Okay, I know what you are thinking...

Well, my addiction to the internet (or the computer, in general) has not infiltrated my blog. I started this darn thing almost 9 months ago and this is only my third post. Pathetic, I know. I will try harder next time, I promise (I have my fingers crossed as I type this!).

My daughter, Rylee, will tell you I am no good with promises. I am learning not to promise anything! Especially, if the only reason I make the promise to stop the incessant whining of my children. My children have memories like elephants. Do elephants really have good memories? Sorry...got distracted. I will google that later and report back.

I am officially started the school countdown. I think there are 27 days left of summer! I am ready. With gas so high, taking the kids to do fun stuff is not really possible. Of course, they are given the "Mom and Dad are not made of money" speech every other day. That memory thing doesn't apply to every detail, I guess. :) I was able to take the kids to see my folks. They had a great time. Nana and Papaw tend to spoil all of us! I was able to take the kids to a water park with my sister and her family. Ethan wore me out! I could not get out of his eyesight. He surprises me. One minute he hates me and says, "Leave me alone!" Then he is hugging and kissing me and asking if he is my "punkin." What a stinker! The trip was pretty uneventful. We did, however, go out to Brent's grandma's for a tractor ride! That was fun. The kids loved that.

This semester should be fairly light for me. I am only taking 12 hours and 2 of those classes are math classes (EASY!!!). I am looking forward to seeing my friends. I live vicariously through them! I like to hear about their carefree summers! Don't get the wrong idea! I love my life, but I never got to be a traditional college student. I don't think I could do it now. I have led too much of a sheltered life, as a young wife and mother.

My summer, as whole, has been pretty boring. I have no time for excitement or drama. I get to hear about all the drama I could possibly want at Home Depot. I work with some people who are really warped in the decision-making skills (if they have any at all). It keeps things interesting each weekend.

Holy Cow! It is almost summer!

Well, this semester has been CRAZY!!! Lots of change in the zoo we call the Patterson family! We have a new monkey in our clan. My brother-in-law has a fourth little one to take care of. Her name is Isabelle Dalia. She was born on February 28th (this close to being a leap baby!). She was a surprise to say the least! Izzie was 6 weeks premature and spent about 3 weeks in the NICU. But she home now and growing like a weed! (started at 4lb 10oz and now if 7lb 15oz.)

My mom-in-law is caring for her, as she cannot go to daycare. That has been a big undertaking for her. Sue has done a wonderful job. Having as many as 7 kids to care for can drive anyone insane, but she manages to hold it together.

My first semester as an education major has been wonderful! I am taking 16 hours. It sounds like a lot, but it has been very do-able. I hope to end with a 4.0 gpa. I have come to the conclusion that I want to teach upper elementary and not 6-8. I am going to be certified to teach math in grades 4-8. I don't know if I have the patience to handle teenagers! But I have also discovered to not make any definite plans. You never know what you will love doing when it comes to your career.

I plan on going to summer school. I am taking 6 hours, which should be easy. The fall and spring semseters are going to be a breeze at 12 hours each! I am stoked about that!

As a few of you know, my mom has been recently diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. She met with the surgeon yesterday and the prognosis is very good. She has to undergo a lumpectomy and have a course of radiation, but no chemo!!! Thank the lord! She is staying positive and will continue to work. Pray for a speedy recovery and energy as she goes through her treatment.

I hope to spend a week or two in the Dallas area in July. We will see what happens with that. Gas prices are insane and I have to drive downtown everyday in June for one of my summer classes. If my plans work out, I will y'all know. I know some of you feel like I am avoiding you when I go to my parents, but the real reson is that my parents live out in the sticks! I have to drive 25 minutes just to get to Mckinney. That makes me not want to leave my folks! I promise to make a better effort to see everyone next time I am in town.

I would love to hear from you! You can also keep up with everything crazy going on with me through my myspace page at www.myspace.com/vallietx. Take care!