My sister came up with this post title. Awesome. That was my word for the day on Saturday.

Since Russ had to work Saturday (and because the game started at 11:20), I decided to head up to Starkville Friday afternoon to spend the night with Kristin. My parents and the Holcombes had the same idea, so we enjoyed the night together. First, I met everyone at Harvey's for supper. Then, I talked the "adults" into taking a stroll through Bulldog Bash! Yes, I say you are never too old for Bulldog Bash.

So, we loaded up! Lee and Daddy rode up front.

Kristin, Sherra, and Rickey rode in the back seat.

And, Mama and I rode in the back back! Only the flexible can do that! Ha!

After we walked 10 miles to get downtown, we walked through the crowd, house parties, and vendors...my parents and the Holcombes said, "Been there. Done that. Thanks, but let's go!" Ha! Maybe there is an age limit!

Saturday morning, we woke up to thunder and lightning...quickly followed by a monsoon! It poured rain all morning. But, like my friend, Rachael, says, "SEC fans are serious about their tailgating!" And, that is certainly true for the Smith clan! It was nasty! The entire campus was one big mud pit. College girls were walking around barefoot through the mud with their cute dresses on. That's when you know it's serious! Cars were stuck and spinning out everywhere. Such fun to watch!

Daddy sitting under the tent watching the fans come in

Mama getting us fixed up with Ziplock bags to protect our phones. We left our purses in the car. But, we can NOT be without phones!

We figured we better get our "cute pic" before we got out from under the tent. Ha!

Sherra and Maddie hanging out before the trek to the stadium.

Mama and Sherra (Ya Ya 1 and 2)

Kristin, Lee, and me suited up and ready for some football!

Lee's boots have come in handy. And, I was really loving his crop pants!

Kendall's shoes went very well with his nice Polo button down shirt and khakis. He kept asking for a safety pin to pin his "crop pants" up. Ha!

On the way, Lee had to stop on the corner to sell his parents' tickets. I found this amusing for a while!

Now, it's time for the DAWGS to play! And, that's what they did! It was awesome!

Lee and Kendall enjoying the rain!

My bulldogs played an awesome game! Seriously!? They were winning 6-7. Then, they were winning 13-14. Then, they were back and forth. It was SO exciting! The crowd was going wild!

Coach Mullen called for a "White-Out," so the crowd was wearing all white. I'm thinking this definitely helped with the noise. Loud noise combined with all white equals even more noise. The coach won me over (as if he hadn't already) when he was going WILD during the last five minutes of the game! It was awesome.


The game was on TV, which is always fun. The camera always rolls back and forth in front of our section. Then, all of a sudden, I began getting text messages from friends saying that Kristin and me were on TV! Movie stars! Awesome. Of course, Kristin's first question was, "OMG! Was I picking my nose?!" Ha! And, Mama's reaction was, "Did they not see the cute girl in the visor sitting on the other side of you!?" That would be her. Uhhhhh....so, if you happened to see her on TV, let me know so I can ease her mind. Ha!

The cameraman

The movie stars!

Since Dustin was M.I.A. and Russ was working, Kendall was my "date" for the game. Seeing as how he is an Ole Miss fan, I couldn't resist taking a picture of him ringing his cowbell!

Kendall and his cowbell

Thankfully, it stopped raining during the game, and we were able to enjoy tailgating, grilling out, eating, and visiting after the game. Although I pouted for a while, the game was just plain awesome. LSU did come out 4 points ahead. But, it was awesome!

Rickey and Sherra taking the burgers off the grill

Kristin, Kendall, and Daddy solving the world's problems, I'm sure.

Sherra, Mary Jane, and Mama laughing about something, I'd bet.

Dustin, Hank, and Adam - a scary combination!

Kendall, Kyle, Ashley (Dustin's date), and Dustin - an even scarier combination!

Eventually, I stopped pouting. It took a while, but I did. Just down the road, there was an awesome sound system playing, and people were having a fine time! Yes. They were LSU fans. Since I finished pouting, I decided to take a picture for the blog. When I did, they immediately spotted me and insisted that I come over.

The LSU party

Me with the "Tiger Pimps"

Mama and Sherra started out as my "bodyguards," and ended up just another girl! Ha!

MSU vs. LSU = Awesome.
Tailgating = Awesome.
Rain and mud = Awesome.
Tiger Pimps = Awesome.
This weekend = Awesome.

Toby Says...

Go Dawgs!

Pat, Felicia, and Toby came over tonight for some yummy sub sandwiches and crunchy Romaine salad...per request. We had a great time visiting and watching the season premier of Grey's Anatomy. I also gave Toby his "fall happy!" I thought, in honor of the upcoming LSU game, Toby should support his dawgs!

So, go dawgs! I'm sure Toby will be sporting his new accessories Saturday in honor of our bulldogs!

Crazy Love Part 2

Today was an average day.

An average day where I was thinking about my lesson plans, my to-do list, preoccupied by test scores, focused on how I would pay for this and that, aggravated that my roof is leaking AGAIN, thinking about my desire for a family. On this average day, I was completely caught up in myself. To be honest, I didn't consider God that much during the ins and outs of my "average day." On this average day, I forgot that my life is just a vapor.

"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:13-14

As I went through my day...and finished my day completely stressed out - I came home to reread the second chapter of Crazy Love. This chapter is one that I certainly need, and obviously need continually! I am really enjoying this study, and I enjoy hearing Angie's and Jessica's points of view on their video commentaries each Sunday. So, since today was "just an average day" where I forgot the important things in life...I thought I'd share/summarize/paraphrase/plagiarize a few points from Chapter 2. Maybe you find yourself in the same situation.

Chan tells us that he always considered two kinds of people in life: natural worriers and naturally joyful people. I am definitely a "worrier." I, like the author (and my daddy!), am a problem-solver. I find myself focusing on things that need to be fixed. Some may think this is negativity. Others may think it is optimism - based on the fact I want to FIX it! I choose the latter! Ha! However, in Philippians 4:4, God commands us to "Rejoice in the Lord always..."

Now, don't get me wrong. I am incredibly grateful for the life I have been blessed with. I am fortunate enough to have married my best friend, have a job where I really feel like I am making a difference, am surrounded by supportive friends and family, and I have more than I need. However, when I am caught up in "an average day," I find it hard to "always rejoice." I get down thinking about this infertility journey, I worry about finances, I worry about the future, I get stressed out over school daily... I hear new moms (or veteran moms) talk about how they never have time for themselves anymore and can't watch TV or go out alone. And, I'm thinking, "I wish my life was consumed with those things." All of these things are taking over my thoughts/emotions. I am edgy and on the verge of tears many days. No, I don't mope around having a pity party. But, I do have these feelings when I'm overcome with "the average day." Do you? Do you have days where you just can't get it all done, and when you do...it's not right. The end result of this "average day?" Stress. Worry.

Being consumed with MY life conveys that I think my problems are more important than His command to "Rejoice!" Worry says that we don't think God is big enough or good enough to take care of things. Stress says that we think all these things are important enough to merit our impatience, lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control. Man...that control one really gets me! Oh, and the patience one! I'm sure those of you who teach with me will never guess that! Ha! Yeah right! I do realize that worry and stress, at some point, are just human. Of course it's human to worry about doctor visits and such. But, remember that we are only here for such a brief time. Our big problems are small in the context of God. By releasing these worries and stresses to Him, we are affirming who He is. After all, this life is ALL about God - not me at all! In this "movie of life, we only have two-fifths of a second scene." My two-fifths of a second should be all about God.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Corinthians 10:31

Basically, I need to get over myself!

My part in this "movie" is to bring glory to him. Whether it be checking blogs, grading papers, eating my mac and cheese, or watching the hubby sleep after a long night of call.

"The point of your life is to point to Him. Whatever you are doing, God wants to be glorified, because this whole thing is His. It is His movie, His world, His gift."

I really do encourage you to pick up a copy of Crazy Love if you haven't already. I'm taking it slowly...reading one chapter a week and watching the video commentaries on Bloom each Sunday. Let me know if you pick it up. Or if you're reading, or have read it, leave a comment with your thoughts on the chapter if you like.

Gotta Love Fall TV Lineup!

Okay...

...the good.

...the bad.

...the scary.

It all starts tonight!

Chicken Spaghetti Night

Last night was chicken spaghetti! No. I did not cook. Don't get to excited. Ha! My sweet friend Felicia always calls me when she fixes chicken spaghetti because she knows how much I love her chicken spaghetti. And, last night was the night! It was yummy, of course, as always! But, most importantly...I got my playtime with Tobes! He is getting so big. Literally. He is a big boy! I just love his little smiling face. He laughed so much at all us silly adults making baby noises and crazy faces at him. Don't you wonder what babies really are thinking about how goofy we act around them?

Me, Toby, and Mommy

The boys

Look at that adorable face! Why is it that I just want to pinch cute babies to death? Doesn't that sound violent?

The season premier of The Biggest Loser was last night, so we decided to forgo the dining room table. We set up TV trays instead! Wow! What a great season premier! The first challenge was a one-mile race for immunity which landed two contestants in the hospital. I know. Crazy! That was my motivation to get back out there and run/walk. I started tonight, by the way.

I certainly have a favorite already! After the first challenge ended, the contestants gathered together to share their stories. Abby began telling her story, which left me mouth open and teary eyed. In fact, we had to rewind it to make sure we heard correctly. Nearly three years ago Abby's husband, five year old daughter, and 2 1/2 week old baby were killed tragically in a car accident. Yet, her attitude is absolutely amazing! Yes, she wept while telling the story as did every other person there. But, she also said that she has to believe she is left here for a reason, and she wants to be the best person she can be. Even during the weigh in, her partner talked about how he was here because he wanted to live to be there for his wife and son. Then, Abby told everyone that she is not afraid of death. In fact, death would be the "easier option for me." She told everyone she is there for her...to improve herself and live the best life she can while here. What an inspiration! I mean...it made Jillian cry, which - if you watch the show - you know is HUGE! Definitely worth watching!

Okay. Time for happy thoughts! Today begins the countdown! 100 Days to Christmas!

So, I joined the 100 Days to Christmas Challenge. This is a great website that will give tips and ideas to get you organized for the holidays. Roan, I totally thought of you! Each day from now until Christmas, there will be a new tip. Today's tip: Organize your holiday binder. Click on over to the website by clicking the picture above to read more about you binder. Just so you will know, I had already gotten my notebook together this week! Woo hoo! Already ahead!

Happy 100 Days to Christmas!

Crazy Love

Stop praying.

Did I get your attention?

I have really stepped out of my "normal comfort zone" and joined an online book club co-hosted by - you know her - Angie from Bring the Rain. Check it out and join in if you'd like.

I'm very excited about the book choice - Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan. I began reading today, and I can tell this is going to be such a wonderful experience. Did you catch that? Experience. That is truly what this is...this study is an interactive study complete with online videos from the author and discussion forums set up through Bloom. I began Chapter One today and noted a few points that stood out to me.

So, that is what I did today. I stopped talking at God for a while, and I took time to look at Him. I mean, have you ever really just stopped and seriously thought about Him. Just think. Seriously. Start by looking at us. Zoom out and look at Earth. Zoom out more and look at our solar system. Then, zoom out to look at the Milky Way, our galaxy. Zooming out further you will see even more galaxies. Galaxies that we haven't even known about until recent years. How small do you feel? The question is why would God create 350,000.000,000 galaxies that we never even knew existed? Does it make you think about how unfathomably big God is? Or does it just make you think "Who do I think I am?"

Now, take a look at the details of this side of creation. I recently learned that a caterpillar has 228 separate and distinct muscles in its head alone. Wow! The God who created the universe so large that I am basically nothing also created and counted the hairs on our heads and the muscles in the head of a caterpillar!

How creative! God's art is a physical display of Him. We can't miss it! Everything and everyone is created by Him. You see Him in everything! His creation is a reflection of what He is like and who He is.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." - Psalm 19:1-4

This is why we are call to worship Him.

I must admit that sometimes no matter how many rainbows, sunsets, and pictures of the galaxies I see...I still forget. In this world, there are so many things that distract us from God. We have to intentionally and consistently remind ourselves of Him. Worshiping Him with our lives. I get so focused on what I don't have. I forget that I already have all I need in Him.

God is holy, eternal , all-knowing, all-powerful, fair, and just.

God is many things, but I think the one I struggle with right now is fair and just. So often, in our struggle with infertility, I catch myself saying, "It's just not fair, God." I watch so many women (and girls) get pregnant so easily and, sometimes unintentionally, and I just don't understand. But, I also know that God is all-powerful, and Psalm 115:3 says that "God does whatever pleases Him." God sets his owns standards. I suppose He is able to do that seeing as how He created His own universe. When I create my own universe I can set my own standards! Colossians 1:16 says, "For by him all things were created; things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." Funny how I catch myself asking God to bless me and take care of me. As if all of these wonderful things we get to enjoy were created for me. Arrogant? A little!

So, instead of focusing on me and my problems and my issues and my frustrations and my wants...I think I 'll stop praying for a minute. I think it's time for me to stop talking at God. It's time for me to "stand in awed silence before a mighty, fearsome God, whose tremendous worth becomes even more apparent as we see our own puny selves in comparison."

Do you need to do the same? Isn't it crazy how God loves the insignificant us? Isn't it crazy that God would love us so much that He would actually send His only Son to be tortured, take all our sin upon Himself, and die so that we may spend eternity with him? What a crazy love!

Happy Engagement!

So, a special thanks to Jack for finally giving me something to blog about! My cousin, Clancy, called this weekend to tell me that she and Jack are engaged! Jack has been a member of our family for years...much like Russ and Lee were before we were engaged. But, the ring just makes it official! When will the wedding be? The only answer I have gotten so far is, "After deer season." Ha ha! First things first!

Jack, Clancy, and me in Panama City Beach 2008

Jack and Clancy are such a fun couple, and I am so happy for them!

Jack, Clancy, and Russ at Mississippi Braves game this summer

Congratulations! We love you both!

Do I Have a Life?

Absolutely not! I've been thinking about what to blog this week, and there is NOTHING! Why? Because all I do is school, home, school, sleep, wake up, school again! This has been a great year with my students. But, I must say it has been nonstop pressure and overwhelming from week one!

Although I DO actually have a life (at times), I do not feel like it at all! So...as far as my blog goes. I'll show you what I've been doing.

Mrs. Johnson's class has been busy and about the business of learning! We blog about it too on our blog: www.johnsonsfrogs.blogspot.com


We all look happy when we take pictures, but you never know what happens right before the flash! Ha! Seriously...I have not had any major issues with any of my students precious angels.

We have done tons of math! We have worked on place value with standard form, expanded form, and word form. We have compared and ordered numbers and added and subtracted with and without regrouping. All of this was done with up to six-digit numbers.

We have also reviewed multiplication. We learned about multiples and factors.

I can't even tell you what all we've done in reading and language!

We have reviewed parts of a sentence and the types of sentences. We have added descriptive details. Verbs have way too many parts! Let's see: linking verbs, helping verbs, verb tense, past perfect tense verbs, main verbs....

We have been reading for major AR points!

We played with Mr. Potato Head (mainly just because I needed a fun break! Ha!) to introduce prefixes and suffixes.

We sequenced events in a story using clue words, verb tense, dates, etc.

We matched subjects and verbs according to correct subject-verb agreement.

Of course, we had a dance for the students whose parents joined PTA.

But, more importantly. We TESTED!!!! Thus, the pressure!

Thank you, Lord, for my job! And thank you, thank you for the WEEKEND!

Anyone else done all this lately?