Hectic Summer Ahead

I just realized that I have 3 weeks of work left before summer hits and I am frantic! Don't get me wrong, I am elated that summer will be here soon, but I am also scrambling to try and get a schedule started for myself and the boys. Every summer I get like this, but every summer is different so schedules will have to be different. Last summer it was just me and Jay. We played outside, I taught him to recognize his letters, and just had some lazy days. This summer is totally different! I will not only have my rambunctious 3 year old, but also Jack Jack who will be about 8 months with summer starts.

One good thing is that we are joining the Jewish Community Center of Memphis come May. I am so excited about this!! They have a great pool area for the kids and they even will watch the kids while you work out. Jason and I plan to take full advantage of this membership! We are members of the zoo, so we will be going there a lot too. The only thing is that going to those places seem only possible when Jason is off of work! I tried to find some sort of summer camp for Jay, but he isn't old enough; most camps won't accept kids until the kid is 4!

I do plan to try and do some science projects with him this summer. he is deathly afraid of bugs, but interested in them all at the same time. We may go on bug hunts and things like that. Just trying to figure out what all to do, so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know!!!

Show Us Your Life: How I Met My Husband!

My friend Liz did this and I thought it would be neat to share our story!!

It was the spring of 1998. It was towards the end of my freshman year of high school. Right around this time EVERYONE was using AIM. I lived in LaPlace at this time and it is such a small town it wasn't hard to find someone on AIM who was from there. Well, that's where I met Jason; yes on the internet!! HAHA!! At the time though it wasn't strange at all.

We found out that we had a lot of mutual friends in common, so it wasn't too weird. We started out as friends right off the bat. I went to school in NOLA, so I would spend some weekends in town with friends. One weekend my friend Angela was having a party at her house. At her house I met this guy Chris (we later dated for 4 years). I went home the next day and told Jason all about the party and Chris. Jason decided that right then and there he wanted me to be his girlfriend. So, he asked! Nothing special, just asked.

We dated about 6 months or so then he moved to Memphis with his dad. Being 16 we knew that there was no way we would or wanted to do a long distance relationship. It was real hard, not only because I had fallen for this guy, but he truly was my best friend at that point. After he left I started to date Chris. We dated for 4 years!! Through those 4 years Jason and I stayed in touch. At first it was hard because he would tell me all these things about these girls he dated. I didn't want to know any of that!! But, eventually our friendship built back up.

December of 2002 Jason came home for Christmas break from the ARMY. We got together and discussed how things would work out between us. He was still going through training in the ARMY and planned to move back to Memphis when he finished. I was still in school at LSU. He convinced me that it would work, that he loved me and wanted to be with me. So, I decided to take the plunge!! He was finished with training in April and moved to Memphis. We saw each other about once a month and in September of 2003 he moved back down to NOLA to be with me; however, in October he was activated. He had to go to KY and spend 5 months there. He deployed in early 2004. We stayed committed to each other through that awful time.

He came home in March of 2005. I say home because he moved to NOLA!! We were engaged June of 2005, married on March 18,2006. We welcomed our first child, Jay, May of 2007, and Jackson in September 2009. Jason is truly my best friend and I can't wait for the next chapter of our lives!!

5 weeks and counting...

We have 5 weeks left of school!! I am overjoyed with this news!! Lately it has been so stressful due the upcoming state testing that my 10th graders have to take. Once it is all over with we will start reading Of Mice and Men!! I love that book and the last 3 years students have too.

I also have decided to go back to school and get my Masters. I am going to get it in Administration. Now, don't go and think that I want to run a school tomorrow!! I am doing this because in the FUTURE it seems like something I may be interested in. I wanted to get my Masters in something that could move me up in my career.

For those who get my blogs through email, you have haven't seen my last blogs. I took the email notification off because I am trying to blog more and I don't want to bombard everyone with emails; however, it seems to be a great thing for some. So, I decided to put some of them back. If you are getting this by email and want to read my blogs from the last few weeks, just go to www.jasonamyjayandbaby.blogspot.com

We will be in NOLA in 3 weeks!! I am so exicted. It will be a very quick trip, but we are looking forward to Ashley's graduation and Jay's 3rd birthday party!! We are anxious to see my parents, Jason's parents, my sister and Justin, Jimmy, Liz and the kids!! There is so much going on now I can't even think straight!!

A

Walking hand in hand in life

Just wanted to post a short blog today. The last couple of days have been a complete whirlwind. There has been so much going on at home and at work, it is hard to stay focus at times. We have our HUGE state testing coming up in 2 weeks and it has been like pulling teeth to get the kids ready for this. Sometimes I wonder why I even try! My coteacher Ami and I seem to be at our wits end and can't wait for May 5th to come and go.

I have been lucky though because this past weekend and part of this week Jason has been home!! He has seen how stressed I am about things and he has been wonderful through it all. He has even been waiting for me to get home from work so we can take a walk together. We have been using this time to talk about our days and upcoming events. I do have to say, I look forward to these walks!! We then go get the boys together and when we get home, he plays some with them, then he is off to bed. We may not be able to sit down at the table for dinner every night and discuss things, but our walks are just as good!!

Trying...

In January people tend to make a lot of resolutions, and then these resolutions are never met. I never make resolutions because I know I will never follow through with them; however, this year I vowed to be a better person. Not that I don't think I am a good person, but there are variables in my life that make it so hard. I know I am a good to my family and friends, but I tend to be critical and negative about certain things/people.

There are some negative variables ( there is a reason I use this term ) in my life that no matter what I do, "they" will always be there. I tend to get obsessive over them too. I will think and think and think about it all the time. I get anxiety when I think I have to face "them". I am not sure why they are so negative and it is something that I have questioned, not just myself, but others, as to why this happening. Of course, no one has answers.

I have prayed for the strength to move on, I have tried to resolve the issues, and I have tried to block out. I just don't know why none of this has worked!! I did find some solace this weekend though; I have decided that I am NOT going to allow negative PEOPLE or THINGS in my life. I honestly feel if I stay clear of all thing/people negative, my life will be so much better. I will not be able to obsess over them if they are not there.

So, that is my VOW, not a resolution, to not allow negative things/people into my life. I will pray for the people and for the people who do negative things in hopes that they will see the wrong doing in their actions. I think God has taken me on this LONG journey to see this and to see that I can't fix everything, only HE can. So, I leave it up to HIM to deal with.

"The things which are impossible with men are possible with God" Luke 18:27

Proud To Call NOLA Home!

I was born and raised in southern Louisiana. I spent a majority of my childhood in LaPlace; however, I started to attend school in the city in 6th grade. Both of my parents worked in NOLA and eventually at the end of my 9th grade year we moved to Metairie!! I was sad to leave LaPlace, but so happy to be closer to school and friends. After graduating from Cabrini High (when I say it in my head I sing it like in the Alma Mater), I went to LSU (Geaux Tigers!). I have always been proud of being from southern LA. My grandmother grew up on in New Iberia and her first language was French and she didn't learn English until she was about 7. I love my heritage and I am so sad that my sons will not be able to experience everything I did!!

With saying that, I love telling my students I am from New Orleans. They get a huge kick out of it and they ask me so many questions about Mardi Gras. We are huge Saints and LSU fans and watch all the games. My only problem is....people say I don't say sound like I am from New Orleans!! When people say that I feel hurt. Now, granted even a great friend of mine, that I have known since high school, would tease me about how I talk! I pronounce "Coke", "let", and many other things strangely...according to her and many others!!

My parents aren't originally from New Orleans; they both grew up in Montgomery, AL and you can still hear their country accent every now and then. Even on my Sweet 16 tape, my dad says "I hope you have a great Sweet 16!" as country as you can imagine!! My friends from Memphis do say that my accent comes out more when I am around family, which I guess how it is for everyone.

No sure why I felt the need to blog about this, but a former student of mine pointed it out to me again yesterday and I felt hurt. I guess it's because I am scared that I am going to lose my love and my experiences of New Orleans because I live here in Memphis. I don't want to ever forget where I came from. I have found that since I have moved to Memphis that friendships aren't the same and I don't want to lose anymore. I am however trying to reach out to old friends to let them know that I DO love them and miss them so much!!

New Orleans is home to me. My parents, sister and in laws live there. I have old friends that still live there and my memories are still there.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Love/Hate Relationship With Food

For those of you who know me really well know that I have major food issues!! I love food! I could eat all day. I have struggled with my weight since college. I graduated high school weighing around 120 and the end of my 1st year of college I probably weighed close to 150! No Freshman 15 here!! I then lost about 20 of that and was happy at my 130; however, it didn't stay off. I gain and loose weight constantly.

I eat well, but my problem is the closet eating. I will eat when no one is awake, or grab something on the go. I don't even have to be hungry to eat!! It is the death of me.

I ran a half marathon 2 years ago and my stamina was great! Now, I can't imagine running one!! I became very close to my ideal weight right before I got pregnant with Jackson! The 25 lbs I gained are slowing coming off, but I still am not happy. I am working on trying not to put pressure on myself to get rid of the pounds. I am finding that that is helping. I am giving my self the goal of losing 1lb a week. I am proud of myself though; I did eat some Easter candy on Sunday, but have not touched it since then!!

I bought a Wii Fit and used it for a month, but after returning to work in January I haven't touched it. So, I pulled it out last night and did 30 minutes of it!! It was great and I felt great afterwards. Jason and I are going for a run today when I get home and I am looking forward to spending that time with him. He has been very supportive through all of this and I love him for it. He encourages me when I cry and praises me when I feel accomplished.

I am working on becoming the best Amy, inside and out.

Stole this from Margen!

What time did you get up this morning? alarm went off at 4:45am




How do you like your steak? medium rare



What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Jason and I went to see Avatar 3D



What is your favorite TV show? seriously? I can't pick just one. Here are a few: The Tudors, Nurse Jackie, Desperate Housewives, Gene Simmons (LOVE Nick), I Survived, The Mentalist, Big Brother...oh there are so many more!! Thanks goodness for TiVo!



If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? wow...no specific PLACE, but anywhere near family.


What did you have for breakfast? breakfast bar and OJ



What is your favorite cuisine? hmmmm....I love food...I eat it all!!



What foods do you dislike? Strangely enough I don't like "holiday" food! I don't like stuffing/dressing, cranberry sauce, gravy....yuck!



Favorite Places to Eat? LOVE Houstons!!



Favorite dressing? ranch



What kind of vehicle do you drive? 2005 Mazda 6



What are your favorite clothes? jeans, t-shirt and flip flops



Where would you visit if you had the chance? I LOVED Paris and Rome, so I would like to go there again. Also, Greece maybe.


Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 empty...such a pessimist!



Where would you want to retire? the midwest maybe



Favorite time of day? at night...Jay gets really cuddly then!



Where were you born? Metairie



What is your favorite sport to watch? football


Bird watcher? no



Are you a morning person or a night person? a mid-day person...



Do you have any pets? yup...Scrappy



Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? ummm...Jay will be 3 next month!!


What did you want to be when you were little? a teacher



What is your best childhood memory? childhood? Spending the summers with my best friends Jessica and Brandi! We were up to no good all the time, but had so much fun doing it!!


Are you a cat or dog person? both, but Jason HATES cats, so all we have is a dog.



Are you married? yes. We have been married for 4 years.



Always wear your seat belt? Oh yes! Even if you are a GREAT driver, you have to worry more about other people on the road.



Been in a car accident? a few...



Any pet peeves? I have a ton!! I hate when my students talk over me, I don't understand why some people dislike others for NO reason, and I hate ignorant people.



Favorite Pizza Topping? pepperoni


Favorite Flower? roses


Favorite ice cream? mint chocolate chip


Favorite fast food restaurant? McDonald's



How many times did you fail your driver's test? once :)



From whom did you get your last email? Ann



Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Target



Do anything spontaneous lately? no...having kids has push back that urge... =(



Like your job? Yes I do; however, there are days that I don't!!



Broccoli? steamed with parm. cheese



What was your favorite vacation? I would have to say our trips to Gatlinburg!



Last person you went out to dinner with? Jason...for our anniversary.



What are you listening to right now? my students


What is your favorite color? blue



How many tattoos do you have? none...but wouldn't mind a fleur de lis somewhere!

Just for me...

I have decided to use this blog for my thoughts and concerns. I have a shutterfly shared site (www.thecoonsboys.shutterfly.com) for our family stuff. Here, I am going to blog about things that are going on and express how I feel about them. I have a friend from college who has inspired me to be more open about things. I promise, dirty laundry won't be on here, but there is a lot going on in my life that I would like to express. It will be very cathartic for me to do this and I am looking forward to doing it and getting feedback on things!!

***************************************************************************************

Not sure if everyone knows, but Jason is a Memphis Police Officer. He completed the academy last June and so far he has loved every bit of it. I am very proud of his accomplishments. The Academy was incredibly hard and we were both on pins and needles every Monday after he would take his tests. If any recruit failed 2 tests (below 77), they would be kicked out. Jason always did very well, high 90s, but still so nerve wracking!!

He graduated 2nd in his class and started on the streets of Memphis in June; however, his shift is awful! He works midnights, 11:30pm- 7:30 am. He doesn't always have weekends off and when he is off, I am at work. His days off change every month.It has been VERY stressful for me since he has started. Most days I am up at 4:45 am and out the door by 6:15. I get the boys up and ready for daycare and get them there by 6:30am. I then rush to work and get there between 6:45am and 7am. I then work all day until 2, go home for an hour to try to get some cleaning done. I normally get the boys around 3:30. We come home, play a little bit, then it's dinner time! After dinner is baths, brushing teeth, getting in night clothes, and reading books. 8 o'clock is bedtime. After that I am so exhausted. In the meantime, Jason is snoozing away in the bedroom. I know he has to sleep, and I am not mad about that, but sometimes I just want a quiet moment where I don't have spit up on me or Mr. Potato Head pieces all over the place!!

Since Jason DID graduate 2nd in his class he will be able to pick a shift (if there is an opening) come June. HE has decided to pick a day shift because he knows how hard it has been. He is sad because he misses precious times with the boys. Our fingers are crossed that it happens!! We both need it so very much!! I need him at home and he wants to be home!!

More to come later!