Granite, Cabinets, etc...

It's been so much fun picking out all of our options. After spending a total of 6 hours at the design center, we finished designing the inside of our house! We also changed our lot. Our new lot is still on a corner, but now we have an almost 40 foot backyard, vs. 20 feet! (To see pictures click on the links)

Something to Ponder

It's not too often that I really like the forwards that people love to send. As a matter of fact I rarely read half of them! However, when I do read a good one I like to share it, and figure that only 1 or 2 of the people I send it to will actually read it. This morning I was sent one that I feel is worth reading! Thanks Stephanie!

Beautifully stated
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Don't be afraid that your life will end,
be afraid that it will never begin.
~anonymous~

Thank God it's Over!

Today was my last day at Pershing Continuation School! It was a great learning experience. I learned I really enjoy teaching, but I don't think I'll ever take a long term sub position again. I enjoy Jr. High, but I can't teach Math or History! I think I'll stick with English or Science. And, I think I really really enjoy "just being a sub." With that said...it's time to enjoy summer and get the house ready to sell!

Bass Lake

Clay took me on a surprise trip to Bass Lake for our 1 Year Anniversary. We can't wait to go back with family and friends. Ski season is here and both of us are anxious to get on the water. Although, we discussed being there with friends, we had a great time with just the two of us!

Introducing Additions to the Blanton Household

It's been an action packed weekend! Thursday night my parents, The Wards, and Matt all came in from out of town to go white water rafting! It's been somewhat of a tradition. The Friday and Saturday of Memorial day weekend Clay's friends get a group of 75 people to go The King's River . Check it out, if you want to go next year, just let me know!
OH, and no it's not a joke! There are two new members of the Blanton house hold. One is my lil sis's dog! The other is Janelle, my lil sister! We're glad to have here in Fresno! Any bets on how long it will take my mom to give in and start CONSIDERING Fresno?

No More Waiting

It's official! Saturday morning we put our reservation down for lot 125! No, we didn't end up with our first choice, but after walking the lot, we are just as happy with our second choice. We still don't have anyone behind us, and we're on a corner of a cul-de-sac soo...we only have to share a fence with one neighbor! So, the process begins. We will be moving to Harlan Ranch in Clovis. I guess #49 wasn't so bad after all.

Number 49...

I've realized Clay and I like to keep things exiting, so we're looking a new house! We put a bid in on a lot in Clovis. We're super exited! The house is going to be in Harlan Ranch, a master-planned community. The lot we are the list for has a park across the street, and no one directly behind us. The key words here, are we are on a list! 49th to be exact! So we are praying about it. The rest is up to God.

Easter Fun!

Easter was great! We were able to spend Saturday at Roeding Park! This park has a little bit of eveything. We played tennis, the kids played on the playground, and some played softball. There is even a zoo! We had a BBQ, and then went to Storyland. (The kids area next to the zoo) I was fascinated by our "spring" surroundings. Little Chicks were learning to swim, Geese were sitting on their eggs, and some were even hatching! It was great! I think my mom had the most fun practicing to be a grandma. She just loved on my niece all day long...

Not so bad!

So, we realized sleeping in the Trail Blazer isn't so comfortable! I don't think we'll doing that again! Putting up a tent might be a little work, but well worth it! We had a great time. We went on a long hike up and down the hills, Clay went on a few rides, and we were in great company! We're looking forward to doing it again..just next time, we'll have different sleeping arrangments!

A Weekend of Wonder...

So this weekend we are going to the desert to go motorcycle riding! This should be interesting since I don't particularly like motorcycle! However it should be fun watching my niece and nephew ride. Not to mention my husband! Did I mention we will be sleeping in the trail blazer for 2 nights!

When I Grow Up I Want To Be A.....

I am now teaching 7th grade full time! I took on a seventh grade opportunity class at Pershing school. The kids have been great, for the most part, and I'm really enjoying myself. I have the kids for all 4 periods, so I'm teaching a little bit of everything. As suspected, Science is my favorite, with English as a close second...Hmmm...maybe, just maybe, I've figured out what I want to be when I grow up!

These are the Moments...

The wedding was beautiful, and so was the bride! We had a great time! The rehearsal dinner was at Dave-n-Busters...after a few drinks "mom" was fortunate enough to hear about the things you just tell moms when you are in high school! It was great. Danny, the groom, was amazing. He continues to surprise her and make her smile...meanwhile the rest of the wedding party seem to be in tears over and over again. Well, in all fairness, half of the time we were full of tears because of the sappy love stuff...the half of the time we couldn't stop laughing. As I stated in my Matron of Honor speech...these are moments I'll never forget.

Jeanice

We're off again! This weekend is Jeanice's wedding. For those of you who don't know Jeanice...she has been one of my closest friends since high school! Danny, the groom, is a wonderful man! I couldn't have hand picked a better person for her. So, I leave today to do the girlie stuff...pick up my bridesmaid dress, get my nails done, etc. etc. Clay will meet me on Saturday to enjoy the day! So, another chapter in our lives has been completed, now another one begins...

I'm Back

I'm back from the cruise! I had a great time, but missed Clay. He seemed to enjoy his nights with the boys, but I think we're both glad I'm home! I realized on this trip that I can no longer stay out until 3:30 a.m. for three nights in a row, and continue to function like a normal human being the next few days. Well, I don't think I ever could, but now I know I can't! I don't think I'll go on another vacation with out him again...at least not for a long time.

Home Alone

This weekend will be a new first for Clay and I. I am going on Cruise for Jeanice's Bachlorette Party. We're going to Ensenada on Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Sea It should be lots of fun! Well.... we've spent a few nights away from each other before but never 4, and certainly not 4 nights where we can't call and say good-night. So, the boys are having a poker night here on Saturday. It should be a fun weekend!

I'm Old!

Happy Birthday to Me...Happy Birthday to Me...

Ok, so you know you're getting old when..
* You want to go bed before 10!
* Wake up before 8 just because..
* You start looking at your age thinking "I can't possibly be that old!"

Example...Clay and I went to San Francisco and Santa Rosa for the weekend. We sat down after dinner to watch Wedding Crashers (Great Movie) and I fell asleep in the first 5 minutes. Yah, it was only 8:00 p.m.

Happy Birthday to All of Us!!!

February seems to be a busy month for birthdays! Last weekend we had a party and included all of the February babies! Well most of them anyways. We had a great time. We finally lit the firepit and enjoyed the backyard. Clay put in a horse shoe pit, but once the sun went down it was somewhat pointless. So, Happy Birthday Warren, Clay, Tricia, Parker, Jessica, Pat, Alicynne....oh yah and ME!

Leaving Work with a SMILE!

So I decided to start substitute teaching again. Today I worked at a continuation high school and loved it! The kids were great and really just needed a little extra attention. The principal asked me if I was interested in a job, but since don't have my credential he couldn't hire me. At least not yet anyways! It's nice to leave "work" with a smile!

Sudoku

OK, so for all of you who know what this crazy game is..then you might understand my frusteration. For Christmas, Clay recieved a book of puzzles called SUDOKU. I've been working my way through the puzzles and I find it surprisingly relaxing! Anyways, so I started doing the Fresno Bee daily SUDOKU. It's been fine, but each day it ups a level. So yesturday was challenging but I made it through. today I just staired and pretended to do the puzzle! Only 1 real for sure number went on the page. After about 45 minutes...I said forget it! It wasn't so relaxing anymore. I think I'll stick the easy ones.

It's a New Year

Wow, last night I had time to really reflect on this year and how wonderful it has been.
However, before I get into that...let me just say Chrismas was Wonderful!

• Friday 12/23 I was able to make gingerbread houses with my neices and nephew. I had no clue what I was doing but we had a great time. (Pictures to come)
• Saturday my mom and dad drove in from Santa Rosa. They even brought the dogs! I made us Clam Chowder and a Ceasar salad. It made for a nice quiet night. (Exept I was in the kitchen all day and night)
• Sunday morning Janelle surprised us all and we were all together Christmas morning. As my mom likes to say, her "hear was full."
• Clay's mom, stepdad, and stepbrother joined us for breakfast. The 10 of us had a great time.
• Dinner was at 5:30. My livingroom was transformed and we had 25 people around our Christmas table. It was fabulous!

So with that said. Clay and I spent our first Christmas together and we had a great time. Tuesday we had his Dad and Peggy over and we were able to spend time with them as well. So aside from Christmas...we shared many firsts this year. We can't wait to see what next year will bring.

For those of you far away...we miss you lots, and we loved all our Christmas Cards...Do I have to take those down too?