Father's Day

There is nothing like a father.  They teach their kids how to be a good person, are the rock of the family, and are the man most daughters love first.  I am lucky to have the dad I do.  From his stories, to reality, to generous heart I know I am blessed to have had him as my dad.  Although as he ages things change, I still will always look up to him and the accomplishments he has had in his life.  He fought for himself; both parents died at such a young age and he didn't give up.  For someone who had such a horrible childhood, he turned into one amazing man!  I love you, Daddy!

Here are some of the amazing pics Tracy took for us as a gift to him:

As the years go on, I appreciate you even more.  You have made my mom a very happy lady over the years, and I hope you know that as the years continue we will all be here to take care of you...just like you did for us all these years :)

Summer sleepover....week #2

We started out this week's sleepover with a movie...who doesn't love some superhero stories with family fun?  That's right, we watched The Incredibles! I hadn't seen that in a while, so it was fun to see it again.  The girls were adorable, laying on their sleeping bags and sharing popcorn.

Ok, I know that this picture looks bad, but she really isn't clawing her eyes out!  Abby and Kayla were tickling, and by the time my phone decided to take the picture, this is what happened.  The only reason I kept this picture is because of the foot in the background.  Newby joined us for our movie.  Yes, he had a pedicure, and YES his toe nails are painted.  He thought the girls would find it funny....

Friday morning we went for FUNNY FACES at IHOP.  Yum!  Well, Abby had a funny face and Kayla had fries and mac n' cheese.  But still, fun!  They did a nice job coloring.  (Would you have ever guessed that I said "look like you're coloring so I can get a good picture??" haha)

We ended our sleepover by meeting their mom at Hamilton Aquatic Center.  I unfortunately did not get any pictures there of them having fun, so I stole this one from online.  Abby went on the diving boards and down the slides all by herself!  She looked so tiny next to the other kids doing it,but she was brave!  Kayla had a blast swimming in the little kid area and going down the kid water slide :)

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!