Laning Photography

Nick, Addy and I went to Dallas this weekend and had family pictures taken. We didn't want indoor studio type pictures- we really like being outside and wanted more candid outdoor pictures. We were so excited to take them by a pond he fished in as a little boy but then the torrential downpours came.


It rained like crazy all day on Saturday but we were able to find a great gazebo in Flower Mound to take our pictures in. I feel like rainy pictures sometimes turn out the best so the rain didn't stress me out. Our photographer Nicholas Laning and his lovely assistant (his wife Kathleen) came out despite tornado warnings and got super creative to help us get some great shots. I am really looking forward to seeing the pictures in a couple weeks- I know they are an investment we will always treasure.

Aubra and I got to have a nice baby- free dinner Saturday night. It was so great to have a little break while Addy spent time with her dad.

Nick and Cody, one of his best friends from college, did the muddy buddy race against each other this morning and finished at the exact same time. All four muddy racers had a great time. I am seriously thinking about joining them next year! Anybody have good muddy buddy stories/ experiences?

Midday Yell

So I didn't post about this last week but it was so much fun that I want to tell the story. Last week on Wednesday we gave the PSAT all morning at school. In the afternoon we were supposed to talk about our college experiences and show a slide show with pictures form the old days. I decided to make my class into a Fightin' Texas Aggie yell practice. I taught the kids to beat the hell outta a rival- passbacks and hump it and all. I played the war hymn, taught a yell, and then told an "old Rock" story. There was a lot of whooping going on. It was my favorite day of school so far.



I did show a slide show. There was a picture of me, Aubra, and Melissa at a game. Several boys throughout the day asked me if my friends were married. In 8th period, one bold young man asked about Mel, asked if she was married, and told me to tell her "What's up". He was unphased by the fact that she is 10 years older than him. Oh, high school boys.

You girls are hot and can have any 15 year old boyfriend you want! Haha.

Pumpkin Patch

I am so glad Nick was in town this weekend so we could have some family time. We watched the Churchill Charger JV volleyball team beat Madison on Friday night. I love seeing my students being successful outside the classroom. Saturday we watched a lot of football, went to the pumpkin patch to get some pictures of Adalynn and went to Bass Pro so Nick could use his birthday gift cards.

Saturday night we had dinner with Cari, Greg, and Matt (missed you Kayla and Cason). Baby Lilly is due next week and we are all so excited to meet her. If you want to read about sweet Lilly, check out Cari's blog .

We are about to go meet my family to celebrate my dad's birthday at Alamo Cafe of course. Mmmm... queso.

P.S. Adalynn was in the 80% for height and weight at her 2 month check up! She weighs 12 lbs and is 23 inches tall!

All the single ladies

All the single ladies- I don't know how you do it! Nick was in Dallas watching the Aggies play this weekend so Addy and I had our second girls weekend alone. I am exhausted! She is a great baby but I am so glad that I have an involved partner to help with taking care of her most of the time. This makes me really appreciate how much he does.

God is good in his design for it to take two people to make a baby because going it alone would be tough.

Today was the annual Baby Blessing Sunday at Northside. There were 16 babies born at our church this year! It was wonderful to take a day to pray for them and hear a sermon about how much God loves children.

This afternoon we watched the Cowboys at Lolly and Pops' house and are now looking forward to a quiet evening at home. Addy has her two month check up tomorrow. Time flies!

One week down...

I just finished my first week of school. I feel like I am actually able to control my classes for the most part this year which is awesome. Last year I was new and unsure of myself as a teacher so my students walked all over me but this year I am have gotten most of my kids so sit down and do work. Students that cussed out my sub and stormed out of the classroom are working on test re-takes and behaving wonderfully. It is like my teacher dream...

Addy is doing great with Ms. Kayren and we are falling into a great routine. Addy loves waking up in the morning and snuggling and eating breakfast with me and Nick before she gets dropped off for the day. She smiles all morning.

I wore jeans and a Churchill shirt today because that is normal Friday attire for teachers and had more than one kid say "I didn't know you ever dressed casual Miss". Clearly my plan to be intimidating by dressing up every day is working. I am looking forward to a whole weekend of casual. Pictures to come on Sunday. (:

Houston Weekend

I had my first day back at school on Friday. I was nervous like a kid starting a new year. My sub had told me horror stories about my students so I went in very afraid. It turns out my kids are great! I mean, there will be a few button pushers but I know I am going to fall in love with them just like my students from last year. It was the absolute best to have several of my old students stop in to see me and ask about Addy. I love knowing kids that I don't have to give a grade to!

I got Addy from her sitter after school and we packed up to go to Houston. By the time we finally got on the road (my brother is a diva and hadn't even packed) it was 7:30 so we arrived in Houston not long before midnight. Adalynn was an angel and slept the whole drive.

Saturday morning we went to visit my college roommate Melissa at her apartment in the Woodlands. It was great to get to catch up with her and I am so glad she finally got to meet Addy.

We had lunch with Melanie and her family and they are just about the sweetest people I have ever met. My mom, Rita, Addy and I went to the Galleria for the afternoon and only saw about 1/3 of that giant mall in 4 hours! That place is fabulous!

Addy decided to turn in early and I got to enjoy dinner with John, Houston, and Mel. I love reminiscing about old times and laughing about the funny things we did together growing up.

Sunday was church, family lunch and the shower where Mel and Housty got a million gifts. The drive home was not nearly as pleasant as the drive up but we did eventually make it and no one starved to death along the road no matter what you may hear.

Today was day two of school. I have come such a long way since last year and I love feeling like I actually am in charge of my classroom and I can get my kids to listen without yelling all day. Our new 8 period a day schedule is working out great; the day flies by and I hardly have time to miss Adalynn. When we got home tonight, the princess was so tired that she put herself to bed at about 7. Here's to hoping she sleeps until morning :)