Happy New Year!

We want to wish you a happy new year from the Vaughns!

We hope you can toast to the end of 2012 and a blessed beginning of 2013!

Much love,
The Vaughns

(still resting, but Wednesday is 37 weeks!)

Happy birthday sister!

It is Meg's birthday today, and so, as her favorite sister, I have taken it upon myself to create a list if possible gifts for her...(don't worry, I already got her gift and she has it!)

Meg is a history nerd, too... So this would be perfect to hang in her home.

Or this to keep her facts straight on those presidents.... (please note that my boyfriend is one of them)

Or this to hang and point to so that my niece and nephew know what to do...

Just some thoughts if you forgot to get my favorite sister a gift...

Love you Meggie!

One chapter ends...

Some of us know what we want to be from a young age. I always wanted to be a teacher except for the one year I wanted to be a dairy farmer having never seen a cow up close and personal. I am special. I know. What can I say? Middle school is a confusing time!

I obviously haven't been in my classroom for almost three weeks since being put on bed rest, but yesterday I returned to clean it out. (don't worry, I sat and directed Kenny to grab stuff). I thought I would have been way more emotional about it. Pregnancy alone should have made me a sobbing mess or just being grateful to be out of the house and see other surroundings should have had me in tears, right?  Then I had some time to reflect (because I have a lot of time) and I came up with some pretty awesome thoughts I wanted to share...

1. God gives us great gifts to share with others. Teaching though does not have to just be confined to the walls of a school, so I can still share my gift. (please read that without the arrogance that could come across).

2. God also knows what we need and provides for us. I knew leaving my students would be so difficult, and by being on bed rest, I got to do so gradually. I was able to send them a letter explaining everything, and that allowed them to process and be able to write sweet letters back.

3. God knows us better than we know ourselves. I only know how to give 100% to my kids. God knew I needed to shift my focus to my most important kid, Baby V. He made me take time out to do so and spend some quality time savoring our little family before the big (or little) addition arrives.

4. Lastly, I have the most awesome journey to begin in being a mom, and every day I will be teaching her (and not just about Thomas Jefferson, I promise).  I will hopefully teach her important things like sharing love with others, that God is always there, and respect your mother and father :). That one momma b and daddy b certainly taught us.

So although I won't be in a classroom, my journey as a teacher isn't done. It has really just begun. The next chapter is starting. My greatest pupil just hasn't arrived quite yet....

a little hootie hoo!

So baby V and I are still hanging out and resting the best we can.  We have gotten good reports each week, and I have been granted permission to leave the house for things like going out to eat as long as I sit!  I am at 35 weeks, so two more and she will be full term.

We have kept ourselves busy by reading, doing word jumbles, writing letters, emailing friends, wrapping up my school stuff, and crafting a little.

I had a vision for making a mobile for the baby's room.  I am by no means the most crafty person, but the ones I saw online were all over $50.  So before I had even gone on bed rest, I had purchased almost everything I needed to create a mobile.

First I found a little owl design online and traced and cut out the pieces.

Then I hot glued the eyes and nose on, sewed up the little owls and stuffed them.

Then I sent my man servant (aka Kenny) to get a circle that I painted white and hung the little owls.

Kenny figured out how to hang the whole mobile as I obviously cannot climb on ladders, etc.  It is by no means perfect, but I like the simplicity of it.  I also love the fact that when we move, it will NOT be a big deal if something happens to it as in total it was about $9.  Kenny also got to use a hot glue gun for the first time.

Her room is pretty much done at this point.  She just needs to hold on two more weeks before she can see the whole thing!

Next up is setting up the pack n play and Christmas! Hope you all are gearing up for a great holiday!

A little Christmas Cheer

Before all of the excitement occurred (well except the Bell's palsy), we decorated for Christmas!  We have not put up a tree for the last two years, so it was fun to pull out the ornaments and put lights on the tree.  It was also fun for Kenny to get to put lights on our house which we haven't done as home owners. Here is our pretty home decorated!

Our pretty tree (and a puppy hiding in the left corner)

Our pretty home with the lights!

The first fire of the season and the 34 week pregnant lady!
(I promise I only stood for a moment to warm myself by the fire.  Then I got warm because well, I have my own heater on my front if you cant tell!)

Baby V and I are doing well with our feet up and resting.  She is moving and grooving and my blood pressure is better. I am 34 weeks, so she has 3 more that she has to stay in before she is full term. I even got to escape to go to a baby and you class last night due to my good behavior (per doctor's permission).  And my face is slowly regaining movement on the right side.  Daisy gets a little bored with my lack of movement, but at least she has some company during the day (but can't sneak onto the couch).  Kenny is thankfully working hard and not having to wait on me too much.  Online shopping and wrapping up the lose ends of my job (since I was leaving anyway) has kept me pretty busy so far.

Thank you again for all the prayers and support.  We truly are blessed with the love we have felt and continue to feel.

Baby update

I wanted to post just a little something because this has been an eventful week, and we fully believe in the power of prayer.

Friday I woke up with bell's palsy, so the right side of my face doesn't move. Kind of looks like I have Botox on one side of my face. This doesn't hurt, but I just look awkward. :) I did get some sweet fake glasses that make me looks upper smart. This happens to women in the 3rd trimester because who doesn't want to look awkward and be super pregnant, right? In all seriousness, we were grateful for the minor complication.

Then Monday, I went in for an appt and my blood pressure was a little high and baby V had decided to stop her high kick routine for a bit.. Because of the this, I was admitted to the hospital. I have been put on bed rest until she comes. I am 33 weeks along, so she needs to stay in for a couple more weeks.  She is moving and grooving and my blood pressure is better, but in order to make sure I don't develop pre eclampsia, I must rest. We are grateful that the staff at the hospital is so cautious and are so wonderful. Spending two nights in a hospital is no one's idea of a good time, but they took great care of us.

I was finishing up work on the 21st, so I have hung up my teaching self a little sooner than planned. For the baby though, it is worth it.

Thank you for your support and prayers. We truly appreciate it!

A little nursery preview

Some sweet gifts she received this weekend that go so well in her room!  (The plane was Kenny's from before but goes well with her color scheme, and who says she can't be a pilot, too?)

Her little dresser that will be a changing table but for right now is home to a diaper cake and another little owl.

Her crib with a couple of friends already waiting for her and the painting I did for her room.

Her rocker with her big owl and night stand.  Please note that she will not be staying with us rent free.  We will expect her to shred documents to earn her keep ;)

Her room has some other decorations that are a surprise due to the fact her name won't be revealed until she makes her big debut.  BUT her room is coming together nicely and filling up with things she will love and cherish and use lots of (aka diapers and wipes).

Hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving.  I know here in the Vaughn household we have much to be thankful for including this wee little peanut who likes to do jazzercise at all hours of the day.  Fitness is a top priority here :)

Okay, Okay, here is a picture!

So because you all demanded it :)  Here is baby V in all her glory at 25.5 weeks. 

We are already rocking the owl jewelry. (I am wearing my awesome owl necklace).  I have to get her ready for her owl themed nursery! I promise pictures soon once I have finished a little more decorating, and once we have actually taken the diplomas off the wall. I am trying my hand at being crafty and painting things for her room... we shall see how it goes.


Sorry for the quality, but it is from Kenny's phone.  We have gotten rather lazy about getting out the real camera.  I am sure when baby V comes the camera will return!

And lastly, when did my hair get so brown? :)

6 months pregnant

The awkward moments that have happened...

A student walking into my classroom and rubbing my belly on her way in.

Awkward.

After asking if I could go run to the restroom, a co-worker took her hand and rubbed my WHOLE belly round and round.

Awkward.

Walking into the gym, the woman behind me said, "You look just like my son's fiance!" I turned and said, "Oh, really?" She then proceeded to rub my belly. 

Awkward.

A co-worker came up to me and asked if the baby was moving.  I said that yes she moves sometimes.  She then asked if she could feel it the next time the baby moved.  Um...

Akward.


Who knew being pregnant could have so many socially awkward encounters?

September is a busy month

of celebrating!

We have celebrated Meg and Andrew's anniversary, my mom and dad's anniversary, and our anniversary!

And we have celebrated Kenny turning the big 3-0!

Kenny left the day of his birthday to go learn how to be a commercial airline pilot, so we celebrated a little early. We did have a nice dinner with our neighbors the day before.  However, before Kenny left, he did get to have a little lunch.  We lit candles, and Daisy and I sang. 

 Nothing says birthday like a good looking salad... (Cookies were made and consumed, just not photographed).

We will celebrate our anniversary when Kenny returns, but to help me celebrate,  I bought a couple of things for Baby V's room. 

Her room will be grey and yellow with chevron patterns everywhere!  The little owl is a rattle.

Sorry for the poor quality of pictures.  They are from my phone.  Daisy has been really sick the past couple of days (like at the vet every day, got a new bed because of puking all over it, and now we don't have a living room rug anymore kind of sick), so she didn't notice the owls for a couple of days.  Last night, though, she found them and started barking at them. It was a "where did you come from" kind of bark.  Then she ran. 

Hope your September has been great!

Quotes from school

This is a blog post of "Kids Say the Darndest Thungs"

I never announced to my students that I am pregnant, so now that the baby is making herself known, the kids are having interesting reactions.

"Miss, you're pregnant? I just thought you'd let yourself go!"

Child comes up to me and whispers, "Miss, are your pregnant?"
I respond, "Yes."
Child turns around to her friend and shouts, "I told you!"

Child points to my belly and says, "Is there a baby in there?"
I respond, "we hope!"

"Miss, you're pregnant? My brother is having a baby, too!"
"Really, that is exciting,"
"yeah. He is 16."
Awkward silence.
"Well, I'm sure it will be fun to be an uncle!"


Best response:
One of my best students from two years ago ran up to me and squeezed me, so I said, "Be careful of the baby!"
She screamed and said, "oh my goodness! You are going to be the best mom! You should name her after me!!"

So I guess word is out.

And the baby is....

A....

Duke fan....

And...

A lover of owls...


And a girl!

Kenny is really outnumbered now, but we can't wait to add this sweet girl to our family!

Where have we been?

Well for one back on the east coast visiting family and friends and New York City and spreading the news that.....
January 27th we will be welcoming baby Vaughn into the world!!

Sorry for the long absence! I hope you all have had a great summer!

Somebody graduated!

So someone in this family has been working on their MBA for the past two years.  That somebody has been KENNY!

On May 12th, we headed to the American Bank Center to celebrate the big day! (Kenny is the one in Khaki pants twoard the left of the picture.

Kenny worked hard for that diploma and spent many nights at class while Daisy and I hung out and snuggled. (Kenny in khaki pants getting ready to get diploma)

The happy graduate with the happy pup!  Now she can snuggle him all she wants and whenever she wants!

Proud parents and Kenny!

So proud of my graduate! 

Congrats to all the other people who graduated this spring... 6 years ago I graduate from UVA and 8 years ago, Kenny graduated from UVA.... how time flies!

Happy almost summer break!

HEB Camp (2nd time around)

This time I knew what to bring and what to leave at home.  I knew what to expect and the rules; however, I also knew most of my kiddos this time which can be a good thing or a bad thing.  We had fun hiking, making bracelets, swimming in the Frio, and playing games.  I even busted out my old volleyball skills on the sand volleyball court.

Here are some pics to get a picture of the fun that was had!

The Frio damned for swimming.

My girls won skit night! (Second year in a row; my kids have won!)

Fashion night they dressed as us teachers.  The one on the rights is me. The one on the left is the teacher everyone confuses me with Mrs. McTigue who is awesome and teaches science.

My girls at the top of the hike.

The "cool" adults who led the hike and didn't get us too lost!

All of the adults at the top looking lost :)

My sweet cabin girls

Happy, but super ready to go home and get some rest!

It wa another great year of time, but boy was I exhausted afterwards.  5 days of being mom to 14 8th graders is tiring no matter how great those 8th graders are!

We took a panoramic picture of the 8th grade

Again this week. (first time didn't go so great as some kids didn't make it to the picture.) so we got to waste a whole class period to redo this picture. And they frame it and hang it in the front office to remember all those amazing kids and teachers.

And my eyes were closed.

I think I was napping as HEB camp and state testing and the end of the school year has plum exhausted me. I know some people believe teachers have two month vacations in the summer, but be rest assured that is the only way we would come back to teach. We need to remember that we love teaching and children and rest up on sleep. To explain my point....
Student: Mrs. Vaughn, may I go to the Library to type my report.
Me: no, you have a computer in front of you.
Student: can I go to the library?
Me: no, you may not. it is closed.
Student: can I go to the library?
Me: no, you may not. It isn't open.
Student (following me to my desk): can I go to the library.
Me: no.
Student: why not!?!?
Me: last time I checked I don't have to give you a reason. Go sit down.
Child stomps off. End scene.

I was definitely napping in that picture or praying for patience.

Year Two teaching 8th grade almost done

And this is what I am looking forward to most...

the beach...this is also a hint to our next duty station...

reading lots and lots of books - suggestions welcome :)

having a nice cold beverage and staying up past 930pm

seeing these awesome people and finally meeting their sweet son!

heading home to hang out the parents for a bit!

Hope you are gearing up for a great summer! 

Happy Easter!

So the fact I took any pictures is impressive since we were busy hosting, playing with a 14 month old who decided that you eat reese's mini-eggs with the wrapper, making sure Daisy didn't lick all the chocolate off the poor kid's face, and generally soaking in quality time with good people.

But here is our set up before the fun began!

The traditional Easter Bunny cake with sprinkles on his bowtie this year!The beautiful flowers my parents sent us!Our Easter table set up with pink accents to continue with our decor theme :)

Hope your Easter was filled with blessings and the knowledge that He is Risen!!

Where have I been?

Um, well busy with teaching, cheer tryouts, teaching, and not going on part of my spring break trip... :( Weather had other plans for me which did NOT include getting to Baltimore to see friends.

However, I did get to see some special family in ATL during the second part of my week, and I decided to not feel too sorry for myself and met up with other friends and slept MANY hours to make up for my exhaustion.

In ATL, Meg, Andrew, Maeve and Will waited for me to arrive! Maeve had kindly told her class about my travel woes, so when we dropped her off at school, her sweet teachers said that they were glad that I had made it to part of my trip. Also, Maeve had told them that I had cried about not getting to see my friends. Thanks, Maeve.

So here is what we did: hung out, ate frozen yogurt, played, pedicures, saw a plantation house, ate lunch out, snuggled, read books, played, did homework, loved on each other, drank wine (just the adults), stayed up late, went for a run, went to the nature center, and enjoyed being together!

I also got to be the mystery reader at Maeve's preschool class! It was fun to surprise her and read to her classmates who were very sweet!Riding around with Will is always fun :)The plantation was super neat!Picnicing with Will and his "grape eyes"Playing in the garage leads to silliness.The nature center had beavers, butterflies, ducks, and OWLS!Homework is always more fun with bunny ears!

Thanks for a great trip Fosters!

We had a puppy visitor

His name is Gunner. Daisy and Gunner played ALL of the weekend before Valentine's Day. I was sick, so it was perfect to just stay home and watch puppies play. Gunner is a golden retriever, so half of Daisy's mix. However, Gunner will soon surpass Daisy in weight and height, so we kept telling her to be gentle because he would get her later on! Gunner wasn't still often, but I was able to catch a few precious pics. The middle one says to me, "I didn't do it. It was the other doggie...." What a cutie!

Daisy would pull on his legs, and he would pull on Daisy's ears. It was love at first bark. To watch them play was rather exhausting, but naps were few and far between with these two. They could not get enough of play! Someone needed a nap after all of that play!

We loved having little Gunner over; however, it reminded me of the work a puppy is. Boy are they cute, but boy are those teeth sharp!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Squeeze the one(s) you love today! Happy Valentine's Day!