Weeks 14-18

I knew that I wanted to document Snowflake growing but have found it can be challenging. At first, Hubby seemed to think it was a little silly to take pictures when I appear to look the same. Many of the pictures are self photos with the camera's timer. I do not want bathroom mirror pictures because 1) I don't and 2) I don't want to clean my bathroom. :) It has also been tricky because after a day with 20 5 and 6-year olds, I am tired and look like crap and Hubby leaves when I am waking up. Good thing we have a few more weeks to try and master this picture taking schedule.


I have convinced Hubby to be my photographer but I seem to only get 2-3 shots out of him. We just have to cross our fingers that one of the pictures turn out.


Week 14 (January 11) is the first official picture. It was taken by me and the camera's timer. Excuse the scary-ness of it.

Week 15 (January 18) is the first Hubby taken picture. The one of just me did not turn out, so Big Sister Tobie gets to make a belly picture debut. This is also the day that everyone (except my students) found out. Whether they found out from a personal phone call/face to face from me or a grandparent or they read the big news on facebook. There were no more secrets... except to my students.

Week 16 (January 25) was super busy at school. This is the only picture I have and it is from 80's day. Cute, huh?! This week is also when Hubby made a schedule. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday... Snowflake is a girl. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday... Snowflake is a boy. On Sunday, Snowflake is whichever gender pops out his mouth. I do not follow this schedule which makes Hubby irritated. For example, if it is a Monday, he will ask what "she feels like for dinner?" I respond with, "It doesn't care." Then Hubby says, "SHE must feel like something." This sort of conversation happens at least twice a week

Week 17 (February 1), we were back to the timer on the camera. 

Hubby took this Week 18 (February 8) photo. He was a real trooper too! He went to work for an hour or so and then came back home just to take the picture since I had conferences until 7 p.m. 

However, isn't this one so much cuter?! I thought so too! And look at that adorable Valentine garland I made off of pinterest! Thanks Jade!

 (This is me trying to back track the last few weeks. I will be better about documenting. I will be better about documenting. I will be better about documenting. I will be better about documenting......)

Pinterest Projects

There is a little website called pinterest. It is a website full of fun ideas, recipes, craft projects, school ideas, fashion, exercise tips and more. Many are addicted to it. I was very nervous about joining it for fear of being sucked in. Fortunately, I have not been completely sucked in.

One Sunday afternoon, I went to my friend Jade’s house to make some pinterest projects. She had a few Valentine decorations she wanted to make and it was fun to get together just to be crafty. It was sort of like being in the sorority all over again. My main project was to make a Valentine card for my students. Here is the finished project.

Jade talked me into making a Valentine garland too! It is just paper hearts on a string. It took a whole 10 minutes to string the hearts on the thread.

Sh!t I Hear in the Teacher's Lounge

There is now a sister post to Crazy Stuff my Pa says...

Sh!t I Hear in the Teacher's Lounge. Literally. It needed that name.

While dining on my Hub made turkey sandwich, two of the ladies at school are talking about their "poop pills". To maintain privacy, I will not reveal their names (though they probably wouldn't care since they were openly talking about it in the lounge).

"Why make mush if you won't get it out?!" -this was said in regards to taking a stool softner that doesn't contain laxatives.

Another teacher and I were then schooled on what happens when you get older and how some parts slow down thier functioning so you need to help them out. Needless to say, it was very.... educational?

I know, I know, this one was short! But I knew that if I didn't get something on here my Pa would be calling me out on it. ;)

Back to the Grind

Christmas break is officially over. I returned to school to kids that missed me. I had a conversation with one student that went like this:

Kid- I know you went to a game. Where was it?

Me- It was in Arizona.

Kid-Well, did you win your game?

Me- Yes, I did (as if I actually got on the field and won it).

Kid, who was joined by others- YAY!!!

It was sweet! That is a perk to my job, my students love me and miss me when I am gone.

On our way home from the airport, I texted my longtime friend, Holly. I simply sent her the picture of Tobie in her Big Sister shirt and just waited for her to call me. It only took about 4 minutes. She said she was putting her little boy down, praying for us, when she came out to find the picture. She too was told that she couldn’t tell anyone until later.

Wednesday night, after picking up Tobie, we went to Hideaway Pizza to meet some of our friends for dinner. Cody and Jessica were in town from Ohio with their baby, Caroline. It was a nice evening of catching up. They were also let in on the secret. I was also finally able to Skype with my niece to tell her too.

It made me all nervous to start telling people our joyous news for fear that it would spread like wildfire. Luckily, we have very trusting friends who continued to keep our secret until January 18th.

On Wednesday, January 18th, at 15 weeks, the big day had arrived for the grandparents. They were given the all clear to tell their friends and whoever else they wanted to share the news with. MIL was so excited to have her girls night while my Dad was able to tell all of his friends during choir practice.

I called my longtime friend (like since I was a baby), Jennifer, to tell her too. I told her she would 'need to expect a little snow in the middle of July,' she said, "Wait, what?" So I told her again and gave her a chance to think about it and then she shared it a few times with her husband. Then, she let me talk to my 7 year old godson, Gabe. I didn't want to just jump into it with him so I asked how church was that night and what he was up to, 'it was good. I am playing a video game.... (I have no idea what game but he talked to me about for a little bit).' Then said, "Can you come over this weekend?" He was asking because my Dad had dropped their Christmas presents off and Jennifer was having them (Gabe and his brother Eli) wait to see if we would show back up in town. I told him I would talk to Preston and let him know. "Okay. Love you bye." Before he gives the phone back I tried to get his attention so I could tell him but his game must have been calling. Jennifer said, "What did Miss Jennie say?" "She told me she would talk to Preston." "And what else." At this point, I said real loud, "I didn't get to tell him!" So she puts him back on the phone. I said, "Gabe, Preston and I have a surprise. We are going to have a baby." After a little pause he said, "That is a surprise! I had no idea! My friend is having a baby on Leap Year." I think he was picturing his friend's mom and thinking, Jennie didn't look like that last time I saw her. I told him it would be here in July so we still had a little time and then he asked, "Is it a girl or boy?" I told him we didn't know yet and asked what he would want... "We need a girl. We just have baby Payton and she lives far away."

His reaction was really cute and Jennifer told me she wished she had video taped him. She said he had a joker like smile and then got a real excited look on his face. After talking to them, I called Kathy (Jennifer's mom, who was also one of my mom's good friends) too. She was also excited to hear the good news.

It was also made facebook public with a status update:
"The extended forecast calls for a little snow to arrive in July."
This was followed by overwhelming congratulations from friends and family.

Matt Lemon ‎:) to you and Preston Snow!! Actually a double :) :)



Sarah Gareis Launchbaugh No way!!!! Congrats:). That's wonderful news!!



Heather Horton Woo hoo!!! A little bundle of snow!! I can't wait to meet her! (or him) I love you too sooo much!!!!!


Heather Horton Oops Two...I'm just do excited!!!


Jennifer Bollinger Powers We are so excited for you guys!! Hope you are feeling well.


Jennifer Bollinger Powers I like that facebook told me "with Preston Snow".


Katie Campbell Congratulations! You will be such wonderful parents!


Tessa Beaulieu Congrats!!!! I'm so happy for you!


Mandy Newell Kinser How exciting!!! Congratulations!


Kendall LeFlore Can't wait to meet the little Snowflake :)


Nicci Jo Brose What?! Are you serious!?!?? Oh my gosh!!!! Really?!?!? Yay!!!!! Oh I'm so excited! I have been waiting for this news for FOREVER!!!! Wait, this isn't a joke, right? You are for reals! Oh snowball!!!! You are going to be such a good mommy!!! Oh I'm so excited! Oh I have to go tell my hubby! He will be so excited too! I really hope this isn't a joke! Lol! Oh, yay!!!!!!!!


Terri Hannah Sears We haven't had a baby at a tailgate party in a long time. So, so happy for you guys!


Melissa Comer Congratulations!!! That is so exciting ;-)


Jennifer Liggett So super excited. We'll go w Gabe n say a girl!!!


James Hudson That's cute, A LITTLE SNOW he he he or she she she


Michelle Doss I am sooooo excited. Congratulations!!!!


Sally Bauer Congratulations Jennie and Preston!! Exciting!!


Amanda Gillham North OMG!!! So exciting!!! Congrats you two!!!! BTW I love how you worded that. It took me a sec to figure it out. lol ;)


Karrie Wray Congrats!!!! That's so exciting! So happy for y'all! Clever way to announce.


Mary Ives Cooper Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!
Jana Coatney SHUT UP! :oD Congratulations! You guys will be the BEST parents! Eeeee!


Missy Joy Protas I can finally say it without getting in trouble, Jennie's preggo!!! :) love you guys!!


Susan Brackey Kubes OMG! What? Congratulations to you both! So excited for you guys.


Courtney Allen So so so so excited!!!


Kristen Cisco Haha love the way you said that!! Congrats !!!


Elizabeth Taylor Oh my gosh!!!! Yeah!!!!! Congratulations!!!


Erin Beeson Lester Jennie!! What great news! Congrats to you all! Tobi must be thrilled!


Erin Weisz Whaaaaaaat!? Yay!! Congratulations!


Heather Haffner YAY!!!!!!!!! I have been waiting to hear this!!!!Congratulations!!! :)


Melissa Guinn Kahle Congrats Snow!! We're so excited for you!!! Yay!!!


Rachel White Nolen I had a feeling!!!!! Yay congrats you two!!!


Carrie Corley Walling Congrats to you both!!! So exciting!


Rachel Barnhart Congratulations!!!!
Michelle Brandt-Livesay Congrats!!! So exciting!
Nancy Koelling Bollinger That must have been what put Jimmy in the hospital when you told him! He was overcome with joy!! congratulations Mama Jenny!! Another baby to spoil!!


Kevin Ta Congratulaions!!!!
Derek Reeves congradulations
Amber Stafford-Alexander Congrats! You are going to have a wonderful blessing!
Clint Shankle That little snow will be a blizzard in no time. ;) Congrats!


Jenny Webster Congratulations!!! So happy for both of you!!


Tiffany Campbell OMG that is so awesome....congrats I'm so happy for you!! Can't wait!!


Troy Balenti Congratulations from the Balentis
Jennifer Hula Feather How exciting, congrats!!!
Russell Edington Awesome!!!


Courtney Terlip Breeding Congrats!!
Evelyn Jones Awesome!
Priscilla Snow Congrats! Love you guys!
Margaret Chambers Wow! Exciting news! I'm so happy for you and your husband!! Congratulations!!!!!
Shannon Balenti yeah!!!!!!! I secretly hope its a girl :)


Jessie-Marie 'Brown' Wasson Awesome! In order for this to have happened, I guess Preston's beard wasn't too revolting to you... :)
Harlan Ross um...maybe the most adorable way to announce a baby...ever. =) congrats on you new Snow!
 
Haylee 'Butler' Winsett Omg Jennie!!!! Not gonna lie, it took me a couple seconds to "get it!" I really thought the weather pattern was changing since its 70* in January ;-) Lol!!! I'm so happy for a little SNOW in July!! Congrats:-)

Katie Sattre OMG! I didn't get it until Haylee said something! Such a cute way to announce it! CONGRATS!

Natalie Garrett YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is so exciting!!!!!!!!! I am SO happy for you guys!

Julie Heerwagen Congrats to you guys!!! Yeah!!!!!

Meredith Jones Congratulations Jennie and Preston! Just seems like yesterday we were hangin' out in the "Office". I am so happy for your guys.

Jill Linn Congrats! I'm so happy for you and Preston.

Facebook also allows for people to like a status. There were a few friends from all walks of life that liked it too...
Emily Fritts

 Alexandria Castellanos
 Natalie Garrett
 Michelle Doss
 Jaime Lee
 Kerry Fox
 Sarah Garrison Majors
 Jade Chapman Finney
Claudia Klimas Paden
 Kathy Haworth
 Allison Miles
Travis Splawn
 Leigh Ann Gillham
 Priscilla Snow
Regina Hoffman Chace
Dana Freudenberger
 Ryan Snow
 Francine Dalton
 Christen Rogers
 Amanda Gillham North
 Lindsey Blubaugh
Jana Coatney
 Liz Cromwell
Hanna Hubbs
 Stacy Whited
Brandolyn Henderson
 Brian Eakin
 Katie Brown Hill
Jade Beck
Nicole Lynne Schreiber
 Rashun Miller
 Jason Powers
 Harlan Ross
Amanda Todd
 Andrea Bonnett
Sara Chown
 Samantha Kessler
Jackie Lease
 Kari Duvall
Stephanie Powell
 Jolene Burdg Gray
 Melissa Comer
Amy Halliburton Tate
 Mandy Smith Davis
Ashley Fanning
Katie Callaghan Wingfield
 Courtney Allen
 Michelle A. Benish
 Tiffany Hill
 Torri Stell
 Adrienne Wright
 Jennifer Bollinger Powers
 Joanie Mullins
Kerri Protas Fulks
 Kelsey Johnston Nuckolls
 Denise Paez
 Joseph Coatney
 Courtney McMahan Parks
Andy Karlin
 Nathan Campbell
Heath Melrose
 Hollie Gattis Koehn
 Elizabeth 'Crawford' Field
 Carolyn Meadows
Ashley Kerr 
 Holly Barron
 Russell Edington
Michelle Taggart Colopy
Ashley Emmerson
Casey Struttmann
 Jennie Matlock
 Chelsea McIlwee
 Gentry Squires
Jim Snow
Rachel Barnhart
Kendall LeFlore

I know it seems silly to list all of this but I want Baby Snowflake to know it was loved from the minute people found out. Seeing all of the kind words reminds me how lucky I am to have such great people in my life.

Christmas Break Adventures- part 4

Christmas Break Adventures- part 4 which is Part 3 of Fiesta!

We headed in to the stadium in time to make a pit stop and get to our seats. Well, we thought we left enough time. University of Phoenix Stadium is ridiculous. We followed the sign to our section but when we got to a certain place, we didn't have the right tickets to proceed through there. We ended up having to walk around the entire thing to get to our seats. It was crazy. We still made it in time for all the pregame festivities.

Boone getting settled into his seat

Boone was very excited to be there and see his Cowboys in action!

Hubby is so addicted to his phone. He was all about posting and checking in while we were gone.

There's my Boo!

 After seeing the interesting band uniforms for Stanford, I was eager to actually see them perform. Until about 30 seconds into their ‘pregame show,’ where they literally ran chaotically onto the field in every which direction and then claimed to not know much about Oklahoma so they ‘researched’ the state song. Their band proceeded to make fun of Oklahomans and our state song, wondering what woman would want to be called a sticky lamb chop while watching birds in the sky. While their announcer was saying his bit, the band ran around like fools and then went back to a ‘position’ where they appeared to spell nothing. For example, our band made a fleur de lis, maybe saying we should have been in New Orleans instead? Theirs… was just random.

I would say 90 seconds into their time Oklahoma State fans got fed up and started booing until they left the field. I couldn’t tell you what the announcer kept saying because I couldn’t hear him over the loud boos.

The giant flag for the National Anthem. They even had a Bald Eagle fly from one side to the other.

"You tell 'em I'm coming and Hell's coming with me!"

Look at all that Orange Power!

The game was quite back and forth most of the time. Meaning, it seemed like our team didn't totally show up to win it, then they would turn a little fire on and then off again. I started thinking, it sure would suck to pay all this money to come out here and watch us lose. But thanks to the Stanford kicker's 3 missed field goals and some O-State defense, we were able to pull out a win in overtime! Below are pictures of the celebration and awards presentation. Keep in mind that 75% of this time, the retarded Stanford band was playing 'music' (if you could call it that). How rude. You lost, pack your stuff and head home.

Coach Gundy presented the golden Fiesta Bowl football to Kurt Budke's wife. He passed away in  a plane crash in November. It was sweet that she was the first person he wanted to be up on the podium with him.

Boone met  a new friend while we were there. Unfortunately, he was down a foot and his owner's seemed to have no clue about it even when I said, "Oh no! Your gnome is missing a foot!" A few minutes later, I heard the wife ask the husband, "what happened to his foot?"

Boone's gnome friend--- not sure how much of the game he saw with his eyes under hit hat :)

Boone took a picture with the giant W for our big, fat win in Phoenix!

 I chatted with my Dad after the game was over just to let him know that we survived and would be heading back to our hotel when traffic died down. At this time, I also found out that the in-laws had not shared the Tobie as they promised they would do. I assured my Dad I was taking mental notes for when Snowflake arrives in July. :) After going back to our hotel, we went to In-N-Out for a night cap. While there we saw Pimpstol Pete and his friend just regular old Pistol Pete. They were quite the hit for the burger joint that was full of OSU fans.

This is the morning after. We drove through Chick-Fil-A before heading to the airport. Remember how I said it was right next door? That white car is in the parking lot of our hotel. I meant RIGHT. NEXT. DOOR. Unfortunately, I threw my chicken biscuit and lemonade away at the airport without eating any of it. Dang morning/motion sickness.

Boone had to take pictures with cacti at the airport. We saw them in Phoenix but it was while we were on the bus ride to the Car Rental Center. Better than none at all...

It is a Boone size desert in the airport giftshop!

Being that we are back at the airport, that means we are headed home! By the way, our flight home... was Phoenix to Detroit and then Detroit to Tulsa. I was tempted to ask for a parachute and jump out while we were over Oklahoma. Instead, I spent most of the what seemed like endless flight sleeping between two girls. Hubby on the other hand, sat 2 rows in front of me in between an older gentleman and a linebacker (?) from the Stanford team. He was going home to the Detroit area before having to return back from classes. He told Hubby that the kicker felt terrible and he probably wouldn't talk to him for a little while when they did return.

It was a nice trip but I was ready to be back home, unfortunately, my pup wasn't going to be there until we met half way Wednesday night to pick her up.

I was glad to have her back and she was glad to have me back!

Christmas Break Adventures- part 3

Christmas Break Adventures- part 3 which is Part 2 of Fiesta!

We got up and ate breakfast at our hotel. Did I ever mention Chick-Fil-A was RIGHT NEXT DOOR?! Well, you know I am not totally feeling well when I turn down a chicken biscuit for a hotel's continental breakfast of a waffle and yogurt. After breakfast, we head back to our room to actually get dressed and head out.

Lunch was next on the agenda so we head to The Tilted Kilt. His other suggestion was Hooters. Woah. I am not sure if Hubby planned it but it was an interesting place. ;) The servers were wearing tiny kilts, knee high socks and a red plaid bra that conveniently showed under their tied up shirt. To top it off, our waitress was covered in glitter. Besides the workers, I was one of 2 girls in there when we sat down.

Our waitress was not as busty as this picture but she was definitely more glittery!

 After eating, we walked to the gas station to get some beverages before heading to the game.

Beer Heaven

in the cold beer cave

Palm trees everywhere!

 A quick photo shoot in the hotel garden area since it was 80 degrees! How nice! I didn't even think to take a swimsuit. :(

At our hotel pool area

It's a Boone size palm tree!

Look! Preston and I did go together, not just him and Boone!

And then we were off! It was officially time to head towards the game! We opted to follow the directions our hotel people gave us, take the highway and avoid the hood.

Driving the Focus like he stole it!



above that white suburban and to the left is the first shot of the stadium

The official parking pass

 We wandered around [the whole stadium] checking everything out. There were several different giant bags of Tostitos around so you know Boone just couldn't resist taking a picture. He's down there, I promise.

It was SO lovely outside!!! I even ended up rolling up my pant legs!

Some giant Outlaw cooker

 After we made our way around the huge thing, we found our way to my Bunco friend, Rachel, and her family, who were tailgating about 6 rows in front of our little Focus. They were kind enough to host us for the day.

And it turns out, they picked a perfect spot for photo opportunities!

Wait a minute.... how'd he get in there?! Back off ladies, he's going to be a Daddy.

These people were in charge of making sure the Spirit Squad was where they should be on time. They were quite nice.

This was the start of the Stanford band. That is their guy drum major dressed as Hello Kitty... {At this time, we still thought they were unique and entertaining. Boy how things changed by the end of the night.}

This will have to be the end of this part. Come back later for Game Time!