I will not be winning wife of the year...

Yesterday, after a very productive day, I came home with a horrible headache. One of those that pounds on top and goes down deep into the neck. Ick. I took some Tylenol. Barely touched it. Added some more Tylenol. Then, I went with the classic Benadryl...my seasonal allergy drug of choice. It must have had something to do with allergies because I was out. Apparently so out of it that I didn't wake up to notice that Micah was up all night sick. Sick. Sick. I didn't even know he was sick until today at 6:15 p.m. when I got home. Apparently, I did wake up and ask him why he couldn't stay in bed. Great. So now I'm rude in my sleep?!? He's told me that I talk about nonsense in my sleep, but now I'm just downright tacky.

To add to not winning the wife of the year award, he started sending me little reminders of why he loves me each day. Today' he wrote: Day 8 That you slept all the way through my NIGHT OF SICKNESS last night. I think it’s cute but I can’t believe how you did it.

Much love,

A Hole in One and Old Friends

Last weekend, Micah agreed to play in a charity golf tournament at the last minute. His team won the whole thing! Not only did they win the tournament, he also won closest to the pin on several holes and get this, hit a hole in one! His first hole in one! Micah is really very humble and probably has told very few people about this; he donated one of the big prizes back to the charity to be auctioned off at their gala. He sent me a text out of the golf course so excited and came home really ecstatic, too. You know though, it wasn't about the prizes...(although he did say he was a little bummed when the hole before was the 10,000 dollars cash prize for a hole in one...this one wasn't!) I think he most enjoyed this hole in one for all the years of playing golf for fun, then playing competitive golf and he went out there relaxed, and confident, doing something he loves and it just worked out. I think the timing made that shot more special for him. Maybe I'm making my little theory more than it really is, but maybe this is a life lesson for me about God's timing. I know that we can want something so badly it hurts, but I need to hold strong that God's time is the best and will make our desires so much sweeter to savor. I tease him that he is good at everything and he can generally top me at anything. I'll let him take his hole in one, but just know that I still am the ultimate thumb wrestling champion around this house, Bud. Congratulations, Micah John!

I've said old friends are like your favorite sweat pants. You feel comfortable in them. They are your favorites. You never throw them out. They are the ones you choose if everything is clean. You hang on it no matter what. A dear friend from high school flew in this weekend. I so enjoyed catching up with her and her sweet momma, Brenda. I feel comforted knowing I still have friends that anything they say or I say we already know about. There's truly something special about an old friend. And, Brenda, I'm so proud of your seven years cancer free...all October I will think of you and your brave fight! You are one of my personal heroes!

Micah also got to see some of his old friends this weekend. He flew down to Houston where he met up with Kevin and Sean to watch the Tech game. Yikes, not a pretty one. Nevertheless, I'm glad he got some good time with his old friends.

Here's to life lessons on a golf course and old friends...they both do something good for the heart.

Much love,

Autumn

Summer is my favorite season. Hands down. No question about it. And, no, it's not entirely because I have no work to report to. I love just about everything during summer, but I happen to like several things about fall. Here goes.

1. bright yellow mums
2. hay bales
3. pumpkins
4. turtlenecks (Micah totally makes fun of my turtlenecks...I happen to love a good turtleneck sweater!)
5. Pottery Barn catalogs with the Thanksgiving table all set up
6. wearing the new clothes that I bought at the end of summer for back to school
7. coats and cute scarfs (I'd rather not have to wear a coat, but I'd also like to have weather like Hawaii.)
8. Tech football games
9. turning on the floor heater in my car until my feet turn red
10.holly berries that come out our shrub

See, ten things I like about fall. Now, if I could somehow manage to wart off the time change and colder weather I'd be set!

Much love,

A List

No, I'm not on the "A" list of all the parties or celebrities...it's just a list. I'm reading There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom to my students after lunch. In the book, the main character, Bradley Chalkers, writes a lengthy list of topics in which to discuss with the new counselor at his school. First, I wish I would have a counselor to plop down on to discuss everything. Not that I have too much to discuss...and I have Micah who is quite a good listener. Secondly, I don't really have that much to say in terms of stories, but I always am thinking so here's my list, too.

Things on my mind as of 09/17/09

1. Today my mom is 54.
2. She started our phone call by singing to herself.
3. Then I finished the birthday song.
4. Maybe this is why I really like my birthday.
5. Tiny baby frogs
6. Dodger spits out tiny baby frogs.
7. Autumn
8. Mums returned from my planting last year!
9. Desperate for a haircut
10.Highlights, too
11.The movie The Game...strange
12.Fall returns our favorite television shows.
13. C'mon Tech surprise everyone
14. Win!
15. Ralph Lauren calf hair printed leopard shoes with an adorable ankle strap
16. Perfect fit bootcut jeans from Gap
17. Reece singing "I'm a Pin-cess" and playing on her keyboard
18. Laundry
19. Need to go get gas
20. Need to go the grocery store
21. Need to make whisper phone out of pvc pipe
22. Not handy
23. Need to make or buy privacy offices
24. Grading
25. Unfortunate incident on the playground today
26. Appeared to be used toilet paper
27. On my foot
28. I was wearing flip-flops.
29. Lysol
30. Sanitizer by my next door neighbor teacher who actually washed my feet...sainthood!
31. Left early.
32. To shower
33. More sanitizer
34. Now wearing socks
35. So gross
36. Scare therapy?
37. I hate germs.
38. Allergies
39. Cutting corn
40. Fridays.
41. Creepy birds who explode their nasty feathers in my lawn
42. Trying to brainstorm a hobby
43. Maybe I'll work on just being on improving what I'm already doing.
44. Joking with man with a gun on his hip
45. Great students
46. Impressionable children
47. Laughing
48. Lawn chairs in the grass
49. Starry nights
50. God is great!

Much love,

A Must Read

Through reading a friend's blog she had a link to Pioneer Woman blog. My first thought was if this is about retrieving eggs from a chickens or about how to make your own detergent, I'm out. Micah was in the other room watching college football and I was trying to find something to do with my time besides the things that needed to be done...like the papers I have neglected to grade...that are still in the car that I told Micah, make me grade papers...he clearly hasn't...good man. On Pioneer Woman's website, she writes her love story about her mid-twenties dating, shortly followed by her meeting her now husband. You have to read it. It's called From Black Heels to Tractor Wheels. It describes her life from a country club kid, going to college in LA and then winding up with a ruggedly handsome cowboy and planning life on a ranch with passion sprinkled in. I read the whole thing in my spare time in two days. It's good. Really good. It sucks you in, good. I make me laugh out loud, got me a little hot, and made me relate to those great phone calls and smelling the scent of Micah anywhere he had been after he had left. At one point, I walked into the living room where Micah was lounging on the couch and planted one on him. His response, "What kind a Fabio novel are you reading in there?" Find some time and read up!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/category/black_heelstractor_wheels/the_night_i_met_marlboro_man

Much love,

September 11, 2009

Funny how September 11, 2001 seems not that long ago. In fact, I wrote on my board "09/09/09, cool huh?" Wednesday...wrote on my board today regular 'ole 09/10/09 and then nearly forgot tomorrow is September 11. Time has passed and I nearly forgot. Eight years ago, I never thought I would almost forget. How fortunate I feel that I almost forgot! Eight short years ago I was watching the Today Show getting ready for a Tuesday class in Holden Hall in my Stangel dorm room when the second plane crashed. I went ahead to class, but came back to my room and sat glued to my television trying to get through to my friend Laci who I worried about as she attended Columbia in NYC...phone lines down.

Thank you God for the freedom that we experience. Thank you for the safety that you have blessed our nation with. I pray for the families and friends of those who lost loved ones that day. I pray that you would comfort them. God, I thank you that I when I drive to school, go to the grocery store, attend church, that I never question my safety. I owe so much to our armed forces for protecting these freedoms. Bless them and their families. And, God bless America.

Much love,

Farewell white pants...

Ahh, Labor Day has come and gone for this year. My white pants will hang until Easter returns. My mom would always make us put away our white dress shoes in favor of black patent strap shoes as a child. As I was making my evening news article check, I found this interesting read. I had no idea the theory of traditionalists versus the upward mobility of the middle class who revolted against the notion as silly and unpractical. I suppose I'll just have to hunt for a pair of winter white pants, or cream...I cannot break the 'ole black patent shoe rule after Labor Day.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090908/us_time/08599192068400

Much love,

Texas Tech football season opener

After our own personal pep rally to fire up, we headed south for the season opener. I love the atmosphere on campus on a game day...the smell of cookers, all the Tech attire, fans from all generations and all walks of life...I love it. It was a slow start to the season, not what most predicted. Maybe slow and steady wins the race!

Watch for Tech in the commercial below...love the music!

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=280643080001&ref=nf#/video/video.php?v=280643080001

Much love,

Shades of gray

I'm still pondering on a discussion I was having Saturday before the game. It started by nonchalantly talking about the upcoming gubernatorial race. There is no such thing as a perfect canidate because there is no such thing as a perfect person. Micah points to single topic voting. Am I a single topic voter? Are there some issues that inherently trump others? Who is the moral police? Are Democrats more for the poor? Are Republicans more Christian? Hogwash. Sometimes the media and individuals on the far side of party lines try to paint these pictures. Then, Micah and I had to go act on a "hot tip" birthday present idea and the conversation continued in the car. He pointed how could I be against the death penatly, but still vote for a candidate that was for it all while I can't vote for someone who is for abortion. So, this has me thinking still today. Seeing the big picture can be hard. I must include that Micah and I banter and somewhat pester each other on political discussion all while having eerily similiar leanings (we are nerdy and took a lenghty political test and literally scored within tenths of each other). Wasn't right/wrong, good/evil so much easier when we children. Now, I see in shades of gray. And, aren't shades of gray hard to figure?

Much love,

Time flies

a. I was teaching about the census today. The last census was taken in 2000 when I graduated high school. I remember Micah telling me about his job as a census enumerator when we were first dating. The kids I teach were still babies at that time. Time flies.
b. Speaking of time flying...the kids I starting teaching 5 years ago are now seniors in high school. They will be in college next year. College doesn't seem that far away for me. It's just bizarre. Again, time flies.
c. We will have lived in Plainview 2 years in a few months. I still say we are new to town. Time flies.
d. My hair was last cut at the beginning of the summer and has now grown several inches longer and probably out width wise, too. My next appointment is at the end of September...I need my hair to cooperate for the next 29 days until my hairdresser can make it back from surgery.
e. I was in a store today when the shoplifting alarm by the door went off. The store manager ran out to try to catch them. I didn't notice a thing. I should be more aware.
f. I played kickball today and then I smell like recess.
g. I'm still super tired everyday. Yea three day weekend. I miss sleeping in and no makeup, hair, or shoes days!
h. I got off the phone with my niece Reece, she tells me almost everytime we talk, "Aunt Tolby, you are funny. Where you are? (yes, I typed it right...where you are) Where Dodder? Where Micah?" Then, we sing our ABC's, but tonight we went with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. I love my sweet Reece!
i. I'm excited to have Micah home after he went on a golfing trip for the weekend. I'm glad he goes and does boys activities, but I sure love when he comes home to me! He played some fun courses and caught a Cowboys/49ers game in the new stadium (even though he is a pretty serious Packers fan). Dodger and I did some serious resting and cleaning to catch up this weekend.

Much love,

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,