Yes. Today is a wonderful day. For a few reasons...

First of all, this is a brand new day. Never been used before. God made this day just for us, and I plan to enjoy it! Second, today was Russ's LAST day of UMC House Medicine...FOREVER!!! For those of you that don't understand this, there is no way to try to explain it. Just know that we are SO happy! The light is getting brighter at the end of this intern year tunnel. Before we know it, it'll be radiology all the way. Well...at least it will for Russ. I still will know absolutely nothing about medical terminology. And that is just peachy with me!

It's also gonna be a good day because Russ and I are getting ready to take a walk...possibly a little jogging too...around the neighborhood to enjoy this sunshine! It's days like these when I wish I was back in North Mississippi closer to home, and living in a small town. I'm not sure if our hometown is where we'll land, but I do know that we hope to be closer. And, I hope to be back in a Small Town USA! There's just nothing like a beautiful day in a small town! Anyhoo... I spent yesterday being lazy, doing laundry, and watching a High School Reunion marathon. I have no idea why! It just happened. Needless to say, I was disappointed when the sun went down and I had not been out to enjoy it! So, today, I will!

My iPod is charging with a few new songs on it. What do you have on your iPod?

I've uploaded a few new songs.

I'm a big fan of Zac Brown Band. I'm not saying that I memorize all the words. In fact, I frequently embarrass myself trying to belt out words without knowing them all! But, I love listening to them. So, a few of my new additions are from this group. My latest, Where the Boat Leaves From, was one of those loud and fun songs from our road trip to Nashville with the Yayas.

I also found Run this Town, the pregame introduction to the Super Bowl this year. I do have the edited version. Haven't listed to the other version, but I'm sure I won't approve. Anything Rascal Flatts goes! Summer Nights is my upload of the moment. God Gave Me You by Dave Barnes is a recent favorite I heard on the radio this week. I do recommend you get that one and just listen to the words. Love it!

In addition to these new uploads, I run to a variety of upbeat and fun songs. Yes, my students have me listening to Soulja Boy...although I'm sure that is SO last year! Ha! I've got Sugarland, Mandisa, Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Kate Voegele, Julianne Hough, Casey Donahew Band, and oldies like Spice Girls and Mmmm Bop.

I should probably stop there before I embarrass myself to death! I'm off to enjoy this day! You should too!

Kreativ Blogger

So, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Terri from Joyous Chaos had given me a "Kreativ Blogger Award." According to her I always share "Kreative" ways to spend time with family and enjoy life." That is such a compliment to me! Thank you, Terri for such a wonderful honor! I usually don't do a lot of these tag thingies, but I enjoyed this one so much the last time, I thought I'd do it again. Click here to see my last Kreativ Blogger Award post.

The rules are to thank the person who gave the award (done!) and write seven random facts about myself that you may not know. Then, I tag seven people that I think embody the qualities necessary to receive this award! Who will be the lucky few? Ha!

Hmmm....here goes!

1. I do not particularly enjoy talking on the phone. I mean, seriously. If you ever call and I don't answer...one of two things has happened. Either I looked at it and made a mental note to text you later, or I simply wasn't able to answer. Of course, I will always tell you that I "missed your call" when in actuality, I probably just didn't want to talk. I probably shouldn't be sharing this, should I? I have a few true blue friends that have already figured this out: Felicia and Rachael. These are TRUE friends because they still call me and have not abandoned me! I love those girls to death! But, I promise I eventually get in contact with them. Probably a text though. Ha! Roan obviously discovered this early on (or either she has the same issue) because we have never talked much on the phone. We will text 24/7 some days....same information without all the formalities of a polite phone conversation. Sent information. Gained information. Finished. It's not that I don't like talking to YOU. I just don't enjoy having the phone up to my ear. I much prefer texting so that I can multi-task or watch One Tree Hill or Bachelorette or American Idol. Don't take it personal!

2. I have, on more than one occasion, been known to forget to put on deodorant before going to work! Are you going to "de-friend" me now? You know that you have forgotten before too! Or have you? Maybe I shouldn't share this either. In fact, one of my coworkers sent a student to my room with a decorated brown paper lunch sack one day. It was tied with a ribbon. I opened it to find a thing of deodorant to keep in my desk drawer. Now that's a thoughtful gift! And, if I were to be completely honest, I would have to tell you that I had to use that deodorant yesterday morning! Oh, hush! I was in a hurry okay! Don't judge!

3. I had a spinal fusion when I was 15 years old. Yep! I have scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine. I wore a horrendous back brace from the seventh grade until the summer before my freshman year. I wore that sucker 16 hours a day! We considered having a brace burning to celebrate my surgery, but it still stands proudly in my closet. Much, much smaller than I am now. It might actually fit on my thigh now. So, now I proudly sport a 14 + inch scar on my back from where those metal rods were so nicely placed - actually, I'm pretty sure they were hammered into place. I don't even want to know!

4. I am famous for buying the same shirt in various colors. Let me just tell you the way it is. Muffintop. No, I'm not talking about a blueberry muffin here. I'm talking about myself when I put on a pair of jeans! You know the overflowing "muffintop" that occurs. Please don't leave any of those niceties that argue my point. Assuming you disagree. Ha! But, between that and the lack of...well, you know...up top, it's hard to find tops I like. So, when I find one that I really like, I just buy it in a few colors. Is it really that bad? I mean, you haven't noticed have you?

5. I interviewed for several positions during my stint with JPS. I have been offered positions in very reputable school districts, but found myself turning them down. Although, after my first year, I was ready to RUN out of there...I have stuck around for five years now. One interview sticks in my mind. I simply asked about the salary in said school district. The principal looked at me in disdain and said, "Well, I've never been asked that before. You'll have to look on the district website or call the district office. I don't know. I do know that it is less than JPS. That's how they coerce people to work there." Seriously? Like I needed to be coerced to work somewhere. Such a turnoff. I am proud of the work our school does. I have visited, blocked, and student taught in about 7 different schools and four different districts, and I have NEVER seen teachers work as hard or as long as our teachers. I am proud of that hard work, and I do not have to be coerced to work there. Just clarifying. So, to clarify....I DO work in JPS. I have CHOSEN to work in JPS. I ENJOY the rewards of working with these children in JPS. I LOVE my principal. And, I could not have imagined a better group of coworkers to have "Cheese Dip Day" with. I will miss it all very much when it's time to move! How 'bout that soapbox?

6. When I was in elementary school, a friend and I called a psychic network. My mom picked me up from a slumber party the afternoon she received the bill. "But, it said 'free!'" was my excuse. My mom soon assured me that it was probably 'free' for the first 30 seconds. She also questioned what I would have possible needed with a psychic and told me that I was NEVER to call one again! I'm pretty sure it was around $50.

7. I cannot sit around all day without a shower. I know that some of you are gasping right now, but I just can't. I used to do that high school and college. In fact, I would go to class at State without a shower. But, for some reason, I have to get a shower and get dressed. It may not be until 11:00, but I feel awful until I do. Plus, I'm pretty sure that the grease from my hair would start running down my face if I didn't wash it daily! Great visual, huh?

Now that I have told you seven gross and boring facts about myself, I will tag seven more people to do the same.

Julie and Olivia - These are my nieces, and they share so many creative creations on their blogs. These girls can do anything! But, mostly, they share about running and crocheting.

Kelly - Kelly is my college roommie. Although, she has taken a hiatus from the blog world (I couldn't imagine why! It's not like she is busy with a newborn or anything!), but her posts are hilarious. Every single one. It's so her. Seriously. She talks just like she types. Check it out.

Felicia - Felicia has finally gotten back into updating her blog, and this is just another reason for her to post!

Rossie - Rossie and I were Chi Os together at State. She always has something creative and entertaining up on her blog. My favorite is the whipped cream eating contest between her, her parents, and her husband. Love it! Plus, she does her own blog design.

Sarah - Sarah is Russ's cousin. She always has such wonderful photos of her two sweet boys along with a very entertaining post. My favorites of the past are all the things Will has gotten into!

Christy - Christy from Mommy Brain always entertains me with her humor and stories of being a mommy with a brain that goes with the title! We actually found out that we have a mutual friend. I really enjoy her blog!

I'm sure you are disappointed if you weren't tagged (enter sarcasm here), but you know I love you all! Check out my sidebar to see my daily dose of blogs!

Kristin's Bachelorette Party - Yaya Style

We're Back! Back from a fun-filled weekend with the one and only Yayas! This weekend, we celebrated Kristin's initiation as a Junior Yaya with a bachelorette party Yaya-style! Of course, I couldn't get off work early. When you teach, it's like that. There are 25 children who depend on us. I digress. Anyway, after work Friday, I headed north to Corinth where half the Yaya group was waiting on me. The other half went ahead to "prepare" the room in Nashville. It was a fun ride with Mama, Kristin, and Yaya Terri. We had the music blarin', singin', and laughin' our heads off!

When we arrived in Nashville, the other Yayas led us into the room first so that we could all see Kristin's reaction when she entered the Yaya Bachelorette Zone!

I think she liked it! And, why wouldn't she?! Look at what she saw!

The Yayas did a wonderful job of planning every detail and decorating so great! I loved it! I'm sure Kristin did too. The Yayas immediately dressed Kristin for the occasion.

There were little touches EVERYWHERE! Every time we turned around, we saw something else. Here are a few of the cute touches. Click to enlarge.

You would think everyone would be exhausted after traveling and decorating so extensively. But, the Yayas were having a fine time until after 3:00 AM. Crazy! There were eight of us in one suite with a fold-out couch and blow up mattresses. Nothin' like eight Yayas together in one room! LOVE IT!

The next morning, we all eventually woke up and dressed to hit the streets. We spent the first part of the day walking the streets of downtown Nashville.

We ate lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory. After lunch, we found a horse and carriage ride while we were perusing the downtown area. We decided to tour downtown on wheels instead of foot.

After checking out the area, we decided there were just too many places we wanted to go and not enough time. So, we walked quickly back to the hotel to dress for the night and headed out by...are you ready? 3:00!

Anytime the Yayas are getting ready for an event, you NEVER know what will happen! For example, I walked into the back only to see Yaya Vicki wearing these:

How hilarious!!! You should have seen her trying to walk in these!

Obviously, those shoes wouldn't fit our purpose, so Vicki put the insanely funny shoes up and put on her boots!

Remember when I said that I wasn't sure what surprises were in store? But, there is one thing I know for sure...cowboy boots!

And, I was right!

The whole crew ready to go! Look at those outfits!

Take a look at how we looked and sounded walking down the streets Saturday afternoon...

Apparently, our sashes were a little fickle. Our letters kept peeling off. Although Mama had a stapler in her purse (and, no, I have no idea WHY she had a stapler in her purse!), she quickly ran out. The Yayas got creative and began hanging the letters on sunglasses and earrings.

Now for the fun! Our first stop was a little dramatic, but ended with good stories to laugh about later. Kristin had a great time, and she was called on stage to sing! The Yayas stood right in front of the stage and sang along and screamed. People stopped us to take pictures of and with us. It was hilarious! I'm sure they are thinking, "Interesting group. Five Senior Yayas and 3 Yaya Juniors."

After our first stop, we walked around a little more. We finally decided it was time for FOOD. So, we made our way to Wildhorse Saloon. We grabbed a table just off the dance floor and ordered.

The food was delicious! Especially the fried dill pickles! About the time we were finishing up our food, it was time for a line dancing lesson!

The night continued with freestyle, good time, Yaya dancing...

Yaya line dancing...

Yaya bride recognition on the dance floor...

And, Yaya Macerena!

I wish there was a way for me to describe, in words, the moves we saw from these ladies. I would especially love to have video of my mother trying to learn the line dances only to end up do-si-do-ing with Teri while everyone else on the dance floor danced in unison! There is no controlling a Yaya...especially when they are multiplied!

The Yayas were all very creative with their sashes by the end of the night!

Who knows!

Like I said...NO CONTROL!

Yaya Juniors

The whole Yaya crew

Around midnight, we decided to walk around a little more and made one more stop for some karaoke. The list was an hour and a half long wait, so we didn't get to sing. We watched others make fools of themselves before flagging down a cab to take us back to the hotel. Don't fool yourself! We weren't even close to going to bed! In fact, we ordered pizza around 1:45 AM, dressed in our cute Bride's Posse t-shirts Vicki made for us, and climbed on the couch for a group shot.

Once again, it was 2:00 or 3:00 AM before we all went to bed. Even then, there were giggles and noises going until wee hours in the morning!

Sunday, we leisurely woke up, got ready, and packed up before heading to Pancake Pantry for a yummy and delicious breakfast!

Can you honestly say that you've had this much fun with your mom and her friends? I mean...seriously. The Yayas know how to have a good time!

Yaya!

Yep, yep!

Wildhorse Yayas

If you have read my blog for any amount of time, you know the Yayas by now. The Yayas are a small group of my mom's friends that have named themselves, planned trips, dressed for the wildest occasions, and had a great time! To read more about them...click here. They are not an official group. Self-proclaimed is more accurate.

After the Yayas were founded, they decided to give all the "Junior Yayas" a Yaya Bachelorette party. This serves as our initiation into the group. Our last Yaya Bachelorette Party was for Natalie. We all traveled to Nashville, I was already a member, and enjoyed a weekend of fun and shopping. The Yaya tradition is a night out at Wildhorse Saloon in downtown Nashville. This is Nashville's #1 spot for food and entertainment. It is a restaurant, has a game floor, and most importantly has a dance floor with bands playing every weekend. Such fun!

The Yayas had gotten together with glue, silk ribbon, and glitter to create sashes for all the Yayas, the Yaya Bride, Yaya MOB (mother of the bride), and Yaya Bridesmaids. I was a Yaya Junior Bridesmaid. Natalie's sash and Yaya tiara and veil served as quite the attention getter. It even got her on stage.

As you can see, the Yayas were having a blast! They eventually joined her on stage while the band played and sang. Hilarious! Who would have ever thought we'd have so much fun with my mom and her friends?!


So, this weekend...it's Kristin's turn. This weekend, the Yayas will travel north to Nashville for Kristin's initiation into the the Junior Yaya group. Natalie and I will join the Yayas and the Yaya Bride for a weekend of fun, excitement, and sure to be surprises!

The only thing I'm sure of...cowboy boots!


Just wait and see!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

And, no, I'm not talking about Christmas. It's Girl Scout cookie time!! I remember, as a child, I couldn't wait to sell Girl Scout cookies. I almost think I joined just for that reason. Ha! I would go door to door in my neighborhood, hit up everyone at church, call my grandparents, and get my mom to call all her friends. I sold, sold, sold. And, OH, the excitement when the boxes of cookies finally came in. I'm sure my mom dreaded this part most of all as we had to deliver each box sold. As our dining room walls were completely lined with stacks of Girl Scout cookie boxes, I would just stand and stare in awe.

Yummo!! So, when one of my fellow teacher's daughter came to me with her Girl Scout cookie form...I gladly obliged. I probably would have hunted a Girl Scout down to find cookies to buy!


Although the names of the cookies have changed some and the price has greatly increased from the $1.50 that I sold mine for...the taste is just as good! Mmmm...mmmm!

What's your favorite?

Is it Samoas...formerly known as Caramel Delights? (And, YES, I did pose like a living Girl Scout cookie advertisement!)

Is it Thin Mints...always faithful and loyal both normal temperature and frozen?

Or is it something different? I can still remember what we ordered every year. Maw Maw and Paw Paw would always order Thin Mints and Lemon Delights. Nonnie and Pops would order Shortbread. I always loved Peanut Butter Patties. I think my top picks are still the same, but my favorites have shifted a bit.

Mmm. Just typing this makes me want a Thin Mint from the freezer. Gotta go! Now, next year...make sure your Girl Scouts give me a shout when they are selling those cookies. Ha!

Oh, to be a Mom...

So many times I sit. Watching friends conceive. Well...I don't actually watch that part! But, you know what I mean. Anyway. Watching friends announce pregnancies, have babies (I don't watch that part either!), raise children, and enjoy all that comes with motherhood. And, I mean everything! Just take a look at what I mean...

So, I've seen this before. Apparently this bothers some people. But, I just think it's hilarious! Of course, it's exaggerated. But, how many times do you moms feel this way? Exhausted at the end of the day...out of breath. Probably from all the things you say during the day. Ha!

I immediately thought of my mom when I heard this. Umm...except the "take your vitamins" part. Ha! And it doesn't bother me at all! I look back and laugh at how hilarious our upbringing was. Because of my mom. Of course, my dad was funny too. But, I cannot even tell you how many times my mom told us that one day we would have kids that acted the same way...then we would know what she was talking about. Ha! Some of the funniest times at our house (I mean, when we are doubled over laughing) are when we are reliving ALL the many times we were in trouble. The wooden spoon. Hiding under the bed with little feet hanging out so she wouldn't find us (which made her laugh and forget we were in trouble). Running away, hands on back, yelling "Scoliosis! Scoliosis!" Putting layer after layer of underwear on for protection. As if my mom's spankings even hurt! Ha! (Sorry Mama! I'm only telling what Kristin and Dustin have told me. I ALWAYS felt the spankings. And, I learned my lesson EVERY time! Ha!) Those are always the funniest stories now. Man, we were a handful! A handful of three Smithites running, screaming, and quarreling all over the place at times. Don't act like you were perfect! You know that sisters and brothers do this. It's amazing that my parents didn't send us off. But, I think we turned out pretty good. Don't you? (Don't answer that!)

Anyhoo...as I watch this and think about my longing and praying for a little one of my own to "take my breath away," I thank God for whatever reason he has for giving me a little more time to breath. I will enjoy and take in these moments. And work on my exercise-induced asthma so my lungs can get conditioned and ready for motherhood.

So, as I go to bed. Just think about me taking deep deep breaths. Ahhhh. Now that was nice. Soon that will end. I just know it will. When? Only God knows. But, that day will come.

Until then...

Inhale. Exhale. Ahhh.

Happy Birthday Babe!

Today, Russ is 28 years old! I know. Old, right??? It's amazing to see how far he's come. From playing doctor...

To being doctor...
I'm so proud of him...not only for all his accomplishments, but for the man he has become. Russ is one of the most caring, compassionate, Godly, and loving people I know! I am so lucky to have talked this "senior guy" into dating this "sophomore girl" (via his cousins) almost 10 years ago! I'm so blessed that he thought "it's a possibility" to date me!


Happy birthday Russ! Thanks for choosing ME to spend the rest of your birthdays with! Love you!

Valentine's Day

What did you do for "love" day?

Russ had to work Sunday, so when he came home I made sure to be dressed in pink with a surprise at the front door. This is what it looks like to be on a tight budget:


I think he liked it though...budget or not. It's the thought that counts, right?

Russ was so excited to pose while reading his card. Ha!

Russ also had a Valentine happy for me! Yay! You remember how we fought over the almond Christmas Kisses? Well, now I have my very own! I may share if he's nice.

My favorite part...the kid-like writing on my Valentine. Ha! Russ said he felt like a kid checking out with it.

After Russ got home and we all watched the Daytona 500 (We can thank Leeroy for that!), we all dressed a little nicer and made our way to Char. Russ and I got the better deal, because we ate on a gift card! Ha! Remember we're on a budget! But, we had a great time with Kristin and Lee laughing, talking, and eating some amazing food!

Kristin and Lee trying to decide what to order

Lucky in love!

All in all, it was a great Valentine's Day spent with my "special" Valentine!