Phew...it's been a while...

I know that it has been quite some time since I have posted, so here you go. I don't feel like my life is too exciting, but I will attempt to update the three of you that read this. ;)

The last time I posted was way back when in February, I gave you the 5 things run down. The month before that I posted a list of goals for this year. I am going to repost these goals and let you know where I am on this.

1. Lose 15-20 pounds...not doing too well. The roommates and I did go on a pretty lengthy walk the other day, but now I need to start pretending like I am either training for a marathon or swimming in the Olympics. I have to get serious on this one, friends! I am trying to eat better...not as much fried food and not as many sweets or junk food. I will keep y'all posted on this one...this is my biggest goal right now!! I need to get it down before the swimsuits come out!!
2. Blog at least twice a month...boo on this one, too!! I so intend on doing more here. Now that I have a couple of situations going on, maybe you will hear from me more often. :)
3. Clip coupons and save money where possible...well, the coupons are clipped and organized in a notebook...the actual planning and use of them has been minimal. I have to get my head wrapped around this one. Once I have it figured out, there will be no stopping me!
4. Become debt-free for real this time...by the end of June, I will be happy to say all of my credit cards will be paid off!!!!! I have had an opportunity lately where I am doing in-home tutoring 4 hours a week. To be paid $19 an hour, I am so not complaining. It came at just the right time, too. I was getting bummed since I thought I wouldn't actually pay off my credit cards as soon, but then this opportunity presented itself. I am loving it, as I am working with a 7th grade girl and an 8th grade boy for Math!! I am so eager and excited to watch their growth in the upcoming months!
5. Start a photography business...in addition to starting letter photography...I have had so much fun finding letter photography all over the place from Alabama to Texas. I have a couple of complete alphabets, but am working diligently on getting at least 8-10 complete alphabets. I will then work on the printing/framing aspect of it all. I am really enjoying floating frames for them, but am also thinking of some canvas ideas, too. I am really excited to get them onto the web for more exposure.
6. Build my customer base and business with Mary Kay...well, honestly I am focusing more on photography right now. I got to bless our secretaries at school with a Satin Hands set for Secretary's Day. It was so much fun just having the resources to be able to bless them with the set.
7. Write more personal notes/cards...I hope to get a handle on this one. I am better in the local gifting department. I need to get better at mailing happies and cards to my friends that are spread out all over the country.
8. Visit with friends outside of the state as much as possible...I have had the great privilege of spending time with Joy, Daniella, Amanda Shelton, LeaAnn, and Sarah since January. We all had great visits!! I am planning to see Debbie, Ashley Bodi, and several that I graduated high school with this summer. It makes me really happy to have fun times ahead with each and every one of these fun ladies!! My 10 year high school reunion is this summer...oh my...I so have to really get on the "getting in shape" thing. I hope to have a companion attending the reunion with me!! ;) I will be in my great friend's, Brittany, wedding over Labor Day. I am eager to see all the tasteful things she does with this wedding. I can't wait to see the dress and be able to actually fit in a smaller size than what I ordered.
9. Keep mail/papers shredded, filed, or organized at home and school...I am in the middle of getting all of my files organized at school. I have completed most every subject. I am currently on Math. Since we adopted a new textbook last year, I haven't changed over my files to match the new textbook's topics. Reading and Social Studies will be combined next year as a new adoption, so I have just organized what I have so far. Since I will be going to 5th grade next year, I want to have all of the files in order before I transfer into a totally new curriculum. I will probably leave the files for the person coming into my classroom. I don't know what to do about it yet. :(
10. Leave school work at school...I have actually gotten better with this one. I may carry the work home, but I tend to just do it at school. I have enjoyed watching JAG/tv/movies with the roomies as well as taking naps, playing with Lola, and running errands with the roomies.
11. Volunteer at church...once my schedule is a little bit less hectic, this summer, I will look to volunteering in either the Special Needs Ministry or the Little People's Village at church. I look forward to volunteering in one of these ministries.
12. Join a small group...Okay, finally one I can say is officially checked off of the goals. I, along with the roomies, have successfully joined a small group!! Mary, our leader, is a phenomenal woman of God. She has a heart for single ladies, who she can mentor. She has an amazing heart for sharing the Gospel through testimony, which is exciting to me. We have a great group of gals who are very vulnerable and real with each other. I have truly been blessed by the group so far. Mary even got up so early on the morning of my spinal tap to just sit with me and pray for me. My parents were here, too, so it was a great way for my parents to be reassured that we have a family out here who loves and supports us. Mary's husband, Scott, is such a sweet man of God, too. I look forward to the journey for our group!
13. Take a photography class or workshop...I am so signed up for a Photoshop course this summer! I look forward to taking this class with Tiffany!! We have some of the same passions with photography, so we will be soaking up every piece of information at this class.
14. Go to bed at a decent hour during the week...not very good on this one yet!! I am still trying, but the frequent naps are not helping this department. A lot of days I just don't feel I can make it until bedtime that I just crash when I get home. :(
15. Explore the state of Texas...well, hoping that I journey to some places in Texas this summer...Austin, San Antonio, and Houston are places I would like to see this summer!! Road trips are in the near future, especially once Daniella gets here!! :)

Okay, so that is a recap of the goals...another blog post to come tomorrow...

Five Things

I got tagged by Sarah to answer these 5 questions:

Instructions: Answer 5 questions with 5 answers, and then tag 5 people.

1. Where were you 10 years ago?
>I was finishing my senior year at Tuscaloosa County High School.
>I was preparing to attend Mississippi University for Women.
>I was planning on working at my church's summer daycamp for the first of many summers.
>I was playing my last season of tennis.
>I was realizing that my high school years of volleyball were over.

2. What is on your to do list for today?
(I am going to put the things on my to do list for tomorrow, since today I just sat in a meeting
all day.)
>I plan to finish next week's lesson plans.
>I plan to print off pictures for a weekend project.
>I plan to finish laundry and put it all away.
>I plan to chill out for the evening after work.
>I plan to continue to recover from this annoying virus that makes your body feel like it has
the flu, but actually doesn't. It is the pits!

3. What five snacks do you enjoy?
>Chips and dip
>Apples and caramel dip
>Slow Churned Caramel Delight Ice Cream with chocolate syrup
>Garlic and Cheese Croutons
>Flip Sides Crackers: Original and Garlic/Herb

4. Where are five places you have lived?
>Southside, Alabama
>Northport, Alabama
>Columbus, Mississippi
>Fort Worth, Texas
>Lewisville, Texas

5. Name five things you would do if you were a billionaire.
>Tithe consistently and give additional to missions
>Purchase a condo on the beach
>Fund grants for educators and scholarships for students
>Adopt internationally...after paying someone to marry me ;)
>Pay off all of my debt and the debt my family has accrued

Now, I tag...
1. Kristy
2. Tiffany
3. Tara
4. Mary Martha
5. Megan

New Year...New Goals...

...New Follow Through Attitude!!!

I feel like this year is going to be amazing. Granted, I have not had the most amazing moments in the last 2 days, but for sure ready for what lies ahead. I am ready to tackle goals like never before. I truly do have a better grip on what I want out of this year and what it is going to take to truly accomplish great things this year. I have found myself sitting down every year in the most recent years to truly make a resolution list, but have alas failed miserably at accomplishing many of the goals at all. My heart is stirring anew this year and is pushing me in directions I have not been pushed in years, so this year is going to be great...challenging, but great!!

So, here you go...my list of new year's resolutions/goals...

1. Lose 15-20 pounds (exercise/cook more/make healthier food choices)
2. Blog at least twice a month
3. Clip coupons and save money where possible
4. Become debt-free...for real this time
5. Start my photography business...also for real this time...in addition to starting letter photo creations (still working on a name for all of this)
6. Build my customer base and business with Mary Kay
7. Write more personal notes/cards
8. Visit with friends outside of the state as much as possible
9. Keep mail/papers shredded, filed, or organized at school and home
10.Leave school work at school, so I can just relax and play away from school....this will mean less socializing at school and more efficient work while at school....This will be hard, but I have to get more focused at school to be a better teacher and co-worker.
11.Volunteer at church
12.Join a small group with the church
13.Take a photography class or workshop
14.Go to bed at a decent hour during the week
15.Explore the state of Texas

Well, there you have it...my list of resolution/goals for the year. I honestly have no reason to not be able to accomplish these this year, so here I go...one step at a time. I look forward to crossing off the 15 goals of the year!!

My thankfuls...

I know that title is not right, but I liked it. Anyway, I know that it has been quite some time since I have put a post out there, so here you go...for the 3 of you that may read this. I am thankful for so much in my life, but my top ten is as follows...

1. Family that loves me unconditionally...my family is there for me, no matter what. I was lucky enough to be able to spend Thanksgiving with both my mom and dad's extended family. My mom's mom is not doing very well healthwise, so it was great to be able to see her with her kids, grandkids, and our newest addition, her great grandson, Jack. He makes me laugh, which is the sweetest thing ever!2. The amazing housemates: Kristy, who is the most amazing best friend/sister a girl could ask for...she puts up with me and loves me despite my bad days. She is the best shoulder to cry on, ear lender, and pick me upper...all grammatically correct, which she will be thankful for...right, Kristy? :) She also allows me to be a housemate for a little while longer...until one of us meets the man of our dreams. Megan, who is fun to share a floor with in the house. Although I don't see her much, I love it when I do. We have lots of fun cooking together! She, too, is a great listener and encourager!
3. Lola...the cutest dog in the world!! She has brought me so much happiness!! I just adore her, well, most of the time. It was quite exhausting at first, kind of like having a child, but the house training part was really hard. She has only had 1 accident in the last 2 weeks, so I would have to say that is pretty good. She is teething, though, which is quite an experience. It is hard not to get frustrated with her when she doesn't get it...don't bite anything except your toys and food. We are getting there, though.
4. Great class: My students really are amazing!! We have challenging days, but all in all, they are quite a blessing to me. I have such high expectations, but this bunch really has taken it to the next level of being nothing short of amazing! I hope they are learning as much from me as I am learning from them. (Here are 6 of my kiddos...dressed up in their 80s outifts...aren't they cute?)
5. Job: I have such an amazing job! I get to go to work every day and teach kids that I just adore. I also get to work with some of my best friends. I love building new relationships with new people each year. I am getting to know new friends this year. They are great teachers, but more than that, great friends! Also, my job provides me with the funds to pay for my bills every month! 6. Photography/Camera: My passion, after teaching, is to take pictures! I absolutely just get all giddy when I get to take pictures of my friends and their families!! It just thrills my soul!! I hope to really be able to get good at it in the Spring when I take a class and experiment more!7. Internet: The internet allows me to be in touch with friends back home and across the world through Facebook, Blogger, and e-mail. I am very thankful for this and many other ways to use the internet. Another way is looking up great recipes, photography tips, news, etc...

8. Church: I absolutely love my church! My pastor, Matt Chandler, is the most amazing teacher I have ever attended a church under. (Currently, Matt is undergoing brain surgery, since a spot was found on his frontal lobe. They do not know if it is benign or malignant yet, but we should know something soon. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.) I also just love Michael Bleecker, who is the worship leader. He writes a lot of his own songs, but then performs some familiar ones. I love that because it really makes me think about the lyrics. He also displays scripture along with the songs, which makes me connect the lyrics to the Word, which is very powerful!

9. iPhone: I know this seems lame, but I truly am amazed by it. I am very attached to all it can do. I can keep up with my daily schedule, text messages, phone calls, games, sports, e-mails, music, photography, movies. and directions. I also have a workout plan on it, which is helping me keep track of my eating and exercise. I am just thankful to have all of that in one gadget.

10. Salvation: Thanks to this, I am able to have or be apart of the others. I am so thankful that God, the King of the world would save a wretch like me. I am a mess a lot of days, but more than overwhelmed by His unconditional, forgiving, grace-filled love that He gives me daily. I hope to make sure that others around me know that Jesus is at the center of my heart and is the reason for living!!

There you have it...my top ten list...I could have gone on for days, but these are the biggest blessings in my life currently.

My new love...

I adopted a new puppy about 3 weeks ago. Her name is Lola and she is just adorable!! She is almost 4 months old. She is a terrier/beagle mix and just melts my heart! I never knew that I could become so attached to an animal so soon. I have never been much of a pet lover, nor the biggest fan of dogs, but here I am...a new dog owner. I have really been struggling to get her housetrained, but she is getting better. I feel like I am a new mom who is exhausted from taking care of a new baby. She is quite the investment, but totally worth it! You will for sure fall in love with her if you meet her, but if you never meet her, maybe these pictures will give you a glimpse of her cuteness. She just makes my heart happy!!

Does anyone have any advice on the housetraining part? She chews on everything and doesn't always make it outside to use the restroom.

The 123's of the school year so far...

25 roles to play in one day--from nurse to teacher to mom to counselor...
24 missing homework assignments in one day
23 children in my classroom
22 days in school so far
21 different ideas running through my head in one minute
20 minutes taken out of the afternoon to make sure we are at the buses on time
19-number of times I laugh with my kids on a daily basis...Kids do say the darndest things!
18-age of the 2 mentors that come to my room every Wednesday
17 e-mails received daily from staff and parents (I get more, but this is a number I couldn't think of anything...so, there you go.)
16 minutes of game time earned last week (I know, this isn't much...that is all they earned and the lesson was learned.)
15 minute commute to school every day
14 questions asked by each child daily
13 questions asked by other co-workers in day
12 stations for language arts
11 students turn in work on a regular basis...the rest, well, I am having to be patient right now.
10 worksheets done in a 2 week time slot...instead of one...I am stretching my thinking this year!
9 new papers from the office that have to go home each week
8 co-workers as new friends
7 kids with dyslexia
6 days to get lessons plans prepared each week in 6 different subjects
5 amazing third grade teachers on our team
4 computers for the children to use every day
3 main rules...Be respectful, be responsible, and be honest
2 liquids to consume at school daily--Chick-fil-A sweet tea and strawberry-flavored water
1 teacher that will love, discipline, and believe in her kids daily

>>I absolutely LOVE what I do!! I hope the above countdown not only lets you have a snapshot of the first 3 weeks of school, but also lets you see that there is a lot that goes into the teaching profession. I hope to update again soon with some fun stories!!

ABCs of summer

Okay, my new neighbor Tiffany challenged to do this entry, so here you go. I am pretty much overwhelmed with the idea that summer is coming to a close this week, since workshops and training take place next week.

Alabama-I got to go home and see friends and family a few times this summer. It is never long enough, but so good to take it all in each time.

Beach-I went to Destin, Florida with my mom and her 2 sisters a couple of weeks ago. I have never been on a trip with just the sisters, so it was interesting to see them bond as sisters and tell stories of growing up.
College classes-Our new housemate, Megan, had many tasks this summer as she was trying to tackle a TON of hours in classes. We all pulled together to help her get through them without being completely overwhelmed at all times.

Dream BIG-I have had the amazing opportunity to attend so many Mary Kay events this summer, including the Shine On! Seminar. The main focus of the seminar was to "dream big" and work to achieve all that you so desire.

This is my director...isn't she just gorgeous?? She is beautiful on the inside and out!!

Exhibit-Mary Beth, Michael, Kristy, and myself got up at 4:00 in the morning in order to go to the King Tut exhibit in downtown Dallas. It was quite an experience, and believe it or not, we were not the only ones who were there at that hour. The place was packed! It blew my mind that every description had the phrases "could be", "may be", and "possibly" as it was describing the details of King Tut and all the details.
Family--I was able to spend some time with my family this summer, as I went home a couple of times. It was nice to see my dad on Father's Day, even if it was for just a little while. My younger brother, Hunter, got his first real job and Brock, my older brother, is still working hard in New York. My brothers and I gave our parents a cruise for their anniversary. I am so happy for them to have this amazing trip to celebrate 36 years of marriage!! I love them and the way they demonstrate their love to each other and to us, no matter what!! My amazing parents came out to Texas to help me move into the new house.

Goal setting--I have not been too good at setting goals this summer, but the ones I have set, I have slowly been achieving. I am a goal/list maker, so this is one thing I have to be persistent in conquering. My newest goal is to become a Mary Kay director by Christmas!! I am working to see that dream become a reality!!

Hot weather--This is an obvious one to those of you who are in the south in the summer...it has been so hot, but I am so thankful to have had a pool at the apartment and now a pool at the new house to be able to jump in to cool off.

Ice cream--I have always been a yogurt girl, but this summer I have discovered I really like ice cream with toppings. :) I have been a really big fan of Dreyer's Slow Churned Caramel Delight ice cream with more caramel and chocolate syrup on top...yummy!! I am also a fan of Marble Slab's Birthday Cake ice cream with cookie dough and caramel mixed into it!! :)

Jackson--He gets the cutest kid in my neighborhood award!! I just adore this child. I love the way he smiles as soon as he sees me and then runs into my arms and just giggles. I love the way he just laughs until I can't hear him because he is laughing so hard when he hits something. I love all of the expressions he makes when trying new things or meeting new people. I love that he has no fear of water and loves life just the way it is...he pretty much rocks my world!!

Kristy bought a house, and I am renting a room!! I am so proud of her for this accomplishment!! She has purchased a phenomenal house with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths with a pool!! It is just beautiful, and now it is time to get settled before school starts.

Lessons (from my dad)--I enjoyed spending some time outside with my dad in Alabama learning about the different parts of my car. It was great information and I am so thankful he took the time to teach me so many things about automobiles. I love the practical lessons he gives me when I go home!

Moving--This has been the most anticipated event of the summer, but has really paid off. I am so excited about all the home decorating that can now be done. I can't wait to put some of the HGTV watching lessons to use. :) I will post pictures of the house once everything is settled and decorated!!

Neighbors--Tiffany, Josh, and Jackson are our new neighbors. I am so thankful to have a co-worker and friend around the corner. It was fun to think that we have an engineer, cook, and cute kid around the corner!! Dinner was fun tonight, Tiff!!

Over--The summer is coming to a close, and I am so not ready!! I feel like I am just getting started with the fun, and now the stress of getting the classroom ready and lesson plans written is back. I love my job, but the grading part is one area I am not looking forward to this year!! I have learned many new ways to help with this, but it will take a lot of trial and error to make it happen.

Photography--I have been playing with the camera even more this summer!! I still long to learn how to manually adjust the camera to do what I want it to do and edit pictures well, but that is going to have to be a process.

QTIP--Quit Taking Everything Personal...a saying I am trying to really conquer!! I love this saying!! Being the sensitive person I am, it is hard for me to not take things personal, but I am really trying hard. I promise I am trying...I fail often, but try again the next time.

Rangers Game/Casting Crowns--Casting Crowns performed before the Rangers game. It was incredible to see all the people who came out not only for the game, but the amazing concert before. I was able to spot Megan across the stadium with my amazing camera lens. :)
Swimming--not just swimming, but going underwater for the first time in 8 years!! My doctor said to give it a whirl, but he said no oceans, rivers, or lakes. I was totally cool with this as I was easing back into the whole idea of going under the water I have grown to fear. I LOVE swimming and being in and near the water...just like I used to...it is so relieving to be able to go under!!Tan--I am totally working on this one now that we have a pool in the backyard. I love it when I have more color. I am determined to be a couple of shades darker before going back to school!!

Unorganized--The move was so unorganized for me. I did not have my stuff together, nor was it labeled. I have become so unorganized lately, and it is producing a bit of anxiety within me. I am slowly getting back in the swing of things, so this too will get better. For those of you who know me, you would be shocked at the lack of organization I have had lately. Don't worry...the organized gal is on her way back!!

VistaPrint--This is a website that has been discovered by many this summer. It is a website where you can get address labels, business cards, postcards, self-inking stamps, etc. for FREE!! Yes, you read that right...FREE!! All you have to pay is shipping, and that is not a bad price, either. I don't know how they make money, but they know how to take care of business people!!

Workshops--I have been in workshops all summer. I started off the summer by going to a curriculum writing workshop for Math. After that, I attended a workshop for Technology, which was AMAZING!! I learned so much and was able to see how easily technology can be integrated into the classroom. I also got to go to another technology workshop, and then to Debbie Diller's Language Arts workshop. For those of you who are not in the education world, just know that this woman is the most amazing educator, who now writes books and presents workshops. She gave me permission to befriend her son on Facebook...I did. :) She is super sweet, and full of knowledge. I look forward to learning more from her in the future.

Xerox--I have started remembering the beauty of fresh, colored Xerox copies, as I have been getting many colored copies made for Mary Kay.

Yard Sale--We are having one this Saturday. I will post the results once it carries out. I have been looking forward to this event for quite some time!! I hope to make some good money, so that I can pay off the rest of my debt and be able to move forward without the burden of debt.

Zeal--I have a lot of zeal or zest towards accomplishing many things in the coming months. I am so excited about the coming school year, in addition to the things I will accomplish with my business, Mary Kay. I will continue to snap photos, but not get too bogged down with that outlet of interest, as I need to focus my attention on my relationship with Christ, church, school, and Mary Kay.