What A Day!!!

Last night I got a text from a friend asking if I was available to babysit this afternoon. I immediately replied with a yes! I couldn't say no to an opportunity to hang out with some of the sweetest children I know! I actually had Muni's son (pictured below) in Kindergarten a few years ago and I have her older daughter in my class now and hopefully will have her youngest daughter in my class next fall.

Isn't he just a cutie pie!?!?! I can't help but want to pinch those cheeks everytime I see him!
She is a cutie too though!!!

I had so much fun today and the time went by so quickly. We played Barbies and watched television and played hide and go seek! We even had fun pretending to be Hannah Montanta complete with makeup application! The girls wouldn't let me take their pictures after their own makeovers! They had fun with the lipstick is all I'm saying!!! I can't wait to go back and play again one day!!!
When I got home, I have to admit I was tired but Tom wanted to get out so we went and ran some errands and took Maggie along. After we had her nails trimmed and ran to grab a phone battery, Tom suggested a trip to Unleashed. I decided that would be fun so we spent the evening at Lab Night at the dog park. Maggie had so much fun and even fell asleep on the way home. She really enjoys going to playdates and meeting new friends! We even met a dog that quickly became her pal. Her pal was a huge great dane mix, I'm just glad she didn't decide to pick on him because she likes to be bossy with the little dogs on occasion! This dog was beautiful and suprisingly calm. I was hoping some of this would rub off on Maggie!!! Wishful thinking I guess! Ha! All in all, a great and productive day and very relaxing! Everyday should be this fun!

This post is brought to you by the letter M

So it's been a while...but my life has just been so busy I haven't had a minute to sit down! Last weekend, was our first weekend of winter break. We had so much fun with so much crammed into a couple of days.

I'll start with Saturday

MAKEOVER!
This is my mom!

About a month ago, I entered a contest to win my mom a makeover and guess what? She won!!! There wasn't any pictures involved in entering- otherwise, she wouldn't have won because she is beautiful just as she is! I just wrote an essay and they picked mine and I surprised my mom with a new look!
Above is her before look and here is her after!


I LOVE her haircut! I even thought about cutting mine like this. The color turned out fabulous and really suits her. Christina did a wonderful job! If you are in the DFW area, make an appointment with her now at Salon 306.
Later Saturday evening...
MUSICAL!
Tom and I have enjoyed going to the theatre lately for musicals. We went to see Legally Blonde this past summer and Saturday night we went to see 101 Dalmations! It was absolutely adorable. They didn't use the dogs as much as I would have hoped but it was still super cute! If you have a chance to see this musical, go do it!
Sunday...
MMMMMMM!!!!!
At our classroom Christmas party, a sweet parent of mine brought me the most fabulous treat- my new favorite Christmas candy actually! She was even kind enough to give me the recipe! I'm taking this to my in laws tonight! YUMMMY!!!
I'm passing this recipe along to you all...I had all of the ingredients in my pantry and made this as soon as I got this recipe. Enjoy!!!

Christmas Bark
1 cup butter (this is real butter friends, save the margarine for your momma! Ha!)
½ cup light brown sugar
1 sleeve saltines
12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
Sprinkles or nuts

Preheat oven to 350.
Lay out saltines in a rimmed baking sheet that’s been lined with parchment paper.
Melt butter in saucepan. Add brown sugar and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. (You can tell when it’s ready because the brown sugar will be totally blended in.)
Pour butter mixture over saltines, spreading evenly.
Bake for 15 minutes.
When it comes out of the oven, pour the chocolate chips over (I put mine back in the oven for about 3 minutes) and once they start to melt, spread them out over the saltines. Top with nuts or sprinkles.
Refrigerate until it hardens, about 1 hour. Remove from fridge and break into pieces.

Finally...
Merry Christmas!

The Nester Christmas Tour

Okay so I'm a couple days late...story of my life lately!

Welcome to our home!

This is our front entry. I have a wreath and two entry trees that flock the doorway. I love the simplicity of it all! Here is a closeup shot of my wreath. I did not make it but I do love it!

When you enter our house, the office is on the right. I did make these wreaths to hang on the office doors. Sorry it's so dark!

They are brown and gold to match the rest of my colors in my home. I love how they turned out!
Next is our formal dining room. I would love to have my Spode Christmas Tree china displayed but due to the fact that I have curious fur friends, I can not. My Christmas china is the ONLY china I wanted so that is what we registered for when we did our wedding registry.



See...I just opened the china cabinet door for a second to get a close up of my china and Ham decided he would hop in for a visit!

The next area is my kitchen. I didn't take many pictures of my decor other than my cute gingerbread house luminary (I got from Bath and Body Works- online may I add) It is so cute. The smoke comes out of the chimney!!!

I also finally found a card holder. I have been looking for one for a while. I usually just put my cards in a basket but I love to display the cards- especially the picture cards!

I have a button tree on my breakfast room table. I got this at Hallmark several years ago. I plan to put this in the baby's room one of these days!

At last my family room. Our kitchen, breakfast room and family room are really one big room. This is why we chose this floor plan to build. I thought one day it would be perfect to have baby Ward toddling around while I could cook dinner and still keep an eye on him/her. We have our main tree in our family room this year. This is the only one I put up this year, except for the one upstairs (it's little and in the man cave so I didn't get a picture of it) Here is my tree and my mantle. No stockings, I'm going to order those from Ballard after Christmas! My garland on my mantle matches my front door wreath.



And my favorite Christmas decoration...okay well, favorite Christmas sign...

Merry Christmas everyone!

The Turtleneck Queen

I am the turtleneck queen! I have bestowed this honor upon myself and I'm proud of it! Not many people can sport the turtleneck with such confidence but friends, I certainly can. My turtleneck wearing days started during my student teaching days in 2001. My fellow student teacher- Heather- commented one day about the enormous amounts of turtlenecks that I had in my wardrobe (I still think about you every time I wear one too). Yes, I do own at least one (sometimes more than that if it's a popular color) in every solid color and probably at least 20 printed ones. Now, they aren't teacher sweaters, they are striped or argyle. I also own short sleeved turtlenecks, sleveless turtlenecks, 3/4 length sleeved turtlenecks and the ever so popular long sleeved! I couldn't exactly tell you how many I own just know that for the past 2 weeks, I have worn a DIFFERENT one each day! Tom and I went into Gap this past weekend to work on our Christmas shopping lists and my heart became instantly happy upon stumbling into the turtleneck display. They even had them buy one get one free! I told Tom I could really use another turtleneck and he had the nerve to ask, "What color do you want?" I immediately looked at him and said, "Why all of them of course!" He rolled his eyes and mumbled something to the effect of, "you probably already own them all." Anyway, I am anxiously awaiting another turtleneck sale! I am planning to take pictures of myself in my turtlenecks so you can see! I have already planned tomorrow's outfit, bet you had no idea it was going to include a turtleneck!!!

Nine More Days!!!

So I left school a bit earlier than usual because I had to get to the grocery store! I bought stuff to make Paula Deen's taco chili (I saw it on Paula's Home Cooking yesterday as I was being a slacker and hanging out in my pj's all day). The chili is on the stove now actually and it smells kind of good despite all the modifications I made! Guess it isn't Paula's taco chili anymore! Ha! After my run to the grocery store, I stopped at Sephora and ran into some crazy sales lady- she is actually a high school student who came and read to my class one day last year- I don't know how she remembered me but anyway, she started asking me about how long it takes to get through school to become a teacher and how I knew I wanted to teach anyway. I didn't know just running in to pick up a little makeup was going to turn into a job interview! I got home and started the chili and decided to catch up on the blog and ran across Becky's blog. She is hosting a giveaway and has a hilarious story about her Sephora trip! You must read about the crazy Sephora ladies!

I am also getting ready to make some yummy cookies! They are peanut butter with a snickers baked right inside! I have to make lots because I'm scheduled to attend a cookie exchange party so I wanted to test them out before I exchange them with anyone. I'm also experimenting because I plan to do a little baking this weekend for Christmas gifts for my room mothers. If you have any great cookie recipes, feel free to pass them along to me!

Have You Been Looking?

My principal sent us this poem last year sometime and I LOVE it. It has made me a better person, teacher and friend. I sent the poem to the two people who I have always looked up to, my mom and my Aunt Jan. I wish I could have shared this with my Daddy though. Feel free to copy it and send it to people who you think could use a day brightener. Let them know that you were always looking and have made you the person you are today!


WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN’T LOOKING
By Mary Rita Schilke Korzan

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you displayed my first report, and I wanted to do another.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you fed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you gave me a sticker, and I knew that little things were special things.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you put your arm around me, and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt--but that it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you smiled, and it made me want to look that pretty too.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you cared, and I wanted to be everything I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking--I looked...and wanted to say thanks for all those things you did when you thought I wasn’t looking.

Our Christmas Tree

Oh how I love my tree this year! I took some advice from friends to redecorate my tree this year and I love how it turned out. I did plan to put up my second tree in our dining room but as of yet, I haven't done so. I am going to try to hit Hobby Lobby after Christmas and get a nine foot slim tree for the dining room for next year and I am going to get a small pink tree for my future daughters room- more about that later! I have to share Tom's theory with ya'll, you will be laughing so hard!

Okay so back to the tree!



I used brown and gold on my tree with ribbon that is weaved with gold metallic thread so it has just a hint of brown and a hint of gold depending on the light and the way you look at it. I also used a bunch of stick things and poinsettias for the topper. Those are also brown and gold! I love my decorations!

The main reason I put up two trees is so I can display my sentimental ornaments from my childhood, vacations, special people in my life and teacher ornaments on one and have my other tree as my decor tree that matches everything in my house. I will eventually get around to putting that second tree up!

I searched high and low and in every catalog I could find for a tree skirt that matched my specifications! I ended up having to spend last weekend making one. Tom went to Hobby Lobby with me to get material and find everything I needed. So Saturday morning I pulled out the machine and measured and cut and measured and cut some more then sewed the thing together- totally backwards!!! I was pretty upset and thought about it all night. I ended up working on it on Sunday afternoon and finished it and I was so happy how it turned out! It is just what I wanted! But trust me friends, you don't want to do this- just buy one!!! However, I will be making two more, one for my classroom for my kids to put their handprints on as a keepsake for me and another for my pink tree!


Now, the pink tree! Tom's theory is that older couples have girls first! Just look at the celebrities. I think he just knows that I would love to have a baby girl one day! I love that man! I hope his theory is right or I'm going to have my own personal pink tree!

Merry Christmas friends! I love ya'll!

Feelings

Not sure what I am feeling this morning. It's a total mix of happiness for a friend and delight that she is finally getting what she wants. I love you friend- you know who you are! I so appreciate the fact that you shared with me first! I am also feeling hopelessness, despair and pure sadness. I'm just going to take it one day at a time and know that one day, my time will come too!

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."~ Proverbs 16:9

I have to have trust in Him and know that I am planning my steps but He is determining when and where they will take me.

Please pray for me to acheive some sort of happiness today.

These guys cheered me up when they came and surprised me with a happy meal on Wednesday! They are coming to see me again today- I can't wait to get some hugs!

And Your Reason Is?

So, I did get up on Friday to do a little black Friday shopping however, the parking lots got the best of me and I only went to Home Depot. Well, I decided I would run a few errands yesterday after work and I went to Target in search of a bread machine. You know, those popular devices from the early 90's that were in every woman's kitchen, well, they are now extinct...at least at Target they are. I'm going to have to look at Walmart this week. I need one for next week to make bread with my Kindergartners. I had one at one point but I left it at a former school and it hasn't ever been returned to it's rightful owner! If you know where I can find one, PLEASE let me know so I'm not on a wild goose chase!
So the story goes on...I stopped off at Bath and Body Works to pick up a couple of candles. I heart the twisted peppermint candles! I go in, I spy the candles and I pick up two since the sign said 2 for $20. I go to the register with my purchases and the lady gives me my $45 total. I looked at her like she had just told me an overwhelming story about how I won the lotto or something and then proceed to tell her, "I'm not paying that." Yes, you heard me friends, "I'm not paying that." I informed her of the sign and she said, "Could you show me where that is?" I lead her little sassy pants right over to the candles and she said, "that sign is leftover from our sales over the weekend, I just forgot to take it down." To which I replied, "Well, it's 5:00 in the evening on Monday, if the sales were over yesterday, shouldn't the signs have been taken down as well?" She looked at me like I had just written a novel and said, "probably". I was floored! She didn't even tell me she would give the sale price. I immediately turned around and walked out. Guess I'll be waiting on the next for sure sale before I get my peppermint candles...booo!!!

A Very Thankful Thanksgiving- it's a long list friends!

I am truly thankful this year. I have a wonderful husband who helps me out quite often and actually more than I know, I have a terrific mom who would drop everything at a moment's notice to help me out, a great step-dad who also shares his knowledge with me on everything from a good book to read to how to cook a turkey (yes, he helped me make one- except for the fact that my little heart couldn't take the thought about what the turkey went through and I cried)!!! I also have great in laws who will share ideas with me along with the best places to eat out! Ha!!! I also am greatful for my wonderful friends- quality not quantity is how I count my friendships. I am also blessed with a great group of Kindergarten kids and their parents this year yet again! I checked my work email this morning and received a message from a parent telling me that I would be included on her list of things she was thankful for this year. That is what makes me smile and keeps me going each day!

We cooked a huge Thanksgiving lunch yesterday. There was so much food left over and I actually ate pie for breakfast this morning, yummy chocolate pecan!!! I decided to head out to shop this morning early. I was unfortunately so overwhelmed from the crazy crowded parking lot that I skipped out on many places I had intended to go- sad, I skipped Target! I did head to Home Depot and I picked out the most perfect decoration that screams my name every time you look at it. I'm not telling you what it is- I want to get my decorations up and then you can decide what you think!

My plan for today is- take a nap, get up and run to Hobby Lobby for more thread to finish my awesome tree skirt, decorate the house and put up the trees and then hit the movies tonight to see The Blind Side. I have heard great things about that movie so I'm anxious to see if my review will match up with the critics thoughts.

Oh and by the way, Maggie is doing much better after her surgery on Wednesday. She had her annual dental exam and a tumor removed from her eye. She was in pain on Wednesday and actually cried almost all night. She has had her pain medicine today though and is resting on her chair. We have to keep a close watch on her though because she wants to rub her eye and I'm afraid she is going to pull her stitches out. I know most people think I'm crazy but I totally LOVE my dog!

Have I been hit with SWINE???

I am up early this morning, not unusual for me but considering I didn't go to bed until almost 2 last night it's early! I am also not feeling 100% this morning. My stomach is in knots, my head hurts and I have little energy. I don't want to think about this too much but I am hoping it isn't swine. I have been blessed to avoid it so far but with 22 Kindergarten kids in my face everyday and many kids- think 800 among my midst 5 days a week, I am pretty much destined to get something. I am against the shot- not sure why but it just scares me, like most shots do. I am not a fan of needles at all- I pass out at a finger prick for goodness sake so why on earth would I freely give up my arm to a injection that hasn't been tested for a long while? Are you getting the H1N1 vaccine?

On another note, we went to see Law Abiding Citizen last night. However, this could be another reason I'm not feeling well this morning- popcorn for dinner! The movie was pretty good, slow in some parts but interesting. I was only distracted by the teenagers sitting in our row texting the entire movie!

Maggie Strikes Again

Just when you think that you are out of the hole...something comes along and puts you right back in. So, Maggie has been free from the crate now for about 56 days (how long we have been back to school) and luckily she hasn't destroyed anything that couldn't be replaced easily- think toys here. However, yesterday afternoon my parents came over to fix a leaky toilet for us and they got there before we got home and apparently as they were outside unloading their car, Maggie fixated on the window sill in the office. I didn't notice it until I was showing something to my mom in the office and noticed paint chips on the floor. I peeled back the curtains and there it was, a chunk off the corner missing and many chew marks left behind. I hid the damage from Tom and plan to make my way to Home Depot after work to get something to fix it. I'm thinking some wood filler and sandpaper are going to be on the list first. I'm going to try to fix it with that and although it may take a few days to repair the corner since I will have to apply a coat of filler and let it dry before adding more, it will be way more worth it than telling my husband!!! Wish me luck on my new woodworking experiment!!! Oh, if you have any suggestions on how to fix it without replacing the entire sill- let me know!!!

Wordless Wednesday with Wade

All I can say is Go Big Orange!!!!

Yes, this is a student in my Kindergarten class in Texas. No you aren't seeing things friends, he is wearing the real big orange! His dad was our vet and we LOVED him but he took another job within the company anyway, long story short he graduated from UT so he shares the UT love with his kids and I do too! You should hear my kids sing their Tennessee chant! Don't you know my longhorn fan parents love that one!!! Ha!

Prayer Pal

I received the best email recently and I wanted to share with everyone. It was actually from a parent at my school and although I haven't ever taught her children in my classroom, she is aware of my struggles and hopes. She sent me an email and asked if she could share my story with her prayer group who are actually all moms at my school. I told her most definitely (I mean, who doesn't want a little prayer headed their way, right?) I thought it was so sweet and kind of her to think of me. I continue to also add each of you in my prayers as well. My friends who are moms, I pray for your children to grow each day and to know and love the Lord. I pray for the children in my class to see me as not only the person who teaches them how to read but as someone who has the love of the Lord shining through me each day. I will continue to take care of the children who I am blessed to have enter my room each day and those children who I have had in the past. All of them hold a special spot in my heart and my prayer list.

New Month Resolution!

So everyone creates a new year's resolution, but how many of you usually stick to those? I can say for sure, I don't. So, I have decided that I am going to have a new month resolution. This may be to add or change something in my life and since it's a new resolution each month, I can adapt it to whatever I'm struggling with in my life at the time which currently is quite a bit! This month, I have decided that I need to hop back on the workout routine and I have found the perfect tool to help me out. About a year or so ago, my neighbor Angie called me up one day and said that we needed to work out together. It was great! We were faithful workout buddies 6 times a week! We ran on treadmills at our neighborhood fitness center, we biked, eclipsed and tried new workouts courtesy of multiple fitness magazines. I for one was in the best shape I had been in in quite a while. I slept better, wasn't nearly as sick, had a better attitude and mood and actually started enjoying my workout believe it or not! However, Angie now has 2 adorable babies and can't really make it to the gym so I now have to find other ways to workout or a new MOTIVATING buddy- Angie was totally motivating! I miss you friend! Anyway on with the story, I love the CMT show- Making the Squad, it's all about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. I saw that they have a workout video and I bought it. It's great! I love to dance so this is perfect for me. I'm sure I will get tired of it eventually but for now, it's working. I did the whole dance tonight and my husband didn't even laugh (yeah, he thinks it's quite funny to see me bust a move to a video!) Ha!

So, my new month's resolution, work out with the DCC 5 times a week and if I can handle that- order more videos next month!!! Oh and my other resolution, blog more!!!

Happy Howl-o-ween!

We had to dress our "kids" up tonight for Halloween. Ham was a cowboy and Maggie was a prisoner. I really wanted this outfit for her a few years ago when she spent most of her time in a crate but I never could find one to fit our XXL girl! Now that she is mostly behaving herself it seems a bit inappropriate but what the heck, it's cute! I love the prisoner ID too! Too cute and too perfect!!!

We had tons of trick or treaters this year! I didn't have my camera out though. We ended up taking our chairs outside and joining our neighbors for some socializing time especially since we had perfect weather. We ended up with about 20 pieces of candy left and it worked out well since my OCD self sorted the candy by type and gave away our least favorites first. Luckily, we are left with our favorites- however, I could eat any of it!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween and fun watching some football. We are a happy house tonight since both of my orange teams won tonight- big too may I add!

Why is this guy so happy?

Well, because he just made his very first meal! I went shopping with my mom last Sunday (I know, it's terrible that I don't blog very often but when I do, I catch up for several days!) and I left a bit late from her house so I knew by the time I got home an hour later it would be another hour before I had dinner ready and that would mean eating at 9:00. So, I called Tom and walked him through making dinner. Now, it's a super easy recipe that I had planned so it wasn't too difficult but to walk someone through where every measuring cup and spoon are in the kitchen was a bit more challenging than I expected. Tom came through though, and it was a relief to know that is one dinner I can always count on him to make when I'm in a pinch.

Installation!

So my exciting event that I was attending Monday...I know you have been waiting to hear about it. Well, I was installed as an official member of Amica last night! Amica is a group of 40 women in Rockwall who raise an amazing amount of money each year for various charitable organizations. I was persuaded to attended my first meeting back in the spring by two of my former parents. I had taught both of their girls in Kindergarten and they convinced me that I should attend a meeting and see what I thought. I was immediately hooked when I heard about all of the things these ladies do for our community and our children. So, last night, I was installed as a full fledged member. I couldn't be more proud! Next month on November 21 to be exact, we will have the annual Gala where majority of our funds are raised. Community members purchase tickets for the event and have an opportunity to bid on fabulous prizes, activities, weekend trips, and many more items through both silent and live auctions. There are even casino events and what I'm excited about, a diamond raffle! If you live in the DFW area and are interested in attending this event, please contact me for more information. I would LOVE to have you attend and meet some of my blog friends all while supporting worthwhile causes in our community!

Fall Feast!

Last night was my weenie roast to celebrate my 30th with my close friends and family. Tom's entire family came in town to help celebrate. It was fun to see Tom's neice and her husband, Kendall and Clayton. Kendall has just a few more weeks of student teaching before she graduates. She wants to teach Kindergarten! It obviously runs in the family since her mom teaches Kindergarten too! (Sorry, I didn't take any pictures from the roast, but I'm hoping to get some from my parents)

Tonight is supposed to be pretty chilly with lows in the 40's so I'm making our new favorite dish- Turkey Chili Mac. It's so good and so easy! I love finding new crock pot recipes! They are great for those days you don't want to cook or long days at work! I've included the recipe below in case you want to try it out!

Turkey Chili Mac
1/2 pound ground turkey
1 can undrained Mexican style tomatoes (Del Monte)
1 can undrained no salt added diced tomatoes
1 can drained and rinsed black beans
1 cup (or a bit more) frozen corn
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon taco seasoning
1/2 cup (or more) uncooked elbow macaroni

Brown meat and drain, combine turkey, beans, tomatoes, corn, garlic, onion and seasoning in crock pot. Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours. Add macaroni and stir. Cover and cook 10 minutes then stir again. Cook for an additonal 20 to 30 minutes until macaroni is tender.

We are also having southwestern cornbread tonight with our turkey mac. I've never tried freezing this dish because there is never enough left to freeze! I think over Thanksgiving I'm going to make a double batch and try freezing it, I may also try using leftover turkey too! We are always looking for something to do with the leftover turkey besides sandwiches! Ha!

Well, I've already cleaned house from the party aftermath, finished another load of laundry, completed school work and lesson plans, taken Maggie for a run and dinner is almost ready! All I have to do now is plan what in the world I'm wearing to work this week. I always try to lay out my clothes for the whole week so it makes my mornings move a bit faster. I have parent teacher conferences tomorrow until about 5:30 and then I'm heading to an event that I'm super excited about...I will share details about that later on, don't worry! Hope everyone had a relaxing Sunday! I'm glad mine was relaxing and productive! Yes, relaxing to me does include running the vacuum and cleaning bathrooms..crazy I know!!! Enjoy your week ya'll!

30 Part 1

Well, Thursday began year 30 for me. I got through it pretty well I must say. I received flowers in the shape of a cupcake with balloons from a dear friend who I met when I taught her child in Kindergarten. She and I have been friends since so it was so sweet to receive those from her along with dinner, a card and a new charm. We celebrated with a wonderful dinner at Bin 303, it was just the girls because Tom had parent teacher conference night at school. It was a fun beer dinner with a celebrity guest brewmaster there. The beer was paired with great German food. I really enjoyed the second course! It was a pork cutlet with red cabbage...so yum! I could hardly get through the rest of the courses because I enjoyed the second one so much! However, dessert wasn't too far away. We had a grilled carmalized banana split! It was heaven in a bowl!!!


I received lots of nice gifts from my students and one special gift from another great friend...a SNUGGIE!!! I can't wait for a cold night and a date on the couch with the snuggie :) Thanks Janelle for fulfilling my birthday wish list!!! You are the best!
Tonight is my weenie roast birthday party. Stay tuned for more pictures and fun stories!!!

Saying Goodbye to the 20's but Hello to Fall!

It's officially my last day in my 20's. I've been on an emotional roller coaster lately. I've laughed and cried and have come to terms with the fact that the carefree days of the 20's are coming to a hault. I somehow feel that I will be an official adult tomorrow, even though I have had a career, a husband, a home and a car now for about 8 years (well, not the husband but you get the jist). I really wanted to be a mom by 30 but that isn't looking too good right now. I guess I'll have to settle with just being a mom to Maggie right now. Tom and I FINALLY got our Fall decorations up Sunday. I know this will be hard to believe but my husband skipped the Cowboys game to hang out with me, at the pumpkin patch no less! I know what you are thinking ladies, but trust me one day your husband will give in to the demands of the interior decorator in all of us! Ha!!

We even stopped at Starbucks to complete our day of fall fun!

Insomnia for a Change!!!

Usually I have no problems sleeping or actually napping but tonight, I'm wide awake!!! It's 1:00 in the morning and I'm awake...I was even up at 6 this morning feeding the cat and cleaning. I have no idea why I'm not tired tonight however. I did take a short 2 hour nap this afternoon but I'm just not sleepy now. The good news is, I don't have to work tomorrow!

I am having lots of issues lately though so maybe this is one more thing to add to the list. I have been known for just about my entire life as a grazer when it comes to food. I like to eat and enjoy trying new foods but can never really sit down and eat the 3 meals a day like most people. I like to nibble on lots of different things until I'm satisfied. I could NEVER do a strict diet because I simply can't eat like normal folks. Lately, the past 2 or 3 weeks I guess, I have been eating my usual breakfast of chocolate milk and peanut butter toast then around 10am having a snack of peanuts or a piece of fruit and then at lunch having my soup and goldfish with a pudding cup or jello and a peppermint pattie. However, when dinner comes around, I cook but can not face the dinner I've made. I usually snack when I get home which may be why I don't want to eat my freshly cooked dinner or something else. I don't know, but this week's dinners have consisted of carrots with dip, marshmallows and pita chips. I know, odd combination and NO I'm not pregnant. I just want to eat "junk" for dinner and not sure why really. Now, I'm sure most of you are thinking that I need to go to the doctor but unfortunately, our school district opted for a new healthcare plan which did away with copays so until you meet the outrageous deductible, you must pay full price for visiting the doctor or go to the "free clinic" for employees only. I would visit the clinic if I could get in. The appointment times are ridiculous and with swine flu going around, all appointments are taken. Hopefully, my crazy diet won't make me gain any more extra weight. I need to save my extra pounds for upcoming holidays and the big birthday on Thursday...uggg!!!

On another note, I told you I couldn't sleep, we went to see Couples Retreat tonight. It was so funny and definitely didn't deserve the D- rating from some of the reviewers. We loved the location they filmed in (St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora) and are looking into planning our next vacation there perhaps!

What do you think I should do for my insomnia and bad food choices? I could use some free advice!!!! ha!

Fried Food Capital or The Texas State Fair

Alright, I skipped work to go with Tom to the fair on Friday. Bad, yes, I know but so much fun and so worth it. We had an unbelievably beautiful day and had the weekend to rest, well, sort of. The fair is my favorite time of year. I know that fall is around the corner, Thanksgiving break will be here soon and I get to try the best foods made better by just being fried. This year, the winner of the best taste of the fair was Fried Butter. You got it right friends, fried butter. Tom and I decided to skip that heart attack on a plate and go with our usuals. We had fried snickers, Yummy! We also tried a fried peanut butter cup macaroon. It was also very good. The vendor tried to get us to taste a fried hunny bun but I was too full after a Fletcher's corny dog and the fried sweet treats. We thought we would go back before we left and taste it but we didn't.

We also browsed the auto show while we were at the fair and took a peek at some possibilities for my next vehicle. We are highly considering the Infiniti FX 35 and the Nissan Murano. Both are very similar but we want to make sure we get the most bang for our buck. The Nissan with all the options is basically the Infiniti. I love them both and would be happy with either one. I just want to be able to pop a baby seat in the back and have room for shopping bags and my dog too. We are going to go to the dealerships where we can get more one on one attention and actually test drive both vehicles before making a final decision. I'll keep you posted on our selection.

Well, it's Sunday and we are having a rainy, gray day here in Texas. It's unfortunately supposed to be yucky all week. I'm glad that Tom and I hit the fair this past week because this week doesn't look to good at all to be spending time outside. The Cowboys just lost at the last second and I need to grab some laundry out of the dryer and start my yummy baked potato soup for dinner. I hope my headache is gone by the morning or my Monday will be a long day!

A Nice Sunday Afternoon Nap

Sundays...I do love my Sunday. I remember growing up and heading to church with my Mom on Sunday morning and then coming home for some yummy lunch and playing outside with my friends before dinner. I also remember my Mom insisting that Sunday was a day of rest, that has gone by the wayside now that I am an adult unfortunately, except for this Sunday. I have spent the day at home which has been super nice. Now although I did do some laundry and light housekeeping, I have pretty much rested today. I took an afternoon nap and am now working on dinner. We are having Outback Aussie chicken, garlic mashed potatoes and rosemary seasoned vegetables. If everything turns out well, I'll post the recipe.

I need to figure out what type of weather we are planning to have this week in the Big D. Last week it was a bit chilly and I got to break out the turtlenecks and pants but Saturday we were back in the 90's. I'm so ready for fall. I took out my pumpkin, apple cider and frappucino candles Saturday and put my decorations out. I haven't gotten them all out yet but I'm working on it. I have to make a stop tomorrow and pick up a hay bale for the front and then we will be ready. I love the fall season but it definitely makes me miss home and the beautiful colors and temperatures! I guess I'll just have to pretend with my fake leaves on my fall wreath! Ha!

I think I'm going to make lunches for tomorrow and lay out some possible clothing opportunities now while dinner is cooking so I can be ready for the season premiere of Desperate Housewives! Yipee!

How do you enjoy your Sunday?

Just when you think you can't go on

I've been so sad lately. I went home this past weekend for the wedding of my best friend of 25 years, it was a wonderful visit to see her parents and siblings that I basically grew up with. I felt right at home. Tom and I drove on to Chattanooga to visit my hometown and it brought back so many memories. I drove past my Daddy's office and the tears just rolled down my cheeks and there was no stopping it. I can't believe that he has been gone for 10 years. It's just not possible and weighs on my heart each day but none like the past few days. I miss him so very much. I always wonder what my life would have been like if he would have still been here. I have also been reminded of having a family of my own lately. My friends are all having babies now and it seems like I am the only one who isn't. I wonder sometimes if God placed me in the role of a teacher so that I would at least get to touch a child's life even if it isn't my own child. I don't think many people, not even Octomom can say, "I have reached 22 children today." I am reminded of this each day when I get hugs from little ones as they enter my room or when I high five a kid for writing a word during writer's workshop. No one can understand the power of a 5 year old unless they have been there with that child and seen him struggle and reach success. I am so proud of my role as a teacher but long to be able to teach my own child as well. But just when you think you can't go on, you feel the arms of a child wrap around your waist and you are reminded of God's love and the fact that one day those arms will be of your own child.

Hello Friday! Where have you been?

It's Finally Friday!!! Plus, it's Labor Day weekend and that means it's time for my best friend's wedding! We are traveling tomorrow morning to Atlanta for Wendy's wedding. I am so excited for her and I can't wait to go to Chattanooga on Sunday to share my hometown with Tom. He hasn't ever been in the 7 years we have been together. I can't wait to visit some of my favorite places (Ruby Falls, Rock City, the Incline, Clumpie's Ice Cream, Walnut Street Bridge, The W Road and many more fun things that make Chattanooga my home). But before we get to do all of that, I must finish out day 10 at work. Good thing I got up early to make a Starbucks run. The only problem with that is, I ended up being indecisive (imagine that) and had to get both, caramel apple spice and pumpkin spice latte! Both are helping me make it through today so that I can enjoy my fun filled weekend! Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

A Week With 22

So we started school on Monday with kids that is and this weekend, I have finished quite a bit on my to do list but there is still so much more left to do.

I'll start with Monday, August 24. My 22 friends came in to Kindergarten and I only had 1 friend who was unhappy being there, the rest were really excited. It was a really busy day having 22, 5 year olds but we managed to get through it all and finish the week. I have some super sweet kids this year and I'm really looking forward to teaching them how to read and write and love to learn.

To celebrate the end of a successful week, Tom went out to happy hour (happy night) on Friday with his co workers and I made dinner for a sweet family (The McGowans) whose daughter was in my Kindergarten class 3 years ago and battled Leukemia and won her battle but sadly, their son passed away just a couple of weeks ago from head trauma. They are in my prayers daily and I would love for you to pray for this family as well. After I delivered their dinner, I came home and played with Maggie, tackled laundry, scrubbed the baseboards, mopped the floors, dusted and cleaned the bathrooms. Wow, my house hasn't seen that kind of cleaning in a while but with school back in session, I have spent more time in room 206 than in my home so I wanted to show her a little love! It actually felt good to clean house! I plan to do a bit more today just so I can come home to a super clean home tomorrow!

We headed out to dinner last night at Chilis (thanks Epstein family for the gift card) Yummy, it hit the spot! However, I became sidetracked during dinner watching this family (mom, dad, 2 girls approximately 11 and 7 y.o). The mother sent her dinner back and by the time they brought it back out to her, the rest of the family had finished their dinners. Anyway, the whole time the family enjoyed dinner and while mom was waiting for hers to reappear, the mother FED the 7 year old. I mean, spooned it up and made airplane noises to have her daughter eat. She even held the glass for the child to drink. Now I know what you are thinking, "the daughter could have been impaired" NO, she was playing her Nintendo DS the entire time mom was scooping the food up for her. Yikes, please don't tell me that you allow your child to play video games at the table or that you feed your 7 year old! I was absolutely mortified for this woman, and the child. How on earth does this lady expect her child to be a fully functionable human being when her mother is still spoon feeding her? Okay, that's my beef for the day. But what are your thoughts?

I am getting ready to prepare tonight's crockpot dinner- slow cooker lasagna, if it's any good, I'll let you know with the recipe post. I'm also going to make salsa for us to snack on and to take to work tomorrow to share with my team! I think I might also make some parmesan garlic monkey bread for tonight- I'm ready for dinner already!

Who knows when I'll post again, I'm trying to get back into a school year routine but it's hard to go to bed and wake up early then work all day and not want to come home and crash! Hope everyone has a great, relaxing Sunday and a wonderful week!

Vacation!

I can't go back to school without posting one of my favorite things about summer- VACATION! Luckily, Kelly wants to know about favorite vacations in the Show Us Your Life tour so although I can't pick a favorite vacation, because each is so very special, I can share our most recent trip from which we just got home Thursday.

Tom and I went to Oahu, Hawaii this year. We try to take a vacation every year and we have usually done cruises but this year we decided to do something different and stay at one location. So, Hawaii was our choice. This is the second trip to Hawaii for both of us although not together. Tom went as a child and I went in 2002.

We arrived on Wednesday, August 5 and despite the 5 hour time difference, I wasn't tired at all. We started off on our trip by stopping by Da Kine Bail Bonds. So I know this isn't the usual place for most to begin a trip to paradise but being the reality tv junkies we are, we wanted to see if we could get a glimpse of our friend, Dog the Bounty Hunter! Ha! Unfortunately, no such luck!

We then went on to check in to our hotel. We stayed at the most beautiful resort, Hilton Hawaiian Village. If you ever get a chance to stay there, do it. It's beautiful, relaxing and they have nightly entertainment and a show on Friday night complete with fireworks. It was really nice.

We had tons of good food in Hawaii if you don't count the few trips to McDonald's! We actually ate at a great beach front restaurant called Duke's a few times. It was SO GOOD! I had one of my favorite mainland dishes but I don't think I can ever eat it again and not compare it to Duke's. I would be willing to go eat there every day!!! If I ever have to have a last meal, this would be it! What is it you ask? Hawaiian Pizza! But it's not your ordinary Hawaiian pizza. The sauce was not a tomato sauce but rather a macadamia nut pesto covered with cheese and ham and fresh pineapple chunks. Yummy!

We also couldn't pass up dessert. Hula Pie! Words can not express the delight of this dessert!

We also enjoyed a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center. This was so educational and interesting. If I ever taught school in Hawaii, this would be a field trip for sure! I could have spent each day there visiting the different villages and learning the different cultures that make up the Polynesian Islands. Tom even got chosen to play the drums in the island of Tahiti. He was actually pretty good at it.

Fortunately, we had friends that arrived in town on Friday of our trip and we spent lots of time with them touring the island. They went to dinner with us a few times and also went to the Polynesian Cultural Center, Duke's and the Dole Plantation along with us. Jane took lots of pictures and I can't wait to get copies of them- I'll make sure to post some. Of course, no trip would be complete without a trip to ......

We stopped at Walmart to get some snacks to take back on the plane and to stock up in case the hurricane turned tropical storm turned tropical depression turned into more. Luckily we were safe and had no delays in returning to Texas. However, it would have been nice to be stranded in a beautiful hotel in paradise- even with a little rain!