That's right! I came home from school Friday to a suprise! As I walked into the living room, Russ was sitting posed on top of this stack of our new flooring!!! I tried to get him to let me take a picture of him, but he refused. So, here's the stack of flooring. I'm SO excited! Russ gave me hardwood floors for Christmas - and here they are!

A closer look! Aren't they pretty!?

We got so excited when we opened them today and started setting them out, that we decided to get started! Russ just got up and started ripping out carpet. YAY! He says we may have it finished by the end of the week. I'll let you know how that goes! Ha!

Before
Farley enjoying the hallway carpet one last time!
Notice the big water stain where Farley is standing.

Farley says, "What is going on?"

Bye bye nasty carpet!

Nice!

We're ready for pretty floors!

Since this is our first major home improvement experience to do ALONE, I'll be sure to update with progress. This could get interesting! Or...it could just be lovely! We'll see. Gotta get back to work...or at least to help.

No Autographs Please!

Attention please! I am much too busy with premiers and photo shoots to sign autographs today! Please come back at another time. Thank you.


Well...the only way I know to tell you about my day is to start at the beginning. About a week or so ago, there were visitors in my room (this is nothing new! there are always visitors in our rooms!). Apparently, Junior League of Jackson wanted to make a promotional video showcasing the mini-grant given to Jackson Public Schools. And, guess which class was the lucky one? Yep, Mrs. Johnson's class. Apparently, they were looking for a bright room with lots of light. So, Dr. Bowen directed them to our room. Also, Junior League of Jackson reads with third grade students two days a week, so we are already familiar with many of them. Very exciting, right? Yes, well...I suppose I didn't quite understand the assignment because I was simply picturing a home video camera taping a presentation. The end. Not exactly what happened!

Around 12:30, I took my students to music. When I returned to my room, this is the first thing I saw blocking my doorway!

Yes, this is a professional camera on a CRANE thingy! I promise the crane looked much bigger at the time! This was there along with four major spotlights!

I'm still not quite sure what is going on or what my part would be. But, one of the ladies pointed out that I might need to put a little more lipstick on. I mean, after teaching for 6 hours...I do suppose my lipstick has faded! Ha! So, I panicked and ran to the bathroom with lipstick, gloss, and hairbrush in tow! When I got back to my room, I must have looked a little "pasty" because I was pointed to a MAKE-UP ARTIST! Are you kidding?! I did not know this was a huge production! All I could say was, "OMG!" My poor student teacher didn't know what to think about it all! We were feverishly trying to clean the room some more, but there were spotlights and camera stuff everywhere.

Yes, this was my personal make-up artist! Complete with a white cloth so as not to get my costume dirty! Ha!

The "director" continued with directions as the three lovely ladies presenting the check for $120,000 and I rehearse several times. You see, Junior League of Jackson awarded JPS with a MINI grant (yes, I said mini!) of $120,000!!! They are so awesome! They work so hard with our school, and they truly love our students. Anyway, back to the story! The entire time, I'm trying to look like I know what I'm doing. After all, I don't know these people and I want to look competent! But, it's a little hard when my fellow teachers are walking by, dying out laughing, and GOING TO GET MORE TEACHERS to come back and laugh also! Seriously!? I needed backup or security or something!

So, they arrived to set up at 12:30 and, after rehearsing, at 1:15 they asked that I pick up my kids early. Oh me! So, here I go! After threatening their lives in the hallway if they misbehaved and explaining that we were chosen because we are the "best" in the WHOLE school, I allowed the students to enter the "set." They were starstruck! It as so funny to listen as they gasped and whispered as they walked in. The "director" instructed the students in their parts. They were to cheer and clap when the ladies entered. They were to cheer when instructed during the video also.

Explaining to the students what they should do

Once everyone had their instruction, we were ready to begin. There were many "takes" and "angles" during the production. We all had to act surprised each time. I don't know if you understand this, but I DO NOT act very well! I was dying!

Take One!

Between "takes"
I had to pose like I was reading a book to my students. I was constantly reminded, "Sit up straight. Smile! Get your hair out of your face!"

Take - I don't know - 20 something!

So, anyway, my brush with stardom began today! Mrs. Johnson and her class were stars for whatever kind of video we taped! Ha! It really was fun! The kids were super excited and had the best time! We were all sweating by the time it was over! Seriously, my shirt was wet! I took the class to get water after the taping. Ha! They camera crew left my room only to continue with a couple more sites. It was an eventful afternoon. But, we were happy to do it! Junior League of Jackson does so much with our school alone - I can only imagine what they do for all the schools! They read with students two days a week, give away books to all our students several times a year, and are there for just about any big event at the school. We are so happy to work with such an amazing group of women! Thank you so much, Jr. League!

Oh...and please call my agent if you need my services again! Thanks! Now, I'm going to rest. The life of a celebrity is exhausting!

,,,And Then There Were Three!

Before you ask...No, I'm not talking about me. Sorry.

The proud mommy and me! (Oh...and Cayden is the one in the belly!)

Cayden Hunter Hogue
6 pounds 7 ounces
18.5 inches long
Proud Parents: Jaysen and Jennifer Hogue

I so don't have permission to use this picture of Jennifer! Ha!

Today was a great day! My college roomie, Jennifer, gave birth to her first baby boy today!!! A tiny baby boy, I must say. I can't believe it! I missed a call from her yesterday and panicked. I just knew she was in labor! I tried to call her back as I nervously tapped my foot on the floor. Obviously, she was a little busy preparing for the new addition to their family. I am so excited for Jennifer and Jaysen! They will be wonderful parents! They are such a loving Christian couple, and I know that they have prayed over Cayden for months now. It's so exciting to FINALLY meet him! Congratulations Jennifer and Jaysen! I can't wait to meet him!!! I love you both!

Another friend of ours gave birth to a precious baby girl this week. Taylor and Kellie welcomed Morgan Elizabeth on January 22 at 6:18 pm. She weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces, and was 21.5 inches long. I've only seen her picture on facebook, but she is absolutely adorable! Congratulations Taylor and Kellie!

Chicken 'n' Spinach Pasta Bake

Okay...so, you may remember that I have tried a few new recipes this week. Russ and I have actually eaten in every night this week. We celebrated last night by going out to Biaggi's. It was fabulous! We weren't actually "scheduled" to eat out until tonight, but my week at school - a whole other story! - made for quite a stressful workweek. So, we ate out early, and I cooked tonight. I had some requests for recipes, so here's what I cooked tonight: Chicken 'n' Spinach Pasta Bake. SO GOOD!!!

Chicken 'n' Spinach Pasta Bake

8 oz. uncooked rigatoni
1Tbsp. olive oil
1 c finely chopped onion (1 medium)
1 (10oz.) package frozen chopped sinach (thawed)
3 c cubed chicken breast, cooked (around 1 1/2 pounds)
1 (14.5 oz.) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz.) container chive and onion chream cheese (I couldn't find this, so I used regular cream cheese with a little onion powder.)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 c (6oz.) shredded mozzerella cheese

Cook rigatoni. Spread oil on 11x7 baking dish and add onion in a single layer. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until tender. Set onions aside in large bowl. Drain chopped spinach well, pressing between paper towels. Stir rigatoni, spinach, chicken, and next four ingredients into onion in the bowl. Spoon into baking dish and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake, covered, at 375 for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 more minutes until bubbly.

It smelled SOOO good!!! I think you'll be very happy. And it's easy. If I can do it...ANYONE can! :)

I served the pasta bake with Sister Shubert rolls (love her! ha!) and my new favorite thing! My sister-in-law gave me a time-saving idea for salad. I love salads, and I would love them with every meal. So, I've started buying Mixed Spring Greens in a container.


All you do is pull out what you need, close the top, and save the rest for later. I've just used different dressings. I've made my own and used ranch (a classic!). It's SO much easier than chopping lettuce! Thanks Roan for such a great idea!

Inauguration Day

Today was inauguration day. Yes, our school shut down for the occasion. Not literally. But pretty much. If you were to walk into our building this is what you would have seen: the office door shut with all office workers gathered around the television, the library door shut with students and teachers gathered around the television, the lights were out in the cafeteria with loudspeakers attached to the television that everyone watched as they ate, all classrooms were empty, and teachers and students gathered together around televisions throughout the school to watch history in the making.


During the inauguration festivities, I asked my students to "take notes" because they would be writing about what they saw. Now, I didn't expect much. We've never "taken notes" before. I was just trying to keep them busy. I was so impressed with how serious they took the assignment! It was SO cute to watch them listening and watching and trying to spell words they had never heard before! I loved it! Well, when I took up the notes...I loved it even more!! I MUST share some of their "notes" with you.

This is an actual account of Mrs. Johnson's 3rd grade class during the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

"I saw white people and black police."

"April Ham Linking they is using him." (Abraham Lincoln's Bible)

"Our new vice president Joy Mike"

"They look at dead people pictures"

"The woman sings My Conchree Tives A Ve."

"They play the flu. They play the peanu."

"They are moving Barack Obama in the White House and Bush out!"

"Barack Obama is the president and he stay in the White House."

"It was over 20,000 people out there."

"He is patriotic and inspring."

"Vice President Chaing"

"Brak Omba is the new prenintant."

"I saw a big white thing."

"They are using Appraham Licoins Bible."

"Gorge Bush"

"I saw people at the top and bottom."

"Obama's kids are taking pictures."

"Obama is our first black African American."

"Obama swared!"

I know what your are thinking. "What in the world have you been teaching them in grammar!?" Trust me. I try. There were MANY things the students picked up on that really impressed me. Here are a few. Some I never even noticed.

"Besuki Elementary School" - they showed Barack's elementary school during the broadcast

"Sen. Dianne"

"Harlem Armory"

"Obama is the 44th president."

"Bushes twins"

"They said they had the time of their life at the Jonas Brothers concert."

"I heard that they come here every four years."

"National Mall"

"They were talking about John Lewis."

"Obama works hard and has great hope for America." - probably something the commentators said

"He stands up and says what he got to say. Brothers has been takers. They will trance form the school. They will not give nothing up. We are the keepers of this world. We will not apolleguas."

The students were so excited. I wonder if these students truly understood what "history in the making" means. I'll probably laminate their "notes" and keep them! (after they do the writing assignment of course!)

This morning the students had a writing assignment for morning work. They had to create an outline telling how they would change the world if they were elected president. They told what they would change and why. Then, the students put their outlines into paragraph form. Go to our class website to check them out. They came up with some good ideas. :)

Menu Monday

Yes, I'm actually going to try this "Menu Monday" thing that I see on so many of blogger friends' sites. Now, keep in mind that I don't have children. Just the two of us to cook for. So, my menu is always super-simple. Especially since my sweet hubby will eat ANYTHING. He is not picky at all, so hot pockets suit him just fine. Ha! Since I've had a long weekend to think this over, I've decided to try some new recipes and try a full week of eating in. We'll see. We did go to the store today, so I'm kinda held to my menu if I want to actually clean out my fridge. So, here goes my first Menu Monday!

Monday: Eating with Pat and Felicia
Tuesday: Debbie's Casserole; salad; French bread
Wednesday: Pan-seared flat iron steak; twice baked potatoes; angel hair cole slaw salad
Thursday: Chicken 'n' Spinach Pasta Bake; salad
Friday: leftovers; fresh vegetables with ranch
Saturday: I think we should celebrate a week of cooking with going out. What do you think??

Of course, Russ will be eating leftovers for lunch throughout the week since he's off. I'm sure I'll take some for lunch too. So, maybe...just maybe we'll have a cleaned out fridge by the end of the week! :)

Finally!

Finally! Russ has finally finished his residency interviews! It has been a long and expensive few months as he traveled from November to January all over the southeast. I know he has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities he has had. I know because he talks about everything he did when he returns from an interview. Radiology is extremely competitive and I am so proud of Russ for the feedback he has received. Radiology is an advanced program, so Russ will have to do a year as an internal medicine resident. He could do this one of two ways: a preliminary year (basically an internal medicine resident) or transitional year (basically a fifth year medical student). So, Russ had to set up two different sets of interviews because he will apply and be accepted by them at the same time. Does that make sense?

So, now all we can do is sit, pray, and wait for March 19 - Match Day!

Just As Great the Second Time!

Last year for Christmas, Kristin and Lee got Brad Paisley tickets for Christmas. At that time, Rodney Atkins and Chuck Wicks opened for him. Russ wasn't able to go, so Dustin and I went as a couple. A limo to Memphis was also part of the deal! It was GREAT! Well, this year for Christmas, Kristin and Lee got tickets again. Except this time Darrius Rucker and Dierks Bentley opened for Brad Paisley. And, this time, Russ could go!! Yay!

The concert was in Southaven, and I didn't take off work to go. That means, I used an "Early Leave Pass" and quickly changed to get ready to leave. Russ, as most of you know, is off this month. Yes, I've been jealous! Anyway, we were gone by 4 (maybe earlier...I don't remember). We arrived in Southaven around 6:15 or so. The concert was at 7:30 so we met Kristin and Lee for supper at Chili's. So good! We ran out of the restaurant in a hurry to get to see Darrius Rucker at 7:30 - this was Kristin's main event this time. We got in 3 mile stand-still traffic until my brave hubby and brother-in-law-to-be passed in the left lane 2 miles of traffic! Thanks guys! We came barrelling into the Desoto Civic Center as the police at the door say, "Don't hurt anyone!" We got there just in time.

And did I mention, it was just as GREAT the second time around!

Russ and me before the concert started

Darrius Rucker - and he did sing one of his famous Hootie and the Blowfish songs! It was awesome!

Dierks Bentley - I was the dork who noticed and loved the backdrop!

We had great seats!

Brad Paisley with one of his band members

Perfect country singer stance

So GREAT!

Kristin and me after the concert

The guys had a great time too! Russ was in heaven mesmerized by all the guitar solos.

As we were leaving, we spotted the Paisley Party Tour buses!

Okay, so the concert was over at midnight!!! That's right...midnight! By the time we got out of the parking lot, traffic, and got gas, it was 12:30 or after by the time we left. Yep, we got home to our cozy, warm beds (Did I mention that it was 19 degrees!?) at 3:00 AM! Let me just help you understand. My alarm went off this morning at 5:30! I got approximately 2 and a half hours of sleep!

But it was well worth it! Thanks so much Kristin and Lee for sharing your Christmas present! We had a blast!

What Do I Do Next?

Have you ever had one of those days? I'm sure you have, especially if you have kids! I had big plans for this weekend, then they fell through somehow. On Friday, I became aware of papers I need to write - 14 pages to be exact! These will be due on Tuesday! Kristin and Lee came to visit, picked up her new computer, and got Lee an Apple TV (I'm so jealous!). During their visit, I intermittently went from visiting, watching television with the group and writing papers. I also spent a lot of time putting ornaments in their appropriate boxes. Yes, we are still working on putting up decorations!! Not a priority for me! I would much rather have the guests that we've had every weekend and spend time with my hubby! Anyway, I continued this routine, adding laundry and vacuuming to the mix. After Kristin and Lee left this morning, I began to take care of business! Russ and I have been extra busy! I am still working on the 14 pages of writing, getting grades ready for report cards (there were still some papers I hadn't graded!), getting lesson plans together, laundry, and - to top it off - we decided to clean out and take loads of unused/old items to Goodwill.



Whew! I am tired. Yet, I'm still blogging instead of finishing my writing and my lesson plans! I think that would be called procrastination! Ha!

Students I Serve

Friday, I was disturbed by the actions of one of my students. The student wrote a statement exemplifying depression and disturbing behavior on his test paper. After a few minutes of thought, I took up his paper and pulled out his journal. I began writing to him.

Me: "Make a list of all the things you are sad about."

Child: "I Do not no nuding I Do not no har to spelling I Do not no hor to rit and I cant Do my tas and Do not no hor to rend"

Me: "Yes, you do know things! Some grown ups still have trouble spelling. Keep practicing and you will know more and more. We are LEARNING how to write. Be patient, and I will help you. Sometimes people just get nervous about tests and don't do well. That is okay! I already know what you know. You are reading SO much better than when you first came! I am so proud of you!! We will keep working together until you are the best you can be! I am here to help you!! Sincerely, Mrs. Johnson"

Child: "Thack you Mrs. Johnson Sometime mise my Dad But I can not see hem Thack you. I am sowey"

Me: Where is your dad? What makes you miss him?

Child: "he is in Jell Wen I was six he laf. then one Day he had coller me and he sed he is en Jell that wiy I miss hem"

Ignoring all the grammatically incorrect writing, I felt my heart melt. Yes, I knew we had a lot of students with a similar situation. But, a little reminder from time to time is good for me. My school is my mission field. I have students (many students) who have not seen one or both of their parents in years because of similar situations. I need to be aware of that fact, and try to influence them in a way that only God can help me do.

Never take for granted what you have been blessed with! We all have crazy sides to our families. But, always remember how blessed you are.

"Thank you, Lord, for giving me such an awesome opportunity to reach out to these children. Give me wisdom, patience, and Your love as I attempt to mold them into the adults they will become."