Something to Talk About

Taking Time for Christmas

2011-12-16T07:55:00.001-08:00

I've always loved the Christmas season. However, this past week has been extremely hectic and stressful. Between trying to get the house clean and ready for the Tacky Christmas Party, getting my students presents ready, making my co-workers presents, and getting all my other Christmas presents bought and wrapped (I'm going out of town for some of next week so I had to have this done by Saturday.)...on top of having a job that doesn't just end at 3:00 when the bell rings, attempting to work out and cook dinner at least 4 days a week...it has been busy to say the least. Every time Diego would ask if we could go do something or run an errand I would fuss at him about all the things on my to do list and how I didn't have any time and what was he thinking?! This caused him to start reenacting the scene from Saved by the Bell where Jessie is addicted to sleeping pills because...say it with me now..."There's no time, there's never any time, I don't have time to study. I'll never get into Stanford..." You know you have that scene memorized too...especially if you grew up in the 90s. His twist of course said, "There's no time for Christmas!!" Although it was funny (and slightly irritating)...I realized something...he was right. I was all stressed about getting everything done that I wasn't even enjoying Christmas. So I decided to make sure I let myself relax and take in the joy of the season. (Sorry for the cheesiness.) Rather than being rushed to go find presents for everyone, I remembered that I actually love shopping for others and finding the perfect gifts for them. (I also took advantage of the awesomeness that is online shopping for many.) Instead of being worried about getting all the school gifts done...I relished in the fun of making homemade gifts for my co-workers and the truly wonderful group of students that I have this year (plus, Diego helped tremendously with my kids gifts). Then last night, I got to do one of my favorite things about the Christmas season...wrap presents! I got this from my mom. Every year she set up a giant wrapping station full of pretty papers, beautiful ribbons, and fun package decorations. I could never set up an entire wrapping station in my tiny apartment so I finally got to this year in my new house (and I was lucky enough to get lots of Mom's extras as she tries to downsize). So I turned on the Christmas music and got to work. Maybe someday my bows will look as good as hers.

Taking a Pinterest

2011-11-05T15:57:00.001-07:00

I am one of the many who is currently hooked on Pinterest. Talk about addicting. The only problem is that I wish I could actually "do" as fast as I "pin". However, I did do a couple DIY projects this Summer that I had found inspiration from Pinterest. I've been meaning to post them since Summer but school started therefore nothing else really happens except grading, planning, and cutting lamination.

I'm realizing I really need to improve my photography skills but bear with me for now.

First up is my pom-pom flowers as a Spring/Summer centerpiece on my dining room table. (Currently the vase is filled with mini-pumpkins for Fall but these will come back out in the Spring.) I just used tulle, sticks from my yard, and rocks. The colors of the flowers match the fabric I recently used for the chairs. I got my inspiration (and my tutorial on how to make them) mainly from here and here.

I also made this calendar with the idea from here. I made mine a Western theme to match my kitchen's style. It is hard to read in the picture but on the right side I have a "To do" list and a "To Buy" list. I bought a frame from Hobby Lobby and then used scrapbook paper, stickers, a little twine, and sharpie (The sharpie is on the inside of the glass for the lines and then I use dry erase markers to write on it.)

What the Kids are Saying...

2011-09-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

It's time for the annual student survey! I know you've been patiently awaiting. For those who don't know, I give my students a survey at the beginning of the year to get to know them. It always provides some entertainment. I didn't think the answers weren't quite as funny this year but I still found a few gems.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
- Sometimes I spy on my dog to see what he's doing
- Read and use some electronics (Example) TV

What are some things you know a lot about?
- I know alot about tennis. You need to hit the ball
- That school starts at 7:00 am
- Cars-how fast they are and how slow they are
- Flowers and the water cycle

What are some things you would like to know more about?
-How you feel when you know alot

If you were given $1000, what would you do with it? (These answers were just sweet rather than funny)
- I would use it for emergencies only
- Buy my parents a house
- I would help my mom and dad pay the bills

What interesting places have you visited.
- I visited NRH20 because it cools me off.
- I have visited Golden Corral
- The Pyramids

Where would you like to visit?
-Whataburger, Subway
-TCU (I might have brainwashed them)
- Nueva York

I am saddest when...
-I lose my legos.

If you could be a famous person...
- I would be Miley Cyrus because she sings so pretty.
- President because I would change one law
- Michael Jackson because he has lots of dance moves

Just call me Nate Berkus

2011-08-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

Now that I have an entire house to decorate and take care of I've become much more into doing DIY projects because its fun and saves money. I have loved having the summer off to get some projects checked off my list. I was lucky to get a dining table set that belonged to my great-grandad when my Mom moved in with her new hubs. I love old furniture...I just think it has so much character. However, the chairs definitely needed some updating so I recovered the cushions. Here are the before and after shots. What do you think? I'll be sharing a few more of my projects soon...

BEFORE

AFTER

My Two Cents

2011-07-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

Diego was joking around the other day that I always like to put my two cents into every situation. So it gave me an idea for a blog. Thought I'd share my two cents on a few random musings for the blog world...since I know all of you care as much as Diego does for my opinion.

- Debt crisis: I really am no expert on what is going on with this because frankly I just find it all frustrating and frightening. (If you want a more knowledgeable opinion, I suggest you read someone's blog who is much more educated on the subject such as my sister-in-law.) What I do know is I'm exhausted with how bipartisan everything is now. At this point I don't even care what the outcome is...I just want both sides to remember what it means to compromise. Come on guys, this is something you learn in elementary school. Listening to this back and forth sounds as immature as my kids' arguments at recess. Can we all be adults please?
note: Just saw that they may have reached an agreement...hallejujah...but still my point extends to the government beyond this issue.

- Pinterest is a fantasically fabulous way for me to ~~be productive~~ waste even more time on the computer.

- I'm kind of over Lady Gaga's constant extreme weirdness but her songs are just so fun.

- I think the latest dance craze, the Shuffle, is just a less structured running man. Come on kids, we were doing that move 20 years ago :)

- Wait, hold the phone! Amy Winehouse died of a drug overdose?!?! (This is when I need a sarcasm font.)

- I can't decide who Ashley should pick...I really like JP but not sure I want him with her. Is that mean? And on that subject, I'm still very annoyed with the producers of the show who let Bentley parade around being his jerky self without giving Ashley the heads up.

- So its hot outside. No surprise there to anyone in Texas. Here's the thing, I know August is always the hottest but it didn't dawn on me until I saw the high temperatures expected for this week of 108 to 110 that it would actually get hotter than the 105 that we have been having. I just thought the unusually extreme hot June and July would just extend into August rather than it actually getting worse.

Tune in next time for more of my 2 cents. I'm sure you found it riveting. Maybe I should rename my blog that?

Bathroom Transformation

2011-07-13T19:21:00.001-07:00

My first big project for my new house was to paint the hall bathroom. It had an ugly wallpaper on it that had to come down immediately. The actual taking down of the wallpaper proved to be more of a task than we anticipated but we finally got it all done. I wanted to paint the walls a color so that they would go with the shower curtain I have because I really love the colors in the curtain. It might have turned out brighter than we expected but I really like it. Even if Diego calls it the La Bamba bathroom because of its brightness :)

A huge thank you to all my helpers...actually I think I was more their helper :)

- Thank you Mom and Warren for plastering the wall.

- Thank you Mom and Sarah Quintana for painting the primer.

- Thank you Mom for helping me take down the wallpaper and painting the room. (Notice a trend here? Yeah, Mom helped me quite a bit!) I'm very blessed!

The pictures are not wonderful because it was hard to get good pictures in such a small space but here ya go...

Before:

After:

I could blog about...

2011-07-09T01:27:00.001-07:00

I know it seems I've abandoned my blog. And I know I basically have but I'm just not ready to completely let it go yet. I promise I have all these grand plans of things to blog about but haven't been home for long enough all summer to actually do it. So for now here is a preview of what I hope to blog about in the future. No promises but definitely good intentions...

1. Updated pictures of my house now that I actually have furniture in it. I definitely will do a before and after of my bathroom transformation.
2. River trip with dad and Katie. We had a very fun weekend at the river. Here's one of Gruene Hall.

3. Alaska cruise with Diego's family and Seattle--we had a wonderful time and after I can sort through and pick a few pictures I will try to post them. Here is one of the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls for now.

4. California-- we are currently out here for my beautiful mom's wedding...and some fun beach vacation/family time too :) Hopefully more pictures to come....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I guess I'm officially a grown up...

2011-04-14T18:56:00.001-07:00

I bought a house!! I still can't believe it. I'm really excited though. Now comes the fun part of packing and moving...and the actual fun part of decorating and fixing up the house. It is 3 bedroom, 2 bath, has hardwood floors, a lovely sun room, and the coolest feature...a drive thru garage. What is that for you might ask? What isn't it for is really the question. :)

Here are some pictures of the new place...I'll try to put more pictures up once I move in.

Front Door/Living Room

Den

Kitchen

Sun Room Backyard/Outside of Sun Room

Backyard

Make Education a Priority

2011-02-26T15:44:00.001-08:00

I don't know that anyone reads this anymore but if you do...please write or call your state legislators to stop some of the budget cuts to Texas public education. It is scary what these cuts will mean for the future of our educational system, our students, and ultimately our future as these students will be the ones running our state someday.

There are other solutions to the financial crisis than what are being proposed in the Senate. Here are a couple websites that give you more information. The first one gives you bullet points of what to specifically ask our legislators to do instead of massive spending cuts.

http://www.savetxschools.org/

Thank you for your help!

Rose Bowl

2011-01-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard...TCU won the Rose Bowl! We beat Wisconsin, one of the might Big 10 powerhouses, 21-19. It was so incredible to be there for this game. Thank you to my parents for helping me to get there! I absolutely love my Horned Frog football...it borders on obsessive. (Probably doesn't just border on but is more full on.) For those who don't know, I have been going to TCU football games since I was a few months old. It's a family tradition. We sat through many depressing, losing seasons during the 80s and 90s. It makes the success of this era in TCU football all the more sweeter. I am so proud of our team for what they have accomplished and even more proud of their attitudes and classiness even amidst all the crazy politics and money that has taken over college sports. The TCU crowd at the game was an amazing sight to see and hear -- I was so impressed with our energy despite being the smaller school, therefore with a smaller crowd. I can't say enough what an awesome experience this was for me and one that I will definitely never forget.

I stole this picture from Adam's blog and he got it off the Internet. The website is on the photo...what a cool shot though!

Honey

2010-12-03T20:24:00.000-08:00

- Sassy
- Ahead of her time
- Exemplified what it meant to be a strong woman
- Loved her grandkids dearly
- Opinionated
- Quick-witted
- Smart
- Advice giver...whether you wanted it or not ;) (Including my favorite...how to pick up men!)
- Horned Frog
- Talker and story teller
- Traveler
- Believer
- From that generation of church ladies that we all looked to for wisdom and guidance
- Nurse and teacher
- Mother
- Wife
- Grandmother and Great-Grandmother
...and many more roles

Honey~I am so grateful for the special bond I had with you. I will cherish my memories playing at "Granddaddy and Honey's house", going to the "Brown Cafeteria," and, then later in life, our Friday lunches. I got so many things from you, including my lack of grace and stubborness, and I hope I got some of your sass. I know you are having a party right now with Grandad and Linda and all the family. I will miss our meals and chats and your constant support.

Happy Halloween!!

2010-10-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

From the Glee Cheerios

Quinn, Santana, and Brittany

A Hawaiian Cowboy? and a Cheerio

Kids say the darndest things...

2010-09-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

Here is the annual survey I give my students at the beginning of the year. I switched to 4th grade this year so I'm not sure the answers are quite as funny as usual but we'll give it go...

Q: What interesting places have you visited?

- My attic

- Oklahoma, Kansas City, the closet

Q: What are some places you would like to visit?

- TCU (I haven’t brainwashed them AT ALL)

Q: What are some things about which you would like to know more?

- How to write with your left hand

- Wars that made history (I'm thinking most wars made history.)

- I want to learn the Inglish and esocial studies.

- How do astronauts eat

Q: If you were given $1000, what would you do with it?

- Buy a bed, extra large

- I would buy all the silly bands in the world!

Q: If you could be a famous person, who would you be? Why?

- Lady Gaga, because I like how HE looks

- Davy Crocket (glad to see he's still getting his 10 minutes of fame)

- I like to give flowers to my girlfriend. (what?)

- Hanna Montana because she is a good person.

Q: Do you like music? What kind?

- Adam Lambert (I just didn't realize he was popular with the kiddos)

- Spanish, God, and Hanna Montana (in that order)

So far, I’m really enjoying my 4^th graders…we’ll see if I’m singing a different tune when TAKS testing roles around.

I think coonskin caps are making a comeback.

Is Summer really over???

2010-08-12T09:31:00.001-07:00

That is all.

The Cousins

2010-07-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

My cousins and I on the Nichols side have always been extremely close. Despite our differences in age we all have always gotten along well...and that bond has really only grown as we've become adults. Sadly though, they all live in California...but that does give me a great excuse to visit often! I was going through some old photos and there were so many of us I decided to do this blog. I just came back from, yet another, great trip to California also, where I got to hang out with most all of them. D and Min, we missed you! It has been awesome over the years to see , as some of us add significant others to the mix, how well they fit right in and are fabulous additions to our crew. I am so blessed by these relationships and don't know where I would be without them. Love ya'll!

Below are the "stairstep" picture we love to take whenever we are together. I could easily have spent hours trying to pick between the hundreds of pictures we have taken over the years but decided to stick with these...other than the last picture that was taken at Adam & Dani's wedding.

Brent, Dimitri, Jill, Adam, and I

1990

1997

2006

2009 -- With Honey and the wonderful additions of Min, Dani, and Kim

4th of July in New Mexico

2010-07-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

Diego and I just got back from our trip to New Mexico. I think we saw the whole state on our trip. We had a wonderful time visiting so many of his family and friends though.

We went to Ruidoso to see friends, Clayton, Cindy, and Lily McCook (and then soon to be Olivia McCook in mom's tummy). Lily is Diego's goddaughter and it was her 2nd birthday...she is just a doll. I love Ruidoso...such a pretty town and we all, of course, loved playing with Lily.

Then, we went to Albuquerque to see Diego's cousin, Herman, and his boys, Daniel and Derrick. This is us at an Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball game. We had lots of fun there and then the boys came with us to his Grandpa's ranch for the 4th. They are such fun kids!

Last, we went to Diego's Grandpa's ranch for the Romero Family Reunion they have every 4th of July. It was so much fun. There were 10 brothers and sisters in his mom's family so its a ton of people. Everybody camps out and we ate yummy New Mexico style home cooking and talked and sang by the campfire. Such a fun family!

Heat Wave

2010-06-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

School's Out! Okay so its been out for a few weeks but...Yay! Its summer!! There are so many things that I love about summertime (the 100 degree heat is not one of them) but here are some of the things I'm looking forward to; some are ongoing and some are things I can check off the summer to do list.

1. Concert in the Gardens (check)

2. California Family visits (check)

3. Trip to California

4. Pool time

5. Sno-Cones

6. Trip to New Mexico

7. Time to actually read for pleasure

8. Sleeping in

9. Staying up late

10. Being able to go to gym classes during the day

11. Floating the river (check, although I'm sure we'll do this again)

12. So You Think You Can Dance

13. Summer movies

14. The Beach!

And having my Frogs in the College World Series has been awesome!!

Photo Frenzy

2010-05-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since I posted some pictures...here's a few of what's been going on in 2010. I've been really bad this year about taking pictures (what's wrong with me?!) so hopefully I will do better the rest of the year...

Diego was REALLY excited about the rodeo. Actually, he was just making fun of me always wanting to take pictures of us.

It snowed. In case you missed it. It was beautiful.

This was actually in 2009 but I think Mom looks so cute in her new TCU gloves.

Lunch at Reata

At the horseraces

Easter 2010

Aunt Linda

2010-04-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

Gave the best hugs.
Had an infectious, wonderful laugh.
The best host.
Faithful.
Follower of Jesus.
Was like a 2nd mom to me so many times throughout my life -- Jill and I often said our moms must have gone to "mom school" because they know everything.
A rock.
Approached everything with dedication and commitment
Loved family.
Giver.
Exhausting shopper.
Crafty.
Amazing cook.
Devoted teacher.
Mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, friend, and perhaps her most favorite role...grandmother.

Now she is dancing in heaven with Granddaddy.

Thank you for everything you taught me and everything you have given to this family. I will miss you terribly, Linda, but will see you again. Love you!!

Matthew 5:4
Psalm 130:5

Grace in Small Things -- Day 127

2010-04-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

1. Prayer
2. Date night -- although the movie Date Night on our date night was a disappoint for me
3. Happy Hours with Carrie
4. Race for the Cure - its just always such an uplifting event
5. New dishes from Mom

Grace in Small Things -- Day 126

2010-04-12T05:59:00.001-07:00

1. Diego passed his first test for teaching!!
2. Easter fun (and, of course, money hunt) at Dad and Katie's
3. Main Street Arts Festival with Alison, Tori, and adorable baby Sami (who let me hold her alot...I was in heaven)
4. Evaluation is over and went well
5. Fun sushi night with Diego, Carrie, and Lee

I know my blog is kind of boring now...I'll try to spice it up with some pictures soon.

Grace in Small Things -- Day 125

2010-03-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

1. St. Patty's Day Mavericks game with Diego
2. Getting two outs at our first softball game (a VAST improvement for me from last year)
3. Cleaning out the closets (although I hate cleaning it felt good to get done)
4. Time outside in the pretty weather in the park, running and playing catch with D
5. March Madness!

Grace in Small Things -- Day 124

2010-03-15T18:09:00.000-07:00

1. SPRING BREAK!!!
2. The prettiness of the Bradford Pear Trees blooming
3. My favorite new Pilates class
4. Having a job (I have to remind myself when the days are tough that I am truly blessed to have a job...and a job where I get sweet hugs from kids everyday)
5. Sit-outside-Starbucks-with-a-good-book weather

Grace in Small Things -- Day 123

2010-03-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

1. Just because tulips from Diego
2. Seeing sweet baby Lily this weekend
3. Celebrating Mom's birthday -- she deserves to be celebrated so much! Love you!
4. Happy Hour with girlfriends
5. Awesomely supportive family, friends, and boyfriend during a rough time at work

What is Love?

2010-02-16T09:55:00.001-08:00

I had my students write about what love means to them for Valentine's Day. I thought some of these were too cute/funny not to share. Although all of these are good (and I had many more but decided it would be too long)...the first couple are my favorites.

I think love is an expression of care. Like if Mark had a girlfriend Mark would love her. And Mark will care for her. If she’s sick Mark will fix her some soup. And let her rest in the bed. And if she’s better Mark will take her on a date. (Note that the student's name is not Mark, he just made up a random person...haha)

Love is you like somebody for how they are and love is that you never forget them. Like your married that’s like love. Love means that you want somebody to stay with you forever. (awww...)

I think it means being friendly to people. And if you don’t notice them then still be nice to them. Treat them how you want to be treated. And you can tell them what’s wrong or good. You can buy them something nice. Or you can be nice to animals. And school property. And house property and your own stuff. And the property that is not your stuff. If it is not your stuff. Let the person do it not you.

Love comes from your heart. Love is the way you feel about someone. Love is a kind thing that comes when you care for someone. Love is opposite of hate. God cares for us. He takes care of us so that means that he loves us.

Love is like you care for people and they care for you. Like your mom cares for you and also your dad cares for you. Love is family and friends and people who love you. Valentine’s Day is part of love also. Valentine’s day is celebrating love.

Love is if you want to tell somebody that you love them. What’s wrong or what’s right. Let the person decide. You can give them flowers or chocolate hearts. And give them cards. They are brave, funny, sweet, nice, cute, loving. And give them a cupcake. (Cupcakes...a girl after my own heart.)

What I think is love is being around my family. And having fun. And being loved by my family. And I am lucky to have a wonderful mother. And what else I think of love is being nice to people. And being nice to my family.

Kindness and treating persons like you want to be treated. Be nice to each other. Give cards with nice notes. Help others. And kisses and hugs. Cheap candy. Play games. Give pictures of hearts. And we could be happy or good at games. We love each other.

Grace in Small Things -- Day 122

2010-02-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

1. The Holy Spirit (not so much a small thing though as the title implies)
2. LOST is back
3. apple jacks
4. learning Spanish
5. cutsy Valentine's things (not so much the romantic things but more the fun stuff for my girlfriends and students)

Grace in Small Things -- Day 121

2010-01-29T11:06:00.000-08:00

1. Rodeo! Diego and I went on Wednesday...a year just isn't complete without a rodeo visit.
2. Trying new cooking experiments (I tried polenta and a fritatta this week...not at the same time.)
3. The honesty of my small group ladies
4. Finally finishing The Shack (I really need to get back in the hang of this reading thing)
5. The Biggest Loser contest at my school...its a good way to get motivated again

2010

2010-01-21T18:44:00.003-08:00

I know I'm a little late on the whole New Years thing but we went to Austin for New Year's. Here are some pictures of our great time!

Its midnight!

Jake workin the hat

Some of the ladies

Monica and "Gorgi"

Happy late 2010! Hope your year is blessed :)

Grace in Small Things -- Day 120

2010-01-17T20:16:00.000-08:00

Its been awhile...

1. Fun birthday celebrations for Diego
2. No school tomorrow
3. My new peppermints from Diego (its the little things)
4. Jersey Shore (I realize this is horribly trashy but its so entertaining.)
5. A fun Austin New Year's (pictures coming soon)

6th Annual Tacky Christmas Sweater Party

2009-12-23T09:22:00.001-08:00

Another successful party this year with plenty of amazing outfits. Enjoy :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

The Hosts

Sam and Lauren
Check out David's headband

Decorated koozies even

They have a soft spot for bears

The winnner in my opinion. A painted sweatshirt dress?!

I think this will be our Christmas Card

Cody's gift (outfit included)

Lovely ladies

Grace in Small Things -- Day 119

2009-12-20T20:49:00.000-08:00

1. Going to my first Mavs game with awesome seats and that they beat the Cavaliers
2. Wrapping presents with Mom and her incredible bow making skills
3. Presents under the tree
4. Date night to Randy Rogers with Diego
5. Winter break!!!

1 Thessalonians 5:18

2009-12-12T20:32:00.000-08:00

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Most of my California family got to come to Texas for Thanksgiving. Yay! My brother, Adam, sister-in-law, Dani, cousins, Jill, Brent, Kim, and Asher, Aunt Linda, and Uncle Ted were here. I just love it when we all get to be together. We tell old stories, play games, eat delicious food, create new jokes that we replay over and over, and, of course, laugh constantly. This time there was even more to smile about because of sweet baby Asher.

Adam and Asher

The usual things that occur when Adam and Brent get together

Cousins and the monkey

Honey and the grandkids

Really the monkey was more for Brent than Asher

4 generations

Honey and her first great grandbaby

Just takin a ride in the pedicab
I got to love on Asher lots

Auntie Jill and her nephew

Thanksgiving Frisbee Golf

The spectators (in appropriate shoes)

Brent isn't competitive at all

Even Asher had a TCU shirt on

TCU Gameday

Mountain West Conference Champions -- BCS here we come!TCU Campus decorated for Christmas

Grace in Small Things -- Day 118

2009-12-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

1. Putting up my Christmas tree
2. Discovering a new favorite show this season -- The Biggest Loser
3. TCU being undefeated!
4. Soup weather
5. Diego's laugh

Hopefully Thanksgiving pictures up soon!

Grace in Small Things -- Day 117 -- Thanksgiving Edition

2009-11-26T22:10:00.001-08:00

I figured I should do a gratitude blog on Thanksgiving...

1. So much of my family here for the holiday
2. Delicious Food
3. Sweet Baby Asher
4. Almost being done with Christmas shopping
5. How much my family laughs when we are together

Grace in Small Things -- Day 116

2009-11-18T17:06:00.001-08:00

1. TCU smashing Utah
2. My California family coming for Thanksgiving
3. Cool weather to run outside in
4. God's unconditional love
5. My friend Alison who will always listen, I can talk to about anything and who knows me better than most

Go Frogs!!

2009-11-10T19:37:00.001-08:00

Yeah, that's right...

In case you have been living under a rock and haven't heard...#4 in the nation!!!

Grace in Small Things -- Day 115

2009-11-06T09:45:00.001-08:00

1. Spaghetti squash
2. Paul Eason and other new music from Clay
3. Sending out our Tacky Christmas invite (6th annual)
4. Running outside again
5. Halloween fun

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

From Pancho Villa and one of his senoritas (too bad my pretty mexican dress is covered up but this was the only good picture I had)

Grace in Small Things -- Day 114

2009-10-26T12:06:00.001-07:00

1. Going to my first ever Cowboys game with Diego
2. Enjoying The Office with friends
3. Luby's with mom
4. My cough/cold finally going away I think (hope I didn't jinx myself)
5. Frogs awesome win against BYU!

Grace in Small Things -- Day 113

2009-10-16T18:14:00.001-07:00

1. Loving my new small group
2. My good friend Kacy getting married...so excited for her! And having fun at the wedding in OKC with Mom and Diego
3. Pumpkins
4. Cooking for the boys
5. My new chalkboard wall decor in my apt. I get to change them all the time...which works well for my constant desire to change my decor for the season or moment in my life.

This too shall pass...

2009-10-08T12:41:00.001-07:00

It has been a bit of a rough week at school so I decided to cheer myself up I'd find some inspiring quotes. I truly do love my job...its just all the "other" factors that make it so hard sometimes....so I thought I should try to remind myself why I do what I do. These are mainly about education so most of you may not care but it was just more for me... but in case you do...

"What I do and say are being absorbed by young minds who will echo these images across the ages. My lessons will be immortal, affecting people yet unborn, people I will never see or know. The future of the world is in my classroom today, a future with the potential for good or bad. The pliable minds of tomorrow's leaders will be molded either artistically or grotesquely by what I do. Thank God I have a calling to the greatest profession of all! I must be vigilant every day lest I lose one fragile opportunity to improve tomorrow." -Ivan Welton Fitzwater

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

It is the responsibility of every adult... to make sure that children hear what we have learned from the lessons of life and to hear over and over that we love them and that they are not alone-- Marian Wright Edelman

"Being a teacher is like being a parent: once you are one, you can never, ever walk away from the job."

"Having a good outside-school support system may be the one thing that keeps you sane this semester." (Thank you to my wonderful family and friends!)

"Have you ever considered how fortunate you are to have a job worth denying yourself sleep over?"

"Teaching is a profession dealing with unmeasurable results conducted through invisible processes with an inconclusive audience. In short, an act of faith."

"It is more difficult to dislike a teacher or student with whom you have broken cupcakes."

"If people grew up with LP records, and learned to listen to the songs they liked as well as the songs they didn't, they might be more accepting of less-than-ideal life situations than people who grew up selecting only their favorite songs for downloading to an iPod, and believing they could complete only their favorite assignments."

The kids in our classroom are infinitely more significant than the subject matter we teach.-- Meladee McCarty

In a completely rational society, the best of us would aspire to be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something less, because passing civilization along from one generation to the next ought to be the highest honor and the highest responsibility anyone could have.-- Lee Iacocca

It must be remembered that the purpose of education is not to fill the minds of students with facts... it is to teach them to think, if that is possible, and always to think for themselves.-- Robert Hutchins

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11

Note: I don't think I'm so great or anything because I'm a teacher nor do I think I'm anywhere close to being the best teacher there is...these quotes were just for motivation for me not so everybody can praise me or anything for being a teacher.

2nd Grade Interests

2009-09-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

Every year at the beginning of the school year my students do a student interest inventory so that I can get to know them and to give them some ideas for writing topics. I always find some of their answers quite funny...enjoy...

Q: What are some places you would like to visit?
A: Bamboo Garden
A: Texas
A: California to see the president's house

Q: What kind of music do you like?
A: Jazz

Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: Michael Jackson (pretty much every student's answer to this question)

Q: If you could be a famous person, who would you be? Why?
A: Michael Jackson (also most kid's answer)
A: The president so I could give papers to the people who don't have them...like my mom.

Q: What do you do at home in your free time?
A: Play zombies outside of my house

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Pick up my phone

Q: Set a goal for yourself for the upcoming school year.
A: I want to read fart.

Q: If you were given $1000, what would you do with it?
A: Buy a limo with a hot tub

Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Getting my room number and key.

Q: What are some things you know alot about?
A: Freeze tag
Q: What is something you would like to know more about?
A: Hide and Seek
(I just thought it was funny that those last 2 were the same student.)

Grace in Small Things -- Day 112

2009-09-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

1. Girls Night at Nona Tata with Carrie & Lauren
2. Central Market and The Office with Erin
3. Drive Thur
4. Discovering that I can do Step class...and that I enjoy it
5. Clay-Ashley time

Grace in Small Things -- Day 111

2009-09-17T09:50:00.001-07:00

1. "Just because" flowers from Diego
2. Waiver Day tomorrow
3. Converting yet another to the deliciousness of iced coffee
4. Top Chef
5. Cooking for friends

Grace in Small Things -- Day 110

2009-09-15T10:23:00.001-07:00

1. Rain
2. My cute strawberry rainboats
3. TCU Football starting (and watching the game this weekend with Dad and Katie)
4. Rediscovering the joy of coloring books
5. New decorations up in my apt.

Grace in Small Things -- Day 109

2009-09-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

1. Lots of pool time for Labor Day weekend
2. Pickin' for Premmies concert with Mom and Becca
3. Worship singing at CCBC
4. A clean car
5. sharpies...in lots of colors

Grace in Small Things -- Day 108

2009-09-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

1. Awesome swimming pool at my new apartment
2. My new promethean board at school (it is so cool and the kids actually pay attention whenever I'm using it!)
3. Having a Starbucks so close to my new place and on the way to school. (Although this is probably going to be a problem for my budget.)
4. Teacher friends who know what its like
5. Time with Honey

Grace in Small Things -- Day 107

2009-08-30T09:13:00.001-07:00

1. A night of dancing to awesome 80s music with friends
2. A surprise starbucks trip with Diego
3. Babies to play with
4. Cooler weather
5. 1 week of school done

Grace in Small Things -- Day 106

2009-08-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

1. Adorable new kiddos in my class
2. Having an amazing travel-filled summer
3. Finally getting settled in my new place
4. Cooking (and people liking the food I cooked)
5. New pictures framed and up around the apartment

3 Birthdays and A Country Wedding

2009-08-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

My other big trips of the summer were 2 trips to New Mexico. The first trip was a birthday present from Diego to me. We spent about a week hanging out with his family and had a wonderfully relaxing time. It was a busy week for us as Diego's mom's birthday is July 9, mine is July 10, and his sister's is July 11. Crazy right? Among other fun events of the week, Diego treated us all to a trip to the Ojo Caliente...a fabulous hot springs spa. Then, a few weeks later we went back to New Mexico for one of his cousin's weddings. It was beautiful and we had so much fun two-stepping and dancing all night.

The birthday girls -- Becca, Sarah, and me

Diego and I on my birthday

The big 2-5

Becca and I celebrating her birthday
Cousins -- Diego, Gerard, and Sammy

Diego and his adorable goddaughter

Hanging out at the lake

At the wedding

Trying to be cowboys

The OC

2009-08-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

This summer has been crazy busy. I have literally been home about 10 days this entire summer. I'm not complaining though...I have been blessed to take some amazing trips this summer. One of those trips was to see some of my favorite family out in sunny California.

We finally got to meet little Asher (my cousins' Brent and Kim's son)...and he is just as adorable (or actually more) in person.

Headed to the beach

Our yummy loot from the farmer's market.

Adam and Dani made us all a lovely dinner out on their deck. Here are Linda and Ted at the couple's table....well it was their anniversary :)

Mom and Adam

The ladies -- Dani, me, and Jill

We went to the San Diego Zoo. Here's me with the fake elephant...

...and here's Adam.

Our trusty tour guide?

I decided to lie down with Asher.

Two Ashes

US Open of Surfing = amazing

Photo Shoot at Blue Water Grill

Ted and the ladies

At church on Sunday

Beautiful Barcelona

2009-08-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

Barcelona was possibly my favorite place we went. I loved its relaxed atmosphere and awesome architecture...plus, lying on the beach was of course fantastic.

Carrie and I at the Sagrada Familia -- This church by Anotoni Gaudi was AMAZING. It was one of the most unique building I've ever seen. It won't be completed until around 2030. The next few pictures are all of the church.

The beach

Delicious seafood paella

Las Ramblas

Mmmm...sangria

Christopher Columbus

C'est la vie

2009-07-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

Paris was hot, crowded, and full of French people...but its Paris...the city of lights and love. Its still hard to believe I have been blessed enough to see such amazing things as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Go to Carrie's blog to learn more about our Paris adventures.

Montmarte -- the Paris that you see in pictures where artists line the streets
Notre Dame

Sainte-Chapelle

Sacre Coeur

Moulin Rouge

Arc de Triomphe

Eiffel Tower at night is the best
Being mature at the Louvre

Ashley: So other than the Mona Lisa what other famous pieces of art are in the Louvre?

Carrie: Sculptures and stuff

Napolean's Apartment -- one of my favorite things at the Louvre

The Louvre

On the Eiffel Tower

Cheers from Scotland

2009-07-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Scotland was absolutely beautiful. One of my favorite places on our trip for sure. We took an awesome 3 day tour through the highlands. I had a lot of trouble just picking a few pictures to show...it was all just so pretty. Again, for more details see Carrie's blog here.

William Wallace Monument
Our tour group

Green hills and lochs

Traditional Scottish highland dress show

Our boat we took looking for Nessie

Clearly looking hard for Nessie

Kilt Rock

Isle of Skye...we ate a picnic lunch here

Isle of Skye was definitely a favorite...has to be one of the prettiest places on earth

It was a little windy...hence the hair problem

Pretty castle

This loch is supposed to be shaped like Scotland

Ft. Augustine...the cute little town we stayed in

With the tour bus

Pretty chapel

Look kids, Big Ben...Parliament

2009-07-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

Since I'm so behind on posting about my travels this summer I'm going to take a shortcut and just post a few of the hundreads of pictures along with some captions. If you would really like to hear more details about our trip you can check out Carrie's blog here. I'm also hoping to get the rest up on shutterfly soon...I'll let you know when that happens.

First up...London...

Big Ben, Parliament
On our fabulous boat tour

By the Thames

I think she's telling some guy "Come here to me"

London, Baby

Yes, we went and saw Thriller the Musical....before Michael's death. And yes, it was as amazing as you are thinking it would be.

So excited about Thriller.

Kensington Palace

The craziness that was Portobello Market in cute Notting Hill

Adorable Hummingbird bakery in Notting Hill...cupcakes!!

St. Paul's Cathedral

Tower Bridge...and Starbucks :)

Ice Cream in Harrod's

Tower of London

Buckingham Palace

Westminister Abbey

View from the London Eye

Quick Update -- Summer 2009

2009-07-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Ok so I know I've been horrible about updating my blog this summer and many of you (my dad) are very upset. It has been a crazy summer...2 weeks in Europe, wonderful family in town, a week in New Mexico, and now I'm off today for 10 days in California. I know...its a rough life. I'm hoping to update from California and maybe post some Europe pictures. Hope you are all having a wonderful summer too!

Grace in Small Things -- Day 105

2009-07-05T17:42:00.000-07:00

Ok so my plan of posting at least once in each place in Europe didn't really work out. So here's a list for the rest of the trip...obviously it barely covers the whole trip. I hope to post pictures soon but I'm going to New Mexico and then California later this month so not positive when I will get to all the posting but hopefully soon.

Europe edition

1. Beautiful weather and countryside of Scotland -- my favorite was Isle of Skye

2. Fun tour group and guide in Scotland

3. Eiffel Tower at night

4. Beaches of Barcelona

5. Sagrada Familia in Barcelona...unlike anything I've ever seen

Its good to be back home :)

Grace in Small Things -- Day 104

2009-06-21T00:29:00.000-07:00

LONDON EDITION -- We arrived safely in London and are having a wonderful time! I will try to write a longer blog later but just wanted to give a short update.

1. Safe travels and getting around the tube very successfully
2. All the fun food at Harrods and at Portobello Market
3. Going to tea in England
4. Thriller the Musical (yes, a musical full of Michael Jackson songs...AMAZING!)
5. Getting to go to Hillsong church today

Next up: Scotland

Grace in Small Things -- Day 103

2009-06-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

1. Leaving for Europe today!!
2. Lots of good quality time with D these past few days since I won't see him for a month :(
3. Yummy fajitas cooked by D and Becca
4. Getting mexican food (since I won't be able to have it for 2 weeks) with Mom
5. How much D loves hanging out with Honey

Grace in Small Things -- Day 102

2009-06-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Its officially summer!! My boyfriend and I kicked it off with a trip to the river with some of his friends. We had a great time...sadly I didn't really take any pictures. I know, its so unlike me! So this is a grace in small things about our trip...

1. The relaxing float on the Guadalupe
2. The fun tube shoot float on the Comal
3. Camping out
4. Yummy BBQ in New Braunfels
5. Twittering life...I know this won't make sense to anyone but it was the joke of the trip and something I wanted to remember.

Grace in Small Things -- Day 101

2009-06-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

1. Mom getting me an adorable new sofa as an early bday present
2. Mom helping me get my classroom packed up for summer
3. Gatlin Bros. Concert in the Gardens with Dad & Katie
4. Brunch and Shopping with Becca
5. fellowship

Grace in Small Things -- Day 100

2009-06-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

1. 100 Days of Grace!!
2. Last day of school!!!
3. Happy Hour with my college girls and significant others
4. Swimming at the gym with D
5. Lay out time by the pool

Grace in Small Things -- Day 99

2009-05-30T19:18:00.001-07:00

Please bear with me on the delays in posting...the end of school is just crazy...

1. One week left of school!
2. Fun at the Colonial
3. Drinks and Dancing with D's friends
4. Final regular season softball game of the year
5. Diddles at dinner with the ADSC crew

Grace in Small Things -- Day 98

2009-05-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

1. No School for Memorial Day!
2. Pool day, all day
3. An understanding mom who doesn't get mad no matter how many times I'm late for weight watchers on Saturday morning.
4. Prayer
5. Lazy weekends

Grace in Small Things -- Day 97

2009-05-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

1. My kids doing the cha cha at recess
2. D's laugh
3. 200th blog post
4. Rainbow Ice dippin dots
5. TCU Baseball with Diego and Katie....oh and Dad was there too

Grace in Small Things -- Day 96

2009-05-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

1. Running again...even if its on the treadmill

2. The Bachelorette!

3. Small Group fun at La Familia

4. The Ashley picture

5. Girl talk

Grace in Small Things -- Day 95

2009-05-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

1. Diego is home :)
2. Fun live music out on the lake with Dad & Katie
3. My naturally curly hair (why did I not learn the appreciate the ease of this until college?)
4. Getting back on the healthy eating and exercise kick
5. I've learned to appreciate a good nap rather than just thinking it is a waste of the day

Grace in Small Things -- Day 94

2009-05-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

1. Our softball team finally winning another game (scoring 12 runs in one inning I might add)
2. Me finally catching a pop up at catcher
3. Talk time with Clay
4. Shadowboxing
5. D comes home tomorrow!

Grace in Small Things -- Day 93

2009-05-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

1. Monthly dinner with the girls
2. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder apparently
3. A boyfriend who knows the right balance between sweet and cheesy
4. God's love
5. the Internet (random, I know, but how did people plan European vacations before it?)

Grace in Small Things -- Day 92

2009-05-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

1. Having an awesome partner teacher
2. Catching up on my silly tv shows (Yes, I know I'm probably too old to watch Greek)
3. Morning phone chats
4. Playing with my fun new smartboard at school...it helps make May not quite so miserable
5. little tiny group

Grace in Small Things -- Day 91

2009-05-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

1. Sweet "I miss you" texts from D -- (you can all stop throwing up now)
2. Getting to see sweet Asher and California fam on iChat
3. SET class at the gym
4. A clean apartment (especially when someone else cleaned it)
5. When one student can brighten my day

Grace in Small Things -- Day 90

2009-05-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Edition

1. A mom who is my best friend
2. A mom who I can always tell people is so much nicer than me
3. A mom who has been an example in every way for me
4. A mom who truly shows me unconditional love and support
5. A mom who ALWAYS listens "when my mouth is so full"

Pecos, New Mexico

2009-05-09T21:12:00.001-07:00

We went to visit D's family this past week in New Mexico. We had a great visit with his family and enjoyed the beauty and yummy food that the state has to offer.

Road trippin'
The view from the roof at D's parents
Sunset in Pecos

Putt-Putt fun

My new favorite little kid -- D's cousin

Ignore the trailer

Enjoying the scenery

Driving around the canyon

D's mom and I

So pretty

Grace in Small Things -- Day 89

2009-05-09T16:59:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the absence from my blog again (I'm sure you all were devastated). I went to New Mexico this week with my boyfriend to visit his family since we had an unexpected vacation from school and I did not have internet access.

We had a wonderful trip! Pictures to come soon.

Here's my days of grace for our week in New Mexico.

1. Road trip time with my guy (which means lots of fun chat time)
2. Yummy homecooking from his mom and experiencing good New Mexican food (still love Tex-Mex but its growing on me)
3. A day of fun with his cousin's awesome kids. I wanted to bring one home with me. A-dorable.
4. Beautiful scenery -- love the blue mountains
5. Time with his sweet family

Grace in Small Things -- Day 88

2009-05-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

1. Cupcakes and cookies from J. Rae's with Laurie & Carrie
2. Laurie getting us prepared for London
3. The little things
4. My boyfriend being a gentleman
5. Having time to clean up a little (note: I'm not thankful for cleaning but just glad to not have quite the mess on my room and closet floor)

Grace in Small Things -- Day 87

2009-05-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

1. Roommate Sick Day '09 (Basically lots of yummy food...that's the way we do it)
2. Lunch at Lili's
3. LoveShack with friends
4. Playing games (board games)
5. Late nights at Ol'South with their awesome waitstaff

Grace in Small Things -- Day 86

2009-04-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

1. Break from school because of the swine flu (not thankful for the swine flu problem but happy to have a few days off...hopefully without having to make them up)
2. Catching up on sleep
3. Spending the day with the boy
4. Getting to go out for lunch -- mmm Vietnamese food
5. Heath Blizzard from DQ

Grace in Small Things -- Day 85

2009-04-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

1. As always on Tuesdays, small group time
2. Caring for others
3. Healthy political discussions
4. Hugs
5. Cake -- "Ladies love cake"

Grace in Small Things -- Day 84

2009-04-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

1. D meeting the parents
2. Half day
3. A boyfriend who tells me how much he appreciates me and makes me feel special
4. Only 14 kids
5. Teaching 2nd grade (even though at this point in the year its a little rough..but that's any grade right now)

Grace in Small Things -- Day 83

2009-04-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

I'm combining weekend days because its apparently difficult for me to get this done over the weekend...

1. Project Serve at the food bank
2. Getting to hang out with my pastor and his wife -- that's just for you Mark!
3. Brunch party at D's
4. Girls night with Carrie and Lauren
5. Planning our Europe trip!

Grace in Small Things -- Day 82

2009-04-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

1. Seeing old friends
2. Marriages that last
3. Movie Day
4. Always being able to laugh at work despite how hard it is sometimes
5. Dinner at Babe's chicken with family

Grace in Small Things -- Day 81

2009-04-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

1. Texts that make me smile
2. Talking things out
3. Having so many friends who truly care about my happiness and well-being (obviously my family does that too...my friends were just on my mind today)
4. All the people from my church families over the years that have made me who I am today and who showed me what faith, love, and grace are (Sorry Dani, I don't think that is grammatically correct)
5. Swimming

Grace in Small Things -- Day 80

2009-04-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

My sincerest apologies to my wonderful sister-in-law who is also a faithful reader and commenter...you definitely deserved a shout out in the last post.

1. That I have people in my life who care enough to read my blog
2. D forcing me to try a new running workout (despite my whining and protest)
3. I know I say this every Tuesday...but my wonderful small group ladies...I just like them so much.
4. Mexican food
5. And last but certainly not least...my cousins Brent & Kim welcomed their baby boy, Asher Stephen, (yes, I think he's named after me) into the world!! So excited for them!!

Grace in Small Things -- Day 79

2009-04-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

Alright so I know I've been slacking on my list the past few days and I know my faithful readers (my parents) are concerned...we should be back to regularly scheduled programming now though...

1. Field Trip!
2. Good report at the dentist...and I love having my teeth cleaned at the dentist!
3. Yummy dinner at Joe T.'s with friends
4. Pretty warm weather for the week
5. Stories that never get old or stop being funny

Grace in Small Things -- Day 78

2009-04-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

1. Main Street Arts Festival!
2. Roommate night
3. Forcing myself to go run
4. Trying new recipes
5. Good music

Grace in Small Things -- Day 77

2009-04-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

1. Swimming for the first time in a while (training for a triathlon sprint relay...hmmm)
2. Getting to come home at the same time with the boy
3. Curly's Custard
4. Sprinkles! (the topping not cupcakes this time)
5. Smiling (I sound like Buddy the Elf)

Grace in Small Things -- Day 76

2009-04-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

1. Catch up coffee date with Sunni!
2. The comfortableness with each other our small group has now
3. Our new book study in small group -- Blue Like Jazz
4. Inside jokes
5. This quote is on my computer from my wise sister-in-law: "Stay there. Stop Striving. He's coming to pick you up." Some days...I just need that.

Grace in Small Things -- Day 75

2009-04-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

1. Having a good Monday with the kiddos. (And this late in the year...that's really saying something)
2. One of my girls telling me I was "snitchy"...meaning sneaky
3. Chili's Chips and salsa with ranch
4. Dinner and a movie dates
5. Baytoe

Grace in Small Things -- Day 74

2009-04-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

1. He is Risen!
2. Easter time with mom
3. new iPod shuffle from Mom for Easter -- makes me excited about running again
4. Awesome dinner conversation with friends
5. A boyfriend that is good to me

Grace in Small Things -- Day 73

2009-04-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

1. Race for the Cure with Mom
2. Good Health
3. Easter Fun at Dad and Katie's
4. Holding a baby
5. Weekends

Grace in Small Things -- Day 72

2009-04-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

1. Career Day at school
2. Almost winning our softball game
3. Better attitudes and sportsmanship from our team (even if it was just to appease the girls :)
4. Actually catching the ball at home plate (never mind the fact that I was so excited to catch it that I forgot the play was still going at other bases)
5. Going to the movies

Grace in Small Things -- Day 71

2009-04-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

1. Dinner fun at PF Changs with D's family and friends
2. Getting in shape
3. Frosted cookies from Esperanza's (I know that counteracts #2)
4. taking pictures
5. the yellow shirts

Grace in Small Things -- Day 70

2009-04-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

1. Some of my adorable girls who always make me smile...I will miss them terribly next year
2. Delicious New Mexican home cooking from D's mom
3. D pushing me and encouraging me in my running
4. My cousins Kim & Brent -- just got to catch up with Kim and they are just two of my favorite people...and they are about to have their first little one :)
5. Alison understanding me so well

Grace in Small Things -- Day 69

2009-04-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

1. One of my girls asking me if she could borrow my car to go get me a Sonic Diet Coke. Oh, how well they know me!
2. Meeting the rest of the fam
3. Our covert operation
4. My bracket pick winning. Go UNC!
5. Becoming less addicted to facebook

Grace in Small Things -- Day 68

2009-04-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

1. Lazy Sunday mornings
2. Dancing with Carrie at softball practice
3. Communion
4. My pastor (and his wife) checking in with me on life
5. 9 weeks of school left!

Grace in Small Things -- Day 67

2009-04-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

1. Esperanza's Breakfast with friends (I'm apparently going to see how much money I can spend and how badly I can eat at breakfast every weekend)
2. Sprinkle cookies from Esperanza's
3. Getting some sun outside at starbucks with Carrie
4. Celebrating friend's birthdays
5. TCU Baseball on a pretty baseball day with Carrie & Blythe -- Go Frogs!

Grace in Small Things -- Day 66

2009-04-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

1. That student being absent again -- twice in one week, seriously?! How did I get so lucky?
2. Coffee with mom
3. Getting on base everytime at bat...and then falling on my own coming off third base
4. Stephen making Carrie and I laugh so much during softball (not because of his playing abilities...those were fabulous)
5. LoveShack with the team

Grace in Small Things -- Day 65

2009-04-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

1. Getting to come home and relax with D after a LONG day
2. One of my kids bringing me delicious Tres Leches cake
3. Our super nice custodians at school
4. Getting almost caught up on LOST
5. Compliments on my cooking

Grace in Small Things -- Day 64

2009-04-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

1. That student being absent
2. Monthly dinner with Elizabeth, Ally, and Molly (and Mark)
3. Phone chat with Jill
4. Meeting some of the family
5. My kids April Fools' Jokes (ok so those were more awful than something I'm thankful for...but at least I don't teach older kids who actually know how to joke properly)

Grace in Small Things -- Day 63

2009-03-31T09:12:00.000-07:00

1. Running with D -- it helps to have someone run the same pace as you and it makes me push myself
2. My newfound appreciation for naps
3. Sticking to my 10:00 bedtime for the first time in weeks
4. Small group fun and chit-chat at Central Market
5. That I went to a small enough college where my professors still know me when I see them out and about 3 years later and that I still keep in touch with several of them