Goals for 2011

Instead of making a large list of things to accomplish without ever accomplishing one, I figured I should stick to 5 attainable goals, so here they go...

1. Excercise more. (Walk Lola 3 times a week, do something on the Wii at least twice a week)
2. Eat healthier. (Cook at least 4 meals at home weekly, eat cereal or oatmeal for breakfast, and eat about the same time for every meal.)
3. Read more of the Bible. (Read one book a month.)
4. Shop with coupons, after making a menu for the week and/or month.
5. Send thank you, birthday, and thinking of you cards every month.  (Maybe even think ahead and send gifts for birthdays.)

I figured if I made them specific, baby step-type of goals, I may have a better chance at accomplishing them.  I will keep you all updated more, too, as I am trying to be more proactive in the day to day. 

More blog posts to come...lots to go back through from the past several months...

29 Things to Do Before 30

I hope to accomplish the next 29 things before I turn 30...yes, I said it, folks...before I turn the big 3-0!!! I cannot believe I am approaching this landmark year, but time is not stopping, so here goes nothing...

1. Credit card debt-free
2. Pay off my car
3. Attend a Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Stars game
4. Establish a nice customer-base for photography by taking family, children, and maternity photos
5. Travel to New York City or Chicago
6. Donate half of my clothes
7. Lose 15 pounds and tone up
8. Learn how to landscape our yard
9. Learn how to coupon well, saving at least $50 a month
10. Try 2 new recipes a month
11. Take a cruise
12. Write 4 songs
13. Blog at least 1 time a month
14. Attend 2 musicals
15. Install a new fan in my room
16. Stay under budget each month, and put the remaining money in savings
17. Add over $1,200 to my savings
18. Write thank you notes
19. Go to San Marcos
20. Sell most of Mary Kay
21. See 2 new movies a month
22. Send happies to my friends and their kiddos
23. Become a covenant member of The Village Church and serve in a ministry
24. Learn how to play 4 new games
25. Learn how to edit photos
26. Donate my hair to Locks of Love
27. Become a vendor on Etsy for my letter photography crafts/projects, in addition to other photography
28. Read a book of the Bible each month
29. Do 1 Saturday cleaning a month with the roomies, followed by a craft :)

There you have it....29 things I hope to do in the next year...

Thankful

Today is coming to and end, and I now need to make sure I give thanks for all the wonderful things, people, moments, etc. in my life...so here it goes....

I am thankful for...

1. The forgiving nature of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who above all things deserves more than I have been giving lately.
2. My supportive, loving family, who totally understands what it means to be there for each other through the good times and the bad.
3. The most encouraging, patient friends, who have been shoulders to cry on, listening ears, and the most sacrificial givers of their quality time...you know who you are for sure.
4. The internet and computer, which allows me to not only stay connected to my friends and family that are not living with me, but also have connections to tasty recipes, fun blogs, my bank account, tools for teaching, drama all around the world, and music.
5. Music, for it truly is what makes my heart happy and speaks so clearly to me.
6. A beautiful house to call home.
7. A sweet, lovable puppy who I have grown to love and cherish. (Thanks to Kristy for helping me with sweet Lola. She is truly lucky to have you love her as much as I do.)
8. The discovery of new recipes. I have truly developed a love for trying new recipes, foods, and spices. I am truly loving all the new flavors that are being discovered. Pioneerwoman is rockin' my world!!
9. My students. They make me want to come back to school each and every day. Some days leave me discouraged, for I feel as if I have not been able to fully reach each student; however, then I come in and they just smile and give hugs and knuckles, and I just melt.
10. Television. I know sometimes it is trash I am watching, but sometimes I just need to stop thinking and just enjoy some good entertainment, right teachers?!?
11. Money. I am so ready to be able to say the words....DEBT-FREE!! I am getting so close I can taste it, but this next year seems like it is going to be forever long, since it is the home stretch. Every little penny will be pinched, so that I can meet the goal of being debt-free by next Christmas!!
12. Photography. It has become my outlet of sweet moments lately. I was able to use this gift to take pictures of my grandmother's beautiful flowers so she could see her yard. I have also had the privilege of taking children's pictures, family pictures, and maternity pictures. What a joy it has been to take these pictures and bring a smile to my friends' faces.
13. Good health. For the most part, I am a healthy girl. I have the freedom to live my life each day without the worry of being in a hospital or a doctor's office.
14. Laughter. I love to make other laugh! It is super special when I can bring someone out of a dark place just by being a cut-up. I also love sitting around and laughing with my friends and family. There is something so special about this small gift given from the Lord above. He sure knew we would need laughter in this life. I am very thankful for this.
15. Sweet memories. I have had the sweetest memories made this year with friends and family. One of the sweetest memories is the time I had to spend with my grandmother before she went home to be with Jesus.

There is so much more I am thankful for, but these are the top 15 for this year. What are you thankful for?

July was a busy month

Yes, it is true, July is now over. During this month, I have traveled here, there, and everywhere. I will start with the beginning...the first week of July I thought was the beginning of my summer...well, my tutoring kids and workshops took over. I went to a workshop I was really excited about on the first Tuesday. I learned how to "Teach Like a Rockstar"! I was so impressed with this workshop. Hal Bowman did such a fantastic job of getting us motivated. I walked away from that workshop being fired up for the school year. My whole fifth grade team was there, so it was fun to get pumped up together. Guess what?!? I am totally going off of the rockstar theme and using it as my classroom theme this year. Before I took on this theme, I thought it was going to be a breeze finding rockstar decor...wrong! I have looked everywhere for anything rockstar-related. I have found a pretty good collection of things by now. More on that later. Later in the week, my fifth grade team and I met to talk about plans for the year. Seeing that 3 out of 4 of us are new this year, we had a lot to discuss. It was an overwhelming time as lots of new policies, procedures, and ideas were thrown at me. I am really excited about this year, yet nervous all at the same time. I will be teaching Math and Science only, which is awesome...well Math makes me happy, but Science, well that is a different story. The fifth grade Science curriculum is loaded. It is a lot of information for these young adults to learn. I look forward to finding new strategies and uses of technology for this group. By the way, I should have some of my kids from 2 years ago, which makes me smile. I loved that group of kids, so let's just hope that they are just as much fun as fifth graders.

The next week, I had the opportunity to go to Houston to attend Debbie Diller's workshop. For those of you not in the education world, she is basically an elementary education guru. She is fantastic. I learned lots of new tricks of the trade, especially ways to utilize every square inch of my classroom. I actually got to have lunch with her son. He was nice, but we are very different. It was a nice time, though. Debbie is just phenomenal. I got to chat with her a couple of times, as I have been to several workshops of hers and made a connection...since I am a single gal and she has a single son. I do appreciate the connection, though, since she is a rockstar, but not only that, she has such a passion for helping others and pushing them to achieve their full potential. My friend, Lisa, went as well. We had so much fun!! We have now let our brains start meshing in order to create some ideas of our own. Maybe there will be a book one day...that would be awesome...one of our goals. :)The day after I got back from the workshop, which was in Houston, I drove to Alabama. I for sure was glad I went. I got to spend some much needed time with my grandmother, Nana. She is struggling so badly right now. She not only has lung cancer and emphysema, but also COPD. Basically, she has an awful time trying to breathe. She is in so much pain. It is so hard watching her like this. I love her so much and have a hard time being away from her when I know she is hurting like this. A fun story, though...while I was there keeping her Friday night, I asked her what she needed from the store. She told me that she was good, but I told her I should add a couple of things to the list, so I did. Later, when my mom called, she asked what was on her list and I told her...strawberry daiquiri mix and rum. My mom was like, okay, I will get it. My grandmother and I were laughing so hard, since it was all a joke. After many laughs and a happy moment on the phone with my mom, I thought I should continue it. I asked my grandmother if she was still having big parties once her "babysitter" went to sleep for the night. She told me to be quiet and not say anything. I was just rolling by this point. It was a very happy night, despite the pain I watched her experience.
The night I kept my grandmother was the same night as my 10-year high school reunion. Due to the circumstances with my grandmother, I was not able to attend. It was a really hard thing to miss, but I knew I would never get my time with my grandmother back. I had to make the decision to be with her. I really missed seeing everyone, though! I was able to go through all my old pictures from high school and college. I tell you what, I had some of the best memories. It was some sweet, yet sad moments when looking through those pictures. It was hard to see all of the friends I have lost touch with along the way or drifted from, yet sweet to see the many that I have reconnected with in the meantime. I am so thankful for second chances with so many!

While at home, I hung out with my family and friends. I drove over to Columbus on Monday night to have dinner at my favorite place in Columbus, Mi Toro. I was joined by 2 of my favorite people in all the world, Amanda and Lea Ann. I love it when I catch up with old friends and feel like no time has passed. We just picked up where we left off. My dad's national guard brigade had a family picnic. This was the first time all 5 of us were around to attend. It was such a sweet day, although incredibly hot outside!!

After that, I just chilled with my grandmother, brothers, parents, and friends. The weirdest part of the time at home was that Daniella and Kristy were both in Texas. I did, however, get to meet up with Joy, Courtney, and Mollie while at home. It was so wonderful catching up with all of these ladies!!

After I was at home for almost a week, I went to Shocco Springs, Alabama to help Mary Martha with her 2 kiddos, Rani and Andrew, at Camp Happy Days. We had so much fun spending time together. I am such a quality time kind of person, so to have that much time with Mary Martha was a blast. Andrew and Rani were so precious!! We laughed a lot!! Andrew just smiled the whole time and Rani just giggled. I cannot believe how much they have both grown since the last visit. I enjoyed having so much time with both of them! I tell you what, I know that God knows what He is doing. I am so not ready to be a mom of 2 yet. Keeping both on their schedules, entertaining them, and providing all needs is tricky. I have always admired moms of more than one kid, especially when they are close in age. I had so much fun taking care of the kids, though!! Check out these pictures...what cuties!!

You can't get much sweeter than this...one of my favorite things in all the world...swaying or rocking a baby to sleep...priceless!!

I also got the blessed opportunity of hanging out with Haven and Lea Ann. They sacrificed so much to come to Shocco and go hang out for a few hours. I so appreciate all the effort you went to in order to spend time together. We went to a shady Mexican restaurant with a broken air conditioner. The things we will do for white cheese dip and quality time, right girls?!? Anyway, we also got the chance to reminisce and laugh. I miss being on the same campus of these girls!!
I can't say thank you enough to each person who sacrificed time to spend with me. I am blessed beyond measure!! God has truly taken care of me in the friend category!! I miss you all and hope that we don't wait so long to see each other next time! I am honored to be in the company of so many amazing people!!
I hope to catch up with even more people next time!! I missed seeing y'all this trip, but look forward to the visits ahead!!

The Things I Love

I read my long time friend Courtney's blog, and she did a dislike and like list, so I thought...why not? I know you are all very excited about this list, so here it goes...

Things I dislike...
1) Watching my only living grandparent suffer through lung cancer, COPD, and enphysema
2) Anything on the tv without captions
3) Most vegetables
4) Living far away from friends and family
5) Debt
6) Backstabbing
7) Sick animals or kids
8) Traffic
9) Saying good-bye
10) Doctors' offices

Things I like...or love, for that matter
1) Christ
2) Music
3) Photography
4) White cheese dip
5) Sweet tea
6) Visits from friends and family
7) My dog, Lola
8) Reminiscing through pictures
9) Reuniting with long-time friends
10) iPhone...texting and Words with Friends :)
11) Kids
12) Walking on a beach
13) Playing games with friends
14) Laughing
15) The look on Jackson's face when he sees me...melts my heart
16) Flip flops...especially when I can wear them after a relaxing spa pedicure!!
17) Reading updates on Facebook or blogs...especially those I cannot visit as often as I would like
18) Sporting events with friends
19) Watching movies...new or old
20) When my students mistakenly call me mom because they know they can count on me to love them unconditionally
21) The "ah-ha" moment my kids have when I teach them something they finally "get"
22) Sunsets
23) Matching pjs and socks
24) God's promise to take care of me...faith
25) Planning and executing surprises for others
26) Serving others
27) Quality time with friends
28) Ponytails
29) Photography projects for others
30) Traveling
31) Laughing and making others laugh
32) Making others smile by buying happies for them or their kids
33) Playing sports with friends or students
34) Seeing older couples walking hand in hand happily
35) Paying off debt
36) Swimming...FINALLY!! (and getting sun)
37) Watching my parents continue to adore each other
38) Listening to my grandmother name all of the flowers and creatures in her yard...when she is sick, it is even sweeter, because it is the only thing that brings a smile to her face
39) Watching my friends' kids grow, especially when they learn new sayings
40) Naps


>>Just like Courtney, my likes were a whole lot easier than my dislikes, but I hope you enjoyed my lists. It did push me to think about the good things in life, instead of dwelling on the negatives.

Summer has begun!

Again, I have not been too good at updating the blog. I was looking back at my last blog and noticed there are pictures of snow...not acceptable, especially now that it is 100+ degrees out. So, the happenings around here look a little something like this...

School ended on June 10th. That was a very hard day for me, as my students were treasured by me. We had really become a family by the end of the year. I would have totally looped with my class from this year. Luckily, I am moving to 5th grade next school year, which means I will have some of my students from last year--also a great group of kids! I am excited to see some familiar faces again, but a little anxious about the curriculum. I will be teaching Math and Science only next year, which is also exciting; however, Science is a subject I am going to have to work at a lot more than Math. There is so much to learn in Science for me and the kids. Math and Science are the areas that our kids are weakest in, so my work is for sure cut out for me. I am excited about the challenge, though! I have lots to learn and lots of retraining the brain, as I am going to have to step back in to my older kids mode as a teacher. I am excited about building more solid relationships with my kids, as they are older and can understand more of solid relationships...healthy, respectful relationships. To know that I can be an example to them everyday is refreshing, yet also a heavy load to carry as they are watching every move I make. When I am frustrated, how do I control it? When I am stressed, will it show? It is crucial to show the older kids how to handle yourself when the going gets tough. It is also necessary to stay grounded with all positive character traits displayed, so they see an example of how to handle all situations without acting out violently. Our kids need this piece displayed daily!

In other news, DANIELLA IS HERE IN TEXAS!!! Her fabulous-o boyfriend, Trey, drove the 9 hours out here with her. He was such a big help, as we were moving those "light" pieces of furniture in, right? :) We enjoyed having him here, and hope he comes back again really soon! I am so happy to have her here. It has been a long-time coming. She is out here completing the alternative certification program so she can teach. I am so excited for her, as she will be a fantastic teacher! Please be in prayer for the job situation for her. I just want to go to all principals and say, "She rocks!" She said she wants to tell any principal, "I won't let you down." This is so a Daniella comment...it makes me smile! While she has been here, we have been tackling some fun times. First of all, her room looks amazing!! Secondly, we have been indulging in frozen yogurt at Tappy's...16 flavors and over 50 toppings...can't beat that. Okay, so I do get the same thing everytime, but I will eventually try something else. Cake Batter yogurt with cookie dough, sprinkles, and caramel. Daniella likes to pile on the yogurt pretzels. Megan is our experimenter...she tries it all, with Pistachio yogurt being the new favorite. Kristy likes Cake Batter as well, but she is more diverse in her topping selection. I mean with the toppings being on fat-free or low-fat yogurt, they are also fat-free or low-fat, right? :) We have also gone to a Texas Rangers baseball game. The bummer to that was the Rangers ended their 12 win streak. They are really rockin' it this season, but that night...not so much. It was sad to watch that game, as they were not the team that had showed up to all the other games. Ian Kinsler got thrown out early in the game, which totally changed the vibe. We celebrated Daniella's birthday on the same day we celebrated our country's. July 4th. These are the beautiful flowers that her fabulous-o boyfriend had sent this way. Any girl would wake up early to have this happy at the door, right? :) We had so much fun on that day...Bundt cake, gift card tree, grilling out, and fireworks. I mean, what more could you ask for, right? :)

A picture is worth a thousand words

Since my last post was so long, I figured I would just post a picture recap of what has been going on around here...Lola has grown so much!! She is now 35 pounds...wowsers!!
Kristy's rockin' snow angel!!

Kristy playing in the snow...can we say "aggressive"? ;)

Megan's Easter BasketsMy Easter BasketsKristy's Easter Baskets

I had so much fun getting stuff for the Easter baskets!

This is the infamous, wonderful, yet "calorie-free" bundt cake...marble is the way to go!

This is the sign on top of Kristy's bundt cake...love all of their catchy slogans!!

These are the beautiful flowers that Kristy got at school.Jackson is tearing into his pizza at his second birthday party!!Jackson, Josh, and Tiffany at Jackson's 2nd birthday party...great looking family!!

Jackson "cheesing" on cue...what's not to love?!? I just love this kid!! Jax, I am glad I got to share this day with you...you are so special to me!! :)