The news is pretty much officially out...

It has been one heck of a week... but at least, parent teacher conferences are behind me! Whew! Speaking of p/t conferences, I guess I'll go ahead and break the news since it's already pretty much out anyway. I'm happy to say that I will no longer have to attend conferences, because I will not be a fifth grade teacher next year. Yep, I said it! I have already turned in my resignation, and it's official. Mrs. Moore has found another career (for the time being, anyway). I will be working for my daddy at Girdley Flying Service (and I say this in a loud, PROUD voice). Y'all know how much I love my daddy, and I'm tickled that he wants me to come be his office manager. I'll be basically running his farm/flying service from a paperwork perspective, and I can't wait! I won't have this summer off because I'll be starting in June, but I won't have to work the winter months, so I'll still get a break. And, I won't have to work when it rains...YAY! I will miss some of the kiddos, but I've been extremely ready for a change, especially since my little man came into my life. I wanted a less stressful job with more flexible hours, and God has answered my prayer. Thank you, Lord, for this perfect job change at exactly the right time! It's amazing how He knows exactly what we need and how He makes that possible.

Speaking of Jesus, Happy Easter week, everyone! I loooove holidays, and Easter is one of my faves. It's a special time to reflect on what Jesus has done for us in making salvation possible. I am so undeserving and so far from perfect, so, for His sacrifice, I am eternally grateful. I'm also excited about buying Manning's goodies for his Easter basket. Easter bunny, here we come! Can you say, here comes Peter Cottontail?! My family always has a big get-together on Easter where we all meet at my parents' house after church and chow down, and then we have a traditional Easter egg hunt for the kids, followed by several contests for them, such as who found the prize egg, who found the most eggs, etc. Then, they're rewarded with prizes that my mom has spent the whole year shopping for. I swear she starts planning for the next holiday as soon as one ends. I hope all of you enjoy this very special weekend!

Mission: Get in shape!

Well, this beautiful weather over the past few days has inspired me to FINALLY go on a diet and start exercising again. I started my diet yesterday and hit the treadmill, so I'm one day closer to getting in shape! I'm bound and determined to get this baby weight off, so wish me luck! I have also been thinking about joining a dance class with some work friends...they've been trying to talk me into it, and I think I'm gonna go for it. Get this, we're going to sign up for a bellydancing class. Yep, I said it, bellydancing! The local college is offering it two nights a week, so we're going to have a little fun while we work out! Cody thinks it's hilarious! :o) As much as he likes to dance, I'm sure he'll secretly try out some of the new dance moves I bring home.

Well, this is Spring Break for me, and I'm loving being home with my little man. The week is just going by super fast. Over the past weekend, we loaded up and made a quick road trip to Greenville, MS to meet Megan's little one, little Vincenzo. He is so precious and tiny! On the way home, we decided to stop in Tunica to shop a little at the outlet malls. After realizing that they had a Carter's store, I went a little wild. You all know how much I love to shop, and at the rate Manning is growing, he really needed a whole new wardrobe. Did I mention he is in 9 months clothes now, and he is 28 inches long!? He's a growing boy... so that's my excuse for splurging. I posted a pic so you all can understand what I mean when I say I have a shopping problem. hehe :) Enjoy the picture of my sweet boy sporting his new shades...I thought I'd share this picture in the spirit of the beautiful sunshine we've been seeing!

Bananas! B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

Well, yesterday was Manning's 4 month doctor's appointment.  I seriously can't believe he's that old! WOW, time flies!  We got a perfect report on the little guy.  Dr. Mathis said he's doing great, and he was so proud of him.  He's been sleeping through the night now for about a month! YAY!  Cody & I love that.  He sleeps between 9 and 10 hours every night without waking.  It's fabulous! He is, however, still in our bedroom.  Oopsie!  We're just taking baby steps... one thing at a time.  

Doc let us know that Manning was ready for "big boy" foods, so I had Cody take me to Wal-Mart to buy lots of baby food.  We decided to start with bananas, since Manning has been eating cereal in his bottles for a while now.  When we got home from the doctor, it was dinner time, so I called my mom, aunt, and my grandmother.  They all rushed over to witness the big event, his first time to eat baby food!  Cody got the video camera out, and I got the digital camera out.  We all gathered round the high chair and got ready for the big event.  I guess we were expecting him to put on a show.  We weren't all the way disappointed.  I fed him a few bites, and he started shaking his head to let us know how tart those bananas were.   It was really funny, until the started gagging and threw up everywhere!  He didn't like those bananas too much!  lol  

Well, today, we decided to try the bananas again, hoping for a better result, and we were pleasantly surprised to find that Manning learned to eat off of a spoon and actually swallow the food overnight.  He ate those bananas up!  I knew he would when he learned how.  So, my little man is officially a baby food eater, and I am loving this new fun experience!

Molli update:  No chicken pox!  YAY!  She had an allergic reaction to sushi... she's just like her sister in that way.  I did the exact same thing when I tried it.  Thank goodness it was nothing contagious or dangerous!  

Hope everyone had a very Happy St. Patrick's Day.  I taught a lesson on the history of the holiday in my classroom today.  I learned a lot.  Here's some Irish trivia for you... "Erin Go Bragh" means Ireland Forever.  The Irish use this saying like we use God Bless America.  Just thought I'd share.  Hope you didn't get pinched too many times today.  If y'all know me very well at all, you know that I was dressed for the occasion.  Holidays are my favorite!  Manning even sported his cute St. Patty's Day shirt! 

Tanning Bed? No thanks! Baby fever? Maybe so!

Well, first and foremost, let me say thank goodness it's Friday! This week has been absolutely horrible at work. My homeroom class has been soooo bad! Thank goodness we found out today that we will be getting all of our spring break! woo hoo!

My newest decision includes one for living a longer, healthier life. I've decided to never lay in the tanning bed again. It's amazing what having a baby will do to you. It really makes you care about everything you do. I had two spots removed at the dermatologist a few weeks ago that he said were caused by the tanning bed. When I found them, absolute panic set in. I prayed and prayed that I'd be able to see Manning grow up. There is no worse fear in the world! Of course, when I found them, I immediately thought of Izzy on Grey's Anatomy. ha! I get too into those shows, I guess! Thank the Lord, the spots came back non-cancerous, but I seriously learned my lesson. Tanning beds? no thanks! Spray tans? I think I will... well, when I need to look dark and "oh so fly" anyway (as my students would say).

Today, one of my friends from work showed me her ultrasound photos of her babies. Yep, babies! She's having twins! I've always wanted twins... maybe God will bless us with a set of those next time around. Anyway, her pics were so precious. She's 27 weeks, so she got to have her 4-d ultrasound, and it was just too sweet. It really made me miss being pregnant. I actually loved being pregnant because I had such a great pregnancy. I never got sick or had any bad symptoms, thankfully. I immediately turned to another co-worker and asked her if the pics made her want another one and she quickly told me no. I, on the other hand, found myself staring the pictures all googly-eyed. I have a little baby fever, I believe. How is that even possible when you have a 4 month old at home? I guess I'm crazy. Don't panic, friends, I won't be getting pregnant any time in the near future. I want Manning to at least be a year old or older... but it's nice to daydream. I just love babies, and becoming a mommy is the absolute best blessing in the entire world! I just want a houseful! Of course, I can't end my post without a picture of my Manning! :o)

Are you serious?

Well, just as I was bragging on my students in my last post, I had a few that made me out to be a liar today... Today was just one of those days. Why did I get a degree in education again?! What was I thinking? Also, since we missed 7 days due to the lovely snow, we are currently voting on how we want to make those snow days up. I'm crossing my fingers that I will still be getting a spring break.

The bad news continues... Molli (my sister), came home yesterday with red bumps all over her. She didn't tell me this until AFTER I showed up to visit her. I'm praying it isn't the chicken pox b/c Manning was around her for a brief minute. I did google it immediately, though, and it said that children under 1 year of age hardly ever catch them. I just really hope she's having an allergic reaction or something. Good golly Miss Molli.... if y'all know her very well, you know that this is just a typical thing that would happen to her.

A couple of good things did happen today. Of course, it's always a good day when I get home to my sweet Manning. Other than that, I did get to visit with one of my best friends, Joanna. She came to see me at work on my prep period. I love the days that she comes by...just makes the work day pass by a little quicker. Now, I'm tickled to announce that she and I can talk about baby stuff because she's expecting a little one...due September 25! She thinks she's having a girl, but I definitely think Manning will be gaining a best friend. I'm predicting a boy. She was the one that I shared all of my pregnancy milestones and worries with, and I'm really happy that I can be there for her on her exciting journey to motherhood. I feel like it's me being pregnant all over again! I'm so extremely excited and thankful for her and Baby "C." Speaking of babies, I have several other great friends that are expecting as well... so excited for you JoBeth and Heather! I think it's so much fun that we are all going to be able to raise our little ones together! YAY! :o)

After work, I came home to find Manning's high chair box waiting for me on the doorstep. If you know me very well, you know how much I love ordering things online and having them delivered. I get so excited when I find packages at my doorstep or at the post office! So, Cody and I tackled that project immediately. Manning loves it, and we do too! Here's a pic of our new product...the Fisher Price Zen Collection High Chair!

Work, work, work, blah!

Well, on February 22, I unfortunately had to bite the bullet and go back to work. After 14 glorious weeks off of work, with 13 of those being spent with my sweet little boy, I guess I don't have to explain how badly I dreaded going back. I thought I'd probably be sad for a little while and then things would quickly get back to normal. Boy, was I WRONG!! It all started the weekend before I had to go back... let's just say that the tears kept flowing. I had no idea I could cry so much!

Well, when the big day finally came, Cody stayed home a little later than usual to leave with me, so I didn't have to walk out alone. I'm spoiled, I know... Of course, I couldn't get out the door without breaking down. I made myself go on to work, and walked into my classroom... I have 2 words... COMPLETE DISASTER. I won't elaborate out of respect for others, but I seriously had a terrible first day back. On the positive side, though, my students really did miss me, and they've been behaving very well ever since I've gone back. My fingers are crossed that that will continue! :o) I have slowly but surely been getting better each day. I still cry most days, though. I just never dreamed it would be so hard to leave my little guy. I'm so very thankful that my Mamaw Joyce (Manning's great grandmother) can stay home to keep him, but I just really wish I could be the one to stay home. I sure call and text her several times a day to check in, and I guess that will have to do for now.

I have complete faith that things will get better. I'm just soaking up every second I get to spend with Manning, and I'm taking work one day at a time. Come on Spring Break! Woo hoo ;o)

Here are my thoughts on a couple of current events these days...

The Bachelor, Jake, is absolutely insane. I'm totally upset with his decision...Tenley was the perfect girl, and I feel confident he will be sorry one day in the near future. Why do I keep watching these shows?

Another guilty pleasure of mine: don't laugh... MTV's Teen Mom (speaking of, it's coming on now) I love that show!