Tuesday, December 30, 2008

sweet little Paxton

Katey posted an adorable picture of her precious son earlier today, so I decided it was time for me to share some more with you! These are the ones I took when I went to visit them only a few hours after Paxton was born. He is such a sweet baby. He has a head full of hair, and was the most alert newborn I've ever seen. I think he looks a little like his big brother. Oh, I also took a few with Katey holding Paxton, but I promised her I wouldn't post them (she really did look fantastic though!).


(this is one that Katey emailed me--I love it!).

Congratulations Overstreet family!

lots of exciting happenings!

I just got back from a LONG overdue trip to see Chad, Candy, and Landon. We had such a great visit! I'm so glad I got to see them.
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS, OVERSTREETS! My sweet friends Kane and Katey welcomed Paxton Michael Overstreet to the world Saturday, December 27. Fortunately, I was in town, so I was able to go to the hospital to hold that little guy and see Kane and Katey. (I haven't seen Camp since he's been a big brother, but I can't wait!). I took lots of great pictures of Paxton, but I'm waiting to post them. As you can imagine, Katey has been a little "preoccupied" lately, so she hasn't gotten around to posting pictures on HER blog yet. I only thought that it was right that I let the mother post pictures of her child before I did! :)
Next on my list of exciting events: It's almost Christmas! Ok, so I know Dec. 25 has passed already, but my family hasn't actually celebrated our family time together. As I mentioned earlier, neither sister was here, so we put off our celebration until THIS weekend, when we'll all be together. Kristen, Rob, and Henry will be joining us tonight, while Heather and Trey will hopefully be here Thursday. I can't wait.
And one more thing...I have almost committed myself to this whole half-marathon thing I posted about the other day. I've researched a little on the internet, and it looks I'm going to try to do the Country Music half marathon in Nashville on April 25. That way, I have a good 16 weeks to train, which should be plenty of time. My friend Shannon lives there too, so it's a good excuse to go visit her! With a little help from this site, I've already got my training schedule made. TRAINING BEGINS THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 3! I sure hope I can do this!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

maybe I'll actually stick to them this time!

As the new year is quickly approaching, I've been thinking about resolutions. I've honestly never been one to take them too seriously, and if I DO make a few resolutions, I very rarely stick to them as I should. I've decided that I want to change that in '09. I've been thinking about my resolutions for a while, and I think that it's time that I share my resolutions with my blog readers.
So, here you go...
1. STOP BITING MY FINGERNAILS. It's a sick SICK habit that I've had nearly all my life. It's a resolution I've had for about the last 8 years. I'll do really well during the entire month of January, but that's about it. My nails grow fairly quickly, and I really do like it when they have a little length to them. SO WHY??? WHY CAN'T I STOP??
2. Take at least one trip via airplane every year starting in '09. I've mentioned this before, and this IS one I plan to stick with. I can probably count on just one hand (maybe one and a half hands) the number of times I've been a plane. Traveling is something I really do enjoy, but I don't do NEARLY enough.
Hmmm...where should I go in '09?
3. Give more to my church financially. I shouldn't say "it's hard for me to give what I should because I'm a teacher and I don't have a lot of money." Giving to my church should be my number one priority, and if that means giving up something else, so be it.
4. Train for a half marathon. This is quite possibly the one that I will try to talk myself out of. I've run several 5Ks, but nothing more than that. I've honestly never even run more than about 6 miles at one time, so 13.1 miles will be a challenge. I've been researching upcoming half marathons as well as training guides for me. I would really love to stick with this one.
That's really all for now. Even though it's only 4 resolutions, I'd say it's 4 pretty challenging ones! I'm going to count on you for encouragement!
Have you thought about YOUR resolutions??

Thursday, December 25, 2008

It's over already??

I must admit that even though I enjoy making new headers, it made me a bit sad to take down my Christmas header. Only a couple of hours left until December 25th is officially over. Sad. I enjoyed the day with my parents today, and I'm looking forward to another Christmas celebration NEXT weekend when Kristen, Rob, Henry, Heather, and Trey will be here. YIPPEE! (I will probably wait and post all of my Christmas pictures next weekend).
It's crazy to think about 2008 coming to an end isn't it?
Anyway, I hope you all had a very blessed day!
MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Feliz Navidad!

First of all, let me just open by saying that my Christmas break has been H.E.A.V.E.N.L.Y. thus far. I seriously wake up every morning being so happy that I chose the profession that I did. :)
Moving on...
Last night was a major treat. Meredith AND Claire were both in town for Christmas, so we were able to eat dinner together, and then they both spent the night with me in my little house. Since Mere lives so far away now, we really value the time that we're actually able to spend together these days. I selfishly think our time together was too short, but I'm grateful that I got to see them. They're fabulous.
This Christmas will be very different for me. While I'll still be staying at my parents' house tonight as always, neither of my sisters will be with me. Kristen is working all day tomorrow (poor her), and Heather will be with her in-laws. I realize that it's just a part of life, and that things change ALL of the time. Even with that understanding though, it can still be hard!
I'm looking forward to being with my parents tomorrow, and I know without a doubt that even though my other family members will be missed, it'll be a fantastic day!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE! :)

Sunday, December 21, 2008

birthdays, birthdays, and MORE birthdays!

Is it just me, or does it seem like everybody IN MY LIFE has had a birthday recently? :)
It's a good thing I like cake...
Anyway...
Happy birthday to my friend Mandy!
I've probably mentioned before that I rent the downstairs of a two story house. When I moved into this house 2 years ago, I had no idea who would be living above me (I was fearing that it would be 2 very loud college guys). Lucky for me, the girl just HAPPENED to be a teacher and she just HAPPENED to be my age. It really couldn't have worked out better. She and I are so very different in many ways (only making our friendship even more fun!), and we have become great friends over the past few years.
Anyway, her boyfriend's parents had a birthday dinner for her tonight, and they were so kind to invite me to come!


Happy birthday dear Mandy!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

my sweet Nana...

My Nana celebrated her 82nd birthday on Dec. 13. We had a big party for her today and she was thrilled that so many of her family members were able to be there--including her 2 brothers, who she doesn't get to see often enough (pictured below).

What a fun day.

Happy birthday to one of the well-known, loved women I know!

Friday, December 19, 2008

YIPPEE!!

Put a fork in me---I AM DONE!
No more school for me until January 6!!
WOO HOO!!!!!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

YAY for ME!

So, I've been looking forward to this month for a long time for many reasons. Of course, there's the obvious--Christmas, Christmas music, Christmas movies, family time, out of school for 2 weeks, etc. In addition to those things, though, I have accomplished something pretty huge! After 5 years, my 2003 Altima is FINALLY PAID FOR! Yep. I bought the car 5 years ago when I started teaching (and when I could actually afford a car payment) and I have JUST made my last payment! Even better, my car only reached 50,000 miles this week, so it's still got a long way to go! I plan on driving this car for at least 4 more years or so.
Here's a picture of me back in Dec. of 2003, the day I got my car. My hand is on my Altima, and my foot is on my old car--the 1988 Mazda 626 who was fondly named "Dante" (may it rest in peace).

If you're looking to buy a new car sometime soon, may I recommend a Nissan Altima (or really any Nissan!). I still LOVE mine after 5 years!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

I'm a very proud sister...

My talented sister works for a design company in Hattiesburg, and the creative people there made a holiday greeting that just has to be shared. Please click here and make sure your volume is up. And just so you know...the first voice you hear, is my lovely sister. (It's also the voice you hear the most!). Also, when you see the "cartoon" people, please notice the girl with the small eyes. That, too, would be Heather. I think this is hilarious. So, please, take some time for this (ESPECIALLY if you know Heather!).
Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

What is there NOT to love about this time of the year?

Dad sent this to me this morning. You should definitely click here and take a second to look.
I love Christmas.

Monday, December 15, 2008

"Not Me!" Monday

I got this from Claire, who got this from someone else. What a fun idea, and I guess it's a good time for me to make a few confessions...So here you go...here's my "Not me!" Monday...
1. I did NOT misplace my debit card last weekend and it was MOST DEFINITELY not recovered in the ATM. That's right...I went to the ATM to get some cash, and DROVE AWAY without my card. Genius.
2. I did NOT send out nearly 70 Christmas cards this year and FORGET TO SEND ONE TO MY PARENTS. Geez.
3. I did NOT get woken up by my 7 lb. dog the other night because he was snoring so loudly, and I totally did NOT have to wake him up so he could turn over and stop snoring.
4. I have NOT already watched "Elf" 3 times, "Home Alone" twice, and "Christmas Vacation" once already this season. Oh, and don't think my Christmas movie watching is anywhere close to being over!
Now it's your turn!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Family Christmas-Part 1.

Today was the first of several family Christmas celebrations I will be attending this year! We were in Collinsville today at my aunt and uncles house. This was actually the first time in YEARS that every single one of my family members was there (and that's A LOT of people). It was really nice to see everybody. Here are quite a few pictures from today. Oh what fun it is!
Henry, uncooperating with the camera, and his sweet mommy.

Me and the sisters. I think this pic turned out kinda cute.

Me and Henry--he was totally not into taking a picture today.
Me with the sisters and their hubbies!
Me and Adelia. We would go insane at family functions if we didn't have each other! :)

Me and my cousin Brian, one of the sweetest-natured people I've ever known.


Me, the sisters, and all of our first cousins!

The cousins, their spouses, and their children (minus 2: one had to leave, and the other got sick :( ).

My mom, her brother, 2 sisters, and my sweet Mamaw. Oh, and I won't forget to mention the deer head on the wall. :)

Good times had by all!
Now...if I can just make it through the next 4 1/2 days of my life....

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Welcome to bulldog country, coach.

Meet Dan Mullen, MSU's new head football coach!
Don't you think he looks fabulous holding a cowbell? :)
Welcome to Starkville...one of my favorite places in America.
(oh, and the photo was taken by Russ Houston, and copied from this site.)

calorie-counting, part 2...

Mom sent this to me (I can't imagine why it reminded her of me! :)). I had to share. After all, this is some GREAT advice--probably the best you'll hear all season.
Happy eating-LT

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. Then have someone drive you home. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Helloooooo?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's... You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying your plate of mashed potatoes and gravy and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin... Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!" NOW, go out and have a great holiday season!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Calories? What are those?

WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME? I have literally been eating what I want, when I want lately, and on top of that, my motivation to exercise is apparently on a break. Normally, I eat somewhat healthily, allowing my self to splurge on "fun" things only sometimes. I also generally exercise at least 5 days a week. This past week has been awful! Of
course this is the time of year for Christmas parties, cookies, goodies, etc., and we all know how hard it is to say no! Cookies? "YES, I'LL TAKE 3!" A piece of cake? "SURE! WITH EXTRA ICING PLEASE!" And you all know how I feel about chips and dip.
Oh well. Perhaps, I will be motivated again by New Year's, but until then, I will continue to say that calories don't count on *holidays*, weekends, when I'm tired, when I'm sad, or when I'm not feeling well (you know what I'm talking about).
I'm hungry now.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

so...it looks like today is my "blogoversary"

According to the handy dandy clicker to the right, today is my "Blogoversary!" Yep, the 'ol blog has been around for exactly 2 years. In honor of my blog, I've composed a list of my top 5 favorite things about blogging (insert drumroll here):
1. Of course the obvious reason I enjoy blogging is to keep up with people. I am a self-proclaimed blog stalker, so you can pretty much be sure that if you're linked to my blog, I'm keeping track of your life. :) I also love to comment and receive comments, so most likely you've gotten a comment or two from me.
2. It's a stress relief. Silly sounding, I know, but it's true. Sometimes just sitting at my computer for 10 minutes (away from the stress of the day) to create a post is good for me. Don't believe me? Try it.
3. I want people to think I'm cool. Well....some might argue with that. I've had several people classify me as a dork (how dare they?) because of my blogging. It's obviously non-bloggers who make these accusations, and what do THEY know?
4. I have to have SOMEWHERE to show off pictures of Henry. :) Kristen doesn't blog, so I feel that it is my duty as his favorite aunt to show him off to Kristen's friends and the rest of the blogging world. I will continue to blog about him as though he is my very own, until I HAVE my very own one day.
5. I have very fun people in my life, and I feel that it is necessary to show them off via my blog.
(Click here to start back from the beginning if you missed it the first time around!).
So..HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY TO ME! Can I use this as an excuse to eat cake today?

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Black Tie/White Christmas

I spent the weekend in Birmingham, and had a blast! MSKS met me there, and we stayed with Claire. MSKS and I have been friends since we were 2, and the 3 of us have been close for as long as I can remember. Some of my most favorite memories include these 2. It had been entirely too long since we'd hung out, so this was a long overdue weekend!

We went to dinner and hung out Friday night, spent the day shopping on Saturday, and went to a Christmas party-- Black Tie/White Christmas -- Saturday night. It was so much fun!

It's always hard to bounce back to work after a fun-filled weekend. While it WILL be hard to go back to school bright and early in the morning, I just have to keep reminding myself that only have 9 1/2 more school days before my Christmas holiday! Yippee!

I hope your week is very merry!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

my dear friend, the birthday girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATEY!

My dear friend Katey is celebrating her birthday today!

If you're a regular follower of my blog, you've heard me mention Katey several times. She is one of those friends who are few and far between, and God allowed us to become friends just when I needed her the most! She defines the word loyal, and those who know her would agree that she sets an amazing Christian example to everyone she's around. I truly emulate her selflessness. Come to think of it...I can't recall ever seeing Katey in a bad mood. Weird! :) She's a wonderful mother to her sweet Camp, and I know she will be to baby Overstreet who will arrive in the very near future!

I love you Katey, and hope you have a fantastic day. Do something for YOURSELF today!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Stressed??

This article popped up on Hotmail when I was checking my email. I normally don't take time to read these, but I found the title "Kiss off Stress" to be very intriguing. :) And it IS a very stressful time of the year, so I thought I'd see what advice these people had to offer. Anyway, take a look at what THEY say are ten ways to beat stress in 10 minutes or less.

By Alison Kotch, Best Life
Did you know that the holiday season is the time of the year when you're most likely to die from a heart attack? According to research at the University of California, the deadliest day is Christmas, when you're 5 percent more likely to have a cardiac event. Of course, all the key stressors (finance, family, travel) seem destined to be worse this year (they always do). Since a restful night's sleep or an hour at the gym isn't always possible, here are 10 quick ways to stress less.

1 Second: Swear
Researchers at England's University of East Anglia Norwich looked into leadership styles and found that using swear words can reduce stress and boost camaraderie among coworkers. Good luck, @#!$*%&*!
5 Seconds: Pop Fish Oil
According to research from the University of Pittsburgh, people with the highest blood levels of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids are happier, less impulsive, and more agreeable. Try a daily supplement of 400 milligrams each of EPA and DHA fish oils.
10 Seconds: Eat Dark Chocolate
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that the flavonoids in cocoa relax your body's blood vessels. Look for lowfat dark chocolate, which has more stress-busting flavonoids than milk chocolate.
30 Seconds: Know Your Hoku
Acupressure is a quick tension releaser, according to researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University who found it can reduce stress by up to 39 percent. For fast relief, massage your hoku (the fleshy part between the thumb and index finger) for 20 to 30 seconds. "This is the universal pressure point for easing upper-body tension," says Patrice Winter, a spokeswoman for the American Physical Therapy Association.
30 Seconds: Sit Back
Forget what you've been told about sitting up straight to relieve tension in your back. Researchers at the University of Alberta Hospital in Canada found that leaning back at a 135-degree angle is the best sitting position for alleviating back pain.
1 Minute: Add Garlic
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham believe they've figured out why garlic is good for heart health, and their finding implies it's a powerful stress buster too. When you digest garlic's main ingredient, organosulfur allicin, your body produces hydrogen sulfide, which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow.
3 Minutes: Brew Tea
In a study at University College in London, 75 men were given tea before completing two stressful tasks. Afterward, their cortisol levels dropped an average of 47 percent, compared with 27 percent for men who weren't given tea.
5 Minutes: Take a YouTube Timeout
Just the anticipation of laughing decreases the stress hormones dopac, cortisol, and epinephrine by 38, 39, and 70 percent, respectively, according to researchers at Loma Linda University in California. And when researchers at the University of Maryland showed short movie clips to study participants, those who watched funny films experienced a 22 percent increase in blood flow to their hearts.
8 Minutes: Budget Wisely
"Money is the biggest source of stress for a man during the holidays," says Bonnie Eaker Weil, PhD, author of Financial Infidelity. And with good reason: Men who avoid making budgets spend an average of 36 percent more on holiday gifts than those who don't, according to a 2002 survey. So go easy on your wallet and your heart. Sit down with your wife and quickly calculate how much you two want to spend on gifts this year.
10 Minutes: Just Do It
Kissing or hugging your spouse or significant other can reduce stress because it raises levels of oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and love, say researchers at the University of North Carolina. And a Scottish researcher found that having sex regularly lowers anxiety, stress, and blood pressure.
Provided by Best Life
So...what do you think?

Monday, December 1, 2008

2? ALREADY?

Happy birthday to my sweet nephew and favorite child in the world. I love this little boy and thank God everyday for him! I can't believe he's 2 today!
Here's a picture of him exactly 2 years ago (tear!).

....and here's one just taken a few weeks ago. Let the terrible two's begin.

Happy Birthday sweet boy!