Our falls are especially packed as, in addition to Halloween and Thanksgiving, we celebrate a household of birthdays. Mine in mid-October (skipped this year due to my dad's retirement, though well worth the great time we had!), and Steve and Reed's ten days apart in early November. All in under a month!

I put together another "Smilebox" that combines Reed's Halloween and birthday. I loved these special days especially this year as I feel he is now "getting it". We read Halloween books as well as birthday-themed reads, discussing the routines and rituals of each beforehand. It's fun teaching Kindergarten this year, too, because I teach him all the songs and poems that I teach my class.

We had several costume options for Halloween, but ended up going with the least constrictive one as R's a finicky one! The fireman costume consisted of boots and a coat, two things he enjoys wearing daily so easy to trick him into wearing :). Plus, he's more than into the fireman/firetruck/firehouse/hose/fireman dog/ladder- you get the idea- thing as of late too. We had three trick-or-treating type of events, the first just the two of us at the Children's Museum as I was on fall break. He loved it! On Halloween day, we went to "Boo at the Zoo" as a family, with our friends The Brooks'. That night, we did the traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating with the girls next door, Kennedy and Chandler, who Reed adores! He was in awe of all the costumed kids and it was awesome to be a part of his wonder.

Next up was his Cookie Monster themed party. We didn't have the big bash that we did last year for his 1st, just a handful of kids that he knows well and plays often with, as well as my parents and his nanny, Jessica. Reed talked about his birthday several days beforehand, often confused when we'd sing to him like at a family dinner we had one night as well as on his actual day, he'd ask "where's the party", or demand "birthday cake?!", he knew what a birthday entailed and wasn't going to be short-changed!

And, so, here's a Smilebox o' smiles from Reed's great month. More happiness to come with our Havenar Thanskgiving (14 cousins= craziness and fun!) and Christmas in South Dakota yet ahead!

Happy Birthday TWO Reed!!!

Happy birthday TWO you, Reed-O!!!
(above pics are "through the years" :))
Reed turned two on November 12th and it is amazing how the last two years flew by, yet it is hard to remember life without him as if it were long, long ago. Funny how that contradiction just seemingly makes sense as a parent!

Though two, Reed is "going on ten", or at least three...he told a lady at the store that he was three when asked recently ;). He is very deliberate, inquisitive, verbal, strong, and independent...the combo of some of these characteristics make for some unbelievable fits o' rage ;)! On the flip side, he remains very cuddly which I savor every second of! Hugs, snuggles, and head resting all allowed, but not kisses..."Ow, that HURT!" is now what we get when we dare to sneak in a smooch!

Our celebration for Reed this year was not the big bash that we had last year, but a great gathering nonetheless. He was excited and seemingly awkward at the attention, not knowing quite what to do with himself as guests arrived. He rolled around and made weird sounds when his first friends came- way to "be cool", Reed! The party's theme was Cookie Monster, and he wore a cookie shirt, I made a cookie monster cake, and the favors and house were "cookied out" as much as possible (the teacher in me :)).

Having had the flu shot, Reed knew all about the process of vacinations at his two year appointment. He only had to have the H1N1 shot at his check-up, but he freaked out at everything that came before it, probably shouldn't have prepared him/talked up the appointment beforehand as much as I did. His fear-struck tantrums when poor nurse and doc tried to listen to his heart, check his ears, measure his length and get his weight made for an unnessesary drawn out appointment! He remains 99%tile for height, and 50%tile for weight...just like his mama was growing up (though the weight part caught up a bit in my later years, ha!). We followed up the appointment with a family outting to Red Robin for the birthday song and some great grub, just like last year...maybe a 'tradtion' now, know it's one I wouldn't object to!

Looking forward to another great year with our one-of-a-kind, fabulous son. We are so blessed to have him in our lives, each day a new adventure!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

What a Weekend!

There are no words to describe the awesomeness of the past weekend. As most of you know (especially if you are a facebook or twitter friend of mine!), we celebrated my dad's retirement and an unbelievable time it was.

Schedule of weekend events included:
Thursday afternoon- SHOUT OUT to my dad on ESPN's "PTI"/Pardon the Interruption

Friday- Football/Athletic Department Luncheon, AF Academy tour of new athletic facilities (for older alums who had yet to see them) led by my dad, casual dinner out where ex-players already in town were able to tell stories about my dad and catch up before the big night

Saturday- alum tennis tournament, a huge success and fun for all!, football game, and the big dinner at the press box that night. Didn't see many who weren't brought to tears and/or laughter throughout the evening!

Sunday- brunch back at the Gugat home, farewell to those who attended and dinner that night for those still in town

Monday- casual lunch at the golf course for a few remaining close family and friend of my dad's

All of this made for a busy weekend but, well worth it to understate thing. My sisters and I are so thankful that the heartfelt dedication from many that went into putting this special time together. Such effort and generosity gave way to memories that will go unmatched to any that we, or most importantly our wonderful father, will have.

Saturday started with a bang as the ex-players brought a tear (or two or more) to my dad's eye through the eagerness, excitement, and loving energy that they brought to the courts that morning. Players ranging from the class of '72 to current paired up for a doubles tournament unlike any that the great Academy tennis facilities have ever seen.

Later that night, every speaker amazed us with their out-pour of emotion and shared love for our dad. All in attendance were touched, the room a combination of uncontrolled tears and hearty laughter throughout the entire program. About 250 attended, and many who wanted to be there but could not, sent sentiments of sincerity that, too, were moving.

My dad was honored because of his success as a winning coach (the winningest in AFA history, btw!) and for his great contributions to the Academy's Athletics and school as a whole. We are extremely proud of this. More so, though, we are proud of him as a person. I truly know no other better being than my dad. And what a lucky thing that is.

I left last weekend saddened, a bit depressed to be honest, that his "era" at the Academy is ending. But, I also smile quickly when thinking about what a legendary and awesome era that was. Also smiling because, with this new found retirement thing on his hands, we have my dad that much more to ourselves. Let the good times roll...

We love you, Dad/"Coach". I can speak for so, so many when I simply say, "Thank you for being you".

Whatta WEEKEND!!!!

Back-to-School/Greener Grass

Billy Madison's ditty says it best, and I always have it in my head when August arrives as that's "THE month" that we all head back to school, with some excitement but also with reluctant dragging of heals.

Having left the only school I have ever taught at and known behind, and for nine years at that, it was unsettling to "learn the ropes" again, so to speak. I am not only in a new school, but also a new district and grade-level as well. My old district consisted of six elementary schools, whereas my new district has, oh, roughly sixty-five. I taught intermediate grade-levels in my former days and now have a handful of 5-year olds, some still four. Parent involvement used to be extremely minimal, now I have a parent who organizes the many volunteering parents in a schedule for me...wow! I love both of these very different worlds for varying reasons.

What I will miss about my 'old world' is the dear, close friends that share so many "glory days" memories with me, hilarous never-to-be-topped student/community/parent/staff tales that never cease to crack us up still. Trips to Vegas, late nights in Denver, scandelous gossip :). These friends were there for me in hard times...September 11th, 2001 was my first month teaching, tears were also shed during my "final" break-up with Steve (luckily not-so-final :)), and later, my miscarriage. These same friends were very influencial to me in both my professional teaching life and my personal life, you know...the kind of people that make you strive to be a better person. Spending my days with these people, seeing them as many, or more, hours in the week as I do my own family...is something I will miss. But, they are not why I moved on...

Sadly, the leadership in my building changed and so did some of the staff. While some of this was needed and initially a good thing, or so I thought, it turned ugly. It amazes me how one poisneous person can negatively effect an entire staff. Personal vendedas, threats behind closed doors, extreme and unpreditable highs and lows, etc., took a toll on many who worked there, and I had to ask myself why I was even a part of this environment anymore? Take it or leave it? Bite the bullet or dodge it? So, I decided to seek greener grass before being completely sucked into the dark cloud that was expanding over our building. Fortunatley, the stars aligned perfectly and, as dramatic as it may sound, I feel like I was kind of saved in a way.

My new school couldn't be a happier place. Integrity, morale, support, positive feedback, and just all-around decency (note to self, employees and employers: such character traits and virtues WORK in the workplace :)). BTW, my perspective is not just from a new, ignorace-is-bliss, naive point of view. Believe me, I did my homework/P.I. work before making the big leap! While the complete newness of my job brings daily challenges, the happiness and comfort I feel each day in my surroundings is well worth the change. Breathing easier these days and smiling because of it. Change is GOOD...you may remember from earlier blogs that I am one who has to often remind myself of that :).

So, here's to the pursuit of happiness (good movie, btw :)), and, hopefully, a year of Kindergarten bliss!

p.s. Pics are of my new room, Reed my setting-up helper...he found the loft right away..."LADDDDER!", and my school. Happy Back-to-School to all!

Thanks, Texas Havenars!!!

A big thanks to our Texas family for sharing their lake house with us YET AGAIN. We feel so thankful to have this relaxing escape awaiting each time we decide to head down there, whether it be a planned-in-advanced getaway or late-notice request!

This marks Reed's first visit to the lake house, though I suppose being the the womb a few 4th of Julys ago may count a tiny bit. He more than loved his time there (despite fits of rage when not allowed to jump overboard into the "WAAAAAATER!!!"). Cousin Scott showed him the wake-boarding ropes surely in his future, Cousin Ben provided many creatures to study- snails, grasshoppers, crickets in the baby pool and the like. And Cousin Anna was the perfect match of wills for His Highness, too-those two were quite a competitive pair, but can both get by with their ways due to extreme cuteness ;).

Dave provided "humor" per usual, Leigh her excellent hostess skills, and 'Papa Doc' and Nana Anelle much generosity and patience for letting us, even more Havenars, add to the mix. What a perfect way to cap of a wonderful summer!

See "ya'll" next year ;)!