Tuesday, March 30, 2010

This is for MELISSA!

Melissa, a blog friend is looking for a FUN summer destination before she becomes pregnant with her first baby!

Melissa, this is definitely my VOTE!



There were fruit stands EVERYWHERE...If you like fresh fruit SF is definitely.

Kate and I on the Pier in SF





The Red Woods: Meir Woods

Saucilto: An artist community near SF. There are the shops, cafes, and much much more!

An overlook of SF

Lombard Street: The curveyist street in the United States

Alcatraz: The BEST part of the SF Trip. It is a MUST see when you visit

Ghirardelli Square: We had hot fudge sundaes! I brought home chocolate for family and friends that was made right here at Ghirardelli Square

Melissa, I hope you consider a trip to San Francisco. It is one that I will take again soon!



ABC's

Stole this BLOG idea from Mallory. Seems like a lot of people have been participating in this one!

A. AREA CODE : 417
B. BED SIZE: Queen
C. CHORE YOU HATE: Dusting
D. DOG'S NAME: No dogs for me. I had a childhood dog, Abby, but she passed away in 2005.
E. ESSENTIAL "START THE DAY!" ITEM: A shower. It wakes me up first thing and then I must have breakfast!
F. FAVORITE COLOR: Green
G. GOLD OR SILVER: Silver
H. HEIGHT: 5’11
I. INSTRUMENTS YOU PLAY: None. I did play the flute in 6th grade. Boy was I good. LOL…NOT!
J. JOB: Middle School teacher
K. KIDS: None
L. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: In our house with my husband, Josh.
M. MOM'S NAME: Cindy
N. NICKNAME: Ash
O. OVERNIGHT HOSPITAL STAY: Never have stayed overnight.
P. PET PEEVE: Cell phone ringing in inappropriate places (meetings, class, weddings, funerals, church, etc).
Q. QUOTE FROM A MOVIE: One of my favorite movies: The Blind Side: Michael Oher: [after pushing an opponent all the way off the field] Sorry coach, I stopped when I heard the whistle. Coach Cotton: Where were you taking him? Michael Oher: The bus, it was time for him to go home.
R. RIGHTY OR LEFTY?: Righty
S. SIBLINGS: 1 little brother, Luke 22 and 1 little sister, Kate, 16.
T. TIME YOU WAKE UP: 5:30 through the week and just depends what’s going on during the weekends.
U. UNDERWEAR: Don't go without!
V. VEGGIE YOU DISLIKE: I cannot say that there is one that I dislike. I pretty much will eat anything!
W. WAYS/REASONS YOU ARE LATE: I try to cram too much into a small amount of time.
X. XRAYS YOU'VE HAD: Teeth.
Y. YUMMY FOOD YOU MAKE: My favorite thing I cook is my homemade waffles!
Z. ZOO ANIMALS YOU LIKE: I am not much of an animal person. Couldn’t think of one that I truly like.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Saturday Showers

Today a few friends from high school got together and hosted Casey a Baby Shower. Mallory was the hostess with the mostess and did a fantastic job. We all had a great time visiting, munching down on delicious snacks, and celebrating Baby Garrett's upcoming arrival. Casey got some great gifts. Baby Garrett is going to be spoiled rotten, I can already tell!


The girls

Delicious Snacks! :)

The Soon to be Mama and I

Mallory and I



After the Baby Shower I came home did some laundry, changed the bed sheets, cleaned my hubby's truck, and by dark the RAIN came roaring in! Holy smokes it poured and poured and poured. I am getting things together tonight because tomorrow is going to be a busy day. Josh and I are getting up early and going to church and then traveling three hours to my sisters softball tournament. We are excited. I hope everyone has had a wonderful Saturday!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Vacay Dreamin'

I am in dire need of:
















This dreary, rainy day in the Ozarks really makes me wish I was in Jamaica! Soaking up the sun, having a strawberry banana daiquiri, and spending much needed quality time with the husband! I guess I can just keep dreaming though, but these pictures make me so happy!!!!!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Countdown from TEN!

I found this BLOG idea from "And this is what SHE said" blog.

I don't really have anything else to write about today...I will got with this one!

10 Hows

1) How did you get your scars? I believe I just have ONE scar. It is on the top of my hand. I was rinsing off my floor mats in my car with a power washer, missed the mat and sprayed my hand. It took the hide off. WOW…I won’t soon forget about that!

2) How did you celebrate your last birthday? It was the last day of summer school, had lunch with Mallory, my parents and Josh had me a celebration at their home.

3) How are you feeling at this moment? I have a terrible headache, so not too well.

4) How did your night go last night? It started off great! We attended a BBQ at the church for prospective members. I really enjoyed the BBQ!

5) How did you do in high school? Pretty good I believe…my parents would tell you that I didn’t more socializing than studying!! Haha!

6) How did you get the shirt your wearing? My Mama got it for me at GAP.

7) How often do you see your best friend? Quite a bit! We especially get to see each other a lot
now since we are married, live fairly close, and our husbands have become good buddies!

8) How much money did you spend last month? Not too much…Trying to SAVE!

9) How old do you want to be when you get married? I was 23 years old.

10) How old will you be at your next birthday? I will be 25 on my next birthday…YIKES!


9 Whats

1) What's your mothers name? Cindy

2) What did you do last weekend? Went to dinner with the Thompson’s, cleaned, did laundry, had dinner with my Grandparents.

3) What is the most important part of your life? My friends and family

4) What would you rather be doing? In Jamaica soaking up the SUN!

5) What did you last cry over? …

6) What always makes you feel better when your upset? To talk to my Mom or my BFF rose.

7) What's the most important thing that you look for in a significant other? Good hearted and centered around “our” life and marriage…

8) What are you worried about? Quite a bit!

9) What did you have for breakfast? I splurged this morning….hot cakes from McDonalds!



8 Have You's

1) Have you liked someone that had a boyfriend/girlfriend? Sure, I have. Not in a long time though.

2) Have you ever had your heart broken? Yep.

3) Have you ever been out of the country? Yep, Jamaica and the Bahamas

4) Have you ever done something outrageously dumb? Oh yes. Probably too many to mention!

5) Have you ever been back stabbed by a friend? Ya

6) Have you ever had sex on the beach? NOPE…lol!

7) Have you ever dated someone younger than you? Nope. Always older!

8) Have you ever read an entire book in one day? Nope. It takes me awhile!

7 Who's

1) Who was the last person you saw? The teacher next door: Mrs. Loring.

2) Who was the last person you texted? My brothers girlfriend: Heather.

3) Who was the last person you hung out with? Josh

4) Who was the last person to call you? My Mom!

5) Who did you last hug? My husband, Josh.

6) Who is the last person who texted you? My bro’s girlfriend: Heather

7) Who was the last person you said "I love you" too? Josh


6 Where's

1) Where does your best friend live? About 10 miles from me, in WPMO!

2) Where did you last go? I am at school now.

3) Where did you last hang out? The FUMC BBQ

4) Where do you go to school? I don't unless you count me being a teacher and having to go to school every day

5) Where is your favorite place to be? At home…there’s nothing like HOME SWEET HOME!

6) Where did you sleep last night? in my bed


5 do's/does

1) Do you like someone right now? Yes

2) Do you think anyone likes you? I hope they do

3) Do you ever wish you were someone else? Not really, I wish I had some qualities that others have.

4) Do you know the muffin man? I don’t guess so…

5) Does the future scare you? YEP!


4 Why's

1) Why are your best friends your best friends? They are a good shoulder to cry on, ears to listen during troubling times, and sharing great moments of laughter together!

2) Why did you get a Myspace? Never had MySpace…I am FACEBOOK fan!

3) Why did your parents give you the name you have? I was named after a man named; Ashley. He worked for my parents.

4) Why are you doing this survey? Good blogging material


3 If's

1) If you could have one super power what would it be? To change certain people into something else…
2) If you could go back in time and change one thing, would you? Maybe…

3) If you were stranded on a deserted island and could bring one thing, what would you bring? FOOD!!!


2 Would You Ever's

1) Would you ever get back with any of your exes if they asked you? Nope!

2) Would you ever shave your head to save someone you love? WOW…probably!


1 Last Question

1) Are you happy with your life right now? Ya

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Top 2 Tuesday--Things you cannot live without!

I am participating again in the Undomestic Momma's Top 2 Tuesday. I am anxious to read everyone else's CANNOT LIVE WITHOUTS!! Happy Tuesday!


1. Canon EOS Rebel



This is definitely something I could not live without. My parents got Josh and I this camera for Christmas and it has been wonderful! I have got the opportunity to capture lots of memories while using it. I can only imagine how great it will be when we have a family one day! With summer approaching we will get to take lots of pictures. This IS something that I could not live without.


2. Nestle Raisenets


Raisenets have to be one of my all time favorite candies! I keep a LARGE bag stashed in my desk at school! In case of an emergency I can just reach in and get myself a handful...and whatever the problem might be, IT IS SOLVED!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE them and could not live without.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Spring is HERE!!!

Happy Spring! I don't know about the rest of ya'll, but I am so happy SPRING is finally here.

This is my favorite season...I love to see the flowers blooming, tree's budding, EASTER, birds chirping, grass turning green, and the beginning of summertime BBQ's.

I got home Friday afternoon from school to find a nice and sincere gift from Josh's mom, Gayla. She picked this beautiful beautiful bouquet of Easter Lillies for Josh and I. It was accompiaded by a nice card; saying HAPPY SPRING!! This was a nice way to kick our weekend off!



Friday evening Josh and I met the Thompson's at El Charro for dinner. We then headed back to parents house, they were babysitting one of my favorite babies...Addison while her parents went a date! Addison is my parents "so-called" grandchild. We call ourselves Addison's West Plains family! It was a fun evening we played our hearts out until 11:00 p.m. That baby was pooped out! :)



Saturday Mom and I kicked our morning off with a two mile walk. Afterwards I came home to do laundry, clean, make rice crispy treats for the Thompson's, and then took a afternoon nap. Josh went to the Thompson's to help Kody with some burning. They had a great afternoon. We all then met at TJ's for a late dinner.

Today we attended church for the fourth Sunday in a row. I am so proud of ourselves. We are truly loving attending the First United Methodist Church. We did not go out for lunch today because Josh is helping my brother with cattle this afternoon. I am catching up on lesson plans, blogging, and then taking another NAP! I have been so sleepy here lately and this rainy and nasty weather is calling for a NAP. Happy Sunday to all!

Happy SPRING!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Show Us Your Life--Cleaning Tips

I do have to admit…I am a CLEAN FREAK! I believe there are days I do believe I have OCD when it comes to cleaning! I clean our house from top to bottom every single week.

One thing that I cannot stand to do is dust. It is my least favorite (not that any of it is the greatest). We have wooden faux blinds throughout our house and they collect dust like no other…They really irritate me when it comes to cleaning them. I usually just clean them once a month. I put an old sock on my hand, spray some Pledge, and go to wiping each and every blind.









One of my favorite tips to share is…I have the hardest time cleaning mirrors and windows without streaking them. My Mama shared this tip with me: Wet a tea towel with warm water and pour about a cup of ammonia over the tea towel, ring it out, and begin cleaning your mirror and window. I then wipe the wet consistency off with a paper towel, and wa lah…NO STREAKS!







I also use bleach while cleaning…and I know one day with children I will be using even more! I wipe our countertops down with a soapy bleach rag! I just feel better knowing that the bleach is KILLING all the unwanted germs!



What are your cleaning tips?

Thursday, March 18, 2010

St. Patricks Day

I spent my St. Patty's Day teaching little leprechauns! This day has to be one of the toughest for school teachers, although, I didn't have to get onto ANYONE for pinching their classmates and friends. I did walk past a classroom with a teacher lecturing a student NOT TO PINCH! haha! I was laughing inside.

I did have this little guy come to my 4th hour class wearing a leprechaun hat! hahaha! I laughed until I hurt. It doesn't take much for me to laugh at these kiddos!



Josh and I spent St. Patty's Day grilling burgers, grilling potatoes, and having my favorite...PORK and BEANS! mmmm! We then took a two mile walk. We ARE getting are fannies in shape for the SUMMER!

It was a great St. Patrick's Day and survived without any pinching!!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

ZUMBA!

One of my new favorite addictions...ZUMBA!

Zumba has became a popular BIG thing in West Plains. A girl that I graduated high school with and another WP native are the instructors of this class. Zumba is a dance fitness activity that has bloomed over the past few years. It has been out for several years and just now becoming popular in WP. I have attended the past two Monday evenings with my Mama. I Mom is so dedicated to it and I am thrilled. She is on a roll too, she has lost 15 pounds! Big SHOUT OUT to her!

We dance to several Latin songs as well as other popular music. I have really enjoyed it and I believe it is helping me. I am definitely sore today. My thighs were burning last night (WOO HOO...that is what I am trying so hard to tone up)

Has anyone else participated in ZUMBA in their communities? Tell me what ya think!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Weekend Recap

This was one of the most fun weekends I have had in awhile. Friday night Josh and I went to a local independently owned steak house for dinner. The Thompson’s joined us. We had a great dinner and set and talked for a long time. Great catch up time. Josh and I then went home and watched an inspirational and uplifting movie; Fireproof. Have any of ya’ll seen this movie?

Saturday I attended one of my 3rd grade students birthday party at the bowling alley. I wish I would have taken pictures. I am loved it! And the students were so SHOCKED to see me there…I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. My Mom met me at, At Home Market to look at the new spring arrivals of Yellow Box. No such luck for me…It’s really hard to find a 10 in any type of shoe. It’s pretty irritating. I then went home and baked sugar cookies for Josh to take on his business trip. Josh worked in the yard Saturday afternoon! I am so anxious for spring and flowers!!!! Saturday night we attended our local communities meeting supporting our local fire department. My Mom made two scrumptious hams and we also had fried fish. I made a cherry cheese cake...One of Josh’s favorites. It was a great event!

Sunday Josh left to work out of town this week…it just had to be the week of my SPRING BREAK! Ahh! I attended church, went through Taco Bell for lunch, and then came home to clean and catch up on laundry. I got all of that done and then came to my parents and got their laundry and ironing caught up. My parents own a fertilizer business and this is one of their busiest times of the year. I try to help them out as much as possible during the spring. We grilled steaks and chicken for dinner and Heather came over. It was a fun night. Kate and Heather then came home with me and we had a girls night/sleepover! We watched the Oscars! WOO HOO Sandra Bullock! I am so happy for her! The Blind Side is by far my favorite movie!! We were all zonked out by 11:30, but HEY that’s late for me!

I am really enjoying Spring Break! I miss the kiddos at school, but am truly enjoying my time off! Hope everyone had a SUPER weekend!!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Show Us Your Life--Typical Day



Glad to be back in the routine of participating in Kelly's Show Us Your Life...I missed last week...It was a hectic and busy week. I will try to make up for it over the next few weeks.

My typical day can be pretty chaotic...Let me just fill you in.

My alarm typically goes off around 5:30 each morning. I have tried to make a habit of NOT hitting it. When I still was living at home with my parents, I am just sure I would hit it 5 times each morning. NOT a good habit to get yourself into.

I then head to my bathroom, take a 15 minute HOT shower and then do my makeup. By this time Josh is out of bed and has started my car....what a sweet husband! He has done that all WINTER! So proud of him! I then dry and then straighten my hair. After that I then get dressed, put jewelry on, do a load of laundry, and then set down for breakfast. I NEVER was a big breakfast eater until about a year ago. It is a MUST have now. I usually have yogurt, raisin toast, pancakes, and here lately I have been having CHOCOLATE donuts! mmmmm!! Not the most nutritious, but HEY, they are GOOD!

By 6:45 I go into the bedroom and kiss Josh goodbye! He gets up when I walk out the door. Neither one of us are MORNING PEOPLE! It's most of the time best if we just do our business and get going in the mornings.

At 6:50 I travel four miles to South Fork Elementary to tutor a 4th grade boy. This is a Tuesday through Friday thing. I truly been one of the BEST things for me. I have seen so much growth in this young man! He is excelling daily! I am so happy! For the past nine weeks I have been going down to Mrs. Douglas' 3rd grade classroom at 8:00 to teach Reading. This is one of my Student Teaching requirements. This experience has been WONDERFUL. I have enjoyed each and every moment I have got to spend with Mrs. Douglas as well as her students.

At 10:00 I travel into West Plains (15 miles) to my Middle School job. I usually get there at 10:15 and begin my day at MS. I run around the school collecting work from absent students, check my mailbox, check my email, make copies, fill up my coffee mug, and have a small snack. Here lately I have been having an apple with peanut butter...mmmm!



At 11:00 my first group of students come. They are 6th graders and a great group of kids! I have seen a lot of improvement over the last nine weeks. The next group of kids come at 11:45 and they are also a great, excelling group of 6th graders. They are only with me 20 minutes per day! My next group is a 7th-8th grade combination. They are my challenging and rumbustious group of kiddos. This group is pretty low developing, but I have seen improvement as well. I then have one more 7th-8th grade combination. After this group I get to eat my lunch. I usually eat at 2:00 in the teachers lounge. (My schedule is a little bit funky!) My final hour of the day begins at 2:33! There are 20 BRIGHT and exciting 5th graders! I LOVELOVELOVE this group! They are so eager to learn and be in my classroom, and I thrive for that.

At 3:30 my teaching day ends. I then begin after school tutoring with three students. They are with me from 3:30 to 4:30 Monday through Thursday! I truly LOVE this aspect of my job as well. I have seen so much improvement with these three girls! I typically help them with Communication Arts homework and sometimes Math.

Usually by 4:45 I leave school, unless I have copies that need to be made or work that needs to be taken care of at school. I then run errands and head home. When I get home I do laundry, pick up the house, and begin thinking of WHAT to do for dinner.

I am NOT much of a cook. I do NOT enjoy it at all. Usually, if we eat at home, Josh helps me. I appreciate that. Most of the time we cook something easy, go out to eat, or go to my parents (right next door). We then either watch T.V or I get on the computer. I am usually in bed by 8:00 each evening. I am worn OUT by all the running around I do each day! Josh usually comes to bed and we talk about our day...or whatever is on our minds and then he watches T.V. until late. Not quite sure when he comes to bed....

I then catch some ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ's and get back up and do it all over again! That is my typical day!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Top 2 Tuesday--Favorite Places to Shop






Today I'm participating in the Top 2 Tuesday hosted by The Undomestic Momma. It is on your favorite places to shop...I have so many places that I just LOVE to shop at. The list could go on and on....


1. Banana Republic




I really LOVE shopping at BR for school clothes and everyday running around clothes. One bonus for me is that they sell LONG jeans! That is a definite incentive. When you are 5'11 and your legs are 5' of that, its important to find jeans that are LONG enough! :) I love their Spring collection for this year. I live approximately two hours from a BR...so every time I hit the store I go CRAZY! I Mama is a BR fan too! We always have found good quality items there. This is definitely one of my favorites!


2. Robert Redford's Sundance





I shop Sundance through catalog only. There is not a store located anywhere near me...that I am aware of. The headquarters of Sundance are located in Salt Lake City, UT. Robert Redford owns this clothing and jewelry store as well as a ski resort. My husband just travelled to SLC, Utah in February. He picked me up a few things ;) Sundance has a great line of jewelry and clothing. This line reminds of nature...everything is "earthy"!! Here are few things that Josh picked up for me on his trip




Monday, March 1, 2010

My Weekend Recap

WOW...It's been awhile since I have posted anything. I have been super busy here lately. Trying to get settled in at school and keep things rolling at home has been a juggle here lately. This past week has been great! Teaching seems to be getting a little bit easier each day! I am loving it though! It has been the best experience I could possibly ask for.



Friday was a busy day at school. We had a lot going on that day. My 3rd grade Student Teaching class through me a "early" suprise party! How sweet of them! I forgot to take pictures though! We also had a fundraising assembly...those are always the BEST....NOT! Cheesy salesmen trying to sell items and then reward their sellers with JUNK! haha! Friday night I went with my parents to Heather's basketball game. Josh went to a roping and was unable to go. The Longhorns played a tough team...but they WON! yippie! They advanced to Saturday night. I called it a night pretty early...around 10!



Saturday is typically my "catch up" day! I cleaned our house, did laundry, caught up on ironing, cleaned the car, and then got ready for the game. Josh came home early from his parents and got around. We left early to go have dinner, shop for shoes, and go to Lowes. We had a great time. I got two pairs of sandles. I am so ready for SPRING. We had a great dinner at Chili's, probably one of our favorites. We then headed to the game. Viola played Calico Rock at CR. CR has beat them three times. I believe the last game in which Viola played CR, we should have won! The officials were AWFUL! We just knew this game was going to be a nail biter! My parent met us there. They were anxious too! The girls didnt have their game on Saturday night. It just wasnt there night. We lost by 20. :( We were disappointed, although, they still get to advance to the State Tournment. They will play Wednesday down by Batesville. I am unable to go due to school and afterschool tutoring. I am sad! I think my parents are going to try to go and support our girl, Heather!



Sunday was an amazing day! The weather in the Ozarks has been beautiful...the temperature has been in the 50's for the last couple of days! Did I mention, I am ready for SPRING! Mallory and Kody invited us to come with them to church a few weeks ago. We went! It was SUPER! Josh and I are looking for a church home...and I think this one is GREAT! There are a lot of younger couples that attend this church and we both felt really relaxed and welcomed there. We attended church and then Sunday school afterwards. Boy o' Boy was Sunday school fun! :) After Sunday school we went and had brunch with the Thompson's. We finally got to ride in there new Yukon! It was so nice! We all four then went to Wal-Mart after brunch. Josh and I then went home. I baked brownies, did a couple loads of laundry, and then took a ciesta! I love Sunday naps! My Grandparents had my entire family over for dinner Sunday night. It was perfect...Mom, Dad, Kate, Josh, Luke, Heather, Granny, Papa, and I. It had been a long time since we have all gotten together. We then went back to my parents and Josh and I constructed a Power Point for my Mom. I had a feeling by late last night that I was getting another yucky cold...I called it a night early! Josh and I truly enjoyed our day at Church and we discussed it all afternoon! I look forward to going back next Sunday, although, Josh is going to be out of town! :(



Monday...I didnt hardly sleep a wink last night and YES my prediction was correct. I woke up stuffy and with a darn COLD! I am considering going to the DR. today and knocking this COLD out!