Happy New Years.....any resolutions for you???

I can't believe it will be 2012 in just a few hours!  I love the start a new year.

I am not great at New Years' Resolutions though....I mean, I could say I am going to:

1. diet...but I won't.

2. keep a cleaner house....but that would only last until I go back to school and things get crazy busy.

3. be a better person, wife, mom, friend, etc.......but, this is a daily goal and feel weird about deciding 2012 is the year of being all of this...when I hope to accomplish this EVERY day of EVERY year!

       

So.....I have picked a few other resolutions....

1. I am planning to run/walk 500 miles over the course of 2012 and to bike at least 250 more.  Now, here is the truth...I would really like to walk/run 1,000 miles over 2012 and then bike about 500 miles.  I had a friend, Russanne, who did the 1,000 miles of walking/running over 2011 and I just thought that was an AWESOME goal.  So proud/excited that she accomplished that....and well, I am going to try it too!!  :)

Mark and I after our 5k...He has some running goals for 2012 too!  

2. I would like to do a better job of "de-cluttering."  Now, if this leads to a cleaner house...YAY!!!  But, I found a site I like on Pinterest that gives you a day by day thing to do to have a more de-cluttered home!  I am excited about that!  Here is the website:

De-cluttering Calendar!!!

3. I am going to start keeping a prayer journal.  I am wonderful at telling people I will pray for them (and I do) but I don't necessarily think I do as good of a job as I should.  So, If I write down the requests and then read over them in the morning and evening.....hopefully I will do the job that I should when it comes to prayers.

This is it for me....3 goals...hopes....plans....and I hope to be successful!  What kind of resolutions do you make?

I hope everyone has an AWESOME New Year and that you accomplish all you hope/want in 2012!!!!

Out with the old....

I can't believe 2011 is almost over.  The older I get the faster life seems to go.  This year has been an interesting year.  It has been full of ups and downs, excitement and sorrow, and saying goodbyes and hellos.

Being on Christmas break has been wonderful...I have thoroughly enjoyed being home with Mark and the girls.  However, I am realizing how much my girls are growing up....especially Autumn.  Her Christmas gifts did not consist of lots of toys...instead clothes, a mini fridge for her room, and a whiteboard so she can play school.  She has such adult conversations with us, is a major helper when it is time to clean and is wanting to do more and more "big girl" things.  Now, as much as I LOVE this, it makes me sad.  She is growing up...not quite my little girl anymore.  Now, surely I'm not aging...right.  :(

I have lost several people this past year.  My sweet student girl, Miryah passed away from cancer and my grandfather as well...as well as several other people I knew.  It was a difficult year, which I assume is because the older we get the more relationships that will come and go.

I can't lie, I am okay with the year of 2011 ending, basically because I am anxious to see what the new year holds.    I have a few goals/plans for the next year....but I will save that for a different blog.  I hope you have had a GREAT year!!!

Friendship.......

Have you ever moved somewhere new?  I grew up in a small town where I knew everybody and then moved off to college where I knew a few people.  After college I got married and moved to where I am today...the place where my husband grew up.

I am at a very happy stage in my life.  I love my husband and my girls more than I ever knew I could love. I love my job and though it provides me with challenging things....I know it is what I was supposed to do.  (I also love the fact I am on Christmas Break until January 6th!!!)

I think one of the hardest things about moving to a new place is friends.  I know when some kids move into  our school, that is what they struggle with the most...making friends.  I am typically the kind of person who has very few problems making friends...however there is a difference between making friends who you talk to when you see and having friends who are with you know matter what.  I feel like I am there now.  That group of friends who is there no matter what.

The funny thing about friendship is that some don't work out like you would like.  Some people who I really wanted to be my friend weren't what I were hoping and some that I never expected to be my friend are the greatest friends you could want!

I love having some friends from my past that I still feel like know me inside and out.  The kind who you can pick up the phone and know you will pick up where you left off.  I love having friendships that have emerged out of Facebook or Twitter.  I love having friends that are the people in my every day life. Whether it be trips to Chick Fil A, random texts, or fun things written on my wall......these things make me smile.

I love that I now have friends to do things with, friends to call and talk with, friends to inbox with, friends who care and are genuinely interested/concerned about me.

I received a card yesterday that had the following quotes about friendship on it....

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.


A friend is someone who is there for you when she'd rather be anywhere else.


A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself.

I am lucky to have great friends and am thankful for each and everyone of them!!

Whew!!!!!

Okay....so I posted EVERY day in November.  Might I say that was a lot of work, but when the challenge came to do it...I had to see if I could.  Some posts were CHEESY, others were about basically NOTHING, but some were pretty good and that makes me happy!

I am super excited that December is just about here.  I do love the month of December, though I am not a fan of freezing cold temperatures.  I will definitely continue blogging...but it won't be every night.  I hope everyone has a GREAT December!!!!  Stay warm...it's cold outside!  :)

Randomness...

So, I am SUPER excited...the leappad that I blogged about yesterday, has been found!  Yay!  I am super excited and super grateful to my friend Jennifer for finding it!

I am excited about baking cookies!  We have several "staple" cookies that must be made this time of year.  I have listed a few of my favorites, in no particular order.

1. White Chocolate Chip
2. Peanut Butter
3. 7 Layer Cookies
4. Oatmeal Raisin (though these are more Mark's favorites)

I love to bake...though I don't do it very often!

Have a GREAT night!!!

Jingle All the Way...

Okay....so I love the movie Jingle All the Way!  It's about this dad (played by Arnold...not even going to spell his last name...you know who I'm talking about!) who waited until the last minute to get his son a Christmas present that is son REALLY wanted (Turbo Man)!  Well, needless to say it is sold out and Arnold's character and another dad (Sinbad) go in search of this elusive toy!  It is pretty hilarious and it makes me laugh!

What the "dads" were searching for!!!

Well, it is November 28th and I am on that hunt!  I am stalking all the stores like some kind of crazy lady!  What am I looking for?  A Leapster Leappad.  Now, have no fear, I am on like 5 different stores lists of people to e-mail if it comes in.  I also call stores every other day to check on their supply.  I find it incredible that my child wants a toy that is in such demand!  Now, I should point out that I can find this product for about $100 more than it's worth....it's just I don't want to pay that much.  This has NEVER happened to us before and there is still plenty of time before Christmas!!!  So, I am being very optimistic!!

What I am searching for!  :)

I will continue to stalk the stores, and spend too much time on the internet looking....but, if you happen to see one....let me know!!!  :)

Wish me luck...I'm a lady on a mission and only 26 days to find this treasured item!  :)

Brrr!!!

What a nice day!!!  Okay, well nice may not be the word to describe the weather...it is COLD outside.  However, today the girls slept in and I slept in.  Then we had pancakes and have been watching Christmas movies in the Christmas lit living room ever since!  Today has been primarily ABC Family Channel movies, but I'm sure I will check out the Hallmark Channel at some point.  I love being snuggled in at home with my family.  Mark is hunting today, so it is just us girls.  I should be baking, should be cleaning, should be shopping, should be doing bunches of other things....but not today.  Today, I am enjoying the cold day inside my warm house!!

Enjoying....

Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Today, I went to the gym and we did a "Turkey Tamer" 2 hour workout...which was a kicker and then I came home to find the family decorating the outside of the house. Ahhh!!!  Made my morning!  I love decorating....but I am always so glad to get to actually enjoy it!!!  We have worked on the inside of the house some too, and it is coming along nicely.  I am also enjoying the Hallmark Channel today!  I love it!  Christmas is such a special time....I can only hope I can truly appreciate the true meaning.  Have a GREAT day!!!

Black Friday...

For the past 9 years (at least) Mark and I have gotten up early for the Black Friday sales, this year we slept it!  It was wonderful!  We still got out, but not until later!  I hope you all had a GREAT day!!

Thanksgiving...

I am thankful!!  Today has been a whirlwind.  A great day....but gosh, I am tired!  So, for my blog today I just want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Thanksgiving Eve....

Tomorrow there will be 19 people eating Thanksgiving dinner at my house.  I LOVE to entertain!!!  Mark is fantastic about it!  :)  I am doing most of the meal and that makes me happy!  I am hoping everything turns out GREAT!  I have done as much as I can tonight.  I always find it so funny how everything/everyone is calm cool and collected until right before you eat.  Then, mass chaos!  I am ready!  :)

Have a WONDERFUL day tomorrow!!!  Happy Thanksgiving!  I am so thankful that you read!

Mesh!!!!

I am becoming queen of the mesh!  What am I thinking?  It all started the other day, when I went with a friend and got stuff for a wreath.  Well, I made the wreath and am super excited about it!  Now, I want to "mesh" everything!  Is it okay to use the word "mesh" as a verb?  Oh well, I am!  My husband actually put up our Christmas tree (the one for the living room) today so I could put mesh on it!  I've decided I can put mesh on the mantle...above the window in the kitchen...the possibilities are ENDLESS!!!   I am excited though, I have talked to some friends that are meshing everything too.  So, I don't feel like it is only affecting me!!!

I am hoping this is a phase.......but, until then....I will mesh on!!!!

Have a GREAT night!!!

Rain, Rain....

We have had so much rain in the past few hours.  Sometimes rain can be depressing, sometimes it makes me want to sleep.  I enjoy a rainy day occassionally.....but since we are about to have a house full of people Thursday-Saturday, I would REALLY like the rain to end so my yard can dry out and kids can play!  I am hopeful!!!!

Just a few things.....

I love weekends!  I love the fact I only have to work 2 days this week!  I love the fact that I made a wreath today!  I love the fact a friend helped me pick out stuff for my wreath today!  I love the fact I ate more cheese dip than anything else for dinner.  I love the fact I am watching a Christmas movie!  I love the fact my hubby got to stay up later tonight (since he won't be hunting in the morning).  I love my life!  :)

Breaking Dawn!!

I love fun little surprises and tonight it was when a friend asked me to go to the movies!!  Yay!!!  Breaking Dawn!!!!  Now, I have loved all of the Twilight movies....I read all of the books....and I must admit I was concerned about how they were going to make Breaking Dawn.  Well, let me say I was NOT disappointed and if anything I was super impressed!  LOVED it!!!

Can't wait to see it again and can't wait for Part 2!!!!  Wooo Hoooo!!!!

Frustration...

I consider myself a pretty positive person, but I do feel sometimes I have to work harder at it than I want.  Typically my not so positive moments revolve around others...which is bad.  I shouldn't let others dictate my mood.

Do you ever have times that you feel like you are the one that tries really hard, but the effort isn't returned? Do you ever feel like you take the time to check on others and they don't take the time to check on you?  There have been a few sayings lately on Pinterest that I have really liked...probably because I secretly think them!

Now see....this is terrible, but it makes sense......

I really like this one.....

Love these people.....

Dumbledore is so wise.....

I want to be a positive person, one who gets along with everyone, one that is appreciative of others....with that being said, I will admit I have some work to do.

I am so thankful for people who are what I aspire to be.  Have a wonderful night...thanks for letting me vent a little!  :)

Come on Friday...

The week before the week of Thanksgiving seems to drag!  I'm so ready for Thanksgiving...the time off, the food, the time with family, shopping...just a few things!

I am glad tomorrow is Friday.  Friday means the weekend is here and I love weekends!  I hope you have had a GREAT week...enjoy Friday!!!

Comfort....

I love certain "comfort" things.  It seems like the colder it gets the more "comfort" I need/want.  So, I compiled a list of certain things that just life more comfortable!

I love soups, especially when it is cold outside!!

I love fuzzy socks.  They just make me super happy...the brighter the better!

I love my flannel pants!  Again, the brighter the better.

I also love a good no-brainer kind of movie...whether it be something I have seen over and over again, or something simple to make me laugh.  To be honest sometimes I like a boring movie...so I can take a nap!

Have a great night!

Pageants.....Yikes!!!

Last night was the Jr. Miss Panther Pageant and Autumn was in it!  I never thought I would have a child in a pageant (but I also never thought I would have a daughter that deer hunted).  When she told me she wanted to be in it, I asked why...she said because she wanted to.  I probed deeper...which of your friends are going to be in it.  Her response, um..none, why would I have to do something my friends are doing?  So...we entered the pageant!  :)

Autumn did a get a new dress for the pageant...something she will wear again for Christmas.  She also had to prepare for sportswear...she chose what she wears when she has gymnastics.  Then she had interview.  They asked her what her favorite hobby was and why?  She picked deer hunting, because she gets to go to with her dad.  I know Mark was BEAMING!

Though I never expected my daughter to be in a pageant, I'm not sure I could have been much prouder of her than I was.  The fact she was willing to get up in front of everyone and do that...I am inspired by her confidence and so proud to be her mom.

Sportswear

Dress.....some girls had DEFINITE pageant dresses

Interview!!

My sweetheart...

Not tonight....

Okay, so I am trying to blog every day in November, but I think I have a migraine. So, I am going to bed and will do better tomorrow!! Goodnight!!

Elf....:)

I love the movie Elf.  It is one of my favorite Christmas movies and it was on tonight.  My friend Jill was the one who let me know.  Then we proceeded to quote lines from Elf for a bit.  Autumn came and snuggled with me as we watched it!  It was GREAT!   I can't wait to watch Christmas movies every day!  I know everyone has favorite Christmas movies.  Here are a list of a few of my favorites...

Elf...of course!

Miracle on 34th Street---the one with Maureen O'Hara!  This is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES!!

The Christmas Story--more for memories from my childhood, I always think of my dad during this one.

The Christmas List---this one isn't one many know about, but I love it.

A Very Brady Christmas--I cry every time!!

Polar Express---magical!!!

White Christmas---CLASSIC

Scrooged---makes me laugh

I know I left some out...but gosh, there are just so many wonderful ones!

Have a GREAT evening and I hope you have a wonderful week!!!

L-A-Z-Y!!!

The fact I am blogging today is an accomplishment.  I have had no desire to do ANYTHING.  I woke up earlier than I wanted to and I think it was pitiful from that point on.  I did a little cleaning today, only because I had to!  We got our carpets cleaned yesterday and I still had stuff piled places.  So, I did a little cleaning, a little throwing away, and then I sat down.  I did, in my list of accomplishments pick up Autumn from a friends house, but that was about it.

It just looked dreary outside.  I just wanted to snuggle under a blanket.  The nicest part....I did just that AND it is okay.  I will try and be more productive tomorrow, if not...oh well!  :)

Have a GREAT night!

Notes....

I used to love to write notes when I was in school.  I REALLY loved getting notes!  The excitement of seeing what was inside...was it from my BFF or was it about a boy???  FUN!!!!  I remember my mom would put notes in my lunchbox. Once for April Fools, she put the note in my sandwich....yep, I took a bite of it!  UGH!  :)  Made my day though!

The girls love getting notes.  Sometimes we put them in their lunch boxes and lately they have been writing each other notes!  I LOVE it!  They sneak around so the other doesn't see them and then can barely contain their excitement that they did it!

Tonight Autumn is staying at a friends house and as I went to put Allie in bed we found a note.  Autumn had left a note on Allie's pillow...short and sweet..."I'll miss you."  How perfect is that?  Allie tucked it behind a pillow on her bed and just smiled.

Short and sweet....LOVE my girls!!!

Simple pleasures.....

I think it is so fun that little things make me happy!  Like this morning, I was so excited to start my car from inside the house so it would be nice and warm for me and the girls!  Now, normally I park in the garage, but tomorrow we are getting our carpets cleaned so we had moved some furniture to the garage.  Speaking of carpet cleaning....I am super excited about that!  We have lived in our home for 8 years and this will be the first time we have actually had our carpets cleaned!  Yay!!!

I just kind of put together a random list of simple pleasures that make me happy!!

1. My cups with straws

2. letter in the mail
3. an inbox message (OMG....they make me feel so important!!!)
4. Mark insisting we pick something up for dinner
5. Chick Fil A (are you surprised it is that far down on the list???) :)

6. a bubble bath

Do you remember this scene from Friends???  Too funny!!!

7. visiting with a friend
8. a text message
9. finding a holiday movie on TV
10. a fun song on the radio

It's funny...other than the cup or the dinner out...all those things are essentially free.......so why do I look to buy things to make me happy???  Hmmmm.....I'll have to continue to think about that (especially since I have seen some really cute things on Pinterest!!!)  :)  I think what I need to remember is to look for/enjoy the simple pleasures in life and try to bring others happiness too!

Have a wonderful day!!

Barely made it...

So, I am about to go to bed and I realized I never blogged!  Since I am trying to blog each day in November, I had to write a quick something!!

Today was a good day.  One nice thing about my life is there are more good days than bad.  In fact most bad days....aren't really bad, they are more just icky.  :)  I am super happy that the weekend is almost here and I am super happy about the fact that it is getting closer to the holidays!  I am hoping there are some good holiday shows on this weekend!

Have a restful night, I'll try to blog better tomorrow!!  :)

Making time....

It's amazing how little time we actually have to do things.....especially when it involves groups!!!  There is a group of us that graduated high school together...or at least graduated the same year, that all ran together. We are hoping to get together soon...but gosh, it's hard!  Trying to find time to get 7 girlfriends together in the midst of families, the holidays, and the miles between us is tough!

I am not giving up and I know that we can make it happen....but sometimes I wish we could just freeze time and transport everyone to specific destination and we could just all be kids again...just for a few minutes...or maybe hours. :)

I just know we can make it happen!!!

Have a GREAT night!

Eyes...

So, my eyes have been acting a little weird lately and being that both sides of my family have had eye issues, I went to the eye doctor today.  Luckily, it is nothing serious.

I simply have a stigmatism in both eyes.  So, we are changing my contacts.  For now, both my eyes are dilated and I can't see anything up close, the positive side....it did allow me to take a nap today!  :)

On the sad side of it all, my sweet eye doctor (who is great) did tell me the only reason I am noticing the stigmatism is because I am getting older.  Yep, there it is.....one of the first times that AGE has caused something NEGATIVE!!!  I hit 35 and my warranty is up!  :)

Oh well.....I am sure it is the first of many negative things that will happen because of age.  For now, I will just fumble my way around and hope my eyes go back to their normal size!  :)

Have a GREAT day!!

Changing colors...

I LOVE fall.  I love weather where you can wear a long sleeve shirt and I love seeing the laves change colors!  I took a few pics of the family today. 

I am so thankful for the beautiful fall leaves!!   Have a wonderful week!!!

Today....:)

Today was a great day!  Mark and Autumn left around 5 a.m for the youth deer hunt.  I never thought I would have a daughter that hunted, but it is what she wants to do and I will support her!  :)  She had killed a doe by 9 a.m.  She was sooooo stinking excited (as was her daddy)!!!

Autumn and her deer!  :)

My sweet Alliebug crawled into bed with me a little before 8 and told me she loved me more than anything!  I just love that sweet girl!

I watched a few holiday movies on the Hallmark Channel...that made me so happy!  I just love holiday movies!!!

Tonight I tried a couple of things that I had seen on Pinterest!  Oh my scrumptious!!!

This is a hashbrown casserole that is AWESOME!!

Crescent rolls with cream cheese, jalapenos, and bacon! Yummy!

I am thankful for today.  Have a wonderful night...time to watch the Hogs beat South Carolina! WPS!  :)

Day 4....The Little Things...

My day was made by 9:30 this morning!!!  My sweet friend Andrea made my whole day!!!  She lives 3 1/2 hours a day and made my day...my weekend!!!  How can that be???  She wrote to me/about me.  That's all it took!  How many times do I think of friends during the day and NOT let them know.  That's awful!  I need to let my friends know that they are on my mind, that I am thinking/praying for them, and that I miss them.  Thank you Andrea!!!

My sweet friend Andrea and I....this is the most recent picture I have!
We need a new one!  :)

Isn't it funny how sometimes it is littlest things that can make our day better, or bring a smile to our face!  I didn't have to work today and was able to schedule a massage and facial.  It was FANTASTIC!  I need to do those type of things a LOT more often!

I love the fact that when I do things for others it makes me feel good and I love that taking time out to do something for myself makes me feel good.  Sometimes I think we all need to focus on what makes US feel better because let's face it, we are better spouses, parents, people when we feel good.

I am so thankful for the little things......:)

Have a GREAT Friday!!!!

Teaching....

I ALWAYS knew I wanted to teach.  I just wasn't sure which grade I should teach.  I loved each one I was in.  :)  I was the kid who at age 8 had a chalkboard in her bedroom and would teach my dolls and stuffed animals!!   I thought elementary would be fun because I could twirl a whistle at recess, but I chose high school.  I love high school kids, though they can make you a little crazy.  I chose to teach social studies because I had a few social studies teacher that took what many considered a "boring" subject and made it interesting.  I would have to thank Bob and Sandy Thompson for that!  :)

I have taught in two different places and have loved them both.  High school kids are a lot of fun, a lot of work at times, but a lot of fun.  There is this misconception about teachers....this idea that we have a lot of time off.  :)  I won't lie, it is one of the perks of the job....time in the summers, time around Christmas, my Spring Break....but the the amount of time I actually put in at work is a lot and makes up for quite a bit of that time off.

Teaching is an emotional job.  For some of the kids school is the only "safe spot" they have.  Their teachers are the only ones who are truly looking out for them.  Since I have been teaching I have lost at least 5 students.  Each of those lives was taken, in my opinion, too early.  My most emotional loss was, of course, Miryah.  Sometimes I still look at the clock and think, I should be at her house, working with her right now.....unfortunately I can't.  I recently worked with another student that had no food in her home....can you really imagine that, I mean...it wasn't that she didn't have what she wanted in her house..it was the fact she had NO FOOD!!!  Heartbreaking!

I love the idea that I am making a difference.  I love it when the kids tell me they wish they could stay in my class instead of going to their next class, I love it when the kids tell me they want to be teachers.

I have always felt that with teaching I have had the best of both worlds...lots of time with my girls, but still a fun job to go to each day.

I am so thankful that I have a job I love.  I am thankful I work with great people and get to make an impact on kids lives.  I am also very thankful that I am off of work tomorrow!  Have a GREAT day!!  :)

Me...trying to look professional!  :)

November 2nd.....Laughter...

Laughing is wonderful!  It is actually one of the best "core" workouts you can have.  Laughing where you are hurting in your sides is a great way to burn calories!!!

I love listening to laughter....especially my girls.  Sometimes they can't stop laughing and they can't even tell me why!!!  I LOVE that!!!

I love laughing with my family and friends.  I just always feel so much better.  It is nice to laugh away problems, laugh for enjoyment, and laugh at ourselves.

I am thankful for laughter and hope you have something your life that brings you lots of laughter too!

November 1st....Thankfulness

I feel like I am a pretty thankful person, but I know I could do a better job of it...especially of expressing it. So, for November I will blog each day (that is my plan) about what I am thankful for!  It is GREAT seeing people on FB updating their statuses with THANKFUL things!  

So, day 1.....

I am thankful for my amazing family and my wonderful friends.  

I am blessed beyond belief with an AWESOME husband and my girls can make any bad day all better. I am super blessed with my family, those near and far!!   I am so grateful for my friends too!  I have some of the BEST friends ever!  I am also so thankful for FB, it allows me to keep up with friends who don't live as close as I would like.  

I hope you all had a wonderful day!!!  Happy November and find something to be thankful for each day!!!  :)

New Plan!!!!

Okay....November 1st is tomorrow!!!  I can't even believe it!  Things are slightly calming down in my life, and that makes me happy.  :)

Starting tomorrow I have a few plans (in no particular order)...

1. Eat a piece of fruit a day!  (I have got to be better at this!!!)

2. Exercise more!!  (I haven't done near as good as I used to!!!)

3. Spend more quality time with my family!!

4. Try some of the new recipes and crafts I have found on Pinterest.  (There are soooo many I love)

5.  Find something to be thankful for each day!!

I hope you had a fabulous Halloween!!!

Seasons Change......

I LOVE summer.  I mean, I am off work in the summer, there is lots of swim time, I get to stay home with my girls, stay up late, sleep in late, wear flip flops.  Life is good!!!  But, I am always glad when fall comes around.  It is an AWESOME time of year!!!

Now, for me, I feel fall really starts in October.  Yesterday, October 1st, was a perfect fall day.  Temperatures started in the low 50s and ended up in the mid 70s.  I had hot cocoa in the morning and had my windows open in the afternoon and evening! 

The last 3 months of the year have some of my favorite things in them.  Now, before we get too far into my favorite things, let me point out I am not a fan of the cold, like bitter cold.  I love some of the events that occur in that time period, but I don't like freezing cold weather. 

Now, back to things that make me super happy about this time of year.

1. Soccer season....I just love watching my girls play!!

2. Football season...I love watching games (on TV and at the fields).  I love, when going to High School games, visiting with friends, watching my girls stare in awe of the cheerleaders, drill team, and band, and this year the Homecoming Court!!!

Allie in the Homecoming Parade

Autumn in the parade!

Autumn and Queen Carly

Autumn and I with Taylor.

Allie, well, Allie enjoyed the game!  :)

3. Warm foods...I know we eat warm foods all year, but soup and chili on a cool day is perfect!!!


4. Friends....I love the time you can spend outside, inside, at a get together, going out to eat, or even shopping!!


5. Having the windows open...I love letting the nice fall breeze inside!!


6. Cooking....I love making sweet treats, cookies, cakes, and other fun things this time of year.  


7. The holidays.....Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas....there are soooo many things I love about them!!!


8. Hallmark and Holiday movies.....they are PERFECT on a Saturday or Sunday!!!  

Enjoy the end of 2011, it will go by so fast, but there are sooo many reasons to go out and enjoy it!!!  

Priorities....

So, today was the BIG game....Arkansas v. Alabama!  The spot to be at 2:30 this afternoon was in front of the television!!!  We, however, were on the soccer fields!  Autumn had soccer games today...yep...games, today was her double-header!  Her first game was 2:20 and her second game was at 3:15.  For a couple weeks we knew this was coming.  We made all of the preparations....got the DVR ready, wore our Hogs attire to the game, informed people NOT to call us, refused to check FB, or any site that would give us info.

Today at 2:20 we were on the soccer fields along with quite a few other Hog fans.  When the game started, I never even thought about the Hogs (okay...that isn't true, I thought about them occasionally, but usually only when someone tried to talk about the game).  Autumn scored 2 goals today.  I was such a proud mom!  They tied both of their games.  Their first game the final score was 3-3.  Their second game was scoreless.  It was awesome because my mom even got to see Autumn score her goals!!  Mark and I both agreed we LOVED being out at the fields today.

The truth is, I LOVE being out on the soccer fields.  I LOVE watching my girls play.  I am always so proud of them!  I LOVE being with my friends.  We are lucky enough to have some of the BEST kids on our team and some of their moms are some of my favorite people.  The weather was PERFECT today.  It was a GREAT afternoon!  Now, when we did get home, we watched the Hogs lose from start to finish, and were proud to cheer for the Hogs (when they gave us something to cheer about).  But, the highlight of my day occurred on the soccer fields....with my family and friends.  It was a GREAT day!

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

Complete Randomness.....

It is a cool and dreary Saturday morning and the truth is, I am glad.  It has been a busy week and the fact I don't feel the need to be outside enjoying the fresh air is okay with me (for the moment).  I am happy to be laying on the couch under a blanket thinking about the events of this past week.

Allie had her first soccer game this week.  It was a double-header.  In between the 2 games, she lost her first tooth.  We were so excited!  It had been loose for a while and we had been trying to get it....naturally, it came when it was time.  I was soooo excited for her and so glad I was there for it.  Autumn's first soccer game is today.  I can't wait to watch her play.  There is nothing more important to me than the things my girls are involved in.  I LOVE being there cheering them on!

Yesterday was a good day.  It started with a nice breakfast with Mark from Chick Fil A (you know I loved that), dinner at Larry's Pizza, and family movie night with Thor!!!  It was a great night to just "be."  As silly as it is, one of my favorite things about Larry's is the fact that the girls can go play games and Mark and I just talk...it's almost like  a mini date night.  :)  Thor was a good movie and we even enjoyed some hot chocolate during it.

On a sadder note, I seem to be knowing a lot of people who have been losing loved ones.  My heart has been hurting for all of them.  Last night a sweet 8 year old girl (that I have been following the story of) became the newest angel in heaven.  She had been battling cancer and her fight is now over.  When it comes to cancer, I hate saying someone lost their battle....it gives the cancer too much power in my opinion.  This girl, Morgan Anderson, was a fighter and she has touched more lives than she could ever realize.  I can imagine no greater pain as a mom than losing a child.  Yet, knowing the fight that kids can put up and the faith and strength they show, I can imagine no greater pride as a mom either than knowing your child fought the best they could.  Watching the Glen Rose school district come together has been inspiring.  It has also taken me back to my journey with Miryah.  The pain, the pride, the strength, the anger, the loss, the love.

I was reminded recently reminded by my friend, Jill (through her blog), that my first job is being a mom.  I take no greater pride in anything than my job as a mom.  I will cheer loudly at every soccer game and hold them as much as they will let me.  Though my girls will make me crazy, cause me stress, and have me wanting more sleep.....this is the life I have always wanted and never want to be without.

Have a wonderful weekend.  Hug the ones you love.  :)

Can we do this again, PLEASE?!?! :)

Let me start this blog by saying that I LOVE my girls.  I ADORE my girls.  I would do ANYTHING for my girls.  That being said, I have loved this weekend and my girls are with my mom.  Is that terrible to say? I don't think so.  There are few things I have realized this weekend,

1. I LOVE my husband.  I have realized how much I just enjoy being with him.  We have had a great time.  He went jean shopping with me (and convinced me to buy 2 pairs!!!), we watched football (Go HOGS!), we did our Wal-Mart shopping, we were just together...and I LOVED it.

This is not from this weekend, I just love this pic of us!  :)

2. I was tired.  I slept 12 hours last night and had taken a nap yesterday afternoon.  I knew I was worn down, lots of emotional things had ended recently, school had started, soccer has started, just normal crazy life...but I had no idea how tired I actually was!  Sleep was SOOOO needed!

3. I love food.  I always love food....but I ate whatever I wanted (or what Mark and I wanted) and didn't worry about making sure the girls were happy too.....or forcing them to eat what we may have been eating.  For some reason....I ate a LOT of food this weekend.

Mark and I have had time to ourselves before, we are blessed with people in our lives who are willing to take the girls whenever we need them to.  But, this weekend was different....we didn't have anything we NEEDED to do.  We were just at home.  It was soooo nice.  We still have the rest of tonight and some time in the morning......it has been perfect.  Thank you, Mom!  :)

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Just a couple of side notes...not sure what to call these, but things that have been on my mind that I just wanted to share...

1.  Do things that make you happy....buy things that make you happy....I'm not saying to go into debt...but be happy....this is your life and you should enjoy it.

2. So often it is easy to complain or be negative.  Think about the things you talk about during the day, are they positive or negative?  Try to find more positive things to talk about than negative.  Now, believe me I know we all have negative days, but I truly believe we can be happier people if we focus on the positive and don't dwell on the negative.

3. Take time to be with your spouse.  Kids are a blessing, but make sure you focus on the person you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with.....fall in love again and let them know how important they are to you.

I'm more in love with Mark today than when we first got married!  :)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!  I am planning on it!

My Allie-bug :)

I think once you have a child and start considering having another one, you wonder if you can possibly love that child as much as the first.  I always knew I wanted 2 kids.  I had assumed I would have a girl and a boy (basically because that is how it was in my family) and Mark always assumed he would have 2 boys (because that is how it was in his family).  When we had Autumn I was soooo excited!!!  When pregnancy number 2 came along I was sooooo excited!!!  However, I wondered can I possibly love this new baby as much as I do my first, Autumn?

Allie's pregnancy was very similar to Autumn's.  I was sick A LOT!!!  I only threw up for the first 5 months with Allie though.  :)  I gained right about 24lbs. with her.  Her due date was September 17th.  I had just started a new job in August and figured I would be able to get through the first 4-6 weeks of school before I had her.  WRONG!!!  Allie was early.  I taught all day, that Friday.  I had lots of pains..but just assumed they were Braxton hicks contractions.  When I got home that night, Mark was going to take Autumn to Russellville to meet my mom so she could keep her for the weekend and Mark and I could have a final weekend alone.  Such a great IDEA!  By the time he got to Russellville I could barely stand up....the pain wasn't awful...but it was tough.  He didn't eat with my mom, like planned, when he dropped her off, but came straight back.  I told him I was fine and again assumed this was a false alarm.  In fact, I told him to stop and get dinner before coming home because I knew he was hungry. He got back from dropping Autumn off around 7:30 and we left for the hospital around 8...at that point my contractions were about 5 minutes apart, but I knew they would send me home, I was wrong.  Allie Paige was born at 10:51 that night.  I received my epidural around 9 and was pain free from that point on.  :)  Allie was 6lbs. 2oz. and was 19 inches long.  She was PERFECT and I immediately knew, I could definitely love a new baby as much as I did my first.

Allie has continued to bless us each day.  Her creativity, spunk, and determination keep us on our toes and in fits of laughter.  I am soooo blessed to have the sweet child in my life and I could not love her more.

My sweet girl celebrates her 6th birthday tomorrow (Sept. 2nd) and I only wish for her all of the happiness and love in the world.....she has definitely made my world a better place!

Have a wonderful night....:)

They aren't me.....

According to my memory, I was pretty much a perfect child.  Now, I had my faults (I'm sure), I just don't remember many!  :)  When it came to school, I remember loving it!  I wasn't THE most popular by any stretch, but I was never afraid to go up and try to make a new friend.  I don't remember getting into trouble (very often at least).  I remember having to stand in the hall in 2nd grade because I was trying to motion to a new student (who didn't speak ANY English) that she had to keep her head on her desk, and a teacher from a different classroom saw me and I got in trouble.  But, I was trying to help, right?

My girls aren't me.  They are both precious and I love them more than I can stand....but they aren't me.  I have to remember that sometimes.

Autumn is a LOT like me...chatty, friendly, chatty, a people-pleaser, chatty...:)  But, she is going to get into trouble.  She is, what I like to call, impulsive.  She isn't a bad kid...but she has to miss a recess occasionally, for something impulsive she does.  It makes me crazy.  We try to work on it...but I wasn't that way (at least I don't think I was) so it is hard for me to relate.  I think she should be perfect all the time....Hmmmmm....not going to happen.

Allie is my one who rarely gets in trouble in school (like pretty much never, I hate actually putting that because tomorrow she will probably get into trouble).  But, she is more of a loner.  Not in a bad way.  She told me tonight that she probably won't play with anyone tomorrow because she has played with kids all week and needs a break.  WHAT?  A BREAK from friends...at that age!  OMG!!!  She also said some kids won't ask her to play....broke my heart!  I told her to ask them...she said, "No, I'll wait on them."  WHAT?  I would have walked right up and asked kids to play.

It is hard watching my girls do things differently than I would.  I have to remember, they aren't me.  I love them more than anything and will always be here, supporting them...but they aren't me...and that is okay.  :)

Have a GREAT night!

Happy New (School) Year!!!!

Most people make New Year's Resolutions, usually I do too, but for me it seems to make sense to have resolutions for the upcoming school year.  I am actually kind of excited about the new school year.  I can't wait to hear what they girls think of their teachers and see how they do in school.  I am excited about meeting my new students and being a part of our new school!!  My life will, in some ways, be less stressful this school year and that makes me very happy.  So, here are a few of my New School Year Resolutions...with any luck...I will be successful!!!!

1. Spend more time with my family.  I adore them so much and they make me so happy, so I want more quality time with them.

2. Have more time with just my husband.  We need to make time for just the 2 of us....LOVE my girls, but sometimes it is nice to just go out with him...maybe dinner dates, going to movies (this would make him so happy...NOT RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES though!!), weekend getaways......hmmm...time to start planning!  :)

3. Do more with my friends.  I love being around them!  I love GNO's, cookouts, impromptu gatherings....so much fun!!!


Okay....a few "Healthy Living" goals.

1. Eat healthier...I don't diet, so I will try and eat better.  :)

2. Exercise more....I do pretty well during the week...about 3 times a week at the gym, but I want to try to get in at least 5 days of some type of exercise.

3. Run a couple 5K's.  First one I hope to run....Sept. 10th!!!

A few "Household" goals...

1. Keep the house cleaner.

2. Possibly do some work to the downstairs floors...I've been doing research and getting suggestions!

3. Keep the house cleaner......I am really going to try harder on this one!  :)


I think the 2011-2012 school year is going to be FANTASTIC!!

Have a GREAT rest of the weekend!

At the end.......

The 17 year old girl that I last blogged about, Miryah, died yesterday.  The last few days I witnessed her change for the worse.  She stopped speaking, stopped focusing, stopped using her hands.....she wasn't there......and that was hard to see.  To make matters worse, she lives in a section of town that lost electricity this week.  The high was 114 degrees on the day she lost electricity.  Mark and I took ice, fans that were battery operated, and flashlights.  A nice electrician (actually 2) came over and hooked a generator up for them and got their a/c working.  Prior to that her mom had packed ice around her to keep her cool.  Can you imagine?  Over 100 degrees outside and your packing your child with ice to keep them alive.

I knew yesterday that things were not good....I couldn't stop praying.  Mark, Autumn, and I had planned to go to a movie that afternoon so I had planned to stop by their home afterwards (it would have been around 8).  I don't have any regrets about being with my family at the movies when I got the call.....but I knew it was coming.

Another person and I arrived at Miryah's home shortly after 7:30.  She had passed away around 7.  I was there with her mom when she called the coroner and there when he arrived.  I was there to watch her body be taken, I was there as her mom started discussing memorial arrangements.  It was then I realized how much a part of Miryah's life I was.  I watched her boyfriend cry over her, I watched her grandmother be strong in talking to the many people who came in and out writing reports on her, carrying her body, asking questions, I watched her leave her home.  I did talk to her...told her how proud I was, and how loved she was.

Through the past 6 months so many people have listened to me and prayed for me and Miryah and her family.  I have witnessed people give their time, money, food, resources and prayer to help a family in need.

It was the right time for Miryah to go.  She was not the girl that I met in January.  She had dealt with cancer for over 2 years.  She fought hard.  She would have turned 18 on August 13th.  She told me last week that she would give anything to be back in school.  Then she turned away with tears in her eyes.  She has taught me so much.  It was only 6 months....but I LOVED this child.  I will miss her.

I tried not to write this....

Tonight we went to Larry's Pizza.  They were having "celebrities" wait the tables for tips and all of the tips benefited the American Cancer Society.  It was a GREAT night!  I love those nights where you do something and it turns into more fun than you ever could have imagined...yeah...one of those!

However, there is been something I have felt the need to blog about...but haven't.  I don't know why I haven't....almost afraid to write it maybe...afraid to put it out there, but it is making me crazy so I will just do it.

In January of this year I started working with a 17 year old girl.....she has cancer and had a bad diagnosis.  They didn't expect her to live very long.  At first I actually said no to doing this...I had so much going on...2 kids, school, teaching at the gym, soccer, gymnastics, my husband, PTO president at my girls school, and everything else in my life!  However, I knew I was supposed to do this.  She has made it just about 8 months now, since I started.  But, things are going down hill fast.  I went and saw her last week and lost it when I got home.  She is can't talk, she is just bones, she is not the girl I worked with in January, or March, or June for that matter.  I hurt....I hurt for her, for her mom, and even for myself.  Here is the bad thing...I didn't want to go....Yes, I admitted it.  It is just so hard to see.  However, not going isn't an option...I HAVE to go...I mean literally, it would be harder for me to NOT go.......

I have had some wonderful friends who have given advice and listened to me ramble and I am so grateful for those people who had unexpected texts, phone calls, inboxes...but one thing stood out.  One response really hit home for me....she told me that people are only brave when they are afraid and that people are only strong when they are tired.......I don't know if this makes sense to you like it does to me....I don't consider myself strong or brave...I consider this sweet girl and her mother these things.  However, when I do go and visit her weekly I do ask God to help me be strong and in some ways brave.

If you have a chance...please pray for this sweet girl in her final days or weeks......I know we are at the end.  My prayer is that she doesn't suffer......I will continue to go and be there for her and her mom....I have learned so much about strength and bravery from them.

I actually feel better now...thanks to those of you who read.

Coming Home.....

We are officially home from our vacation to Gulf Shores.  It was wonderful.  The only negative is that Allie was sick on some of it.  She has been running fever.  It would kind of come and go....we tried to make sure she had downtime and basically stayed in all day on Wednesday.  She still isn't her normal self, so I am sure a trip to the doctor will occur.

I did learn a few things from vacation that I hope I don't forget any time soon.  I know they will sound silly, but they are things that I have obviously forgotten lately.

1. The truth is the things that really make me happy, don't cost anything!!!  Don't get me wrong I did some shopping and I am super excited about some of my new clothes, but those were just bonuses.  There was nothing better than watching my girls smile when waves hit them, listening to them laugh as we all talked, or just the sweet hugs and kisses they would give me just because I am their mom.

2. I need to stay focused on what really matters.  It is easy to get caught up in drama or competition or negativity.  During our week, the only drama we had was telling the girls not to touch each other if it was going to cause conflict....the only competition was who would hit the numbers on the elevator, only negativity...Allie not feeling well.  All things easily dealt with and all things pertaining to those who I love.  So why at home do other things make me so crazy?  Time to re-prioritize!  :)

3. My girls are growing too fast.  Autumn celebrated her 9th birthday at the beach....I can't believe she is 9!   She is growing up too fast.  She wanted to night swim one night because there was a cute boy at the pool, she played with girls who were anywhere from 10-14 years old there....she isn't my little baby anymore.  :(  Allie is growing too.....she wants to do everything Autumn does and loves her sister so much.  I know they will argue as they get holder, but I hope their special bond never goes away!

4. I adore my husband.  He is the perfect person for me.  He complimented me daily and made sure the vacation was wonderful for me.  I am a lucky girl and only hope he knows how much I love him.

4. I love my family.  They are PERFECT for me.  There were moments on the trip when was looking at the ocean and realizing some people will never see this.  Some kids will never have or do the things my girls are doing.  Every day was a constant reminder of how blessed I am and how God continually is in control.  But that is just it.....it shouldn't take a week at the beach to realize that, because these things are around me daily....I just have to remember to notice them.

I truly love my life...I love the people in my life...and just hope that some day everyone has a moment where the world is just as perfect for them.