Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, and whew!

First, thanks for my Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Barnes & Noble gift cards! I had fun spending them ALL yesterday & still have $8 left at B&N. Exciting stuff! Have I mentioned how I love gift cards? hee-hee! Later in the week, you'll see what I spent my Christmas money on from Kevin's Mom! :-)
Second, thank you to Kevin for this WONDERFUL cajun meal last night! I know I've said it before and I'll say it again ~ that boy can cook! This is shrimp creole and boudian ~ YUM!!
Next, thank goodness I finally have a new washer!!! As of this morning ~ no more laundrymat or leaking washer...isn't she purdy? This washer apparently does it all and saves on energy and water. I know one thing, she has a BUNCH of towels going right now and is SUPER quiet! I have days of laundry piled up from not having a washer, so I'll see how it goes and give a full review! ha!

**Lastly, I must put an end to the wondering and the guessing. I wasn't ignoring your pregnancy questions, I just honestly wasn't sure! Yep, we were in the midst of a pregnancy scare! I have taken 3 or 4 tests (who's counting? ha!), and I really think that it is just the new pills my doctor put me on. I won't go into all the girly stuff, but I am not pregnant....YET! :-)

Ropin' Good Christmas

This is Autumn, my niece, ropin' Dipstick (her first pony) while riding Sergio (her other pony). She's not rotten or anything...ha! What's a Christmas without some horse action?

I.HEART.GIFT.CARDS!!!!!

Gift cards are the bomb!!! I spent today shopping for FREE! And, I haven't even spent all my cards or Christmas money!! I tell you ~ I am just giddy like a kid! LOL! Look at all this stuff!!! And, I only went to Kohl's and Target today (two of my favorite stores!). I went to Kirkland's too, but they were cleaned out big time! I'll try back later in the week! :-)

I don't think anyone should think gift cards are a lame gift to give...they make me extremely happy! I am getting to re-do the bedroom and bathroom and have money for other stuff too! Here's today's haul: (that I almost left on the counter at Target! HELLO? My brain was already shopping at the next store I guess. Luckily, I ran into family while shopping, and they chased me down to give me my loot! Thanks Kayce!)

I got the new comforter set (at Target for just $100!!) and it has the comforter, bedskirt, and pillow shams! 2 new scrapbooks (Kohl's on sale $10 each!), a picture frame, new wallet (I have a wallet fetish...but that's another post! ha!), bath towels, bath rugs, sweater, pair of black pants, and 3 packages of socks!!! YIPPEE!

Now, this weekend I am going to Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, Wal-Mart & Petsmart to spend the rest of my money. Oh, and Lowe's for paint...we (or probably me since it's my bright idea) are going to paint the bedroom. Ahhhh! This is fun!

Oh, another good part of gift cards for Christmas is that everything is on sale, so you get twice the stuff!!

THANK YOU to everyone who enabled me to shop today!!! BIG HUGS!! I had a blast!

One LONG MeMe!

Since Steff and Tee did it, you know I had to do it! And, since all I did today was clean and put up Christmas stuff and re-organize (I love it!), that didn't leave me with much material!
Here goes...let's see who can read to the end...Kevin?? ha!

1. I have come to realize that my butt:
ain't no white girl butt...baby got back! ha!

2. I have come to realize that when I talk:
Kevin is not ALWAYS listening...or my kids at school for that matter!

3. I have come to realize that I need:
to re-do my budget.

4. I have come to realize that I lost:
my desire to smoke! Yay!!!

5. I have come to realize that I hate it when:
People lie for no good reason! urgh!

6. I have come to realize that marriage:
is not the fairy tale...it is WORK!

7. I have come to realize that work:
is something that can make your life miserable if you don't like what you do!

8. I have come to realize that I will always be:
unhappy with my body/looks (i.e. freckles, see #1, and add thunder thighs!Ha!)

9. I have come to realize that I like:
the idea of being married again...didn't know if it would happen!

10. I have come to realize that the last time I cried:
was over something very touching...and that I've been crying too easily lately! hmmm?

11. I have come to realize that my cell phone is:
something I can't leave the house without!

12. I have come to realize that before I go to sleep at night:
I always lay on my right side and have my pillows laying a certain way...

13. I am currently thinking about:
how long this is and if I should really do it...how many people are really reading it! LOL!

14. I have come to realize that babies:
still scare me, but may be in my future afterall!

15. I have come to realize that when I get on Myspace:
I am getting old!

16. I have come to realize that today I will:
be grateful for a good holiday and seeing friends that are really like family!

17. I have come to realize that tonight I will:
look forward to Kevin being home from work and snuggling!

18. I have come to realize that tomorrow I will:
not be ruled by the alarm clock! YAY for being a teacher!!!

19. I have come to realize that I really want to:
start going on vacations on a more regular basis

20. I have come to realize that true friends:
love you no matter what...they are the ones who surround you in a crisis and hold you up!

21. I have come to realize that the person who might repost this is:
Ummm...maybe Lindsey...or Tasha! (that's a dare!)

22. What bill do you hate paying the most?
My student loan...it's so big, it's never going away!!!

23. Where's the best place to eat a romantic dinner?
on the beach

24. Name of your first grade teacher?
Mrs. Nickelson?

25. What do you really want to be doing right now?
I'm ready to get back to the book I'm reading...

26. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
a teacher

27. How many colleges did you attend?
got one Bachelor's from UofA and then another one from UALR, now working on my master's at UCA! I love school! ha!

28. Why did you wear the shirt that you have on right now?
It's big!

29. GAS PRICES First thought?
Killing me!

30. If you could visit anywhere and take someone with you...
An Alaskan cruise with Kevin...or New York...or the Cayman Islands...

31. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
it didn't ...hee-hee!

32. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
I was exhausted from traveling all day...I don't remember thinking ANYTHING!

37. What errand/chore do you despise?
cleaning the bathroom or going to the grocery store! urgh!

38. If you didn't have to work, would you volunteer at an art gallery?
no - art isn't my thing

39. Get up early or sleep in?
Sleep in if at all possible!

40. What is your favorite cartoon character?
Road Runner

41. Are you planning on remaining in your current field?
Until Kevin opens a restaurant...yes!

42. Do you see yourself married in the next five years?
Yes (Kevin are you still reading? hee-hee!)

43. Your favorite lunch meat?
smoked turkey

44.What do you get every time you go into a WalMart?
a headache!

45.Beach or lake?
Up until this summer I would have said lake, but after Mexico I'll always say the beach! (I agree totally with Steff's answer on this one!)

46. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
No - I think people don't take it seriously anymore.

47.TV show you miss?
Grey's...when is the strike over?

48. Favorite guilty pleasure?
bikini waxes - if you haven't tried it, you should!

49. Favorite movie you wouldn't want anyone to find out about?
not one really...

50. What's your drink?
Dr. Pepper!

51. Cowboys or Indians?
Who are they? ha!

52. Cops or Robbers?
I'm torn...I like a uniform, but I usually go for the bad boy!

53. Do you cheer for the bad guy in a movie?
Sometimes...

54. What Hollywood star do you think resembles you best?
Jennifer Garner (ha! Wishful thinking!) I do have a JoLo butt though!

55. What do you want when you are sick?
Kevin's chicken noodle soup and some vick's

56. Who from high school would you like to run into?
no idea!

57. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now?
I listen to CD's mostly

58. Worst mistake that you wish you could take back?
wow! I don't want to think about negative things...maybe staying too long at my old job. I would say something with my marriage, but those mistakes got me to where I am today (much happier!)

59. Do you like the person who sits directly across from you at work?
I love the teacher across the hall - my new BFF! :-)

60. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
Oprah

61. What is the best gift you have ever received?
Anything made...I love the stepping stones from Syd and Jacob and the scrapbook from Michelle...but I'm not knocking all those AWESOME gift cards I got for Christmas!

62. Have you ever had to use a firearm?
No...but I have one if I need it!

63. Last book you read?
Double Cross by James Patterson

64, Do you have a teddy bear?
No.

65. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
????

67. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?
LA

68. Number of texts in a day?
probably 1 or 2...depends on the day

68. If you had to choose- would you start a new career or relationship?
career

69. Favorite Winter Olympic Sport?
What?!? I don't have one!

70. Pencil or pen?
Pen fine point

71. Ancient Egyptians or Mayans?
Egyptians

72. How many jobs have you had?
I don't know...I had a job in HS at a video store, then in college as a waitress, then at a daycare, then teaching with a summer job as a vet tech...those are the main ones!

73. Are you where you thought you would be at this age?
No...but it's been a fun ride anyway!

Told you it was LONG! ha!

Posing Family Pics from Granny's on Saturday

...more to come later in the week! :-)
Merry Christmas Eve Everyone!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Our Christmas card this year...It says

"Not a creature was stirring

Not even a mouse"

Love, Lori, Kevin & the fur kids

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope everyone has safe travels and peaceful family time!

What a difference a year makes!

This time last year was not a good time at all! Kevin had to leave and go stay with his parents and focus on getting sober, & I didn't know if our relationship would survive. And, at the same time, I realized just how much I loved him! I knew that I would support him and be there for him no matter what...and it's been a year now. A year with only one slip (that he is disappointed about) but hey...put that in perspective ~ that is 364 days sober out of 365 days. If you put it in percentages, it is 99.7% of the year sober! So...I am most proud of you honey! And, I love you more than you know! Now...let's make 2008 even better! :-)

WOO-HOO! Let the break begin!!!

It's here! Christmas break officially started at 2:25 pm today!! YIPPEE!! I have to say for a short week and having the holiday party, my kids were pretty well behaved! And, the parent support at the holiday party was just amazing! I am really in heaven at this school! My room mom (I love saying that b/c I never had one!) ordered pizza, a talent show, a holiday pictionary game, and a craft. It was awesome! You see the kiddo's had a blast! This morning, all the 3rd grade teachers took a different country, and we made the kids passports. They traveled to each room (country) and got their passport stamped and heard about Christmas in that country. That really made the morning fly by! It was lunch before I knew it! :-)

I feel like I've already had Christmas ~ look at this loot! ha! Seriously, I have never had parents put so much thought into their teacher gifts. My kids know me well too! I got some cool gift cards (Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, Blockbuster, and even Petsmart!) I got a neat cool keychain with a dog on it, kitty wearing a Santa hat earrings, and one kid even remembered my pets and got them treats! See how well they know me!! Can you see the cool cross I got? Now, for all the parents who haven't bought their teacher gift (or you can put this away for the end of the year or Valentine's day), I think my best gift was simple and a great idea! One parent put a Blockbuster gift certificate with some microwave popcorn and a little teacher notepad and wrapped it all in a big bow! How cool is that?

Ok...I must go relax now! After all, I have 2 1/2 weeks OFF!!!!! HO! HO! HO!

Busy week ahead...

It's gonna be a wild, busy week!! But you know what keeps me sane? I have 2 - count 'em - 2 workdays left!!! Then, a VACATION!!!! YIPPEE!!!

Our Christmas work party was today ~ a happy hour of sorts. We did a "dirty Santa" ornament exchange. It was a blast! I laughed so hard at times that my cheeks hurt! Aren't those moments the best??? Got home and Kevin had dinner ready...even better! :-)

Tomorrow, the kids (our 3rd graders) are having a poetry slam. (We've been studying poetry this month.) It should be fun too! I have to stay after school for an after school program I volunteer with...and then, Wednesday is the Holiday (aka Christmas) party. My room mothers have planned a talent show! LOL! Oh boy...an hour before dismissal on the last day before break...this could get wild! But ~ I'll have two and a half weeks to recover! Go ahead and hate me for a minute... I completely understand!

Going to snuggle up with Kevin and watch some tv! :-)

Mood Swings!!

Sometimes it really sucks being a woman and dealing with mood swings ~ knowing they are happening and yet can't make it stop!! I am willing to bet that Kevin wishes he would've had to work this weekend! ha!

It started Friday night when the freakin' repairman for the washer NEVER showed up or CALLED! I mean, hello? I don't care if you can't make it because you are running behind, but how hard is it to call? So, I was stuck at home all night waiting...for nothing. The positive is that I got some Christmas gifts made (top secret!). Saturday was the real mood swingin' day...I was up, I was down, I was up, I was mad, I was sad, I was up, I was frustrated, I was snappy, I was up...URGH! (Insert a poor Kevin here!) Saturday morning the repairman calls, "do you still want me to come?" "Well yeah..." He didn't come baring good news. Basically, the part I need is $100, but the labor to replace said part is so intensive that the labor will eat me alive and it will cost $300 to repair minimum, so he recommends getting a new washer....My handy dandy Dad who can fix anything, backs this statement, so a washer shopping we will go...I actually took the news ok. I guess Kevin was expecting a breakdown (I can be dramatic when it comes to spending large amounts of money. ha!) He said, "Boy, you are sure are taking this well." And, I was...I was up at the moment. Then, off we went to Conway to sell back 5 classes worth of textbooks ~ I won't even tell you how I much I spent on them because I refuse to add it up, it will make me sick. I was excited about the amount of money I was about to receive (shows how long it's been since I was in college!) I got a whoppin' $51 ~ which I held in my hand for all of 2 seconds, because I turned around and bought $70 worth of books for next semester!! But, at this point in the day, I was still up...so I just said, well, I guess I'm not out any money for this semester's books! Where exactly the mood swings started was somewhere after lunch...I really can't explain the rest of the day ~ CRAZY! And today, I have literally lost my mind, I turned on the dryer to dry clothes BUT didn't put any in there to dry??? What the??? THEN, I unloaded the dishwasher - only to discover that - oops they were dirty dishes I just put in the cabinets! I am loosing it! I need winter break fast!!

TGIF!!!!

It's FRIDAY!!! Yay! Only 4 more workdays, and my vacation bliss starts!!! The little kiddo's are hyper!!!

Well...the Maytag Repairman is coming out of retirement to come fix my washing machine today. ha! Keep your fingers crossed that my checking account survives the hit! I'm nervous!

Have a great weekend!!!

Catchin' Up

This weekend was the BoxAR Pics with Santa Fundraiser. We worked our tails off!! ha! Seriously, we worked from 10:30am until 4pm nonstop. We had a steady line all day ~ it was a great fundraiser! I got to be the photographer ~ I snapped this one because I thought it was cute that the lab gave Santa a kiss! I think we saw more pugs and doxie's than any other breed...maybe labs too! The two neatest dogs were an Irish Wolfhound puppy (10 months old and already big) and a labradoodle. I know some people have a thing about 'designer dogs', but you gotta admit those labradoodles are CUTE! We only had two boxers all day, and we made a big fuss over them! ha! They were our stars!! It was a fun day!! Kevin was NOT upset that he had to work and didn't get to play Santa this year...I think he made sure he was on the schedule! LOL! We were at a better store this year and did twice as much business. Saturday we made around $300...not bad for a day's volunteering! Between Santa pictures and cookbooks, some vet payments are getting made! yay!

I got my grades back for my masters class this week too. I knew it was coming but was still disappointed. I made my first B. I tell my kids that B's are good too, but I guess I don't truly believe it! ha! I honestly am just glad this class is OVER ~ it is the first class I have gotten nothing out of. The professor cancelled more than we had class, so I'm not going to beat myself up too bad about it.

Thanks for listening to me vent yesterday and all the great ideas! I felt better after reading all the comments...and I think I am going to bake some cookies and say "in all my spare time, I just whipped these up!" ha!

Gotta run and read a few blogs quick - Kevin wants me to come snuggle up and watch some tv...I'm running out of computer time! :-)

A little venting does the heart good....

Some people should really just think before they speak...or maybe I have PMS and am overreacting ~ we can't rule that out! LOL! What it boils down to is that it doesn't matter because either way, I got my feelings hurt, and I will stew on it unless I vent...so here goes!

A few of us were sitting around making small talk (I am not naming any names here...) and the topic of decorating for Christmas comes up. This person who really should THINK before she speaks turns to me and says, "Oh, I guess you don't have to do much. Do you?" What the??? What does that mean? Here's where I get irritated ~ what does she mean, because I don't have a husband and kids that I don't have to do much? Yes, I still decorate for Christmas even though it is just me. And, I just have to say it really pisses me off that some people think there is something wrong with that!! I am not lonely or miserable because I don't have a husband and kids - I mean, let's face it - I was more lonely and miserable when I WAS married! Geez! Would I like to have kids someday? Yes, but do I want it rubbed in my face that I don't? NO! Personally, I am proud of myself that I have made choices in my life that have kept me from having kids that would now be traveling from Mom to Dad on weekends, AND that I have spent time being single and not rushing into a second marriage! I mean, give me a freakin' break! My life would still count and be just as important if I never remarried or had kids! And, while I'm at it, people just shouldn't say things like that especially if they don't know someones history. I mean, what if I couldn't have kids? URGH!

"I guess you don't have much to do"...well, I have more of a life than this rude person! So there...I'm done! Thanks for letting me vent! :-)

Holiday Meme...it's my turn!

Ok ... I've been putting it off, and I even like these questionnaires! ha! Here goes:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both - depends on the gift
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving...
4. When do you take the tree down? Almost always the day after Christmas b/c I get tired of looking at it! ha! I have even taken it down Christmas night before...bad, I know!
5. Do you like eggnog? yes
6. Favorite gift received as a child? would have to be my chalkboard ...oh, or the year we got the Atari
7. Do you have a nativity scene? no :-(
8. Hardest person to buy for? my dad and now Kevin's dad too!
9. Easiest person to buy for? My niece...anything with a horse and you are safe!
10. Worst Christmas gift ever received? a freakin' fishing pole! (from an old boyfriend - I later dumped him! ha!)
11. Mail or email Christmas card? Oh...I LOVE making and receiving Christmas cards!! Mail is the best this time of year b/c I don't dread going to the mailbox!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Polar Express
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually October and November - I try to be done the first part of December
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so...but I am not going to say that some haven't ended up in a yard sale....
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? all of it...the turkey, the pecan pie, the dressing...all of it!
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? clear
17. Favorite Christmas song? Away in a Manger
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Burn up the roads - gotta go to Mom's, Granny's and Kevin's families now too. Although when we have little ones, we want to wake up Christmas morning at our house
19. Can you name Santa's reindeers? It's Monday and my kids were extra hyper today...I'm not even going to try! ha!
20. Do you have an Angel on top or a star? I always had an angel until this year and with the new tree a star looks better
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? morning
22. Most annoying thing(s) about this time of year? rude people and traffic! urgh~

Faith, Family, & Friends...

**warning - long post!!**
For whatever reason, the past two days I have been feeling very sentimental. Maybe it is the season...I got a little teary eyed during part of the Christmas pageant last night, and today Mom called with some sad news about a friend of hers. Her old boss that we grew up knowing - she worked for him for something like 25 years - was diagnosed with cancer. He hadn't been feeling good for a few weeks. Within 2 days of being diagnosed, he is in ICU and went into code blue last night, but they were able to bring him back. How scary it is to me to think that one minute we are going along with life and all is fine, and the next day, we could be gone. It really makes you stop and think - do you have any regrets? Anything you've been putting off saying to someone? Is someone you should say I love you to? Amends that need to made? A hug to give? His kids do not deserve to lose their dad so early - they already lost their mom way too early a few years ago. It just doesn't seem fair...I can't imagine my Mom not being there to call whenever I need her - even to ask a simple question. It breaks my heart for this family - what they are going through right now.

I have found that I have started to rely on my faith more and more. Last week, when I had a stressful moment, I reached for my Bible to read a few verses. I am grateful that my faith is getting stronger each day. Prayer is a powerful thing - please say a prayer for this family tonight. And, be thankful for the family that you have with you today! We just never know what tomorrow brings...

A few weeks back the pastor said in his sermon, the three most important things in life aren't things - the three most important things are faith, family, and friends. That just makes perfect sense - doesn't it? If we've got those three things, how can we go wrong? :-)

Maybe I should've titled this Philosophical - ha! Thanks for reading if you are still with me! Hugs to all my friends and family who read!! I'll leave you with this email that I recieved almost a year ago...it reminded me of Kevin and really fits all family and friends...

Two Horses
Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.
From a distance, each looks like every other horse.
But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind.
His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.
If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell.
Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell.
It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.
As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray.
When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.
Good friends are like this .......... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

I did it!!! Woo-hoo!!!

I made it one year without smoking!!!

And as a reward for myself, I splurged and got a new pair of Birkenstock's...aren't they cool? I get to wear them tomorrow! (and darn it, I did charge 'em, but I've been good, and I'll pay for them next month!)

In other woo-hoo! news, I just finished my final, and I was super prepared! I don't know my score yet, but I will be walking lightly and smiling all day tomorrow in my new birks! No worries here! Yee-haw!!

Holiday Checklist

My holiday checklist got a BUNCH shorter in the past few days (actually yesterday - I took the day after the concert off! There ain't no way this teacher could hang out until midnight and get up at 5:30am. I am not as young as I use to be! ha!)

Anyway...I spent the day FINISHING my Christmas shopping...yep, finished!!! I have $8 in my checking account to last until payday, but I'm finished shopping, all my bills are paid, and here's the best part - I didn't charge one single gift!!! Woo-hoo!! I also finished the Christmas decorating inside and outside AND made the Christmas cards. That is top secret though until they go in the mail! ha!

Now, if I can just make until Friday, I'll be laughing! My final is Thursday night!!! urgh! Nerves...I've been studying a bit every night. Well, the past two nights! ha!

Gotta run - Kevin gave me 10 minutes and my dinner is ready. A man that cooks is SOOOO nice!!

Keith Urban Concert

Keith Urban did NOT disappoint! My hands hurt from clapping, my throat hurts from screaming and singing, and my feet hurt from tapping (or the boots!) I liked Keith Urban before the concert, but now I LOVE him!! He put on a great show, and he really seemed to enjoy himself throughout the show. He has a smile that would melt anyone' heart...he is just yummy!!! And, he can sing and play the guitar! ha! It did crack me up how the women would reach out and try to caress him and then look like they were going to faint (of course, I might be jealous too! ha!) Two lucky ten year old girls got to go up on stage b/c their poster said all they wanted for Christmas was a hug from Keith Urban. How cool is that!?!

For a real look inside the concert and not me rambling about how cute Keith Urban is - check out my uncle's blog - he really walks you through the concert. He's much better at those things than me!!

Oh, and that's my Mom, me and my sister-in-law. Not a bad picture for a self-portrait with my cell phone. I couldn't get a good picture of Keith himself, but again, if you click on over to Focused Distortion, my uncle has a yummy one that I'm sure his girlfriend took! :-)

Weekend Stuff

Friday started off with the scrap night that honored my prego buddy Donna...FUN! I am pretty sure by the picture above that she appreciated and loved her gifts! ha! We had a great scrap night...yummy Mexican food (for Donna), double yummy desserts, cake, girl talk, giggles, presents, and we even got some pages done. I can't show mine because I was working on a Christmas present! :-)Here's Donna's profile carrying twins with a due date in February! She looks great!

Today, we went to a church Christmas program for one of the little girls in my classroom. It was really cool! (Although, I missed "my" church or the one I've been going to for a year....so doesn't that mean that I've found my home??? Kevin loved the church we were at today...it was a Methodist church and apparently there are alot of similarities to the Episcopal church that he loves. You would really think finding a church would be much easier than this since we were raised in the same one!!! LOL!)

After church, we went on an adventure to the local laundromat!! Believe it or not, I am 34 years old and have never been to a laundromat until today! Our washer is leaking...so until the Maytag repairman can visit or better yet, until we have some money to PAY him, I guess we are going to the laundromat. On the plus side, with 5 washers going, you get the laundry done alot faster! Ha!

Well...I guess I better go get ready for the KEITH URBAN CONCERT!!!!

Scrappin' Excitement!!!

And, I owe alot of it to Steff over at An Inside Look...my blogger/teacher/scrapper friend. You see, I bought this set of stamps probably a year ago and LOVED them. Since then I haven't been able to find them anywhere to buy more fonts. I posted about it a few months ago and Steff led me to a website where I hit scrapper stamp pay dirt! Now, of course, I bought Ms. Steff a set as a thank you (just like my original set), and I was so disappointed, they are on back order. Bummer! I promise they are coming though, and you will love them too! Tomorrow night I will be a stamping queen!! Look at the fonts I got ~

You know it is the last Friday of the month, so it is girls night of scrappin' fun!! And, to add to the fun, we are dedicating the theme for the night with food and goodies for my pregnant friend that is expecting TWINS! She is craving Mexican, so Mexican food it is! I will take a picture of her to share ~ she is due in February and growing fast!

Bunch of Nothing...

Not much happening here except I am still sleeping with my nose covered in Vicks and a breathe right strip....is there any relief for this cold thing going around? It won't go away!!!

Simba has currently moved to bringing in moles instead of snakes. And, he is at least killing them first! This is an improvement, because the moles have been destroying the yard. So, for once, I am happy with my fat hunter cat! ha! And, if you haven't seen one in person, moles are funny looking!!

I have pretty much finished decorating for Christmas on the inside of the house. This weekend, I need to decorate outside. I don't put lights all over the house, just the front porch, front door and wreathes on the windows. I should be able to knock that out!

My final for my master's class is one week away. I HAVE TO STUDY!!! I need to start now...but I procrastinate on these things!!

This weekend, Sunday will be a big day in LoriLand!! First, I have the honor of being invited to watch one of the kids in my class in her Christmas program at Church. She is a doll, so should be fun. Then, I get to see Keith Urban in concert that night with my Mom and sister in law. Go ahead-hate me-I get it! After all, it is Keith Urban!!!

Wordless Wednesday: patience by Jax!

Getting started...

I got two new items tonight for the Christmas decorating season...first the Believe sign hanging above one of my Santa's...I love it!And then this very cool Snowman banner that I just hung over the mirror above the fireplace. We are still looking for Kevin a stocking for the angel to hold. I have a serious thing for snowmen!! LOVE THEM!

I am tired of the same old stuff every year, so I didn't get everything out this year. I think I like it better. I didn't put my garland around the fireplace or my villages out...I may decide to, but for now, I am liking the simplicity. I also got my first Christmas card in the mail already, & I think it is my first ever handmade one! Way to go to my scrap buddy, Laura! You beat my Aunt Debbie and no one ever beats Aunt Debbie in getting cards in the mail! ha!
And, lastly, the tree...hello! Last year, I wrapped it in heavy plastic and stored it in the garage with the decorations & lights still on. BEST IDEA EVER!! My tree was up and plugged in within 5 minutes!! (I got this skinny one last year b/c my living room really isn't that big and the 6 foot one that I had swallowed the room. Isn't it cute?)
Tomorrow, I will try to get the front porch looking holiday like and happy! :-)

It was here and gone so fast!

I think I have post-hosting blues! You know how you spend all week getting the yard and house ready for the big event, then it's here and gone just like that? We hosted the big family Thanksgiving today, and it was a success. But after everyone left, I felt a little sad. I was so busy running all day and doing stuff that it went too fast, and I didn't feel like I even got to talk to anybody! So, I called one of my best cousin buddies (that had JUST left my house - ha!) and we talked for about half an hour. I felt better! LOL! However, I am very upset that I didn't take very many pictures and barely got any good ones!! The weather didn't cooperate today, and there weren't many picture taking opportunities! I hope Aunt Lyn shares like she promised - otherwise, what kind of scrapbooker will I be? ha! Awww...I am getting rid of these blues just chatting on the phone and blogging! Kevin thinks I am crazy! :-) Who me?

I know I should just relax tomorrow after this mad rush all week to get the yard and house ready, but I think I am going to try to tackle some Christmas decorations!!! Not everything...just some fun stuff! Like the tree and the stockings....speaking of, we need a good Christmas card idea for this year. Do we put just me, Kevin, and the dog OR bring the cats in too? I can't decide...these decisions are very important! My Christmas cards make me smile every year...it has to be just right! Should we wear Santa hats? Hmmm....go here to see last year's card and here for the year's before that! Let's hear your creative thinking!

Thankful...

It really is that time of year where you have to reflect on all the good in your life and take the time to be grateful. I like to think that I do that on a regular basis, but I know life gets busy sometimes and things are taken for granted. I know I am blessed and have so much to be thankful for...here are a few things in no certain order:

1. I am thankful to have Kevin back in my life. We were such good friends for so long. I missed him when I moved and our lives went separate ways. He was one of those friends I could always count on. And, now he is back in my life where he should be. I am grateful for the way he makes me feel loved on a daily basis and can make me feel like the most beautiful person in the world. I also love that we have common interests - like camping - and enjoy spending time together. He is my best friend!

2. I am thankful for my family (even with all their drama! ha!). We are very fortunate in our family (not that we see it all the time) but we are. We have not really had to suffer any loss or major illnesses in my immediate family. We have had two cases of breast cancer in recent years and both were survivers!!! yay! Now, that is something to be thankful for!! I love being with family...my Mom is awesome! I am glad she has blocked my teenage years! ha! My cousins are more like friends than family. I know that for the most part, family is my safe place to fall when I need it.

3. I am thankful for friends...ALL of you! My BFF, my scrap girls, my work friends, my blog buddies, my family friends....Life wouldn't be the same without friends! You are my rock!!

4. I am so thankful for my pets!! You know I am nutso about them! They are my babies!!

5. I am thankful that I have a house of my own where I can have pets. I know being a teacher and not making much money, that after the divorce, I could've easily ended up in an apartment. But I searched and searched until I found a house I could afford...I had four pets to think about! ha! I downsized, but I wouldn't trade it for the world! I love my cozy little house!!

6. I am thankful to love my job again!! AHHH!! And thank you to all my friends who helped make that happen by giving me the push I needed! My new job is the best!

7. I am thankful to be back involved in Church again and reading/studying my Bible. It brings about such a peace...

8. I am thankful that the gas leak the gas company just repaired did not harm me, Kevin, or any of my pets! Whew!

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT TURKEY DAY!!!

Now I know...

I am an idiot...(hold comments!) About a month ago, I noticed a pretty sizable ant mound in the backyard. Since Jax had gotten into fire ants before and had such a bad reaction, I thought, "I'd better cover that up, so the dog doesn't step on it." BIG MISTAKE! I covered it up with Jax's kiddie pool (yes, my rotten dog has his own pool!) and forgot about it....Fast forward to today when I needed to hurry and mow the back
yared before it rains tomorrow....

I lift the pool and OMG! The ants literally made a home for themselves the size of the pool - all the way to the top!!!!! Note to self - don't cover an ant pile...just leave it alone until you can get some ant killer. I mean, seriously, have you EVER seen an ant pile this big? LOL! Only I could manage this one! Even Kevin was in awe...what am I going to do with this thing? ha!

One more workday...

...that's right - only one more day of work this week and then 5 days off in a row!!! YIPPEEE!!!
That should give me plenty of time to get all the stuff done I need to do before the family Turkey day at my house on Saturday!! (IF the weather cooperates!!) Kevin and I have been sick since Saturday - achey, congested, exhausted, runny noses, blah, blah, blah. That didn't help the yard work get done this weekend though! AND it's supposed to rain on Wednesday...uh-oh! That could really hinder the leaf raking job...and the mowing...hmmm!

I did manage to get a few things marked off my list in between naps and medicine over the weekend! Remember my list:
1. sleeping in (BIG time!) Done!
2. raking leaves
3. cleaning up the back deck Done!
4. mowing or begging Kevin to mow
5. laundry Done!
6.cleaning out the snake infested flowerbed Done!
7. burning leaves and yard brush
8. buying turkey for our Thanksgiving the next Saturday Done!
9. going to Wal-Mart (I hate Wal-Mart!) Done!
10. grading papers (of course!) Done! (today but still counts!)
11. hopefully finishing my Master's project DONE!
12. cleaning out my car
13. going to church Went!

As you can see, it is mainly yard work left...cross your fingers for us! It also looks like on Saturday when I have about 35 folks in my small house that it is going to be rainy and cold!!!! Where will we all fit? This is my fourth year to host turkey day, and we have always gotten lucky with the weather where we could spend the majority of our time outside. Last year, we even ate on the back deck...oh well, it's only Monday...I'll save my panic for later in the week! ha!

Thursday Thirteen

*Since Kevin and I don't get to go to his parents house for their turkey day this weekend (We had serious cards stacked against us between work and house sitters...these things happen.) Here are - Thirteen Things I am doing instead of eating turkey and all the yummy desserts!!!

1. sleeping in (BIG time!)

2. raking leaves

3. cleaning up the back deck

4. mowing or begging Kevin to mow

5. laundry

6.cleaning out the snake infested flowerbed

7. burning leaves and yard brush

8. buying turkey for our Thanksgiving the next Saturday

9. going to Wal-Mart (I hate Wal-Mart!)

10. grading papers (of course!)

11. hopefully finishing my Master's project

12. cleaning out my car

13. going to church

Cookbook Fundraiser!!!

Ok gals - you gotta do this one! It's a cookbook!!! And, a really good one !!! The rescue group, BoxAR, that I volunteer with is selling cookbooks to raise money. It has over 300 recipes, and they are good ones that real people submitted ... I hate those fancy cookbooks that you don't know what the ingredients are!! They are $15 a piece - email me if you want one or leave it in the comments, and I'll take care of it.

If you live close, I'll bring it to you. If not, I can mail it for an extra $2 or hold it until next time I see you. If you want to pay by credit card and have BoxAR ship it directly to you - go to the website to order - http://www.boxarrescue.rescuegroups.org/

Come on - help out a good cause and get something cool in return!!!

Boxer slobbers all around!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Snakes 101

You guessed it...he did it AGAIN! Only this time...it was ALIVE, and Kevin was at work!!! I admit that I panicked at first a bit when I saw it, but then I also realized that both cats (yes Nala got in on the action) were keeping it corralled to one area.....so I had time to gather my wits and find a pair of shoes. I just kept thinking "ewww...what if slithers over and touches me!" So...once I had shoes on, I decided I had a minute to call Kevin at work and yell at him for lying to me that snakes were in hibernation right now! Whatever! :-) Now, I needed a plan...better get a picture of the ticked off LIVE snake in my house for my bloggers (see what a good, thoughtful blogger I am!) Ok...shoes, yelled at Kevin, and took a picture...now how do I get this thing out of my house!!! A BROOM!!! I ran to the garage and grabbed a broom and opened the backdoor. I hit him towards the door about three times (boy was he getting mad too!). Once he saw the open door, he was gone...slithered right on out and under the deck. Then, I thought "crap! I just let him go! Why didn't I kill him?" Oh well....maybe he'll be in hibernation soon???

I did get this picture too so my imagination wouldn't later run wild with me, and I could identify him with my handy dandy Arkansas Game and Fish Snake Guide. Turns out, he is a harmless Garter Snake - but, a snake IN THE HOUSE just the same! And yes, I have decided to let Simba live - so far! He is in big trouble though!! And believe it or not, I still wouldn't go without that doggie door. The good far outweighs the bad!!

Here are some snake facts I researched after this:
*Snakes will defend themselves by biting when attacked or feeling threatened, otherwise they will attempt to retreat from humans. (think the broom was threatening? ha!)
*If the head is chopped off, or the body cut in two or crushed by a large object, the snake will die immediately. (duh?)
*However, for a short time after decapitation, the latent nerves in the head can cause the head to bite. (great!)

Want to prevent snakes in your house or yard?
*don't get a cat! (LOL!)
*Keep your lawn mowed short (oops!)
*Remove piles of logs, brush, rocks or other debris on the ground. (oops again!)
*Make sure home is well-sealed.
*Minimize mulch and low-growing flower or plant beds immediately around the house. (darn it!)

I see some serious yard work in my immediate future!!!
Freakin' Cat!

Lazy Day...

Today was a much needed lazy day!!!! AAAAHHHH!!!! You know how sometimes you just need a day where you have nowhere to be and don't even get dressed? That's the day I had today, and I haven't had one in so long. I feel like I've been running, running, running...and this weekend, add burning up the road to the list! We drove 3 hours to a ballgame Friday night and 3 hours back home, and Saturday I got back in the car to meet Mom half-way to do some Christmas shopping. Today, I literally slept until 10:30 am and could have kept sleeping!!! I am refreshed for the week!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

I had computer issues most of the night, so big post for me! I am about to crash!!!

I will leave you with this ~
I had my last parent conference Wednesday. The one I've had to reschedule numerous times due to her not showing up. In the middle of the conference FOR HER CHILD, she says, "I hate to interupt you, but what grade is this again?"
I wish that were a joke, but it isn't!

I can't leave on a down note...
How about this for happy ~
Tomorrow is Friday!!! I love my job!!! My class is awesome (even though they are chatterboxes! ha!) Check 'em out over at our class blog!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things That Make Me Smile This Week...

1. My students thankful papers that I graded (so sweet!)

2. Seeing Simba all curled up on Kevin's belly just purring away

3. Sharing an inside joke with Kevin

4. Overhearing my students talking when they think I'm not listening (they are currently arguing over if I have a boyfriend or not! ha!)

5. Having my LAST parent conference today!!!

6. Being 3/4 done with my big master's project!

7. Jax being finished with his shots - thank goodness!

8. Watching Nala jump for the couch and miss (she is not a graceful cat!)

9. Planning a roadtrip with Kevin (Friday we are going to watch a high school friend coach his football team in a playoff game).

10. Simba coming through the doggie door with nothing in his mouth! ha!

11. A clean house - even better - it was cleaned by the cleaning lady on Monday!

12. Fresh sheets....ahhh!

13. Dinner at TaMolly's with my cousins

Wordless Wednesday: fat cat from all the hunting!

Boogers gross me out!

And, I have a booger picker in my room!!!! Ewwww!!!! What can I do? He is one my smartest and best kids. I love him to death, but he is always digging in his nose. I mean - finger lost in there - digging!!! And, to make it even worse, he sometimes puts the finger in his mouth after...I don't want to know if he is eating....yuck...I can't even say it! How do you talk to a kid about this? It really grosses me out!!!! Once, I saw another girl in class watching him with this amazed, yet grossed out look on her face, and I just about fell out laughing. But, I held it in and managed to get her attention to shhhh! before she blurted out to the whole class.

ok...seriously, do I just let it go? Or, is there a way to make it stop? Seriously...help!

His days are numbered!

This gorgeous cat of mine, Simba, is going to be the death of me! He is quite the character! First of all, he thinks he is a rottweiler, because for 9 years his best friend was Rocky. Simba definately runs the house around here. However, I am about to kill him! (I wouldn't, BUT I thought about it Saturday!!)

Let's just say my "house" cat is no longer a house cat. He LOVES the doggie door, and he has been bringing me prizes since it was installed. Lizards - no biggie - scoot 'em back outside. Grasshoppers - no biggie. Frogs - not a problem. Week before last, a dead mouse - well, I said, at least it was dead. Last week, a LIVE mouse...hmmm..I'm not too crazy about that one! THEN YESTERDAY, WHAT WE ALL KNEW WAS COMING - A SNAKE!!!!!

Yep - he is lucky it was dead by the time I got home to discover it! We had a little "coming to Jesus" meeting, but I don't think he listened! LOL!

Here he is - he wouldn't even leave him alone for me to scoop up and throw outside...notice I used a big piece of paper...I was scared it might come to life on me! ha!

A little of this & a little of that

Below - I am on the outside of the glass door taking their pic! (Imagine what I'll be like with REAL kids! ha!)

*Halloween is always more fun around here for me than for my pets! They were properly tortured last night. Kevin and I got giggles out of it! And, Christmas dress-up is right around the corner! LOL! Not many trick-or-treaters though, but the ones we had sure got a kick out of the critters dressed up!

*Today I went to Newport (where I grew up) to interview a High School teacher of mine for a paper I'm doing for my Masters class. She was a chemistry & Physics teacher when I was in HS, and she was a favorite teacher of mine. She was one of those teachers that made a lasting impression - I still correspond with her through Christmas cards each year. Well, now she is the HS librarian - which is why I interviewed her. It was certainly surreal being back at the old HS after 16 years!!! Not much had changed, but it all seemed smaller for some reason. I did leave feeling a bit OLD! I babysat her kids when I was in HS and now they are 23 and 26 years old! How does that happen? ha!

*I also got to have lunch with my Mom today. We got all caught up. She had an hour and a half, and we got all our girly talk done! Lunch was yummy too! Thanks Mom!

*If you are wondering, today and tomorrow are teacher meeting days. I asked if I could use my "workday" for my Masters that I get with the tuition reimbursement program. Much better than sitting in meetings all day!!!!

*I still hate the class I am taking this semester. I am actually actively signed in right now and listening to it, but not watching the power points. The professor cancels class all the time. Last week, she cancelled again and gave us a big assignment instead. Then when we logged on tonight, she said a few things we would do, but instead of covering two of the chapters we were supposed to - she'd just give us an assignment on them and post it tomorrow! URGH! It's almost over!

*Saturday, my scrap buddies and I are going to a huge scrapbook sale!! BARGAINS! And, having lunch after...so looking forward to Saturday!!! Lots of favorites there - girl talk, scrapbookin' and food! HA!

Validation...

...not that I needed it, but....
Remember how bad my school had become last year? Just out of control behavior from the kids ~ look at my school tag if you dare! I try to forget! Well ~ when I transferred, there were about 15 teachers total that left last year. BIG SIGN that something was wrong!

Here's even MORE validation that I wasn't loosing my mind, and it wasn't me or being "burned out" on teaching. Two of the new teachers they have hired this year have already quit. It has only been one 9 week period!! They hired subs to take their spots, and the subs have already walked out! Then, the assistant principal had to go into one of the rooms one day to teach, and SHE had to call security. Hmmmm....think there is a problem here?

**PS. My new kid has had great days every since his "flip out". I have really seen him start coming out of his shell and smiling. I think he's decided he likes us! How could he not? ha!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

I know he didn't!!!

...YES ~ he did!!!

He brought a LIVE mouse INTO the house!!!

Jax and I stayed on the couch...and Kevin saved the day! Whew!

A day in the Country...

Kevin and I went to Mom & Dad's for a bit on Saturday to drop off the pop-up for winter storage. (So Kevin could park in the garage for winter - see how thoughtful I can be! ha!) We love a good ride on the 4-wheeler around the country. He refused to look for the picture - I believe his words were "you are not putting a picture of me on your blog riding bitch." hmmmm...Mom took it anyway! Love her! ha! Why do men think they always have to drive?
Here are some updated pics of Stormey - remember he was just born the last day of March!! Still a baby - but look how big he's gotten!! That's his momma in the bottom picture, but for some reason he is always following Milly around (the horse in the pic above). And no that isn't Jax in the picture - it is his older brother though!
And lastly, a redeeming picture for Kevin! hee-hee!

The Fairy Tale Ended Today...

...I got a new student yesterday. And, my perfect classroom came to an abrupt halt! What a difference one child can make...sad, but true!

Quite honestly, today was a day from hell!! I felt like I was back at my old school...oh wait, this student transferred from my old school!

He started out just off task during group work. No biggie...then apparently he decided to talk to the girls in his group about lap dances...hmmm...pretty SURE this was WAY off topic! So, he received a check (my discipline chart is a series of checks). Well - this is when the hell started. He started with the back talking and mumbling under his breath...this gets under my skin worse than anything!! So...a trip to the hallway to try and talk to him about his behavior and explain the expectations at his new school - he had ZERO interest! DEFIANT!!! If said - look at me - he looked at the ceiling - if I asked a question, he refused to answer. Well - it reached a point where I made the phone call home. While I was making the call, he comes over to my desk, says "who are you calling?" AND REACHES OVER ME TO DISCONNECT THE PHONE!!! YEP - HE HUNG UP THE PHONE SO I COULDN'T CALL HIS MOM! Ok...by this point, my nerves are fried & I am tired of being nice - but really folks - what can we do? As teachers, we really have NOTHING we can do & kids like this - well, they know that! So, I called his Mom and left a message. He proceeded to just wander around the room basically ignoring any and all directions I gave him and look to get in trouble. The kids came unglued when he messed with their beloved chess game! And, this is how defiant he was - I asked him to please leave the game alone and not touch it b/c his classmates had a game going & to respect his classmates. He looked at me and slowly and deliberately touched one of the pieces and kept his finger on it. Basically like I dare you to do anything. URGH!!!!! Well, when he went behind my desk and picked up the camera and started shuffling the papers around, I said, forget it! I lined my class up to take him to the office - thinking all the while - how am I going to get him there? And, like an angel appearing out of no where - the principal was coming down the hall!! Yay! And this principal...she doesn't play around! She took him into the hallway and ALL the 3rd graders could hear what was going on...he was pretty defiant with her too and that doesn't bode well with her! (or me) In the end, he had counseling today, and she let him know since it was his second day of school, she was only calling home this time, but if it ever happened again, he was suspended.

I called him Mom after school...I hope she isn't one of those parents that sounds supportive but really doesn't do anything. She sounded like she was really upset about it and going to take care of it. I hope so. She said I could expect an apology tomorrow....

...tomorrow IS new day AND it's Friday AND it's scrapbook night...so I'll let this go now that I've vented. I just pray that my awesome year isn't over so soon!