Really???

We leave McAlisters today from lunch & this massive Expedition parked like a crazy person...I couldn't even get in my car. I had to climb in from the passenger side. Seriously - how ridiculous is this parking job?

I really wanted to go inside and make them move their car, but everyone else wanted to just snap pics of me trying to climb over from the passenger's side in my church clothes! LOL!

I hope this was a teenager just learning how to park, but I'm guessing it was a jerk in a hurry! URGH!

Happy Super Bowl ~ may the best team win. Now...who is playing again? hee-hee!

Thursday Thirteen

13 Things Going On Around Here...

1. I had my Master's class tonight.
2. Have I mentioned that it is kicking my butt? RESEARCH Methods!!
3. We are supposed to get some weather tonight, but it is not looking promising for our area of the state. So...I probably won't get to enjoy seeing my school name scroll across the bottom of the screen tomorrow for NO SCHOOL. ha!
4. Tayhlor (my new niece compliments of Bubby's marriage) has started at my school, and she is fitting in great (already has a crush).
5. I LOVE having her in my room before and after school. She's a great helper.
6. My two new students are good kids and smart...how lucky am I? (You never know when you get new students - it can make or break your classroom.)
7. We are making root beer floats tomorrow for our science lesson. FUN! Who can identify the science in it? ha!
8. I have to spend all day Saturday at the library doing research!
9. I finally got my first re-imbursement check for my fall tuition today - that was sweet!
10. Tomorrow, we are cooking dinner for Donna and Jerry so they won't have to worry about food on their first day home with the babies.
11. Which means....tomorrow I get to see the precious babies again!
12. My birthday is next week.
13. And, for the first time ever, I am kind of bummed about it - how did I get to be 35? And why is it bothering me? I've never been bothered by a birthday before...hmmm

Pictures of the TWINS!

They are on their way!!

**Updated below!!!!

My friend, Donna, is about to be the proud Momma of twin girls! She went for her doctor appointment today, and they decided it was time.

She was scheduled for February 7th, but her blood pressure has been high the past two doctor's visits. So....by this time tomorrow,she will be a Momma. What do you think that will do her blood pressure? ha!

I'll keep ya posted and hopefully have some precious baby pics tomorrow.

Keep her in your prayers for safe delivery and healthy girls!

** UPDATE: Jerry called about an hour ago, and we have healthy baby girls! One is 5lbs. 3oz. and the other is 5lbs.4oz. One has dark hair and one has light hair...awww! :-) Welcome Hayden Leigh and Riley Lynn! Pictures tomorrow. To all the scrappin' peeps (or anyone else) e-mail me if you want her hospital info to visit.

In Scrappin' News...

On Friday, we got some "bad" weather...well, for central Arkansas it was bad weather. Everyone freaked out and started leaving work early and schools closed an hour early. Now, am I complaining? Heck no! It's just comical to watch the panic that takes place when we might get some bad weather! Turns out, I drove home in the rain - not sleet. hee-hee! My kiddo's started checking out early around 11 o'clock and when we got back from lunch, I had ten kids. Woo-hoo! Buses started dismissing at 1:00...so, Friday was a wash! They were HYPER!

Was scrappin' cancelled you ask? Ummm...NO! We cancel for nothing! LOL! All this did was let us gather even earlier! Ha!

We started scrappin' by 3 o'clock this time instead of waiting until 6 or so for everyone to get here! It was awesome!

I thought I was share some my favorite pages I did Friday night and my two favorite new scrappin' finds: I was digging the colors with Autumn's birthday page & with the cat page. I am in a stage where I love chocolate brown! (And, simplicity!)
As for two fav new finds - you gotta get some self-adhesive ribbon. I used it to divide these pages below. But with the adhesive on the back already - wow - easy! (Hobby Lobby plug here) And note the cool campfire at the bottom of the page found at a local scrapbook store...love it! This page made me ready to get the pop-up back out and hit the road!
I think I got 8 pages done over the coarse of the night. I believe Sandy was the winner with 12 finished pages!

Running...

I have just been running from here to there all week! All days aren't like the one I posted below, but everyday this week has been! I don't like weeks like this b/c I need some down-time to just be lazy or relax. What is keeping me sane is that tomorrow night is ..... SCRAPBOOKING! Yay!!!! (and yum b/c the food is always good too! ha!)

I have class tonight, so I gotta run (see the theme - ha!). Have I had a chance to mention that this class is going to kick my butt? I mean, the name is Research Methods. RESEARCH...according to last weeks class, I just thought I knew what that word meant! But the good news is that this professor gives very clear instructions, and we know what is expected of us. Much better than last semester!

A Day in my Life (in Pictures)...

First of all, I totally bloglifted this idea from the FlipFlop Mamma b/c I thought it was cool. It's kind of like scrapbooking a regular day in your life...so here is today in LoriLand! The alarm started going off at 5:30 am, but I think I hit snooze until at least 5:50 am. I start my day everyday with a Dr. Pepper and pop tarts, or the day goes downhill from the start! ha! If I am cranky, my kids will ask me if I had my Dr. Pepper! :-)
Today was back to work after a 3 day weekend...hello classroom!
I welcomed two new students today. We had a great day too!
We learned all about Martin Luther King, Jr.
I volunteered with the SECME after school program. It meets once a month, and today was the day. It's from 2:45 to 5 pm. Today we built card houses from cards. You only get tape and 100 index cards. The houses must withstand heavy weight falling on them and still stand. Today's session was practice and the weight was the dictionary. They did an impressive job!
Got home at 5:30 pm and fed the dog ~ he's kind of messy! LOL!
Sat down to eat a bowl of cereal and read the next chapter in The Purpose Driven Life. Today was day 2.
An hour later about 6:30pm, on the way to an AA speaker meeting with Kevin. We had to drive into "town" as we call it here. So, it takes about 20/25 min. to get there. The meeting was until almost 9 pm. It was a good, motivating meeting I thought. Kevin is just making faces b/c I threatened to put his picture on my blog ~ see what happens! :-)
And, now we are home, I am blogging b/c I didn't want to take all these pictures for nothing! ha! But I am exhausted, so I am going to check my email and go to bed! I promise to read everyone's blog tomorrow! I really didn't get any computer time today! :-(
Now, let's see a regular 'ole day in pictures girls!

Troubles update...

My troubles are still lurking, but I have a better handle on things for now. Have you ever gone to Church and heard a message just when you needed it? That has happened for us two weeks in a row now, but this week really spoke to us. 'The quality of our lives depends largely on the kinds of decisions we make' was the first line in the bulletin. Kevin is struggling with indecision right now, and I am trying to support him. Sometimes it is difficult, because we are so different in many ways. I am a type-A personality, and he is the opposite! ha! But relationships are a series of up's and down's...we will survive and be stronger for it. We just have to get our priorities in order. God doesn't say if you face trials, but whenever you face trials.

We started the book The Purpose Driven Life together last night. Have any of you read it? You read a chapter a day for 40 days. Each day gives you a point to ponder, a verse to remember, and a question to consider. I am excited about starting it together!

Spread the Love Award!!

I got an award!! Thanks to Lindsay over at Splat Designs ~ she is the bomb!! I owe her the awesome look of my blog every time I get the urge to re-do it. She has an incredible talent. So, thank you ma'am for spreading some love my way at a time when I needed it!

And, on to the really fun part of spreading the love award to others...drumroll...

*I award Tee over at Double Duty ~ She is an amazing Mom to her daughter and makes me giggle on a regular basis with the spin she can put on a story. (or her quirky crush on David Cassidy ~ what is that about Tee? LOL!)

**I award Trina over at Son Up to Son Down ~ She inspires me daily with her faith. Her posts are uplifting and motivate me to try and do even better! And, she has 5 boys with another on the way. But, she knows her blessings and counts them regularly.

***Last, but not least, I award Steff over at An Inside Look... ~ We have too much in common. It's crazy! She is also a teacher of little people and a scrapbook lover! LOL! She is also going through some stuff right now, so she needs some love her way!

Now ladies ~ you get to spread the love! Enjoy!! :-)

Troubles...

I know we all have them. If someone says their life is perfect, well, I think they are lying. Troubles come in waves I think. I am in one of those waves at the moment. I truly believe that how you handle your troubles or problems defines your character. I didn't handle mine very well yesterday. But today is a new day...and I pray that I can handle anything that comes my way today with grace. I really do always strive to find the positive side of things. Sometimes, like now, I just can't. That was yesterday though....maybe today I will. Why do women have to carry the weight of everything? Sometimes it is just too much...there is so much going on that I just can't get into it right now. Plus, it wouldn't be fair to Kevin, because they are OUR problems. But fair or not, I may have to talk to get it out, because I just can't do it on my own. This will just have to do for now...
When you say your prayers today, say one for me ~ that I have the strength I need.

Wordless Wednesday...sort of

I title this picture: Surrounded!

**I have to make a note here to say - I love boxers. I am a boxer nut! But, normally I do not wear boxers on my socks! ha! See them? Kevin saw them in a store yesterday and bought them for me as an "I love you gift". Now, what girl wouldn't put them on and at least wear them around the house? :-)

Meet my new niece ~ Tayhlor

Remember when my Bubby got married this summer? Well, I got this great new niece out of the deal!

Tayhlor turned ten last week, and her birthday party was this weekend. There were giggling, screaming girls everywhere! ha!

Make a wish!

She really is a beautiful girl, and she is very polite and so sweet. I am excited that she is starting at my school next week!!! I will really to get to spend some time with her then. She gets to come to my room before and after school (can you say helper? ha!). Yay! I hope her transition is smooth. Switching school isn't easy at her age and this is all new to her. Hopefully, my being at the school will help!

Weekend Projects

The necessary tools ~ and you could probably hear the "Tim the Tool Man" grunting when Kevin was in the garage using the miter saw! Ha! We finished putting up the molding this afternoon. While I was caulking (or doing the tedious work as Kevin said), he disappeared into the yard to start getting his garden ready for this spring...doesn't he look like Farmer Kevin? hee-hee! Mom & Dad brought him some hay from the barn yesterday. And, I think next weekend, we are going to be really redneck and bring home horse manure!

I snuck this picture through the dining room window:
Anyhoo ~ here is the crown molding!!! I LOVE it! We cheated and used the corner pieces, but the corner pieces were the hardest part! That is all we did last night ~ install the corner pieces. I really thought we were in over our heads, and that we were going to kill each other before the whole process was complete! LOL! Kevin is a wise man though and suggested we stop and start back today with a fresh attitude.
Today went really smoothly...it was kind of scary. I think we can tackle the other rooms ~ but after we forget what a pain it was to put in those corner pieces! Ha! It looks good though...I've still got to putty the nail spots and touch up paint, but it's almost DONE!
And Farmer Brown has his compost pile just the way he wants it for now. All he needs is horse manure from Mom's house, and I'm supposed to start bringing home the guinea pig cage mess when I clean it out...FUN! (not!)

You know it's true...

...I'm a blogaholic!

Picked this up from La Bellina Mammina & am going to share with all my bloggin' buddies! Because you know it fits you too!

Here are the rules:

Please grab the button and proudly display it on your blog. Pass it on to as many people as you want to. Thanks and welcome to the club. If you are reading my blog, I happily pass it on to you!

Thursday Thirteen

*I am super cranky today. I have no reason. I am just a woman. So, I decided to try and make myself get in a better mood by blogging and making a positive post. For the record, it didn't work, I'm still cranky, but I have a positive post. ha!

The Best of 2007:

(in no certain order)

1. Finally bought my own camper ~ the pop-up is sweet! And, for Christmas we got a memory foam mattress for it from Mom and Dad. It will be like sleeping at home. Good stuff!

2. Kevin moved here and moved in (a first for me).

3. We went to Cozumel!!!

4. Snorkeling!!! (that was the BEST!)

5. I got an awesome new job!

6. Made new friends (my new BFF's at work)

7. Kevin's best year of sobriety!!

8. I didn't smoke all year - woo-hoo!

9. A student nominated/honored me with an award ~ very humbling.

10. The doggie door that has provided endless entertainment all year...with the CAT!

11. Camping trips and even in the FALL...loved it!

12. My Bubby got married, and I have the sweetest new niece!

13. Scrapbook night continues and gets cancelled for nothing and no one! LOL!

Wordless Wednesday

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

**To help me with my New Year's Goal/Resolution to read more, I am going to make myself accountable by writing a review or summary of each book I read. Then, I'll be able to check up on myself. So, you might find something you want to read, or you might skip these posts. LOL!

From the book jacket:
When Savannah Lynn Curtis comes into his life, John Tyree knows he is ready to turn over a new leaf. An angry rebel, he had enlisted in the army after high school, not knowing what else to do. Then, during a furlough, he meets Savannah, the girl of his dreams. The attraction is mutual and quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah vowing to wait for John while he finishes his tour of duty. But neither can foresee that 9/11 is about to change the world. Like so many proud men and women, John must choose between love and country. Now, when he finally returns to North Carolina, John will discover that loving Savannah will force him to make the hardest decision of his life.

What I thought:
This is the same man who wrote 'The Notebook', so you know it is a good, heartwarming love story. I cried at times and gushed like a girl over the love these two felt for each other. But, it was also pretty predictable. I pretty much knew what was coming at different points in the book. That didn't make it a bad book though. It was good, and a nice break from my norm of crime solving mystery's. I would recommend it for a light, romantic read.

Ok...that was my first read for the New Year, but technically doesn't count towards my goal b/c I started it during a school break! But, I finished it once we were back in school, so I'm gonna take credit anyway! LOL!
Happy Reading! :-)

First day back with the kiddo's

I am just gonna say it again.... I LOVE MY JOB!! It's true...cheesy, can't be denied...I really love my job! I was missing my kids this weekend. Yep, I was ready to go back to work. I have such neat kids this year. We were all glad to be back (at least, I think they were...they seemed pretty happy and were definitely chatty! LOL!) Don't get me wrong though, it was tough after lunch. We all just wanted a big 'ole nap! Getting back into a routine isn't easy after 2 1/2 weeks off! Feel sorry for me? hee-hee!

Aside from the alarm clock, it was a GREAT day!

Out with the old, and in with the new!

The Before shot:After: (almost finished ~ Kevin informed me we would put up the molding next weekend. I guess since he has to work all weekend this weekend, I'll give him that break. hee-hee!) We made an accent wall of chocolate behind the bed and the other walls are a gold color. The best way to describe it is the back wall was like smearing hot fudge all over the wall and the other 3 are like butterscotch...yum! :-)

I think it's alot prettier in person than the picture shows. I got the new comforter and paint with my Christmas money from Kevin's Mom & Dad - so THANK YOU! And, this is our first compromise...Kevin & I have completely different tastes. I like ornate, he likes simple lines. I like dark colors, he likes light colors. I took some things out of the room that he suggested, and we actually agreed on the paint. Oh...and Mom, the actual name of the chocolate color is cowboy boots. I thought you'd appreciate that!

Nala gives it her stamp of approval. This bed is now fit for a queen!
I didn't take a before shot from this angle...and this one blurred. But you get the idea. I took down some greenery above the shelves on the entertainment center (aka dust traps). I have done some serious cleaning out over the break. There is going to be a big yard sale come Spring in our garage!!
And, finally, the molding that will go up next weekend. Well...I've procrastinated enough. I guess I'll go paint it!

Back to Work...

Today was the first day back to work...I hate the alarm clock! Hate it! And, I even got to sleep in an extra hour b/c we didn't have kids today ~ just meetings (which is worse). Let me tell you, teacher meetings are the WORST! They are boring, boring, boring...and trying to get a room full of teachers to be quiet and listen is actually comical! I doodled my little heart out today and made a massive "to do" list for the weekend. hee-hee!

Yesterday, Kevin and I painted the bedroom. You will see the complete transformation hopefully after the weekend. We aren't completely finished. We think we are going to try putting up crown molding this weekend. Then, it should be finished. It's lookin' good so far...thank YOU Christmas money!!! :-)

Wordless Wednesday

Happy New Year!!

It's hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone...and now it's 2008! Time flies...I look back over the past year's ups and downs and wonder, what will 2008 bring? I got a feelin' it's gonna be GOOD! :-)

For the first time EVER, I kept my resolutions from last year:
For 2007
I will:
*not smoke!! (today marks 3 weeks of no smoking! I am on my way!!)
*find a small church to start attending
*keep on living life, enjoying the journey, and giggling daily!!!!

So, the pressure is on to do just as good in 2008! LOL! I am going to keep them simple and realistic again ~ maybe that was the trick...

For 2008
I will:
*continue NOT smoking (I've made it just over a year now!)
*now I need to be brave enough to join the church instead of just visiting each week
*read more ~ not just when I am on vacation from school, but year round!
*slow down and enjoy the moment I am IN! :-)

I wish everyone (including me) good luck & perseverance with their resolutions for the New Year!

Have a GREAT DAY! I have one more day of vacation after today...:-(

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~