What To Call This...

***Disclaimer: This isn't a post to put anyone in a good mood. If you're on a happy high, well...first I envy the hell out of you right this minute, but you might want to stop reading. This post will be filled with self-doubt and probably a smidgen of self-pity thrown in. Read at your own risk.***

Today was not one of my better days. Being out yesterday really threw me off. This week is packed with activities and programs along with all the learning still expected to take place. Also, my being out was unexpected so my desk wasn't ready for a sub to sit down at and the meticulous plans that I normally leave were no where to be found. I have an emergency folder, but it is basically busy work. Anyway, yesterday the teacher that normally helps out my sub did what she could to keep things rolling. Also, another teacher tossed out a few ideas too. And this is the root of the whole problem.

When I'm out I want my sub to maintain my kids where they are...not introduce and teach them more. I'm sure some teachers reading this will completely disagree and some will understand exactly what I'm talking about here. I truly believe that it is a personal preference and doesn't mean that I'm a horrible teacher.

Just to keep things as clear as possible, lets say that K is the teacher I want helping my sub and kids the most and B is the other one. It is also fair to say that B and I don't share the same philosophy when it comes to subs and teaching. She instructed the sub to introduce a new topic and to do guided reading with my kids. These are two things that I would never ask a sub to do. K knew this. Yesterday wasn't the best day for my kids or for the sub. I'm not saying the sub did a bad job teaching, but he did things very differently from me and two people today told me that he was teaching an important concept wrong.

This is the part that I handled badly. I believe that when you are wrong you should say it, apologize, and move on. When I found out B was the one who asked him to do these things I became frustrated. There is a lot of background that I won't get into, but I wish she'd just let K handle things. When I saw her I snapped at her. She was being nothing but friendly this morning. She asked me what I was doing (and at the time I was putting treats in teachers' boxes) and I waved my hand in a dismissive gesture and said, "Passing things out." Yes, I snapped at her for something very minor. As soon as I did it, I regretted it and knew that it had probably hurt her feelings. I also knew she was pissed at me so I thought I'd let it go for a while and talk to her at the end of the day.

This afternoon I knew that I needed to apologize for my behavior this morning, but I also needed to talk to her and explain why I was upset about what she'd told the sub to do. I apologized and probably wasn't as appreciative of the fact that she was trying to help. Well, she let me have it when it was her turn to talk. I'm sure I deserved to hear that I need to think before I speak and probably that I should just be appreciative that someone was looking out for my kids in my absence. What I wasn't prepared for was her attack on my character, commitment to teaching, and professionalism. It hurts just having those words playing in my head so I'm not sure I can put them all down in writing. Besides, what if they are all true and then you fine people will know some horrible truth about me.

Apparently, I rub on her last nerve as much as she rubs on mine. This was the perfect opportunity for her to let me have it. I'm sure she felt justified. Either way, I really didn't do much except stand there and take it. Well, I shouldn't say that I took it all...I did fire back a few choice words. And then that just seemed to add credit to her assault. Anyway, when I left I was near tears and I'm not sure what she felt exactly. Back in my room, I was waging an internal battle. On one hand, I knew that the hurtful things she said were not all true. Actually very little of what she said was true, but it hurt all the same. Then on the other hand, I was filled with a lot of self-doubt. What if what she said was really true and I'm just in denial about it? This is a time when one of those compliment jars would come in so handy!

So, tomorrow morning at 7:30 I have to walk into our weekly team meeting and start to try and alter some of these perceptions she has of me. I can only keep in mind that tomorrow is a new day...or so they say. I know that I have things I can do to send more peaceful thoughts down our hallway, but we all do. As K said, it is time to kill her with kindness (even if I think at the moment that might kill me!).

Grown Up Reading

This weekend was a busy one and somewhere along the way I think my body said, "Enough!". I woke up this morning (though seriously is 2am really the morning or the dead of night...anyway) feeling pretty sick at my stomach, congested, and I was running a fever. I think the snot running down my throat was causing the upset stomach. That part is feeling much better now that I've put some toast in there too. So far the fever hasn't let up. Hopefully, the Advil will kick that in the butt ASAP. This is not the week for me to miss school.

Normally I give one of the other teachers a really hard time because she is constantly worrying over her class when she it out. And she's been out a lot this half of the year. Anyway, when I'm out I usually know ahead of time. I leave detailed plans and make sure everything is ready so I feel okay knowing that my kids are in good hands. Well, today that didn't happen. I wasn't planning on being gone so my desk is a mess and there are no plans. I've thought about my kids a bunch this morning. I hope they are fairing okay!

As for me, I'm resting (well, along with doing a little Christmas wrapping and laundry) and reading. Which brings me to the title of my post. If you read any meme that I've done you know that I really enjoy settling down with a romance book. They are pretty predictable and probably don't resemble real life in any way, but I still enjoy them. Lately, I've thought that maybe I should read a little more grown-up material. You know...a novel versus a romance story.

So, in this spirit I picked up a new book this weekend. I bought gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson. So far it has been a surprisingly good read. The heroine is dealing with addictions, trying to keep secrets buried, and realizing the power of facing the demons and being free. I can oddly identify with her. Finding a connection with characters in a story is the major part of what makes a book good right?! Anyway, my goal is to read one "grown-up" book a month (there is no way I can completely go cold turkey from romance) and do a sort of book blurb in my sidebar under the what is on my nightstand section. And if you are in the mood for a good romance check out the one that is already over there. It is one of my absolute favorites!

Happy reading!

Don't Want To

The hardest part of kicking a habit is wanting to...we get addicted for a reason right?

Terrific Flops

Ever had one of those things where everything you touched flopped? I was pretty sure this was going to be my lot yesterday as I was getting ready for Bunco. December was my month to host which means I'm in charge of the meal. I picked items I thought were going to be easy to make. Oh, they normally are, but come on...it is me and the kitchen. By the way, would these kitchen adventures be as much fun to read about if everything I cooked came out right?!

It started with the pralines. I don't really make a lot of candy so I'm not really "in the know" about things related to candy making. To my mom's credit she did warn me to make it on a day with the smallest percentage of humidity. Well, it was getting down to the wire and I didn't have much of a choice. I made it on a day with 85% humidity. Well, it never set...ever. I was pretty sure this was going to be a huge flop. After some quick thinking, I decided to buy some premium ice cream and melt the candy to use as a topping. I confided to one person that it started out as a flop. After one bite, she suggested that I keep that flop business to myself and just say I meant for it to be an ice cream topping. I did...and everyone wanted the recipe to my wonderful praline sauce. So, on one hand the terrific part is that the pralines were still a wonderful dessert. On the other hand the flop part is that now I have to explain that it was a flop and I don't know how to make it sauce. I just sort of lucked into it.

My next dish was a corn casserole. I've made this numerous times before but in the original recipe. Last night I needed to double it. Doubling a recipe isn't normally hard, but this one was tricky. I couldn't remember if I was supposed to double everything but the oil or not. That casserole had one cup of oil in it. Doesn't that just sound wrong?! Anyway, I cooked it and when I took it out it was nice and brown on top. And a little bit shiny. I had to pat it down with paper towels to get some of that extra oil out. So, now I know...do not double the oil. Thankfully, when everyone ate it last night it tasted fine. Hopefully no one woke up with clogged arteries!

After those two things I was beginning to think that I'd made a huge mistake saying I'd cook. The last thing I needed to make was the taco casserole. Normally, I'd think how can someone possibly mess up meat, cheese, and tortillas. But seriously people...I don't have the best track record here. I started to gather up the ingredients and discovered that I had forgotten to set the meat into the fridge the night before. All my meat was frozen! I quickly defrosted it in the sink with hot water. So, finally the meat was done and I was ready to layer. Only problem...I ran out of cheese. Let me just say that I did stop at the store and grab some cheese so the casserole turned out fine. Actually, everyone loved it! It would have been terrific if I'd remembered to grab the lettuce and tomatoes that were supposed to go on top. Now, I currently have two bags of shredded lettuce and three tomatoes. Well, salads are in right?!

Even though every single part of that meal could have been a disaster, everything turned out okay. I don't question it. I'm just in awe of it...my ability to have the most terrific of flops!

Bits And Pieces

Though I should really call this post "It Is All Lori's Fault!". I'm going to fill you in on all the little things that prompted the post below, but I thought I'd start with the big things first. So, again it is all Lori's fault! A few weeks ago, she was posting about having snake troubles at her house. I left a comment jokingly saying that I was going to have to stop reading her blog because I was scared this might somehow become something at my house. (Side note: Lori and I are surprisingly alike in a lot of ways so I figured it was only natural!) So, anyone making a guess about what I'm fixing to relate?! Let's all say it together...it is all Lori's fault! Yes, dear readers, I had an experience with a snake.

I usually work late on Fridays at school unless I have plans. I like getting settled for the next week without having to wag all that stuff home. Well, I didn't make it home until close to 7pm. It was already getting dark, but thankfully the porch light came on when I pulled up. (I just replaced the motion censor bulb...thank heavens!) I was busy looking for my keys as I started up the porch steps when I felt (yes...it slithered over my foot!) something go over the toe of my shoe (which were the full coverage running shoe type) and then I heard the slither sound. I continued up the steps thinking it was a lizard. I've had those before remember? Anyway, I turned to look because I was still hearing the slither. That is when I saw it. I stopped and just stared. I didn't scream except in my head. It stopped and tried to blend in with some leaves. I left it down there and hurried on into my house...where I promptly went hysterical.

I called my mom and reached her voicemail. I'm sure the message I left will be quite funny at some later point! Anyway, then I did the mad search of my house to make sure there weren't any in my house. As I flung back the shower curtain, cautiously peeked under the toilet lid, and felt up the foot of my bed I kept telling myself that there is no way that snakes can get into my house. Now before you try to educate me, I'd like to just say that I prefer ignorance people! My mom already explained the awful truth but let me just be blissfully ignorant okay?!

I've already peeked out on the porch and can't see anything amiss, but I can tell you that it will be a quick hop off the bottom step and run to my car when I go out later! Compared to that experience the rest of the week has been a piece of cake.

At work, our team had decided to do secret Santas instead of getting everyone on the team a present. I loved the idea! There is something about a lot of little holiday happiness gifts along the way. Anyway, our campus decided to do this too. I'm a giver so what can I say, I signed up for that one too! It probably isn't a secret but there is a small group of ladies at work that really work over my nerves and I had been hoping that I wouldn't draw one of their names. Wouldn't you know I did. I decided that God probably had a hand in that pick. I know that you can give without wanting to, but you lack that good feeling when you do. So, I decided to focus on the fact that I do enjoy giving and I'm going to proceed with holiday spirit. It also doesn't hurt that my secret Santa is fabulous! I've gotten two gifts this week that have been perfect (purple pens and a cooking magazine) and I had a thought that what if one of those ladies is being Santa for me. They are doing a great job and perhaps this is the season to just let those frustrations go. If you only knew how big of a decision that is for me...I'm not a let-it-go kind of girl by nature. So, it is true. Giving with a joyful heart feels pretty darn good!

Isn't it funny how you have the whole month of December to fill with holiday events, but they all seem to culminate in one week?! Here is what my calendar looks like for next week:
Monday: Wrap Bunco gifts (I'm the hostess this month...seriously what was I thinking when I agreed to that!)
Tuesday: Take off the afternoon to cook the meal for Bunco (another hostess responsibility) and get everything taken to Bunco location and set up.
Wednesday: Staff development (which probably means more work dumped in my lap if I go by previous staff development days)
Thursday: Christmas concert
Friday: Work Christmas party (except without the happy hour out with the girls unlike last year. It made it more fun, but I'm sure it played a part in myself getting up for the Christmas carol singing game...)
Saturday: Another Christmas concert and then a sleepover in Houston

Throw in some holiday baking and present wrapping and the week is incredibly full. I've felt a little bad because I haven't been reading and commenting like I normally do, but it seems like everyone is busy this time of year. Last night I made the commenting rounds and I'm glad to read that most of you are enjoying the holiday season! As crazy as this time of year is, it is still one of my absolute favorites!

No Kidding...

There are no words at the moment. Just one busy life...all parts of my life. Every time I get overwhelmed I simply look at this and I feel a tad bit better!

Done Decking

I've decked my halls as much as I'm going to for this year. I've got the boxes put back in the closet and now I can just enjoy all the festive-ness around here. I didn't take pictures of everything because seriously who wants to look at it all?!



Here is my tree! You can't really tell from this picture, but the lights are really twinkly. I love my ornaments and the memories they bring me and I love my tree!




Please ignore the speakers... This is my pride and joy when it comes to Christmas decorations. I have this thing for Willow Tree angels (they are so beautiful!) and I love nativities. My parents gave me this nativity a couple of years ago for my birthday. I promptly broke one of the wisemen's head off but you'd never know now. Thank goodness for super glue! Anyway, I love this (even with the speakers)!




Last weekend I went to a local tradition here...Journey Through Bethlehem. Several local churches get together and put on a live pageant type thing of the nativity story. It was a lot of fun! There were a lot of animals to pet (I got up close and personal with a llama!) and things to taste. I even got to participate in a Jewish wedding dance. I know that Christmas isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I really enjoy the season. I had a great time at this and I think there are a couple of other Christmas story type things going on here in town that I'll go to before the end of the month. It all helps keep me focused on what is important to me about the season!

Holiday Cheer

I haven't done a questionnaire thingy in a while and how many different ways can you say work and a sore throat make me feel like crap? Seriously! So, I'm shaking off that work stress and nursing my sore throat (the Rocky Road is totally for medicinal purposes) and getting in touch with the cheer that comes from the spirit of the season!

Don't be a Scrooge...play along.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper unless I absolutely can't help it. I have this unusual thing for paper and tape!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree? Well, this was only my second year to do it, but both times I've put the tree up Thanksgiving weekend. It was nice this year that Thanksgiving fell early in the month so I get an extra week to enjoy the decorated tree!

4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime in January...usually before I have to go back to school.

5. Do you like eggnog? Ick...no.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I'd have to say my play kitchen. My Papa made if for me. It came with a fridge, sink, pantry, and stove. Plus I had all the play plates and food. How fun! Funny, you'd think with a kitchen as a kid I'd have more kitchen skills. Anyway, I spent many hours with that thing. It is in storage for when I have a little chef of my own.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, nativities are one of my favorite Christmas decorations. I love Willow Tree Angels and my parents bought me the Willow Tree nativity. It is beautiful!

8. Hardest person to buy for? Daddy

9. Easiest person to buy for? Mama

10. Worst Christmas gift ever received? Hmm, well nothing sticks out right at this minute. Last year at the work Christmas party I did get some horrible Valentine white and red hearts as ornaments. That was a white elephant gift so it might not count.

11. Mail or email Christmas card? Oh, y'all...you know I love mail happiness so of course I mail out Christmas cards. But, there are some people that I have to send e-cards to for the holiday. Some of you fine folks are on the e-card list, but if you want to be on the actual card list just send me your address! I'd love to send you some mail happiness!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Unlikely Angel

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? December 26 (What?! I shop all year long. That is half the fun for a shopaholic!)

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Probably...but only because I know someone else would enjoy it more. That is buyable right?!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Anything out on snack day! In our family we have a day that is the snack day. We put out finger food type things and just snack...all day long. As kids, my Mimi would put out this little plastic tree with sausage, cheese, and olives on it. She'd turn around and we'd have everything off it! It's just a tradition in our family.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Multi-colored lights on the tree. If they flash and sparkle even better! I have this adorable little bear that looks like he is playing the piano. When you push his hat the lights dance to the tune of Christmas carols. Love that little guy...makes the tree so pretty!

17. Favorite Christmas song? O Come All Ye Faithful

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I travel. Usually to my parents and then to my grandparents. I have no idea what I'll do when I'm married and have to share the holiday with another family.

19. Can you name Santa's reindeers? On Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Rudolph, Visa, Master Card...oh wait. Uh...I guess not.

20. Do you have an Angel on top or a star? I have a star on top and then the first ornament under the star is an angel.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Eve is for presents from family. Christmas morning is for stockings and Santa gifts.

22. Most annoying thing(s) about this time of year? Long lines at the stores and being over committed for holiday parties.

All Things Pajamas

Let me begin by thanking all of you for the well wishes. I'm not feeling one hundred percent, but I don't feel like crawling into bed and dying either! I so wish I could call in for a sick day, but most people simply do not understand how horrible it is when you do. Quick (promise) side rant about work: most of the time when you get a sub they move the sub to another spot and your kids get split. That is good on one had because you know your kids will continue to learn with your fellow teachers. On the other hand, your fellow teachers have three to five extra kids in their rooms that they were not expecting. I don't want to put them through that unless I absolutely have to. I don't absolutely have to right now. Anyway, thanks for thinking of me!

Now, onto the reason for such a strange title. I have had two somewhat strange dealings with pajamas in the last few days. As y'all know, I love Christmas time! I managed to get my tree up and decorated on Sunday amid feeling yucky. I have several other things up around the living room, but I still have about two boxes I need to unpack. (I have some pictures and I'll post those soon.) Well, one of my favorite things about my house is that I have two rows of windows in the living room. I put my tree in front of the last window and open the blinds so anyone passing by can see my tree. Yes, I'm vain that way. I quickly discovered that if you have the blinds open that means skimpy pajamas are out. I'll let your imagination work overtime as to how I made that discovery. Let's just say, it's flannel pj bottoms and full coverage tops for the rest of the holiday season.

The more recent run in with pajama talk was when one of my little kids asked me if I slept in pajamas. The thought quickly passed through my mind if he'd been down my street the night before. I assured him that I did sleep in pajamas. I tried to quickly move on to another topic, but he wasn't ready to leave this topic. He then went on to explain that he slept in his underwear so when it came time for Christmas morning he just ran out to open his presents in his undies. Sometimes the things these kids want to share just tickles my funny bone!

Now, I'm off to get into those decent pajamas and settle in for the night.

Sniffle Snuffle Hack Hack

Let me preface this by saying that when it comes to being sick I'm just as bad (if not worse...eek that hurt to type!) as a man. When I don't feel well I want people to know about it. I mean, if misery loves company than when I'm miserable I want company. I usually prefer my mom when I'm sick, but she's 400 miles away so I have to make do on my own. Which sucks.

I feel like crap. Not your ordinary crap though. The kind of crap you step in, then beat your shoe on the porch to knock off the worst, and then you scrub in the grass to get the last bit off. That kind of crap.

Remember that sore throat and headache I'd mentioned before? Well, it hasn't gotten better. As a matter of fact it has gotten worse. I spent a pretty miserable night last night. Isn't it funny how a sore throat can make everything else feel worse? My stomach hurts (probably because when I swallow I want to gag), my nose hurts (from all the blowing...which has gotten to be painful as the hairs have decided to booger up), and I have a headache that won't quit. If I thought cutting off my head at the collarbone would help I'd do it!

At work we had this important meeting and my desk was a complete mess so I knew I could only call in sick if I were dead. I took a small drugstore in my purse and went off to work. Thankfully, my kids took pity on me today and were relatively quiet and so well behaved. Lunch was interesting. It turned out to be pretty hard to chew with my mouth closed when I couldn't breathe out of my nose. I spent thirty minutes with a napkin held in front of my face. Luckily for me, this whatever-the-heck-it-is has been going around so everyone understood. I'm not feeling worse (even though I'm not feeling much better either) so I still plan to go to work tomorrow. I haven't had any fever and with all the stuff going around I keep thinking that if I can make it I should make it. What if I catch something else that is worse and I really need to be at home in bed?

So, there is my sad tale. Please send me feel better wishes and throat spray. I could use them both.

Frightful Weather

Remember that holiday song, "Oh the weather outside is frightful..."? Well, the weather here is pretty darn frightful! All weekend long the temperatures have hovered around the forties. There was even snow on Thanksgiving in my hometown! We weren't there (we were at my grandparents' house) but according to the television there was 4-6 inches of the white stuff. I love that! What I'm not loving is all the wet and cold weather that followed me home today. It is currently 40 and the rain hasn't let up all afternoon. Now I know what you Northern readers are thinking...what a wimp. True, but remember that I'm from Texas! I say that like it explains so much.

Anyway, I had big plans of getting home early in the afternoon and getting a jump start on getting my Christmas decorations up. Unfortunately, I've pushed that back until tomorrow. Getting to sleep last night was a chore and staying that way was even harder. Plus, the wet weather has brought on a runny nose and sore throat. When I got home I crawled under the heavy covers and took a nice long nap. I'm still excited about getting my tree put up and decorations out, but I think I'll just start fresh tomorrow.

Thanksgiving was great! The food was plentiful and delicious. I even snagged a Glad container of dressing to bring home! But, of course it wouldn't be a holiday without a little misadventure in the kitchen. In my family, my Mimi, Mom, and I are the only ones that like sweet potatoes. I volunteered to get them ready for the oven. I know how to smash and stir in ingredients. I just wasn't too sure about the recipe. I added some of this and some of that and covered them with mini marshmallows. Sounds fine right? Something terrible happened in the oven. When we pulled them out, the marshmallows were a little too brown and the potatoes were a horrible sludge brownish black. Not wanting to write them off completely, I tried them. The tasted great, but boy were they terrible to look at! My Mimi said, "Steffany your potatoes look like heck!" and that was the nicest thing that was said! I'm still puzzled by what went so wrong, but even if they weren't the most eye catching thing on the table at least they tasted okay!

I hope that everyone had a Thanksgiving that was just as wonderful as mine turned out to be!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The holiday has officially started! I'm very much looking forward to going and visiting with family. After sleeping late, making my famous pineapple pepper cheese ball (seriously y'all...it's wonderful!), and packing I'm heading out. Everyone on my mom's side of the family will be there for the holiday. That is pretty amazing that all of us can still get together and bond over food and multiple games of hand and foot. When I talked to my mom this weekend, she told me to be sure and bring some of those plastic leftover containers. I love that!

Sounds crazy I know, but leftover containers mean that there will be leftovers. I'm hoping for extra dressing. In our family, dressing is an art. Those dried mini squares that come in a box are not dressing. Like I said, dressing is an art. I wonder if it is a Southern thing? Anyway, dressing is what I'm hoping to bring home! Even if there isn't any left, there will still be a bunch of leftovers to choose from. Now I know this will sound twisted, but I love that we're going to have leftovers. I love that we know we're going to have leftovers.

Those leftovers mean that we didn't have just enough. It means that we had more than enough. A lot of families out there don't have enough...food, time, love. Just today one of my little kids at school told me that her lights went off last night and wouldn't come back on. Then she told me that her daddy said they were going to have to start sleeping at her grandmother's house. My heart broke for her and her family. I've been really blessed in my life. I try very hard not to take that for granted, but it is stories like that which really cause me to stop and count each and every blessing in my life. Even the small ones.

So, to all my friends (the here-in-the-real-world ones and the blog sphere ones) I hope you have many many leftovers this holiday!

The Review...Picture Style

The other morning I started out the door to be greeted by this sight. I had a little "friend" trapped inside the screen on my front door. Thankfully I was on the glass side. I'm not sure exactly how he go in there, but he obviously found his way out because he wasn't there when I got home. Thankfully!


Thanks for all the words of luck on the whole paper making project! That whole day was crazy. I have fifteen kids in my class and one teacher was out (without a sub) so we had to split her class. There were five extra kids in my classroom that day too. If you're a teacher you probably know the difference one new child can make so you'll appreciate the fact that I had five extra! Anyway, I called the kids back in small groups and helped them press it through the screen. It was pretty messy, but the kids seemed to love it! And in the end, that is all that matters. They were pretty excited on Friday to actually see it dried and be able to take it home. This was the paper mush (it was soupy, cold, and kind of smelled). I was happy to dump it out Thursday afternoon!


I had my hands full just getting the kids to make their paper and lay it on the towels that I didn't bring out the camera, but this is what my trial run piece of paper looked like. It was a little thick at the bottom (paper after my own heart!) but it is paper nonetheless!


Yesterday, a bunch of friends and I went to the Texas Renaissance Festival. It was fun! It was pretty much like stepping back into another time. I wore jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt, but there were many there dressed in costume. I suppose they wanted to really get into the spirit of the day. Costumes ranged from the royality garb to a thong and much too small bra with chain metal hanging off it. Anyway, there were many shows to enjoy. My favorite was the jousting. Even if it is fake and the winner predetermined it was still fun! We happened to be sitting in England's section and guess what? Sir Thomas won!


Another show we saw was the Washer Women. It was pretty funny too. I loved this sign...made me think of my own laundry. Though I'd never say that laundry was fun clean or otherwise!

Disaster In The Making

It isn't often that you know when disaster will be striking. I mean, who would want to know right?! Well, I know. It's happening tomorrow. Intrigued?

It all started on Monday. See, we're learning about natural resources this week in Science. I'm teaching these kiddos to appreciate and conserve things like soil, water, plants, air....those kind of things. I also happen to be one of those teachers that think Science is best hands on. I think this might be the start of the disaster.

Well, in the teacher's edition, there was this seemly simple six step "recipe" for making paper. It involves newspaper strips, big tub of water, and window screening. Well, I got the newspaper torn into strips Tuesday afternoon (fully expecting that the book was right and the mushing process would only take "a few hours") so we'd be ready to go this morning. Not long after I put the water into the tub I noticed a big water puddle on the table. What the heck? My big tub leaks? See, I'd like to think that an experienced teacher would say, "This is the sign of something not going right. Let's just scrap this idea."

My solution was to stick some rags under the tub and let it set overnight. I really thought it was just dripping from where I'd had it in the sink. Oh who am I kidding?! If I'd really thought that I wouldn't have put rags under it. Dang it I really wanted to make paper! Well, this morning I came in and all those rags were soaked, but more importantly...my paper was NOT mush. Those strips of newspaper were supposed to be disintegrated into paper "mush" pulp. I had wet newspaper strips. Did I mention that I do Science first thing in the morning?

So, I quickly came up with the idea of having a teachable moment and letting the kids know that sometimes things do not go as planned when doing experiments. And, I told them that they could help me speed up the process. I let them all get their hands deep into that wet newspaper and mulch it up. They loved it! The best part is that all that squishing pretty much turned it into gray mush. It appeared that my experiment was back on track.

This afternoon I went ahead and cut the window screening into pieces. The theory is to dip this screening into the mush and then press the water out leaving a thin layer of mush to dry and turn into paper. Learning from yesterday's little opps, I decided to try out this dipping thing. Well, good thing I did. First, this mush stuff is pretty darn soupy. And it's not exactly thin either...more lumpy. There is no way the kids are going to be able to press out all the water. Trying to salvage this, I folded the screen up and wrung it out. This worked...sorta. I'm kidding myself. This is going to be an absolute mess.

Right now, I'm thinking that instead of them each getting to make a sheet of paper we'll do some sort of table group thing. That way we only have to go through this process five times instead of 15 times. Did I mention that I only have 30 minutes to finish this up tomorrow morning? Oh, and when I thought it would be an awesome learning experience I invited the principal to come and see? And one other thing...my evaluation is due any day now.

Yep, disaster. Tomorrow morning. 8:00am. Wish me luck!

With A Thankful Heart

It is hard to believe, but there are only six school days left before the Thanksgiving holiday. I'm happy about that fact because first, it's a holiday and second, I'll get to spend several days with my family, and third, cornbread dressing and cranberry sauce. Also, I put up all the Christmas decorations that weekend too. It is hard for me to keep that excitement to a minimum! Anyway, since Thanksgiving is literally around the corner, I thought I'd take some time and reflect on some of the many things I'm thankful for in my life.

Family
I love my family...every last nutty one of them! Being an only child, I've always been close to my parents. Every memory I have of them is wrapped up in love. As I've gotten older I've come to appreciate more and more the wings my parents gave me. I know that my parents will support me (though not always the decision I'm making) and love me no matter what. That kind of love and support has allowed me to grow and find my own place in the world. For that I'll always be thankful. I know I don't say it enough, but I feel it all the same. I love my family!

Friends
This is a pretty corny saying, but friends really are the family you choose for yourself. (And y'all know how I feel about family!) I've always made friends easily. Along the way, I've discovered that those friendships most precious to me require the most work. That work has resulted in many long lasting friendships. I'm lucky to still have friendships with girls I met in Brownies in the first grade. I've also learned to appreciate the different aspects of friendships. There are those friendships made the "old fashion" way (like those from school or with co-workers) and then there are you guys...the "new fashion" way! If friends really are the family you pick for yourself then I've done some pretty darn good pickin'!

My Passport
I love pulling that little blue book out of the desk drawer and knowing that there are all sorts of possibilities there. I know the travel bug was partially passed from my parents, but they'd laugh at that! They loved to take day trips...no plan no certain destination in mind. I'd grab my pillow, a book, and music and grudgingly get in the backseat. Who would have thought that girl would grow up to want to explore everything in the world?! It is only fair to say that I still hate that "by the seat of your pants" kind of travel, but the going, seeing, and doing runs deep in my veins. For that sense of exploration, I'm grateful!

That Flaky Boss
In the short years that I've been part of the working set, I've only had two bosses that were major flakes. Don't get me wrong...you can love that flake but working for her is the pits. I'm not sure I'd use love to describe my current one, but I'm thankful for her all the same. Some days I can't see it, but I'm learning patience and perfecting the art of working with others. I've discovered that I'm not perfect (well which I already knew) but no one else is either. I'm sure somewhere down the road I'll appreciate the easy boss because I've learned to deal in a mature manner with the one that isn't so easy. The whole give and take is a growing thing for me. And growing is always a good thing, right?!

This 1970s Mobile Home
When I thought about my "first place" I never exactly envisioned this place. It's had its share of fixer upper moments but that has caused me to appreciate all the days when nothing goes wrong. And well all those times when wild life comes in for a visit have taught me that I can handle killing my own bugs. I don't like it and I still wish my daddy was close enough to yell for, but at least I don't scream and want to jump on the nearest piece of furniture. I've had a lot of good memories in this old place. I know I'll take them all with me when I moved to that place I have been envisioning!

The Crush
Oh the crush...if he only knew, right?! I enjoy that little something that happens when I think about him. It's still sweet and good. Anyway, though he probably doesn't have a clue I'm thankful for him. He helps me remember that you never know the possibilities that life will toss at you. Sometimes you just have to be brave and decide something is worth the effort...even if in the end it isn't how you thought it would be. Self, be brave!

Sudden Link
I know I know...y'all are rolling your eyes. Only I would be thankful for the cable company right?! Sometimes you just have to be thankful for the simple pleasures. Curling up on my bed or the love seat and watching something on TV is one of my favorite simple pleasures. Comfy pajamas, Sonic commercials, and the remote...what isn't to be thankful for?!

The list could go on for a very long time. I've been truly and well blessed in my life. So, I'm looking forward to this time of year with a thankful heart. A very thankful heart!

Shopping Safari

Thursday I took a mental health day and went to the annual Houston Nutcracker Market. It is this huge Christmas arts, crafts, home decor show. So many pretties to see...so in the Christmas spirit now! I went with two great girls and we had a wonderful time. There was so much to see! I think it has already been decided that this will be something we do every year. Here are most of my finds. A few things will show up later, but they are Christmas presents and I can't give away the surprise!


I wish y'all's computers were scratch and sniff! On a recent therapy (of the retail variety) session I found these beautiful fall stems in a 75% off basket. I decided some scented pine cones would look great in the bowl. It turned into a great center piece for the coffee table! And did I mention they were scented?! Smells heavenly in here now!


I found this curved sign and I thought it would look great on the entertainment center with a nativity beside it. Hmm...maybe I'll have to snap again once the Christmas decorations go up!


This isn't the best picture, but I found these stars (this is the big one and I have two small ones that will look great after a coat of blue paint) that will fit my Americana living room theme perfectly!


Two of my more unusual finds from the Nutcracker Market were a spaghetti sauce and tea. I say unusual because I don't much care for either thing. But, when you have to wait in line for ten minutes to get a jar of this stuff you kind of have to buy a jar to see what all the fuss is about. Seriously, I think this sauce is the most popular thing from the Market! Also, I love cranberries and the sample was really good. It was sort of like tea flavored cranberry juice. I know...doesn't sound yummy from that description but it was!

Some Much Needed Time (Updated)

Tomorrow is Friday! Yea right?!

I'm taking Thursday off for some much needed me time. I need to relax my body and relax my mind for a while. So, I put in for a mental health day (my principal actually accepted that as a reason!) and my weekend will start a little bit early. You might be asking if I forgot about Friday, but that is parent conference day. So far I've only had a handful RSVP so that day won't be taxing at all. Therefore, it doesn't count on the whole school week.

I'm going to spend the night with a friend in the big city tomorrow night and then a fun-filled day relaxing. Sounds fun right?! Now don't be jealous...it isn't a good look for you!

***Y'all, I've never been to something quite like what I went to today. I had so much fun and my wallet didn't. LOL Anyway, I'm going to post some pictures of my finds later this weekend. I totally have retail therapy down!***

Crock Pot Chef

Lately I've been eating out more. I know this comes from all the late nights at school and the need to just come home and do absolutely nothing mind bending. Anyway, all this eating out has but a strain on my budget and my rear. So, I committed myself to going back to cooking.

As y'all know, cooking is sort of an adventure for me. Normally I make stuff that can be popped into the microwave or nuked in the toaster oven. That stuff is easy and normally smoke alarm proof. Feeling a little daring, I decided to try some stuff that isn't in my normal routine.

Yesterday (you know when I had to kill time at Walmart because I forgot about time change...yeah I'm still bitter about getting up at normal time on a day I could actually sleep late) when I was at Walmart, I saw a small pork roast and thought, "Hey, that's not something I've tried before!" I thought it would be perfect in my crock pot I got in college. Side note...I've had that thing for about three years and have used it about that same amount of times. Anyway, I put that roast in my basket and grabbed some squash (a zucchini and a yellow squash), an onion, and some red potatoes. I just knew this was going to end tasty!

After getting all the groceries put away, I drug out the crock pot and dusted it off. I wasn't totally sure how I was supposed to put it all together, but I got my veggies cut up and in the crock pot. I was proud...I had a beautiful mix of red, green, and yellow. Colors equals healthy right?! Anyway, I put the roast on top and sprinkled on some onion soup mix. I wasn't sure how much water to add so I figured more is better. I put in a cup of water (which I now know should really be just a dab will do you) and turned it on. I was such a nerd...I kept checking on it every five minutes. Apparently a watched crock pot doesn't boil either! I finally left it alone and went on about my business...namely laundry.

Now, it wasn't perfect. The roast was a little bit dry (despite all the juice it was sitting in) and the veggies were a little mushy (thanks Mama...only carrots should go on the bottom) but there were no smoke alarms going off and it was pretty good. So, here is to more daring adventures in the kitchen!

Oh, and if you have any great crock pot recipes you'd like to share please pass them along in the comments!

Moments Of Dork-ness

Have you ever had one of those moments when you absolutely were a dork? Well, I had one this morning. Even my mama, who loves me dearly, called me a goof ball. Let me stop right here...everyone is aware that last night was time change right? I know it now, but the fact escaped me earlier today.

I went to bed at a reasonable time last night. I knew I would have to get up and get a move on because I was going to meet my friend for church this morning. I rolled over and stared at the clock (which said 7:13am). This seemed like a ridiculously early time to get up on a weekend. I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep, but I was already awake. Darn. I finally crawled out about 7:30am (or so the clock said...lying little electronic device).

I went about my morning routine...wash my face, get grossed out by the over-grown-ness of my eyebrows, jump in the shower, you know, the usual. After my shower, I got back in bed and noticed that I had a text message waiting for me. Unfortunately, my friend picked up some nasty food poisoning and wouldn't be meeting me for church. I noticed that the text was received at 7:23am. I didn't remember hearing the beep but sometimes I miss it.

Now, I'd like to say that this was the point in which I remembered about time change. I could have had a nice laugh and gone back to bed, but nope. I continued getting ready for church...totally unaware. I was half way to church when it dawned on me that it was time change the night before. I was going to be an hour early to church. Darn...again.

About that time, I had a horrifying thought. It was the weekend and I had willingly gotten out of bed at 6:30am. Darn. Darn darn darn. Also, now I had some wacky time to kill. I didn't have enough time to make it worth going back home. I'd get there and have about ten minutes and then I'd need to leave again. I had too much time to just drive around for a little bit. I'm cheap and gas is expensive. So, what to do? I went to Walmart. I needed to buy groceries anyway.

So, blogger friends...learn from me. Go set your clocks back an hour!

And So It Begins!

Christmas!

Seriously, I'm so excited about and ready for this holiday. I love this time of year. Everyone seems a little bit happier and even the hustle and bustle of the season is appealing. I was in Walgreens Wednesday morning (incredibly early because I forgot I was responsible for the cookies and milk for the activity that day) and they already had the Christmas trees up and decorated! I think I hummed Christmas carols all morning.

I do love this time of year, but it's not for the gift-getting. Well, I wouldn't be completely honest if I didn't admit to liking that part, but it isn't the main reason why I love this season. This season appeals to me because first it represents a huge part of my faith. The Christmas season always causes me to reflect upon the greatest gift ever given...Jesus. Also, this season is about family and loved ones. And in case you couldn't tell, I'm very much a family and loved one kind of girl.

Life is pretty stressful right now. Unfortunately for me, life isn't picky. It's spread the stress everywhere...work, family, my love life, my check book, and friends. Stress doesn't always mean bad stuff but it just means stress. Thankfully, Christmas shopping, Christmas wrapping, Christmas card writing, holiday baking (I know...who would have thought this girl would actually spend hours in the kitchen cooking!), holiday parties, and such take that stress right away. I'm so happy this season is beginning!

Now, if you'll excuse me...I'm feeling in the mood to make a Christmas gift list!