Three new laws to note

Be careful! I was reading today's Plainview Daily Herald newspaper and there are three new laws that we all need to be aware of that start on Tuesday...obviously that state is putting a grace period for some cases.

1. Regardless of location in a vehicle, each passenger must wear a seatbelt as of this Tuesday.

2. All children under age 8 must be in an approved safety seat, unless they are taller than 4 foot, 9 inches. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, "Law enforcement officers may only enforce the new changes in the law with written or verbal warnings until June 1, 2010." After that officers can either arrest violators or issue a citation. The fine for a first violation is $25 and $250 for future citations.

3. It will become illegal to "use a wireless communication device in a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used."

Good laws. Happy law abiding!

Much love,

Happy Weekend Friends

Saturday, oh, Saturday...you are my friend! I really am excited about Saturday, if you can't tell. I was tuckered out after all the hub-bub of the first week of school. I even went to a girls night last night and stayed up after midnight after the first week of school. This is huge! My friend Kim looked over at me in disbelief that I was still there past 10 P.M. It was fun...a little homemade pizza (which my pizza stone is looking like it's been used 1.0 times now!), delicious desserts, and wedding albums to pass around all while wearing pj's. Thanks Mindy for hosting us...a great time was had by all. I brought one of the desserts, and I thought I'd give out my recipe. It is actually my granny's recipe and it was a favorite (I have lots of favorites in the sweet department!) of mine growing up. The name of the recipe is Better than Sex Cake...growing up I did not know this...we called it Party Cake...when I was older my granny laughed and told me the "real" name of the cake. As I was checking out Paula Deen's recipes, she has a recipe almost identical to my granny's. If only she would have opened Lady and the Granddaughter...

1 box of yellow cake mix (bake according to the package)
1 box of French vanilla pudding (make according to the package)
1 large can of crushed pineapple
2 large bananas
Lemon juice
1 cup of sugar
coconut for topping
whipped topping (I go cool whip...otherwise you can mix 1.5 cups of heavy cream and 1/3 cup of sugar until stiff).

Bake cake according to directions. While the cake is baking, combine pineapple and sugar together until boiling. Poke holes in cake. Then, pour pineapple mixture atop cake (I drain a little of the excessive liquid off). Let cool. Make pudding according to the box. Pour pudding on top of cooled cake. Cut 2 bananas into thin slices and soak in lemon juice. Arrange bananas on top of the pudding mixture. Top with whipped topping. Toast coconut. Decorate the top with toasted coconut. Cover cake and put in refrigerator until cool. Prepare to enjoy!

Happy Weekending to you all!

Much love,

Could I be any more tired?

It's Thursday night which means tomorrow is Friday! I'm so tired. The first week just wears me out. I use the Harry Wong method of practicing procedures, repetition, repetition, repetition. I like things to work like a well oiled machine. My voice has been scratchy at the end of the day and my feet, oh my aching feet! I have a truly delightful class this year...I'm excited to see all the neat, fun things I can teach them this year. Don't you love teaching kids that you seriously would love to bring home! My 4th grade team decided to wear either matching or color coordinated gear all week...so far we've worn the same green top, teal, black and white, pink and orange and tomorrow we are wearing our school tees with ties to honor our p.e. coach (on Fridays he often wears his shorts with a tie!). Anything to keep it lively and fun! Oh, and I have bought a GREAT pencil sharpener. If school supplies excite you like they do me go buy the X-Acto heavy duty sharpener. It has revolutionized my sharpening ways! Okay...that's all I got. I will try not to only post about school, but really that's the language I speak from August-May. Maybe I should find a hobby or two to branch out?

Much love,

Year 5

Today I started my fifth first day as a teacher. On the upside, no one vomited this year on the first day! On the upside, I wasn't naive enough to wear heels...I went with flip flops! However, I think I talked more today than I did all summer long. I desperately needed a coke when I got home. My face sorta hurts from all that smiling I did, too. The kids and I should sleep really well tonight. They looked half kaput at the end of the day...can't say I blame them. They seem like a very sweet bunch! Okay, short and sweet. I'm tired. Night, night. Yes, I realize it's 8:18. School hath begun.

Much love,

The alarm clock sounds

I miss not waking up to an alarm clock. Aren't alarm clock sounds so unnerving...even if you set it on rain or the waves noise setting...it's just not so peaceful before 7 in the morn! I don't have much to report other than I work and work some more and it feels good to have a clue about school.

Besides work here's what I got:

a. I need to find a way to get on Who Wants to be a Millionaire?...I know lots of useless and useful info. I think I could do pretty well!
b. There are two songs that are annoying to me on the radio..."God is great, beer is good and people are crazy..." and "She was rockin’ the beer gut and I love the way she’s not ashamed
Rockin’ the beer gut well it’s just some extra love around her waist..." This are two examples of what were they thinking and what are they talking about?!? Cringe worthy.
c. I have got to find something else to eat besides Smart Ones and Lean Cuisine for lunch when school starts...after years of eating the same things everyday, my palette is tired...suggestions welcomed!
d. Real shoes hurt my feel....I'm rocking a pretty sweet boo boo from breaking in new shoes. Too bad it's not 85 year round...year round flip flops!
e. Micah is sickly in bed tonight with a sore throat. Poor thing. He has a really sad looking puppy dog expression when he is sick. I think he could be on a medicine commercial.
f. Oprah is going to interview Whitney Houston...so I read! I love Miss Whitney and her version of the Star Spangled Banner even in a windsuit!!!

Much love,

Week 1

Man, time flies! I felt like I hopped on one those things they have in airports that speed up walking (I clearly am at a loss for the correct term) last week. I kicked it into high gear after hanging out in neutral for the last two months! I had a couple of inservice days I had to attend, but thankfully it was nothing too painstaking. Dare, I say that it was interesting. There, I said it. I am having a great time getting more organized this year. I can fill up a trash can fast! I found stuff in my closets that have been around since the days of the TAAS test...hello trash. We had registration on Friday and we had a really great day. I met some of my children. I am looking forward to getting to know them and seeing all of their potential ooze out!

Just a note to brag on my baby, Dodger Malouf. We took him for his annual shots Saturday and he was well behaved. He did jump up on the bench to sit in between Mommy and Daddy (remember, he thinks he's human because we have treated him as such), but learned that wasn't "cool" because all the other dogs sat on the floor. When we got back to the room all by himself, guess where he jumped? The bench made for people. Then, the vet came in and said that if she knew she could get a Jack Russell to look like Dodger she would get one. Again, I say, isn't he so handsome?

I have a WORKING cell phone again. I can't promise that I can work it...yet. It rings and has a screen. What more can I ask for?

Much love,

Goodbye Summer

Where did it go? Seems like not too long ago I was sitting in the same chair that I sit in now writing about my first year as an elementary school teacher. And, wow, what an experience it was! I've been up to school to uncover and rearrange my room a bit, but the staff was still waxing the floors and the janitors closet had moved into my room so tomorrow I will go and have a big work day sprucing up the space!

I also have a dentist appointment tomorrow and I'm really nervous. Thankfully, they squeezed me in and since I traveled to Houston for the math conference, I am not required to come to all of the meetings this week!!! I had been meaning to get in, but just kept putting it off. I had this wonderful dentist growing up. One of my earliest memories was being in excruciating pain and having to have an after hours root canal. I remember it was around Christmas time since his toy train decorations were out in front of his office. So, confession...I haven't had my teeth cleaned in two years. The last time I was in the dentist office, I split the back of my pants and showed my tail to the whole office while cashing out. Maybe that's why I haven't been back! I remember going back to school and at the lunch table the next day, I asked if anyone had noticed my rear hanging out of my black pants. Thankfully, I had not being standing in front of 13 year old children teaching with my posterior exposed! I must go do some extra maintence before my 7:50 AM (seriously, I haven't seen that time in a while!) appointment. Gross.

And, lastly, I should NEVER make fun of Micah's upgrading his phone. My screen went dead. Followed by my phone going dead 7/8 times you turn it on. I now am giving up old faithful because she has failed me. Sad, sad. The good news is that I got a new one for free. Phones are not something I like to spend money on. I prefer to spend mine on the electrician that is coming tomorrow to install the new entry fixture! Woo hoo, goodbye tacky, faux crystal brass thing!

And, I just read where Brooks and Dunn are splitting apart. Seriously. Boo!!! They have to keep making music. They provide for much entertainment for our car concerts during road trips. I really should film one of them. It's pure bliss.

Off to floss.

Much love,

We've been missing out

After Micah received his I phone today and played with the "apps" he proclaimed that "we've been missing out." Does my phone ring? Does my phone not break every couple of months? And, is my phone probably considered the most basic, free phone out there these days...probably. I'm not missing out. But, I will admit that it does look pretty snazzy. I'm just not one to spend on electronics and toys...it's not my thing. Which does prompt me to think...if I wanted to run out and buy something...what would I choose to buy?

a. I can always buy stuff for the house. I like to nest. I like to feel comfortable. Home goods excited me.
b. I really would love to buy a Paula Deen cookbook. I can't decide which one, though. Maybe I need a collection? I like my arteries unclogged. I'll start with one.
c. Okay, here's some technology. I would like to buy speakers for the I Pod so I can play music I found on I tunes for my school kids. Micah walked by and said we could find those at Wal-Mart. I will be performing my rap tunes in a matter of weeks. Tickets are limited, but it will be quite a show!
d. Microdembrasion. At my teary doctors office visit, the facialist came in to discuss this procedure ...not covered by insurance and kinda pricey on top that I would have to leave work early, keep coming back. It is supposed to help fine lines, redness, age spots and smooth skin. Sounds dreamy.
e. Teeth whitening. One of the first things I noticed about Micah were his pretty teeth. I have a teeth whitening custom tray, but I would like to have some more gel.

That's it. I was even stretching it with the teeth whitening gel. The school supplies are on the shelves. I've already cried. I just really like summer. I like warm weather. I like decompressing. I like not wearing shoes. I like snuggling with Dodger. I like lounging. I have been going up to my classroom to start working on my classroom. I'm pretty sore after moving heavy file cabinets and my desk around. At least, I'm not moving into a new school hauling boxes up stairs!

Much love,

Sunday night thoughts

1. This is my last full week of summer. Where did it go??????????????
2. On a bright note, I get to go back to school and will actually have a clue as to how this year should go! I wish there was a different title on this news article, but Highland along with many of the other elementary campuses were rated Exemplary this past year!!!
http://www.myplainview.com/articles/2009/07/31/breaking_news/286803dh_xml.txt
3. I wonder if Army Wives is a new episode tonight.
4. I'm into making my own yogurt parfaits lately for breakfast and a healthy snack. I get vanilla low-fat yogurt, frozen mixed berries (let thaw and add a smidge of water and sugar substitute) and grape nuts. So good! The yogurt also helps makes the cereal less crunchy...I use it instead of milk so I get my dairy when I eat cereal!
5. We had healthy snack time during TAKS week and I've rediscovered string cheese! I like Sargento's low fat mozzarella!
6. I hopped in Micah's car this week and discovered he had cut out a picture of me and put it by his gauges. I do love him!
7. This week I found some very snazzy deals shopping. My best find was an Ann Taylor jacket orginally $249 marked down to $29.99. I also bought some patent leather Barbie pink shoes with an extra 40% off at Dillards!
8. I've been stalking Gap for their new perfect fit (not a lowrise!) bootcut jeans...they haven't come in yet, but I want to try them on.
9. I had a small breakdown in the dermatologists office this week. My face is has been breaking out and after the doctor told me that for the time being there wasn't much he could do (on a bright note, he said we could "bomb" yes, I said "bomb" my face with medicine at a later time), I began to tear up. I actually began crying after he left the room, into the parking lot, went to Taco Villa for comfort, cried in the parking lot eating a bean burrito with extra cheese, shopped for comfort, called Micah and cried some more. Carly Simon's Your So Vain might be written for me...
10.Today's sermon was a series of construtive spirits...kindness. Good message. Kindness is love acted out.

Much love,

2-7

July 30 was my 27th birthday. I'm looking forward to a great year. I love my birthday. It was a GREAT day. I got lots of online messages, calls, texts and presents...thank you all...you know how to make a girl feel loved! Here's how I celebrated...

Clearly, I have no shame and decided to be the focus of our chalkboard table.


Put a pink dress on because it is my favorite color! This was taken later on in the evening...do I look tired?!?


Micah took my mom, Karli, Reece, and Reagan to lunch at Tokyo (it's where they cook in front of you). I chose it because I thought Reece would have fun watching them cook. Think again. She screamed, "FIRE!" And ran. I ate with a three year old on my lap assuring her there would be no more fire. Here's what Reece and I didn't finish that became yesterday's lunch.


Let there be cake. Karli made me a strawberry cake with cream cheese icing. Then, the girls and I played. Reece decided to water my grass so yet again (she came over last week and did the same thing) she stripped down naked and ran around with the water hose and her Dora umbrella over her head. I should've had my camera...it was a moment to savor!


Micah's card. He knows my feelings towards cats....grrrrrrrrrrrrr. He told me Dodger picked it out. Oh, it sang "Happy Birthday" with cats meowing!


Besides a very nice gift certificate to my favorite shop in town and Home Depot for my entry light fixture, he knows my love for toffee and he loaded my gift sack full!


My mom got the dining room changes going with this chandelier I've had my eye on for quite a while! Mitch hung it (the poor thing...it was really heavy and a challenge to get up there!) when they were here last weekend! I like to go into the yard at night and see it illuminating the house!


And, a little something for my classroom!


I've already found the spot for this cross that Karli found that matches my decor marvelously.

I also received a very nice giftcard to Ulta from my in-laws. Have you been in? Wow...so many fun things, I spent quite a long time perusing the shelves. I was on a mission for a blow dryer...still looking, but ended up with a face mask and a curling iron (so desperately needed as mine was in sad shape).

Then, the day was over and my heart felt full, but I wanted one more thing to complete my day...a late night run!


And while we were out, might as well rent a girly movie to boot. I watched it the next day as it was late...not great, not bad...just cute!


God has blessed me with wonderful friends and family. Thank you all for a very special birthday!

Much love,

A Weekend with a Honey-Do List

I have this running to-do list in my head, and this weekend I got to get it out of my head, on to paper, and off the list thanks to my in-laws. I even made a second list once they accomplished the first! My list included...fix droopy outdoor light fixtures, hang chandelier in dining room, make the air conditioner quit whining, fix jammed window in guest bedroom, fix lawnmower, hang mirror in entry, inspect lights in bathrooms, haul tree branches to the dump, mow and edge, and one I'm enjoying right now...relocate birdhouse to alternate location...no more chirps by the backdoor!!! I'm sure there was more on the list, but I even got bonus work like having my sink cleaned and as well as the garage. Seriously, I think they should come more often, even though I joked they would never want to come again with all the work they did in two days! We even went to their family farm to look around.


Corn. It was like Field of Dreams...before shot. I also couldn't help but think...tourist attraction...corn maze!

Corn is tall but makes a lovely backdrop!

Malouf and Sons. The next generation!

What a great weekend we had! Thanks Mitch and Sherry for all your hard work!

Oh, and I just got the official word...Highland Elementary has been rated as EXEMPLARY for our scores! What a good feeling to have as the school year is about to gear up again!

Much love,

My Week Part III: CAMT

Conference for the Advancement for Math Teachers or Math Teaching. Who knows? Don't say it's so? Doesn't Colby hate math? The conference was actually really good! It does take me a bit to get fired up to teach math. I love reading and social studies, but math is nice and logical...I suppose...I really don't mind 4th grade math. I heard some awesome speakers, and I even bought a nifty math sing song CD. I LOVE music in the classroom (I used to even teach my seventh grade students songs!) so I suppose my 4th graders will like it, too. I went to this session about integrating physical activity into math lessons--love, love, love this. Our kids are eating crap and not active enough and besides sitting in a desk all day is a snooze!

Besides all the learning I did, I really got to know our new 4th grade teacher. She will be so much fun to work with! She even likes my math song CD! We found a Macy's in downtown Houston and did some sale shopping. And, eat. Oh, man...we ate! We went to this swanky new restaurant, The Grove. It's mostly organic food from local farms. So good with a cool view of downtown Houston activities! We also took a taxi out of downtown to the Galleria for some more shopping and Cheesecake Factory!

Oh the things I make people do! We were shopping, and I made everyone put on a wacky pair of shoes and I took a picture of our feet. Hint...mine are the red toes!


Glad to be home sans humidity! I'm looking forward to a great year!

Much love,

Week Part II: The Land of Enchantment

Off to Ruidoso for some cool mountain air. We had lots of fun chatting on the deck looking at the stars, eating and laughing, going to the races, a little shopping and of course, a traditional putt-putt game after the boys played real golf.

Ashlee and Jason at the races Micah and I at the races. My $2 show ticket betting was not impressive.

Malouf family


Time for some putt-putt, and who doesn't love a wooden bear picture?!?



We saw many deer.


And, as fun as it was we had to return to Texas for Micah to return to work and for me to go to a math conference in Houston. The drive back was long and it wasn't long past Roswell that I had to GO potty. Desolation. Micah thought it would be appropriate to take these pictures and shake water bottles in the car to make it so much better. In fact, he thought it was funny. Soon, I found the town of Elida and got to go!


My turn to take over the camera. His phone rang from work that afternoon.


But soon we reached Texas. Don't you think Texas is the best?


And, naturally when I am bored, I will make people in the car do things they wouldn't normally do like making a "Keep Texas Safe" infomercial.


We were soon among cows.


Those fruitful Maloufs are everywhere. Here they are in Friona.


Lastly, Dodger was back with us after stopping by Amarillo to pick him up! Whew, long day!


Off to pack for Houston before the alarm rings at an hour I haven't seen in a long time!

Much love,

My Week Part I

I've had a rather busy week in and out of town so I'll break up my week into a couple of parts. I've been to Amarillo, Ruidoso, back to Amarillo, and Houston for a math conference.

Before we left, my friend Kim (who loves painting...is she nuts?!?) came over to help me paint!

Micah teased about wanting a bowling pin for his birthday so they found a pin for his belated birthday and I got one just 'cause! How fun and funny!

Jonathan, Kim and Kate


The next night we were off to Amarillo to drop off Dodger for my parents to watch him. I had to go love, love, love on my nieces!

The girls share a room and it is just a delightful space of all sorts of sweet, girly fun!

Karli and Reece (she had been running through the sprinklers that day). She is being more gentle with Reagan and getting use to this idea of having a new person in the house taking some of the attention off of her.

My mom and hungry Reagan

Uncle Micah and Aunt Colby LOVE sweet Reagan!



Finally, as I was getting ready to leave, my daddy picks up my slanket which I brought for Dodger to sleep on. Since it is Dodge and my nap blanket, I thought he would find it comforting. Daddy thought it was so bizarre that I would have a blanket with arm holes. Therefore, I made him get in the blanket and pretend he was cheering for a team. This was the best he could do. His enthusiam was underwhelming.



Then, off to New Mexico! More to come...

Much love,