Christmas Wishes and Post to come!

I haven't updated much lately, and for that I apologize. My digital camera was *cough* DROPPED on a youth trip a few months ago and not fixed since. Therefore, I have no pictures to share, which makes blogging rather dull. However, I think this problem will be corrected with Christmas fast approaching. I've heavily hinted that I want a camera for Christmas!! I'll go as far to say sale ads for digital cameras laying around whenver I find ad ad! So, Dan... consider this your final 'hint' if you haven't yet caught on to this pattern. Only kidding..

I am working on a post that I hope will be much of a delight with a few creative craft ideas and some of my favorite things. Therefore, keep an eye out, and much love to everyone!

Not too much to say..

Life has been rather boring around my house unless you consider organizing closets, putting stuff in cabinets, and cleaning the house fun. We are in official unpack mode. The reason I'm blogging is..

I want to let Mary, Katie, and Jazz know how thankful I am that they are well. You each mean so much to me. I truly have something to be thankful for this year as we celebrate Thanksgiving and that's your health and happiness.

On a personal note, sorry I haven't posted in a while. I really have NOTHING to write about. The house is coming along. We LOVE being in Trussville. Church is absolutely amazing. I guess when everythings going smooth and life is boring, that's the GOOD times. So, I'm definitely not complaining.

One fun thing we did at church last week was a Creating Casseroles cooking class where you create casseroles to freeze and cook later. It's so neat! For 22 dollars I made 4 dishes: Shepard's Pie, Lasagna, Breakfast Burritos, and Pizza Loaves.

I have 2 more class sessions and class will be done for my ABC certificate!! Can you believe it!?!? Yay.

DirecTV will be installed tomorrow!!! No more watching Jon and Kate at school (yay!).

I'm out of school next week for Thanksgiving! WooHoo!

Daniel is off Thursday and Friday next week.

Jerry is getting married this Friday. They're soo cute together.

That's all. Good-bye!

We're moved!

Hello.. well, we are offically (mostly) moved. We've been residing in Trussville since Thursday of last week. It's so convient! I'm not NEAR as tired anymore... whoohoo!! Moving has been an event. That's a post in and of itself. We will be getting cable and internet next week, and I plan to most the entire story then. So, until then, take care!

Today's the day...

We close on our house at 1 PM today. We did a final walk through yesterday and everything was great! My good friend, Jennifer, went to see the house with me. I even got Dad's approval. (That's a big deal! He even thought we got a good price. Whoa!) So, if all goes well, we'll have possession of the house in the next seven days. They hadn't moved out as of yesterday, so I doubt we'll get possession today. We are truely blessed!

Well, they say I'm boring...

...and it could be true. The kids at school asked me the other day, "Do you smoke, drink, or cuss?" I was delighted when they asked the question because I was able to respond proudly with a big, fat.. NO. Well, I politely said,"No I sure don't." My eighth graders were thrilled by the idea and encouraged. However, the older kids replied with, "YOUR BORING!!!" I replied this time with a big grin and a thank you! To me, I'll take that as a compliment (from a tenth or eleventh grader any day.) I say that to say, I've had absolutely nothing to post about. Perhaps, I really am boring.

We close on our house on Friday. I haven't started packing thing. (No, Daniel hasn't either, and I don't believe it's in my near future.) I guess I should get busy on that. *Sigh*

Today is Kim's birthday, and I'd like to tell her Happy Birthday. I don't get the opportunity to visit or talk to her (or Katie) often. However, I truly care for them and would do anything for them. I hope they know this. When I do get to visit with them, I strive to chase kiddos around so that maybe (for a few brief seconds), they can sit down and relax without having a worry in the world. And.... If you ask me, the kids are quite fun to chase around! There are many days while I'm at work when I think, I wish I were able to go see the kids rather than eating cafeteria food or teaching integers. (Not that I don't love my job...) I say that to say, I think of you (Katie and Kim) everyday. Thank you for the nieces and nephew (I wouldn't have any without you two!).

I'm taking a class at JSU on Tuesday nights. It's an education class (the one where you write like seven page lesson plans) ugh!! But, surprisingly I l love the class. It's ALMOST like therapy. (Very close to a Dr. Marc class for those who had him at Freed just an educational perspective instead of sociology/social work class) Nonetheless, I've not been able to attend some of Roebuck's youth events due to my class. That's where Daniel is tonight. He's actually waiting on someone who ran out of gas at the moment. The joys of youth ministry. The job is going great, and we love everything so far! It's been a true blessing.

I hope Mary's biopsy went well today. I haven't heard anything, but I assume we will hear something when it's public knowledge. In the meantime, I am in constant prayer for her wellbeing. Mary, we miss you and pray for you daily. Please take care of yourself and don't work too hard. We love you dearly!

Well, to have "nothing" to post about, I sure have rambled on and on. So, I hope all is well with you and your family. We love you each so much. Please be careful. Love, Mandi

New House!!

First and foremost, Mary is still in surgery, and nothing new has been shared with the family at this time. Surgery could last another 1-3 hours. This is all via Daniel who is curently at the hospital. Please keep Mary and family in your prayers! As well as, the young child getting the other portion of the liver. Mary said it wasn't a Wal-Mart liver rather an Abercrombie (as in Abercrombie & Fitch) liver!! For that we're thankful already!

Now is other news: (Most people already know because you were all at the hospital when Daniel got the call that we got the house!)

We put an offer on a new house Wednesay night. The offer was finalized today and should close the end of the month!! I thought you might want a few pics to admire in the mean time. It's exactly perfect for the stage we're in now and the stages of life to come. It's in Trussville City limits. As an educator, it is important to me to know the schools are good. We'll be so much closer to work, church, family, and friends! The house is about 1650 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The basement is unfinished with a TWO car garage complete with door openers!! OH YEAH.. I guess that means no more scrapping ice off windows in the winter with my AEA card! There is about 3/4 of an acre and on a dead end street. ALSO... There aren't any shacks next door, and I'M EXCITED!!!

The house from the street. I love the color. Absolutely fits our personalities!
The LARGE kitchen! It's oversized and can be easily opened to the living room. Oh and the frig and washer/dryer are staying!!! I love that frig. Like our new tv?? Yep, the tv stays too!! Not to mention the fireplace and wood floors!
The slopey but not wooded yard!!! Yay, NO TREES! I don't like trees being too close when it's stormy. I'm worried they'll fall on the house when we're sleeping. Weird, I know.

Mary's Liver..

I'm sure you all know, but I just got a call saying that Mary will have surgery tomorrow to get her liver. She'll be admitted to the hospital tonight and surgery is tomorrow! Please keep her in your prayers!!

Aunt x5!!

Well, I'm happy to report (as if you don't know) I'm going to be an aunt again! I'm as excited as can be!! Best wishes Josh, Katie and Hannah!! Life crazy around here. Tonight we had a chance to get together with some old friends from Glencoe church of Christ and eat supper. We are truly blessed to have such great friends (old and new). We miss them dearly and keep them close at heart. We are praying to work out a new house in the near future. We'll keep you updated but are praying diligently everything works out if meant to be. I've been doing some Christmas shopping lately (minor shopping) and have throughly enjoyed myself. Hey, I've gotta do something to pass the time on Sunday afternoons! Well, I've gotta go work on an Instructional Conversation for class tomorrow night. (A conversation consisting of only questions. Oxy moron huh?) G'night! Love you guys, Mandi

We've been googled...

On Wednesday nights we eat supper at church. We always have great food and fellowship, (and it's cheap!) Nonetheless, Brother Jerry Jenkins sat down with us last night at supper and one of the old secretaries at the church. We were talking about when she was interviewed and all that good stuff. Before long Brother Jenks said something to the effect that he had googled Daniel when we were interviewed for the Youth Minister's position. I was a bit stunned but the conversation continued. THEN... He looked at me and said, "And I found your website!" Side Note: Now, this is the second time this has happened by chance!! I was struggling desperately the words to say at this point. I didn't want to say, 'So what'd you think?" That'd be like openign can of worms for any topic to come out. So, I sat speechless as you can imagine. He continued to on by saying, "It was a good website, and YOU STILL GOT THE JOB!" So, maybe the website was a good thing. Who knows. Brother Jenkins and everyone at Roebuck, if you are still reading around, you owe me a comment! Only kidding, I grant you reading rights Besides, you're no longer a stranger so you're 'allowed' to read it at this point!

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

Well the pictures from RUSH are not available... my camera got dropped as we left the church building. Ask Daniel for details! ;) No, he didn't drop it, but he'll explain it to you. We had a great weekend, and Daniel leaves tonight for Natchez Trace in Lexington near Freed this afternoon! Please keep him in your prayers as he travels. Life is still hectic but is working itself out. I have to go but will try to update soon!

They said we'd be busy...

...and they weren't lying. We started at Roebuck Parkway this week and have been running nonstop. I am also taking a class on Tuesday nights in Jacksonville. Our schedules have proven to be difficult, but we have truly enjoyed all the new opportunities we've been presented. We leave Friday for R.U.S.H. at Freed (where we attended college). This is an event I've been wanting to attend since I went to school there. For some reason, I couldn't go when we were in school up there. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to a great weekend with the kids and getting to know them better! I will post some pictures when we return and try to update more often.

Daniel loves being back in Birmingham (I've been trying to tell him for a year now!!) and loves his job. We're still working out the details such as days off and number of events a week (it can be a bit daunting at times not knowing the details), but I think it will all work out fairly in the end.

Our house is on the market, and we're hoping for a quick sale. My heart is a bit sad to be selling my childhood home but more than that 'our' first place. I've lived there since I was seven!! I know every nook, creek, and shadow like no one's business. Here is a link to our house (thats for sale) and you can see pictures also!! Who knows maybe I'll sell it on my blog, ha!

On my mind..

No, Georgia's not on my mind, but I have a student at school that has just touched my heart. I know of their home life situation and it's not terrible, but I know it could be much more. I can usually accept life and understand that there's nothing I can do about certain situations and move on. This particular situation has been on my mind since about last Wednesday, and I cannot quit thinking about the situation. This child is absolutely amazing; their potential is beyond anything words can describe. However, there is little guidance in the home. The child had the perfect life and it all fell apart before his/her eyes. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to prepare them for what is to come, but this child has experience the worst of the worsts. There isn't much more I can prepare them for; they've experience things I won't experience for years to come. I strive to make school as special and enjoyable as possible for them, but that only goes so far. Please pray for this individual as God knows who they are. If there is anything I can do to help, pray that I will take full advantage of that opportunity and realize it as soon as possible.

Our last day at Glencoe...

We have been blessed to become a part of Glencoe church of Christ over the last two years. We've gained friends that will last a lifetime and beyond. Sharon, the preacher's wife, has become a dear friend of mine. She's always there to lend a helping hand or listening ear when something bugging me. Her advice is the best, and I will miss her terribly. I have no doubt she will be on my speed dial as we enter our new journey with Roebuck. No matter the situation, she always has a solution- a Christian solution. And she's willing to listen to my fussing when I don't want a "Christian solution." She gave me a sign that said "Sit long, talk much, and laugh often" yesterday. When we get together, that's exactly what we do! I always think of her when I see Splenda because our husbands harass us for "slipping" a few Splenda's into our purse when we eat out somewhere nice!! They say it's stealing! Nonetheless, it's now become a game. She loves Olive Garden's tall skinny packs of Splenda, and we're planning an Olive Garden trip SOON to sneak some Splenda! Well, now that I've shared my ramblings, I hope you give your 'Sharon' a hug next time you see him/her!! Friends are definitely a great blessing!

Wordle...

get your own at at Wordle

• Life has been good lately!
• School is amazing. I have the BEST behaved group of kids EVER!
• We went and looked at a house on Monday. We liked it alot but are still debating as to rent or buy.
• I bought two new tired yesterday ($260 ouch!) and my car drives like it did 90,000 miles ago! Its amazing what tired will do for a car.
• I am sad the women's gymnastics is over! I loveee watching it.
• We will begin worshiping at Roebuck Parkway one week from today.
• Tipin is doing well. She is as rotten as ever, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
• I am having some tests run this or next week to see about pain in my lower left side. I went to the doctor on Monday. Shouldn't be anything too terribly major.
• I am off work a week from Monday... yipee! I've already got part of the day planned. It's amazing how one day off will make you smile for weeks knowing its coming up!
• I saw the first Christmas decorations of the season Monday. I was BESIDE myself with excitement. It makes me smile thinking about the season to come!! (I'm grinning right now!)
• Daniel has one week and two days left at DHR and then a week of vacation! Yay, no more 'bossy bosses'!
• I've been itching to do a project. Anybody got any grand ideas? I'll post a few and see what you think... These are three of my new favorites I've been eyeing...

Project 1) Take a simple canvas tote bag and use bright colored rafia to make sunburst on it!

Project 2) Take an old picture frame, paint it, attach knobs and ribbon, and use it to hang your favorite jewelry and accessories from!!

Project 3) This one is a favorite because I love love love old blue Ball Perfect Mason jars. I have plenty of them laying around to use for this. You make a little shadow box out of the jars using nature and photos!!

Hope I sparked a little bit of creativity inside of you!!! Love you guys, Mandi

We're moving to Trussville!!!!

Our life has been very much like a roller coaster lately waiting on one certain phone call! Well, this morning we got that phone call!! We found out Daniel got the job at Roebuck Parkway as the Youth Minister!! We'll soon be on our way to moving to Trussville!!! Yay! We can't wait!!!

It's a small 'world'...

People actually spend time reading this thing. By people.. I mean not family or friends (no offense), but a coworker! Let me explain myself...

Our school website has a place for faculty to create a webpage. Well, somehow they got the link to my school blog and took it upon themselves to post the link on school website so my students could like from LFHS' site to my site. Sounds innocent right? They just posted my school website. Well, you can link to my school blog from my personal blog!!! Ahhh...

So, one of the teachers at school today said, "I sure did enjoy reading your website!" Huh!? I smiled and acted 'dumb' hoping she was mistaken, but she wasn't. I figured she'd some how found my personal blog, and boy was I was right. After she explained all that to me, I think I turned blood red! So, that was my topic at lunch today in a nutshell... we all had a good laugh out of it!

I've fixed it so you cannot get from my school blog to my personal blog, but I have no idea who (from school) has read this thing.

Small world wide web, huh?

FYI: School has resumed, and I had a wonderful first day with students today. I guess it can only get worse from here, but that's fine by me! Paul, I hope you have a good day tomorrow! Best wishes to all you educators going back to work and parents with kids starting kindergarden!

You Only Live Once...

I was visiting my normal blogs I enjoy lurking and found a post on a YOLO board. It's somewhere between a kyak and a surfboard. You can stand or sit on it and paddle yourself around! I was absolutely hooked on the idea. I'd love to be able to enjoy the summer weather from a YOLO board. However, I think I'll enjoy looking because they cost about 1500 bucks. Sigh. Nonetheless, how do such simple ideas go for so much money!? I mean hasn't this practically already been invented twice. Once with the kyak and once with a surf board!? What do you think? Would you enjoy it?

Guilty?...

Here are criminals caught red handed in photographs! It caught my eye today on Yahoo!'s homepage.

Courington Catchup...

• Vacation was absolutely a blast!! It made me realize how much I miss the family (especially the kids) on a weekly basis!
• We've applied for a job in the Birmingham area. It looks somewhat positive at the time! Keep us in your prayers!
• My parents arrived safely back home from Hawaii much to my happiness. I am truly glad for the safe trip.
• When we got home from our trip Saturday evening, the refrigerator door had been left open. So, everything in the frig had to be thrown away and replaced. Not to mention all the water in the floor had to be mopped up repeatedly. It all worked out and only have a couple of warps in the floor as a result!
• FYI: Daniel will be speaking at Blessing in Boaz a week from tomorrow and at Glencoe that evening!
  
• We love and miss you all so much!
  

3 years ago today...

...I became Mrs. Daniel Wayne Courington. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I can hardly remember my life without Daniel at least being a part of it. We met when I was a freshmen/he was a junior in high school on a church of Christ message board site. We went on a couple of dates and went our separate ways. We remained close friends for the next 3 1/2 years even helping each other out with relationship advice. (Ironic, huh?) Well, when the time allowed, we met up again 'our' junior year of college over Thanksgiving Break to catch up... as 'friends'. We were engaged right before Easter of 2005 and married on July 2, 2005! How time flies and how things work out. I remember his saying to me one time while giving that infamous relationship advice 'what are you going to do someday when you can't call me for advice because I'm married to someone else?' That was enough for me to know I didn't want that to happen and I sure am glad it didn't!! One of my biggest fears when we started dating was I'd 'lose that friend' I'd always depended on for advice, but I've gained so much more than advice! I love you, Dooniel! Your my best friend - even if you do drop you clothes everywhere!

He spoils me (and Tipin) utterly rotten. I got roses, a dc/ac converter, and laptop bag for our anniversary!! I couldn't pick Daniel's present up today because they were closed. He's quite alright with waiting one more day he said. I did cook him supper though. That's a definite luxury for him because he usually cooks!

One of my/our great blessings

The other day a lady I teach with found out I had been married for a few years and said well 'you understand about Mother-in-Laws then'. The only response I had was 'not really'.

I've been so blessed in my life, and my mother-in-law is no exception. I was so greatly reminded of this when I called her out of the blue Wednesday. She was genuinely glad to hear from me and didn't mind sharing her time. She is always patient, considerate, and thoughtful! I just wanted to let her know how much she means to us.

Susan, we love you so much. Thanks for everything you do for everyone!

Ouch...

Well, I guess I was subconsciously jealous of David's scraped knee from camp because... I now have one of my own!! I fell off of a broken driveway Sunday while spending time with my Mom. Shew, it is also bruised l real bad from where I fell and hit the concrete!

Other than my scraped knee, Daniel has been working like a mad man so he'll be able to go on vacation. He'll work about 12 hours a day to ensure he gets all his work done until July 3rd! He'll be caught up after vacation!! So, we'll see more of each other after vacation as well (yay!)

Have you seen this around town?

Images from Google Images; Search for Smart Car

Mom and I went to Lowe's Wednesday to get a new sink for her house. Well, we parked at the garden entrance and did our thing. When we returned about an hour later, this THING was parked beside us!! Mom said, "Mandi, come here! What is it??" My first thought was an UDO (Unidentified Driving Object). Nonetheless and still unsure myself, I looked at the "logo" on the back so that I could come home and Google it! You can tell by the second photo how "large" or lack thereof that the size of this 'automobile' is truly remarkable/awkward. I'm still freaked out by the whole car and it's freedom to roam the roads because I'm scared I'd run right over and think I'd only hit a McDonald's drink cup! Not to mention this gives David's old clown car some real room to brag! Come to find out, it's called a smart car. You'd think this thing would get good gas mileage. On one review I read, it only got 32! Daniel's car gets that!!
It is also so narrow you'd never have to parallel park again. You can just back up to the curb and park! It is manufactured by Mercedes and is only 8 feet, 2.5 inches long, less than 5 feet wide and about 5 feet tall. I think I'll invest in a mutual fund or Roth IRA before I buy one of these...

Just for fun...

Just for Mom

Mom loves it when I highlight my hair. She says it "frames my face". So while I was buying groceries today, I moseyed over to the cosmetics. The hair color section caught my eye. And of course you know where the post is going.. So, I now have highlighted" hair. Minimal highlights are all you get for $7 though. So, it's not too dramatic. Thank goodness! Love you Mums.

Help!

I'm a prisoner in my own house due to these creatures! I get at least 2 mosquito bites just walking to my car, and to make it worse, they swell and turn into a knot under the skin after I get bit!! The knots don't go away for about 10 days! I have 12 mosquito bites or knots on my body right now! Any suggestions?

Numb3rs at JSU

I attended a professional development workshop at Jacksonville State University today called Numb3rs. We got to "play" with several types of software and explore all of the technology they have to offer to their students! It was sort of a recruitment workshop, but I had a blast! The highlights of my day was playing with the Lego Robot, using Photoshop, and editing a movie!! The robot is wirelessly connected to the computer. You could program the robot to sing/beep when it is touched or even go straight and then turn left! They said that was only the beginning of the posibilities! We had to program the robot to go in a perfect square that was 1 foot by 1 foot!

Old mailbox + spray paint + stickers = before and after...

Before After

Happy Birthday Granddad

Today we had a surprise birthday party for my Granddad! He turns 75 on Friday, June 13th! I don't get to visit with my grandfather too frequently, but I enjoy hearing his ole' tyme stories! He's got some good ones! We love you, Granddaddy!

On the ball..

I only had kids the first two periods today! I got my room cleaned, bulletin boards done, and everything ready for them to wax the floors. I only have to print a couple of things off STI tomorrow. It's nice to not be stressed about getting everything done and be able to enjoy the last day! And for that, I'm extremely thankful.

However, I have a prayer request. A student of mine who was my assistant twelve hours a week had her baby two month premature last Friday. I don't want to say her name without her permission, and I'm not sure when or if I'll see her. Please keep this young lady in your thoughts as she graduates tonight and faces this scary journey into adulthood and motherhood!

Have a great Friday and weekend!! Much love to all!

100th Post... Glencoe Graduation Banquet and SCYC

Graduation Banquet at Glencoe church of Christ

Erin's Table

April's Table Last Picture: Fellowship Hall (minimally decorated with balloons on every other table) There was another table, but I couldn't get the picture to load.
Daniel and Alex at Supper
Alex's cabin picture
Alex and his "little man in training, E" as he called him. I have no idea.My cabin, 5th and 6th grade girlsWatermelon Waller

(They throw a watermelon in the pool, and

two cabins basically play football with it)

Daniel and I after Watermelon Waller (Yes, I participated, and it was freeeezing cold!!)

Since Friday morning....

I have been on a field trip to the McWane Center, been to Jaz's graduation party, decorated for the graduation banquet at Glencoe, had the graduation banquet at Glencoe, been to decoration, and helped with dinner at the Revival tonight. I've literally worn myself out. I started shaking and had a terrible headache at dinner; so, I came home to lay down and didn't get to stay for the worship service tonight. Also, we leave for camp Thursday and haven't even packed at all yet. As I mentioned, we have revival this week ending Wednesday! So, please excuse my absence over the next few days! I will have some pictures of the banquet that I will post soon! If I don't get a chance to post before Thursday, I will post the pictures after we get home from camp on Monday.

Also, please keep us in your prayers as we decide what is in our best interest with our careers over the next month or so! (Especially concerning the education budget and my job. The program I'm in is a one chance shot. If I lose my job, I cannot just begin working in another system without starting a master's program.)

Moving on...

As school comes to a close, I cannot help but be excited about the 2 carefree summer months to come! However, I have grown attached to my 3 classes of eighth graders! I'm going to miss them so much. For the most part, they are extremely well behaved and so smart! I know I will PROBABLY feel the same way about the kids I have next year, and I have already started building relationships with them by interacting with them between classes. As I reflect on this year, I have three goals to help improve my teaching for next year. First, I hope to be more consisted with grading. Such as all homework is worth 25 points, quizzes worth 50, and tests worth 100. This year I based it off of the length and difficulty of the assignment. Secondly, I want to become more organized and plan ahead more. I'd like to make out my tests before I start teaching that chapter. Thirdly, I am going to integrate technology in the classroom more. My projector was installed today, and I believe it will increase student engagement and decrease teacher workload! For all you educators out there, what do you think would help me be a more efficient teacher!? Share your expertise, please!

Mother's Day and Button Bouquet instructions...

I'm not much on sappiness or mushy stuff. However, I want to say thanks to all the "Moms" in my life. First, there is my Mom. She's always been there for me and had my best interest at heart. She's become my best friend over the years. Second, my mother-in-law couldn't be a more loving, generous, and caring person. I love her for the son she raised and is now my husband. I love her for the example she is to so many. I know my kids will have two grandmothers like the grandmother I had! Thirdly, there's my Mom's mom. She passed away almost 13 years ago. I think of her often and miss her daily. She still has a great impact on my life and will even have one on my children's life through the memories she left behind. Lastly, there are all the ladies at church whom I have come to love as if they were my grandmother. There are too many to name, but I gave them each a hug yesterday and told them how much I cared about them!

So, to all you moms out there, thanks. Everyday should be Mother's Day if you ask me!



Here is a picture of the presents I made for Susan and Mom. They are button bouquets. It is suppose to mimic a flower bouquet but never die. I thought it was too cute, and I had a BLAST making them. I even kept the secret and suprised them both!!

Supplies: Jar, Buttons, Shears, Plyers (optional), Floral Wire - 18 or 20 gauge

Helpful Hints: Jar about 3 - 6 inches tall with a small opening for best results otherwise the buttons spread out to much and fall over, about 30 buttons in your favorite colors and various sizes so you can stack the buttons, plyers for bending, shears for cutting (I just used shearsno plyers, but you have to be careful how hard you press the shears while bending the wire), floral wire (18 gauge, 20 gauge, or 22 gauge- the bigger the button the lower the gauge. I know it's backwards, but it wasn't me who designed the gauging system. If you are in doubt, I recommend 20 or 22 gauge.) I used 18 gauge and should have used 20 gauge. It was so hard to bend because it was too thick.

How to assemble it: Cut your wire to the desired length (depending on how tall you want your flowers to be, leave about 2 inches for the buttons and wire bending. Example: If you want your flower 4 inches tall, cut it 6 inches. It will be about 4 inches after you put the buttons on it and bend the wire. Then, bend the wire in an "S" shape about 3 inches from one of the ends, place your buttons on the "S" shape, and wrap or twist the remaining end to secure the button on the wire! Make as many "flowers" as you want and put them in your vase. It's suppose to be random and fun. Don't get too caught up in making it perfect!

It took me about 30 minutes to make it once I got the hang of it! Leave any questions on my comment wall as to how to make them. I will get back to you as soon as possible!!

Graduation Party

I have been asked to do the Graduation Party at church for the graduating seniors. Well, it has proven to be quite the event. The biggest problem: scheduling. We've finally got it all planned and schedule. I've decided to decorate in a brown and black theme. We would do the school's colors, but they look hideous together. They are baby blue/red, black/gold, and kelly green/white. Can you imagine the clashing that would be going on? So, we simplified and are doing brown and black with wrought iron accents/decorations. I'm hoping to give it a "homey and mature" feeling. If you have any adorable decorating ideas, please let me know. I thought I'd share a few with you that I've found along the way!


Quotes:

The tassel's worth the hassle! ~Author Unknown


You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes.You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.You're on your own.And you know what you know.You are the guy who'll decide where to go.
~Dr. Seuss



This is my favorite though! *I'm going to use brownies so it will all be brown instead of using cupcakes. Same idea though!!*

Here's the link to the recipe!

Prep Time:30 min
Total Time:55 min
Makes:24 servings, 1 cupcap each
1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow or white cake mix
1 env. KOOL-AID Orange Flavor Unsweetened Soft Drink Mix
2/3 cup (1/2 of 7-oz. tub) BAKER'S Real Dark Semi-Sweet Dipping Chocolate, melted
12 HONEY MAID Honey Grahams, broken crosswise in half (12 squares)
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
2 chewy fruit snack rolls, any color
24 jelly beans
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Line 24 muffin pan cups with paper liners. Prepare cake batter as directed on package. Stir in drink mix until well blended. Spoon into muffin cups. Bake 20 to 25 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean; cool.
SPREAD 1 tsp. melted chocolate onto each graham square to cover entire top of cracker. Place on baking sheet. Refrigerate until hardened. Remove paper from cupcakes. Turn upside down. Using wooden spoon handle, make small tunnel from top to bottom in center of cupcake. Place whipped topping in small resealable plastic bag. Snip corner; pipe small amount of whipped topping into each cupcake. Place remaining whipped topping on top. Top with chocolate covered graham to make "cap".
SEE tip below to make tassels. Place each tassel on top of cap with jelly bean in center, using a small amount of whipped topping as glue.
Kraft Kitchens Tips
Substitute
To make all white graduation caps, spread additional whipped topping on top of grahams instead of chocolate. Line them up in rows for a black and white graduation!
How to Make Tassels
Cut fruit snack rolls into 24 (3-inch) long pieces. Cut 3/4-inch slits at one end of each piece to make a fringe. Roll up lengthwise tightly to make tassel

I made our Mother's Day gifts last night. They turned out adorable... pictures soon to come!

Medicine for 'Monday Melancholy'...

TLC has some of my favorite tv shows on a single station! I enjoy watching Jon and Kate Plus 8; Little People, Big World; Take Home Chef; What Not to Wear; Flip That House; and (MY ALL TIME FAVORITE) Movin' Up. Tonight is Jon and Kate Plus 8 and Little People, Big World. Mondays are definitely not my favorite day of the week, but TLC's Monday night tv line-up sure does make it nicer! What's your favorite television show?

What does a friend mean to you?

To me, it's someone I can be myself around, completely be myself.

I've always had plenty of friends. My interests vary plenty enough I can usually find something in common with anyone. I may not necessarily be buddy-buddy with everyone, but I can find some common ground with them.

But, I'd only say I've had one "best friend". (By best friends, I mean inseparable.) Well, I met her in middle school. We soon became as inseparable as possible considering we lived an hour apart and weren't in the same class. We stayed very close for the next four years. We've had our ups-and-downs in the sense we'd go six months without talking, but we ALWAYS picked right back up where we'd left off. Well, that time has now come where we haven't spoken in almost 18 months to 2 years. She's done some not so courteous things that have hurt my feelings. I do take some blame for our loss of communication, but I've never intentionally been rude to her. I consider her my sister would even be upset if anyone intentionally hurt her feelings. I've tried to contact and even seen her in the last year, and our relationship seems terribly stressed. I've accepted that we might never be close again, but I just want some sense of acquaintanceship (act as if we know we each other we see each other).

I say all of that to say this, next time you see your "best friend" give them a big hug. Also, never take their friendship for granted.

Edit: I saw her the other day, and everything was normal! Yay!

New meaning to a long weekend...

One of the perks of teaching is the off time. This past weekend I had a "long weekend". We were off Friday and Monday. Well, I had BIG plans. I was going to finish organizing my craft room *pics soon to come* and hit up all the cutest antique stores in town. Little did I know, my plans would swiftly change. I ended up at the emergency room with a terrible "stomach virus". I'm not sure if it was a virus or a side effect of the Z-pack I was on for bronchitus. Nonetheless, my big plans changed!! I'm slowly recuperating and feeling back to my old self. I've lost 10 lbs and a pant size. I barely eat enough to keep a bird alive these days but eating more each day.

I had ample time to watch movies so.. it's Movie Review Time.

The Wedding Planner: classic chick flick and absolutely adorable, happy ending, good movie
Enough: typical woman-power movie, keeps you on your seat, good movie
Juno: good movie displaying "today's world", not a must-see but good
Enchanted: my favorite of the four, darling for both children and adults, classic chick flick but also classic disney movie

Why I blog...

The other day I was trying to think of something to blog about. This is a real task for me sometimes because I don't have children, dogs are only so interesting to read about, and my interest vary vastly from most people who read my blog. So, I thought, "Why do I blog anyways?"

Here are the reasons I thought of as to why I blog...

1. I love to have "documentation" of the past. Whether it be scrapbooks, pictures, or journal entries, or blogs. When I'm 30, 40, 50, and older I will be able to look back and "remember when."
2. I want my kids to know what I was like and what I did when "I was their age" someday!
3. I don't want to forget the details like Addi's curls, Levi's grin, Hannah's blue eyes, and Lila's contentment.
4. I love to keep in touch with family from Birmingham.
5. I am shy and have a hard time saying my feelings; I guess it's easier for me to post them on the WWW and let everyone read them. Wow, that makes no sense at all! But, that's me!
6. It's a creative outlet, and I'm defintely creative. Probably too creative at times in the sense of I always have 5 projects going on at once, but this gives me somewhere to write and daydream about anything and everything.
7. It help me to let those that I know and love understand how much I appreciate them and all they do!
8. Last but definitely not least, it gives me a chance to share how a Christian can live a funfilled life. Also, it gives me a chance to share the blessings I've received in my life with Christians and non-Christians alike!

Why do you blog?

Five Random Things I love about Daniel

1. You always make me feel special no matter what's going on or who's around.
2. You will do anything to make me happy.
3. You make the best meals!
4. You are so good with kids, even when I think your being 'annoying' or 'extreme'.
5. You are my Naniel.

Awesome Scrapbook Page Layouts

This is a great site I just found with neat layouts for scrapbooking pages! Pick how many pictures you want to include and they have various layouts to pick from.

Hartselle Happiness

I took half-a-day today. Wow, I didn't realize how much I needed a break. The kids have been nothing short of wild lately. My eighth graders are getting that freshman fresh-mouth as I call it. They are almost freshmen and are definitely beginning to act like it. Also, words can almost not describe my tenth, eleventh and twelfth graders lately! If anyone has any hints to survive the last 5 weeks of school, let me know.

So, Mom and I headed to Hartselle to shop their downtown district after fourth period today! The weather was absolutely amazing, and we had a blast. On our way up, we ate at one of my favorite restaurants, The All Steak Restaurant, for lunch where I enjoyed a New York Strip, baked potato, and Ceasar salad. All Steak is in Downtown Cullman and definitely worth the drive if you are ever looking for a great place to eat!! They also have THE BEST orange rolls ever in the history of man-kind; well, if you ask me they do! Did I mention I have enough left over for lunch tomorrow? Yay! Another positive thing, I am out of school next Friday and Monday for a mini-spring break. Daniel is also off on Monday!! whoop!!

Update: I didn't buy a thing, Mom even bought lunch! Not bad for a half a day of work and half a day of play!

Our new "addition"...

Well, we definitely didn't have a baby, but she has become Daniel's baby. This is our new "puppy", Tipin! She's 18 months old and been with us for 2 weeks now. Again, I apologize for just now updating about her. She fits our family and life-style perfectly! We got her from a girl I went to school with at Susan Moore named Katy. She was a couple years older than me, but our parents have kept in touch over the years. Tipin is an AKC registered Golden Retriever and 'completely trained', aka well behaved. She came from a wonderful home and Katy had her hands full with Tipin's mom, Ally, because she travels with her job and two dogs was too much. It was really a once in a lifetime opportunity that we just couldn't pass up. We definitely weren't looking for a dog; it just sort of happened! But.. I'm very glad it did!

On the way home when we first picked her up!

After Daniel and Tipin were playing one night!

We don't usually let her on the furniture or pillows, but last night there was a pillow on the ground. She was so tired she just laid down and her head just happened to land on it. It was perfect! I told her to stay and ran to get my camera!! Adorable. I didn't even make her get up after I took her picture, but I did go to bed with her soon after!

My five favorite personal websites...

I've always been crafty I'd say. However, I've recently gotten addicted to several craft blogs. I love the ideas and inspiration these websites offer! Even if your not crafty, look around and see what catches your eye:

1. Todays Creative Blog - She features a new, creative blog each day! The site has lots of great links.
2. Tip Junkie - This blog has a great tip or idea daily! Who doesn't love a creative tip to make life simpler? Her "tags" are especially helpful!
3. The Stickler Blog - I found this blog off Teale's site. They have been renovating a house and update the blog from time to time about their renovations. This is what orginally got me hooked on their site. Also, she has a simple tutorial to make hairbows! She also makes some adorable clothes for her girls.
4. Serendipity - Mother of 6 and has awesome ideas to do with kids of all ages! Also, check out her April Fool's Post! Priceless!
5. Steece's Pieces - Not necessarily a craft blog, but I love to see what's going on in their life. And she's always sooo positive!! She's definitely an inspiration to me.

On a side note:
We're going to celebrate my birthday (2 months late Friday) at the Melting Pot. So, I'll post pictures next week from the Melting Pot! Also, be looking for a post about our new puppy soon; we've had her for 2 weeks now. I should have already posted about her, but SAT testing got the best of me.

"Junk" Jackpot!

After school today, I stopped by my local favorite thrift store!!! I hit the jackpot. I'm currently working on fixin' up my craft room. The walls are "ladybug" red, and the accents are going to be baby blue. I love the contrast between the two colors!! I got five aqua blue/baby blue Ball mason jars ($2.50 each), two wooden white candlesticks ($1 each), old spools some with blue thread on them ($3 for a big sack full!), jar of buttons ($2 for a baby food jar full), and a suprise for my Mom for Mother's Day. (She reads my blog, so I can't say what it is yet. I'm going to be crafty with it; I'll post a picture of the finished product!) Perhaps I'm quirky, but I love old stuff. Especially when I have a purpose for it!!

Wordless Wednesday

Photographer: Eric Gevaert
www.cardsunlimited.com

Twister Tuesday...

Here's a mind twister for you! Good luck...

Try to guess the word letter by letter.
My first is in water but not in tears
My second in listen but not in hears
My third in three but not in she
My fourth in clear but not in tea
My last in hang but not in grand
My whole assembles in a band.

Solution (scroll to the bottom of the page)

One of those weeks...

• Monday: Testing started. We discovered Tipin wasn't fond of being left alone in a cage. Mom's car decided to quit working all together, and we got stranded on the side of the road for an hour waiting on a tow truck.
• Tuesday: Still testing, and I took Mom to Centerpoint to get a rental car. They only had a smaller car. So, we waited to see if something bigger came it. Nothing bigger ever did come in. I found out at 10:40 I had a PEPE observation at 11:00.
  
• Wednesday: Testing. Also, I had an incident at school with a student threatening me.
• Thursday: I felt as if I was going to puke all day. Of course, we were testing that day too.
• Friday: I ran out of gas on the side of the road, my phone died while waiting on Mom to bring me gas, AND I've currently locked my keys and cell phone in my car. So, I'm stuck at home with bad weather and NO PHONE TO SEE WHEN DANIEL WILL BE HOME. SIGH. Oh, and we tested today.
  
• By the way, we are still testing next Monday and Tuesday too.
• AND... I haven't had a prep period in over a week! But I get one next Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday! I also finished my second round of the PEPE cycle (for all you educators you know what that means!!)
• OH, and I have one of the cutes puppies in the world!!
  

Favorite Sites

Sorry for my absence lately. I've had a little bit of a stomach bug and we got a new puppy this weekend. So, I've been a busy bee!! I'll post pictures soon. I'm staying in Oneonta until Thursday afternoon so look for new pics on Thursday or Friday of the new puppy!


In the meantime, I've been making a collection of my favorite websites. Here are my top five favorite commercial websites in random order:

1. Martha Stewart- The lady may not pay her taxes, but she sure is creative. (Or at least her design team is!) You can always get cute craft ideas or yummy recipes off her website for any season!
2. Tip Junkie Blog - This site is a commercial based site, but is ran by a lady who is crazy about creatie ideas!! She has cool free give aways too!
3. HGTV's Rate My Space - People post their home, and you can rate and leave comments on their design ideas! Very interesting and always something new!
4. ALEX - Alabama Learning Exchange This site is ran by the Alabama Board of Education and has awesome lesson ideas for any age level! I have some printed off to do with my kids at home someday!! You can search any age for any activity!!
5. Hobby Lobby - I love seeing what they have on sale each week!! I'll post my latest "great deals" soon. They have a 40% off any regular priced item coupon this week!!

Check out one or more of my favorite sites and tell me what you think!! Also, what's your favorite commercial website?

I'll do a post sometime soon about my favorite person websites or blogs to lurk!

Spring has Sprung...

Well, I didn't get a chance to post my pictures from Lads To Leaders because I've been in Oneonta since Sunday night trying to help reduce our expenses. I spend about 400 dollars a month on gas just to get back and forth to work! My parents live 20 mins from my school and it's ridiculous not to take advantage of that opportunity from time to time! So.. here are some pictures I took of the kiddos and scenary at Opryland. The picture of the waterfall is so peaceful looking! I sat and listened to the water for a little bit, and it was so relaxing. I should do that more often. Also, this picture of Levi was absolutely too precious not to share! He was playing pee-a-boo with Hannah!!

Pi Day!

Yesterday was Pi Day at Locust Fork High. Being the good sport that I am, I volunteered to participate in 2 events: Oatmeal Creme Pie Eating Contest and Pie A Teacher. I ate 4 Creme Pies and was pied by 6 students! It really wasn't that bad. I had a shower cap on to keep the whip creme out of my hair and a towel to keep it off of my clothes!

Before:

After:

Blogger Strike?

Okay, I try to post everyday, and I know people visit my site because of the live traffic feeder. However, I am not as sure what you think about my blog, what you like best, and what you dislike. So, I'm am going on strike until I get five comments on this post. Only kidding. However, I do love to hear from you!

In Loving Memory

My heart is oh so heavy as I type this post. Today has been a solemn day for me as I remember the life and devotion of Judy Smith.

When we first came to Glencoe almost 2 years ago, I was instantly drawn to a soft spoken, generous lady. She became my adopted grandmother very fast. She spoke nothing but kind, pure thoughts. She has always been weak and easily tired due to a heart condition; however, she was always at services. Judy Smith passed away and her life was honored today in Jasper, AL at her funeral. Her life will be remembered as a positive experience for everyone she came into contact with. She had a "tea party" at her house annually to celebrate the Holiday Season even when she probably didn't feel like having company. She worked on this special occassion year round. The second picture above was taken at Christmas 2006. I was blessed enough to participate in this lovely occassion for two years. No one went home without beautiful handmade treats and a nice Christmas gift. At the party this past year, she had a beautiful, child's farm (full/queen size) themed quilt on one of her beds upstairs. I asked her where she had gotten it hoping to get one for my nursery for my children someday. She said she'd bring it to me on Sunday. I didn't think much else of it. Sunday at services she brought me the blanket! Turns out it was a gift from her daughter, and she wanted my children to use it someday. I was speechless. I couldn't help but feel guilty; I just wanted to know where she had gotten it. I honestly figured she had it specially made. That blanket is one of my most prized material possesions today because of the lesson I learned from her sharing her quilt with me. It is truly a "quilt of love." I will share the blanket AND story of Judy Smith's life and example with my children in the future. I hope I can be as generous, kind, pure, and selfless as she was.

Thank you Judy for everything you taught me. I love you and miss you dearly already. I've thought of you everyday since I last saw you in mid-December, but I know I will see you again someday.

Judy is the first person to pass away since we began worshipping at Glencoe that "hit close ot home". Please, please, please keep her husband, Jim, in your prayers in the upcoming months and years. He also means as much to me and Glencoe as Judy did.