Weekend Wrap Up

Friday night started with a stop at OTB with my happy hour buddies. I wasn't feeling very good but joined in anyway and I'm glad I did because I was first to hear big news and wish a big congratulations to Jill and Jeremy!

I stayed long enough for a glass of water and some chips and queso then came home and went straight to bed where I have been now all weekend. I finally got up today and went to pick up more medicine but unfortunately, my burst of energy didn't last very long and now I'm back in bed. I'm trying to convince myself that I can go to work tomorrow although I know I really need to stay home and get back to 100% before returning to school. I guess today is another day of catching up on all my shows on the DVR and just resting!

Where do I start?

Monday, Tom and I both had the day off so we spent the day doing some fairly fun things...


Yes, it's my favorite- chocolate and peanut butter!!!

And Wednesday I had the opportunity to have this cute girl hang out with me!


I also started a women's bible study group entitled Shattered Dreams. It's a nine week series and I'm really looking forward to seeing how God is going to guide me through this.
Thursday, I FINALLY got my car washed- it was in desperate need. However, while I was at the car wash, Tom called to let me know the fridge wasn't working AGAIN! It had only been 2 weeks since the repair people were out to "fix" it. Tom thought he had it working. Little did he know that Friday morning I would wake up to a pool of water in the kitchen! I called the previous repair guy- he didn't remember fixing my fridge and asked me if I was sure it was him! I was floored, I hung up and called someone new. The guy came out- luckily my parents met him at my house- and spent 2 and half hours fixing it. Unfortunately for me, I own a GE fridge which are involved in a class action lawsuit and this means there are more problems to come. The motherboard went out which could have caused a fire pretty much. I'm fortunate that it didn't. The repairman said that in about 5 years the doors will malfunction and won't seal anymore- I think I may be looking at fridges in the next few years!!!

A Garage Makeover! VOTE NOW

So I got this text this morning from my BFF Jane...
"Go to www.easysale.net/garage-voting and vote for finalist number 1. He's the husband of my pregnant friend on bedrest"
I was comfortably lounging on the sofa- where I have been planted for 2 days now and conveniently reached for the laptop and typed the address in. I see the National Association for Professional Organizers sponsoring this garage makeover contest. Wait!?!?! There is a National Association for Professional Organizers? I'm thinking, I am not going to be asked to be a part of this group!!! I WISH I could be but I'm not that organized. I'm more of a organized mess! Ha!
Anyway, if you get a chance, head on over and vote for finalist number 1!!!

A Blog Award...You shouldn't have!

I just received my first blog award! I couldn't be more proud...

Thank you so much Katie at Katie's Journey! You are going to be a fabulous teacher one day!!! I just wish you could work with me!
So, without further ado...
Here are the rules:
-Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
-Copy the award & place it on your blog.
-Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
-Tell us 7 interesting things about yourself.
-Nominate 7 bloggers.
-Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7 random facts about me...
1. I enjoy cleaning the bathroom and I do it every night...all of them
2. I like to eat sour cream on waffles
3. I have always wanted to try waiting tables
4. I'm a reality show junkie and watch just about any and all of them
5. I would like to open my own store one day, just can't decide what I would sell though
6. My favorite children's book author/illustrator is Eric Carle. I plan to design my nursery around his artwork one day.
7. I'm terrified of roller coasters

I'm giving this award to these amazing bloggers:
Amanda at Our Temporary Home
Ashlee at Words from the Wards
Becky at The Branches
Mary at Moments of Marlowes
Tiffany at Warf Party of 3
Christa at According to Christa
Sarah at This Girls Life

Thanks girls for being such and inspiration to me! Thanks again to you Katie for giving me a little sunshine today!

Enjoying the Journey Even If It's Hard

I am attempting to enjoy the journey. I realize that life is not going to be perfect 100% of the time and that I must enjoy the moments that I am in instead of always looking to what is ahead. I spent the afternoon thinking about some special people. One is a child who I taught in Kindergarten, the other is a father of a student I taught in Kindergarten and the other is a Kindergarten child in my school district. These 3 individuals have never met but have something in common other than their love for the Lord. These three have all battled or are currently battling cancer. The one little girl is currently a happy, healthy second grader and couldn't be more precious. Her smile melts my heart every single day. She hugs me every chance she gets and has taught me to tell everyone I love, how much I love them every day! The father, just recently found out he has colon cancer. Please pray for Brent and his family. They are wonderful people! The other child is battling leukemia. He is a five year old who has so much to look forward to in life. His journey will be long and I'm sure he will be courageous in his fight. He will teach me more lessons than I could ever learn from any textbook. I'm praying for these three people right now who have touched my life in ways that no one ever has. I ask you to pray as well.

The Lone Ranger

That is what I have been feeling like lately! I left work yesterday at 5:30 and was the ONLY car left in the parking lot! Now 5:30 may not be late to some but when school is out at 3 and most people are gone by 3:45, 5:30 is the classic sign of a workaholic! In fact, I could have stayed later but I'm terrified to be left in the building at dark- it's haunted and that's another post another time!
IF has also made me feel lonely. Three more friends announced their big news this week. I feel like I've heard every tale under the sun- it'll happen when it's supposed to, just relax, you'll be a great mom one day, take such and such vitamin- blah, blah, blah! The next person that tells me to relax is gonna get punched- there, you've been warned, ha!!!
I've already fallen off one of my NY resolutions...procrastination! Yep, I started my report cards last Saturday and am trying to finish them tonight, they are due tomorrow! I'm probably the only one who hasn't finished those!!!
Well, I think I'm going to attempt to sit and watch AI tonight and actually watch the entire show. It's so hard for me to sit down and watch tv without Maggie wanting out or the cat wanting a treat or Tom needing something. Maybe God has already blessed me with three children and he thinks one more might really push me over the edge! ha!!!

Bachelor Review Week 2

Well, this season on the Bachelor proves itself once again as a drama filled festival. We had our weekly watching night at Kara's house and this time we printed off each of the remaining 15 ladies photos and put them in order of who we thought would get a rose. We were pretty much right with the exception of 2 (Michelle- I cry to get my way and Christina- would anyone like a jelly bean). I was shocked he kept Michelle! I think she has about 1 week left.
On to the real scoop- Rozalyn. Can you believe her? I am waiting to see what talk show she appears on with the staffer that she was having inappropriate relationships with! I want to see what that guy looks like- don't you?
Next week appears to be another "most dramatic rose ceremony ever." It looks like another lady will be leaving. My bets are on Vienna- how about you guys?
Until next week...

Heat Wave!!!

It's 33 degrees right now at 3:00 in the afternoon and it's supposed to be in the low 50's this week!!! Yahoo!!! This means one thing friends...Kindergartners will be outside for recess!!! Yep, it's the little things that light up my life :)
I'm sure you are wondering, "why on earth is she talking about school on a Saturday?" Well, that is because I have spent my morning working on report cards. I despise the end of each nine weeks because of those things. Oh well, I'm about a third of the way through. My goal is to finish them this weekend. One of my goals for 2010,as I just explained to my dear husband, is to be more on top of thing this year. I'm leaving the procrastination behind. Which is why I'm getting ready to clean house. I know you all are jealous of my house cleaning/ report card marking/ dinner cooking party that I plan to have tonight so if you are in the neighborhood and want to stop by, feel free, I will have an extra dust cloth awaiting you!

Worn Out!!!

Who knew 2 days of school could make me so tired!!! I guess a room full of five and six year olds could make anyone tired though! Thursday was good. The kids were surprisingly calm, that should have been the first clue I guess! Today, they were back, in prime form. They were full of energy and spunk! Wish I could have said the same for myself.
It's been a hard day but I'm trying to work through it. I have struggled to get through many days since January 8, 1999. It just doesn't seem possible that 11 years have gone by. I remember that day just like it were yesterday. The events are clear and precise and I replay it over and over and think of all the things I could have done differently but know that no matter how I could have changed my choices it would not have altered the event itself for God had a different plan. I must continue to look forward, think positively and know that I will see my Daddy again!
So it's super cold here again today. I came home from work but first I made a quick shopping stop to get me a warm hat! Car pool duty in the freezing temperatures about did me in! It's 16 degrees right now and I'm so cold!!! Maggie doesn't even want to go out! I'm just doing some laundry tonight and trying to take it easy. I'm planning to work on some report cards this weekend and help Tom with a little project (not looking forward to either of those projects but they must be done). Stay warm friends!!!

Snow? NO!!!!

Well, teachers have been back to school since Monday, kids officially come back tomorrow- a Thursday, I know...I didn't make the calendar! Anyway, now the forecast is calling for ice tonight and tomorrow. I really need us to be in school tomorrow. I mean the kids just had almost 3 weeks of vacation they don't need an extra day! Plus, if we don't go tomorrow, we lose one of our days at Easter. I need my children in my classroom- even if it isn't all of them- we just need to be in school! I actually did run in the grocery store this afternoon on my way home (yes, it was a nightmare) and ran into several school families. The children were all excited about possibly having another day off! I guess we will just have to play the waiting game now!!! Too bad they won't officially call school off until I'm up and ready to leave in the morning!!! Ha!

Prayers

I have now written and rewritten this post 3 times. I just don't know how to ask or say what I need. I have decided that this is my journal and I need to write what I feel so...
This Friday will be a hard day for me. It's the anniversary of the day I lost my best friend, my hero, my Daddy. I have done quite well considering the holidays are especially hard for me except today, I just basically lost it. I ran across a picture of my Daddy holding me and just fell to my knees and sobbed and continue to do so. I think about him every single day. I wonder what he is thinking about how my life turned out. I wonder if he is proud of what I have become. I think about him holding my child. I know that he is with my heavenly Father and probably having a Pepsi and cheetos and enjoying watching over me. I just can't help but have selfish thoughts and want him here with me. I always think about how my life would be different if he were still here. People say I need to move on but how do you do that when one of the most important pieces of your life is not there to help you. I wish I had him here to help me make important decisions- he was the best at helping me weigh the pros and cons of a situation (like a hard taco or soft taco)Ha! That was our little joke! Seriously though, he helped me make some tough decisions, like college choices, class decisions and believe it or not, sorority choice. He was an extremely giving man. He would do everything and anything for someone and never ask anything in return. I like to think I do that too. He was quite funny too! He would wake me up for school with a song! I think that is where I get it...my tone deafness that is!
I really just need prayer right now. Prayers to help me get through this week and prayers for peace and comfort in knowing that my Daddy is watching me and looking out for me. Simply put...Prayer.
I love you Daddy.

The Bachelor Week 1 Review

Alright Ladies...
We have ourselves a Texan!!! Whoohoo!!! No one is more excited than this girl!!!


This is my dear friend Kara. She and I have both loved Jake since his premiere appearance on the Bachelorette last year. Kara even had the opportunity to be his Facebook friend and she turned it down! I know...she is kicking herself now!!!
Anyway, we watched and made our list... Notice the happy and sad faces at the top. Those are obviously the girls we liked and didn't like so much...First impressions count I'll tell ya!

We made notes on our list as we "met" each girl during the one on one time. Then as Jake handed out the roses in "the most dramatic rose ceremony ever" (ha!) We circled the girls who received roses...including...Michelle!!! Ahhh!!! She only got the rose cause she cried!!! Or how about the girl (christina) who handed out jelly beans when she came in the house! Can you believe the nerve of these girls?!?!

So Kara and I are working on our big list where we have pictures of the girls and more notes. We plan to hang this on the wall each Monday so we can sort of keep score if you will. I'll be sure to post pictures because I know ya'll are interested!!!
Oh yeah...will someone please tell me how they come up with the most sophisticated names for these girls jobs? Fit model? What exactly does that mean?
Ha!!! Seems like this season is going to be "the most dramatic season of the Bachelor ever"! Can't wait for next week! What do you all think of our predictions?

The New Me!

In an effort to get excited about the remaining part of the school year I decided to do this...

So I went curly this morning for the first time in 6 years!!! My husband almost fell out! He loves my curly hair and always says he's with a new woman when he sees me with it! Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing! Ha!!!
Well, what do you think? Curly or straight?
P.S. pardon the I just woke up and threw on warm ups look! We have a work day today- so I felt I could be comfortable especially since it was a whopping 25 degrees this morning!
Edit: My hair is naturally curly so don't be surprised if I have straight hair again tomorrow!

Relax, Rest, Recoop, Rehydrate

The four R's seem to have worked. I am feeling so much better today. I'm still taking precautions but my tummy feels so much better.
We actually spent yesterday afternoon running a few errands- gas station before we get our next winter blast scheduled for next Wednesday night, returning one last gift, and finally putting a few Christmas decorations in the attic. I still have to take down the tree today but all of the ornaments are off so it shouldn't be too big of a job- I'll have Tom to help so that will make it easier.
We settled in last night and put in a movie after the football game. Tom popped some popcorn and I actually ate some this time! Look who else had to join in...



I just noticed that Ham is getting in on the action! Poor cat thinks he is a dog!

Maggie LOVES popcorn! When she hears it popping she comes running to the kitchen and will bark until we give her some! We actually bought some popcorn for dogs. It's called Woofy Pop and it comes in strange flavors that only dogs would love- think bacon flavor, chicken flavor! Gross!!! Maggie still just loves the classics! One place we do like to frequent is Popcorn Papa! This place has many flavors to choose from. I personally like the parmesean garlic! It is awesome! We usually have to make a weekly trip to pick some up. Speaking of...I should go by and get some to take to work tomorrow! Guess my appetite is back after all!

I Spoke Too Soon

I thought my new year was turning out pretty good so far...that is until my stomach ache hasn't quit. I was thinking it was from the lack of sleep and too many fun drinks New Year's Eve but now I'm convinced I have the dreaded stomach virus. I would like to say I contacted it from one of my students but since I haven't seen them in 2 weeks, it's not them. I couldn't even share popcorn with Tom last night- popcorn is one of my favorites and is one of the sections on my food guide pyramid! Ha! I went to bed with no dinner and woke up about 2:30 with sharp shooting pains and nausea. While I was camped out in the bathroom, Maggie decided to steal my spot. She always does this however I can usually get her to move but not this time. She ended up sharing my pillow and at one point I opened my eyes and her nose was touching mine! I couldn't get that girl to move so I moved to the couch and have been here since. I try to sleep but then I feel sick again. I'm ready for the virus to be gone and my appetite to return. I guess for now, it's a breakfast of 7 up and saltines! Yum!!

They're Back!!!

Happy New Year! I have decided not to make any resolutions this year. I decided this because I am one who a)never keeps the resolution because b)I forget what they were to start with or c)I just don't make any worth remembering! Ha! I am going to work on a few things though so maybe if I actually put it in writing I will have more accountability in keeping them!

1. I am going to not hire a housekeeper like all of my friends and make a housekeeping schedule on my own in an effort to save money. Like laundry day on Wednesday and dishwasher day on Thursday and dusting day on Friday or something like that. I kind of already have this but we'll see.

2. I am going to not work so late. A family friend who also teaches Kindergarten, lost her husband suddenly this past month and she was like me, a workaholic. She taught me that work will always be there, spend time with those you love and who love you.

3. I am hopefully going to recognize the value of needs versus wants. I know Mom, you've been trying to teach me this for years and I am starting to realize this.

I'm sure there are many more things that I want to change for 2010 but I just can't think of them all right now because my mind is on my recent purchases- I know needs versus wants...anything on sale is a need, right?!?!?

Tom and I decided last year that we wouldn't make any clothing purchases for each other at Christmas and just hit the after Christmas sales. So, we went and look what we found!

In case you can't tell...it's a whole mess of what else....
TURTLENECK SWEATERS!!!!!!!!
I got them on sale at the Gap and then we were lucky enough to receive an additional 40% off the sale price. Some of these ended up being a reasonable $7! You can't go wrong there!!! I got some cute pants and an adorable camo skirt too. The skirt was the only full price item and I actually got 20% off because of some coupon thing I had. Tom really wanted a sweater but unfortunately at this store they didn't have his size so we went to 4 more Gap stores in the area and finally found it plus an additional turtleneck!!! You know I was in pure heaven! Anyway, at the last Gap, we received a survey to take in order to get an additional 15% off our next purchase, I took the survey from my iphone and got Tom's full price sweater for 15% off! Deal!!!
Last night we planned to snuggle up and watch a movie together but our neighbor's came over and invited us to their house for New Year's Eve fun. We went and didn't walk back home until 3:00 in the morning! We've been resting all day from that fun! I guess our New Year is shaping up to be pretty good so far! We are enjoying some turkey vegetable chili and watching some football now! I'm ready for bed though :)