This post has absolutely nothing to do with my sister, but it is the perfect expression for our morning. And, since I didn't take any pictures of the morning's events...this picture will have to do. Ha!

I heard the words, "Oh No!" a few too many times this morning. For those of you who have known me ANY length of time...you know that mornings are not my best time. In fact, mornings are just about my worst times! I love the beauty of a morning. I do. But, I also LOVE the cozy feeling of my pillow, mattress, sheets, and comforter in the morning. I sleep through about thirty minutes of alarm time, which explains why I set my alarm one hour before time to get up. After I finally hear the alarm (30 minutes later), I will snooze for another thirty. Sometimes, I turn it off without knowing it, and I oversleep completely. My most vivid memory of this happening was this year when I FINALLY walked in the door to school at 8:30! I woke up at 8:05. It takes 20 minutes to get to school. You do the math! So, you can see that I cherish my mornings in bed.

Today was not one of those mornings. Nope. I was up. Early.

I couldn't quite nail down the exact time this morning when I heard it first. "Oh No!" It was Russ. In the shower. I heard the shower curtain open. I heard "Oh No!" again. I laid there thinking. Should I get up? Nah...I'll just listen to see if it's anything serious. Finally, I asked what the problem was. Russ informed me that we were out of towels in the bathroom. And wash cloths. I do realize that the help meet in me should have jumped up with a smile on my face and taken my man a nice fluffy, perhaps even warmed in the dryer, towel immediately. Please don't hate me. Because I didn't. I just laid there and joined in saying, "Oh No!" I listened as my sweet hubby dried off with what was probably a hand towel seeing as how that's all we had in the cabinet. I do have clean towels. In the dryer. Just so you know. I fell back into a blissful sleep. Not too deep, but enjoyable.

Russ came quietly to my bedside to kiss me goodbye as he rushed to leave. He was running late. I began to doze off when I heard it again.

"Oh NO!" This time much more pronounced. I laid still. "OH NO!" Even more pronounced. I heard the door opening and closing and opening again. Finally, I asked what had happened.

Are you ready?

"The bird. It's in the house. OH NO!" There it was. The fifth time I had heard those words. Remember that mama bird who lovingly laid her eggs in her perfectly round nest in our front door arrangement. Yep. That's the one. She was in MY HOUSE!

So, I got up.

I got up to see my husband in scrubs waving a couch pillow around the living room with the front door wide opening calling, "Come here bird!" Ok. I know. Picture perfect opportunity. But, I'm gonna just tell you that I was scared of the bird! I stayed behind the door only occasionally peeking out from the crack. I did tweet the situation to see if anyone had any suggestions. I'm sure no one was even up at this hour. I surely wouldn't have been if it weren't for all these darn "Oh Nos!" The next time I peek through the crack, I see that my smart husband has moved on to a towel. I watch through the crack of the door as Russ flails around this hot pink towel while the bird flits around from the ceiling fan, a wall shelf, sits on a picture frame, the door, a door facing, into the kitchen, and the dining room. This mama bird wasn't panicked. She just enjoyed her little tour through our home. Maybe she's looking to buy. Russ, however, wasn't interested in selling. You see, he was already late. And, he is still saying, "Oh no!" as he leaps around the house swatting in the bird's direction. Finally, the bird lands on my kitchen counter. I know. GROSS! Don't worry, I've cleaned it. Anyway, at this point Russ is ready to throw in the towel. So he does. He throws it right on the mama bird. She is trapped by the mighty leaping doctor. He carries her outside and lets her go. All is well.

Again, I should have come out running to my hero's side shouting in a high pitched voice, "My hero!" and leap into his arms. But, again...I didn't. Remember...it's morning. Not my best time. I did think it was hilarious, and later texted him to let him know that he was my hero. Just so you know.

Yes, it was an eventful morning. I was up. I didn't oversleep. Thanks to two not-so-fun words...

"Oh No!"

Talent? Not So Sure...

So, our school put on a TEACHER Talent Show on Friday afternoon! Yes, that's right. Remember when I said that I may not have used my good judgment by volunteering my talents? Well...I'm not so sure you would call it talent, but I certainly volunteered something. Ha! We had a variety of "talent" ranging from beautiful piano playing, cafeteria staff cheers, principal "cheerology", assistant principal and friends stepping, and young guy teachers rapping. At the end of the talent show, we thought we would prepare the students for the upcoming fashion show. So, I took part in the "Teacher Fashion Show: What to Wear and What NOT to Wear!" OMG! Hilarious!
I totally wore my Easter egg hunt attire plus a few other accessories! The kids really loved my new Converse shoes and my colorful hair twist accessories.

So, we modeled to "I Look Good." Don't know it? Go look it up! You should have seen us "warming up" in the hallway while the rappers were doing some Soulja Boy. Yes, I think I'm trying to do the Stanky Legg here!

Just look at them cheering me on after making a fool of myself doing the Stanky Legg! Our big surprise? Well, the superintendent of ALL JPS schools showed up in a "pop-up visit!" In the MIDDLE OF THE SHOW!! You should have seen the faces on all the teachers and the principal! Priceless!

No reason to fear...

Dr. Edwards joined in and showed off his rendition of the Stanky Legg! The kids went wild!

The teachers had the BEST time (after all the butterflies flew away!) and the kids had a blast too! It is times like this that we really feel like a family! So fun!

Mrs. Williams (music teacher), me, and Ms. Sasser (librarian)

My class? They were proud!

Sharing a Little of Me...

Today was a quiet day. A little rain. A lot of clouds. A little sun.

It certainly wasn't a quiet day for everyone in this area. Devastating tornadoes ripped through various towns today. We were under a tornado watch all day. Homes were leveled in Yazoo City and other towns destroyed in parts, and I pray that everyone is okay. I also pray for them as they rebuild their lives after this disaster.

For us, though? It was fairly quiet. Russ had to work this morning, but surprised me by coming home before noon! Luckily, I had just returned from a trip to Krispie Kreme and was able share a few donuts with him as a reward. Ha! We talked earlier in the week about going by the Mississippi Museum of Art to view my school's exhibit. If you follow my class blog at all, you know what I'm referring to. My class worked so hard on this project, and my dedicated coworkers worked overtime to create the perfect exhibit to represent our school. I was very proud! And, since school is my life...aside from Russ and Farley...I wanted to share a little of me with my hubby.

Posing with Uncle Jed and Sarah Jean-handmade by Mrs. Land and some of our students

Several schools in the district worked with local artists as a way of integrating arts into the curriculum. There was a variety of art: visual, performing, culinary, musical, etc. Our school worked with a local theater group to infuse performing arts into our curriculum. We wrote, produced, rehearsed, and performed scenes from two of our summer reading books: Talk About a Family and Uncle Jed's Barber Shop. My class performed Talk About a Family. They were SO proud of their work up on display! I was just as excited! I think this was an experience they will not forget. I wanted to show Russ their hard work, and I wanted him to see some of the other exhibits as well.

I do believe the air was out or something, because it was H-O-T and humid. Poor Russ didn't complain once...even though I know he was dying! He looked at everything and acted totally interested. Ha!

Sitting at our picnic scene in Talk About a Family

Russ reading some of the journal entries my students wrote during their experience

After taking it all in, we moved on to a few other exhibits. Russ constantly had his eye out for anything to do with photography. There were a few schools who worked with local photographers to create photos of portraits, landscapes, and abstract. They did a wonderful job!

We somehow ended up also walking through an Expansion of the Muslim Culture exhibit. Not sure how that happened, but it was hot and stuffy and made me feel icky. Russ read up on everything, so he could teach me. I'm pretty sure we were the only people in that exhibit at all. And, we were in there for a total of 10 minutes probably! Ha!

When we left the museum, we considered going to the Natural Science Museum or the Planetarium. However, we decided on a movie instead. I suppose we were feeling intellectual today, because we ended up seeing Disney's new Oceans movie.

It was very interesting, and I learned a lot more about the wonders of creation I have yet to see! God's handiwork never ceases to amaze me!

Overall, my Saturday was relaxing and fun. Just sharing a little of me with the hubs, and enjoying some time at home together.

Out of the Mouths of Teachers...

MckMama always has fun blog carnivals, and she is starting yet another one! It's actually called "Out of the Mouths of Moms," but seeing as how the only children I have are the 25 fourth graders I spend 8 hours a day with, I think I'll change mine to "Out of the Mouths of Teachers." Play along if you like and change the title to suit you! I really wish I kept a running list of the things that my students say and the things that I find myself saying that I never thought I would. Some of the things that have come out of this teacher's mouth lately:

"Please don't make that smacking sound when I correct you! I am not a piece of chewing gum."

"Please stop that smacking! I am not in the mood to be kissed!"

"Yo, yo, yo! Everybody listen up!"

"I understand you are upset that I won't let you get on the computer, but I would appreciate it if you would not sigh so loudly and blow your morning breath on me. Thank you!"

"What is so funny about Idaho? Oh. [smirk] We are discussing the name of a STATE!"

"Kenyada, did you want to hold Quintarrius's hand? No? Well, why are you walking beside him and not behind him in line?"

"Where is your belt? At home? Go get Pops's old necktie to tie around your waist then."

"I am NOT ten years old, so please do not speak to me like I am."

"O.M.G!"

"E'rbody in the class put your finger on the decimal!" (to the tune of "Tipsy" by J-Kwon)

"Uhh...step out of line and tie your shoes. We are not thuggin' in my room."

"Girls, the bathroom is not a beauty salon. Get out!"

"I do not need to know every time Tatyanna gets diarrhea after lunch. Thank you for the concern. But, that's enough."

"I mean, I better not even hear your eyelashes blink!"

"Since when have we become Library Lunatics when I drop you off in library?!"

"Seriously?!"

"Do not talk back to me. I could squash you like a cockroach."

"Aaahh! Everybody watch out!!! Sherrina's eyes may just roll right onto the floor if she rolls them any further!"

"Oh no! Do I need to call the doctor? Okay. I was just wondering because you seem to have a twitch in your shoulders." (during an 'I don't care' shrug of the shoulders)

"What is the root word of laborious? Yes, labor. What does that mean? Well, it could mean having a baby. But, it also means hard work. That is probably why having a baby is called labor. It's hard work!"

"No, that is not what joint means. Look at the sentence. It is referring to a doorway. And how do you know what that is anyway?"

"No, she's not pregnant. She is getting married because they are in love. You don't have to be pregnant to get married!"

"I am not a word. Please stop looking at me, and look for your answer in the passage."

"Honey Bunches of Oats, please sit down for the twentieth time!"

"Oh, I'm sorry to bother you. You just let me know when you are finished talking. Then, I will continue with our lesson."

"Why are you just sitting there after I asked you to clean this mess up? Would you like me to take your picture first or something?"

"Well, that is why your shoe is on top of the school roof. Because you have no shoelaces in. Go ask your mom to bring you a left shoe please."

"I love your voice, but let's save that humming for music class. Thank you."

-------------------------
Oh, the life of a teacher...and the sarcasm you inherit with the job! Ha ha! It keeps you sane!

What's come out of your mouth this week?

Spring Fever

We have SPRING FEVER!!!

Do you? All students have this innate urge to drive everyone, including and especially their teachers, crazy! Yes, it's beautiful and pleasant outside. Yes, the sun is shining. Yes, the birds are chirping. Yes, it looks fun. But, YES, we have to prepare for the MCT2 coming up in a few weeks! Have you ever tried to contain 25 fourth grade boys and girls and try to analyze and go over sample test items during the months of April and May? Do NOT try this at home! It is not safe or fun! In fact, it makes you sick. Apparently, it causes Spring Fever.

To help alleviate some of that fever, our school has planned "Friday Fun" activities for the students on Friday afternoons. This Friday...well, I'll just leave you with a sneak peek.

I'm pretty much thinking that I may have shown a lapse in good judgment by my decision to volunteer my talents.

But, I know that with this SPRING FEVER and this MCT2 prep, my students deserve whatever talents we teachers have. So, like I tell my students..."13 more days of FOCUS!"


Put on your "Focus Face" and deal with it!

By the looks of this, our students aren't the only ones with SPRING FEVER!

Nesting...

Somewhere there is a mama bird who has worked tirelessly and without blemish to create this perfectly round and perfectly placed nest in our front door arrangement. Somewhere there is a mama bird who is waiting on my sweet husband, puppy, and me to quit making noise so that she feels safe enough to come back to her nest. Somewhere there this a mama bird who is nesting...waiting on these baby birds to hatch.

Somewhere.

I saw this mama bird. I saw her because when I arrived home after a four hour drive on Sunday night, I opened the door only to be nearly knocked out and scared to death by a burst of feathers and flapping! My husband? No, he did not care to check on my jumping and screaming self. His reaction was, "Be careful! Don't bother the birds!" So, wherever you are, mama bird, you apparently have a safe place here. My husband would never let me harm you. And, to be honest, I really like your eggs. They look like some of my Easter candy. Mmmm. Maybe I should see if we have any left.

Enjoy your nesting!

Kristin's First Wedding Shower

This weekend, my mom's Sunday school class hosted Kristin's first shower at our home church. Everything was so nice, and I think I can speak for her when I say that she was very blessed by all the people who came from near and far for this special day. My church shower meant so much to me. Being a part of the pastor's family, we grew up in church...literally. When the church doors were open, the preacher's family was there. I have special memories about every part of that church from the sanctuary where I was married, baptized, and worshiped with a church full of fellow believers...to the library where I would check out McGee and Me videos constantly. But, most importantly...it's the people that make up our church that hold such a special place in my heart, and I'm sure the hearts of my sister and brother. We have been so blessed to be a part of our church for 24 years and counting. Unless they kick Daddy out, I'm sure my parents would spend their remaining days serving right there. When I think of hard times, funny times, and special times spent during my childhood days...I'm brought right back to the people of my church. It is amazing to watch them bless our family and my parents so much! My favorite memory from my church shower was a little before the shower started. Matt Keith walked in with such a priceless gift. He handcrafted a rocking chair for us! That rocking chair still sits in my home with a special plan to rock my babies in it. And, each time I do...I'll remember him. Such a special person.It is for these reasons and many more that this shower is always so special for us Smith girls.

First let's talk about the cutie patootie decorations! Look at those cakes. Yes, they are all precious colors. But, even better...they are also all different flavors! Divine! One of the hostesses made the comment that it was "so Kristin." And it was. I loved it!

The registry table was even perfectly decorated with bright colors and one of Kristin and Lee's engagement pictures that Russ took. We had it printed on a canvas for her shower gift, and I'm pretty sure she LOVED it! I do too, to be honest.

Kristin stayed busy, busy, busy opening gifts. She found a little time every now and then to visit and take pictures.

Melinda, Kristin, and Ginny

The guests signed in, ate some cake, drank some punch, and mingled around.

Maw Maw

Both visitors from far...

Chelsea and Suzy traveled from Murray, Kentucky for the event. So sweet! Chelsea is getting married soon too.

Visitors from near...

Melba and Mama in their matching circles. Of course, Melba made the comment, in all her glory, that "My circles are bigger than your circles!" You just never know what to expect from her! Ha!

While all these visitors mingled, came, and went...Kristin stayed busy.

Cynthia kept notes on the gifts.

When all the gifts were unwrapped...

And, displayed nicely on a table...


We stole Kristin for some photo ops.

The Smith women: me, Kristin, and Mama

All the women in Kristin's family

Kristin, Neeley, and me

Some of the hostesses with the bride

Some members of the bridal party

Cousins

When everyone began to clear out, the hostesses presented Krsitin with her very own yummy cake! I'm thinking I should have brought a piece home with me!

It was at this point that things started getting a little crazy...as they always do with Mama and her friends!

First, we found this stash that had accumulated behind the cake table.

Then, I saw Karen and Yaya Teri feeding each other!

Next, I saw Karen with her plate LOADED UP with the lemon cake!

Last, I saw these two "Sugar Busters Queens" trying to sneak this sugary bliss into their mouths!

It was a lovely shower, and I know that Kristin was thrilled with all the women who came by to celebrate with her. I also know she received so many amazing gifts! Word is that she already has them displayed at Mama's. Go by and check them out if you like. Ha!

Thanks to everyone who helped make this day so special for my baby sister! June 5 will be here before we know it!

Just Listed!

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Hardwood in Great Room, Dining, and Hallway
Carpet in Bedrooms
Tile in Kitchen
Wood Burning Fireplace
Whirlpool Tub in Master Bath
Walk-in Closet AND Regular Closet in Master Bedroom
Move-in Ready
Privacy Fenced Back Yard
Enclosed 2 Car Garage

Precious Back Yard!

Quiet Subdivision and Convenient Location! Easy access to Renaissance, Dogwood, or Northpark Areas!

Yes, we have FINALLY listed our house! I'm trying to think of all the things that could be MORE stressful than this. It's the only thing keeping me sane! We've been trying to clean out, pack up, and get rid of so much junk! How can two people accumulate so much?! I feel better having just met with our realtor, who put a sign in our yard this weekend, and receiving a call today from another realtor wanting to show the house. Basically, Russ starts July 1 in Memphis whether our house sells or not. So, I'm just praying that it sells fast.

Any takers? Ha!