Christmas Craziness!!!

It's a miracle!!! One day I was sniffling, sneezing, congested, coughing, you get the drill.......and I woke up the next day just peachy king! There's this little orange flavored pill you let dissolve in your mouth, and it is supposed to shorten the length of your cold. Zicam people!!! THE BEST STUFF!!! I'm definitely using that for future colds.

So, with that said, nothing really got done as far as Christmas shopping, errands, house cleaning, wedding stuff, etc. When I say nothing.....I mean NOTHING. Tyson has been working non stop (bless his heart) just so he can get Christmas Day off, and I have been bound to the couch with a cold. Plus, we've procrastinated. Guilty!

Today (the Saturday before Christams) I went out and took care of our days and days worth of Christmas shopping all in ONE DAY! YIKES! What was I thinking!?!

THIS WAS A LOT OF FUN TO CARRY INSIDE.....NOT!!!!

I told Tyson thank God I told him that I'll go out and do all of the shopping because if he'd gone out (especially with the lack of sleep he's had) his temper would have been FLARING! Christmas traffic (BAAAAAAAAAD traffic) and the Christmas crowds. Yay for spending 30 minutes just trying to find parking at the mall, and yay for sitting in 30 minutes of traffic to just go to another store 5 miles down the road. On a good note, I was quite shocked at how kind and generous a lot of people were being this year. Now THAT'S the Christmas spirit people!

In a couple of days, Tyson and I will be heading to San Antonio to spend Christmas with his whole family. Then, Tyson's family and I will be heading to Georgetown/Austin to hang out for the rest of the week. Also, while we're in Austin, we'll get to see my mom and younger sister. It's family galore, and I LOVE IT!!!! Tyson and I are always so very happy when we get the chance to spend time with the family. I know Tyson DEFINITELY loves every chance he can get. Due to his wacky schedule, it's very rare we get to see out-of-town family. C'mon Georgetown PD!!!!! Give Tyson a job. :)

Well, we wish all of our friends and family a MERRY CHRISTMAS! We hope Santa brings you everything you asked for!

Wedding Stresses

I finally finish up my semester last week, and I think I'm going to get a break and be able to take care of some wedding stuff..............

But........

NOPE!!!!

I guess after 4 months of constant go, go, go.......semester stress (my biggest problem)......lack of sleep (caused by semester stress).......getting lesson plans prepared, turned in, and taught.......etc. etc. etc., my body has finally shut down. The moment I actually sit down and don't have to do a single thing, my body decides to release all that has built up. I've been SOOOOO sick for the past WEEK!!! Yeah....on the couch, no sleep....the whole shebang! I was up for 23 hours straight one day. Not fun! Basically, I have no strength, and I can't seem to muster up any to go search for florists (which was my main mission once I've started my break). All I've wanted to do is sleep on the couch with a hot bowl of soup and cup of tea.

Tyson has been my saving grace! Thank goodness for him! I've been so highly medicated that I can't seem to function or remember stuff. He's been there for me to take care of any minor errands that need to be ran, pick up my graded assignments at the college from my professors, etc. He's doing all of this on top of him working RIDICULOUS hours this month. Needless to say, it's been a week, and I'm still sick. BLAH!

So that's wedding stress number 1! I still haven't been able to search for a florist.

Here's number 2. We received our invitations through the mail a couple of days ago, and already there was a problem on the invitation. Our names weren't in the font size like we wanted in the sample. They were printed real skimpy at the top of the invitation, and that was not what we wanted. I was disappointed because the way our names would be written was one of the reasons I thought this invitation was so unique (along with the design of it of course). It wasn't the invitation lady's fault. She wrote everything to the tee of how we wanted everything printed (font, size, and position wise). I even looked over the proof before she sent it off, and all of it was correct. I believe it was a vendor error. I went ahead and emailed the sweet invitation lady, and she's going to contact the vendor to see what we can do. It's just that what was presented to us in the sample turned out not to be the same when we got our invitation. I know some people think I'm crazy, but I'm a perfectionist. Even a silly little font size has to be perfect. It's all about the details for me. Everything else about the invitations are fine. In the R.S.V.P. cards, the vendor printed the word R.S.V.P in the correct font size that our names on the invitation were supposed to be printed. For some reason, the vendor didn't do our names that way. I don't get it. But, it's hopefully going to get taken cared of.

Well, that's about it. I'll update on any new wedding information that comes about. Hopefully the next post will be a better one.

*Just for fun* "You know you're a Cop/Teacher If....

I'd thought I'd share this to give everyone a little insight into both Tyson and my jobs. They are SO true and SO very funny for the both of us. We couldn't stop laughing it was so true. So sit back and enjoy........Here are lists of things that explain how you know you're a cop and teacher. The teacher is first, then the cop. I've decided to add in a little commentary.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE A TEACHER?
1. You can hear 25 voices behind you and know exactly which one belongs to the child out of line. (YEP!)

2. You get a secret thrill out of laminating something. (HA HA! I DO. I EVEN HAVE MY OWN LAMINATOR!)

3. You walk into a store and hear the words "It's Ms/Mr._________" and know you have been spotted. (Yep! The mall and grocery store is where I get spotted.)

4. You have 25 people that accidentally call you mom/dad at one time or another. (Once this has happened)

5. You can eat a multi-course meal in under twenty-five minutes. (You're constantly go, go, go)

6. You've trained yourself to go to the bathroom at two distinct times ofthe day: lunch and conference period. (HA HA...YEP!)

7. You start saving other people's trash, because most likely, you usethat toilet paper tube or plastic butter tub for something in the classroom. (OH MY GOD! SO TRUE!!!)

8. You believe the teachers' lounge should be equipped with a margarita machine. (Amen!)

9. You want to slap the next person who says "Must be nice to work 7:15to 3:15 and have summers off." (YES! I DO!)

10. You believe chocolate is a food group.

11. You can tell if it's a full moon without ever looking outside. (YESSSS!!!!)

12. You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says"Boy, the kids sure are mellow today." (Isn't that the truth!)

13. You feel the urge to talk to strange children and correct their behavior when you are out in public. (HA! HA! Alllllllll the time!)

14. You believe in aerial spraying of Ritalin. (Agreed!)

15. You think caffeine should be available in intravenous form. (Ugh! YES!)

16. You spend more money on school stuff than you do on yourown children. (I spend too much money on school stuff PERIOD!)

17. You can't pass the school supply aisle without getting at least one thing! (DUH!)

18. You ask your friends if the left hand turn he just made was a "good choice or a bad choice." (HA! HA! I've slipped a few times.)

19. You find true beauty in a can full of perfectly sharpened pencils. (Or any pencils at all!)

20. You are secretly addicted to hand sanitizer. (Geting there)

21. You understand instantaneously why a child behaves a certain way after meeting his or her parents. (HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!! I always say in my head, "NO WONDER!" after I meet the parent(s) of a particular child.)

YOU KNOW YOU'RE A COP IF:
1. You have the bladder capacity of five people

2. You have ever restrained someone and it was not a sexual experience (So true!)

3. You believe that 50% of people are a waste of good air (He says it all the time)

4. Your idea of a good time is a "man with a gun" call (YEP! After my ride along and seeing a few videos, Tyson and his cop buddies go crazy any time they get a call like this.)

5. You conduct a criminal record check on anyone who seems friendly towards you (YEP!)

6. You believe in the aerial spraying of Prozac and birth control pills (Again, he says this all of the time)

7. You disbelieve 90% of what you hear and 75% of what you see (HA HA!! Tysons' always skeptical!)

8. You have your weekends off planned for a year (To an extent)

9. You believe the government should require a permit to reproduce

10. You refer to your favorite restaurant by the intersection at which it's located (He talks to me about where things are located by intersection)

11. You have ever wanted to hold a seminar entitled: "Suicide... getting it right the first time (ha ha! RIGHT!)

12. You ever had to put the phone on hold before you begin laughing uncontrollably (HECK! I laugh uncontrollably after hearing the crazy stories from work the night before)

13. You think caffeine should be available in IV form (He's always working and working so late!)

14. You believe anyone who says, "I only had two beers" is going to blow more than a .O8 on the Breathalyzer (Yes people!!! Don't just say you had 2 beers because you and that cop both know that's a lie!)

15. You find out a lot about paranoia just by following people around (YES!!!!!! Again, Tysons' always skeptical.)

16. Anyone has ever said to you: "There are people killing other people out there and you are here messing with me." (He HATES comments like this)

17. People flag you down on the street and ask you directions to strange places... and you know where they're located (He knows where EVERYTHING practically is.)

18. You can discuss where you are going to eat with your partner while standing over a dead body (Gross, but it's true)

19. You are the only person introduced at social gatherings by profession (UGH! Tyson hates this)

20. You walk into places and people think it's high comedy to grab their buddy and shout, "They've come to get you, Bill." (Again....Tyson hates this)

21. You do not see daylight from November until May (To a certain extent..... true!)

22. People shout, "I didn't do it!" when you walk into a room and think they're being hugely funny and original (Another one of those things Tyson hates)

23. A week's worth of laundry consists of 5 T-shirts, 5 pairs of socks,and 5 pairs of underwear (Yes! I'm always washing darks which usually consists of his work socks, shirts, etc. I'm starting to think he lives in those clothes.)
24. You've ever referred to Tuesday as "my weekend", or "this is my Friday." (YEP! It always throws me off)

25. You've ever written off guns and ammunition as a business deduction (HA! HA! Every year!)

26. You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says, "Boy, it sure is quiet tonight." (Just like me!)

27. Discussing dismemberment over a meal seems perfectly normal to you (Yeah. You should hear some of the conversations)
28. You find humor in other people's stupidity (YES!!!! And I love hearing stories!)

29. You have left more meals on the restaurant table than you've eaten (Sad, but true)

30. You feel good when you hear "these handcuffs are too tight." (YEP! Serves them right!)

Snow In Texas!

Tonight................IT SNOWED! And yes! In TEXAS!!!! I don't know about anywhere else, but we were sure getting some snow here in Houston. It was so neat! The snow actually stuck. Usually, it just melts. Tyson and I at a little sushi for dinner, and then we played out in the snow. I was so giddy and excited. It was like I was a kid again! Just ask Tyson! Ha Ha! I was the crazy person running around the street screaming, "Snow! Snow!" with the other kids. I'm not joking. For those that know me and my personality, then I bet you can just picture me running around with excitement. Tyson was excited, but he kept it pretty contained. Ha! Ha!

Anyways, we had so much fun. I took pictures for everyone to see. I did record a video of the snow and us messing around in it, but my fingers slipped on the camera, and it got deleted on accident. I'm very sad. :( It was a great video too. :(

The link for the pictures of us and the snow are below. Enjoy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/reannins/SnowInTexas#

Wedding Invitations

Wedding update!

The wedding invitations have been selected, and we have finalized what will be printed and included in the invitations. The invitation lady will just have to place the order in, and we should get it within 7 business days.

We're so excited and thrilled about these invitations! They are AWESOME!!!! Totally unique, and like nothing I have ever seen. Not to be biased, but I think these are the best looking invitations I have ever seen! Hee Hee.

Tyson and I had a really great experience with the invitation lady. Her husband is a police officer also, so we had A LOT to talk about and a lot in common with our experiences as a "police officer wife." Anyways, she brought over all of her stuff to our apartment, and we had a real one-on-one experience with the lady. I was very pleased with the her invitation selection and her professionalism. There were SOOOOOOOOO many choices to choose from in the invitations. Luckily, I have been doing my research, and I had criteria for what I wanted. That would have been really REALLY hard to make a selection from the many LARGE books she had of invitation samples.

Surprisingly, Tyson was VERY involved in the invitation selection. We were torn between two (the one we ended up choosing and another fuschia and chocolate colored invitation) The one we ended up choosing was a little bit pricier than the other one, but Tyson REALLY liked it and I seemed to have stars in my eyes while repeating, "This one is so freaking cool!" so we took the plunge and made the final decision (that had me stressed by the way!)

I keep telling everyone that I can't believe that I'm so excited about PAPER, but I just fell in love with the uniqueness of the invitations.

Overall, Tyson and I are hanging in there. I have about a week left of this semester (thank god!), and Tyson is still chugging along at work. He's working a lot of extra jobs for this month, but it will all be worth it when he gets a nice little vacation at the end of December. I have forbidden him to take on ANY extra jobs during his vacation (He's notorious for picking up at least one extra job or shift on his vacation days). It's time for him to do some serious relaxing. He's just been working so hard.

The wedding website has been updated (slightly). There's nothing too important as of now. We just updated our current focus, etc., and I put a map and directions up for getting to Heather's Glen. No need for that now, but I just wanted to get it up there while it was on my mind. Our website will be printed on the R.S.V.P. cards of the invitation because I'm REALLY pushing for keeping everyone current and up-to-date on where they need to be at what time, how to get there, accomodations, registries, etc. etc. etc. This will all come slowly as we finish things one by one.

Other than that! A little over 3 months until we're married!!! It's approaching so quickly!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

Tyson and I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!!! I hope everyone fills themselves up with turkey! I know we will!!!!

I'm so sorry for no blog post in a long time. I've been so BUSY!!!! My semester is coming to an end, so that means all assignments must be due. I haven't been able to do much wedding planning (which is ABSOLUTELY FRUSTRATING) because I'm so busy trying to get my assignments finished. Today, I found out my placement for Student Teaching (MY FINAL SEMESTER!!!!!) and I will be teaching Kindergarten the first 6 weeks, and then for the second 6 weeks, I will be teaching in my DREAM grade level which will be 2nd grade. I'm absolutely thrilled!

Tyson is still doing well. He's turned in his background check application in with Georgetown PD, and now it's just a waiting game. We'll keep you posted on what happens next. Tyson's still working hard as ever to save up money for our wedding. Also we have to make up for the fact I couldn't work this semester, nor will I be able to for next semester. He's such an incredible guy, and I'm so thankful to have him in my life.

Well, tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and Tyson's parents are here to visit for the holiday. Nancy and I will be cooking away tomorrow for our yummy Thanksgiving dinner. I'm SO ready to eat! I'm hoping to get up early in the morning to get into the gym before I stuff myself, but I doubt that will happen. I'm sort of taking it easy this week. It's my break, and it has been one HECK of a semester for me, so I deserve one. Plus, I want to spend time with the family and my fiance.

Well, this semester is almost over which will allow me more time for wedding planning. I will keep everyone posted and updated on both this blog and the wedding website.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Wedding and Life

Tyson and I just recently met with our wedding coordinator and I LOVED HER! She really seems to know what she is doing, and it certainly organized things a bit. We planned out how the ceremony and reception would go, and as we were talking about all of it, I was just getting more and more excited. Tyson and I are just a little stressed about all of the details wedding planning entails,but we'll get through it. To me, it seems so EXCITING that our wedding is only 4 months away!!!! WOW!!! By the way, our wedding website has been updated:

www.mywedding.com/reanninandtyson

This will be updated frequently when we receive more and more information about our wedding.

For me, school hasn't been much fun. The professors have been disorganized while one tells us to do one thing, and the other tells us to go away from that and do another thing. It gets sort of confusing. Plus, I'm now "teaching" 4th grade at a school in Klein ISD, and I'm not very happy with my placement. I walk in the first day, and I feel like the classroom vibes and classroom management was a little off. There were a lot of behavior issues, and my mentor couldn't seem to pull it together. She also wasn't using the right tone with them, and I felt like she only wanted me to sit and observe when I was supposed to be interacting. It all made sense when I walked in the second day and found out that she got a degree in business, worked for a company for a number of years, became a stay-at-home mom for 10, and then decided to teach and got alternatively certified. The thought that went in my head was, "NO WONDER!!!" This is her 3rd year teaching (but first year teaching 4th). She had substituted for Kindergarten for about 2. She was even admitting to me that she was alternatively certified and didn't have the education we did in classroom management and teaching styles, etc. etc. etc. and that she was obviously inexperienced. So, you can say that I'm disappointed and would have prefered to be placed with a teacher who has a degree IN early childhood education. Plus, I have to teach 3 lessons to these kiddos, so let's see if I survive the behavior issues. Let's see if what I learned in classes will help me gain control of them. Overall, I'm so stressed because this has been a tough semester, and I just found out I have to write a teacher work sample that can only be compared to the size and quality of a dissertation. Thank goodness we only have to write a small version, but, in student teaching, it will be huge. UGH! SO STRESSED! I have found that my sanctuary is spending 2 hours in the gym. That seems to alleviate some stress, and it takes my mind off of everything. I get away from the dogs (especially hyper Rosco), from lesson planning, or just any home or school responsibilities. It's my "me" time.

About Tyson. He just tested for Georgetown PD (city outside of Austin) and passed both the written an physical. Now, he's in the process of filling out his background information packet so the PD can do a background check. It's going to be quite a long process, but he'll find out if he gets hired in either March or April (that is what the HR lady told him). He, too, is a ball of stress. I've actually never seen him so stressed. It's been an interesting rollercoaster, but Tyson just wants this position so badly. It's close to his parents, my mom and little sister, possibly my other sister, her husband, and hopefully a new baby, and he could have the opportunity of doing K9. All around, this would be a great opportunity for him, and it will make him happy. We LOVE the Austin area and we would love nothing more than to be closer to our families. Tyson has been working so hard lately, and it has been one stressful moment after the next. He's hanging in there, and I know that I'm pretty optimistic about this Georgetown position. I think he's got it in the bag. But, he keeps doubting himself, but I continue to stay positive and cheer him on because he needs to get out of his funk.

Overall, we're going to get through all of this. It just so happened that all of our stresses decided to pile in at the same time. But, WE'RE DOING GREAT and that is all that matters.

Wedding! Wedding! Wedding!

It's official!!!! Tyson and I are becoming stressed with the wedding planning as it quickly approaches. FIVE MORE MONTHS!!!!! We meet with the wedding coordinator this month. I never thought I would be stressed since Heather's Glen is so "all inclusive." But, we're starting to notice that there are details details details when it comes to wedding planning. Especially me! I'm such a perfectionist, and I'm all about the details, so I go to bed at night thinking about the wedding.

So, I know I told everyone that I've changed my mind on my wedding colors, and now I'm ready to reveal what they are........HERE GOES...............

Fuschia/Peony Pink, Espresso/Chocolate, and White.

I know! You're probably thinking Fuschia is a shocking color, BUT, that is why I also added Peony Pink because what I'm looking at isn't really that BOLD, BRIGHT fuschia that you all are thinking about. BUT YOU HAVE TO TRUST ME!!!! I've always always ALWAYS wanted pink to be one of my wedding colors ever since I was a little girl, but, as I began planning this wedding, I noticed that there are a lot of Pepto-bismol pink out there. So, I chose different colors so I wouldn't run into that problem. When I was looking through invitations, I saw fuschia and espresso mixed and I FELL IN LOVE!!!! FINALLY a pink that wasn't all that half bad. I was getting stressed because I liked the original color scheme I was going for, but I wasn't IN LOVE. I've shown Tyson pictures of the new wedding colors I'm going for and he actually likes it. It didn't have that shock factor that he had when I initially told him the new colors. Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of the color scheme:















So there they are! Again! Trust me. I think I could really have some fun with this! I'm definitely more ECSTATIC about these colors than I was with my old ones. I have finally chosen the bridesmaid dresses, and they are an irridescent peony pink. All of us girls love them. They are tea length, strapless, taffeta dresses. My sister and I were finding that satin in Fuschia was the shocking fuschia that I didn't want, and chiffon made the fuschia look blah. Taffeta wasthe only material that created the shade of fuschia I was going for. Now, I have to find my girls some fabulous shoes!!!

One more thing. I've a created a more detailed wedding website for Tyson and I than the Knot.com one. Since the wedding is getting closer, I put up a more "fun" website that provide family and friends with quick useful information. I could squeeze in a little more information with this one. As the wedding gets closer and closer, you'll find our wedding registry and accomodations on it. Tyson and my new wedding website is:

www.mywedding.com/reanninandtyson

Have fun! Enjoy!

Hurricane Ike...Oh and a Little Wedding Update

Oh my goodness! Was THAT an experience I NEVER want to experience EVER AGAIN! I can only imagine what the victims in Galveston feel like. As a lot of people already know, we had a hurricane come through a couple of weeks ago that sent the eye of the storm straight up over
I-45. Tyson and I are right on I-45. Right before the storm, Tyson was called to duty for 12 hour shifts everyday, with no days off, until everything settled a little bit. I "hunkered down" at my parents. The storm was AWFUL, knocking down trees on top of houses and blowing debris EVERYWHERE. I happened to walk outside while the eye was right over us and then a little after, and the wind and rain was unbelievable. During the storm, power went out EVERYWHERE. That was the devastating part for me. We were without power for almost a week and a half. THAT WAS THE MOST MISERABLE EXPERIENCE EVER!!!!! Warm drinks, no air conditioning, no connection to the outside world, cold showers, dry foods, sitting in the dark with nothing but a candle and flashlight, I could go on and on!

I returned to Tyson and my apartment after spending the weekend with my parents only to live with two dogs, no Tyson, no power, and no connection to the outside world for almost 9 days straight. Tyson was constantly at work (spent the night a couple of times at the PD), and I refused to drive around because I was hearing that there were almost 7 hour lines to get through gas stations, no food places open, NOTHING! It felt like "War of the Worlds." It got a little crazy and it was almost like a ghost town.

Humble (where Tyson works) was lucky enough to get power in a few places so he was catered food at his PD........LUCKY DUCK! As for me, the hurricane was my best diet! You get a little skinny after living off of dry cereal, granola bars, warm water, crackers, and dinner mints. Once things started to open up around here in The Woodlands, I finally gave in and had fast food.....EW! But, I just wanted a hot, decent meal. One of the nights, I drove up to Humble to get gas because Tyson was manning the station, and he would be able to cut me in if there was a line. But, we waited till almost 11 at night before I drove up there, and I was able to get right in to the gas station for gas. We both went back to the PD and we enjoyed ourselves a warm chick-fil-a sandwich and a cold Dr. Pepper. It never tasted so good!

After days and days went by with no power, it was starting to get a little depressing. It made me think of how grateful we should be to have everything we have these days. I don't know what people back then did. Sitting in the dark, alone with no Tyson, was driving me CRAZY, and it was driving me crazy to have no access to T.V. and news to know what is going on out there in the world. Also, I was sort of getting tired of reading the same magazines over and over and over. Also, I was tired of Tyson being gone at work all of the time, and he was kind of getting tired of constantly working. The experience was exhausting! On the ninth day, Tyson and I ran to the store (which was finally open) to get some necessities. When we returned home, POWER WAS ON! I squealed and almost cried with joy! We both hugged each other so tightly because we were so happy! The whole day it felt like I was living a different life. Tyson and I both felt wierd to have power back. Also, we were sort of scared and hesitant because we were so scared it was going to go away.

I cannot explain enough what a miserable experience this hurricane had brought us. The only way anyone can understand how it feels is to experience it themselves. I would never wish this on ANYONE. Like I said, if my experience was horrible, then I can only imagine what the people of Galveston are going through. Next time this happens, I'm taking the dogs and driving to Austin to be with family. I never want to go through this EVER again!

I'm happy to report that Tyson finally got a day off and is back on regular 8 hour shifts.
We are both so much happier!

As far as wedding plans, I'm hoping to select my bridesmaid dresses next week. Also, SURPRISE!!!.................I think I have changed my wedding colors. I think I FINALLY have a thought in my head that gets me excited. My old colors weren't thrilling me that much. I'll keep everyone updated, but I'm not going to say what my new colors might be just yet. I'm currently looking at wedding invitation options and trying to decide what I want. That is a difficult process in itself. Ugh! So many options.........................................that I'm NOT liking. Yeah...I'm quite picky.

Anyways! I hope everyone is doing well. Tyson and I are so happy to be back on a normal routine after this hurricane mess! Yay for things getting back to normal!

Wedding Update, Big Rosco, and Science Eyes!

Ah ha! I told you I would post soon! There are three things on the list to discuss.......Here goes:

1) WEDDING

I called the "cake lady" yesterday (who was SUPER nice when I spoke to her) and the verdict is that we will call her back at the beginning of January to set up an appointment to choose cakes mid January. She brought up a good point, which I had been thinking about, and that is she likes to wait closer to the wedding because she has girls that change their mind on the whole design, color, etc. of their wedding and their wedding cake choices. Also, she'll have more design options for me later on, which is FABULOUS! That was what I was worrying about. When our reception location told us to contact the "cake lady," I was worried that we were going to have to come to a decision on color, design, etc., and I wasn't ready for that. I'm still not 100% sure on my color choice for the wedding. Within the next couple of weeks, I want to go bridesmaid dress shopping with my sister, and hopefully we'll nail down some color choices. BUT! I am almost 95% sure on the colors and style I'm going for. Now for a second but........BUT.....You never know if I find a dress for my girls that I ABSOLUTELY love, and it's TOTALLY not the color/design/whatever I'm going for.

2) Big Rosco (My love)~~~~~>Keep in mind....Precious is still my #1 lovey!

Our baby boy is getting SO BIG. He's now 7 months, and seems to be having random growth spurts here and there. Both Tyson and I will wake up and have to ask each other if we notice that he got bigger overnight. I've taken some pictures of the new big Rosco, and they're posted on my Picasa Web Picture website. I'm hoping he'll get even bigger than this. I want my big dog! :) I encourage everyone to take a peek at his old baby puppy pictures and compare them to the new ones. You'll definitely see a difference. Whew! It's so hard to look at him and think that he is still a puppy. He sure is a BIG puppy! The link to my Picasa Web is below:

http://picasaweb.google.com/reannins


3) Science Eyes

Ok....I said in my last post that I would explain this. In my "Integrating Science into the Classroom" class, my professor believes in the term, "Science Eyes." It was actually started by one of her mentors back in her college years. Science Eyes are eyes that look at the world through discovery. Everything is changing and science is all around us. We, as teachers, need to look at our classrooms through "Science Eyes." We need to see the potential in every student to be successful in learning, and watch them change and grow. We need to look at our class through science eyes to help our students learn through discovery. Anyways, in class, we got to make some "Science Eyes" by using all kinds of crafts. You'll see what I'm talking about. My professor has finally posted the pictures of our "Science Eyes." Here they are:

I'M THE GOOF ON THE FAR LEFT....HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM? HAHA!

GROUP SHOT WITH ALL OF OUR "SCIENCE EYES.Have I told you how much I LOVE my major and my profession?!??!

Update...

Sorry for the lack of blogging. There really hasn't been anything new. This last month was very busy for both Tyson and I between vacations, visits, work, etc. etc. etc.! So what's new?

I've finally quit working for a while to focus on graduating and the wedding planning. I officially started back with school......BLAH!!!! BUT! It feels so good to only have to go school and not have to do both work AND school. I'm getting pretty antsy, and I'm ready to graduate. This semester, my classes are focusing on teaching us how to teach the subjects math, science, social studies, and technology and how to intergrate them into our classroom. Then, they send us out into the school and we teach lessons in all subjects. Bring it on! I'm soooooooo ready! The start of the semester has been interesting. It has been a little bit disorganzied with all of the professors switching their class days with each other, and then, hiring two new professors to teach the subjects. Basically, it has been a pretty slow start. I feel like I should really be doing something. So far, the classes have been fun. I get to be a kid again by playing with manipulatives, and making "Science Eyes." When my professor post the pictures, I'll try to show you. It's too hard to explain. Overall, I'm excited to finish up this semester to start student teaching in the Spring!

Tyson recently was able to make it up to the Austin/Georgetown/Round Rock area to do a ride along with Round Rock PD. He fell in LOVE with the area and the police department, that he is tempted and already ready to start applying. I'm having to pull on the reins a bit to slow him down. His problem is that they have only 5 spots to fill, and then, after that, there is a possibility that they will not be hiring for a while. That worries Tyson since he knows I want to wait till after I have graduated and the wedding is finished. So, he wouldn't really be able to apply till the middle of next year. He thinks he won't be able to get the opportunity to try for it, and, he's too impatient to wait till the next time Round Rock is hiring. So, now he's thinking of Georgetown PD. He might scope them out. All in all, he wants to promote and go further in his career, so this is why he is searching for alternative PDs. We'll see what happens. I'll keep everyone posted, and I'm sure Tyson will too.

Anyways! The dogs are great, and Tyson and I are great. Rosco is still doing K9 training, and is doing an impressive job. Precious is still a princess and spends her days being cuddled by me and chomped at by Rosco. A playful chomp that is.

I'm sure I will be posting something new REAL SOON. After last months craziness, I think Tyson and I will possibly tasting some cake next week. Yay for cake!

Oops!

Sorry! I just realized it's almost been a month since I last blogged. WOW! Nothing is really new. The wedding planning is still progressing............slowly, but surely. I FINALLY got my wedding dress! I'm so excited!!! I'm ready to get married now! Ha! Ha! So ladies....if you want to see a picture of it (on a model) email me (reanninm@yahoo.com) and I can send you the picture. I need to go get pictures of me in it, but, everything looks too loose and long on me right now. Alterations are going to be interesting. I hope the alterations place can do what I want. Yay for me being in between sizes and being short!

I've been meaning to set up an appointment with the cake lady and D.J., but I've been so........................how do you say this....................tired!!!! I can't motivate myself to do much lately. But, I have till October to take care of this. BUT!!! I plan on trying to get it done this week. This Friday is Tyson and my 8th year anniversary since we've been together, so maybe we can spend our day together cake tasting. I'm sure he doesn't mind! I know I won't! :) Bring on the cake! Let me just add that I think it is SO NEAT that our 8 year anniversary lands on the date 8-8-08!!! Now THAT worked out perfectly......didn't it?!?!?

Otherwise, nothing new in the future Sutton household. We're both still busy working while I'm enjoying the time off just doing work instead of school AND work AND internships!!! YIKES! It's all about to start all over within the next couple of weeks......DOUBLE YIKES!!!

Tyson is still working with K9 dogs and training our handsome Malinois puppy. Recently, Tyson has been talking about moving to Round Rock (just outside of Austin, TX) and becoming a police officer there. He's thinking about making the switch in a year...........BUT.........this is him THINKING. He's still weighing his options, doing his research, and really thinking it through while I'm finishing up college. After I'm graduated and we're married, we might know what the final verdict is. I'm kinda excited. I think this is a WONDERFUL option! We'll be closer to more family, and that makes us both very happy! What's interesting is that Tyson initially was more interested in Round Rock police department before he went through the police academy. The only reason why he didn't follow through after he graduated the academy was because I needed to finish college, so he settled for departments here. Now that I'm about to graduate......the idea is starting to brew again. But, anyways, I could go on and on about this, and this is a long story in itself. We'll just keep everyone updated as time passes and more "research" is done.

Otherwise, we hope everyone is doing well! I promise it won't be another month until I blog again. Maybe my next one will be about all of the yummy cake Tyson and I got to eat! :)

Exciting Week

This week was busy, relaxing, exciting........ALL OF THE ABOVE! I had Friday off from work for the 4th of July and then my typical weekend off. Both Tyson and I were off from work on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday because his parents were coming in. It was nice to see Tyson have an extra day off.

First off, my long weekend started off with a ride along with the police department that Tyson works for. I rode with one of his buddies/fellow police officer on Saturday night. The night was slow. We pulled over a couple of people, which, by the way was SO FUN and funny at times. Let's just say that some people are interesting. Then, we get a code three call about a weapons disturbance and we "rode hot" from one side of the city to get to the other. Riding hot means to drive at 100+ MPH with the lights and sirens on to get to a call. Let me just say that that was the most fun, yet scariest experience ever!!!!!!! We drove really fast while dodging other cars for a good 3-5 minutes. All I could think was, "If a car is going to plow through us while were racing through an intersection......please do it quick so I don't feel a thing." When we finally made it to the location, my body heat had raised to about 100 degrees. I was fanning myself from my adrenaline running so high. Overall, I got to see what the police job is all about, and, YES.....I can see why some people get into it. It can be exciting and unpredictable at times....which is fun.........BUT..........I got to experience how dangerous it is. But, BOY was it an experience! I'm ready to do another ride again!

After that, Tyson's parents came into town and we pretty much hung out, did some wedding planning stuff, and they got to come to K9 training with Tyson and me to watch the bite/narcotics work with the other K9 dogs and officers. They also got to see Rosco in action. Tyson and I were really glad that they could come out to watch what this K9 business is all about. I know Tyson was more than overjoyed to share this experience with his parents. Tyson's mom took me to get started on looking at wedding dresses and that was FUN! It just started to feel so real when I was putting on those dresses and veils. I was excited that I was able to get some ideas on what looks best on me and what doesn't. I can't wait to take my sister and stepmom with me to see what they think. UGH! I just can't wait to get the dress! To me, this is a very important decision. I was one of those girls who dreamt up my wedding dress ever since I was a little girl............LITERALLY. Now my day has come and I have GOT to choose the perfect one. It's such an overwhelming, yet, an exciting experience.

On a final note, about four weeks ago, I took my TExES teacher certification exam to become certified and GUESS WHAT........................................TODAY I FOUND OUT THAT I HAD PASSED!!!!!!!! Wooooo!!!! I was so worried. It took me FOUR HOURS to take that thing and I remember thinking to myself that it was so hard and that I didn't think I would pass it. I have been biting my nails for the past four weeks worried over the darn thing, and now I know I passed it. I'm so relieved!!!

Well that's all that's new in the future Sutton household. Tyson and I are still busy as ever working, planning our wedding, and spending as much time as we can together. We get more and more excited as these months pass by and we get closer to the wedding.

Long Time, No Blog

Sorry for the lack of blogging lately. I've been super duper busy these days. I'm going to try to encourage Tyson to write up an entry one of these days so you can hear what he has to say.

Summer is going great for me, especially since I don't have summer school anymore. This is my first summer to not have to do school and it is very nice. YAY for almost graduating!!! Since I don't have school, I'm all about work work work with the kiddos at the center. The field trips have been fun this summer. I got to go to Splashtown for the first time in years and I felt like a kid again. I'm so tired though. A summer full of hyper kids has left me coming home every day barely being able to keep my eyes open. Just ask Tyson. I love my kids though. They are a fun bunch this summer.

Tyson has been doing okay lately. This has been a long week for him though. Over the past few years, his stomach has been bothering him constantly throughout the day......enough to cause some anxiety for him and effect his daily routines. So, he went to the doctor (FINALLY) and they decided to do a colonoscopy and another procedure (don't remember what is is called) to check and see what could be wrong. Monday night (the night before the procedure) started out a little rocky with all of the laxatives, etc. that he had to take. We ended up staying up all night with him having all sorts of problems. Pain, fever, and all kinds of other stuff. Let's just say that both he and I spent part of the night sleeping on the bathroom floor together. I refused to leave his side, so we set up shop on the bathroom floor. Tuesday he had the procedure and they found a few things that causes his constant upset stomach. Nothing major. We got medicines for it and now it will be taken care of. For the rest of the week, Tyson just couldn't seem to get up to snuff, so it was a week of aches and pains still. I'm just glad he took care of this situation, and now we know what is going on so we can ease it. Tyson is now doing well and has finally returned to work. Today he said his stomach isn't aching as much as it has been, so we're making progress.

On another note, the save-the-date magnets have finally been sent out. Since Tyson was off for most of the week, he kept himself busy by putting together and addressing all of the magnets and getting them sent out. Thank goodness I have a groom that is fully involved in this wedding. I'm hoping to find my bridesmaid dresses and my wedding dress this summer. That's the next step we're taking with this wedding.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this summer. Shoot Tyson and/or me an email some time to say hi.

Summer Kiddos and a Canine

This week is the first week we have the afterschoolers FULL TIME since school is on summer break. All I can say is that Friday can't come fast enough. At the end of my day on Monday, my body and brain checked out for the rest of the week. Sad, but true. It was a rough start. Monday was the first day of this whole summer program, and we have a new routine along with some new kiddos. It's exhausting to get everyone situated and teach them the new routine along with going over as much as we can with the parents. I have been run ragged. Every morning, I'm there with another teacher at about 7:30 a.m. and we will already have about 45 hyper kids between the both of us where you don't have the control like a teacher does in a contained classroom. At the same time all of this is going on, we deal with all of the madness that occurs when getting new parents and kids situated, making sure everyone is checking in, making sure the kids are staying out of trouble, talking with parents about their questions or complaints, paperwork....blah blah blah....I COULD GO ON FOREVER!!!! You DEFINITELY DEFINITELY DEFINITELY need to know how to multitask and think on your toes. That is where it gets pretty tiring.

The first week is always the hardest because there are a lot of new children along with getting the children used to the summer routine of field trips, or just the day overall. It is Wednesday, and I'm so tired that I drove home, parked, and just sat in my car to listen to music and stare off into space. I just needed some peace with myself. I have tomorrow and Friday and then it is the weekend where I can recuperate. I'm so ready for it. I hope next week will be a little less difficult. Actually, I know for a fact it will slowly get easier. I just have to get the kids adjusted and then it will hopefully just become second nature. But, I do love my kiddos this year!

About a couple of days ago, Tyson's dreams of starting up the K9 program sort of got shot down by some of his fellow officers. They believe that Tyson won't be able to start up the program with the current Chief. They think Chief won't budge on his opinions about a police dog. He was a little upset last night, but, he woke up at 6:30 this morning and still took Rosco to training on his day off, just like he does every Wednesday. He is determined. He tells me that he doesn't see a reason why his police department wouldn't start the K9 program up again. To everyone, I'm so proud that Tyson is so passionate about this. He takes time out of one of his days off to go to training and not get paid to do it. He works so hard and he wants this so bad! I sure do hope that when Tyson and Rosco are ready to prove to Chief that the program isn't such a bad idea and that they aren't a bad idea, the Chief will keep and open mind and see that Tyson will have spent over a year and a half on his own time and his own money to train this dog for the department. I hope he sees how professional and resposible Tyson is and how they can trust him to get the program up and running. Tyson knows that this is some serious stuff and is more than willing to put his whole heart into it if given the chance. That's all he really wants, and that is a chance to prove that he can handle being the K9 officer. Whew! I'll get off of my soap box. It's time I went and sat down to enjoy what's left of my night.

So, What's it Like Being Married to a Cop?

I was getting a little frustrated with Tyson's work schedule for a while. We weren't seeing each other and it was taking a little bit of a toll on me. I just miss him, and it's hard not knowing if he's okay out there on the streets. Also, it's a little lonely at times. With THAT said, I found this interesting, yet VERY true and funny article written by a police officer's wife about being married to a police officer. After reading this article, it made me feel better because I realized that I'm not the only one who experiences all of the "fun things" that come with being in a relationship with a police officer. If you read it, it gives a whole new respect to a police officer's family. After reading this article, these are the things that I found that are SO TRUE with what Tyson and I experience now:

When I kiss Tyson goodbye and tell him to be safe, I wonder if that is the last time I will ever see him.

I have to be self-sufficient.

The article says that the wife has to keep the kids quiet while Daddy sleeps. Well, I have to keep the dogs quite while Dad sleeps.

Holidays together are almost non-existent.

The pay is terrible for such a risky and dangerous job.

You sleep alone almost every night.

When you think you're going to get that little time alone, he ends up having to stay later because of some late arrest, traffic stop, or someone calling out of work. Basically, it ruins the rest of the day because he has to sleep all of it.

I have learned where to sit in a restaurant with him so he has the best vantage point.

Although there are some yucky things that come with the position of becoming a cop's wife, there are some advantages!:

I know I'm protected when he's home.

I find out all of the juicy details and the dirty scoop on the "big wigs" of the city.

The news sensationalizes everything, so I get to find out the truth of the matter.

I get to hear the most adventurous stories that not all husbands can come home and tell their wives.

These are the main points that this author wrote in this article that was TOTALLY about our life right now. I laughed the whole time because it is SO TRUE!!! Anyways, I brought this up because I thought that it would be interesting, and it gives insight of how different life is when you're a police officer or you are marrying one. Below is the article. I do recommend reading the article. It is very informative, and you'll see how much Tyson sacrafices to do a job that pays him next to nothing, yet, he loves doing:

http://www.officer.com/web/online/Police-Life/So--Whats-it-Like-Being-Married-to-a-Cop/17$29366

The Two Boys

I have finally gotten a chance to take new pictures of Rosco in his growing stages. The link will be posted at the end of this blog along with pictures of my wedding bands. All of the photos you'll see of Rosco are of Tyson working on his bite work and prey drive. It's really neat when you see it in action. Again, this Wednesday, Tyson took Rosco to training and he continues to impress Bob our trainer. The trainer and the other fellow officers started hiding dope in cars for Rosco to find, and he found it every time. Rosco is only 14 weeks! I'M EVEN IMPRESSED! The chief of Montgomery County PD (I think) was completely impressed as this was his first time seeing Rosco. He told the trainer that he wouldn't find it, and sure enough, Rosco proved him wrong. Bob is continuing Rosco on bite work, and ROSCO LOVES IT! He thinks he's playing. In about two weeks, we're going to have to stop him on bite work because he will be loosing puppy teeth. We don't want to hurt our baby! I know I talk about Rosco more than I do about Precious, but he's changing every day since he's a new pup. The only thing that changes on Precious is her haircut, and sometimes that's too scary to talk about. HA! She knows she's still my number one!

On another note, Tyson and I have officially ordered the save-the-date cards, so they should be at our apartment any day now for us to send out. I've checked out my month by month lists of things to do, and we're on top of everything and on schedule....if not a little ahead! We're so close to getting the BIG part of the wedding paid for, so then, we'll have about 8ish months to save up here and there for items that aren't included in our package. But, there's not much! I'm so excited! I know Tyson was stressing about all of this, and soon he will be able to relax.....................................hopefully...................that is if I can keep him from looking way too far in the future and taking things day by day. A little at a time that is. It is so amazing how involved and on top of everything he is with the wedding planning. You don't normally see grooms doing this. But, it is so helpful since I'm pretty much doing this on my own. I'm so excited to hear that Tyson is going to cover his Wednesday night extra job for the next two weeks so he can have a full 2 days off. I FULLY support him doing this because he needs a break, and we need some time together. His schedule is tiring both of us out right now. Right now, he's off getting a massage. Good for him.

All in all, everything is going good at the future Sutton household. Busy as usual! Don't forget to take a look at the new pictures of Rosco! Also! I have a few pictures up of the engagement ring as well as my wedding bands!

THE PICTURES OF ROSCO AND MY ENGAGEMENT RING AND WEDDING BANDS:

http://picasaweb.google.com/reannins

Ring, Dog....Life....

Well, Tyson and I jumped the gun and already bought my wedding band, or should I say, wedding bands. It is actually a solitaire enhancer that has two bands that wrap around the engagement ring. They both have diamonds going around the bands, and it really showcases the engagement ring since it is so unique. When we were talking about what we were going to do for a band with my engagement ring, I had this idea in my head that I did not want an enhancer because I thought it would be a little much since the engagement ring is so lavish in itself. After looking at a few places, Tyson really wanted to look at rings at Jared's since he's such a fan of that place. We saw many that worked, but none that we LOVED. Tyson suggested looking at enhancers. I was a little hesitant, but, ironically, it ended up working out the best. Let's just say it definitely screams, "Hello I'm married," and when all three rings are attatched..............OH BOY does it sparkle! I kept asking the jeweler with worry that my hand was too petite to have the amount of rings that I had on my hand. Both Tyson and the lady reminded me that it looked beautiful. All in all, I LOVE it! It makes the whole package look different, and there are things about this wedding that I want to be a little different and not so traditional. Also, it definitely accentuates the engagement ring (which is an heirloom I might add), and shows of the beauty of it. It's perfect and I'm happy.

Tyson took Rosco to training today and they started him on bite work. From what I hear, Rosco is did awesome for his very first time!!! The trainer predicts that he will be ready for competition NEXT YEAR! I was amazed because I thought that was a little early, but they see him really progressing fast. I'm proud of my boy! He's such a smarty pants! Rosco keeps growing in size. I'm going to have to post more pictures. He's getting so big! He's starting to tower over my little Precious, but I don't think she's noticing it......or maybe she does???? But, she still plays with him and gets along with him really well. She'll jump on Rosco, and Rosco will lie on his back to let her win, so she'll growl pretending to be a big mean dog while she's pouncing on him. It's HILARIOUS!!! I'll have to post a video of it.

On a final note! I would just like to say that I'm finished with all of my classes this semester and I walked out with ALL A's!!! I think I'm motivated to wear one of those big sashy type of things around my shoulders at my graduation next year since I never got to wear one for my high school graduation.......HA!

Engagement Photos!

We have officially taken them, and they are now up to view! Yayyy!!!

Our friend Lauren so graciously took the time out of her day to take our pictures for us. I was so grateful. They turned out BEAUTIFUL and I am so excited! I love looking at them over and over!

Below is the link to the pictures. The ones I posted are almost every single one we did. We actually took about 240, but I didn't post all because some were doubles.

Right now, we're in the process of choosing which ones we love and then getting them all re-touched and fancied up. The one's you're viewing are the raw originals. Let Tyson and I know which ones you like! We would love your opinions since we love so many. It'll help us narrow it down.


HERE ARE THE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS:

http://picasaweb.google.com/reannins/EngagementPhotos

Take Your Fiance to Work Day

I would just like to say that this Tuesday, May 6, Tyson and I are going to take our engagement pictures!!! YAY!!!! I can't seem to decide on what we're going to wear. I'm toggling between two ideas. I'm almost thinking that I might just have us bring the two outfits I'm considering to be photographed in since I can't make up my mind. Oh decisions, decisions! But, anyways, hopefully we'll get the pictures developed quickly after taking them so I can post them up for everyone to see.

This past Wednesday, I stayed home sick, and I pretty much layed on the couch all day. Tyson was gone all day at K9 training, and when he got home, he was supposed to go to his extra job. I was looking all sad and everything because we never get to really be with and see each other often, and I most certainly was sad that I was going to stay at home sick by myself. All of the sudden, he got this bright idea to bring me to his extra job. It is one where all he has to do is sit in his car and watch over a business. This was a PERFECT opportunity for us to spend time with each other because he couldn't grab the remote and watch the T.V. HA! All in all, it was nice to spend some quality time just sitting in a car together.

While Tyson was at K9 training this Wednesday, the trainer told Tyson some more stuff that he's figuring out about Rosco. Apparently, while the trainer was teaching Rosco to "Platz" (lie down) Rosco was lying down, but, at the same time, creeping towards the treat. The trainer kept saying, "Ah! Fooey!" to tell him, "No," and that he wasn't going to get it till he was pefectly lying down. After a few of the Ah Fooeys, the trainer was talking to Tyson. All of the sudden Rosco sneakily just lied down still. The trainer told Tyson, "Aha! Did you see that! He knew all along, but he's looking into how to do the least amount of work to get the treat! He's smart." Basically, the trainer says we have a very smart dog. This can be both good and bad. It's good because he'll learn quickly, but it's bad because he will try to out smart us. We're going to have to keep on our toes with him. Overall, Rosco is quite the handful and is TOTALLY different compared to what Precious was like as a puppy. I tell Rosco every day, "I'm glad that I'm young while raising you or else I wouldn't be able to keep up with you." I still love him to death though even if he drives me crazy most days.

The Break is Almost Here!!!

Ah yes! I have one more class day until I'm OFFICIALLY on a break. Well, actually, I have another class that goes till May, but it's a joke. I'm getting the tough class out of the way. I had my exit conference with my professors and they had GREAT news to tell me! Let's just say I got three "A's" for their class. This one class equaled three classes in one, so that's why I get three grades for those that don't know. Buuuuut.....I did receive some other excellent news that I'm only keeping to my family and REALLY close friends.

Also....do you know what this means......WEDDING PLANNING TIME!!! Now I'm able to REALLY start to focus on some things that need to be taken care of. First on the list is the engagement photos and save the date cards. I know I have been saying for a long time now that these will be finished, and I'm here to say that Tyson and I will be getting started on it REAL soon. I promise! I'm taking a two week break where I'm going to just "revive" myself and "freshen up" from this semester, and then I'm going to schedule with our friend, Lauren, to take the pictures. We are super excited!

Tyson is doing great,working hard as usual. Bless his heart. I don't know how he does it with his weird schedule, but I sure am grateful for all that he does for me so I can focus on school. It was because of him that got me those three "A's" in one of the toughest classes I've ever taken. If he didn't tell me to cut back on work, I don't know how I would have done it. Now I have to convince him to stop taking so many extra jobs and relax. He's going to wear himself thin if he keeps up with this. Anyways...He took Rosco to the Trainer and the K9 training on Wednesday. From what the trainer told him....we have a good dog. Rosco has a good bite, he's courageous, and he's going to be big for a malinois. Yayyy! I want my big boy! The only poopy thing that the trainer told Tyson is that it looks to him like we have a stubborn dog. I was like, "Tell me something I don't know!" It's okay. I love him to death. He's doing so good, and he learns really fast. He's hyper as can be, and he frustrates us some days, but he's a good boy. Once we get started with some obedience training with him, he's going to be a good dog. The one thing I wish he'd do is when I go to give him love and attention, he likes to bite out of excitement instead of "giving kisses" like some other dogs do. I wish he'd just give kisses. :( My arms sure are sore. :(

Overall, Tyson and I are hanging in there! We hope all is well with everyone!

Welcome Home Rosco!!!

Tyson and I would like you to meet.................ROSCO!

Currently, he is 7 weeks old and is the SAME SIZE as Precious. Oh yes! He's a big boy. His dad was about 90 lbs, and mom was about 60 lbs. We'll just see what size he decides to take. Rosco is EXTREMELY playful and is already quite the biter. His insticts are to bite anything in sight. Sometimes it's really annoying, but, we have to remember.... A)He's a puppy B)He comes from a background of bite dogs and C)We have to tolerate it because we don't want to discourage him from biting right now. Our trainer says we can help him learn to differentiate between what's appropriate to bite and what's not appropriate to bite.

The first night in the kennel was a bit of a nightmare. Tyson and I got absolutely no sleep! But, last night was the third night in the kennel, and he's getting better. He barely makes a peep now! He only whines a little when he wants to get out. He does not like going into his kennel. He plants all of his body weight on the floor to where we have to force him in it.

The potty training thing is going good so far. He's realized that outside is where he potties...but we still have accidents. HOWEVER!!!!!!!!!!! He gets SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO distracted when we're outside. He loves the little wood chips from the mulch and wants to chew on those. He'll start to sniff like he's ready to go potty, but then he sees a chip and pulls us to it.......COMPLETELY forgetting that he had to go to the bathroom. We're constantly redirecting! He also likes to stick his nose deep into the grass, lie down, and eat it. Sometimes he realizes outside is potty time, and sometimes he just wants to explore and play.

I would just like to say that juggling two dogs is QUITE the adventure!!! It's REALLY REALLY REALLY hard! The apartment isn't quiet anymore, and it's hard to get them both in one place at once. The best example I can give is during outside time. Tyson and I have found that we have to try to take them out one by one right now. Rosco wants to play with Precious while Precious is trying to go to the bathroom, thus, Rosco forgets he needs to go. If we do take both of them out, they are both too stubborn to come back in. If I have to take both of them out at the same time, I'll usually keep Rosco on a leash because he'll try to play instead of focus. I'll let Precious not be on one so she can go do her business while I hold him. When I'm trying to get both of them in, I'm holding Rosco in one arm while pulling Precious by the collar with the other hand (because she won't come in unless I do that). If I'm not doing that......I've got one in each arm. WHEW! I'm going to lose a lot of weight by the end of all of this!!!

Right now, Rosco is trying to be the alpha dog. It seems like he's also trying to "claim me" with Precious. When I'm sitting down and Rosco is off playing with a toy, Precious will try to come sit in my lap. I'll give her attention and love on her, BUUUUUUUUT.......Rosco will seem me doing this with her, he'll stop what he's doing and try to nudge her off of me and then HE'LL sit on my lap. He does this EVERY TIME. Apparently, he doesn't do this with Tyson. Right now, my poor baby girl isn't getting much attention like she used to . Also, they both like to play on Tyson and me, or around and near Tyson and me. They can never go off into an open space to play. They have to be touching us or something.

Anyways! Rosco is a cutie and a handful. It's certainly a huge handful with two dogs now. I'll keep you guys updated with every little adventure! Below is a link to MANY pictures of Rosco. ENJOY!

http://picasaweb.google.com/reannins/WelcomeHomeRosco

A Few Updates

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. Tyson and I have been so busy. This week started my "teach week." On Tuesdays for the next two weeks, I have to teach a full blown lesson. It is a skill that the children HAVE NOT LEARNED YET. Yes. I WAS nervous, but yesterday, I taught my first lesson on verbs to my first grade class, and it went really well. I got a lot of positive feedback from my mentor and observers who came and watched me, and the children seemed to have caught on to what verbs are. Thank goodness I didn't ruin them for life!

Yesterday, the dog breeder emailed Tyson a couple of pictures of our puppy......or I should say...........Tyson's K9 bite dog. He's SOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute!!!! Tyson can't wait to get him NEXT WEEK!!! I can't believe it has come up so soon. I'm excited, but a little nervous because we have to go through all of the "puppy" things like the potty training and the crying and whining at night. Say goodbye to some more sleep. :( It's okay though! I can't wait to hold him and play with him, and I can't wait to see how him and Precious interact. Here are a few pictures of our puppy!

Also, here's Precious with the "new do," or as I'd like to call it, "the ugly cut." Poor thing has to meet her brother looking scary, but she needed to be shaved to save us from the matting.

OH YEAH.....NOT SO FLUFFY ANYMORE!

I'M STARTING TO THINK WE PICKED UP THE WRONG DOG AT THE GROOMERS.

Anyways! That's pretty much it. I started teaching, the new puppy is coming, and Precious got an ugly haircut. We're still busy as ever. This week, Tyson is taking classes to get his Intermidiate Police Officers Certificate, so he's unable to go to the K9 trainings. He won't be able to go for a couple more weeks because he's driving up to Mississippi to get the new pup all of next week.

This upcoming month, Tyson and I should be taking engagement photos, and hopefully, I can get started on the Save the Date cards to send out. That's it for now..........We love you all!

There's No Place Like Home...

At the beginning of Tyson and my Spring Break, we took some time to go to Austin/Georgetown and visit our family. There is definitely no place like home. You feel more relaxed, and it is so nice to get away and have mom and dad there for ya. I had so much fun going birthday shopping and celebrating an early birthday for me with my mom. THANK YOU mommy for the awesome BCBG top that we got for an unbelievable price! I'm still telling the story! Ha! Ha! Anyways! I truly feel I don't get to see my mom enough, and every time I do, I feel like I'm home again. As my mom would like to say it, "It's my oasis."
Also, when Tyson and I go to visit his mom and dad.......they, too, make it feel so relaxed and "homey." They also did an early celebration for my birthday. YAY for the spa gift card so I can go get a well deserved massage, and YAY for the yummy strawberry cheesecake that I oh so love! THANK YOU Nancy and Hugh!
It was so nice to see Tyson so excited on Sunday morning while on our way up to Austin. I know he was excited to see his mom and dad. He is always so thrilled!
Today, Tyson and I went up to Heather's Glen to go make a payment for our wedding. I got to see (somewhat) how much of the flowers are in bloom around this time since this will be about the time we get married next year. I was disappointed to see that the vines still looked dry and dead, and there weren't many flowers blooming. Hopefully, the case is that it is still the beginning of March, and we're getting married at the end of March, so things will progress towards the end of the month. Or, I'm hoping it's just because it was cold for an extended period of time, and the flowers haven't gotten a chance. Maybe we've lacked in rain???? I don't know. Oh well. Maybe next year it will all be lush.
Otherwise, Tyson and I are still soaking up the last few days of our Spring Break together, and I'm certainly catching up on sleep. I can't tell you how good it feels to not have to wake up to an alarm buzzing at 5:30 in the morning, and being able to be with Tyson for a full day. Tyson certainly enjoys all of the relaxation time. YAY FOR A VACATION! Anyways! Keep in touch everyone! Again, Tyson and I LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear from all of you!

Fun Stuff!

Hello everyone! Everything is going great for Tyson and me. Spring break is coming up, and Tyson was able to get off from work, which is VERY rare! We're so excited to be able to spend a whole week together! During this week, I get to go to one of Tyson's bite/narcotic dog training sessions with him. I'M SO EXCITED!

On another note......I'm so excited to tell everyone that I made the National Honor's Society and the Dean's List at Sam Houston State University! Yay for a few more things to stick on the resume!

As I told everyone in the last blog entry, Tyson just went through decoy school where he trained with some bite dogs, and how to work with them. We just received a CD of a bunch of pictures from his eventful week. It is really neat to see how these dogs work. I can't wait to get ours in one more month! Below are some pictures of Tyson training with some dogs. Also, below all of the taining pictures is a video of Tyson in action! Don't be scared. He knows what he is doing. :)

The "jist" of what this bite training is all about:

Every dog has an owner/trainer, and those dogs are taught to only attack on a command. They are trained on commands in either dutch, german, french, etc. Basically, mainly not in english. The dogs are trained to get excited to want to attack a "bad guy." When they get a bite, that is their reward, and they get so excited. You will see their tails wagging because it is like a game to them. Again, they are only taught to do this ON THE OWNERS COMMAND. They are just like a normal, fun, loving dog otherwise. Trust me.....it took me a while to understand this. They aren't trained to be mean, just to know if they see someone trying to intimidate them, or run from them, and the owner/trainer says the command.........they go. Other than that, they have to stay. During training, the "decoy" (the one who wears the bite suit and gets attacked for training purposes) must try to get the dog ready to attack. They start to run, the dog is released, and then the dog jumps up in the air and grabs what is put in front of him/her. Usually, the decoy is to try to pretend to fight the dog by hitting it with a rubber stick, or picking the dog up and pretending to throw it to the ground. I was AMAZED to see how many dogs just would not let go no matter how many times they were tossed around. Don't worry, the dogs aren't being hurt. The decoy does it GENTLY to try to emmulate real life. This is to see if the dog knows not to let go no matter the circumstances, unless it is given a command. The decoy is also supposed to pretend like they are hurt or screaming. This is the dog's rewards, and builds the dogs confidence by letting him/her know that they are winning. Usually, if the decoy pretends to go to the ground, this is also the reward. Well, there is the "jist" to make sense of some of these pictures.

There's no need to fear!

UNDERDOG is here!

Busy! Busy!

Whew! We have both been so busy since the last time I wrote. This semester has been incredibly intense for me. I'm functioning on LOTS of coffee and 10hrs of sleep a week due to the amount of lesson planning I have to do along with regular class and work. Tyson has been working ungodly hours himself. When he's not at the PD, he's picked up extra jobs on his days off, or in between shifts. We're building character people! :) Also, Tyson just finished decoy school. With a few bites and bruises, he brought home some very useful information he could use when working with bite dogs. He had so much fun, and everyday he came home with the biggest smile on his face. He was so excited to tell me all of the neat new things that he had learned, as well as I was excited to hear about his day. I saw some video of the training and it's AMAZING what these dogs can do. They are so smart! I can't wait to get our new little one! Otherwise, Tyson has been working hard in the police world.

Speaking of our new little one, the breeder posted a new photo of our litter up on his website. Their eyes are open! YAY! They are so cute. He also has a video up of the litter that was born a couple of weeks before ours. It is so cute. If you log on to http://www.masonsmalinois.com/ and click on the PUPPIES link, you can see photos of our litter which is litter E. You can even check out the video of the litter D to see some malinois puppies in action! SO ADORABLE!

As far as the wedding, I'm dreaming up wedding colors, dresses, stationary, etc! There's not much that is new except that I'm trying to organize my thoughts which has been pretty hard to do lately due to my student teaching/internship stuff.

On that note! I LOVE THIS STUDENT TEACHING THING! I'm not OFFICIALLY labeled a FULL TIME student teacher, but I'm in the first part of it, and I LOVE IT! Every day when I go to meet with my mentor teacher and my class, I'm so excited to get ready to teach. The children are responding to me very well, and it's exciting! I love that I'm getting thrown in, and getting full hands on experience. Thank goodness for all of this training or I would be a lost teacher when I graduate. I just recently worked with two fourth graders on writing books, and we had an Author's Celebration. I got to meet their parents and they were wonderful! They were so appreciative of the fact that I worked one on one with their children to get them to write better. The children LOVED the celebration, and I loved it because it gave me a sense of accomplishment. I successfully taught the writing process! Woo hoo! Below are some pictures of the event. Being a teacher is definitely a HARD, but rewarding job...............and that I'm learning....

My two students and me:

The fourth grade class we worked with:

THEY WERE SO PROUD OF THOSE BOOKS! :)

Exciting News!

Tyson and I have some very exciting news!

On February 11, 2008 our baby boy puppy was born!

We are so ecstatic. As some of you know, Tyson and I have put down a deposit for a male Belgian Malinois so Tyson can start training to become a K9 Unit. This has been something Tyson has been wanting to do for a while, and we're dog lovers, so, why not?!?! As of right now, Humble PD doesn't have a K9 Unit, but, in ABOUT three years, Tyson is hoping the the new chief will want one. So, for early preparation, Tyson will be working with a bite and narcotics trainer to train our puppy to be a bite and narcotics dog. This is so Tyson and our puppy are trained, ready to go, and get started. I am very excited!

We already have one dog, which is a Bichon Frise, name Precious..............and yes........I named her that. It will be very interesting to see how they both interact and play with each other. This is going to be so much fun!

Below, I'm going to post the website for the breeder we are getting our puppy from for those of you interested in learning what this bite and narcotics dog training is all about. Also, I'm posting the first picture of the new puppies that were just born. Our little boy is in there somewhere, so, ENJOY!

http://www.masonsmalinois.com/

OUR PUPPY IS IN THERE SOMEWHERE!

The Start of the Wedding Planning

Okay! So now to the details! Tyson and I are so excited to have finally set a wedding date after a year and a half engagement.

The wedding will be Saturday, March 28, 2009.

It is the best feeling to have the date and place already selected. The main part is taken care of, so now to the little stuff. The place we selected to do the ceremony and reception is at Heather's Glen in Conroe, TX. Tyson's mom told us to list out five things each that were important to us for our wedding, and this place included everything we both wanted for a price we can handle.

Here is the website for the place we're getting married at if anyone wants to check it out:

http://www.heathersglen.com/

Also, I have created a knot.com webpage that gives a little more details of the ceremony and reception if anyone would like to check it out:

http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/ReanninManger&TysonSutton

Otherwise, that is all for now. Tyson and I will keep you all posted about what's occurring. Keep an eye out for some save the date cards in the middle of this year! I'm EXTREMELY excited to get some engagement photos taken!

Welcome!

Hello friends and family!

I wanted to create a blog to keep everyone updated on Tyson and my wedding information and plans for this year. Also, I just wanted to keep everyone updated on anything else that is occurring. Since we have family and friends from all over the place, it is hard to always call, or get together, and catch up. Yes, that's disappointing, so I'm creating this. Feel free to leave as many comments as you want. It is always nice to hear from everyone.

I am currently going through part of my student teaching process (if that is what you'd like to call it) so I'm EXTREMELY busy. I will keep this updated as much as possible so bear with me. I'm usually pretty good about these things.

Well, I just wanted to let everyone know that we have a blog now to keep everyone updated. I will be posting some more pretty soon. Both Tyson and I already started off 2008 with a bang with lots of new and exciting information to share.