All caught up.

At least for now.

Amber and Adyson came to visit! Spencer too.

And it was so much fun!

It was really great to see Amber again. I have missed that girl!

And speaking of girls...hers is adorable. We finally became friends. She didn't cry the whole time I was holding her. I'm pretty sure she likes me. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be her favorite auntie. She also liked Brent. I'm pretty sure he was her favorite out of all the new friends she made. Only because he played Baby Einstein on his computer. He was so cute with her. I loved watching him.

Thanks for coming to visit us you guys! It was great to see all of you. You are welcome here anytime! And stay at our apartment next time, even if we will be squished! :)

Update to come!

-Brent's birthday post
-Grant's birthday post
-Amber and Adyson's visit (Spencer came too!)
-The craziness of school

Yep...all to come folks. I know you have been waiting on the edge of your seat. So sit back and relax....

Happy birfday, Grant!

Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday dear Grrraaaaaannnntt!
Happy birthday to you.

Grant, I'm so glad we are related. Does it count as being related? Let's say that it does. Grant is an awesome guy. He is hilarious, he has an infectious laugh, and he shaved his head! It looks awesome by the way! Grant, happy birthday! I'm glad Kevin married Stacie and I'm glad you are her brother so we could all be family!

Happy birthday, dear!

I love Brent. And this year was his golden year! He turned 23 on the 23rd. How exciting is that! We had a little party at the good ole Golden Corral...he picked it, I swear. Kevin, Stacie & Grant came. And so did Garett and Presley. Thanks for celebrating with us, guys!! And then we had some delightful cake if I do say so myself. I made it and it was tasty! Brent wanted to go to the midnight showing of Transformers, so we did! I was super tired, but he loved it so it was all okay.

Here are some things I love about Brent: (Also, some pictures of his birthday celebration!)

-He makes me laugh. All of the time.This was on the grill that Brent got. Kevin made a delightful bow.

-He loves nintendo. I don't, but he does and I'm glad he does.

-Brent works really hard. He is really good at what he does, too. He just got a promotion if that's what you call it! Yeah Brent!-He is a fantastic cook! And he cooks for me. Yum!

-He takes care of me. And I am so thankful that he does.
-He is my best friend in the whole entire world! And I love that about him

Happy birthday, honey! 23 on the 23rd did you well. You are the best ever. I hope your day was fantastical!

I love my daddy.

While I should be writing lesson plans, as I have about a million to write, I decided to do a little post dedicated to my dad... Since I have known my dad for 21 years, I decided to do 21 things I love about my dad.

1. He is the best dad in the whole world. Honestly.
2. My dad is always there for me.

3. My dad always encourages me.

4. My dad would do anything for me.

5. My dad loves me.
6. My dad loves Brent.

7. I don't call my dad too often and he doesn't call me too often either, but for some reason, when things just don't go the way I want or when I have had a terrible day, I turn to my dad. I know that he always has something smart to say or something that will make things a little brighter.

8. "If I were a rich man." Dad, you know what I mean about this.

9. Oh the slithery-dee...Is this how you spell it?
10. My dad is a hard worker.

11. And he taught me to be a hard worker, too.

12. My dad has always told me I could do things that I didn't think I could.

13. My dad works hard, and I know I already said that, but he works hard for his family. And I'm his family. I have benefited from his hard work countless times. I have been able to do so much because of his hard work. Dance, school, etc.
14. My dad is an excellent cook. Like, we are talking he could have his own restaurant. I know this might seem like a silly reason for loving my dad, but if you tasted his cooking, you would love him too.

15. My dad loves my mom. I used to think it was gross, and still kinda do when they get all kissy, but I really am grateful he loves her so much.

16. And since he loves my mom, I saw what it was like to be in a successful marriage.
17. My dad is proud of me. He is proud of the things I want to do.

18. My dad knows how to sew. He might not tell you, but one time he sewed up a hacky sack that had a hole in it. When I asked him when he learned to do that, he told me it was from sewing up people. Man, I was impressed.

19. I used to want to be just like him when I grew up. Even though career choices have changed, being just like my dad is still something I strive to be. Just a little less hairy. :)

20. I used to dance on my dad's feet when I was little. And I love him because if I still wanted too, I bet he would let me.21. My dad is super strong. He can lift crazy heavy things. I never used to be afraid to jump off of high things (like the hay stack) because I knew he would be able to catch me.

Basically, I just gave you 21 reasons why my dad is better than your dad. Sorry folks, the truth is out. I love you Pop!

I must be tired, cause this was hilarious.

Today I was at a conference all day. It was an ESL -Teacher Symposium.

So, there were break-out sessions to go too, Q and A sessions, lecturers....the whole works.

There was also some entertainment during lunch and right at the end.

The dancers at the end were part of the Latinos in Action group. It is a group at one of the high schools here.

They were so great! Their hips were going, the music was shaking the room, I wished I was a Latin Dancer! (Picture it...I dare you.)

When we were walking out, I said to Brandi that I wanted my kids to do this. She agreed but said that her kids were going to be the white ones. Hello....Brandi.....her last name is Dominguez. (It is her married name, but who cares. It counts.) My last name is Hirz. Which kids would be the white ones that looked out of place? Her's? No. Mine? Yes.

So, I was telling Brent all about this and thinking it was funny and stuff. Then I said, "Our kids will be the white ones, we are going to have a Jackson Hirz out there being a Latino dancer."

He responds with this...."Why is it gonna be hyphenated?"

To which I reply..."Huh? First name...Jackson. Last name...Hirz. Jackson Hirz." I throw my hands up in the air and run off to bed. Brent laughs uncontrollably.

Yeah, I'm tired. But, admit it...you thought it was a little bit funny at least.

Memories

The funeral was amazing. There were lots and lots of laughs. There were also lots and lots of tears. It was great to be home and it was great to remember and honor Grandpa. Visit my momma's blog....she wrote about the funeral and added some pictures.

As I said earlier, I am going to post some memories of Grandpa. So I have them. And so I will be able to tell my kids someday that they have the most amazing Great-Grandpa waiting for them, pushing them, helping them.

Memory Number One: Apples

This isn't a huge memory, nor is it one of the funniest. But, it is a memory and it is all mine.

I remember sitting on Grandpa's lap when I was younger and he would peel an apple with one peel of his knife. It was amazing! I would sit on his lap and he would cut an apple for me into the perfect size piece. I don't know why I remember this. But, I remember being impressed with his peeling skills and I remember loving those apples!

Memory Number Two: Hide the Candy

Grandpa was the Candy-Man for everyone. But, at his house we loved to play hide-the-candy. Us grandkids would go in the toy room and wait until Grandpa would call us out. He would hide a piece of candy (or a few pieces....) and we would come out and seek it. We knew all of the great places: in the lamp, in the fireplace crack things that were supposed to be there, in Grandma's hair, on top of the mantle. Man, as many places that we knew of, there were always new places for candy to hide. I don't know where this game came from, I'm pretty sure he made it up. But, man, it sure was fun.