So I haven't updated in a long while.  Nothing too much going on in my life.  I'm still enjoying my summer vacation.  It's been nice and relaxing yet I really haven't done anything too big.  I was still in school in June.  My last class was June 30th! So excited for that.  Didn't have to met on Thursdays for 4 hours anymore.  Sad to not see my classmates but still excited I'm done with my Masters.  My job starts August 23rd.  Less than a month away.  I really hope to get a pay raise for going back to school.  I also hope to continue my education and maybe get another degree.  Yes crazy, don't want my PhD but I would love to have my options open in the education field. 

The kids are doing great.  They're all set for school.  I got them everything they needed for school except basic needs like socks, underwear, clothes, and shoes.  They're still growing so I don't want to get too much. Chloe and Carter have pretty much just been home with me.  We occasionally go on bike rides by the lake, go outside to play, or just bum around at home (which is what we do most of the time).  We've gone to Pollock Pool and camping the year.  Still plan on taking the kids to go cash their "money" they've saved up and take them to go buy a toy.  They actually have over 50 bucks between the two of them.  I also wanted to take them to Funset, Monkey Joes, and Chuck E Cheese too.  But we'll see.  Chloe is very excited for school.  I think she enjoys have structure in her day.  Carter, I'm not sure what's going through that kid's head sometimes.  He knows some stuff but otherwise, he doesn't seem to interested.  We've been telling him he's going to go to school so we'll see what happens. 

Also for the last 3 weeks I've been dieting or trying.  I am exercising twice a day. I also have been trying to eat smaller portions.  Example, yesterday I had pho and I ate only as much as Chloe.  I even gave Chloe the bigger bowl of noodles. ( Which she ate it all) lol... I also tried to add more veggies like bead sprouts, cilantro, and onions.  I've lost 5lbs in the last 3 weeks so that's good.  Although not what I want because I want a quick fix but this is the healthy way to go.  I'm just hoping with all this exercising I'll be able to fit in my "skinny" jeans. So hopefully..... 

Other than that, I haven't done much.  I told Chi I really wanted to go to Packer Family Night.  I mean for 10 bucks that's cheap.  Also we'd get pretty decent seats.  But we'll see.  Also wanted to take the kids to the Madison Zoo because it's free.  But that's on hold too.  Also want to go shopping at Gurnees.  Believe it or not I haven't been there since March.  I know, amazing huh. Lol... well we shall see what happens.  

Happy Wednesday! =) Week is flying by.... God Bless

It's been a while since I've last blogged. Honestly I still live the same life.  It's a good life though so no complaints here.  Work has been well. I really do feel I work at a good place.  Although my boss is a control person, she does mean well. Other than that, things are coming down to the last few weeks.  Technically we only have 6 weeks but to me, it's actually 5 because the last week of school doesn't count.  Because we have so many things such a field trips, carnival day for the kids, park day, cleaning desk, yearbook signing, 5th grade recognition, and staff retirement.  I feel I have so much to still teach these kids, I'm kinda feeling "ugh" right now.  Because it's crazy because next week is May. Although at times I feel like things drag, things honestly move a lot faster for me than it does for the students.  

So Chloe is almost done with Kinder.  I can't believe she'll be in 1st grade next year.  She's doing pretty well I must say.  She's not at the top of her class but she is moving along with her reading.  I think she's smart and she's just where she needs to be.  I know some parents have genius but I want her to be smart but still have common sense too.  Sometimes I think common sense comes more handy but we'll see how she develops.  Just to say too she has 7 cavities. I couldn't believe it.  But she goes in for the next 3 Mondays and gets them filled.  Ay ya yi. lol... She's doing good.  She really wants a dog or cat.  Today on the board she wrote "I love my mommy and daddy and dog and cat." I'm like we don't have a dog or cat.  She goes we'll when I turn 7 thats what I want.  She also told me she wants to be a dancer and singer.  I was like I thought she wanted to be a vet? lol... that girl is full of surprises.  And she sure is growing up.  How time does fly by. 

Carter on the other hand does not know his ABC or his 123.  Yea, horrible parent.  But let me tell you this, he knows his ipod and wii. lol.. horrible again, yes I know.  I must say he has a lot of street smarts.  He understands things quickly.  I honestly think he's going to get into trouble at school because he'll be a class clown.  He likes to smile and joke around A LOT! But he's such a goofy kid.  Don't worry though, I really am going to try to teach him.  I think he'll get it.  He is excited for school too.  I'm not worry........................ yet. 

My class is... welll.... class.  I mean I'm working on my paper.  Still unmotivated.  It's  hard.  Professor kinda sucks.  But's its crunch time and I have 3 weeks to get it sent to my professor and to our "reader" (person who just reads our paper and edit it also). I really am going to try to stay on top of things. I really do need to start busting my butt on this paper.  Yea, I'll do it tomorrow night. 

We went down to Arky Land.  It was fun, busy but fun.  Felt very loved by everyone down there, even their church.  Very giving people.  I think my inlaws have found a really good church to be with.  Just what they need too.  

Still trying to lose weight.  Feel good running. Well technically it's probably more jogging than running but still, feeling the sweat and burn. lol.. 

Anyways I hope everyone is doing well.  Everyone should take a few minutes to update about life.  I miss xanga and reading everyone's blog. 

2010

1. Started my Grad Program- just to think I"ll be done this year 2011 in August! Cannot wait.

2. Chloe was in pre-school, now this year in September she's full time kindergardener! And she's at my school.

3. Carter was horrible 3's.  But now he's gone from bad to good.  And he got to stay down by mom n dad.  And his talking is so much better and clearer. 

4. Chi- his car drowned, his knee got injuried, he shot his buck, what an exciting year for him.. or us.. lol

5. Kalia n Jade were here over the summer- mini-graduation for them, hung out, fun times...

6. Arky Land- We were there 3 times this year.  And 2 times was the WHOLE family! That hasn't happened in years I swear.  Good times Good times.  Although best time was during Thanksgiving! It was AWESOME! 

7. Milwaukee Zoo- fun taking the kids.  Too bad Xue doesn't work at the bank anymore.  Now we'll have to pay full price.. lol.... 

8. Family Time- random bike rides, days at the park, Milwaukee Day, sledding, I have to admit, we did a lot of family things this year.  I think this is one reasons why we are so content with 2 babies.  We can now take them to do things with them.  Although I told Xue last night, its scary, if we buy a house in the next 5-10 years Chloe will almost be 16 years old! ekkkkkkkkskkkkkkskkkksk... 

9. Paper- okay this was half my year because it's been since summer and I just finally finished it the other day.  Just had to sit down and do it.  

10. MN trip with the girls- was that this year? I can't remember... ahahahha... Its funny how we still talk about it... hehehe.. good times... 

So this week I really need to STEP IT UP! Seriously, my paper is due like ASAP! It shoulda been sent to my professor like a month ago but it hasnt' been.  On top of that I need to start filling up my 45 hours that needs to be made up outside of class. Ugh.. why do I procrastinate.  I just need to take a weekend and hibernate and motivate myself to do it.  I mean I only need to write like 9 pages! lol... its  alot but I can't stay up and do it, although I can stay up and do Tetris Battle.  (Sidenote: I am absolutely addicted to that game. It really sucks when I don't have any energy left to play! Ugh... hahaha) So anyways this week and weekend is motivation to get all my papers done so that way when next semester starts, it'll be a fresh start so I can focus on my 3rd paper that will need to get done. 

So this past weekend was Thanksgiving in Arkansas.  It was really fun.  We just did so much that time just flew by.  Check out linda's black friday picture she took of all of the things we bought. Lets just say we filled up Xue's rental trunk! But we really didn't buy much for ourselves it was mainly for everyone else.  Anyways can't wait for next year already.  Lots of laughter and doing crazy things like waiting out in the COLD! 

But it's wonderful to have Carter back.  I'm sure Chi is super excited.  He was getting pretty lonely at home during the day.  Probably didn't know what to do with himself.  I must say although Carter was very bratty down there he's been pretty good coming back.  My goal is to not yell at the kids.  Well of course all those who know me well knows that its a hard task because I am hard on my kiddos.  I expect a lot, probably too much sometimes but I'm going to try to have more patiences with them.  I'm going to pray hard and try hard everyday. 

But other than that the kids have been awesome together.  They were fighting in the car so I told them if they didn't have anything nice to say to each other then they needed to stop talking so they stopped talking.  But they were good at Lydia's house and of course when we came home.  Chloe is even sleeping right now.  Carter musta missed the Wii because that's what he's been doing.  Right now I'm trying to avoid my homework and getting my house clean.  

Anyways, can't believe it'll be December already.  Just a thought too: Carter will be 4 on Dec. 23.  Just think next year he's going to be going to school already! Ekkks scary, Can't believe both my babies will be in school already.  I must say though, a tiny part of me does what to have another baby but a bigger part of me thinks we're just finally getting over the hump of diapers, bottles, diaper bag, etc..... and we can finally do things with our kids too.  So I think the bigger part is eventually going to win over.  It is cute though to hold little babies and watch them change in just one year but I think its also great to understand my kids have them say goofy things.  

But anyways just a small update.  Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Update and tell me about yours. 

since my last update, things have been different.  One because my son is on vacation.  He's totally loving it though.  To busy to talk to us or even webcam with us.  STUCK UP! lol.. just kidding, hahahah, he's just got so many things to do down there and many people to give him attention.  So spoiled!  But I"m glad he's getting this time to spend with the family down south.  Chloe has all her wonderful memories with them and now Carter will have his memories.  She also has a love for the farm and a special bond with them all.  It's hard when they're so far away so we try to visit as much as we can but sometimes, that just doesn't happen.  So it's good for him to be there with them.  Although I think he is driving them nuts. lol

Chloe has been okay.  She's been bratty and what not but after talking to her last night, I hope she'll improve.  She really is enjoying school.  BTW she has her Holiday Concert on Dec. 1st at 1:30 p.m. So if anyone wants to come, you should.  She's been singing the songs.  She's so smart.  My counselor actually told me that Chloe is in a small group with her and three other kids who are naughty.  So Chloe is the "good" role model for them.  She enjoyed it.  She said they drew their hands and discussed about what being a friend is. She's so smart.  

Hm... Chi and I are doing good.  Yup we have our issues but we've been doing great.  Nothing too exciting, although he's having surgery but he's doing good.  

Class- ugh.. not finish with my paper.  I know I know, its my own fault, which it truly is but I can't bring myself to do my homework.  I hate reading, I hate writing my paper, I hate reading other people's research to put into my own research.  I just keep telling myself, I'll be done next year in August.  Whoo Hoo

School- we're still WKCE testing.  Not too bad. Although I feel for these kids. Some of our kids totally bombed the test but I hope overall they'll do a great job. 

So I'm going to start a mini-bible study with myself.  Or if anyone wants to join.  I've been looking up stuff about Francis Chan and reading his work online.  I'm going to order his Forgetting God book and workbook.  I feel church isn't doing it for me and I think myself hasn't been doing it either.  I feel its a routine and I need to start making changes.  I've thought about changing churches and what not, but where would I go, and what would I do.  Then I look at my inlaws, they're a great example.  They've been away for so long but now they've found the right one for them and its such a perfect fit for them.  Just them being patient and waiting for God to show them the way.  It's awesome. I hope that Chi and I will find one too where we feel connected.  But first we need to start within us and bring it out.  God works in mysterious ways and I just got to keep praying.  

Anyways have a great week! It's only Monday!