Missing In Action

We're leaving for Gatlinburg tomorrow so please excuse my absence until next Sunday if I don't have any internet! I have no idea if we'll have internet or not. When we get back, I'll have pics!!! Love to all!

Success!

The Family Day went over without a single hitch!! Here are some pics... Mary took most of them! Thanks Mary!!

Back to School Rally

Today's VBS-style Youth Day went well! But tomorrow is the biggie! Daniel spent the majority of this week and today working on the building for tomorrow. He's work so hard, and I'm so proud of him! I hope we have a LARGE crowd and no major complications. Please say a prayer for our event at church tomorrow and that everyone traveling has a safe trip!

I also got new glasses today!! It's exciting [to me] because I don't get them but every 2 or 3 years. (Dork alert- referring to myself of course.)

Chris and Joseph are staying with us tonight!! They got in about 6 tonight, and we met them at our favorite restaurant, The Loop. Of course, we had to go play putt putt after we ate. I came in third place. Not bad for a skinny kid, and I even had to go first on every hole. (I don't think it was very fair to make me go first! *hehe*) I did beat Joseph though!

That's our day in a nutshell. I'm not sure how much I'll be updating next week because we're leaving for Gatlinburg on Sunday, but don't give up on me. I'll be back in the rotation the following week.

Love all of you! ~Mandi

Lil' bit of nuttin'

Hello world! My days and nights are officially mixed up. That's okay though, that's why I went into education! :) I officially love summer vacation!

Today was nothing too exciting, but I did have one minor scare. I was at a stop sign waiting to turn and out of nowhere I felt a bump. I wasn't sure at first what it was. Then, I realized I'd been rear ended. Luckily, it just knocked the dirt off the back of my car and didn't scratch or dent anything. After that, I just worked on my room for a bit and went to church.

Daniel spent the day preparing for our Back to School Rally coming up this weekend. I think it's going to be fun. I'm in charge of registration and also the extra set of hands for any unexpected event.

Exciting life, huh? I wouldn't have it any other way! I love every detail about it.

We leave for Gatlinburg either Sunday or Monday!! Woo hoo. (We have reservations Monday-Friday, but we've discussed going up on Sunday!)

Classroom Chaos

I've been trying to update daily here lately, but I slacked yesterday. I know school will be starting soon, and I hope to continue with my daily updates. However, we'll see in a few weeks. Speaking of school, we worked in my classroom for a while today. But let me start at the beginning...

This morning when I woke up, I called the assistant principal at Locust Fork and asked if I could work in my room for a while. It was no problem so we headed that way. I already knew that my room was the old "junk room" meaning that there was TONS of junk in there. Being optimistic, I thought they might have moved some of the items out of the room over the summer. WRONG! My principals didn't realize how much stuff really was in that room. At first I was pretty much left to move it ALONE with the janitors.

The janitors weren't too thrilled with my arrival because the principal asked them to come help me. Unfortunately, it was almost three o'clock, and they were going home at three regardless of my situation. The janitors actually told me to go home and come back the following day!! Needless to say, my principal did not like this idea!

Enter principals help moving stuff!

The principals and I moved over 50 humongous monitors and 10 computers into the hallway. But after that, I was then left with a room full of broken desks and various unwanted items to move alone again.

Enter Daniel and Daddy. Yay!

So, Daddy, Daniel and I started moving desks and climbing over mountains of STUFF. Only difficulty, where do we put the extra 20 desks, extra filing cabinet and three broken chairs? So we go on a mad hunt to figure out where to put this extra stuff!! It all ended up In the hallway! *hehe* Of course I asked permission before I did this though.

Enter Mom.

Finally, the four of us began the cleaning process and organization process of just a normal classroom! This is a task in and of itself when it's your first year at a school!!

We worked for a good 4 hours total, and then went to eat at Konomi in Trussville! Let's just say, we bought Mom and Dad's supper for all their help and we still owe them! Thanks everyone for all your help! My room now looks as good as it can considering. I am getting a new paint job, new desk, new computer, and my floor waxed soon! *yay!!!!* I hope it gets better each year, but at least I won't have to clean out the junk every year. I think I'd rather move every year!!

Randomness

• Einstein declined the presidency of the state of Israel when it was offered to him in 1952 by state leaders.
• When hippos are upset, their sweat turns red.
  
• It cost 7 million dollars to build the Titanic and 200 million to make a film about it.
• Most soccer players run 7 miles in a game.
• German Shepherds bite humans more than any other breed of dog.
• If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural cause.
• Whip makes a cracking sound because its tip moves faster than the speed of sound.
• Two animal rights protesters were protesting at the cruelty of sending pigs to a slaughterhouse in Bonn. Suddenly the pigs, all two thousand of them, escaped through a broken fence and stampeded, trampling the two hapless protesters to death.

Can you Sudoku?

I have been hit by the latest game craze... SUDOKU! It's been around for awhile now, but I wanted something innovative to put on my blog! Hope you have fun! Try to get the numbers 1-9 each in row, column, and 3-by-3 bolded square! (Tina, maybe I'll keep you entertained for a little while!)

Everything is better on Friday..

I'm sitting in Web Page Design training, and we're exploring the world of blogs. I thought this would be a prime time to update! Not much has happened yet, but today is Friday! I love Fridays. Everything is better on Friday. People are more polite, and everything goes smoother. For me, Fridays don't make much of a difference during the summer, but during the school year, I am so excited on Friday nights. I know that Daniel and I have an entire weekend to spend time together and recoop from a hard week's work! So, I hope everyone has a great Friday! Make it your own mini-holiday! Today, I'm just happy to be alive.

Life with Alex.. always something to laugh about..

Alex has been with us this week, and I have throughly enjoyed having someone else around. I love Daniel, but when it's just us, we aren't very exciting. We do about what Bayley does, sleep, eat, poop, and repeat. We've just had fun talking, laughing, eating Daniel's concoctions, and [the boys] playing football. Alex is going home Saturday, and Mary's party is also Saturday!! I need some gift ideas. Help me out people. You can email me at mandicourington@hotmail.com or just leave a comment. I can't keep a present a secret anyway!

Tomorrow I have training for Professional Development. I'm suppose to learn how to build a webpage. Maybe I can figure out how to "Pimp My Blog."

How much is one million?

A University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) graduate is currently counting to one million. It is expected to take him at least three months to complete the task! I saw him on a national news station tonight. He is currently on about 360,000. You can even watch him live on http://www.millioncount.com He is raising money for PUSH America. I like numbers but not this much!!

What interests you?

Faculty Retreat

I checked the mail tonight after our Movie Night at church with the youth, and I had a letter in it from a teacher at Locust Fork. The letter was to inform me of a faculty retreat next Wednesday-Friday. I was so excited. I am looking forward to my job, and this is a great opportunity to get to know everyone. LF is piloting a program called Project Community. The basis of the program is to provide locally relevant, hands-on learning opportunities for our students. While we're there we will get to go fly fishing and tour an 1820s farmhouse, and everything is paid for!! (The picture at the top is the house we'll get to tour!) We will attend conferences during the day and get CEU's for the workshops we attend. I will be sure to take pictures and post them when I get back!! Meanwhile, the website for where we'll be having our meetings and doing activities is: http://www.alabamawildlife.org/lanark.asp

100 Things About Me...

100. My life has made one large circle. I live in the house I grew up in and work in the system I attended school in. It's amazing how history repeats itself.

99. I am finally getting older, and it freaks me out. When I was a kid, Pluto was a planet! Times have changed! Getting older really does seem weird to me though!

98. I have friends and always have, but I don't think I've ever had a best friend. Girls typically got on my nerves growing up. Everything was a big deal to them.

97. I am spoiled rotten. My mom was the original source, but Daniel has carried the tradition on. I like to think I spoil him too though.

96. I would rather eat Daniel's food than any restaurant!

95. I HATE confrontation.

94. I always said I'd NEVER be a teacher. I am currently employed as a 10th grade math teacher.

93. My future children have a 50% chance of either having the eye disease in my family or being a carrier of it. (Only boys can actually have the disease. Girls can be carriers meaning they can pass it on to their children someday.) I don't mind though because it has only made my Dad a stronger person; therefore, I know my children will be ok also.

92. I always wanted to be a doctor. That is my true dream in life. An oncologist to be specific.

91. I have three heroes in life. 1) Daniel 2) Daddy 3) Mr. Joe - a guy we go to church with; he's in his seventies

90. I regret not remaining close to my high school friends.

89. I am still not old enough to substitute teach in Blount County.

88. I am scared to death of fire. My grandparents died as a result of a house fire.

87. I got my first job because I was walking across Freed one day and wondered into the tutoring office and just decided to sign up to tutor. I took my first paycheck, bought some fabric and made a blanket to ensure I'd always have something that was from my first paycheck. I'm covering up with that blanket right now!

86. I love anything monogrammed. It makes me feel special when it has my name on it. I'm silly.

85. Einstein's life amazes me. Daniel says I'm a dork.

84. I knew 2 of my great-grandmothers. They are both deceased now.

83. My mom is my best friend.

82. I always fear I might get on people's nerves. I know I don't most of the time, but I don't want to intrude or bug anyone.

81. I H-A-T-E being treated like I'm going to steal or shoplift something when I go in a store just because I look 16.

80. I am mistaken as a student at least once a week sometimes while going through the lunch line with an elementary school class.

79. I think I spent too much time alone growing up because now I can't stand a quiet house or room.

78. If I have a boy, I hope he turns out like Alex and Levi.. They are always so happy and energetic.

77. I really need to have more real conversations with Daniel's family and spend more time with them.

76. I always wanted to play high school basketball but never got too. I am better at softball anyways.

75. I am NOT musically inclined. Maybe our kids will get the Courington 'Music' Gene.

74. I cannot stand when people yell at each other. It makes me cry every time.

73. I look like my Mom and act like my Dad.

72. I need to find more outdoor hobbies.

71. I am highly allergic to something, but we cannot figure out what it is. Crazy, huh?

70. Addi is adorable. I think about her and usually tell someone about her everyday.

69. I love it when Levi calls me Minnie. I am sad when his nap time comes because I know it means no more Levi hollers. I like the hollers.

68. I want to be like my mother-in-law someday.

67. I think my father-in-law is one of the funniest people I know. I love to yap with him about any crazy topic.

66. I believe Billy should start a Special Events Decorating Business.

65. I would give Mary part of my liver if I could. She amazes me with how much energy she has regardless of everything.

64. I think Paul is an amazing teacher. He is so patient and puts so much effort into his lesson plans. I hope I can try as hard as he does.

63. Kim has to be the MOST patient person I know. I wish I got to see her more often. I miss her quite frequently.

62. Josh is an awesome dad. I love it when Hannah sees him walk into a room. She just lights up.

61. I had so much fun talking to Katie the day we went to camp. I never knew we had so much in common.

60. My kids will have the BEST aunts and uncles EVER. Thats worth more than anything earthly possession.

59. I cannot wait to meet Lila.

58. I tell everyone about my nieces and nephews just like they were my own siblings' baby or babies.

57. I think about how Addi, Levi, and Hannah will interact with my kids a lot. I hope they are with my kids how Jasmine and Alex are with them.

56. I hope Jasmine gets to achieve her goals. She is such an amazing young woman and so dedicated to God.

55. Alex lets me see what Daniel would have been like at 16. He is such a wonderful young man and Christian. He always makes me laugh. He will be an amazing boyfriend and husband someday.

54. I love that my entire family are members of the church.

53. I want my kids to grow up at Sylvan Springs church of Christ or whatever they rename that place next time they move. Hehe.

52. My mom means more to me than she would ever know.

51. I am always cold and wear a jacket 365 days a year.

50. I would live in pajamas if it was socially acceptable. Lucky for Daniel, it's not.

49. I love my puppy, Rascal. He listens to Daniel better than he does me but when Daniel gets on to him, he comes running for me. I guess it's because I am scared to spank him.

48. My Aunt Freida is one of those people that is good at everything.

47. All four of my first cousins can tear a piano to pieces. I took lessons for 7 years and know Old McDonald my heart.

46. I am terrible at basic arithmetic.

45. I use to ask as many questions as Addi does. I got spankings for "What If-ing". I would ask What if the sky falls down or about any scenario I could dream up.

44. The best thing that ever happened to me was going to Freed-Hardeman. I wish I could go back and spend another year as a student.

43. Daniel and my's first date was when I was 15. We double dated with my parents. (Kim: I still have that bear!)

42. My cousin Tiffany is 17 months older than me. I was always smaller than her. Now I stand 6 inches taller than she does. She still protects me though.

41. My best friend is at Faulkner. I miss her more than anything in the world. Her boyfriend and I grew up at the same church and are the same age. He lives 2 miles from me. Maybe I'll get to see her soon.

40. I hate talking on the phone.

39. I can never eat everything on my plate. It's a mental thing, ha.

38. I can eat hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts like a mad woman.

37. I was better at correct grammar until computers came along.

36. I have gained about 15 lbs. and grew 2 inches in the last 3 months.

35. I love going to Wal-Mart at crazy times of the night.

34. Daniel just said he wants his kid to call him Pop.

33. Sports are for playin' not for watchin'.

32. It is to just a game!

31. I love when Daniel speaks at church and all the old ladies told me what a good job I did picking him out!

30. I love my husband.

29. I think coffee is wonderful until I drink it. The smell is absolutely blissful.

28. I cannot sit still long enough to watch a movie.

27. The beach is my favorite place on earth.

26. I live for the moments my dad tells me how proud he is and how much he loves me.

25. I sleep in my glasses; I guess that's why they are warped.

24. I can wiggle my ears. Yes, I know that's disturbing, but you probably just tried to wiggle your ears! My left ear is half an inch higher than my right ear.

23. My left ear has a pointy thing on it. Daniel calls it my Elf Ear.

22. I love for things to be organized but am too lazy to organize things.

21. I am running out of ideas.

20. HGTV is my favorite television station.

19. I have lived a very protected life.

18. I have always wanted a purple room.

17. I love anything girly.

16. I played the xylophone in the band. I didn't want to but my parents made me. They thought I agreed to it, but I only agreed to try it for one week.. Before the end of the week, I was fitted for a uniform and had my makeup pictures made. Therefore, my parents thought I wanted to be in the band.

15. I am leaving for Six Flags in 5 hours 45 mins.

14. I have not slept in my bed in over a week.

13. I watched all 10 seasons of Friends in a month.

12. I love any animated movie but the Incredibles.

11. I love beach towels.

10. I have always wanted a pretty house that is decorated how I like. (I have it!)

9. I love Christmas time. I want to throw a Christian in July Party.

8. I had two requirements for my job next year: 1) Somewhere that wanted to hire me 2) Somewhere I could wear flip flops to work

7. Marketing ideas work for people like me.

6. I love Rick and Bubba, but they also get on my nerves when they all talk at the same time.

5. I don't like to be bothered when in deep thought. I'm working on that.

4. I have lost a friend to cancer.

3. I don't like when people are lazy at the expense of others.

2. I love my school bus yellow tiled bathroom.

1. I am happy to be alive!!!

Anniversary, Job, and Beach!!

I am writing this blog from the BEACH!! I am lucky enough to be able to spend the week with my parents in Orange Beach, Alabama. It was been wonderful other than I got sunburned on my first day. We haven't really done much but that's the whole point of vacation. We are going to Mobile on Saturday to attend the Mega Conference.

This past Monday was a BIG day for me. It was our second anniversary! Wow, 2 years has flown by!! What can I say? Daniel is so important in my life. He is my everything other than Jesus of course! I could not ask for more and cannot put into words how much I love and appreciate him and everything he does for me. I love you sweetie. Also, I was offically hired Monday as Locust Fork High School's 10th grade Geometry teacher. I am sooo excited. If you want to learn more about the school, the website is: http://locustforkhs.blount.k12.al.us/

Well, the beach awaits me so I'll update again soon!