Pre Thanksgiving Party

I came in to work this morning ready to go home!  It is Thanksgiving Eve for crying out loud.  People are supposed to be buying things at the grocery store (last minute - cause there is no other way).  Luckily for me I spent my morning doing some online gift shopping.  I took care of all the teenage boys in my family - so that was nice (they are always the hardest for me to shop for). 

I also bought a couple things online for the girls stockings and then at about 11:30 my boss said I was free to go home and enjoy the Holidays with my family!!  How awesome is that!  In case I haven't said it in awhile - I love my job!  I love that they are so flexible with time, and they really do put family first! 

I drove straight home and picked up the girls.  We were movie bound.  We had made tentative plans with Ceci and her kids to see Catching Fire!  We met them at the Hollywood Theatre in Pasa-Get-Down-Dena!

The movie was great!  We loved it.  (Except for the ending -of course) - but had we read the books like we were supposed to , then we would have known to expect that ending!  Needless to say - we are anxious for the next one - and yet a little more interested in reading the books!

After the movies - we headed over to my sister Erica's house and helped decorate.  We set the table for Thanksgiving and decorated the walls, fixed up the giant wreath (I wish I would have taken pictures of how great everything looked), and then just hung out with family all evening laughing and talking!  It was great.  The girls and I headed home to work on our Thanksgiving dishes at about 9pm!

I was DOG TIRED...so we didn't actually start cooking when we got home.  Instead I went straight to bed, and set my alarm to wake-up early and get to cooking! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving with your family and eat plenty of food!  Remember - Holiday calories don't count!! LOL

Weekend Rewind

This weekend was great -  for many reasons! 

Friday was my 9/80 Friday which means I don't have to come in to work...THAT WAS GREAT!  I met my girlfriends Eloisa and Vicky for breakfast at Panera bread after I dropped my girlie's off at school.  It was nice to talk and catch up and chit chat for awhile.  We all headed over to Target next and waited out the rain storm that decided to fall down on us for about a half hour.  In the meanwhile we did a little shopping.  I found a couple cute things for Isabella on clearance and I got me a pair of booties and come camo pants which I liked.  By the time we wrapped up the Target trip it was after 10am. 

I headed home to grab a jacket and then went to have lunch with Isabella.  My little turkey looked adorable for her Thanksgiving luncheon.  We ate some turkey then headed over to the spirit table to buy some Thanksgiving spirit sticks for her backpack.  Then we went over to the bookfair to buy her teacher a book from her classroom wishlist!  Issy was super excited to have a gift for her teacher!

 We had a wonderful lunch and then I headed home.  I got there and then realized that Danny was asleep so my plan to decorate for Christmas was instantly gone.  I decided to go hang out with Vicky instead.  We sat in her livingroom and talked all afternoon.  It was a nice way to spend my day off!  It felt so good to have nothing to stress over, no appointments to keep...just peaceful girl time with my friend!!

I picked the girls up from school and set up everything at home for scrapbooking.  We usually gather the last Friday of each month, but due to Thanksgiving we moved it up and it was scrapbook night at our house!  Only Margaret and Teresea showed up (I can always count on them to come- LOVE IT).  We scrapped our pages and then Isabella went home with Teresea with plans to visit Santa at Bass Pro Shops and going to the zoo for Zoo Lights!

My neighbor Amy came over to hang out and we sat around the table for awhile, then decided since it was early we would go to Applebee's for an appetizer and a drink.  It was nice to hang out and have a few good laughs.  We came home and were ready for bed!

Saturday morning I slept in!  It was after 11 am when I finally headed to the couch!  I sat there until 1pm watching stuff on the DVR.  I watched about two months worth of Nashville, some Two Broke Girls and a couple of Parenthood episodes. 

After my couch veggie status was complete I got up and showered and got ready to face the world.  Makaila and I went out shopping to find a birthday gift for Alec.  We went to Marshall's and while I didn't find a gift for Alec, I found a little something for my livingroom. I was excited to see this piece and immediately named him Pete.  And let's face it once he has a name he becomes a part of the family...so I bought him! LOL

 To be honest - I'm not completely certain what kind of animal Pete is - but I liked him and thought he would go perfectly in my rustic country themed livingroom! He fit perfectly in my wooden frames! 

It's weird I know - but he goes with the decor - I promise - look at the rest of the stuff in the livingroom!

See - now you believe me - Pete belonged there!  He was destined to be in my home!

So we left Marshall's with Pete in tow and headed over to Nothing Bunt Cakes to get Alec a personal size bunt cake instead.  We figured it would be better than a card! We got home and wrapped the cake up in a baggie with his gift money underneath the cake.  I loaded up some Scentsy for Elaine and off to the party we went. We hung out at Ceci and Rays and played Just Dance 4 for quite a while.  I was whopped repeatedly!!

We had a great time seeing everyone and laughing and just having fun. 

Makaila even posted a picture on Instagram which I thought summed it up pretty good:

 We had a great time.  So much so, that Makaila couldn't get enough and ended up staying the night there.  Danny and I headed home.  We got comfy on the couch and since he wasn't up for fooling around we watched Identity Thief on HBO.  It was hilarious once again!  We laughed and laughed at how crazy it was.  We headed to bed after that and I was out like a light!

I woke up Sunday morning feeling pretty good! I got showered and ready for church and then headed out alone cause Danny was too tired to get out of bed.  The service was great!

It was the last segment on our building Faith series.  (Sorry I haven't been giving you copies of my notes these past few weeks - I'll get better I promise. 

Church Notes:

BUILDING PURPOSE

* Adjust yourself to align your life with God's purpose for you

* God is the potter and we are the clay

* There is a purpose to the pain you are going through

* It's not about you - Look to God first

* You can't take control of your life ; but you can get your life in control!!

* Sometimes we resist his molding - we fight back and try to take control ; but the potter knows what is best.  It may seem dark and unnerving but we must trust in God to know that he would only bring us through things that he knows we can get through and as long as we trust in him - good things will come

* He is patient and doesn't give up on us. 

* The choice is ours!  Sometimes we have to be crushed then remolded. 

* Sometimes we have to fall flat in order to bring us to our knees.

* We have to decide if we will get back on that wheel and allow God to mold us and make us his vessel to live his purpose. 

Isaiah 49:10 - I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.

2 Corinthians 4:7 - But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.

As you can tell I took random notes on things that were said that touched my heart or really carried the message.  Our entire service was about giving your self over and trusting God to build you to be a vessel for his purpose.  To know that he is our creator and that all our pain has a purpose.  Those of us struggling with marriage issues or a troubled teen, or a miserable job - know that God can handle it.  God is molding you now as we speak and your pain has a purpose.  Maybe that purpose if to bring you to your knees and surrender yourself to him and trust in him to take it over.  Maybe it is to build your patience.  Maybe it is to show you your calling - I don't know - I just know beyond a shadow of a doubt that whatever it is I trust in him.  I know that God has big plans for me and for you.  That I want to be pliant and moldable for him.  I want to step up on that potters wheel and let God mold me into the wife, mother, daughter, friend, employee and woman I am meant to be!!!

I loved the message.  I came home after church and paid our bills, and then vegged out on the couch for a little while watching tv.  Danny was in bed watching tv, so I decided I would start Christmas decorations in our house.  I put up our tree and a couple stockings and a wreath.  Nothing too crazy but I was happy to pull out a set of ornaments that we hadn't displayed in over 6 years!  I know this because it turns out we only had three stockings to go with this theme (which means we hadn't used it since before Issy was born).  It is a maroon and gold tree featuring Mother and Child ornaments.  I loved how it looked in our living room.  I even made a King wreath for the livingroom to match!

Turns out that we don't have a topper for this particular set of ornaments so I am on the lookout for  an awesome gold crown or a gold angel to top our tree!  If you know of any or see one - let me know!!

After I was done putting up a little Christmas in our home and listening to Christmas music - Danny and I headed out to the groceries.  We hit up H-E-B which was super packed.  We got a few things there then headed over to Aldi.  We unloaded everything and then headed out to round up the kiddos. 

We picked Makaila up from Ceci's then headed over to meet Teresea.  The kids were so happy. Teresea really goes all out with the kids.  This weekend she not only took Issy home with her but Aiden too.  They had a blast.  They went to see Santa at Bass Pro Shops (twice - so we could each have a Santa pic!!), to the Zoo to see the lights, they made baked goods, played board games.  I love that she loves our kids so much and does so much for them!

 We were all hungry, so we headed over to Dot's for dinner.  It was delicious.  Danny and I even got this picture which I thought turned out kinda cute. 

That was about it.  We got home and watched some tv, and then headed to bed.  I was tired!!

It was a great weekend.  Everyone had a good time.  We got some Christmas stuff up and some couch time, and some friend time, and some shopping, and some bill paying, and I loved it!!  I hope you have a great week.  Be sure to think about all you have to be Thankful for this week - each morning. Enjoy your family.  Be patient, be NICE!   Remember - I think you are freakin awesome!

Love these Moments

Last night I came home and took Isabella to karate class at 5pm.  I told Makaila that her and I would be skipping our class that evening in an effort to get some other things in order (like her homework - going over some grade issues, and placing my Thirty One order online). 

We came home and Makaila made dinner! She made us some egg and cheese tacos, and they were delicious.  I hate love that she is so grown up and smart and talented!!!  It's a double edged sword.  I want to keep her my little baby forever and yet watching her grow up is so amazing!

After dinner we sat at the kitchen table, Makaila working on Homework, Isabella reading me books to add to her reading log and me placing my Thirty One order. 

We did showers and my friend Vicky came over.  Her and I caught up on some things and chit chatted.  We talked regularly, but it's been far too long since we made quality alone time with each other to talk and vent and catch up on certain things...it was so nice!!

Before I even knew it, it was 11 o'clock and we were steady talking! It was really nice to catch up but my bed was calling my name!

Vicky headed home after we made plans for breakfast on Friday, and I headed to bed. 

This morning when I woke up I noticed this in my bed......

They may fight and bicker throughout the day but even in their sleep these two little boogers love each other and are inseparable!!

I love moments that involve quality friend time.  I love seeing my girls holding hands in their sleep.  I love a clean house.  I love Christmas decorations.I love alot of things - but guess what I love you too!!!

Have a great day (I am - today is my Friday at work...YIPPPEEEE). 

Weekend Rewind

Friday afternoon - I came home and was determined to clean house.  I called my sister to come and help me and she agreed!  She came over at about 5:30 and we cleaned and cleaned and cleaned for hours upon hours.  Sadly we only finished half the house and we were at it till well after 3 in the morning.  But we declutter alot of cabinets and scrubbed tiles, and did some major work!  It felt so good to get in there and get things done.  I just needed that motivation and drive to kick in. 

I woke up Saturday morning and started tackling other areas.  I finished all the laundry, cleaned the girls restrooms and was steady cleaning.  Once that was completed (or brought to a nice closing for the day), we got ready for Aiden's birthday party.  We headed over to Michael's to buy him the gift he requested which was  the Rainbow Loom Bracelet kit.  As my luck would have it - that was the one item in the store that a coupon was not valid on! 

We made it to the Ninja Turtle themed party and had a good ole time.  We chit chatted with family and sold several items from our ATA fundraiser. We had some fun and took some silly pictures...

 Once the sun went down we headed out because the mosquitos were on high attack! The girls and I headed home to a clean house with no purpose.  We watched a couple movies adn were all knocked out cold by 10:30!! 

Sunday morning we woke up and got ready for church.  We headed to the service and then afterwards went to have a girls breakfast at Waffle House.  Bad choice - the table stunk (was wiped down with a nasty towel and just stunk), the service was horrible, and they never brought me my toast (after I asked for it twice).  We left after some strange woman started screaming about people and their God*!^$% kids!  Some people are just plain crazy!!

We came home and packed a few things to take to Grandma and headed to Tia Erica's to drop it off.  We hung out there with them for awhile and my other sister Nancy showed up.  It was nice seeing here as see is somewhat of a freakin enigma.  She NEVER answers her damn phone or returns calls or comes to things - so seeing here was a nice treat!

We left there after awhile and headed to Grandma Limon's for Junior's birthday celebration.  We sold a few more things out of our catalog and I hung out over at Tia Sylvia's with Brenda for awhile.  We headed home and had to make a Target stop because Makaila waited until that Sunday night ride home to tell me she needed a white button down shirt for her band pictures the next morning! LOL

We ended up getting a few necessities at Target and then headed home for showers and bed!

It was a pretty low key weekend, but I was with my girls and we had a good time celebrating birthdays and seeing our family!  I would do it all over again if you asked! LOL

Hope you have a great week and get your Thanksgiving list together cause it's right around the corner!

Love ya more than real homemade whipped topping - and that stuff is freakin delicious!! - S

Blog Suggestions and Shopping Info

I LOVE TO SHOP!!! 

If you don't know me to well let me just fill you in on the basics: I am a lover of Jesus, a devoted (sometimes impatient and a tad pushy) wife, a loving and caring (and totally all up in your business)mother of two, a good (at least I think so) friend. 

I work full time (both at a business and at home), and I love to do karate with my girls, create crafty things like scrapbook layouts, hairbows, children's clothing, and home decor (DIY style). 

I like to bake, and I LOVE to shop!  But not just go to the store and buy pretty things kinda shopping!  I love to find bargains, and great deals, and mark downs and well you get the point!  I am fiscally frugal ie. cheap! LOL

My favorite stores are: Family Thrift (a great second hand retail chain), Goodwill, Ross, Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning (for craft stuff), and Nordstrom (online - I know this sounds absolutely absurd - but keep reading and  you'll understand).

Awhile back I did a shopping post and you may have read it here, and hopefully you got a good tip or two out of it.

Well Christmas is right around the corner!  40 Days away to be exact!!!!!!!!!!!

In an effort to help you (since I'm almost all the way done with my Christmas shopping). I'm going to share a few sites I love to check out.

Now ever since I started this blog - my blog world interest has been peaked.  I will be honest - I have a set of particular blogs that I follow religiously.  It's funny because I do not know any of these people on a personal level at all or live near any of them really...but they intrigue me for one reason or another so Monday - Friday I read what they have to say!By doing so I have found a few great deals, and learned new things about stores I thought were way out of my league!

The first site I check out daily is  Kelly's Korner.  This has nothing at all to do with shopping - but I am sharing with you my blog love and this is one of my all time favorites.  This Kelly chick is really cute, and has adorable kids, and she has an amazing love for God that I admire.  She inspires me to be a better person.  She has this uncanny ability to make me smile, or cry, or laugh at things that I really enjoy! You know there are people that lift you up and make you smile, and that just encourage you and make you want to be better....we need more people like that in our lives...and unbeknownst to Kelly - she is my inspiration!

Second blog I check is The Sweetest Thing.  This Emma girl is freakin fabulous.  She posts pictures daily about her style, her clothes, her do's and don'ts, with details on what she is wearing, where it is from, how much it costs, etc.  I like to pretend that we would be friends, cause she is pretty cool!

Third stop is Mix and Match Family, which if you haven't seen before you must totally check out!  This is the sister of one of the bachelor contestants...but aside from her claim to fame she is super adorable, has beautiful kids (and a pretty hot husband too), great fashion sense, great decorating tips, and another blog all about food.  My second love of pastime after shopping is eating!!!!  Go follow Shay , and pick up some amazing recipes from her too.

OK - are you ready for this?

This is the good stuff!!!

Take notes - add this to your favorites...you'll thank me later.

My fourth blog stop each day is at Pinterest Told Me To.  This is my super most favorite spot (I go to it last because I spend so much time on it, and the links it sends me too! (for shopping). 

This awesome super chick Shaeffer is your personal shopper.  Did you know you had one?  Well you do...and I'm not talking about time...although I would love to spend your money...I'm talking about this site.

From reading this blog I have made my first Nordstrom purchase ever.  Growing up I thought that it was a fruffy store for upscale folks with tons of money.  It isn't!!  Well - let me rephrase that - it is, but it has stuff for the regular everyday American workers like you and me!  I'm not rich, but I'm not poor either.  I am abundantly blessed by God, and I love to have nice things! (without being in debt - I frown upon credit card use - my #1 shopping rule is if I have the money to buy it I can buy it - if not - then DON'T). 

Ok - so anyway - I digress - read this blog - check out her list of MUST HAVES.  My first Shaeffer recommended purchase was these MUST HAVE JEANS, which she talks about VERY OFTEN.  I heard her recommend and saw people gush about them for well over a month before I even looked at them because I thought _ Nordstrom - YEAH RIGHT!

Well I finally clicked on it after one of her spills on hoe great Nordstrom is and how everything ships for free and returns are free...so its no hassle shopping!  I clicked on the pants and guess what..........THEY WERE ONLY $38!!!!!!!!!

That's not bad for a pair of jeans which supposedly fit like a glove, make me look good, and would be my all time favorite.  I said - OK SCREW IT...I'll order them and see what this chick is all about! 

The pants came in a week later and I liked them.  I wore them and the first time I did - I got 8 separate compliments from complete strangers!!  I am not exaggerating - I mean I thought they looked good - but WOW 8 compliments good...that AWESOME!!  I started to have a little faith in Shaeffer and her shopping skills.  So much so that I ordered the dark wash pair next.  And not only do I still several months later continue to get compliments in these jeans, I recently received the ultimate compliment because my teenage daughter said to me - "Dang mom, you look good in those pants, do they come in my size?" I told her yes, and she said "You should order me some cuase I really like those."  That may not be a big deal to you - but to me its a HUGE deal. 

Over the years I have turned from the cool, mom to the uncool, you dress old mom!  I don't know that I believe that just yet - but to have her approval on some jeans I wear to the point of wanting a pair of her own...now you know they gotta be well worth my $38!!

So anywho - I follow this blog almost daily - and I trust in Shaeffers opinion more and more.  So much so that I own also every single one of her must have items.  I have three pairs of the MUST have jeans (and I wear the hell out of them).  I have the recently mentioned HUE leggings in both black and brown, I have the waffle weave scarf, and I have a pair of the flats, (and I am still contemplating the must have wedges). 

She is featuring some great Christmas ideas, always features sales at certain stores, and some fun giveaways and stuff too.  Go check her out.

Oh but wait - before you do - let me tell you about hautelook.com

Since I have been placing several orders on Nordstrom.com lately.  I received an e-mail telling me about Hautelook.com.  I have never heard of them....but I am so glad I know now.  This is a clearance site for Nordstrom.  They have items that go on sale for a limited time (sales start at 10am daily- and are based on a first come first serve basis).  You can get designer things at up to 75% off retail.  And I am not talking about old, out of season stuff - I'm talking awesome designer, classic items that are priced amazingly!!

And here's another secret - once you sign up they will send you a coupon code for $25 off!!!!!

Have fun shopping and checking out these blogs - I know I certainly do!!!

Monday Funday!

Today was a tad hectic at work - but I came home and Danny had already taken Issy to karate, so I started to make snack for the kids to have while they did their homework.  I whipped up some sweet cream, chopped some strawberries, apples, and bananas, mixed it all up and added some pecans, and we all sat at the table working on homework!

I did a load of laundry and we watched some tv.  Then we got ready for karate class....it was a good class - even enjoyed a fun game of dodgeball!! LOL

After class it was home for showers, prayers and bed!  I watched a few too many episodes of Duck Dynasty and went to bed Way too late!!!

Have a happy Tuesday!!!!!  Love ya more than cheese!!! :)

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

There are note enough words in the world to thank the dedicated men and women who serve our country by choice to ensure our freedom and our liberties.  Thank you to them for their time, their energy, their strength, and their support.

Thank you to their parents who endure the heartache and pain and fear of their children when they are gone.  Thank you to their spouses who hold down the fort and keep the home life going, who struggle with lonely nights, who endure the struggle of single parent life

Thank you to the retired veterans for the examples they set and the lessons they have taught us.  Thank you to everyone who has served this Amazing country...WE LOVE AND GREATLY APPRECIATE YOU!!!

Makaila posted this on her Instagram today and It made me very proud to know that she understands the sacrifices made by our family veterans!!

Thank you especially to our family of Veterans:

to Ernesto Limon - our retired Chief Naval officer who served over 20+ years in our United States Navy
To Martin Castaneda who has also served over 20+ years in our United States Navy
to Josh & Jeremy Castaneda who are still currently serving in our United States Navy
to Anthony Limon who is serving proudly in our United States Army
to Alexis DeLaFuente who is serving our great country in the Army
to Bear who just left to the Army this month!!!

THANK YOU ALL for your time, your service and your love, and the amazing example you have set for each of us!!  GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Weekend Rewind

Our weekend was fantabulous!!

It was filled with a whole butt load of nothing!!  I came home Friday afternoon and Danny had already made dinner!  We ate posole, Ernie came over to work on Danny's car which was acting up.  I cleaned up the kitchen and livingroom while Makaila tackled her bedroom and the restroom.  We cleaned for awhile - then just kinda quit to watch tv instead.  SJ came over to play with Issy and they made good use of the drums for awhile! LOL

 The mechanics were at it until almost midnight!  After much cursing and bad naming the Germans for making working on a Beetle close to impossible they called it quits.  Saturday morning I woke up a tad early and joined an old girlfriend for some breakfast.  We caught up on some stuff and then I came home to my babies.  Makaila made a batch of cookies from scratch - which were delicious, and then Nina and the kids and I all packed up and headed over to Kohl's for a little adventure.  We lasted about an hour and then we headed home for naps! LOL 

I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening making hairbows - which I haven't done in way too long!  It is so relaxing to me to sit there and just make something so pretty while thinking about absolutely nothing! I made so many I ran out of ribbon - which warranted a trip to Hobby Lobby!  We bought a few more rolls of ribbon, and then made a pit stop at Burlington (I was on the hunt for a particular kind of leggings - and as luck would have it - I FOUND THEM....I'll fill you in on the leggings in a later post!!)  I actually found a lot of stuff and so did Makaila!  We definitely overspent here...but we got some great stuff!!

I kept working on bows until about midnight and then headed to bed.  Sunday morning we woke up and the girls and I got ready for church. 

There was a special tent service at our church and the pastor came out to our church building site to give us the message this morning!! It was nice.  The girls and I served and did the greeting, and offering collection - and then after the services the girls helped hand out bumper stickers and wish people a good week.  I love love love seeing them be a part of something so good and positive! 

After service we took a tour of the progress on our new church building!  Everything is going great!!!  It seems very hopeful that we will be having our Christmas Eve service in our new church home!!! I am so excited to be a part of this and to see our church grow and reach so many people.  I love it. 

Our church service was about being the message.  Pastor Kerry talked about how excited he was for us to have this new building going up and having more control over the thermostat (We are currently in the high school and Sunday mornings are freezing in the auditorium).  But the message was to realize that the church is not a building - but a group of people who live out God's word.  It doesn't matter what religion you claim, or where you talk to God - we as a church family need to be active in giving, in sharing his word, in being his hands and feet!! 

Live your life as a reflection of the Lords word...treat people with kindness...give of what you have been blessed with....encourage others...make someone laugh....we have no idea what people deal with behind their closed doors, or what insecurities they hold, or what fears overwhelm them.....Love without barriers!! 

Smile at a stranger, laugh with a friend, hold hands with your partner, lay a blanket and have a picnic with your kids, pay for someones meal in a drive through.....make a difference!!!!!

After two services at church the girls and I headed home.  Uncle Fidel and Uncle Ernie were there and back at it on the bug!  They did a few more things and I finished up my bows!

At about 3 we headed to Grandma & Grandpa Limons to celebrate Tio Ernie's birthday!!  We hung out with family and had some good laughs and way too much to eat!! 

We came home after that and showers, prayers and bedtime for everyone!!!

It was nothing exciting, nothing planned and it was just a great weekend!!  Sometimes those are the best ones!!

Weekend Rewind

Hey there - Good morning!  Brace yourself for this weekend rewind - it's a doozy.  Go grab a cup of coffee and take a seat - you'll be here awhile!

Our weekend started out with some trick or treating with the neighbor kids on Thursday evening.  Our little Pagmill Point cuties looked adorable in their costumes:

The kids went around a few blocks - ran into a few friends and gather a ton of candy.  Issy's friend from class Sophia even came along with us...we discovered that she lives right around the block!!! 

Friday Morning Danny and I took the girls to school and headed to the airport - we went to LAS VEGAS!!!

Flight was good - we landed safely and checked into our hotel.  We stayed at the Hooters Hotel and Casino - we have stayed there before and really liked it.....not so much this time. 

We put our bags in Tony and Sammy's room and had lunch there in the hotel - the hotel is not that good anymore - but still the best Hooters I have ever eaten at. 

We walked over to the MGM to pick up our KA tickets and get the gambling started.  While I was in the gift shop waiting I got a text from our friend Tina about Makaila.  Unbeknown to me, something had happened at school early in the week and while I was in Vegas it started to unravel - I'll go into the details of this later. But I will say that it changed the mood of our trip completely.  I felt completely angry, confused, and just pissed.....and Danny was a tad irate - he was ready to hit something or someone - but from 3,000 miles away there wasn't much we could do.  I talked to Makaila to try to get some information and she was pretty worked up so I told her to write the statement the school requested and then put it behind her for the rest of the weekend.  She and Issy were doing the Katy Tournament and staying with Ceci and I didn't want her weekend ruined anymore than necessary!

We moved on in Vegas and walked around the strip for awhile checking out a few hotels, and then at 8 we went over to Treasure Island, had something to eat and then went into the Mystere Theatre to watch the Joy Koy Stand Up Comedy show we bought tickets to.  I was really excited.  I love Joy Koy (You may have seen his stand-up or his frequent visits to Chelsea Latelys panel).  The show was freakin hilarious!  We had a great time - the seats were outstanding and we really enjoyed it all. 

 

After the show we walked the strip and gambled in the different casinos until the wee morning hours.  It was alot of fun!  I set my alarm for 4:30 to be able to call the girls to wish them luck on their tournament....

We were out of our room by 8 am and back on the strip at it again.  We hit up a few landmarks - took tons of pictures and did tons of gambling.  Ceci was sweet and send us pics of the kids throughout the day!  There was a ton of fun going on back home too.

The kids  went to their Katy tournament and both placed!  Makaila won 2nd place in Forms which will give her 5 points toward her state championship title.  Isabella placed 3rd in one-steps!  We are so proud of our baby girls!  They were pretty happy to have had such a great cheer squad as well.  Ceci, Alec, Victoria, and Jason all came to cheer them on so that made it pretty exciting for them. 

Over the evening Isabella lost another tooth and was visited by the tooth fairy!  She loves the tooth fairy.  As you may have read here in the past - the tooth fairy is pretty awesome!  She even came by to Tia Ceci's to pick up her tooth!  And we got this awesome pic to celebrate as well:

The girls also attended Lucas's Minion themed birthday party which looked to have been pretty darn awesome!  Ceci sent us a few pics:

Back in Vegas we walked through a ton of really nice hotels took tons of pictures and gambled like crazy!  I even had to stop into a mall to buy me a new pair of shoes.  I had packed flats to be comfortable - but it turned out that they weren't all that comfortable afterall.  I ended up buying a pair of red Toms to wear the rest of the weekend and I also bought me a pair of black sequin shorts! 

At about 5 we headed back to our hotel to get ready for KA. 

 

 

We all got dressed up and walked over to the MGM for our show!  I was pretty excited to see it and everyone looked really nice:

After the show we headed back  to our rooms to change and then took a cab over to Freemont street.  It was a good time.  They had different bands playing old school 90's music and I was jammin.  I got a great daiquiri and we had a pretty good steak and lobster dinner.  We only stayed there for a little while because Sam was bothered by all the smoke and stuff, and was looking pretty unhappy.

We headed back to the strip and walked through a few hotels and gambled for the rest of the night again until we were too tired and headed back to our rooms. 

Sunday morning we took the bus over to the Riviera on the opposite side of the strip and walked the entire strip checking out different hotels, had breakfast at Tacos El Gordo (which was really good), and ended up gambling in the Excalibur, making a few friends and hitting some great hands in 3 Card poker and Crazy 4 Poker tables. 

Monday we did a little shopping and a tad more gambling and had some lunch (paid for with casino courtesy vouchers) then headed to the airport. I spoke to the school a few times and was anxious to get back home!!

The girls were with the neighbor Nina at this point and wouldn't you know it- Issy lost another tooth!!!  I'm really starting to worry how she will eat with so little hardware in there! LOL

We made it  home safely from a great trip.  We spent way more than planned but we had a good time and were ready to be back home. We picked up the girls from Nina and got them into bed!  I missed my little boogers!!

I came to work on Tuesday morning and did all the reports and updates that I needed to get done for our close.  I left early to go to the middle school to talk to the principle in person. 

Ok - here is basic breakdown.  Makaila's teacher put her hands around Makaila in a choking manner on Wednesday at school (which she failed to mention to me at all), Thursday Makaila tried to talk to her about it and understand why she had done it and expected an apology - however instead she was told by this teacher that no one saw her do it and Makaila could not prove it so it didn't matter what she said!  Wait - it gets better!!!!!!  This isn't even the most angering part! 

The next day Makaila takes it upon herself to write this teacher a letter (very well written and detailed I might add); letting her know that what she did was inappropriate and unacceptable, and that she was dissapointed in her as a teacher and as somone that she considered a friend that she wouldn't apologize for her actions but instead make her feel threatened and unsafe.  Makaila mentioned to her that as a mother and a teacher she should know better than to have done that and how would she feel if someone would have done that to her daughter.  She finished the letter in saying that she no longer felt any trust in her, and only wanted an apology but instead was even more hurt by her reaction and felt sick to her stomach at the sight of her knowing the true person she really was to have ignored her feelings and not apologized for what she had done. 

She gave the letter to this teacher in class before a test (watched her read it durring the test) then asked for it back when she turned her test in.  The teacher refused telling her she would give it to the counselor and have Makaila's schedule changed if that's how she felt.  Makaila left that class in tears to Tina (our friend who was subbing at the school).  She came back to that classroom in tears to get her belongings and was escorted to the principles office where the incident was finally reported. 

Makaila wrote out everything that happened in a statement over the weekend and on Monday several students were interviewed.  To no avail - turns out no one saw anything happen and the teacher was adamant that she didn't touch Makaila.  They changed Makaila's schedule and she is no longer in this particular teachers class.

I at this point am not angry at what the teacher did phsyically - becuase I have no doubt that it was done in a joking manner (which I understand is still no excuse becuase a teacher should know better than to put her hands on a student like that); but the part that pisses me off the most is that this woman broke Makaila's trust.  She made her feel unsafe and  unimportant.  She basically told this little girl that her word meant nothing and her feelings didn't matter!!! 

Makaila would not have made this up - if you know Makaila you know that she is not that type of person.  She can be dramatic at times but she is not a liar and she has a huge heart.  When I came to the school on Monday - it was to get more details on the events that took place and to give Makaila a voice.  Now I understand that that without any witnesses or proof they can't do anything abut it - but damnit she will be heard and she will be told that her word means something and it matters and most important that her feelings matter.

We spent a solid two hours in the principles office talking it over, crying and trying to uncover the truth.  Quite frankly - my main concern is Makaila knowing that I trust her and beleive her regardless of what can be proven or not.  For her to know that having another adult person who is supposed to be a techer and role model to make her feel that way is unacceptable and regardless of what that teacher or anyone tells her - her word matters.  Her feelings matter.  SHE MATTERS DAMNIT!!!!

It boils down to this - she was hurt by this persons actions and then made to feel like a liar and a fraud - her feelings were hurt and she was scared.  I was angry that I wasn't told immediately and that I wasn't there to support here. 

If you are a student who has been made to feel this way or have some crazy feeling that you don't matter or you are unimportant - STOP THINKING THAT WAY!!!  I don't care what some crazy teacher or student or anyone says to you - YOU MATTER.  The way people make you feel matters.  You are not unimportant!  YOU ARE IMPORTANT!  Most importantly - when you are in a situation with another person and they are an adult - get help...tell another adult.  Tell your parents.  We might be embarrasing or uncool, or whatever - but bottom line is that we love you and would do ANYTHING to make sure you are safe and protected.  There is no limit to what a parent would do for thier kids.  Me included - like I said it wasn't the physical act that pisses me off - it's that this person, this adult teacher no less bullied my baby.  She made her feel unsafe and unimportant, threathening her that her word was nothing.  People who use thier titles and authorites over others are pieces of trash!  For someone to clearly have hurt another person like that and have no remorse is just sad. I read Makailas letter to this teacher and my heart broke to know that she was so effected and so hurt - how could this teacher have read the ame note and not had a reaction; not feel bad???

It doesn't matter.  It's over and done - the lesson learned is tell your parents things that matter!  Let them help you.  Most importantly know that you and your feelings and your word matter.  You are important!!!

While we have had some amazing teachers over the years and love our school system - I am extremely disappointed by this event, and how it unfolded on both Makaila's part and the schools.  

If you are a parent reading this story today - talk to your kids.  Be involved in their school activities, and thier everyday.  I thought I was.  I check her grades constantly, talk to her about school every day and yet it still took 3 days for me to find out about this.  I don't know that I could have done anything different; but I sure wish I had known sooner.   Ther are some battles our kids need to fight alone - but this was not one of them!! 

My anger is diassapting and my concern now is only for Makaila to know and truly beleive in her worth as a person!  To know that she is important and she matters.  That I will ALWAYS be there for her and she can always trust me and tell me anything.  If you have a daughter or son - hug them today - kiss the top of thier head and let them know that they matter!  Love them in ways they will remember.  Remind them that they are special and loved and blessed!!!

It's in God's hands now  - Say a little prayer for us tonight.  Pray for this teacher, for the school, and the students at these schools.  Pray for safety, honesty, value and self worth.  Pray for my sanity too!! 

Have a great weeek!!! 

Loving you more than the chachinging on the slot machines!!!! AND I LOVE THAT SOUND!!!  - S