Friday, September 30, 2011

Making it to the Weekend -or- How Do People Have More Than One Kid


How do people have more than one kid?  (Can I get a witness?  From all you 'First Time Moms' out there?)

You know how you can lose track of reality?  What I mean by this is, you know how stepping outside of your own point of view can sometimes bring 'reality' into clearer focus?

Hmmm.  Nothing can do that better than having visitors (ahem, your parents) in your home and seeing things as they see them.

Oh, that?  I'm sleeping on a towel in lieu of sheets because Knox spit up on them... a few days ago.  And I haven't gotten any back on the bed yet...

Ah, yes, I see you've noticed my registration and inspection stickers ARE expired... by three months...

Like Sarah touched on in a recent post of hers, there's sort of a hierarchy that happens when your baby sleeps.  It goes something like this.

Baby asleep?  Ok good, now you can do JUST ONE of these things.  More realistically, just about half of one.  (Listed in order of importance.  Importance to me I should emphasize.)

1.  Cook food.  Eat the food.  Or nap.
2.  Wash bottles.  Or nap.
3.  Wash dishes.  Or nap.
4.  Wash baby clothes/burp cloths.  Or nap.
5.  Wash adult clothes/sheets.  Or nap.
6.  Clean the house.  Or nap.

It should be noted here that sometimes the occasional episode of Mad Men or a blog entry can weasel its way ahead of these except for number 1.  It should also be noted that somehow, although 'napping' is included at every stage of the list, it rarely comes to fruition, despite my most valiant efforts.  Carry on.

Waaaaaay down here at the bottom of the list (meaning, the things I never, ever get to) we have

7.  All other things on theTo-Do list.  (Or... nap.)

When four hands aren't enough, thank goodness for parents and parents-in-law.  That's all. 

This morning I woke up thinking "FRIDAYFRIDAYFRIDAYFRIDAY" and had this image in my head of Koby and I carrying all the weight of our weeks (me with art projects to grade, a baby carrier and spit up rags and him with footballs and helments and a school bus full of kids) and just flinging ourselves across a finish line marked with the beautiful letters: "F-R-I-D-A-Y".  I'm thinking I need to illustrate a version of this for posterity's sake.

 InstaFriday? Too busy to take many pictures on the phone. But I did get some real pictures with a real camera.







Monday, September 26, 2011

On Becoming My Mother

Let me preface this by saying my mother is one of those people who is blessed to be just as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside.  (Right now she's thinking I'm making a jibe at her inner character.  Stop it, and I promise Mom, the following is nothing you don't already know.  And you should know the former too.)

But Pamela Jeannine Thomas hates pictures.  It's like her eyelids are programmed to close after hearing this, "One, two..." Blink!  Eyes shut.  Picture taken. 

Never ask her to be your photographer, either.  She also can't snap photos without turning "One, two, three" into a ten-minute ordeal.  Maybe it's because her eyes keep closing after "two" and she keeps having to start over.  I don't know.

Listen, I want to be more like my mom in most ways I can think of.  Except this.  Please look at this wedding favor from Derek and Kim's reception this weekend.


How is it possible to even make the 'crazy' pictures look like you're doing it wrong?  How is it possible to look like you've hit the cash bar, uh, hard, without even having had a glass of wine?  Or even a glass of water?

Thanks, Mom.  I'm going to go ahead and blame this on you.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Don't Blink

It appears I might be more likely to post some 'weekend wrap-ups' rather than religiously posting each Friday and Sunday.  Fridays are hard with the football games to go to.  This week/weekend has been BUSY.  Let me tell you about it.


Last Saturday and Sunday Ross and Alex came in to visit and we enjoyed some good relaxation time.  Lots of football and Words With Friends.

On Tuesday (Sept. 20) Knox turned two months old!  In some ways I can hardly believe he's only been around for two months.  Our lives have already been shaped and molded to accompany him so completely it feels like he's always been here.  On a side note, I'm still prepping the rough draft of his two-month entry before I write it in his baby book.  Lesson learned.

Randy came in town for the junior high football games on Thursday and was able to love on Knox for a few hours.  Also, Knox's special football hat made its debut because of the chilly, windy weather.  I was thrilled to be able to use this little hat!

On Friday afternoon Knox and I went to Abilene for his two month check up.  Everything is looking good!  He weighed 12 lbs 11 oz and is right around the 50th percentile for both length and weight.  He's a little bit higher on the weight end and we are lovin' it.  Here I am expressing my apprehension about the impending immunization shots, while he blissfully has no idea what's coming...

This is him after he found out what a trip to the doctor really entails. 

On Saturday we traveled to Midland for Derek and Kim's wedding.  (Remember when I took their engagement pictures?  Seems like just yesterday!)  It was a beautiful wedding and it was wonderful to be around our college friends again, even if just for a night.  Here are the guys in their suspenders.  Koby was beside himself about getting to wear suspenders, and in fact he was the one who organized this photo op.  If you know anything about Koby, you can appreciate that this is monumental.

On Sunday my college roommate Kristen visited and I FINALLY got to meet Michaela, her 8 month old daughter.  She is so cute!  It's just so crazy to see this picture of our KIDS sitting next to each other on the couch.  Time flies...

  
Sunrise and rain showers, both while on the way to Knox's day care before and after school.  It's a nice, peaceful drive.

 I'm beginning to realize that I can basically just write these posts in some sort of format like this:

Who came to visit "us" (read: Knox)?
Which football games did we attend?
Why else didn't I get around to writing the thank-you notes from when Knox was born?  (Whoops again.  But I am finishing them today!  They are on my "Urgent To-Do List" that consists of about 15 things that need to be done.  Well, needed to be done like a week ago to be socially acceptable and now it's just embarassing.  In one of the thank yous I mentioned how great it is to have a light, breathable cotton blanket for Knox "during these hot summer months".  Thanks a lot, Fall Equinox, for happening to come before I got that one in the mail.)

Let's talk about Knox for a bit, okay?  He's the best baby ever.  I'm realizing that more and more.  He is just so easy.  I'm so very glad he's able to fall asleep anywhere, any time.  Whether it's a row away from loud football fans or during the Cupid Shuffle at a wedding reception.  He doesn't cry when new people hold him and can find a way to be comfortable anywhere.  Not sure if he's that way naturally or if it's because he's had to be flexible since he was born because of our inconsistent schedule, but I do know either way that Koby and I don't deserve such a magnificent son.  We are so proud of him.

Oh, and I had a Mommy moment this weekend.  At the wedding last night, the DJ invited all the mothers and sons to come and dance together after Derek had his dance with his mom, and so I went to scoop up Knox from an admirer and danced with him.  I only managed to spin around the floor with him in my arms for about a minute because 
  1. the sentimentality of the moment in no way lessens how awkward it is to slow dance essentially by yourself and
  2. I got extremely choked up, dancing with my baby and looking at all the mothers dancing with their grown babies and Derek dancing with his mother.  I was thinking, "I bet they feel like this was just moments ago".  That's going to be us, one day, if we're extremely blessed. 

I hope I always note God's faithfulness, even in times of trouble.



Friday, September 16, 2011

InstaFriday

What?  It's Friday again?  Thank goodness for dates on these cell phone pictures because my brain can't tell if they were taken yesterday or a month ago!  While we're on the subject, thank goodness for automatic online bill pay reminders, cell phone data plan usage reminders, students who remind teachers what time/class period/day it is...  Aren't there some vitamins I can take to get my brain back to normal???
Footprint Fail.  Koby and I tried to get Knox's footprints on this canvas earlier this week... and failed for the second time.  I'm not painting over them again.  What's funny is Knox printed perfectly for his grandmothers - they have matching canvases.  I'm alright with the reject prints though, the g-ma's are the ones I had in mind when I bought and painted these canvases anyway!  Glad Knox (somehow) managed to cooperate for theirs, the wiggle worm.

RAWR!!  This Milk Monster can be tamed with a bath.  He ♥ s bath time!

On Monday our school day began with an assembly during which we talked about and looked at pictures of 9/11.  On Sunday I hadn't really watched much television and so I hadn't looked at those old pictures in awhile - it really hit me hard.  As I was sitting in the auditorium surrounded by people who didn't really remember 9/11 (all my kids were born after 1993) I was struck by how incredibly thankful ( is that the right word?) I am that I was old enough to recognize the immensity of the situation.  Understand it?  No, I didn't.  It was a humble way to start the week, for sure.

Sometimes I need to paint, too.  Conference periods seem great for that.  Shhhh.

InstaChallenge of the Week "Something I Love"
Obvi, I love Knox, but what I'm really trying to show in this picture is how strong he's getting!  Our 8 week old is holding his head up great on his own and propping himself up (tremulously) on his arms during tummy time.  AND he's finally workin' that Buddha belly - normally, I don't encourage obesity, but to me, a fat baby = healthy, happy & satisfied baby.  :-)  And toned arm muscles for Mommy.


On Wednesday our sweet babysitter was sick and so I took the morning off to watch Knox, then Koby spent the afternoon with him and then brought him up to school at the end of my conference.  Knox was a little confused but it didn't stop him from treating my classroom like his own home (i.e. spitting up everywhere).

When Mrs. Andrews isn't around to regulate sugar consumption, the 'good' candy will be ravaged from the goodies jar.  While I was taking care of Knox, my morning classes managed to eat most of my candy.  Awesome.  They are all now candy-banned. 

Never thought I'd be partial to a guy with a balding pattern like this.  (Not to mention the drooling and copious occasions of  flatulence.)  Knox's hair WILL NOT FALL OUT and it kills me to see his little old man head.  It takes a mother to be proud of that rat-tail!
Koby and I are ready for the weekend - we have company (Ross and his sweet gf Alex) coming in town this Saturday afternoon with promises of fun times ahead.  I know Koby is for sure ready for a relaxing few days - he traveled four hours round trip last night with the Jr. High football teams and will be making the same journey tonight with the Varsity guys. 

We're thankful for the rain and cooler temperatures that rolled in yesterday!  It's feeling like September ought to feel and I am loving it.  I hope your week was good and that you enjoy the beginning, middle and end of your weekend as well!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Food Lately... and Pinterest

If you're not on Pinterest, you don't know what you're missing.

I'm a firm believer that creativity breeds creativity... and this site totally does it for me.  It's inspired me in the kitchen, clued in me in to wayyyyyyy more things to accumulate and eventually upcycle (which I'm sure thrills my husband slightly less than it does me), and it's basically written the curriculum this year so far for my advanced Art IV student, who has already finished cut paper designs inspired by Nikki McClure and is currently working on an installation piece in the vein of these works - ALL of which I discovered via the incredible resource that is Pinterest.

In the past few weeks, the Cocina de Andrews tried out a few new recipes, courtesy of my obsessive pinning, and I'd like to share them now, complete with reviews from a reliable source.  (To see the recipes, click the titles.)

#1. Knock You Nekked Brownies
  •  Rating: B+
  • We've already talked about this one.  It's possible that I finished the pan by myself.  Not a big deal.

#2. Chicken Enchilada Pasta
  • Rating: B
  • Room for improvement - change the penne pasta to a shell pasta.  (My thoughts?  Pretty good, I'd make it again.  A solid "B" in my book.  Beware - the recipe doesn't say but this yields A TON of food.  We had enough leftovers for me to eat lunch, dinner and then for both of us to have dinner.)

#3. Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup 
  • Rating: B+
  • Room for improvement - the husband wants cheese.  (Personally, I gave this one an A because I love light, fresh soups whereas Koby prefers stews.  This one is outta control good, people.  Hands down beats soups at places like Abuelo's.)


So if you see me in a few months and I've packed on the pounds, I'm not pregnant again, just enjoying the fruits of my pinning behavior.  I love reading about how others have been inspired by Pinterest, like the beautiful wreath that Sarah made.  I'd love for you to share what you've created!  How has Pinterest changed your life?

Saturday, September 10, 2011

InstaFriday

Whoops.  Except that it's Saturday.  Ah, well.  Welcome to the life of a gridiron wife.  (I stole that from someone else before you think I'm a witty wordsmith.) 

Um, my parents have been here (Cancun) since Saturday.  It's ok to be jealous.  I'm so glad they're getting to take a relaxing vacation!


While it might not be a seaside view, I love front porch swing sessions with my son.  We've been enjoying weather in the 70s/80s this past week.  Seventy-seven degree weather makes me want to compose symphonies and play baseball and run around like an idiot - or at least spend as much time outside as I can.  (But we're expecting another round of triple digits the next week.  Laaaaaaaaaaame.)

Koby wanted brownies, and I went a little overboard.  We ended up with caramel and chocolate chip filled brownies, with liberal amounts of pecans and powdered sugar.  I got the recipe here ... I'll let her tell you all about them.  All I can say is, "Ditto."

Besides the eating, my favorite part of baking is flipping on the light and watching through the oven window.

Knox and I were both "sick" this week.  I lost my voice and have been battling a head cold and Knox has continued to be stuffy and a little hoarse too.  But no fevers yet, thank goodness!

On Thursday night Knox and I hung out with Lovie and PawPaw at the CMS football games, when Koby experienced his first head coaching win!  Knox hasn't worked out how to express his elation at the victory just yet.

This week was Homecoming week at CHS.  Here's one of my students sporting a t-shirt I designed for the Sound Crew.

Positives of the week:
  • a visit from Marie and her mom (no pictures!  How did I forget?)
  • a graduated student telling me again how much he had learned in art class.  He's taking an art class in college now and he says I 'taught him well'.  How encouraging!!  I LOVE MY JOB!
  • being able to sit right below the press box window where Koby was sitting during the Varsity game and getting to watch him laugh along with the other coaches on the headset
  • 8th grade, JV and Varsity Wolves football wins!
Keep the families in Texas who have been affected by the wildfires in your prayers - a lot of damage has been done!  And pray for rain...

life rearranged

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Stoopid Love

Let love be your guide.

You know the story that says don't pray for patience and then be surprised when frustrating things happen in your life?  Well, don't blog about love being your guide without expecting some goons to pop up and make things interesting.  From the ever-so-helpful Walmart employee who drew me a map and pictures to help explain to me how cell phones worked ("You see these bars like this I'm drawing?  If you don't have these on ya screen ya won't have service.  One bar means not too good, five bars, that's good") after some troubles with my SIM card (loooong story), to the students who saw me makeupless this weekend and feel the need to tell me how much I look like a drowned cat without mascara (Miss, I saw your twin this weekend!  -Oh really?- Yeah, there was this crazy lady runnin' around with a baby and no makeup on at Pigskin Preview.  Hope I don't see her again... -Shut up, Kody), I am definitely working on the 'clothing myself in love' thing this week. 

Oh, and remember how I felt stupid while I was pregnant? 

I would kill for the pregnant brain again.

It's like when Knox vacated his spot in my body, he took with him 30% of my brain capacity.  This crucial percentage was somehow linked to and/or responsible for time management, social ability, memory, and speech.  I know this because all of those things are shot.  And you know what's the worst?  Every woman with kids telling me it'll "never come back". 

[Pause for effect]

Are you kidding me?

Like really.  You must be joking.  I'm stupid for life now?  Unacceptable.

Take for instance the most recent thing I wrote in Knox's baby book.  In pen.

August 26, 2011 (Friday)
On Wednesday Saturday you turned ONE MONTH OLD (4 weeks at least) ... Lovie has stayed with us this week because it's been our first week back at work.  We are so blessed!  You have two lovely grandmothers, Knox ... You are smiling so much now and you are continually getting stronger and gaining weight.  Your 6 weeks dr appointment is next week and I'm excited to learn your weight.

That last sentence is completely false, but the thought of crossing something else out made me laugh too hard and I just shut the book for the night.  Knox had no dr. appointment.  I had a doctor appointment.  (Incidentally, I was not so excited to learn my weight.)

But I guess 3/10 of my brainpower is a worthy trade for this guy and his smiles.



And in case you're wondering, I'm not so stupid yet to have forgotten that "more bars = better service".  (But maybe I look it???)

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Let Love Be Your Guide

Found this on Pinterest today and I love it!  Verses 12-14 in The Message say,

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.  Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense.  Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.  And regardless of what else you put on, wear love.  It's your basic, all-purpose garment.  Never be without it."

Friday, September 2, 2011

InstaFriday

We're running on fumes in the Andrews household...  it's been a busy few weeks and I think the sleep deprivation/long hours combo is taking its toll!  THANK GOODNESS for Labor Day and three-day weekends.
Last weekend Knox made his first appearance at a football game.  Gram and Pop were there to cheer him, I mean, the Wolves, on.  Doesn't Gram look cute in her Red & Black?!

And Koby made his Varsity coaching debut last Saturday at the Wolves' first game in Abilene at Shotwell.

This pint-sized specimen has taken over our queen-sized bed.  We are sans-sheets in this snapshot because he's just peed on them.

Student, after being told he can play on the computer until we're ready to take a quiz, "Can I just read?"  Me, **GRIN**.

I was really going to be organized and clean this year, but we're too creative for that.  Check out what we did today in class - really fun!

In another life, I was a fat Italian woman who wooed countless men with my irresistible shell pasta recipes.  In this life my love affair is with carbohydrates and I am faithful.
Knox and I aren't attending the game tonight because he has been having some snot issues and I am feeling the beginnings of a sore throat.  We had a chat about it and neither of us feel quite up to making the hour and a half trip tonight.  Wish we could be there to cheer for Daddy and the Wolves, though.  I hope you had a fulfilling week and that you get to stay home on Monday, too and do things that you love!

life rearranged
 

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Two Weeks In

Our first assignment in Digital Photography was a self portrait inspired by American Express ads from 2008 like Tina Fey's.  Each kid Photoshopped a picture of themself with his/her answers to the little survey.  Here's mine.

Photographer: Christie Andrews (actually, the photographer was a rowdy kid in 7th period and I am telling him to please put the camera away and get ready for the bell to ring, but I felt this one was a good one to print and hang on my door.  It says, "Don't give me hell," don't you think?)
Graduation Year: wouldn't you like to know?
Greatest Ambition: to be a good mom  (Last year I wrote 'to be as good a mom as mine' and little did I know I'd get the opportunity in a matter of months!)
Proudest Accomplishment: being responsible for one half of the WORLD'S CUTEST BABY!
Perfect Day: a thunder and rainclouds, read-a-book day
Can't live without: Harry Potter (books)
Favorite song: 'Your Hand in Mine' by Explosions in the Sky
Quote to live by: "When  I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead."  Neil Patrick Harris
Best friend: my husband
Reason why I like Photography: It gives you the power to freeze time.

Don't let the picture fool you, I.  LOVE.  MY.  JOB.  It's amazing that I get paid to do this.  I'm really excited about this year - I have inspiring, entertaining, creative and thoughtful kids, and I have a senior assistant to do my bidding.  I love being a coach's wife because it provides yet another connection I can have with my students.  I am really, really excited about his year.

Everyone needs to check our Art Dept. blog regularly to see what we're up to - I think we are going to have some stunning work created this year.  **Link should be fixed now!**

Life couldn't be better!