ready for the weekend!!!

It's Friday and all I can say is THANK GOODNESS.

Yesterday was one of those days for me. It wasn't necessarily a bad day, but it was just not a good day I guess. I left school with a pounding headache, my body was hurting because I was so tired, and honestly all I wanted to do was go to my house, be by myself and cry. Pitiful I know, but it's true. I've come a long way since a bombshell hit my life 5 months ago, but I still have not-so-good days and yesterday was one of them. Kristen had an appointment in Starkville yesterday, so she and Henry were just here for the day. I honestly thought they'd already be gone by the time I left school, so I wasn't expecting to see them. To my surprise, they were still in Starkville, so I decided to go to my parents' house to see them (as opposed to going to my house, being by myself, and crying). I still expected to walk in my parents house and just let the tears flow, but as I was walking towards their door, all I could see was the top of Henry's head. His eyes were glaring at me as I was walking towards the door and he was laughing in excitement because he was about to see me. My mood quickly started changing.

It only gets better though.

When I walked in, he quickly jumped in my arms, laid his head on my shoulder, and started playing with my hair. Now, Henry is a loving child. He'll hug you, kiss you, and love on you, but usually only very briefly. Then he goes back to being a boy--running around and throwing things. Not yesterday though. He stayed in my arms for a good 5 minutes and THEN said "LaLa- rock-book." In other words, he wanted to me to rock him and read a book to him. I proceeded to do that for another 10 minutes or so. He just wanted to be with ME, as if he somehow knew I needed it yesterday. I.LOVE.HIM.

I just had to share that story. It always amazes me when small children (pets, too!) can sense sadness. That little boy is the love of my life and I was so thankful for him yesterday.

Changing the subject now--

I've been going to MINT a lot after school and some weekends lately to work some and help get ready for the Bag Sale NEXT Friday (see cute postcard below that I stole from Emily's blog).
I just can't stay away from that place! If you're going to be around for the game next weekend, you must come see me at MINT and get some good deals while you're there!

Thanks for commenting about my new layout. I suppose I'll keep it like this for now. Maybe I can get someone to make me a cute (but simple) header. :)

FINALLY...I have a fun (cheesy perhaps) favor just to ease my curiosity. If you're a regular reader of my blog OR if you stumble across my blog accidentally, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT! Don't be ashamed if you're a "regular stalker" of my blog and don't even know me. I, too, am a blog-stalker, so there's a good chance I've read yours too!

I've asked you to do this before because I think it's fun to see who all is actually reading my blog! It'll only take a second, so if you're reading this, take a second and let me know!

HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY WEEKEND!

hmmmm....

I'm trying new blog layouts. I'm not sure about this one yet. I like it, but it's too "me." I need to branch out of browns, blues, and greens maybe. We'll see.

one word.

Object: answer questions with one word ONLY. Not necessarily as easy as it looks! Can you do it?

1. Where is your cell phone? desk

2. Where is your significant other? youtellme
3. Your hair? curly
4. Your mother? perfect
5. Your father? leader
6. Your favorite thing? mexican
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your dream/goal? motherhood
9. The room you're in? classroom
10. Your hobby? jogging
11. Your fear? loneliness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? married
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? lazy
15. One of your wish list items? house
16. Where you grew up? Starkville
17. The last thing you did? math
18. What are you wearing? polka-dots
19. Your TV? off
20.Your pet? Max
21. Your computer? slow
22. Your mood? content
23. Missing someone? absolutely
24. Your car? Altima
25. Something you're not wearing? necklace
26. Favorite store ? Target
27. Love someone? friends
28. Your favorite color/shade? green
29. Last thing you ate? apple
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? recently

weekend of fun (and rain).

I got to see my little man this weekend. He's so fun. He loves throwing balls, playing with playdough, wearing his hat, and running around. He's such a boy.

Hearing him say "I wuv woo" (translation: "I love you") gets me everytime. I love him. Oh yeah, Kristen and Rob were here and I love them too! :)

Here are some pics from the weekend.

Have a great week! Try to stay dry.

Class of????

SO.....I found a fun website and you know how little it takes to entertain me.

Here are my school pictures from 1968, 1976, and my personal fave--1982 (I especially like the flower I'm holding). What do you think?

You should totally yearbook yourself!

THIS JUST IN...

I'm going to see Sugarland AGAIN!!! WOO HOO! They're in concert in Tupelo on Oct. 23, and I'm going with Heather (FRIEND ...not sister! This Heather says she'd rather have a pap smear with a rake than go to a Sugarland concert....weird). I am super pumped. It's no secret that I love Jennifer Nettles, who I affectionately refer to as "Jenn." She's fabulous and I CAN'T WAIT to go again. I'm also looking forward to some good hanging out time with one of my favorite friends!

Who's jealous???

ALSO...I thought of a couple of things I left off of my previous list of things I CAN live without. I can't believe I failed to mention them.

-LOCAL CAR COMMERCIALS. If you are from the South, you KNOW what I'm talking about. Delois Price? Les Cash? Peso Little? Come on people.

-OLE MISS. I don't like red and blue unless it's an American flag. Hotty Toddy is stupid.

GO DAWGS!

Is anybody else glad that the weekend is almost here?

and now for the OTHER list...

I gave you my "can't live withouts," and now it's time to give you my list of "CAN live withouts!" These particular things grate on my nerves to no end.

1. Bad grammar. Please don't use it around me. Even if I don't really know you well, I will probably correct you. And if you say something like "I ain't got no...," I will probably hit you. It's like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.

2. Helicopter parents. If you're a teacher, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about...the parents that won't let their kids go or think their

kids have to be the BEST at EVERYTHING. Yuck.

3. Certain Words. If you've been around me at all, you know that there are certain words that I DON'T like. It goes without saying that I don't like the "F" word, but my dislike for words goes beyond just profanity. For example, I hate the word "moist." My friend Bambi said it to me today and I threw up in my mouth. I think it's sick sounding. There are others as equally annoying, but at this is the first that came to mind.

4. Slow drivers. I by no means have a lead foot. I'm a 5 miles (maybe) over-the-speed-limit driver. Note: I've never had a ticket. To me, though, there is nothing worse than getting behind someone going UNDER the speed limit. Ugh.

5. PDA. Now, I don't mind seeing couples holding hands, or having their arms around each other. In fact, I'm actually a fan of holding hands in public. I think it's a sweet gesture. HERE'S WHERE I DRAW THE LINE: Don't kiss in public. Please spare us all. A goodbye peck with a loved one? Fine, but absolutely no making out where others can see. It makes onlookers uncomfortable, not the mention the fact that it's kinda gross. Who wants to see that? Not me. I was at the grocery store once, picking out some nice Granny Smith apples and minding my own business when I looked up and saw a couple totally hooking up in the produce section. EXCUSE ME? No making out in produce people. It was just wrong.

6. Cell phone usage at restaurants. Confession: I HAVE talked on my phone at Mexico Tipico before, but only when it was completely necessary and that's where I draw the line. I think it's beyond rude to answer your phone in a restaurant. Espcially when it's quite obvious that it's just a chat of no importance. Think about that the next time you're in a restaurant. Go outside to talk!

Well, now that you all think I am a mean pessimist, I will leave you. I'm headed to get more RED in my hair! :)

Happy hump day.

Unleash the Monster...

Don't understand the title? Don't worry. It's an inside joke. You're not SUPPOSED understand.

On August 19, 1981, a very special person entered the world. I'm here to assure you that the world changed that day, as I am most certain that there is NO ONE IN THE WORLD like this girl. (See Mere's blog for a picture of Claire taken in the early 80's. HAHA!). I'm not going to sit here and list funny things about Claire or reasons why I love her because it would just take entirely too long. She is one of the most fun people to be around EVER and she has more friends than anybody I know. I'm glad I'm one of them. She is one of my very oldest and dearest friend, and there is no doubt in my mind that we will stay as close as we are now. She has a quirkiness that is hard not to love. (ex. She once slept in the bathtub...she CHOOSES to eat crap candy like Circus Peanuts....she once ate 5 chocolate covered donuts AT ONE TIME and was sick for days...she has a fishing worm with her at all times that she
"twirls" constantly...her sense of direction is, well, unlike anybody elses, etc. etc. See? How can you not love her?).

It has been way way too long since we've hung out, and that makes me not happy. It's about time for me to take a roadtrip to Birmingham (after all...there's a FABULOUS little Mexican restaurant there! That's reason enough to make the drive!).

Happy 27th Birthday Claire! I wish I could be there to celebrate with you! I love you much, friend!

Head on over and wish this girl a happy birthday! :)

a few of my can't-live-withouts

I'm copycatting MSKS and Heather and presenting you with my list of things I can't live without!

(Of course family, friends, and Max are excluded from this list).

1. My IPod. I bought it nearly 2 years ago and it wasn't cheap, BUT I have definitely gotten my money's worth! I use it daily when I exercise and I also listen to it in my car. Itunes also makes my life easier, as you can download songs at a time rather than purchasing an entire CD. I'm fascinated by technology these days.

2. Caffeine! I must have my morning coffee and my afternoon Diet Coke. Otherwise, I'm quite unpleasant to be around. Period.

3. Spray butter. This may sound like an odd one, but if I don't have spray butter in the fridge, I don't make it through breakfast. I eat cinnamon toast every morning, substituting REAL butter for this fabulous no calorie spray butter.

4. Splenda. While I'm on the subject of breakfast, I must include another breakfast must-have. This yummy little no-calorie sweetener goes on my daily toast and in my morning coffee (see #2). So basically, if I don't have splenda, I won't drink my coffee, THUS causing me to be moody. See? Splenda plays a major role in my life.

5. Markers! What can I say? I'm a teacher. This is a given. Oh, and I only use Crayola markers...none of that cheap stuff for me thanks.

6. My cell phone. Both Heather and MSKS mentioned how much they love texting. I, too, am very much a fan of texting, but I'm pretty much just phone-obsessed. I go no where without it. (Yes, I'm one of those girls who talks on her phone while biking at the gym. I PROMISE it makes the time go by faster!). The other day I took my phone jogging with me, which I often do as a safety precaution. When I realized I was TEXTING while running, I knew I had a problem. It's a wonder I didn't fall down in the midst of this. (And I don't want to even think about what people were thinking as they were driving by. Yikes).

7. My bed. I love to sleep.

8. Bobbi Brown. I love her makeup. It does wonders to my skin. I'm not rich, but good make- up is worth a splurge every once in a while.

Maybe I'll start working on my CAN live withouts! AKA...PET PEEVES! This should be a fun one...

Blog-stalkers unite!

So...yesterday I went to a Sip-n-See with my mom for a friend of ours who just had a sweet baby girl. When I walked in the door I heard "Oh my gosh, Laura!" I turned to see this pretty girl who looked somewhat familiar to me, but I honestly wasn't sure WHO she was! She most definitely knew me though! Come to find out, she's one of my blog readers! We have a couple of mutual friends, so we stumble upon each other's blogs often. She has BEAUTIFUL twin 19-month-olds and it makes sense how they're so cute...LOOK AT THEIR MOM! :)

I thought it was only appropriate that we not only take a picture together (after all, we know quite a lot about each others' lives!), but also that I blog about the event.

It was so fun to meet you Erika! I totally feel like we're friends now. I think I need to meet your babies next!

HAPPY MONDAY!

wedding weekend

Has it been over a week since I blogged? Ugh. I guess teaching has been getting in the way a bit. I suppose I should get my priorities straight and spend less time working and more time blogging!

The fact that there's still no reliable internet connection at my house poses quite a problem for me and hinders me from blogging as often as I like. I do have internet at school, but I'm not blogging while I'm there for quite obvious reasons. I am able to read other blogs if I get even 5 free minutes of solitude (that rarely happens though).
My first full week of school went really well. I have quite a good group of kids this year but they're already wearing me out! I have been in bed every night this week by 9:00, allowing me to get a full 8 hours of sleep. Want to know what time I woke up this morning? 10:00. I love Saturdays. I've always thought I required more sleep than the average person, and I guess this week only reiterated that fact.

Down to business. What's been going on in my life lately BESIDES school? Not much to report, but I'll do what I can.

Last weekend my 3rd cousin got married in Decatur, AL. It worked out where Kristen, Henry, and Heather were all able to make it, so it was a fun family weekend. My parents, grandmother, Kris, Heather, Henry, and I ALL piled into Kristen's Expedition and headed to the wedding. It was quite a packed car, but it was a fun trip. Henry will be 2 in December and is just becoming a BOY. Not a BABY anymore. He's so much fun. Here are a few pics from the weekend.

(I love this one of Dad and Henry)

I also need to send a congratulations shout out to the Overstreets who just found out that they're having another BOY! I predicted that she would have a girl, but it seems as though I'm always WRONG when it comes to guessing genders, AND it seems that there are only little boys in my life right now, I should have known it would be a boy! Katey is a fabulous mom to sweet Camp, and I know she'll be great with 2 boys! I can't wait for him to be born.

I'm working on my "things I can't live without" list, which I am copying from MSKS. I love lists, and this is one which requires a little thought. I'll get back to you on this one soon.

It's noon and I haven't even thought about showering yet. Have I told you how much I LOVE Saturdays?

I made it.

Today was the first day with my 24 students.

I'm too tired and busy to go into detail, I just wanted my readership to know that I am alive (in case you care).

Forgive me if I'm absent from blogging for the next few days as I'm trying to get into the swing of being back in the working world!

ALSO...I need to give a belated birthday shoutout to my cousin Adelia! Her 28th was Monday and I am just now getting around to blogging about it! Sorry for my tardiness, Adelia! Love you!

Mamma Mia!, a sweet baby shower, and A NEW ME (sort of)!

Well...I did it.

I put red in my hair. I mean, I didn't actually do it, but my brilliant aunt did. It's very subtle, only REALLY noticeable when the light hits it just right, but I LOVE IT. It's just the change I needed. As Stephanie (the aunt/hair stylist) said, "LT, you're not exactly the craziest or most spontaneous person I know, so, we're going to start with something subtle, and IF you like it, we'll add more later." She's right. I've never been much of a risk taker, so coloring my hair is HUGE for me. She really liked it a lot too, so I feel sure that I'll go back soon for a more noticeable look! Here are a couple of pictures of myself for you to see the new me. Do I feel stupid about posting pics of just my head? Of course, but it was the only way I felt you'd really be able to tell. I tried to take different angles in as much light as possible. It really is more noticeable in person though. If you don't think there's much change, just remember that my hair was JET BLACK before. What do you think?

Have any of you seen "Mamma Mia"? SO CUTE. Katey and I went and saw it last week and we both really liked it. I usually enjoy musicals and I'm a Meryl Streep fan. I think she's fabulous. I wish our lives were like musicals. I wish that instead of having a conversation with our significant others, we could just break out in song about how much we love him/her without anyone thinking anything of it. In fact, I would want onlookers to just join in on the singing.

Gotta love musicals!

If you haven't seen it, you must! (Note: there should be a warning sign on the door for males-- "Enter at Your Own Risk!" I don't know too many males who would have sat through it in its entirety!)

I GOT TO SEE SWEET SARAH ALFORD YESTERDAY! Can I just say she's one of the cutest little pregnant girls I've ever seen? She had a shower in Houston, MS yesterday for her little Candice Anne to be born in early October. I went with Emily, her mom, and one of their friends and I was SO glad I could make it. I have missed Matthew and Sarah so much since they moved to Louisiana, and can't wait for their little miracle to arrive! Congrats to the Alfords!

(L- Me and the future-mom! R- Me and Emily. Yes, I know I have clothespins attached to me. It was part of a game that I SHOULD have won!).

So this is the week. My new students come Thursday. Am I ready? I'm not so sure. I guess I'll find out this week!

P.S. It's HOT outside. REALLY REALLY HOT.

check this out!

No time to blog, but I have a great site you need to check out! Basically all you do is fill out name brands, styles, types, size, etc. of clothing you like and you receive emails anytime there's a sale on an item that fits your criteria. SIMPLE! It takes no time to register, so click here and get started!

cast your vote!

OK, so I had a nice chat with my fantastic aunt Stephanie (the hair stylist) re: my hair color. She is all for it. While most of my blog readers (inlcuding almost everyone in my family) are pretty much against me taking the plunge and coloring my hair, I'm actually leaning towards doing it. Is it like me to go against what most people suggest me doing? No. Still, I trust Stephanie and she 100% agrees that I need a change and putting a 6 week gloss on my hair would be the perfect way to do it. Heather was there and after listening to Stephanie talk about how good it would be for me to change my look a bit, she has given me "permission" to do it. :) I figured that if I don't like it, it'll be back to black in 6 weeks.

So, friends, it really might happen. Your opinions are important, so cast your vote on my poll on the right!

While I'm blogging, there are a few new favorites that I must share with my loyal readers. First of all there's a new TV show that's surprisingly very entertaining. It's no secret that I'm a fan of TLC. I love "What Not to Wear" and I'm totally addicted to "Jon and Kate Plus 8". The name off my new fave is "Rock the Reception." Seen it? It sounds cheesy I know, but hear me out on this. Now, if you know me well at all, you know that I DON'T and CAN'T dance. I wish I could, but that's a gift that God gave both of my sisters--not me. I especially wish I could dance after watching this show. IT'S SO FUN. In case you haven't seen it advertise, I'll fill you in on exactly what takes place. A bride and groom hire a professionaly choreographer to teach them a fun dance for their reception to totally surprise their guests. So, when it's time for the first dance, everyone expects it to be a slow, sweet song, and guests expect to watch the couple gaze into each others' eyes (while probably discussing how awkward it is to have so many people staring at them). BUT, when the couple walks out, they totally break out in an out-of-control choreographed dance. I think it's so fun and would totally love to have the ability and the money to do that if I get married one day. You really need to watch it.

Moving on...here are a few new favorite snacks (you know I've got to talk about food!). I LOVE LOVE Triscuits. Normally if I buy them, I get the plain kind. BUT that was before I had the life-changing Fire Roasted Tomato and Olive Oil flavored Triscuits. OH.MY.GOSH. They are heavenly. PROBLEM-I can't buy them. Why you ask? Well, embarrassingly I bought some one night not too long ago. I was totally craving them and nothing else would satisfy my craving. Ummm...let's just say that by the next day THE ENTIRE BOX WAS GONE. I am so embarrassed to admit that. I have absolutely no portion control. I buy them only on special occasions, and try to stick to my 100 calorie packs on a daily basis. Speaking of 100 calorie packs (which, by the way, were a GENIUS idea), have you had the 90 calorie Mini-Delights? They are small rice cakes drizzled with different flavors. There's caramel, chocolate, chocolate mint, and peanut butter. There may be more, but those are the only ones I've tried. They are all so yummy and really do satisfy my sweet cravings.
I would love to meet the person who invented 100 calorie packs. I bet she (I assume it's a female) is skinny.
It really helps people like me, who have no concept of correct portion sizes!
Tomorrow is my last day at MINT. It will be a sad day for me I tell ya. I plan on working in my classroom all day Wed. and Thurs. and then Fri. is my REAL first day back!
WHERE IN THE WORLD DID THE SUMMER GO??

MERRY CHRISTMAS! (in July!)

It's been quite a busy week! My days have kinda been running together for some reason lately. I just had to look at my phone to see what day it was.

As you can see, MINT had a big Christmas in July sale! It was last night from 6-10. This is an event that Emily has been planning for a while now. Little did anybody know that little Smith would decide to enter the world a few weeks early! He was born Tuesday afternoon. Needless to say, Emily was NOT at the sale, but her 3 little employees (including myself!) managed just fine! Don't worry, Emily, you were definitely missed!

Back to the sweet baby--

I went to see him in the hospital Wednesday night. He is absolutely adorable. This picture isn't too close up of his cute little face, so you can just take my word for it, or look at Emily's blog for more pics. I got to hold him for a while and loved it.

Here is the "shrine to Smith" we made at MINT. :)
Congratulations Emily and Reed!

Subject change. You know my blog posts wouldn't be complete without a bit of randomness.

Ummm...can I just say that I have to be at school in A WEEK?! Ahh. I'd be lying if I said I was absolutely THRILLED about going back, but I am anxious to get back. See the difference? Don't get me wrong--this summer has been great. It was exactly what I needed and I am not ready to give up my summer job, but I am ready to meet my new students (I think). I've spent a little time in my classroom this past week (whenever I wasn't working), and I've still got quite a bit of cleaning and organizing to do before I'm completely ready. I'll get there though. I'm not stressed. Heather and Trey are coming today, and although Heather doesn't know yet, she's coming with me to school tomorrow to help me clean! Shhh...don't tell her...she may decide not to come. :)

Also..I need to talk to the person "in charge" of this town. We are in the process of getting ANOTHER Sonic (approximately 1/2 a mile from one of the other Sonics nonetheless). This makes like our 47th Sonic here. Slight exaggerration, but I'm not that far off. I mean, this is not a big town. Is another Sonic REALLY what we need? I also happened to notice that this Sonic has a drive through window. I don't get it. What's the difference in the drive through and the regular place to order at Sonic? I thought that was the whole point of Sonic. You know, the whole -you don't have to get of your car thing?! That just doesn't make sense to me.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not dogging Sonic. They have fabulous ice, and as long as they remember to put a cherry in my Diet Cherry Limeade, I'm a fan. However, there are more important things in life.

It's time for Starkville to get a Target.

I can't think of a good title here.

This post will be one of several topics, so forgive my randomness.

First things first--here are some more painting samples from my friend Heather and me ("Polka Dots and Curly Q's!"). These huggies were painted for my mom's Bunko group and I think they turned out really cute! I think painted huggies make great, inexpensive "happies!" If you're interested in ordering some of these or any other painted items, contact Heather at 601.573.1678 or hsimmonds@starkville.k12.ms.us. We'd be happy to paint something for you!

Secondly--advice is needed. I've been wanting to change my "look" lately. I don't know why--maybe it's because I'm in the process of starting over after a not-so-fun experience and I think it might help my confidence. I think one of the easiest ways to change your look is by changing your hair. Now...here's the problem...my hair is DARK. VERY DARK. Would I be stupid to try to put color on it? Don't get me wrong, I like my hair color, but I'm just kinda tired of the same old look, you know? I know I can sometimes wear it straight as opposed to my everyday curly look, but still. Color just sounds super fun to me. Of course I would never do anything as drastic as blonde, nor do I want to do serious dye of any kind. I was thinking maybe putting a little red highlights in it. Thoughts? Comments? Both of my sisters are opposed to this, and I usually do whatever they tell me (I am a middle child. I have always done what I'm told to do). Fortunately, my aunt is a hair stylist, so if I decide to bite the bullet and do it, I have faith that she won't allow me to look like a clown in the end. I'm just a scaredy cat and I want to know that if I end up not liking it I can change it back to my normal color.

I mentioned recently that I've been playing around with my make up too (particularly eye make up). I think that, too, is a great way to change your look and spice up an outfit. I've been enjoying wearing purple eyeshadow and eyeliner as opposed to my everyday browns. Perhaps I will try blue soon. I've become so spontaneous as you can see. (Can you also tell that one of my summer hobbies has been readying "In Style" and "Lucky" magazines?!).

I'm heading to the 'Burg tomorrow to visit my sisters. Yes. I said "sisterS" as in plural. I mentioned earlier about Kristen's living situation and you can read more about it on Heather's most recent blog post. My original plan was to go Thursday afternoon, but Kristen goes back to Clinton on Thursday morning, so I would miss seeing her. She insisted that I leave tomorrow after I get off work. See? Another perfect example of always doing what I'm told. My mom even says that when we were little, Kristen would boss me and Heather around (this comes as no surprise to anyone who knows Kristen). Whenever she would tell us to do something, I would always say "OK" and Heather would of course reply with a bratty "NO!". Typical.

I'm looking forward to hanging out with the 2 most fun people I know.

My goal for the trip: buy a new purse. I really want a big, fun, trendy yellow or burnt orange one. Why? I have no clue. But I know I would feel super cute if I had one.

This will be my last trip of the summer! It has flown by and it's crazy to think that we're only down to a few weeks before I'm "Miss T." again! I'm also about to begin my 5th year of teaching which doesn't even sound right. I'll be retiring before I know it! :)

As my adorable nephew would say "HAPPY DAY!"