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!

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

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!

Heather's Senior Night

Friday night Josh and I as well as my family went to Viola to watch Heather play basketball. This was their "Senior Night" as well as the last regular season home game. We were going to root on the Longhorns!

Kate and Heather last Tuesday played in the snow...Heather got hot and then cold...and Wednesday morning woke up with pneumonia. She has had to take several breathing treatments and has received several shots as well. She was been miserable.

She was determined to play her heart out though during this game. They were playing a rival, Mammoth Spring Bears. She told us that she was going to play regardless of how she felt...kind of silly I know. She is such a "go getter" and tough girl! She got to play quite a bit, considering her health situation. The coach would pull her out and she would sitting...her back would be pounding. She was struggling for each breath she took. I was really worried. The Longhorn's won the game! I was real happy for the girls! Heather said she felt really tired and weak afterwards!

After the game the senior girl basketball players, senior boys basketball players, and senior band members and their parents were recognized. This was a very emotional time for Heather. She mother passed away when she was young in a car accident, and her father has never been a part of her life. She was taken in by a Viola family and lived with them for quite some time this past summer she left them and joined another Viola family. She is extremely happy where she is now. I am also happy for her. This was epically an emotional time for Heather, being recognized with the Burden family and them announcing her mother. There was not one dry eye in the place. We LOVE Heather and would do anything on this planet for her! I really hope one day soon she becomes a part of our family.

Heather being recognized with the Burden's

Kate and Heather

Kate, Heather, and I

Heather and the Burden's

Heather and Luke

My parents with Heather


As of today, she is feeling a lot better. Keep her in your prayers for a quick and healthy recovery!

Show Us Your Life - Valentines Dates or Ideas

I must say that last year's, 2009 Valentines Day was by far the BEST! This was the "first" Valentines Day that Josh and I got to spend together. In 2008 he was in Texas working over Valentines Day. So Valentines Day 2009 was extra special. We got engaged on August 1. 2008 and anxiously began planning for our wedding and purchasing things for our home. We made Valentines Day weekend a weekend for buying furniture for our house.

We kicked off the weekend by going to Mountain Grove, MO. with Mallory and Kody. Mallory had heard about Club 60. It was fantastic! We had a good food, good drinks, and LOTS of laughs that night. The next day Josh and I travelled to Springfield and began shopping for furniture. We had such a fun day! We ate dinner that night at Hinode. Our favorite Japanese Steak House. We spent the night and shopped a little more the following day! It was a fun weekend!



It has always been a tradition to bake some form of cupcakes on Valentines Day. Last year I made cherry chip cupcakes and this year I baked red velvet cupcakes. I made some deliveries to my family yesterday afternoon and have one more delivery to make today. I LOVE sharing yummy treats!



Tonight we are celebrating Valentines Day with Mallory and Kody. We are going to Cabool, MO. and having Mexican at one of my favorite places; El Imperial. I am sure it will be a great time.

Tomorrow Josh and I are just hanging low. We will exchange our gifts and have dinner with my family that evening at Coltons in WP.

Happy Valentines Day!!

Weekend Recap

This weekend was pretty low key. Josh left last Sunday to go work in Salt Lake City, Utah. He will be returning home this evening.

Friday night my parents and I went to watch my brothers girlfriend, Heather play basketball. She is a DOLL. We cannot imagine our life without Heather. Luke and Heather have been dating "off and on" for over two years. They spilt up over the summer but are now back together. We are all so HAPPY! She is just another sister for Kate and I. Friday night we went to Viola, Arkansas (also the hometown of my sweetie, Josh). Heather and Josh are/were LONGHORNS!

Heather and Luke last Spring

Kate and Heather

Heather and I


The game was great. They played Neelyville, MO. Neelyville was 20/0! Unbelievable. The lady Longhorns played well. With 1 minute remaining, we were down by 6 points. Team member, Leslie S. made a three point shot. We were just 3 points away with 0.5 seconds to go. Team member Leslie B. went up for a three point shot, was fouled and went to the free throw line...We were so nervous..It was a nail biter. Leslie B. went to the free throw line and made all three shots!!! It was a tied ballgame. We went into over time...but could not pull off the win. Heather was disappointed, but it was such a good game. After the game we went to Fred's Fish House and had catfish. It was delicious. I called it a early night...I had not been feeling well all day. I went to bed around 9.

Longhorns vs. Neelyville

Let's Go Ladies!!

Saturday morning I woke up got around. Did some housework, school work, and took a morning nap. I still was not feeling well. I then went into town got some Valentines gifts, groceries, and lunch. Came home and got ready to go to Heather's game. I went with my parents. Kate decided to come too! :) This game was also a good game, but the officiating was not to great! The Lady Longhorns lost!

Sunday I was suppose to work at the Pharmacy. Although I was not feeling well at all. I decided that toughing out this cold was not going to work. I went to the Urgent Care Clinic and they told me I had bronchitis. I came home and slept all afternoon. I went to Mom and Dad's for dinner. We had steak, baked potatoes, green beans, pinto beans, and salad. Heather and Luke came too! We then watched the Super Bowl. It was a great game...and I was so happy the SAINTS won! Woo Hoo! I called it a early night. The weather men were calling for MORE snow over night. Of course, they were right!
I woke up this morning with the snow coming down pretty hard. We have got about 4 inches here in Southern Missouri. I got my call around 6:00 am that school was cancelled and I am afraid school will be cancelled again tomorrow. We are seriously going to be in school until the 4th of July! Tonight I am cooking breakfast for supper. Josh should be home around 6:30 or so. I am making homemade waffles, scrambled eggs, and sausage. Sounded good to me. I hope he is in the mood for breakfast!

I am looking forward to seeing Josh! Happy Monday to all!

Simple Pleasures

I got this unique BLOG post idea from Kelly over at Kelly's Korner.

There are many "simple pleasures" in life...Here are a few of mine that I would like to share with ya!

Coming home to a great husband who nurtures me and loves me unconditionally.

Helping my kids at school learn and succeed in life. I LOVE seeing them grow academically.

El Charro....and guacamole!!!

Coca Cola

Lemonade in the summertime

Going to ball games. Any kind of games: Football, Basketball, Baseball, SOFTBALL, you name it I LOVE SPORTS.

A clean house

Reading biographies

Chewing my finger nails

Good home country cookin'

Eventually a new vehicle (This will definitely be a BIG PLEASURE when this day comes)

Going to bed at 7:30!

What are your SIMPLE PLEASURES??