One lucky Aunt--week 1

With my summer job being Monday through Thursday's I've got some free time on my hands. I am so fortunate this summer to get to spend Friday's with my adorable nieces for a few weeks, including a couple sleepovers (aka Jamma parties!!!!).  Abby is now 5 years old, and the smartest person alive (or so she thinks!!).  Kayla is 3 and full of spunk. 

For this week's sleepover, we watched Lion King II (hated it, fyi), had a few crying sessions during the night from Kayla--one of them was because she rolled off the bed, took Raji for a short walk (it's just too hot out), played with clay, and went to see Madagascar 3 at the theaters with my parents.  It was cute because the girls didn't know they were joining. I LOVE the sound of Abby yelling "GRANDMA" and Kayla squealing to see PAPA!!!

Clay time was a hit with Abby, and for me.  Probably because she was so impressed with ANYTHING I made....including the smaller version of Raji (my dog) that she insisted on carrying in her pocket for the rest of the day.  Needless to say, Raji (the clay model) morphed into a ball of clay as the day went on!

Don't let this picture fool you...Kayla was having NO PART of the glasses once the 3D movie started.  She did, however, get a really good nap in during the movie.  And I loved the cuddling we got to do!

After naptime, we went swimming for a bit before going home.  I was exhausted, they were worn out, but all in all we had a good time.  Only two more days until we start again!

Stolen from Meg, but still fun...

Get to Know Me A to Z

A. age: thirty, the big 3-0
B. bed size: king
C. chore you hate: waxing the floor

D. dogs: most recently Raji
E. essential start to your day: shower!

F. favorite color: green and yellow, duh
G. gold or silver: gold, allergic to silver earrings

H. height: 5'9"

I. instruments you play: violin

J. job title: school year: elementary school teacher.  summer: camp coordinator

K. kids: hellz no!
L. live: Arizona
M. maiden name: still the same

N. nicknames: Jamers, JamieSowder (no break), hey you...

O. overnight hospital stays: a few years back with an infection in my leg

P. pet peeve: lack of respect

Q. quote: "there's more to life than football, but no much"

R: right or lefty: right, but always wished I was a lefty
S. siblings: ha too many to know!  But we will count my brother Jared, sis Chel, and half brothers Scottie and Shawn

T. time you wake up: 5:45 AM on work days

U. university attended: ASU East Campus, then NAU extended campus for my Masters Degree

V. vegetable you dislike: uncooked broccoli
W. what makes you run late: cleaning, sleeping, breathing
X. x-rays you've had: quite a few....but I am a-ok right now

Y. yummy food: ice cream, anything my mommy makes

Z: favorite zoo animals: any of the big ones fascinate me

The real stuff...

As another school year ends, I want to take the time to make note of this year.  I was fortunate to get one of the best classes I have ever had!  Not to say they didn't have their challenges, but overall I can say they are one of my favorites (well, actually my favorite but don't tell the others!).  This past week was teacher appreciation week, and they spoiled me.  Actually spoiled me.  I have never felt so, well for lack of better word, appreciated!

Next year will be a change for me....I found out yesterday that I will be teaching 3rd grade next year!  I know it will be a change, but the team I am joining is phenomenal.  I KNOW it will be great!  I am sad to leave my comfort zone, but look forward to what the future will have in store for me :)

She's a MRS!!

This past weekend my breastie got married, and it was beautiful.  I was lucky enough to be her maid of honor! I can't wait to see her pictures, but until then I can admit I stole this picture from Erin Leigh Photography's website....yep.  Stole it!!

It's time

Meet Raji.  She is the new love of my life.  Raji is named after BJ Raji, who plays for the Packers. Surprising, I know.  Raji is very mellow, laid back and the total opposite of the dog personalities I had before. I miss them, but am enjoying having company around the house.

 Side note: yes, the leg is healing.  Still looks disgusting, but looking better!

Back to the topic at hand...I highly suggest you check out the picture below of BJ Raji to see the similarities between the dog and the man.  You won't even be able to tell them apart...

  Don't say I didn't warn you. VERY hard to tell they aren't twins!

Love bite....

To help myself deal, I am thinking of this as a love bite. Boy, did she love me....

This is two doctor visits, an added urgent care visit, and two weeks later. She REALLY loved me!

And this poor dog, Raji, has to deal with me each day. My not-so-funny jokes, the meals I make, the company I keep, and the bed hogging I am famous for. But she seems to like me and slowly, but surely, I am falling in love with her.

But I am still sad, on the inside, where many can't see.

Sad, but don't worry

Dear family, friends, and co-workers,

Yes, I am sad. Heartbroken may be more accurate. I loved both Lambeau and GB with all my heart. I am so sad that they are gone. I know it is what I had to do after GB biting me, and the repercussions it had on Lambeau and her injuries. It doesn't make it any easier, but I know it's what is right.

If I cry, it's ok. If I am sad, it's ok. I will just need some time to heal. Not only emotionally, but physically. My leg hurts, and it reminds me every few hours that it is not healed. I am trying to not remember that incident as my last memory of GB. My heart hurts, but I imagine, thanks to a good friend, that they are in Puppy Heaven having the time of their lives! I have had a good dream about each dog, and I truly believe that was their way of letting me know they made it to Heaven safely. Who knows, maybe my grandpa is even throwing the ball with them??? He would have loved their names, you know.

I have placed a picture next to my front door so I can say "goodbye girlies, love you" each morning, like I have since I got them. I know they are looking over me and protecting me each day. I don't think there will be a day that goes by where I won't think of them. Coming home to an empty house is the hardest right now. And sleeping without one of them near me.

Lambeau: I remember the day I met you at the Humane Society. Super cute puppy, full of energy. She was originally named Nala, but my mom and dad couldn't say it to well...and I had my heart set on naming my very first dog, all mine and only mine (haha) dog Lambeau. And I did, and I do not regret it. She was known as Ladmo to my dad (gotta love him), and she was a puppy her whole life. Always had that puppy way. I loved after giving her a bath, the cuddling time she shared with me. And each time I walked outside, she went after my shoes-no matter what. I know I should have corrected her, but I enjoyed our special time together! Lambeau loved our other family dogs, and got to go camping a few times and roam around with the crew. I was lucky to have had Lambeau in my life! I didn't rescue her, she rescued me. I wanted to keep you forever and I am sorry I didn't have you longer-I should have done more to save you! I love you, Lambea (aka Shmambeau, Lamby).

GB: We went to lunch with Meg and her mom, and little did we know we'd bring you home. Originally meant for Jared, since he had recently lost a dog, but after he couldn't do it my mom and I realized we couldn't leave this dog. She had me from the moment I played with her. Always so sweet, loved to put her head on my shoulder. I woke up many times with her head next to me on my pillow. GB was a huge cuddler, and followed me everywhere. I believe she still thought she was a puppy the way she wanted to get up on my lap and be loved. She never let me out of her sight! I tried to save her, but in the end I just couldn't. I hope she knows that even after all of this, I love her so much. Love you, GB (aka Gee-bee like in a French tone).