The Dolans

Miller's Little Man Party

2012-02-08T20:24:00.001-08:00

Yay!! The pics are here and as always Chris Stinson wowed us with all the happy moments and sweet faces he captured. The first couple of pics are not his, but from my ~~high tech~~ camera on my iPhone.

Prepare yourself, this post is very picture heavy, but I just couldn't narrow it down. It would probably be better to divide the post into two but who has time for that when you have a ridiculous Pinterest Valentine Wreath that needs finishing.

Here are the invites while we were putting them together. Brooke, of course, came up with this fabulous idea! If you ever need some nice ties and want to spend literally a $1, head on over to Goodwill. We couldn't believe how many designer ties there were (as well as some pretty unfortunate ties that were hard to imagine anyone wearing). It was so much fun picking each necktie for the party attendees' invite.

I have a real obsession with all things houndstooth so the liner was a no-brainer.

Party Pictures Compliments of Chris Stinson Photography

The Fingerstache Tattoo Station

The Photo Booth is Open

Cake by Shelby Lynn Cake Shoppe

Favor Table with Wolly Willy for the boys & Hair-Do Harriet for the girls (will always be one of my favorite toys, classic).

Love this face ... and her beard too.

My Little Man: The Birthday Boy

Rocking a fingerstache

The names of the different mustache styles were hysterical: the professor, the crybaby, makeout bandit, 8th grade bully (just a few stray hairs at different lengths, ha), rich uncle... the list goes on and on in hilarity.

Please notice the pink stache on Matthew's momma

Playing with the boys

1st Grade Buddies

Love that pouty face

Looking at our baby boys, just hard to believe they are one year old. Seems like yesterday we were both enjoying extended stays at Willow Creek. My dear Sarah was there at midnight with her mom the night we were admitted. PTL for my family and besties.

The Dolan Three

Oh our sweet Jolly Ollie! We can't wait to celebrate your birthday this weekend!!

The Petersons, thanks for opening your home for the party venue!! Shea is wearing one of my favorite shirts. Cheers to our Miller!

Sweet Claire Baby

Some of my dear students attended, they love their little bulldog so much. The boys did not want to do the photo booth... ~~I bribed them with some bonus points.~~

Love, love, love them in the bottom corner of the frame!!

My Girls! (we were missing a couple)

Playing with the Uncs: Matt & Jake

I could just kiss those cheeks forever!

These two LLOOVVEE each other.

Porter Mills: getting so big, so fast!!

Our beautiful niece Liv

The Dolan Trio: These cousins are so funny together! Miller watches Graham's every move. I can only imagine the mischief these two will get into through the years. Olivia, it will be your job to keep them in line!

Brooksy with his daddy

Bennett the Ladies Man with his Poppy

They look so grown!!

Knox & Karrie: Could he be any cuter?!

Love these ladies!!

Ava & Bennett: Like I said that sweet boy is a ladies man...he has stolen the baby girl hearts as well as our hearts!

Ahh!!

Ava and Bennett's Mimi: Those eyes are beyond beautiful!

Daddy feeding M some Chik-fil-a

Eyelashes, eyelashes, eyelashes

I am the luckiest momma in the world

I wouldn't say Miller was cake crazy.

I teared up no less than 85 times that day. When we all sang him Happy Birthday my heart swelled tenfold.

He was so reserved, he never really dug in or made a mess.

The many faces of the birthday boy:

At some point I had gone across the room to visit with some friends, I heard Chris call my name and when I turned around I witnessed the little prince being fed by all his girlfriends. Lyla was feeding him handfuls of icing and then would lick anything he didn't eat. Priceless! KB and the others joined in the fun. Shortly after, the sugar rush turned into a sugar crash.

Be Still My Heart

It seems Olivia came into our lives yesterday, then I blinked and she is 10. She is becoming such an amazingly beautiful young lady.

My Bulldogs

M's necktie birthday banner

The day was perfect, I could not have wished it to be any other way (except our parents not being able to attend due to travel and surgery). Miller's first birthday was filled with love and laughter shared by his baby besties and our family and friends. Thank you all for celebrating Miller's first birthday with us.

Andrew and I have always considered ourselves a family unit and with the addition of Miller, our hearts are full to the brim with love for the little family we have.

We are blessed...so very blessed!

Lots of love,

Ali

Heaven in Our Own Backyard

2012-01-28T11:45:00.001-08:00

I can think of so many reason why we love living in NWA and I have a new one to had to my large list: Crystal Bridges Museum. Andrew and I took Little Man there today and we had a wonderful time. The grounds are beautiful, the architecture is breathtaking, the restaurant is delicious and the art pieces are AMAZING! I kept mentioning to Andrew I felt like we were on vacation, it's just hard to believe this piece of heaven is just a few minutes away from our home. One thing Andrew and I have always had in common is our love of the arts, now we can work on passing that along to Miller. We are obviously Walmart lovers in this household and we are grateful for what the Waltons have brought to our community!

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When You Have A Million Mile Long To Do List...

2012-01-26T20:02:00.000-08:00

...go ahead and update your blog instead (because that is way more fun).

Chris Stinson posted a couple of pics from M's party on his blog yesterday. They turned out great and he said there are lots more to come (the photobooth pics will be so fun to see as well as the rest of the decor and pics of our friends and family). I am one excited Momma and cannot wait to see the rest. I will post them all as soon as I get them in my hands but here is one I just can't help but share...

This week has been crazy!! We are preparing for our scholastic audit, Colors Day is next week, we have a big pep rally tomorrow and I have some Razzberry Ink items on my to do list.

Miller has had a very VERY big week! He started clapping, pointing to items, high-fiving, climbing the stairs (my worst nightmare) and the greatest new trick...saying Momma...be still my heart. The two sweetest sounds I have ever heard in my life are Andrew telling me he loved me one summer night 12 years ago and my little man calling for me.

Hoping for a semi-restful weekend with my boys and dear friends after a Red Dog victory Friday night.

Love,

Ali

Full On Obsessed

2012-01-25T06:39:00.001-08:00

So, as many of you that read this know me well, you know when I find something I like, I full on obsess over it!! Well I have an new obsession I stumbled upon this morning.I have now been sitting in the school parking lot for 20 minutes reading (as my to do list for school is possibly close to 85 miles long).A friend from college, Ashley U., posted on FB a link to a blog called loveteachblog.blogspot.com and the post was entitled "Why Teachers are Complete Psychos". This girl nailed it. I was laughing so hard I was in tears. I started reading some previous posts and cannot stop. Elizabeth and I were already saying this morning we needed to share this with our faculty (we are in the middle of preparation for an extremely large audit from the state department next week. When I was talking to the kids about it on Monday, one of my sweet babies raised her hand and asked "Is this what Mr. W is calling Dooms Day?", priceless). I CANNOT quit reading and have realized this girl is my long lost sister or scarily can read my mind. This blog is inspiring, informative and comforting (I am so glad knowing other teachers can want to put their sweethearts in a headlock one moment, than a second later either be belly laughing over one of their extremely inappropriate jokes or tearing up because their heart has swollen over a student's ah ha moment). *dear friends, when I say inappropriate jokes think the screen shot of the text convo I had with one of my kids after M's party that I sent you, ba ha ha!!I highly highly recommend this blog to all my teacher friends, all my friends who constantly hear stories about my babies, parents or anyone that needs a good laugh or insight on education.Read, read, read it!! I know what I will be doing during lunch today!- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Things I've Learned in My First Year as a Momma

2012-01-16T06:09:00.001-08:00

Ahhhh...my baby boy is ONE!! I just can't seem to wrap my brain around it. I teared up no less than 85 times on Saturday! What a little miracle he is and what joy he has filled our lives with. Saturday was a perfect day. His party was just as I had envisioned it. He had the best time!!! I was so excited at how happy he seemed all day. We celebrated with tons of family and friends, including what looked like someone's entire future kindergarten class. People kept commenting on how many babies there were at the party. I cannot wait to see all the pics Chris Stinson took (sidenote: one of the absolute best things you can spend your money on for a birthday party is a photographer. You do not have to worry about making sure all the moments are captured. I highly highly recommend it). On Sunday I felt like I had a little bit of the wedding blues: first birthday style. I couldn't believe it had gone by so quickly!! The great news is we have lots of our buddies' birthday parties coming up so I can get my party planning fix in with theirs. This year as flown by faster than any year I can remember. As a teacher my greatest hope for my students is to learn things in my room they can take with them as life tools. This year I have felt like a true learner. Here are a few things I have learned in my first year as Miller's momma:

1. This lesson I think has been the most important: Every family is different, do what is best for your's. It's seems like there is always a battle with moms over co-sleeping vs. putting baby in their own room, working mom vs. stay at home mom, paci vs. self-sooth, when to feed a baby , the list goes on and on and on. It's funny because we constantly remind our world that everyone is different, unique, but we sometimes forget to apply that to raising a child. I have learned not to judge moms for the choices they make (well, I don't think I will ever agree with breastfeeding at the point a child can ask for it, ha!). We all do what is best for our family and our children will benefit from that.

2. Read, pray, sing and dance with your baby from day one. Do it daily, do it often. Miller loves to bust a move with us, he has quite the booty shake. Praying nightly not only shows him important habits but reminded myself and Andrew the importance as well.

3. Celebrate everything!! Everything: big or small!! It's okay to tear up in happiness over all the little milestones.

4. Travel with your baby...it will wear you out but is completely worth it. Take your baby places you might think would be too noisy or too busy (well maybe not Walmart on a wintery Sunday). It can be stressful to get a baby packed up and interupt a nap or bedtime but watching Miller enjoy sporting events, the beach, a restaurant has be so fun. We love watching his face as he takes it all in.

5. There is nothing wrong with asking for help from family and friends. They want to help! I have always felt guilty asking friends and family for favors, don't want to put anyone out but I realized they hope you will ask. I worried about taking up my dear friend Steph's Sunday afternoon to watch M while we took the 4 hour class to join our church. I laugh now thinking about it. She said "I got to snuggle with him for hours while he slept, gave him a bottle and caught up on some good shows." Who wouldn't want to spend some time with a sweet newborn?! I worry about asking my mom or MIL for help...duh, he's their grandson, they want to.

6. Not all pregnancies are normal and not all babies arrive healthy. I did not realize how often this was the case. I learned a lot during our stay in room 20. Our media and government spend a lot of time bashing our medical system but my goodness we are lucky to have the health care we have in the United States and if you live in NWA, we are extremely blessed to have the amazing doctors and nurses of Parkhill, Willow Creek NICU and Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics (and there are a lot more we hear great things about). I also learned a c-section is not so bad, in fact if you know in advance it's pretty awesome!!

7. My fabulous husband is an incredible father! He and Miller are peas in a pod. I love watching them together. He has been our rock this year. PTL for him!!

8. You will receive lots of unsolicited parenting advice. If you like the advice, use it. If not, nod your head, say thank you and continue what you were doing.

9. God is good. It's hard to imagine how people can remain non-believers when they see an ultrasound and hear a baby's first cry and giggle.

10. Lastly, there are never too many kisses, hugs, snuggles, tickles or I love yous. Never, never, never too many!!

I am sure there are lots more lessons I have learned this past year but I am crashing from lack of sleep from party planning. Hopefully I will have pics to show later in the week.Ali - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Lately

2012-01-08T21:18:00.001-08:00

A fantastic NYE with my boys

Back in the gym but at 5:00am. Not because it's my NY resolution but because in less than a week I can no longer say "I just had a baby"

My baby sister turns 20 tomorrow and is headed down to Arkansas Tech after staying with us for a few weeks.

M enjoyed his first Bulldog basketball game...and of course witnessed a victory and celebrated with one of his favorite players after.

Pancakes made a debut in Miller's breakfast this morning. He loved them!

I hope everyone has a fabulous week!! We are prepping for Miller's FIRST Birthday and finishing up a Razzberry Ink order. Can't wait to celebrate my little man's big day!!

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Christmas Decor: Pugly

2011-12-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness Pinterest!! When I first stumbled upon the website I am thinking..."Wow, this makes me feel like a terrible cook and that my house needs a complete revamp...and I don't do enough in my day." Then my panic subsided and I found some really great ideas, classroom festivities and low key meals, crafts, etc. that I could manage. *Let's all remember though that my first Pinterest recipe testing almost burned down a friend's new home.

When the holidays rolled around, it got a little Pugly (when Pinterest takes over your existence) with a list of ideas a mile long, but I was able to complete a few and include Miller in the festivities.

Idea One: 1st Christmas Ornament

Why You Really Should Think Before You Tackle This One:

Much mischief will take place...how long does it take to respool rolls and rolls of ribbon? Quite awhile!

Paint in the hand of a 10 month old. I think I am still finding little dots of blue paint on my clothing and the floor.

Why It is Completely Worth It: Because there is nothing sweeter than a baby's chubby soft little hands!

Idea Two: Reindeer Feet on Canvas

Why You Really Should Think Before You Tackle This One:

I am just grateful brown is a fantastic accent color to my tan carpet.

Nothing like freaking out the kids when the paint turns the water brown in the bathtub. Nothing like scrubbing your bathtub for a lengthy amount of time.

Why It is Completely Worth It:

It just doesn't get much more cute than these? Another great personalized Christmas item to enjoy for years to come.

Other Pinterest Ideas:

North Pole Breakfast courtesy of our Elves on the Shelves. I cannot take any credit for this, was only the beneficiary. The Peterson girls have some very crafty and clever elves. I have heard many mommas say their elves are living at the Peterson's next year.

Frames for ornaments on the tree. We did this for Miller's tree this year. I absolutely loved the idea and think we will continue to do this every Christmas by adding onto it. Can you imagine how fun it will be as the years go on??

Natural wrapping with pics for labels. Andrew claimed even on Christmas Day that he didn't understand the labeling system, made me giggle. The recipient of gift had a picture of them from the year. This was a one time only deal. Really really pretty, took a lot of time.

Cranberry Christmas Margaritas. A hit at both holiday parties we hosted. I took the original recipe from Pinterest and added Sunkist to it (the secret weapon to any delicious margarita). We included vintage paper straws from Hey YoYo with PDF printable flags that I personalized for each party.

I also got the idea from Pinterest for the mantle Santa painting I posted last week. One thing I did not complete but will make sure I do next year is a birthday cake for Baby Jesus. I think it is the perfect way to help explain to a child the meaning of Christmas.

Will it ever get Pugly in my house again for the holidays? No, honestly I don't think it will. I was on the adrenaline high of "It's Miller's First Christmas." But, I guess you just never know!

So Very Joyful

2011-12-23T20:59:00.001-08:00

What a wonderful holiday season it has been so far!! I would love to say my house is in perfect condition, holiday goodies are baked and every present is wrapped and under the tree...not the case, but we have had such a great few days, my to-do list isn't scaring me. Christmas vacation started Wednesday for myself and my Bulldog family; we were all ready for a break from academia and I know we will all come back fresh and ready to go. A short trip to see my grandparents, holiday parties and Christmas Eve Eve grocery and stocking stuffer shopping have filled our time (someone remind me next year that shopping on Christmas Eve Eve is not for the faint of heart and let's be honest...I am of the faint at heart). I will post pics from all of our happenings after Christmas.

One of my absolute FAVORITE things about the holidays is Christmas cards. Some would now argue that Facebook and other social media have taken the fun out of the holiday card but I would beg to differ. Yes, we look at pics of friends and family every time we check status updates but there is something classic and warming about the holiday card, just like receiving a handwritten note or thank you card. I will always hold firm that Christmas cards should be sent every year no matter how much social media hangs out in our daily life. It was extra special to Andrew and I this year as we were able to show off our little shorty. Chris Stinson is the photographer for our cards. We love Chris and have a great appreciation for his talent. Here is the front and back of the card:

Andrew and I are so excited about the first Christmas with our son. I hope everyone has a so very Merry Christmas with family and friends!!

Christmas Decor Part 1

2011-12-14T01:30:00.001-08:00

My sweet boy(11 months old today) has been pretty sick. Our big job this week as parents was to learn how to use a nebulizer to help M breath better. It is certainly helping him and he and I both cry a little less during the treatments as time goes on (the first time we gave it to him I think I cried as hard as he did). Even though it's tough watching your kids get sick during the winter we know we are extremely lucky that this is what we are dealing with as linked to his prematurity. We remind ourselves we could be in a much harder position had he not done so well in the NICU.

Anyways, between Miller bring sick and Christmas card season for Razzberry Ink, I haven't had much time to decorate. I was finally able to get on the ball this weekend.

Our mantle:

I painted the Santa onto plywood I found in our garage...Pinterest inspired of course...

Our family tree:

I wanted to get a taller tree this year. I am honesty glad I didn't now but will definitely need it next year:)

I lloovvee ribbon, can you tell?!

My new tree topper

I sewed this tree skirt for us. I have always had a hard time trying to find a skirt I love so it made more sense to make it this year. Monogram It in Springdale did the name embroidering.

Maybe I should put plastic ornaments on the bottom...

Our banister:
Usually my banister is wild with glitter twigs and sprigs but I was getting burnt out on it and now with Rollin Dolan, I just didn't think glitter all over the floor was a good idea. In past holidays, Andrew and I battled over family ornaments on the Christmas tree. The compromise was two trees, but this year I had an idea. I decided we would put all our family ornaments on the banister garland. I really loved how it turned out (even with the Hallmark ornaments). Here are some of my favs:

From my first Christmas

Hop on Pop. Andrew gave me this ornament one year before we were engaged and said he hoped that would be him with our kids some day...I love that man!!

Hootie Hoo!!

1st Christmas ornament for Miller from Mom Sylvia. She gave us our first married Christmas ornament six years ago and now a pram for our Miller. These have so much importance to me and I love a daily reminder of Mom.

I saved the best for last. It isn't vintage but it is certainly a family ornament. Being in the hospital during the holidays last year made gift purchasing a little difficult. My sweet friends and family would go shopping for me and if it wasn't local I could order online. I had gotten stuck on one present. Andrew and I have given each other an ornament on Christmas for around a decade now. There are some beautiful ornaments, funny ornaments and inside joke ornaments...but this one is the best of the best and I cannot take credit for it. I sent Brooke out on a mission to find Andrew an ornament with no idea in mind. She said she searched and searched with no luck. She was walking by the personalized ornament kiosk in the mall and that is when she spotted it. It was an "our new home" ornament. Since #20 at Willow Creek had become our home for six weeks, this was absolutely perfect. She had the worker put the year and #20 on the door. We will never forget that holiday, that year, that adventure...and there isn't a better way to reminisce and recall gratitude for our blessings (and of course some good laughs) then this ornament. We love!!!

Have lots more fun to blog once we get out of finals week. I just can't believe Miller is 11 months!!! *I think I say that every month!!!

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#thatmoment

2011-11-30T23:11:00.000-08:00

When you look at your child and think "I can't believe he's mine." Here's to a lifetime filled with #thatmoment.

2011-11-26T19:24:00.001-08:00

I just walked downstairs as my two boys are snuggled up on a chair next to Miller's first Christmas tree. When you imagine having a child, I feel with almost utmost certainty, you envision the holidays with them. The season has a new magic to it that floats in our home and hearts. As with all great ideas in the past few months, Pinterest gave me the inspiration for Miller's tree. All the ornaments are frames with pics of Miller with friends and family. My sister, Celia, helped me with circle garland. We are so thankful for all the amazing people in our lives. Here are some pics (didn't take one of every frame)

My boys...oh how I love...

Not a typical tree topper but this Santa was too cute!

His little tree skirt I made him

Of course I had to put one of Miller's first Bulldog game:)

Have to quit blogging and continue decorating!!! Love and Hugs!

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Our Little Piggies are No Longer Home & Double Digitly Delightful!

2011-11-14T20:20:00.001-08:00

It's official! We have only approximately 290 days until the next Razorback Football game in Fayetteville (one more home game in LR this weekend). It has without a doubt flown by. We kicked off the weekend with a birthday celebration at Theo's for our dear friend Stephanie, Happy Day Friend! We had a great time and were able to catch up with friends from out of town, it was so fun (not quite as fun when Miller woke up in the morning, but we are learning we are not college kids anymore)!

You just never know who you might run into:)

We realized we had not been out on Dickson Street for a Friday night since we had Miller, wow...!!!

For those of you who know me well, you know I have a deep love for football, LLLOOVVVEEE it (really high school and college, not much for the NFL)! I had really had my heart set on bringing Miller to a game this year. He is at such a fun age and is so curious about all the things around him. We had decided earlier in the week that we would bring him to the last home game. I was beyond excited. I packed his diaper bag to perfection with all things warm and cozy and plenty of food to keep him happy. We were heading up to the stadium to tailgate when I received two different texts from friends in the Pit who said the wind was so out of control. When we got to the Boerner's House, Andrew and I had a discussion and decided that although our seats would be blocked from the wind, we didn't even want to give him any reason to get sick. I was so close to tearing up, which seems so silly, but in the end we made the best decision. We snuggled up in our pjs on the couch and enjoyed the Hogs victory together, it was perfect (the other perk was the ability to rewind the dvr no less than 10 times to rewatch Joe Adam's incredible punt return and Jarius Wright's beautiful juggle/complete pass). We just don't get to snuggle up as a family enough so I am so glad we had that night (but I promise, that boy will be at a game next year)! Here are some pics from the day and at the Boerners:

He wouldn't let me put it on him but he loved it! Oink! Oink!

Sweet Bennett hadn't had much sleep

and later we found out he was sick, but

he is always so stinking cute! I was having

him check himself out in the mirror of the

phone. Look at those eyelashes!!

M with the birthday girl, Aunt Steph!

Such cute little piggies!

Pre-game chill out

What is it with boys and their remotes??!!

I don't stand a chance at ever controlling the

tv with these two!!

3 Pairs of Happy Feet!

Miller turned 10 months old today!!! What!? How can this be? He is such a tremendous joy and has filled our life with so much happiness and love. It seems like he has changed a significant amount from 9 months to now. He is still the happiest, smiliest, babbling little tiny but developmentally he really changed. Miller still wasn't rolling over, which didn't scare us too much as we, our doctor and a couple of PTs believed he had enough strength, but with prematurity there can be a delay in milestones. All the sudden three weeks ago, he became Rollin' Dolan, that boy is all over the place! Then last week he decided he was ready to attempt crawling. It is pretty adorable and slightly scary as we are now constantly saying "No Miller, don't pull the curtains down" No Miller, lets not try to grab the nightlight in the hallway" No Miller, it really isn't a good idea to crawl into Bear's kennel" Needless to say the moment it occurred we headed down to Target to buy any and all things labeled for baby proofing. He hasn't quite realized the power he has acquired and doesn't go too far but I am going to give that about another week. He still is babbling a ton...lots of dadas...no mamas...He is getting lots of hair and we are in the middle of another round of teething. I am currently watching him in the video monitor and thinking its about time for him to wake up so I can give him more medicine.

The monthly pics are getting much more

adventurous!!

We hope you all have a great week!

-Ali

Halloween!!!

2011-11-02T16:05:00.001-07:00

Child of a government teacher...;)

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November is Prematurity Awareness Month

2011-11-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

This time last year I was 100% oblivious to the following facts:

Worldwide, a million babies go to heaven each year because they are born too soon.
12 million more premature babies will fight through a rigorous journey of survival.
Hard to believe and sadly, the United States has one of the highest infant mortality rates of any developed country.
The United States received an overall grade of "C" for premature births, with Arkansas receiving a D.
Our country's premature birth rate has risen by 36 percent over the last 25 years.
Premature birth costs society more than $26 billion a year and take a high toll on families. Babies born just a few weeks early are at risk of severe health problems and lifelong disabilities.

I was also oblivious of the wonderful work of the following:

March of Dimes: "Working Together for Stronger, Healthier Babies" (our school organization, DECA, had always collected change for March for Babies, but I still didn't pay much attention to the seriousness of it). They work towards education on pregnancy, babies, prematurity and complications/health concerns of infants.
Willow Creek Labor & Delivery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

In December of last year, Andrew and I, as well as our friends and family were brought to light of all of this information. It was not the most ideal situation, but our sweet boy is healthy, happy and super fantastic. We have learned a lot from our experience and have new people in our lives now that I hold very closely in my heart and consider dear friends (including two very sweet, curly-headed littles who helped me stay well entertained in Room 20). The care we received both upstairs and downstairs was absolutely amazing!! We will forever be grateful and advocate for Parkhill (you just can't ask for better doctors!!, Em, get ready for weekly appointments some day... but not anytime soon), the Willow Creek staff, the L&D ladies (I miss visiting with them and watching them giggle when my friends and I asked them 5 million questions), and Dr. Wagle & Dr. Linn and their stellar team of NPs and NICU nurses (your knowledge and attention to detail is like nothing I have ever seen). Thank you all for helping us get our baby to the chunky, belly-laughing 20+ pounds he is now!!

Our friends and family, I still think daily about all that you did for us; I am still in awe. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Brooke, Andrew's back particularly thanks you for the mattress pad!

Most people at least know someone who has been affected by a premature infant if they themselves have not been directly affected. Most women, including myself, were oblivious to ever having anything other than a healthy full term baby. Unfortunately this is not always the case and awareness is the best way to educate.

The March of Dimes is working to wipe out the unknown and make it preventable. Please join them in this journey to help all babies be born full term and healthy. Know the signs, get educated and spread the word about preemies! For more information on getting involved and information on Nov. 17th (the first-ever World Prematurity Day) www.marchofdimes.com

Our sweet boy the day after he was born

Nine Months on Homecoming

2011-10-16T10:16:00.001-07:00

It would only be fitting for Miller to turn 9 months on Homecoming. This was my 6th Homecoming as Student Council sponsor. Although it is tiring the outcome is always fun and if the kids are happy so are we. M's 9 month request for a Bulldog victory...he received the request and it was a very happy night for all of us, players, coaches and all the supporters. It's been a tough season but the boys have stuck together as a family and it paid off against Northside.

We love when our grown-up kids come back to visit. The girls had come back to see Mili's cousin Manny (my STUCO president) escort his senior year.

I so love Miller's hat. I am going to be sad to pack it up after the season.

Making the game a family affair. I really appreciate all of Andrew's support for my school responsibilities. He is the best!!

M with one of his favorite players, Henry.

With our buddy Mitchell. We are really enjoying seeing Mitch suit up for the Hogs this year! He has a special place in our heart because Miller was in my belly he and the kids always said M would be a big guy like him. When M was born so premature, Mitch told me not to worry, Miller would still end up his size;)

Miller was belly laughing at Mitchell, they pretty much speak the same language;)

The only sad part about the weekend was we missed our favorite charity event of the year: Dream Big for Children's Safety Center. My friends Theresa and Steph were the chairs with all our friends serving on the committee. I know the event was a great success and I look forward to seeing Elizabeth Shackleford and her team making more amazing strides in child advocacy!!!

Happy 9 months baby boy!!! You are the light of our life. We love you more than anything. Thanks for giving us such full hearts!!!

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Fall Hogs, Cow Trains & Corn Mazes

2011-10-02T17:50:00.001-07:00

What a fun weekend!! We always try to stay indoors during Bikes Blues & BBQ (great for revenue but not my cup of tea). Friday Andrew was playing in a tennis tourney so M and I cuddled up in his room with books and toys. Saturday we met my Service Learning kids at Miracle League in Springdale. What an amazing organization that brings the love of baseball to children with disabilities. My students had a great time and it was great to watch.

After we headed over to the Greer's to watch an very exciting, stroke-inducing Hog game. It was great to be with all our friends and there were lots of little piggies running around including two entertaining ones who gave us the sight of their mommas chasing them down the yard.

Ruby came home with us and we made cupcakes.

Later we met up for sushi. It is so fun to see the boys interact with each other. During our past few playdates all the babies have been playing together and it has been so much fun to watch!!!

I am obsessed with fall and all the festivities and decor that goes with it. The past few years I have tagged along with the Petersons to a local pumpkin patch even posing as Lyla's momma for a KNWA news interview because Brooke refused to get in front of the camera, ha! This year we all went together and took M to Ozark Corn Maze. One of the things I looked forward to most with having a baby was celebrating the holidays as a family of three. It has been even better than I could ever imagine.

Didn't take us long to get lost

Loving on our Ruby

Shooting the Corn Cannon

Riding the Cow Train

My new favorite picture of Miller

Pumpkin patches are exhausting

Now we are set-up on the couch, my wonderful husband is entering grades into the gradebook for me while I work on a pretty fabulous invite. Will show yall soon. I hope everyone has a great week!!
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I need a Magician...

2011-09-28T20:28:00.001-07:00

...to get my sweet boy to sleep through the night!!

Why sleep when you can giggle and play? Why make him sleep when you can giggle and play with him?

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Seeing the Signs

2011-09-26T13:03:00.001-07:00

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Sad Football Weekend

2011-09-25T21:01:00.001-07:00

Well, it didn't go well for our Hogs or Dogs this weekend. Our Bulldogs fought with all their might but were unable to beat Har-Ber this time. I was so proud of them and our student section. This rivalry is a very personal and deep-seeded so no matter who wins I have high anxiety over it. We all know the Hogs just couldn't handle the Tide on Saturday but it was a good learning experience and I am sure Pettrino will be kicking their behinds all week. Miller was none the wiser on our losses but has such a great time with his friends it makes the games more fun than ever before.

Have a great week!!

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Oprah Would Be So Proud

2011-09-22T21:42:00.001-07:00

...I finally had my Ah ha moment last night...

Tonight will be my first night to go to bed this week before 2:00am. On many levels this is ridiculous and self-torture but all the reasons to stay up were for things for work that had to be done or stuff around my house that just made me feel normal.

I know I'm not the best at saying no but in the past there has never been a reason to give less than an affirmative response to tasks. Recently it has seemed to take a greater toll on my attitude and adorable pink faux crocodile Mom Agenda planner.

This morning, after having gone to bed at 4:00 and waking up at 6:00, I woke up shaky and sick feeling. I had Andrew drive the babe to Ms. Charnna's so I could try to get my act together and head up to school to prepare for my classes and a very successful and fun pep rally (sidenote: my Stuco officers and reps are pretty amazing so Summer and I have the pleasure of relaxing at the pep rallies and enjoying them instead of worrying about things going wrong). I told Andrew I could tell my sleep deprivation was going to cause me to do something less an intelligent and let me just tell you that would turn out to be an understatement....

I essentially caught my hand on fire. Yes people, you read it right, I am not making this up. I was complaining to one of my principals about a neon wayfarer issue while working on stuff for the mascots. Big Dog (the blow up mascot) run on batteries that look like ones for the car. I needed to charge them and in my sleep-walk mode put the wrong leads on the metal parts (I obviously no nothing about names of battery parts). I immediately felt this hot rush up my hand and arm, then proceeded to watch a little flame ball rise and smoke going everywhere. I am totally fine but spent a good 20 minutes scrubbing black smoke marks off my face, hands and chest. Ha!!! What a disaster!! It sort of reminded me of two weeks ago when I almost burned down the Greer's beautiful new home with my s'more cobbler. Just like in that case where Gary saved the day, luckily Mr. Rollins was there to dissolve the situation and then we proceeded to laugh for a few minutes. Lack of sleep causes the inability to decipher black from red...wow...

So anyways, nothing like a little pyrotechnics on a rainy Thursday afternoon.

I guess now it makes sense to get to the whole Ah ha moment thing.

Last night Miller woke up about 2:00am. Usually this is a very dissapointing thing but since I had been gone all night I was admitingly glad to have the opportunity to put his paci in and pat his sweet little Budha belly. This did not quiet him and he continued to fuss for about 10 minutes (which is an eternity in mom world). I got him out of his crib and sat down to rock him. As I kissed his sweet little face he took his arm and wrapped it around my neck, hugged it tight and stayed that way until he fell asleep. I just sort of welled up and took it as the moment I have been needing, the one that says it's time to slow it down. It's truly amazing to me that the wisdom of a 20 lb bundle of fantastic and not the years of conversations with family, is what it took for me to see the light. And I guess if that didn't make it clear enough, the mascot battery did. Thanks Baby Boy for taking care of your crazy momma!! I love you dearly!!!

Sidenote: Took this picture today and have posted it on every social media known to man.

Do you think there is a term for psycho-FB/Instagram/Blogging mom? I will have to check urbandictionary.com

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End of Summer...Beginning of Football Season

2011-08-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

This is how we feel about the ending of summer...

...but goodness, we are excited about some Hog and Bulldog football season.

Last Week of Maternity Leave

2011-04-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! Maternity leave is over! Yes, I haven't worked since December 3rd but it has been a whirlwind. I hope my students aren't picking me up off my classroom floor by 6th hour as I have probably not used as much energy as I need to get through one whole day with a bunch of crazed students with senioritous. Things I am excited about: seeing the kids, my colleagues, having a reason to get dressed and take a shower and just being back into a routine. Things I am not excited about: PUMPING AT WORK!!!! This is going to be no bueno! When, where, how...all issues to figure out.

I am really going to miss my sweet baby boy! Andrew is going to take care of him the first week and then we have a lady coming to the house four days a week and my mom on Fridays. I can see how people struggle with working out as I am sure I will just want to rush home and hug on Miller the rest of the day.

Miller had his PT/OT evaluation today and I think he will get a clean bill of health. They said they saw no red flags which my dad had already told me so I feel confident that M will develop very well and that he will just do things a little bit later than others (although some things he is doing ahead of time).

We had our first stuffy nose and after I googled it in the middle of the night (soooo smart of me) I had convinced myself that he had RSV and that we would be hospital-bound. I couldn't go back to sleep and was panicked. I called my dad at 6:00 am ad he talked me off the ledge. He said RSV season was over and that M is now big enough to handle little colds, allergies, etc. I felt so relieved. Later in the day I watched Pregnant in Heels and realized that my kind of crazy doesn't even begin to touch those girls! It is hysterical.

I have had the best time with my tiny and look forward to lots more fun in the sun this summer with him.

Here are some new pics

-Ali

I don't know why, but this pic cracks me up!

Enjoying our new TCBY

The Boys! What a crew!! Love having friends that are new moms to bounce ideas off of!!

101 Things You Should Do Before Your Kids Leave Home

2011-03-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hurry! Hurry! Get in a blog post before the baby wakes up! Miller is 10 weeks today and last night we completed a big milestone. He slept in the nursery in his big boy crib! Andrew and I were so excited when we woke up this morning from a successful night. We have had a hard time deciding when to do certain things with Miller. Yes, he is 10 weeks but his corrected birthday makes him 2 weeks old!! He doesn't really act like either. My dad thinks he is developmentally 7 or 8 weeks. Doctors say the first year of a premature baby's life you go by his due date but he just doesn't act like a newborn so needless to say Andrew and I have been a little confused. We will get the hang of it. Miller is such a good baby, doesn't act premature in the least bit and is the best cuddle buddy in the world.

My friend Lauren came over the other night to play with us and bring dinner. After she left, I opened a gift she had brought over. If you know me, you know I have a serious obsession with reading and books. Lauren gave us 101 Things You Should Do Before Your Kids Leave Home.The most common advice we have received from parents is "Enjoy every moment because before you know it he will be grown." After we put Miller to bed, we read over the list and I fell in love with it. We are really going to make an effort to do all 101 things (maybe not the Sail Over Your House in a Hot Air Balloon, not much for heights). I am going to keep the book out regularly to remind us. There are some really great ones: Open a Snow-Cone Stand, Plant a Family Tree, Teach Your Kids to Write Thank You Notes, Share Family Recipes, Join a Parade, Spend the Night in a Zoo, Show Your Kids That "Old Folks" Don't Bite, etc.

We have already started one. #40 is Take It To The Lord in Prayer. This really was the theme of our lives from December to February. We were so grateful for all the prayers for our son and Andrew and I spent more time in prayer than in years past. Now that Miller is home, before I lay him down at night we sing his lullaby and then say prayers together out loud. It is my favorite part of the day. We pray for our family, friends, babies in the NICU, nursery and bellies and give thanks to all we have been given.

I would say we completed #64: Pile Up the Pillows, Dim the Lights and Watch a Movie, but then I would have to admit to Miller that his first family movie was Jackass 3D and well...who wants to admit to that!? Ha!! Although, I will say Andrew and I laughed so hard, it was pretty funny, except for the porta-potty one, I had to close my eyes.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!! We are looking forward to a great party with friends tomorrow night in celebration of Theresa and Chris's upcoming nuptials.

Sleeping in his crib! Yay!!

Super excited about Mike Anderson!

Sweet smile!

Getting bigger every day!

Big Ole Yawn!

From 20 to 3 to 3588

2011-03-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well, we have been home now for one month with our sweet little baby and it couldn't be better. Miller is a fantastic baby. He is funny, sweet and looks just like his daddy. I have turned into "that mom" who posts a picture of her adorable baby on Facebook almost every day. I need a picture intervention!! Andrew and I are enjoying being parents. It seems like we comment daily that we cannot believe Miller is ours.

Being a mom is great. Trying to fit into pre-pregnancy clothes...not so great. I am not too worried about it though because I am starting to work out again and if I can just put down the sweets, my old clothes are not far from reach. I say this now, but when I panic on my first day back at work because I have nothing to wear, I may be singing a different tune. Our household goal: Mommy losing weight, Baby gaining weight.

I am soooo ready for flu and rsv season to be over so we can rejoin the world. Miller has lots of buddies he needs to meet and I need some lunch dates and Target trips. Once we are back in a normal routine, Andrew and I plan on volunteering with March of Dimes. We did not know much about premature babies or what it took to nurse them to health. We feel like veterans now and want to give back to the community that helped our son. We are big advocates of the Willow Creek NICU including all the doctors and nurses. We believe Miller was given the best care possible.

Now I am going to be "That Mom" What a little cutie!!

Have a great week!!

From Room #20 Downstairs to Room #3 Upstairs

2011-01-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

People always say that you just can't imagine a love like the love you have for your child...and they couldn't be more right.

Our son, Miller Andrew Dolan, came into the world on January 14th, 2011 at 5:48 a.m. After 6 weeks of medical bed rest at Willow Creek, I went into labor at about 2:00 a.m. Brooke was staying with me and called Andrew right away. One of our most favorite nurses (we have a few:)), Angie, was assigned to my room that night and was able to be in the operating room with us to take pictures. The most fabulous Emily Hinton was there to perform the C-Section and Dr. Cole so graciously was there as well. I could talk for days about Emily and how she has helped Andrew and I through this process. I also need to give so much credit to our nurses for getting us to this point. With my water breaking at 26 weeks, I don't think we really had any idea how the situation would have been had I gone into labor. The fact that our nurses and doctors were able to get us to 32 weeks 3 days is, at the very least, a miracle.

Miller weighed a good 5 pounds 11 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. He is the prettiest baby I have ever seen and the love we have for him is like nothing I have ever experienced. It is hard to see him laying in the incubator day after day but he is a fighter and has done so well at this point. The NICU staff has told us to be prepared for setbacks and I would love to be able to say that I will be prepared but I think if we do it will probably hit me like a ton of bricks. He has done nothing but progress so that is all we are used to. He is eating well, staying off oxygen and regulating his temperature. He has the sweetest temperament and smiles when we talk to him. I love getting to hold him and we are starting to get to hold him more. When you get pregnant you just can never imagine that you wouldn't be taking your baby home with you that first night you go home or having someone tell you when you can hold him. But, there are much worse things in the world and I have to say that he is a true miracle, a God-Thing. I am thanking God every day for giving us this baby. He is more than I could have ever hoped for. It is tough having a premature baby and we don't know when we will be able to take him home but we are going to make it.

Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers. Please keep them coming.

Love and Hugs,

Ali

Luckiest Girl in the World

2010-12-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

Regardless of my groundhogs day moment every morning when I wake up in the hospital, I am the luckiest girl in the world. I have the most amazing husband. He is so good to me and is doing an exceptional job taking care of me. It has been quite entertaining to send him out to buy me something like a bra (wow...what I would have done to watch that occur...the bra could have fit my head as a hat...I laughed so hard I cried), or trying to explain to him what a velour suit is and how to pick one out (will be witnessing his purchase later tonight). My friends have been beyond anything I can say or describe. Visits, nail paintings, hair cuts, lunch, memory foam matresses pad for Andrew, a nice tv, controversial Christmas decor (hospital rules aren't very giving in the way of Christmas trees) and lots of laughs have made the stay so far seem fairly easy. My doctor and nurses are my saviors and have been so unbelievably good to me. I am sure I provide plenty of entertainment with my guests, make-shift hair salon, etc. Above all else, I have a sweet little busy body in my belly you has minded him parents and stayed put for almost two weeks. Miller, we can't wait to see you but we will wait unit January 25th!! :)

I am sitting here watching 16 and Pregnant...life could be much worse. These poor girls who think babies are easy, their boyfriends will grow up and that it will be easy to graduate and go to college, it is so sad to see when reality hits them. I have been addicted to this show for years and continue to have my addiction in the hospital.

Here are some funny pics from our stay so far:

Camille giving me a fabulous haircut!!

I had to take a wheelchair ride so my newly cut and styled hair could have an outing

Jess came to visit and had no idea what she was going to walk into. Haircuts and Leslie selling her Stella and Dot jewelry, which is super cute. Jessica was able to multitask in my room:)

Shea putting in the newer, nicer tv. We can actually see the screen. Thanks Petersons!

Friends coming to visit.

The Unexpected

2010-12-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

You read blogs of pregnant girls, families, and others all the time. Your heart goes out to those who are having some trouble and pray for them and hope it doesn't happen to you. My water broke this Saturday evening with Miller being less than 27 weeks. We were annoyed in the ER when they said we wouldn't be released for an hour after the test results came back fine which makes me laugh so much now because little did we know.:) I was leaking amniotic fluid and was admitted into Willow Creek right away. I will be here for the duration of the pregnancy and we are hoping to keep him cooking for 7 weeks and then the doctors will induce at 34 weeks. My friends, family and husband have been unbelievably supportive and fun. My room is decorated with lots of Christmas cheer and I am never for a lack of conversation as so many friends come visit and keep me company. My friends have been soooo amazing! I have small moments when I start to cry because I am scared for Miller or miss sleeping in bed with Andrew or I miss my students terribly but I know there are so many worse situations in the world. We have always had such a blessed life and that has not changed. Miller is going to be a healthy, strong baby, I can just feel it. We want to thank everyone for all of the prayers, kind thoughts, gifts, meals, etc. Andrew, Miller and I are the luckiest people in the world.

Just a little promotion of Willow Creek: I cannot imagine a nicer facility with better nurses or doctors. I love all my nurses. I love visiting with them and get excited when they are back from their shifts. Dr. Hinton, Dr. Seale, Dr. Patridge and all the doctors from Parkhill have been so informative and helpful. We are certainly in the best hands in Arkansas. The NICU here is also exceptional. We feel very prepared for what might be up ahead.

Here are some pics of what we had been up to before this all happened:

This was the day we went in the hospital in the morning. Bear had her head on my belly. She never really does that. I am a firm believer that dogs have incredible intuition and I think maybe she knew something was going to happen that day.

Andrew putting together Miller's crib

Almost 24 weeks here

My Belly Club kiddos

At Dallas Cowboy Stadium

We had a great weekend with friends in Dallas for the Hog game vs. A&M. It may be the hardest I have laughed in my entire life.

CSC: Dream Big Event

This was last night: my first ride in a wheelchair. It was our "Friday Night Date" We went and toured the NICU and got to take a ride around Willow Creek. It was a beautiful night. Theresa brought Bear up to me today and I got to meet her outside and give her lots of hugs. It was a great day. We had an ultrasound this morning. I have 5 cm of fluid and Miller weights 2 lbs 8 oz. I am so proud of how tough he is! He is happy, healthy and growing.

Love and hugs to everyone. Will probably be posting a lot more, have plenty of time in the hospital to do it:)

Ali

Here's Hoping

2010-11-09T14:53:00.001-08:00

1. I hope Miller's crib will be here soon. I can hardly wait for Andrew and I to put it together and to put his finished bumpers in it. Seems very official.

2. Now that I have given my blog a much needed face-lift, I hope I will post more often.

3. I hope I can catch up at work after being sick in bed for two days.

It's the little things, isn't it?

Our Bun in the Oven: Andrew Miller Dolan

2010-11-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

I am making myself laugh as I think about how when I originally started this blog that I thought "This will be great, one day when we are pregnant, I will keep everyone updated on how the baby is progressing, nursery decor and other things." Well, now at almost 23 weeks I guess I can get started.

We are so blessed to have a little boy growing in my stomach. I have always wanted to use my maiden name when we got pregnant and if we were having a little boy. When we found out at 16 weeks, we didn't even have to think twice about his name. We also wanted to include Andrew in his name so originally it was going to be Miller Andrew Dolan, but then we realized his initials would be MAD and I just didn't think that was a good idea (Andrew thought it would make him an NFL star). I asked my students who go by their middle name if it bothered them and they said it did not so he is going to be a middle name man and Miller it will be. At our 20 week appointment we were able to see that he is very healthy, happy and was kicking his feet up to touch his forehead. We were laughing so much. He has a little extra fluid in one of his kidneys so we will have another ultrasound in two weeks to make sure the fluid hasn't grown. Dr. Hinton said it was nothing to be alarmed over and we just feel so happy he is doing so well.

Being pregnant is interesting, like an alien takes over your body. You just don't feel like yourself. I am tired all the time and cannot remember anything which has made for some hysterical moments in my classroom. My kids are patient with me and they love the little guy already. They make me laugh as they talk about the progression of my belly growth and oddly enough most pregnancy questions come from my boys. It's very entertaining.

My belly is certainly becoming large and in charge but I am getting used to it. I am trying to stay active: walking, playing tennis, etc. I know I am not going to be the pregnant girl who only gains weight in her belly and you can't tell she is even pregnant from the back, but I am okay with that. I know I will have the ability to lose the weight and the outcome will be well worth-it. I can already picture pushing him in the jogging stroller after school and I will have the summer with him to try to get back into good shape.

His nursery is progressing. My parents were very nice and have painted his room and bathroom. His room is cadet gray and his bathroom is pumpkin custard and grass green. I really love it. We have ordered his crib and I am finishing his bumpers. Sarah and I took this on as a project for our boys and I think it was a great idea. Sarah's are finished and look fabulous! These boys are going to have great rooms. I have his chair and ottoman in a sky blue microsuede and just ordered peekaboo nesting side tables from CB2 for next to the chair. I will post pics as we start really progressing.

We have lots of pregnant friends which is really fun. Lots of girls to share information, questions, etc. I am very excited about the holidays and know it is going to make pregnancy really start to fly by. Hope everyone is well. We are about to head out to Gusano's to watch the Hoggies beat South Carolina. Happy Saturday!

Love and Hugs,

Ali

Shape's Mantra of the Month

2010-03-29T18:56:00.001-07:00

As I was reading Shape this weekend, trying to find the

secret to getting a great body with little effort I came across a great

little paragraph in the "Shape Your Life" section:

Mantra of the Month: "I Want What I Have"

It's perfectly natural to desire more - more clothes, more friends,

more money; it's only human. But obsessing over the things you're

lacking can make you feel dissatisfied. This month take a moment to

acknowledge what you do have - anything from your healthy body, which

can carry your through a six-mile run, to your best friend, who's

really more like a sister. Remember that, while life can always get

better, it's fulfilling to appreciate where you are.

I catch myself wanting, wanting, wanting at every turn.

I am constantly trying to remind myself the difference between want

and need but rarely think about all the things I am so blessed with, including

my not perfect, but perfectly healthy body. I am certainly not an expert

advice giver but thought this was too good to not share. I

hope everyone is having a fabulous week.

Love and hugs,

Ali

A Fabulous Weekend: All in Black and White

2010-02-28T19:48:00.001-08:00

Last weekend was really great...and it had it's own color theme. Saturday night we threw a party for our friends Stephanie and Jimbo, who are getting married in May. Michelle and Brandon opened up their beautiful home for our Black, White and Bubbly party: black and white attire required. Everyone looked fantastic in their swag (lots of stylish boyfriend blazers), we had delicious food and lots of laughs. I made my friend Camille's hot chicken salad cups and Michelle's mom's sopapilla cheesecake squares. Here are some pics from the evening.

The food table

Koozies are the best party favor! You can never have too many.

Having a drink before our guests arrive.

Stephanie wore a fabulous multi-colored romper.

It's nice to visit with dear high school friends

Stephanie, Anna, Sarah, myself, Theresa

My cute hubby!

The next day was a big tennis day at our household. Andrew had his second match on his FAC 3.0 team. They swept their Shadow Valley opponents 5-0. Later in the day I had my first match!!! I was so nervous; besides dance competition in high school I have never competed in an organized sport. I am the captain of our team (not because of talent, just because I am organized). Our team picked out a sharp black and white Nike outfit, so even if we lost we knew we would look good losing:) Lauren and I played doubles against a good team. We got a late start and were down 1-5 in the first set. My heart was pounding out of my chest but Lauren and I were able to get into a groove and came back 5-5. We eventually lost the first set 7-5 but won the second set 6-4. We were excited but still had to play a tiebreak. We were down in the tiebreak 1-6 but came back and won 11-9. We were so happy!!! Our team won the match and went to Mojitos to celebrate. I am not super great at tennis but I really love it and it has been great for Andrew and I to go out and play together.

Lauren, Mary Lauren and our tennis coach: Bobby

Big winners!

2.0 Bring It!

This weekend we had a nice time in Hot Springs with the family. Our niece and nephew are growing up so quickly!!! This week is going to be full of tennis, spirit buses and Dallas!!! We will be back on the road down to Van Buren for Bulldog Basketball as they enter the state tournament as the 5 seed. I am hoping to see our boys win some games. Then this weekend, some friends and I will be headed to Dallas for Anna's bachlorette party. Hope everyone has a nice, productive week. Love, Ali

Oh my, time flies when it snows outside...

2010-02-09T21:21:00.000-08:00

It seems like at least once a week since the first week of January I have a snow day. Don't get me wrong, having a day off is great but after a few times and my summer vacation being shortened slowly and slowly, I can only wish for spring to arrive. We have been busy playing tennis, bumping up the cardio (its nice to see the numbers on the scale go down again), spending time with friends and enjoying the arrival of our new couch (for those who know our now famous Christmas Party Horror Story, it took over 6 weeks to get our new item to lounge upon). Work has been great minus the kids' senioritous. The students and teachers at SHS are all having a good semester in academics, sports, music, etc. I couldn't ask for a better job. I hope everyone is having a happy February.

Love and hugs, Ali

This girl can sleep!

Bear was very over me grading the kids' essay tests.

Snuggling out in the snow.

Bear and Andrew on our snow adventure.

Just wanted to brag on SHS students and their tremendous school spirit. They make me laugh all day long.

Near and Dear to My Heart: Bulldog Pups Need Your Help!

2009-11-10T21:06:00.000-08:00

I am teaching a new course at Springdale High School called Service Learning. We work on different service projects around NWA including Polo of the Ozarks, Autumn Festival at the Jones Center, play bingo at Walnut Grove nursing home, etc. The 19 students in my class attend Head Start once a week and Jones Elementary in Springdale once a week. I was visiting with the principal last week and she was telling me about her demographics and the projects they are trying to accomplish this winter for the kids. Jones Elementary has approximately 598 students in the school, of which 97% are free and reduced lunch (essentially meaning poverty level)!!!!!!! That means 15 students pay for their lunch (6 of those are students of teachers). She said every year companies call and ask if they can adopt a family for Christmas. It is so hard to choose because all of their students need it, so this year they are trying something different. They would like to send each student home at Christmas Break with a full stocking stuffed with at least one book, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, etc. I know the toiletries wouldn't seem exciting to a small child but they will be beyond joyful. They are also trying to put together food bags to send home with their kids for the break. Many of their students do not receive meals at home (the school has a weekend food program but not for an entire holiday). As you begin thinking about the holidays and what groups or organizations you would like to help out, please consider this project. I will gladly come pick up any of the presents you would like to donate or if you would like to give money the counselors at the school say they know how to make a dollar stretch:) One book, two books, toiletries, stockings or more, I would forever be grateful to you for helping any way you can

Hello Blog, I Have Missed You!

2009-11-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Whew! It has been forever! Life has been so crazy busy that I haven't even had time to look at friends' blogs either. I am very lucky today that I have had the opportunity to spend time with one of my best friend's, Frances. She was in town as a keynote speaker for a foreign language conference. We woke up late, Andrew made us breakfast, we went for a long walk, ran by Target, window shopped at Riffraff, bought some delicious raspberry yogurt covered pretzels, played with the Petersons, watched every episode of Modern Family, ate baked potato soup and are now watching Transformers 2. It has been a great, relaxing and lazy day. I wish she lived in Northwest Arkansas. Andrew and I are constantly bugging her to move up here. She is such a fantastic friend and person! It will be sad to see her leave in the morning.

Since the last time I blogged I have had Homecoming, went to Tulsa with Andrew for the Dave Matthews Concert, watched the Hogs and Bulldogs win some ...and lose some, helped run the Circle of Friends Fall Carnival, took 100 students two days in a row to Van Buren for volleyball state playoffs, throwing our 2nd annual Halloween party and tons of other time consuming, fun things. Most of any extra time left over has been spent trying to improve my tennis skills and working towards being a better teacher. School has been great this year, even busier though due to my new Service Learning class but it is so heart-warming to see my kids working in the community and making a difference in the lives of children in Springdale. Andrew is very excited because he has just accepted a position at the Walmart/Sam's Club Home Offices. He starts in two weeks and is really ready for a change. I am so proud of him. I am looking forward to a leadership conference with my students on Tuesday and a ride in the spirit buses down to Russellville for the state football playoffs. My friend Stephanie's birthday is this week too. What I am looking forward to the most though is my first training session back with Mitch. I have gained some weight back in the past few months and have become uncomfortable. I am excited to get back on the health bandwagon. It will be a great week! I hope you have a great one too! Here are a bunch of pics from the last couple of months! Love, Ali

Andrew with our niece Olivia on his shoulders celebrating the Hogs victory over South Carolina. Go Hog!

Ruby and Graham made friends over some popcorn and skittles.

Love my husband!

They are growing up too fast! Our niece and nephew: Olivia and Graham

Bear gearing up for game day!

Best part of Halloween: carving the pumpkins

Striking resemblance to Fred Flinstone

Painting the rock monster for the Fall Carnival

Picking our pumpkins at Dickey Farms Pumpkin Patch

Lawson and Lyla helping us craft at Hobby Lobby

Fall was so beautiful this year.

We took Ruby to a Red Dog game. She loves the Bulldogs.

Showing off her school spirit.

Auburn game...a little early, a little cold:) Thanks Em and Matt for going with us!

Waiting for our cab to the Dave Matthews Concert in Tulsa...it never showed. Cab service in Tulsa is terrible!

The McBirney Mansion in Tulsa. I would definitely recommend staying there.

Our 3-D adventure to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Go Hogs!

A Little Bit of Randomness

2009-09-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Good Evening Friends! I am up posting a new blog too late in the night. I should be in bed, actually I need to finish some invitations first. But, I couldn't help but share my canvases I picked up from Chris Stinson tonight. He is such a great photographer! I am so excited to put up pictures of my little one, Bear. She is a good subject for picture-taking!

I just finished some curtains for my friend Lauren. She has a really cool dining room with lime green under the chair molding and midnight blue above it. We used a cute patterned cotton on top with a rich, beautiful orange gathered polyester on bottom. She picked a velvet and beaded trim to finish off the look. I am very pleased with the way they turned out and I think she is too!

Last weekend we went to Small Hands Big Dreams, supporting the Children's Safety Center. Molly and her committee did such an amazing job and we all had so much fun!

Lots of love to everyone! Go Hogs! Beat Georgia!!

Ali

Hootie Hoo for Brooke's Bachlorette

2009-09-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

Home Sweet Home! I just got home from a fun trip to the beach with a bunch of friends for Brooke's Bachlorette Weekend! It was a totally different experience in Grayton Beach than what I am used to. We spent our days on the beach (for some reason I took no pictures on the beach) and shopping/art exploring in Seaside and our nights at good restaurants and the bars of Grayton and Seaside. We had a really great time celebrating Wes and Brooke's upcoming nuptials. My only complaint was that anytime we would strike up a conversation with a fellow SEC member, they would always want to know why we hate Houston Nutt and what an amazing coach he is...Oh my! I hope everyone had a safe and fabulous Labor Day Weekend.

Lots of Love,

Allison

Doodling on our table with my Sharpie Pen:) at Shorty's in Grayton Beach. Best sushi in SoWal! Please go there to eat if you are down that direction (it is across from the Red Bar).

Me with the bachlorette, Brooke. Those are some serious heels Miss Bride!

Laura, Ann, Martha and I enjoying Arkansan-owned Red Bar. Yum!!!

Jenny, Suzy and I. Can you ever get away with not wearing something silly during a bachlorette weekend? I think we looked great!!!

The whole crew at Red Bar.

What a cute bride?!

Me, Court and Laura

Dancing the night away at Bud and Alley's

Courtney, Ann, Martha, Theresa, Laura and I ordered the entire menu at Broken Egg for breakfast. Ooo..it was good!

On our way home today we stopped in Paul Michael. It is a fabulous home decor store in south Arkansas. Most of the girls had been before but I had not. They already had out Halloween and Christmas decor. I must say I was in holiday heaven.

Happy Days!

2009-08-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a long time since the last time I posted or even read anyone's blog. Starting school was a little crazy. We have decided it is really important to condition weeks before so you aren't so tired. Andrew and I had a great weekend! We went to see Second City at Walton Art Center on Friday night. We ate at Hugo's with Emily and Matt before the show. The four of us spent a lot of time talking about why we love Hugo's so much. It is such a great Fayetteville staple, it is underground, it is always packed and loud, yet you can hear everything at your table very well. Plus, their food is always good. Saturday we met my family's new foreign exchange student, David. He is very nice. Andrew and I took the Peterson girls for a walk so Brooke could take a much deserved nap. Here are some pictures from our adventure.

Sooooooo cute!

Taking a break on Andrew's shoulders

Lyla was in a trance the entire walk. She fell asleep.

Today, Ruby, Brooke and I had a girls' tennis outing. We had a great time. Although this was only Ruby's first time to play, she very quickly became the teacher. She kept telling Brooke and I how to play and when we needed to take breaks. Hysterical!

Telling Brooke she just lost.

"Ali! Ali! We are going to have a talk right here. You need to listen and you are not allowed to go outside of the court. You are a kid and only the teacher can do that!"

I don't think I was listening...

Bear playing with her new owl dog toy from Ruby

Jake and Matt had an end of the summer party: Hot Summer Days, Hot Summer Night. We had a great time. I would have had lots more pictures but my phone died. Jake and Matt throw great parties.

I promise not to talk about my students too much, but those who know me well, know I love to brag about my kids. This is going to be a great year at Springdale High School. I am teaching three sections of AP Gov't, two sections of World History and my new class, Service Learning. It has gone great so far. My Service kids have some great ideas, and will begin traveling to Head Start and Jones Elementary in the next couple weeks. They spent Saturday afternoon playing Bingo at Walnut Grove Retirement Center. They sent me texts saying how much fun they had. The picture below is from the first day of school. Each student wrote their expectations of my class on post-its for three minutes. The result was really cool.

My classroom

One of the new quotes I painted on my wall.

Another quote

Grayton Beach with the Dolans and Wooldridges

2009-08-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Hope you all have had a good beginning of August. August is really one of my favorite months of the year because I love back to school shopping, both clothes and school supplies. Some of my favorite memories as a kid were going with my mom and sisters to pick out clothes (especially the all important first day of school outfit) and clean, shinny new folders, markers, pens, pencils, etc. I just got home from my final summer trip, vacation in Grayton Beach with my brother and sister in-law, niece and nephew. We also had Mike's friend David Wooldridge and their family with us. We had an absolute blast "soaking up the sun" (literally and semi-stalking Sheryl Crow who owns a house a couple doors down from my inlaws on the beach), having dance parties, visiting with Nannnciee, and having delicious meals. It is sooo good to be home with Andrew and Bear. I missed them terribly. Graham, my nephew, asked me everyday where Uncie Andrew was and when he was going to meet us at the beach. I had to remind Graham his uncle couldn't come because he was at work. It was weird to be at the beach without Andrew but we still had lots of fun. Here are some highlight pictures of the trip. Have a great week! Wish me luck, as I start back to school this week! I am very excited to meet my new Bulldogs and make more memories with Bulldogs of the past. Love, Ali

P.S. Andrew and I will be celebrating our 4 year wedding anniversary on Thursday! My how time flies when you are having fun!

Graham and Andrew at U.S. Pizza prior to the trip. I love this picture so I had to include it.

Sheryl Crow's house. She was on the beach and we were walking past her. I acted like I didn't recognize her but told her her son was super cute. We had to play cool even though Dawn was giggling the entire time we walked past her.

Dawn, Lindsey and I taking a pic at our bestie's house

These pictures are fuzzy and so was my hair:)

The whole vacation crew. Forgot my shoes were on, the ultimate beach pic mistake.

Olivia and I on are last night at Shorty's

This is what a 4 year old looks like after a week at the beach.

Graham and Olivia flying their kites

Bailey and Blake flying their kites in the beautiful sky

Loving our lounge chairs

Olivia's annual air-brushed t-shirt

Our little shark

Sunsations had 5 hats on display showing airbrush. Oddly enough two of them had Mike and Lindsey's name on them. Fate! I could hardly take the picture because I was laughing so hard. I wish they would have bought them, even if Lindsey's name was spelled wrong.

Jogging is not my favorite thing to do but with Coldplay in my ear and a setting like this, it is hard to beat.

David and Graham starting the dance party

Little Miss Sassy!

I don't know why but this picture cracks me up.

Viva La Mexico!

2009-07-25T09:24:00.001-07:00

Hola! Andrew and I had such a blast in Cozumel, Mexico with Jake and Matt this week. The hotel was fantastic, the snorkeling was great and it was so nice just to relax and have drinks by the pool. Although we had the best time, there is no place like home and I am so glad to be back in Fayetteville with Bear Dolan! We are eating Stone Mill, catching up on the DVR, doing laundry and getting ready for our favorite Dolan clan to come visit tonight. Our niece Olivia is going to spend the week with us. I am very excited to hang with one of my favorite people! I took only about a million pics in Cozumel and below are some of my favorites. Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! Love, Ali

View of one of the pools from our balcony

This is Noemi, our favorite waitress! We loved her!!!

I was so proud of Andrew for wearing a swimsuit that wasn't red! That is all he ever wants to wear!!

Dinner at Casa La Mission

Tacky tropical shirt night. If not for the shirts, the boys could have been mistaken for the cartel:)

Hammock + Ocean = Heaven

How many times can I say I love my husband!

The hotel had a band out on the beach one night. The Waco girls and I decided to get a pic with them. They probably thought we were groupies.

Shopping in town

Results of lots of time together...

Enjoying a drink at Fat Tuesday's

The square in Cozumel

Girls we met from Waco and the Donatello Disco Bar Waitress, Eugenia. We decided she looked like Rosario from Will and Grace.

We had a great time spending the afternoon snorkeling

The boat we took to go snorkeling. They took us to two different snorkeling locations then the beach where they grilled burgers for us and played on their waterslides and trampolines.

My only complaint was that the hotel food was tragic. In the morning I loaded up my bag with Fruit Loops. I lived off those and Cheez Its. Amazed to say I lost weight on a trip!!!!

We went to the hotel restaurant one night. We didn't know they had a dress code, meaning no shorts. Andrew was denied entrance so they made him wear a pair of hotel pants. These were his shorts they wouldn't let him wear.

These were the hotel pants he had to wear. We laughed so hard we cried. Hotel high standards?

On the balcony before dinner

Spent a lot of time at the pool reading. Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews is one of my new favorites. She is one of my favorite authors and it is her new book.

Playing water BINGO. We all one once, prizes including a frisbee, a water bottle, and a silver rusted dolphin bracelet. Score!

Morning time in Cozumel

Jake's facial feelings about the food

We had a great time! Matt and Jake were so much fun to vacation with!

Planes, MARTAs, and Home Projects

2009-07-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

Wow! It is so good to be home! I just got home from Atlanta for High Schools that Work and Orlando for Teen Trendsetters Leadership Summit. I learned a lot about helping my students discover their purpose and continuing to help them with their literacy skills. We were able to enjoy a lot of what Atlanta had to offer, including CNN Headquarters, great shopping and some interesting karaoke at Cheeseburger in Paradise. I will only say this, I love my colleagues and know how lucky I am to work with them. We had a nightmare plane experience to Orlando. If I had not had a student with me, I think the trip would have gotten the best of me but luckily it did not. In Orlando, besides spending the afternoon at Universal Studios, my student and I got trained for our reading mentorship program. I am teaching a new course this fall called Service Learning. I think it is imperative my students graduate Springdale High School with a sense of service and community. We will be working with Jones Elementary, Head Start, and many other community groups. I am starting to get excited about the upcoming school year. However, the summer is going entirely too fast so I am starting to slightly panic for not having finished all the projects I planned. Andrew came home yesterday and was shocked to see the yard had been totally made over and a bedroom upstairs and been painted and decorated all in one day!:) I have goals and I want to get them done before the school year starts again. My parents and sister Celia were kind enough to come up yesterday to help me with those projects. I have a few more to go but feel confident I can make it happen. I am in the process of trying to make important decision pertaining to work and Andrew and I's personal lives. Please say some prayers that I can make the best decisions possible. Time to start packing for the next trip: Cozumel with my amazing hubby and our friends Matt and Jake. I am sure I will have a lot to blog about when I get home.

Lots of Love,

Ali

Andrew's Birthday and Fun Crafts

2009-07-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

Andrew is turning the big 2-8 tomorrow! We went with The McClures, The Petersons, and The Yoes-Fouts to Shogun. We had a great time celebrating Andrew's birth and giggled through opening presents (Reggie's apron) and talking about Annie. I have to say I am so blessed to have such a fun and happy husband. We laugh everyday and I look forward to laughing from years to come. Happy Birthday Hubby!

During the summer, I feel like a desperate housewive, cleaning, laundry, cleaning, laundry, grocery...cleaning. Today I did complete a fun project. I sewed pillows for our outdoor furniture. Hancock Fabrics is having a great sale this week. If you are feeling the need to be crafty I recommend heading that way. I love sewing and was super excited about the fabric. Tomorrow morning I leave for Hotlanta for work. Looking forward to learning some cool things that I can use this upcoming year. Hope you all have a fabulous week! Love, Ali

Fireworks at Arvest Ballpark

2009-07-06T13:49:00.001-07:00

The fireworks at Arvest Ballpark on the 4th were beautiful. We had a great time. Lyla wouldn't even take her bottle because she was watching the show.

Fourth of July Celebration!!

2009-07-06T13:29:00.001-07:00

Fourth of July is my favorite holiday!! We, as Americans, could not be part of a greater country in the world. No matter what is happening in our economy, the freedom fought for our country beginning at the Framers of the Constitution to the Greatest Generation to the men, women and children who sacrifice their lives for our country, is the greatest gift we could be given! Can you tell I am a government teacher:)? I also love Fourth of July because the most fabulous nephew on Earth, Graham Dolan, was born on this day. Happy 4th Birthday Little Man! Sorry we couldn't be there, but I here you are loving the drum set!

Salem Village POA July 3rd Pool Party!

Lighting sparklers
Wes, his glow-in-the-dark shirt and his sparkler
Stef and Laura watching the boys play Baggo
Stacy and Jake
Andrew beating Will and I at Baggo. Boo!

Little Lyla and her Mommy
Oh, Blue Eyes!
The little Firecracker
The arranged marriage of Lyla and Holland
Ruby and her Ander

Memories from 2009

2009-07-01T20:32:00.001-07:00

   Our Baby Girl: Bear E. Dolan

   Martha and Grant's Wine and Cigar Party
   Baby Lyla and Baby Lawson
   Me, Emily and Amy at the ASS Birthday Party
   Me, Andrew, Jake and Matt
   The Birthday Girls! Allison + Sarah + Sarah = The ASS Birthday Party
   Sarah, Stephanie, Sarah, Emily, Me, Candice
   I love my hubby!
     The Birthday Girl! Lauren's 30th Birthday Party

   Amy, Me, The Birthday Girl, Brooke
   We headed down to Austin, Tx for Martha's Bachlorette Weekend. What a beautiful bachlorette!
   The Arkansas Girl's at Dinner
   We were riding in style for Martha's Bachlorette
   Martha's Arkansas Girls in Austin
   Andrew and I with my grandparents in Burns, Kansas
   Headed towards the amazing Kansas City Symphony Concert on the Prairie
   Over 6,000 people in attendance
   How adorable are my grandparents!!!!?
   Bear's First Ride on the Boat!

   Our adorable niece and nephew: Olivia and Graham
   My family on Father's Day
   The Girls with the Chi O Bro Hoes
   Dinner at Ferneau in Little Rock

   Martha and Grant's Wedding: Sweaty at the End
   Jenny, Radd and I eating the centerpiece!
   Cam, Jimbo and Andrew
   Emily, Me, Stephanie
   Chi Omega Girls at the Wedding

First Blog!

2009-07-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be starting a blog for Andrew and I. We don't lead super adventurous lives but we do have fabulous friends and family and have created great memories with them. My dear friend Brooke and I worked this afternoon on headers for our blogs and I have to say (without bragging) that they turned out great!! My summer so far has been really nice. Lots of work and lots of play have kept me very busy. Honestly though, I do miss my students. They make me laugh all the time. Andrew and I played doubles last night with my former Student Council Vice President, Cassie, and her boyfriend Joe. I am proud to say we beat those young, energetic kids. I am posting some of my favorite memories from 2009. I probably won't be real great about posting much but I may end up surprising myself.