Yes, my dog has a few quirks - to put it nicely. My parents kept him for a week this summer, and the one thing they said was, "He is so quirky!" You can't help but love him for it! It's SO darn cute! A few of his quirks include: jumping and barking at the television ANYTIME an animal with four legs comes on tv (or Reba - he loves that show! It's hilarious!), jumps on and hangs on to your leg - using both paws - anytime two people are hugging, stretches on your leg (like a cat) when he wants to have attention, stays in bed unmoving while we get ready in the morning...until he knows we're leaving, attacks windshield wipers, scratches relentlessly on the sheets (like he's cleaning a spot) until it feels "just right," sleeps with his head on Russ's pillow until Russ gets in bed (which can be late if he's studying), races from the front to the back of the house at the speed of lightning when he's excited. These are just a few! I figured you were getting bored by now, so I stopped.

Anyway, I was in the kitchen cooking dinner Tuesday night when Russ started laughing and whispered for me to "Come see this." When I walked in, this is what I saw. I immediately went for the camera.



This is another one of his 'quirks.' Sometimes, we'll notice that it's been way too quiet for a while...so, we'll go looking for Farley...only to find him laid out in his bed. His bed stays in the kitchen because that's where he stays when we're gone. But, if he wants that bed elsewhere, he gets it there! Occasionally, we'll see Farley pass us in the hallway dragging his little bed behind him! It is SO funny! The bed is bigger than he is! Apparently, Tuesday, he wanted his bed near his "perch" on our chair. So typical!

He said...

I was catching up on a friend's blog tonight. As I was flipping through her music, I came across this song. Everyone goes through times when we just don't understand God's plan. I know I have been through those times. Recently, I've become more aware that God is in control. I am reminded that He said, "Ask and you will receive whatever you need. Pray and I'll hear from heaven." I am trusting in His will and His timing. His plan may not be exactly what WE had in mind - it's SO much better!

You Said by Rita Springfield
(on my playlist if you'd like to hear it)

You said, "Ask and you will receive whatever you need."
You said, "Pray and I'll hear from heaven,

And I'll heal your land."
You said Your glory will fill the earth
Like water the sea.

You said, "Lift up your eyes;
The harvest is here, the kingdom is near.
You said, "Ask and I'll give the nations to you."
Lord, that's the cry of my heart.
Distant shores and the islands will see
Your light as it rises on us.
O Lord, I ask for the nations.

"Sam"

(16 x 20 with wooden accents)
This is a painting I'm working on for my sister-in-law. I still have some adjustments to make, but I'm putting it up anyway!

Painting Party

When I was in college, I used to pull out our ironing board in our dorm room and paint canvases on it for hours. That's probably the last time I did that...until today. A friend of mine was showing me some things she had done, and I thought, "I need to start that back up! I used to love that!" So, today, I went to the craft store and loaded up on canvases and a few more colors of paint to add to my already full Rubbermaid paint box...and I began painting. Of course, I don't have children. But, that's what I wanted to paint...so I worked on some pieces for my nieces and nephews. I'm pretty sure most of them don't check my blog (especially the 2, 4, and 5 year old) too often, so I'll post some pictures.

Name swirl

Sam at work

Fruits of the Spirit monogram

While I painted for pleasure, Russ painted for...well, I'm sure it was pleasure too! Ha! Last week Russ patched up some places on our walls. He sanded them and got the places ready to be painted.

So, tonight...he painted! It was the first time either one of us have experienced painting a house. He really enjoyed it, and it looks GREAT!! Thank you, Russ, for taking care of our home!


All-in-all, we had a "painting party!" Very productive and enjoyable.

UMC Back to School Party

Tonight, Russ and I went to the Back to School party for UMC students at Hal and Mal's. This included nurses, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, medical students, etc. So, you can imagine how crowded it was! Russ hasn't seen his group of friends in a while since they are all doing different M4 rotations. It was great seeing them! I also ran into several college friends while we were there. I had no idea how many of them were in Jackson. Of course, I had my camera. But, I tried not to be a nerd and pull it out too often...so, I only got a couple of shots.

Of course, I got one with Pat and Felicia!

Allison was there with her boyfriend, Russell.

We had a great time! However, we became keenly aware of how "old" we have gotten when the clock struck 11:00. Besides the incredibly high temperatures with so many people crammed in Hal and Mal's, I was exhausted from my crazy week of school. So, we came home for some relaxation around 11:30. I can remember the days of staying out until 2 am. What happened? Ha!

It's That Time Again!

That's right! It's time for FOOTBALL!! Mississippi State plays their first game August 30. That's next weekend!! I absolutely love football season and everything else that goes along with it - traveling to Starkvegas, tailgating, fight song, Bully, seeing college friends, etc.

2008 Home Football Schedule

September 6 - Southeastern Louisianna
September 13 - Auburn
October 11 - Vandy
October 25 - Middle Tennessee State (HC)
November 1 - Kentucky
November 22 - Arkansas

If you're wondering where to find us on home game weekends...know that we are having a great time tailgating in the Smith family "condo," eating it up, and cheering for the Dawgs (win or lose)!

New Look!

Special thanks to Jennisa for all her help with my new fall look! She was so patient with me as I kept changing my mind and trying different options. What do you think?

Downtown Corinth, Mississippi

My great friend, Felicia, has been driving me crazy to see this small town we call home. We keep looking for a date we can all go visit...but, our schedules always seem to conflict. My dad sent me this video today. It is perfect to show you a piece - at least the downtown part - of Corinth. So, here you go Felicia!

Russ and I both grew up in Corinth, and once we were married, there was never a question that we would return one day. It's hard to explain the feeling we get when we are "home." Growing up in such a quaint small (but always growing) town, there was hardly ever a stranger. The town revolves around the kids and all the activities that go along with that. There really isn't a private school - no need for one. The school district is awesome! The whole town supports the high school teams. I love going back during football season. Kids can play outside with no worries. When you go out to eat - you'll always run into someone you know! Also, everything is within a 5-10 minute drive!! Hard to imagine if you live in Jackson, huh? My life, especially, revolved around my church. My dad is actually the pastor at First Baptist Church. Talk about spoiled! Our church family is just that - a family. It's hard to find that, I've learned. Church is one of the main reasons I wanted to return. As for Russ, he's related to almost everyone in town! Ha! So, it's hard for both of us to be away from our families. Although, both of us went through the "I wanna get outta here!" Stage as teenagers, we always end up coming back "home."

Images of Historic Corinth

Come visit! You'll fall in love too!

Happy Birthday Nonnie!!

August 18, 1927 - That was the day my grandmother, known as Nonnie, was born. Today, we celebrated her 81st birthday. My uncle, aunt, cousin, her boyfriend, Russ, and I went over to Nonnie and Pops' tonight for fried chicken and cake! This is the same crew that goes to Panama City Beach each summer...so you know how much fun we have!

Me, Nonnie, and Clancy (my cousin)

My Uncle Howard gave Nonnie a "Squirrel-Be-Gone" for her birthday! Hilarious! It's a bird feeder that keeps the squirrels out. Apparently, this has been a problem in the past.

Clancy teaching Nonnie how to work the Squirrel-Be-Gone

After cake and gifts, Clancy and I began teaching "Cell Phone 101" beginning with: Push the green button to talk. Pops was having trouble working his cell phone, so we tried to help out several times.

He's trying to work this new-fangled technology.

Finally, Clancy wrote out directions. Apparently, Pops was not understanding her written directions. Therefore, Clancy calls out, "Megan, you're a teacher. Write him directions he can understand! Mine aren't worth anything." So, I rewrote them with illustrations. Maybe he will be able to keep up with this piece of paper. After a few more "practice calls" to Clancy, Uncle Howard, and myself...Pops began to grasp how to find a name, press send, and hang up. I hope he can remember!

My written directions

All in all, it was a great night! Russ and I had a lot of fun! Happy Birthday, Nonnie! I hope there are many more to come!!!

Practice Makes Perfect!

Okay...I have practiced a little today. This is what I've come up with so far - blog headers!! Cute, huh?

Digital Scrapbooking

Okay...I've started playing with a new hobby. This is my first attempt. We'll see how much more I can come up with!

What's "Hop"penning

Well...it's official! After getting past all the "red tape" that comes along with a class blog in a school district, our class blog is up and running! Check it out! I'm very excited about this, and the kids LOVE it! We had Open House tonight, and the parents had already looked at it from their home computers. I hope I can keep it up. I know I'll have plenty of pictures...I always take tons! I just have to make the time to get it together and post! I'm going to try to update it about once or twice a week. So, if you're ever wondering "What's 'Hop'penning," check us out!

Random Blog

Okay...I know this is a little "stalkerish"... but you may have noticed Steece's Pieces on my blog list. I want to clarify. No, I do not know these people. (I know...a little weird!) I actually came across them from a friend's blog, and fell in love with their family. They are such a fun-loving Christian couple who had fertility problems. After one month of medication, they became pregnant with QUADS! They have such a positive outlook on life, and you can tell that from reading just a few posts. I actually spent a whole afternoon reading all the way back to when she found out she was pregnant. It is hilarious and SO much fun!


So, if you're looking for a good read during your spare time (Ha!!), check them out. It's okay, they are used to strangers visiting. They have, like, a million viewers from all over the country.

Sisterhood

Tonight, I went to see the new Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 with my Chi O "Big Sis." How appropriate! It was great! Get a group of best friends/sisters together and see this movie!

It was also so good to see Jeannie again. We were able to catch up on our lives and others' too. Ha! Jeannie and I met during rush right before my freshman year at State. She has the cutest personality, and you can see her love for the Lord from a mile away. I am so thankful for the many relationships I've made throughout the years. This relationship is definitely one God placed in my life! Jeannie has been such a Christian influence in my life. Though life may have taken us on different paths, we can still come together as if we were still in college. Thanks Jeannie for your friendship!!

Jeannie and me at my Wedding Day Brunch

Hard Day??

Since I had one of those days on Friday, I thought this video was appropriate. My mom sent this to me last week because she thought the little boy looked like Russ. What do you think?

Meet the Class

My Class List

School starts tomorrow, and I received my class list today. Please begin to pray for me as well as for the students as we begin our new school year.

Mrs. Johnson's class:
Markeith
Alric
Brindarius
J'Barrien
Kishon
Jameel
Charles
Tyrell
Devon
Robinn
Nareuna
Selicia
Jaylin
Sharnecia
Arrion
Jo'Neshia
Antasia
Kadajah
Lyric
Sherrina
Dwinesha
Jendaya
Javon

Introducing...

Our family has a new blogger!! Stacee Jobe, Russ's cousin, has joined the blogging world. She emailed me today and asked for a little help setting it up. I think I did a great job! Ha!!! Besides being Russ's cousin, Stacee's sister (Season) and I grew up together. Stacee also introduced me to Southern Living at HOME. Stacee has two children, John Mark and Mary Kate. She and her husband, Mark, currently live in Arkansas. Check out her blog and tell her what you think.

Almost Ready for Students

Today was the second official day of work for teachers. Because I went up to the school a few days this summer, I was able to finish my room a little early. I'm sure I'll look at it enough to make some changes before kids come....but here it is for now! The picture above is, obviously, of my classroom door.

My room as seen from the doorway

One thing I like for the students to have on their desks is the baskets. I got these bright colored baskets at Dollar Tree, and I used Velcro to attach them. The students put their pencils, sharpeners, etc. here so there are NO accidentally dropping things out of the desk (especially pencil shavings - making a mess!). I also have them place all supplies for activities/games in the baskets until told to use them. This has been extremely successful for me! Plus...it add a little color to the boring gray desks. By the way, I usually have the students grouped. However, I prefer for all eyes to be one me the first day. I am a huge preventionist (is that a word). I try to make sure they understand how we operate before I allow them to actually look at each other during class! Ha!

View from across the room

The "teacher's corner"

The "desk art" is something new that I did today. I didn't feel like actually working this morning...so I decided to paint instead! That's the joy of teaching - painting can count as work. Ha! The bookshelf on the left holds teacher editions and teacher resources for the school year. On top of the bookshelf, I have a basket for each subject. This is where I put extra/leftover classwork and homework. Behind my desk, I have a "Weekly Objectives" board. I place the objectives we will cover each week on that board for administrators/parents/students to see.

Weekly work drawers

This drawer system has been a fabulous addition to my room. I bought it at Lowe's last summer, and I love it. Each week, I put everything needed for lessons in the drawer for the entire week. This way I don't have to arrive really early or stay late to gather my supplies. I simply open the Tuesday drawer on Tuesday...and everything is there! Keeps me planning ahead too.

Reading Carpet and Word Wall

Back of the room

If you notice, on top of the cabinets, you'll see a box labeled "May." This is my "May Box." My students hate that box, because it's like a black hole. If I catch students playing with something when they shouldn't or bringing something to school they shouldn't...it goes to the "May Box." My students know what that means, and they don't even ask. Unless a parent comes to pick the item up from me, the collected items "May" be available in May. Not fun! Especially if it's a cell phone or PSP. I'm so mean, I know! On the cabinets, I have my Bold Goals. Each test day, the class sets a goal for our class. If our class meets the goal on their tests, we celebrate. I always post the percentage regardless so we can see how high we need to go.

Listening Center/AR Board

I know you have already seen the AR Board. The main thing I'm showing here are the cute bucket stools that Russ, my dad, and I made. These are the greatest things ever!! I found these bright gallon buckets at Walmart last summer. My dad and a friend cut the circles (two sets - one inside and one top) out of wood. Russ and I upholstered them. These serve as cute portable seats for students. But, the best part is the STORAGE they provide! Super idea for small classrooms too. Several of the teachers now have these in their rooms. Ha!

Of course, once the students arrive - it won't take me a but a few days to have the room covered with work! That's when it looks the best!!

Southern Living at HOME Hostess Rewards

HOSTESS REWARDS PROGRAM

Your Total Party Sales*	50%-OFF items you earn	FREE Products!**	Shipping & Handling
$125-$249.99	1 item	---	regular charges apply
$250-$399.99	1 item	10% = $25-$40	FREE!
$400-$999.99	2 items	15% = $60-$150	FREE!
$1,000+	3 items	20% = $200+	FREE!

Remember...August hostesses DOUBLE everything!!!

Southern Living at HOME Fall Catalog Is Here!!!

Well, it's that time again!! Time for Fall parties, tailgating, and Christmas shopping! Who better to help you with all of your entertaining and gift-giving than Southern Living at HOME? I'm super excited about our new Fall catalog!! I can't believe some of the great new items!!

What's more exciting that that!?!


If you book a party/catalog party in August, you will receive DOUBLE HOSTESS DOLLARS!!!

That's right...hostesses usually receive at least $100 in FREE products plus half-off items! But, this month, you would receive at least $200 in free products and half-off items!!! Can you believe it!? Book your party today...or host a catalog party by taking orders at work, school, and church. You'll earn the same rewards! Why not? It's worth it! Just get a few friends together for a Girls Night Out, and earn FREE classic home decor!

If you are familiar with Southern Living at HOME, you probably already have a favorite collection! We have new items in almost every one!

For example, if you are a Gail Pittman fan, you will LOVE her new pattern designed exclusively for us! Did you know Gail Pittman is our Creative Director? She designs pieces exclusively for Southern Living at HOME. They are beautiful!

Gail Pittman updated her classic collection to include the beautiful garland around the pieces. We'll call this her Hand-Painted Garland Collection. This certainly coordinates with her previous collection.

Another new design from Gail Pittman is her Hand-Painted Cottage Garden Collection. With this bright and earthy color combination and charming hand-painted floral design, Gail Pittman has created a contemporary look that’s sure to stay fresh through the years. This bowl and platter can be used daily to entertain or simply display. Display the bowl on a mantel or bookshelf. Fill it with decorative balls and place on a table. Use the platter as display too, when you aren't using it. Place various heights of pillar candles surrounded by fall leaves or other decorative touches. This is an excellent coordinate to our Tuscan Collection.

By the way, if our Tuscan Collection is your favorite...you will adore these new pieces. Made of stoneware with decorative metal finials, these aren’t your ordinary kitchen containers. They’re the perfect way to add a pop of color to your kitchen décor. Lids form a tight seal, making the canisters ideal for holding coffee or other dry goods.

On top of all these home decor items Southern Living at HOME is famous for, we've added something new - a bath collection WITH shower curtains! This Chateau Bath Collection is perfect for both large and small bathrooms. Add the rug and decorative towels, and you have a beautiful bathroom. For a little extra touch, monogram cream hand towels in a crimson color. Breathtaking!

The bath collection that I will be purchasing soon for my master bath is our Cabana Bath Collection. The soft blues and warm taupe of our plush 100% cotton hand towels, cozy rug, and floral shower curtain provide a measure of calm when the pressures of real life are (sometimes literally) knocking at the door. I love this collection!

This is just the tip of the iceberg! So, what are you waiting for? Call or email me today to book your party! Earn your favorite pieces FREE! I'll send you a catalog and some order forms to get started. You just invite your friends over, and I do the rest!! It's so easy - almost too easy to be true! But it is true!!! Fall is a great time to get started on your Christmas shopping as well!! If you are interested, and you would like more information, send me your email address...and I'll explain everything in detail. Check out my website to see the August and September Specials. You can also browse our new catalog there as well.

So, take a look at your calendar...contact me today to reserve your date!! And let's PARTY!!!