordless weekend... Driving to store and not getting sick!

Wordless weekend...

Music to my eyes...

Pampered... and Chefs.

Nostalgia..

wordless weekend... Clean house.

wordless weekend.

Friday post.. totally didn't post!

For your viewing pleasure..... Not.

Coming soon..

Coming soon...

Blah: Day #2 NaBloPoMo

Pizza Night: Day #1 NaBloPoMo

Tomorrow is a new day...

Apple of my eye...

If I could turn back time... insert Cher voice here