Florida

About a month ago, Micah told me that he had a legal conference in San Antonio and asked if I would like to go. He had a whole story to go along...told me about the times he would be in conference, told me about the hotel, and I think he even made up a name for the conference. Anyway, he totally had me going. Last week, as we were talking in bed, he told me that we weren't going to San Antonio, but instead, we were going to Florida. I thought he meant he had to go to another legal conference. Nope. He planned a surprise trip. He wanted to keep it a surprise, but I began planning things for me to do while he was supposed to be at the conference, and he was worried I would book something non-refundable in San Antonio when we weren't even going there. Micah has such a wonderful heart and this is one of the ways he shows love. Another example of this was when we were in college, he planned a trip to New York City to see my friend Laci since I couldn't ever afford to go see her. It was a total surprise, and I didn't know we were going until an hour before we left! It's pretty great being married to him! Here's our trip to Orlando, Florida in pictures!

Left Plainview at 5:00 AM to Lbk airport. First things first, Micah was pulled over by TSA to be searched. I snickered during the whole patdown (Micah is quite funny to travel with...that one-fourth Lebanon blood gets him searched everytime!). Smooth flight!

As soon as we arrived we ate and made to make a trip for toothpaste and sunscreen (mine were too big for flight regulations). Here's one of the first true Floridians we saw...


Then, it was off to our hotel to get checked in and nap. We had been up since 4 AM and were exhausted. We stayed at Rosen Shingle Creek. It was marvelous! This is the front view after you drive down a path of lovely gardens and the second picture is the view out our window.


We woke up and began to get ready to watch the firework show to DisneyWorld before our dinner reservations.


The firework show was great! We went upstairs for our 9:30 PM at California Grill. We ate super expensive steak and pork tenderloin followed by my favorite, the molten chocolate cake overlooking DisneyWorld at night. I had something cute on, but got chilly and grabbed my sweater from the plane hence my old grandma look. After dinner, we were so tired, and full that we joked about taking the table cloth and falling asleep.


We slept in and woke up to go to Disney's Wide World of Sports for a spring training game Braves versus Tigers.

Micah is a sports history nut. On one of our first dates he quizzed me on baseball trivia since I told him I liked baseball. He was impressed. Little did he know, I have a great memory and my dad also watched SportsCenter and pick up on names real quick...I really don't know that much!

These men were so cute and I totally sang along "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."

I loved all the flowers. I came home to Plainview on Sunday to dormant grass...sad face.

Micah insisted that we buy sunscreen that was three dollars cheaper than my kind. I know my sunscreen. His left me greasy. I sat a napkin down in my lap to eat my grilled chicken sandwich and off came the blue ink from the napkin onto my very white legs. It looked like vericose veins. I rubbed and rubbed and finally it came off. Micah insisted on a picture. The sunscreen was not used again and remained in Orlando.

Let's play ball!

Men scratch. I get it. Baseball players really scratch. Some more than others. I kept noticing one of the players doing so repeatedly. Then Micah caught on. Here's just a few pictures of the view he gave us!



After the game, we decided to drive to the Harry Leu Gardens. We drove in major traffic and were late getting there. After we arrived, we saw a wedding was beginning so we snuck around and got a few pictures. I wish we could have stayed. It was so beautiful just from the very little we saw.

The house. Lovely.

I was fascinated with the moss.



I hope we are rocking together 75 years from now.

Lots of lizards rustling in the vegetation.

This is the life picture.


Time for golf. Miniature golf. Fancy, growup mini golf with the Captain Blackbeard theme.



The first joke Micah laughed at from me ended in the line "Peg Leg." Great picture from a great memory.

Saturday we woke up and went to the Arnold Palmer Invitational. No cameras were allowed so we took picture outside the resort. We were so close to all the professional golfers. At one point, we were in arms length of Tiger Woods. We watched him warm up for about an hour. We were so close that Micah assisted a photographer with her pictures of the balls on the green.


We flew back to Texas on Sunday. As soon as we switched planes in Houston, my first words were, "I look like a giant Easter egg. I guess what works in Florida, doesn't fly here." I was wearing lemon yellow pants, pink and white check shirt with multi-colored sleeves and a lime green cardigan with embroided flowers in pink and green. Shhh, I like looking like an Easter egg!


Thank you Micah for a great surprise trip. Your thoughtfulness and effort was very evident. I count my blessings that I am your wife.

I see why people like to "winter" in Florida. Goodbye, Florida. I miss you!

Much love,

End of Spring Break

I feel kinda guilty when I talk about my Spring Break around those who don't have the luxury, but since it's my reality I suppose I'll keep it real! We had a St. Patrick's Day birthday boy turn 27 on Tuesday. We tried to make it special and fun for him since it was a normal work day...he seemed happy to see our birthday messages, homemade dessert, and gift! On Saturday, we celebrated all March Sunday school birthdays with a Pot 'O Luck party at a friend's house. Pictures are below...



I spent the last half of my week off cleaning (it was so great!), resting, and getting to know Plainview a bit better. I did have a routine doctor's appointment in Lubbock and it really did feel like going to the big city! My sister, niece Reece , and baby in womb came to visit on Friday. On Thursday she found out she will be having another girl! I do love buying cute little girl clothes so I'm excited! They had a sonogram and found out the baby is healthy and on target for weight! What a blessing and miracle life is!

Much love,

S.B. Day 1

Not a cloud in the sky today! Marvelous weather=marvelous attitude! I have been quite productive with my warm, sunshiny attitude...

--cleaned out vacuum (eeew, who knew what lurked in the filter!) then vaccumed
--did a little local Plainview shopping...I may have my next idea for the entryway light fixture!
--Wal-Mart, I almost didn't even mind
--cooked dinner for Micah (it was mostly boiling water, but hey...better than normal!)
--worked in flower bed (we have Indian Hawthornes that have the fungus endo-something leaf spot and three of my dwarf youpons are dead or sick)
--worked on cleaning up the garage
--Dodger has left us some surprises in the way of dried bodily fluid which I sat in over the weekend in the living room! I'm working diligently to get the smells up...they have improved...thank you baking soda, white vinegar, scrubbing and patience. I'm seriously wondering if he could stay in the kitchen with a fluffy doggy bed. I think his roaming privileges may be done while we are at work. I know he's a dog, but we've rarely treated him as such, and I'm really feeling guilt over this.

I think it was a pretty productive day! I'm now thinking I may go work outside some more! Thank you God for a beautiful day for me to enjoy!

Much love,

Spring Break

Spring Break, oh, Spring Break...how I love you! I'm not going anywhere and I'm quite tickled to work on the house. I told Micah tonight how excited I am to clean...really clean. Yesterday, I did all the laundry that was piled up in the laundry room (it was literally up to my lower calf). Yea for clean clothes! My Spring Break plans include cleaning, lawn work, some house repairs, a little shopping, and celebrating Micah's birthday...he's a St. Patrick's Day boy! I just so tickled to feel rested, relaxed, and do whatever I want!

Much love,

"This little light of mine..."

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Won't let Satan (whew) it out, I'm gonna let it shine, won't let Satan (whew) it out, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."

This was one of my favorite songs growing up. I had the motions down pat and of course, and I was really into it! I digress...the meaning of the song HIT me tonight when I went to my old churches website about tonight in Pampa (we moved when was about 13) as I was just curious about how they were doing. They have doubled in size, and their mission is to impact the individual so they may impact a city. Wow! So simple. I sat thinking, I am one individual and the thought of impacting a city is daunting, but the thought of letting one person see the light of Christ through me is quite possible. Mind you, I don't think of myself as a glowing light, and I could stand to do better. I've been so wrapped up on scores that I've forgotten about treating my twenty two gifts with God's love lately. I actually have had some children call me "Mom" this year. How dare I not show them the love that so many dream of seeing.

My prayer is that God's love would fill me so they I may bless others even on blowing dirt, possible snow coming, back to winter, time change sleepiness, TAKS stressed, wishing I taught only social studies, and finally when is spring break, err summer days.

Much love,

Maybe I was cool after all?

I had glasses in elementary school. Thankfully, I switched to contacts the summer between 6th and 7th grade. Looking back, I think how dorky I looked in glasses. Small head, big frames (not to mention, my giant poof of bags complimented by a giant bow or headband!). I even picked out a pair of pink plastic frames and later navy wire frames (Micah calls these my octagons...I wore them from 5th grade to my senior year of high school at night...it was a bad day when the contacts would not go in my eyes)! As I'm looking at people.com this evening, I run across a split screen between Sarah Jessica Parker in the '80s and Lourdes (Madonna's daughter) today. Tell me these glasses are not coming back! Upon seeing my pictures from childhood, Micah told me, "It's a wonder you had friends." After seeing the two pictures below, maybe I was cool after all.




Much love,

Weekend in Pictures

I'm so behind in my picture taking. Let me update you!

Here is Micah's Yukon. He's pretty excited about his new Tech plates, too!


My hair several inches shorter and a bit blonder!


And, drum roll please...me acting out my own version of a Slanket infomercial!

Enjoy the Slanket talking on the phone...

Enjoy the Slanket while browsing the 'net...

Enjoy cheering for your favorite team in your Slanket...

Enjoy snuggling with your favorite pet in your Slanket...

Enjoy feeling breezy in the back in your Slanket...

I love my Slanket!

Much love,

Saturday morning in my slanket

It's a quiet Saturday at Casa Malouf. I'm snug in my slanket (which I must post photos of the greatness ASAP) typing away. My boys are still in bed leaving me to my own devices in the living room. So far this morning, I've caught up on my local and national news, checked email, and of course, Facebook. I've also searched for baby headbands...what a random thought. I just love a giant bow or flower on a little girls head. My thought, just in case of conception, know where to purchase giant bows/hats! Just in case you should need a bow, too...go here...http://www.pinkbowtique.com/. See what happens when I'm left alone in the living room for two hours!

Yesterday evening, I went to the Evans' Attitude Adjustment meeting (aka Happy Hour or I guess it could stand for AA, haha) and drank my coke. It was so good to see some of the girls (btw, I wish some of my bloggy buddies from school would have been there...you could have brought your bundles of joy for me to hold!). Since I made Micah drive me (I'm conserving miles on my car since I really racked them up during my back and forth treks and we're wanting to done with car payments in this effort to be more fiscally conservative during an economic downturn/plotting the course for bebes/he had to pick up his golf clubs from being regripped) we went to have dinner with Ashlee and boyfriend Jason. Delicious Outback. I didn't touch any of my Alice Spring Chicken after the Bloomin' Onion and baked potato so lunch it will be. We are supposed to go the TTU/OU basketball game this afternoon and the Covenant Foundation Gala this evening (Micah is Mr. Social britches these days and his BFF is a foundation director in Lbk). I'll have to report on the evening; it could get interesting.

I'm really glad we have a fun filled weekend planned. It's keeping my mind off of the writing TAKS which is Tuesday. My new phrase is the TAKS is WACK! Be praying for my twenty-two little minds in my class that they would be filled with organized thoughts, will do their best, and not rush. My principal let me know on Friday that she is expecting "exemplary" results from my class. No pressure or anything.

Much love,

Colby

Breathing Words of Life

Isn't funny how the words we speak have a profound impact on those ears they fall upon? I am so guilty of saying something negative about someone or something. Don't those words or hurt stick with you? How hard is it to shake off? And, even years later, are you still carrying around those words like a weight you drag behind you?

I think back to my first job. I worked at Sears, in the maternity/ladies dress department, nevertheless (I have no idea why, but it was the "cool" place to work). A woman came by and was asking the price of an item. My response was simple, "This tag reflects the price." She stopped and looked at me and asked if my mother was a teacher. She was quite impressed with my word, "reflects." She went on to compliment my vocabulary. It was during a time in my life when I clung to affirmation that I was "good enough." Ten years later, I remember this stranger's kind words and compliment.

My compliment today is for my husband. I am the most proud wife to a wonderfully kind, brilliant, and handsome man. Isn't it funny how we evolve over time? I've watched him grow spiritually and grow into a career that he is truly respected in. I'm so excited that he's excited as we plan on expanding the Malouf nest. I'm showered with blessings being married to him.

Make someone's day today. Be the someone that lifts another's day. Breathe words of life...they are contagious.

Much love,

Colby

Spring makes me think green

I'm thinking warm, spring thoughts in hopes that is will come sooner! Since I'm thinking these warm thoughts, why not browse (even though, I usually buy on sale in the middle of the season)for spring???

Here's what I've found and I'll be scouring for:

I think I want to paint our guest room Kelley Green. I think I would want to accent it with white linens. Here's the color I like:

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/naturally-sophisticated-green/pictures/index.html

Since my extra tutoring money has been going to the house, I'm trying to save on clothes. I went to the Old Navy website to see if they had any cute spring budget consensus items. I found my spring cardigan haven!

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=43069&pid=611841&scid=611841062

And, I think this is so super cute...

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/outfit.jsp?ensembleId=5720&N=1200055&pCategoryId=194&categoryId=234&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_234#ATLtop

I'm off to the 'Rillo to visit my family!

Much love,

List of here and there thoughts

a) We have major hard water from the well service we are on. Cleaning with vinegar is my friend.

b) I thought we have had a gas leak and as it turns out we don't know how to work our hot water heater. $60 instead of thousands. Advantage, me.

c) In reference to the last post, we have also had the heater man, locksmith, and at our duplex the maintenance man simply because we didn't know how to work the breaker on the dishwasher. All of these were because we didn't know how to fix something really simple. There needs to be a crash course in home repair. If I can't google it, then I don't know how to work it. However, one of us jammed the dishwasher and I googled it and Micah fixed it. Advantage, Maloufs.

d) My in-laws were here Sunday night. I have a snazzy new cheetah entry rug which makes me feel so hip! I also have a guest room door that works now, too. Handy!

e) The man upholstering my old chair and ottoman dropped them by and Micah is currently watching TTU basketball in it. I think he's a happy boy.

f) I'm liking my hair now.

g) I miss my Reecey. I need some hugs and snugs. My sister is back in the hospital. She's thinking if she's having a girl she'll name her Reagan Leigh...my middle name...so honored! Of course, I'll call her by her whole name just to feel special!

h) For Valentine's Day, I received the WARMEST gift...the SLANKET. It's an upgraded (so I've been told by hubby) of the Snuggie. I know the infomercial is cheese deluxe, but I love to be warm and right this moment I'm typing with my arms in the sleeves. Pictures are needed to describe how much I love my present.

i) Today is Daddy's birthday. Micah's dad's birthday was last week. Our mom's are also born almost a week apart in September. I just think it's interesting.

Much love,

Colby

A dose of honesty

I'm just going to be honest here...when I get on to check my blogs each evening, I think, "Man, I should write." I'm stopped by not wanting to sound too whiny, too mopey, too depressing, too this or that. Here's a few honest thoughts from the middle of my week:

1) I think some parents are screwing up their kids. Why? These kids are great. Sometimes I wish I could scoop them up and bring them home with me. I worry too much and am probably too critical of other's parenting when I'm not a parent myself.

2) I was up from 2:30 until 5:30 with major heartburn early this morning. Isn't heartburn from men in their 60's?

3) I just got back from chopping my hair off. We had a lice scare at school the last couple of days. No, I don't have it. I figured now is as good as any to chop it off right above my shoulders (it was a bit above my shoulder blades). I'm kinda mourning my hair.

4) I'm bummed. We were supposed to leave tomorrow night for a weekend trip to Austin. Micah had a legal conference and I was tagging along to play. We aren't going now because he's been too busy at work to plan the trip. We had flights and a hotel. Since it's Valentine's Day weekend, I was so super excited--plus, I was getting to get away. Now, not so much.

5) I have the winter blues.

6) I am trying to take control of my future next year. I'm not sure what that entails just yet. I need to give it over to God. I know he holds the plans for me.

There it is. Okay, my peepers are about to shut on me. Goodnight, Moon!

Much love,

Colby

In my sweats with a few things on my mind...

I'm in my Sunday afternoon sweats with a few things on my mind:

1) I'm finding my last post about gratitude as my attitude difficult. Micah is beat down from work. He's sick and sick and tired. It's hard for me since I also feel pummeled and when I know Micah is drained...whew. I'm looking forward to a resolution to all that is exhausting for us.

2) I've rediscovered dried fruit. I used to eat canned prunes when I was a kid...yum, yum! I love cranberry juice, and now I'm likin' craisins.

3) I think it's neat you can watch television online. Last night we were supposed to attend a birthday party in Lubbock, but Micah was not up for it so we watched The Office online so I could catch up.

4) I was bored on Saturday morning and I looked up real estate in Georgia. I think I was meant to have a red brick colonial home.

5) I have a hair appointment scheduled this week in Plainview. I feel like I'm cheating on my wonderful hairdresser/every three month therapist. Besides the fact that my roots are grown out showing my true color, my hair grows out like a chia pet. Right now, I'm thinking I'm just getting a trim, but who knows, I may end up with short do! I have been known to make spur of the moment decisions on bad days at the salon!

6) I don't know why my blog won't update to show my latest posts on other's sidebars. I must have pushed something?!?

Much love,

I choose gratitude as my attitude!

I have a tendency to say whatever I'm thinking. I just blurt out how I feel, when I feel it. Then, this blurting gives me anxiety as though I think others analyze my words as much as I do. I've made a conscience choice to edit my words to speak words of life. It doesn't always happen, but I'm working on it! Here's a few things I'm grateful for today:

1. My mom called last night to inform me her retina detached from her eye. She had suddenly had surgery today, and my dad said she is doing well. He's playing nurse to the little pirate head at home and was asking for girly movie recommendations (to watch with her one non-sewn eye!). I think my dad is one sweet man!

2. My sister is expecting in late July. She's been in and out (mostly in) of the hospital since mid-December, but they released her yesterday. She was really sick with my niece, then had a miscarriage last year, and I am grateful that her baby is healthy even though she's been so sick. I'm excited to find out if it's a boy or girl.

3. We had a financial meeting a school and it went over my head. I came home and Micah totally gets all this stuff. I'm glad he likes numbers and understands IRA and Roth and interest rates.

4. My students actually like me. I don't think I would like me, but they do. I'm truly shocked, but I guess when all you've heard is TAKS this and TAKS that...it's all they know. I feel like all I say is "strategies, steps, highlight, circle, hush, turn off your words, etc." I'm grateful that they work so hard for me, even if I think I'm unlikable and unfun.

5. I feel so much better this week. Far more energy after feeling puny. Prayers really work!

Much love,

Colby

Weekend Wrap-Up

I don't have a cool rap like Big Al from Kidd Kraddick, but since it's Monday I decided "Weekend Wrap-Up" would be the appropriate title. Speaking of which, I miss listening to Kidd and crew. Boy, did that get me through my drive last spring! I don't get the full Kidd experience with a mere 10 minute commute! I've been battling this off and on again sinus/throat/achy feeling, but praying this weekend has just made me feel so much better. Thank you God!

Friday we went a friend's house for game night, but ended up sitting and talking. I did keep interrupting the Trivial Pursuit game with my nerdy history knowledge. Seriously, those are the only answers I know! Saturday we had a home date to watch Fireproof. It was a really good movie with a very good message. Sunday I did more resting and by Sunday evening I was feeling better so we went to Micah's boss at Tech's house to watch the Superbowl. It was a good game. I went for the Steelers. It's my uncle's favorite team. He had a liver transplant this year. I figure he's had a rough year...give him a win! And, he got one! Did anyone else think so many of the commercials were a little risque?

Back to work today. Four weeks until writing TAKS. That groundhog saw the shadow today. I don't know if we will have six more weeks of winter...I need warmth! Bring on spring...scratch that, bring on summer!

Much love,

Colby (my name thingy is still messed up!)