I spent the day with with a great friend from college. Jamie was actually my bride proxy at our wedding. She has taught for two years at Rouse Elementary School, and she has decided to call it quits! Why? She's moving to Hernando, MS to open a gift shop/bridal registry on The Square! How exciting!!! I actually joined her in a meeting with a sales rep today, and it was SO exciting!

The Square Cupboard will carry a huge selection of fine china, everyday dinnerware, pewter, copper, pottery, stemware, jewelry, refinished furniture, stationary, and 3 lines of invitations. They will also have a baby section and other fun gifts. The Square Cupboard will have its Grand Opening on July 26th. Mr. Richie Watts from THE GOOD EARTH pottery is coming that Saturday, July 26, to sign his pottery! I can't wait to SHOP, SHOP, SHOP!!! Come join us!

The Square Cupboard is located on The Square between Old Venice and Center Stage.

Good Luck, Jamie!!! I can't wait to see it all!

Me and Jamie at our rehearsal dinner

A Van Winkle Farewell

This year, we have several teachers leaving Van Winkle for various reasons. One of those leaving is Mrs. Pemberton. Mrs. Pemberton has been my "school mom" since Day One of my experience there. She has done everything a mom would normally do: sew buttons on my shirt on Parent/Teacher Conference Day, reminded me of deadlines, made sure I was taken care of, and just let me cry. She has truly helped me grow as a teacher and a person, as well as my other team members. I'm not sure I'll know what to do without her....but, she says I'm ready to "fly solo." Tear!! Mrs. Pemberton was offered a job at Barksdale Reading Institute. She will be working with small groups of first graders on literacy skills. How could you turn that down?! She will be missed greatly, but we are so excited for her new journey that God has sent her on.

Dr. Bowen handing out gifts to those leaving. (Mrs. Pemberton is the one with khaki pants)

For our musical entertainment, one of our custodians sang! Mr. Jacobs is the custodian on our end of the building. His first name is Elvis. Yes, I said Elvis!! Maybe that is why he has such a voice!! Just listen and you'll understand what I mean!! You may want to pause my playlist so you can completely focus!!

Now, people ask why I stay at Van Winkle. Now, really! How could I leave such great friends and great talent!?!?!

We enjoyed it, Mr. Jacobs! You're the best!

Let's Go To the Movies...

Last night, we went to the movies with our neighbors, Phil and Shelley. We went to see Iron Man. However, when the previews started...we noticed everything had a pink tint. So, Phil went to find "the authorities." After about 15 minutes or so of trying to fix the screen and messing it up even more, we realized there was not going to be an Iron Man tonight. The manager came in to apologize to the theater, and he gave away complimentary passes for another night. We all got one...and SOMEHOW Russ ended up with TWO!


He also offered for us to see any other movie that was showing last night. Well, it was 10:00, so it's not like there were tons of options! We decided on 21. I have to say...we made a great choice! I loved it.

21 is about a shy, brilliant M.I.T. student who - needing to pay for Harvard Medical School - finds answers in the cards. He is recruited to join a group of the school's most gifted students that heads to Vegas every weekend with fake identities and the know-how to turn the odds of blackjack in their favor. By counting cards and using hand signals, the team can beat the casino every time. They don't consider it gambling because they are following a distinct system. This is inspired by a true story. You may be thinking..."How could this be good? It's just people playing blackjack." Well, it does have a lesson learned and a great ending filled with old friends and new friends combined, honesty, and hard work to earn the scholarship he once applied for. Now, Russ and I are itching to go to Las Vegas!!

Happy Engagement!

Tonight, Russ and I helped give an engagement party for a friend from medical school. Ginny and Chad are getting married December 13 - my birthday weekend!!! Anyway, Russ smoked pork tenderloin, to serve over 100 people, and we cooked rolls to make sandwiches. They were a huge hit!! It was great to get together with everyone after a hard year of school is out! Jessica, another friend from med school, had the party at her home. It looked fantastic! She had a beautiful setup for food, and pretty white tables and chairs for the guests. Besides the pork tenderloin, we also had shrimp and grits, crab stuffed mushrooms, new potatoes topped with sour cream and wasabi caviar, fruit, vegetables, and A CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN!!! These friends are lifelong friends who have been there with Russ through it all. I'm so grateful for the friendships made here. We had a great time! Great job to everyone who helped!

Chad, Ginny, me, and Russ (my hair is a little out of control!)

Russ and me after the party (my hair has been tamed)

School's Out!!!

Well...we made it!! Russ and I have officially finished the 2007-2008 school year! Russ has completed his third year of medical school (hard to believe) and my chil'ren have left for the summer! We had a great day at school today. You can click on my class blog to read about that! To celebrate the end of our school year, we went to eat at Outback with some friends from college. Rachael and Jimbo Bearden came in from Memphis for the Memorial Day weekend. Jimbo and Russ are friends from Northeast/MSU. Rachael and I were Chi O's together at State. We have been friends since the beginning of college. She was also a bridesmaid in our wedding (in fact, both of them were). I am so thankful for our friendship.

Russ, me, Rachael, and Jimbo at our wedding

Allison Lauderdale and her boyfriend, Russell, ate with us also. We really enjoyed visiting with them all and a good meal at Outback. After Outback, we all came back to our house for a little Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution. (It seems like every time we celebrate something, it involves Dance Dance Revolution!) We had such a good time!! Thanks for such a great night, guys!

Rachael and me watching Guitar Hero

Russell, Allison, and Jimbo - Allison's first time to play Guitar Hero)

Russ showing everyone up!

Allison got pretty good with a little practice!

We Have Been Given Much...

Today in church, the pastor read from Luke 12:48 before he began his sermon.

"When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." Luke 12:48

As I read this verse and focused on its meaning in my life...I began to think about all God has given Russ and me...and all we have been entrusted with. We have been blessed with a beautiful home, a loving family, Christian friends, and so much more than we deserve. Russ and I have been entrusted with patients and students that depend on us. We have been given incredible skills of teaching and "doctoring." The question I asked myself is: How am I using my resources for Him? What am I doing for those I have been entrusted with? Am I showing God's love? When people look at my life, my finances, and my work...will they say, "Man, she must really love the Lord!"

I was embarrassed as I thought about how I was using what God has given and entrusted me. I have certainly made unwise choices...as we all have at one point or another. I am so glad we serve a forgiving God!

Lord, Thank you for all you have given me. Thank you for entrusting me with skills and students upon which to make an impact. Forgive me for my unwise use of Your gifts. Help me to show Your love to my students, and help me to use my skills for Your glory. Amen.

Celebrate!

Well...now that tests are over, I can sit back and relax! Russ and I went over to some great friends' house tonight. We had a blast catching up, being carefree, and playing Dance Dance Revolution!! It was wonderful to be able to have a good time and not worry about what I'm going to teach the next day so our scores will be good. Pat is in school with Russ, and Felicia has become an incredibly fun friend of mine! When Felicia and I get together, we say and do inappropriate and childish things!! We have so much fun together!! Thanks, Pat and Felicia, for having us over for a night of FUN!!! (P.S. - Watch out for that first step!) Love you!!

Felicia and me being "childish" at the State Fair

Pat and Russ holding our purses! Thanks guys!! They are so patient with their goofy wives!

Mother's Day and Tornado Alert!

Well...considering I'm not a "mother" yet. I still have one baby - Farley! I thought he might decide to get me a little something for being such a good mama this year. I guess I didn't do too well!My sweet Farley

We did spend this Mother's Day weekend in Corinth at Russ's parents' home. We spent the day Saturday with Russ's mom. We treated her to lunch and had a great visit with her. She is such a sweet lady!

Russ and his mom at our wedding

Saturday night, we ate with my family and the Gurleys at Cafe St. Clair (a restaurant on the water at Pickwick). After eating, we planned to watch a movie. However, the weather had other plans. You'd have to know my family to understand the chaos that ensues in emergency situations. There was a tornado warning in effect for our area. My mom, Russ, and Lee (Kristin's boyfriend) had the tv turned up as loud as it could go, I'm quite sure...while Kristin and I were searching for music for my blog just as loud. My dad got the weather radio out...and, of course, turned it up too! To an outsider, we would have looked like a crazy house. But to those who know us, we looked perfectly normal. Take note that during all this commotion, my mom, Kristin, and I all had our purses on our shoulders because Kristin said that we were always supposed to have our ID on us during a tornado. (She heard this on the news or something!) Of course, I had to take a minute to zip mine up so the tornado wouldn't make everything fall out! I'm telling you - it was exciting! After many lightning strikes and scary conversation from Bob the weatherman, we decided to load up and take refuge at the church. So here we go! My grandmother now lives in Corinth...so we needed to pick her up on the way. I called her and said, "Hey Maw Maw! I'm in Corinth. Get your shoes on. We're on our way! Bye." We had exactly 27 minutes until the tornado was to hit Corinth! (according to Bob the weatherman - I don't really know his name, but Bob sounds good) Everyone gets their belongings (except the ladies - because we already had our purses in tow) and runs to the driveway where there are at least 6 vehicles parked. (and that's just us) Which car do we use?! Do we take two cars or one?! We decide to take my mom's Yukon, and we jump in. Don't worry...we got Farley so he wouldn't blow away! All the kids and mom jump in the car only to find that the driver is MIA! Daddy was in the house getting his weather radio and all the cords. He finally joins us in the car...and, of course, we should have gotten in two cars! Sorry! We're here now, and no one is moving! Here we go!!! I'm quite certain I heard the tires squeal as we race to the church. Remember...we must beat the tornado, and we only have 19 minutes now! (according to Bob the weatherman) You know the song, "The wheels on the bus go round and round..."? I felt like I was in a version of "the wheels on the bus go INSANE!!!" We were sliding from side to side. Everyone was holding on to the handles on the roof of the car. We get to Maw Maw's apartment and she's worried about her hair because she just got it done. No sympathy. Tornado. Get in car. She was on her own to open the door and get in! Here we go again! Slam. Slide. Hang on. Finally, we arrive at the church where Russ, Lee, and Daddy watch from the window with the door open. My mom, Maw Maw, Kristin, and I sat in the hallway of the lowest level. We sat. And sat. Here it comes. Time to leave. What? No tornado? So, we all load back up (Farley and Maw Maw too), take Maw Maw home ("Hey!" "Bye!" - kinda like our phone conversation), and head back to the house. When we arrive, Bob the weatherman is signing off and we all get back to our activities. In case you think a tornado would mess up the Smith plans - you are wrong! Of course we still watched the movie! The family finally sat down to watch Juno. I'm pretty sure the only people awake at the end were Kristin and Mama. Although, I made it almost to the end. Around 12:30 a.m. it's time for Russ and I to head back to his parents' house to call it a night (It was their turn. Yes, we take turns.) Mother's Day morning came early on Sunday!

After church on Sunday, we had lunch at my parents house. Mama has always asked to cook on Mother's Day because she loathes the crowds in the restaurants around town. So, she had her fine china set out! I mean...bread plate, salad plate, dinner plate, accessories, and all! She had a FABULOUS meal ready: roast with potatoes and carrots, cream corn, crunchy Romaine salad, blueberry salad, crock pot mac and cheese, and Heath bar dessert(AMAZING!!!). We ate and opened gifts. Mama got a spa weekend from Daddy and Ralph Lauren WILD perfume from all. Yes, you're exactly right! Mama and Daddy had comments to make about the name of the perfume! Russ and I brought her tea cake cookies from her favorite bakery in Jackson, Cambell's Bakery. Of course, there were cards, too. It was a good day! I have the best mom! And the most fun family!!!

Mama, me, and Kristin

Mama and Daddy at the Rockettes in NYC
Like I said, FUN family!

Testing, Testing!

Well, it's that time of year - test time! Anyone who is in education understands what this means. We've worked all year to try to prepare our students for this one test that is, apparently, supposed to tell whether I taught them well or not. Can you say, STRESS!?!?

In preparation for this awful week of tests, the school had a parade in celebration of the MCT2 (Mississippi Curriculum Test). Each class made a banner to carry, and each grade level performed a cheer. The kids had a blast! I had leftover parade gear from our last parade celebrating our moving up to a Level 4. So, I pulled all the wigs, signs, balloons, etc. out of the closet. I also found some frog tattoos and "I love Froggy" bumper stickers for the kids to wear. In case you haven't heard, my classroom is covered with frogs!

After the parade and cheers, a team of teachers played the fifth grade girls and boys in a basketball game. Somehow I was recruited to play! Now, let me help you to understand - I played one sport in my life (besides cheerleading). I played softball when I was in 5th grade. I played right field EVERY OTHER inning! I mean, I bought sliding shorts for fashion not function! Well, I tried to hide from the other teachers when the game started, but I was called on the intercom. So, I went out there to play. They ended up giving me the bull horn, and said, "You just get the crowd pumped up!" I told them I wouldn't make a good addition to the team!


It was a fun day! In all seriousness...please pray for us this week as we take this MCT2. The students really have worked hard all year, and this is their chance to SHOW IT!

Charles and Jason showing off their MCT spirit!

Our banner!

Some of my boys watching the basketball game

A Weekend at Home

This past weekend, we went home for the Coca Cola 10K. Russ usually likes to run, but opted not to this year. However, we still wanted to watch our neices and nephew run. Their family runs together all over the place, and they usually win a place in their age division. Julie won first and Olivia won second in their division. Clay won first in his division. Julie was actually the 10th female overall! They amaze me!

It's always so good to come home and visit family. I love spending time these precious children. It's also great to catch up with Russ' brother, Jimmy, and his wife, Roan. We also were able to take the kids to the park with Russ's sister, Jenny. I love this family! I can't wait until we're back home to stay!

Leah and Sam really weren't that interested in watching the race.

The Johnson children after everyone crossed the finish line.

Van Winkle Field Day

Friday was Van Winkle's Field Day. This is not like your typical Corinth Field Day. Very few parents, if any, show up to help. So, I'm usually out in the field with 20 crazy kids by myself...running the stations, lining them up, and giving rules and winners. But, this year, I had a little help! Kristin graciously offered her assistance for the day. I had zero parents show up, so I'm glad she came. She got to see the MEAN Mrs. Johnson come out. Every time I would get on to someone, she'd say, "Megan, they weren't the only one." or "It was my fault."

It was a fun day and I'm glad I was able to share my class with my sister! Thanks so much Kristin!

Kristin helped paint faces. Thanks Kristin Jayne!

Jeffery is working hard at the Water Cup Relay.

Some of my precious students acting like ... well acting normal! Ha!