That is correct. Farley has a new cousin! A couple of weeks ago, Dustin and Mary came into town to introduce us to....

Brodie!

Isn't he just too cute!? Brodie is a baby chocolate lab puppy with the cutest green eyes ever! Of course, Daddy was immediately smitten with the babe. But, Farley would not let us forget that he was there too. I'm thinking we had a little jealousy going on here. Ha!


Brodie wanted to play so badly. He would pounce on Farley out of nowhere and try to play. Farley would turn around and growl. After a while, they both lightened up. Farley just wanted to make sure Brodie understood that this maltipoo may be small...but he was here first! Ha!

Dustin told us, however, that since Kristin and I used to eat peanuts and breath all over him just to see what would happen (he is highly allergic) when we were little, Brodie could bully Farley all he wanted.

Farley and Brodie raced and raced and raced all over that back yard. They both had a ball, and Farley was a little limp dishrag by the time we got him home! Ha! That's just what cousins do. They play and fight and wear each other out!

Welcome to the family, Brodie!

One HOT Bid Day!

Yes, I know. It's been a while since my last post! I apologize. Between working two jobs, sewing, and just having fun with our family and friends, I haven't had a good opportunity to blog this week. Tonight I am laying...or is it lying?....here watching Little Women and decided to blog a bit. So here goes...

Last week, I joined some family friends on a fun adventure. MSU Bid Day! One of the best days of a college freshman's life! Mary's grandaughter, Catelin, was going through "recruitment", aka "Rush". When it came down to the last day, Mary asked us if she should go. I immediately spouted out, "Yes. Of course! And I'll go with you!"

So begins our fun filled journey! Ha! We met Mary's brother, a professor on campus, at Barnes and Noble. He walked us through the clock museum while we waited. You just never know what you'll do when you are with us! Ha!

Then, it was time for the festivities! I encouraged Mary not to tell Catelin we were coming....to surprise her! She wanted so badly to call her as the time got closer. So, Jean and I took her phone away!

As the crowd gathered at the amphitheater, the sororities started piling in. Ready to receive their new members! I couldn't help but take a picture of my Chi O group while we waited. It's a loyalty thing I suppose.

The actives went wild as the new members lined the ampitheater ready to run to their new "sisters." When all the sororities were accounted for, the new members ran to their new home. There were girls EVERYWHERE!

Mary, Jean, and I made our way through the crowd of parents, friends, tons of guys sitting on trucks, and dogs until we found Catelin. She was so happy!

Catelin and Mary

Me, Jean, Catelin, and Catelin's cousin

Mary, Catelin, and Jean

While the new members met up with their sororities, we walked our way to the last house on the row....the Phi Mu house...to meet the girls when they ran to the houses. There was what looked like a parade route as all the girls walked through the streets lined with college students...mostly guys. So funny! When the girls finally made their way to the house, we took pictures and pictures and more pictures.

I'm pretty sure Dustin and his friends used us as an excuse to come over there. Ha!

Dustin and Kyle

We visited with Catelin for a little bit and met some of her new friends before letting her go enjoy the day as a new Phi Mu sista. Oh, the pink that was EVERYWHERE! It's a good thing I like her. That's all I have to say! Ha!

New friends

New sisters

New home

Another Corinth girl pledged Delta Gamma on Bid Day. Catelin and Allison are roommates. I know they will both be so happy and were so pleased with the outcome of rush. I hate we didn't get a picture of them together!

Allison

Alright, girls! The fun starts here! Take it all in and enjoy every minute of it!

Now, back to the three of us who stood in the HOT sun, walked all over campus, took pictures, and walked back all over campus! Let me just say that we needed a COLD drink for the road before we left!

Why?

See for yourself! Gross!

It was worth every drop of sweat though! A fun day! Brought back all the memories of my Bid Day!

Promotion Sunday

Last Sunday was Promotion Sunday at my home church. This means it's a new church year, and it is time to move to your Sunday School's new age group. This is a very big deal for school aged students. Most of the adult classes get comfortable where they are and stay for ages! Ha! One of the changes this year was that a few of the children's classes were being moved downstairs to the same floor as all other children's classes. This makes it easier for many people, and it just makes sense to have all the children together.

Since this change was taking place, my mom's Sunday School class was moved upstairs so that a children's class could have their room. This also happened to a few other adult classes. So...being Promotion Sunday and all, we decided to make it special. My mom's class wanted a nice room to "come home to." Jan, Teri, and I went shopping last week for a few accessories. Then we hung out in the Sunday School class for a few hours fixing it up so the class would be suprised when they came in on Sunday.

Jan and Teri working on the cute bulletin board

We had a great time! Maybe too good a time! We just knew Royce was gonna come in and ask us to join the choir after hearing us belt out a few songs and made up verses in the church! Ha! Before stopping by the church, we ran by Teri's so that she could get her tool box. Yes. She has her own big tool box! And it came in useful too!

Jan thought the class should just all sit leaning a little to the left to be in line with this sign!

We just needed a little help hanging things STRAIGHT! Ha! I hate I didn't get a picture of their new table and other decor. I guess you'll just have to visit their class to see it all.

I hope everyone had a fun and successful Promotion Sunday!

A Birthday for a Queen

This weekend Russ and I joined Jenny, Jeff, Jennifer, and Jake to celebrate Jennifer's birthday. I'm just now realizing that Russ and I didn't get the "J" memo when we were named! Ha! Anyway, we met at Pizza Grocery to surprise Jennifer for her big day...or a few days after her big day.

My gift for Jennifer...a Queen for a Day look! She wears it well!

Russ and I enjoyed getting to visit with everyone. We had the best time laughing, talking, bringing up embarrassing stories from the past, and just being. It has been a LONG time since we have been around Jenny and Jeff without little ones, and I must say that it is a different dynamic. The focus is different. And we really needed an adult night. We actually closed the place down! And we met there at 6:15! I guess you could say that we had a blast!

Jenny made Jennifer this cute apron.

I am so thankful that God has placed us here...even if it is for little while. I have enjoyed catching up with old friends and gaining new friendships. I consider myself blessed to have these two women in my life. Both bring different gifts and talents, and I am so thankful for them both!

Jennifer, Jenny, and me

I am especially thankful for all the birthday girl brings to "Mayberry." Ha! Such a precious heart with, what she would call, limited vocabulary who LOVES to use the vocabulary she does know! Ha! Such a fun and energetic spirit and beautiful woman inside and out. A sincere and loving mother and friend. A woman with a heart for the Lord and His children. And her husband is pretty good too!

Happy Birthday, Jennifer!

High Maintenance?

I suppose it's true. Although I've never really considered myself high maintenance, I appear to be that way. But, really! If you think I'm high maintenance, you have never met my sister! Ha! Just kidding, Kristin! Love you!

You see, I have been reminded lately by my own actions of the languages we speak. And I'm not referring to English, Spanish, or French. I'm referring to our Love Languages. Have you ever read that book? Five Love Languages? Before Russ and I were married, we went through this book during our premarital counseling...along with a survey to see what our love languages were. This is helpful because if I know what Russ's love languages are, I can better fill his love tank full. If I keep it full, he won't ever need to look anywhere else to fill it.

You still don't understand? Well, let me tell you about myself first. Most people have two prominent love languages in which they feel the most loved. Typically, you are more likely to show love to others in the same language.

1. My first love language is GIFTS! I know, right!? But, before you get all hyped up on thinking I'm a "material girl," let me explain. Gifts don't necessarily mean something nice from a store and wrapped in pretty paper. Although I LOVE a cute wrapping paper and big bow! A gift is a thought. It says, "I saw this and thought of YOU". It says, "I am thankful for you and decided to make you this." A gift is a thought. It lets me know I am loved.

Incidentally, I most often show love to others through this language. Christmas is my all-time favorite time of year. It ranks right up there with football season. I LOVE finding the perfect gift for each special person in my life. I start early. Sometimes before the summer prior to Christmas. In fact, I have a closet full of gifts that I picked up over the summer as I saw things that reminded me of my sweet friends and family. Each time I bought a gift, it was carefully and specifically picked out for each person. Remembering what that person means to me, the talents they have, their likes and dislikes, and how thankful I am for each one. I always go overboard with gifts for Christmas. But, you must understand...each gift I purchase is simply a THOUGHT. It is a token of my appreciation and love for each person.

2. My second love language is quality time. I love for people to want to just simply spend time with me. I've never been a very social person. At least not since I was a freshman in high school...my wild phase of life. Ha! I love to spend quality time with people. I enjoy smaller groups of friends or one-on-one time with friends and family. I love to think about that person choosing to spend their valuable time with me just because they enjoy me or want to spend time getting to know me. I feel valuable.

Now, gifts are the biggest ways I show affection. If you refer back to my post on friendships, you may remember that I sometimes have trouble putting myself out there. This makes me hesitant to ask others for their time. To spend their time on me. What if they don't have time? What if they don't want to? I'm working on this. But I love to spend time with people just being. It doesn't have to be a fancy dinner or special event. I enjoy simply riding together to run errands or hanging out and eating Rotel during the Bachelorette. Ha! I enjoy sharing things that only fun and close friends share like talking about "helicopters" and "mullets" and "cowgirl outfits." All of these words bring back precious memories of friends while we were spending time together simply being and enjoying each other. The moments from which these words came are precious to me because those moments say that I am valuable and worth their time. I felt enjoyed.

Now you should understand that those two love languages are probably the most expensive and cost the most. So, I suppose that makes me high maintenance. And Russ chose me anyway! Bless his heart!

Russ, on the other hand, shares NOT A SINGLE one of my love languages.

Words of Affirmation were among the top on his list. I think this may be true of a lot of men. Men need to feel respected, loved, and admired. They need to feel appreciated. Russ likes to hear that I appreciate him, that I'm proud of him, that I love the way he does things, and I guess he likes to know he is HOT! Ha! Russ is always good to tell me how good I look, how much he loves me, and lets me know what I do well. Russ is not shy with his compliments. I struggle here because I'm not a very verbal person when it comes to love. I do always say "I love you," but I fail to really tell others what they mean to me. I struggle with this because it is not my language. However, if I want to keep Russ's tank full....and other people's too...I need to learn their language. I need to make them feel loved.

Russ's second language is Acts of Service. Russ feels loved when people do things for him. I can show my love for him by taking out the trash myself, killing the spider without calling his name, and cooking the meals he likes. Russ is very good at doing for others. I have always considered him to be a gentleman. I realize now that it is because he is speaking his language. He shows his love for me by getting things for me so I won't have to get up or opening the door for others. He enjoys doing acts for others. I am having to train my lazy self to speak his language here.

You see that Russ and I don't share a single language. That makes it fun, don't you think? We must be VERY bilingual! Ha!

The last love language is Physical Touch. Don't get me wrong! We love some physical touch, but this is not the most effective way to make us feel the most loved! This could go into a whole other topic if I go much further, but by feeling loved...other languages come naturally. Fill my love tank and I'm going to excitedly do something for you or tell you how much you mean to me. Same goes the other way around. If I make Russ feel loved, he is more likely to think of me and give a gift or spend quality time with me.

This goes for friends too. What language do your friends speak? Your family? Do they feel loved today? Have you learned their language?

Now, friends, tell me. What is your love language? How can I make you feel more loved, enjoyed, or valuable?

My New Friend

Yes. I have done something that may completely surprise some of you! I should probably start from the beginning....

Jenny has always been extremely cutesie and crafty. She always has a project or new outfit for Grace that she has created. Well, last week she brought over something that I just died for. It motivated me. Jan, Jenny, Russ, and I went to Meek's to look at sewing machines and to see about sewing classes. And this is what happened...

That's correct! Russ purchased a brand spanking new sewing machine just because he loves me! And I love him! This sewing machine not only sews, but also monograms (or embroiders)! Woo hoo! I'm so excited! Russ's dad was even more excited I think! Ha! He loves embroidering! I immediately brought it back to the Johnsons' house where Jenny had already brought over and set up her own sewing machine. I sewed and monogrammed all weekend!

Jenny was making stockings for her upcoming Christmas Open House she will be hosting in October...and I began monogramming them.

Grace also sewed some. With very little guidance...the girl can sew! She would tell me exactly what I was doing wrong when I got off track.

After a few stitches on scrap fabric and LOTS of monogramming, I cut, pinned, and sewed my own little stocking. Or as Russ's dad calls it, the Wicked Witch of the West's stocking.

Grace made me one too!

Yes, the girls had a blast this weekend sewing, chatting, and monogramming! Prentiss even brought her sewing machine over Sunday to play. The boys, however, were not the least bit interested!

Thanks babe for my new friend! I can't wait to learn more!

Bringing in the New Year Thoughts...

Well, it's that time again! Time for the school year to begin and routine to resume. I have seen differing opinions about it from parents and students. Some think this a depressing time of year. I, however, have always been excited about this time of year. Don't get me wrong...I did not enjoy the end of summer. But, I did LOVE the excitement of a new school year with new supplies with a new teacher and then a new room and new fresh desks. Well, you get the idea! As teachers, some of us work so hard over the summer coming up with new plans, new decor, new ways of teaching, and we spend our time thinking of fun activities or lessons that we just know our students will love. There is no way you can appreciate this until you are past those years. But, everyone should go back and thank your teacher once you are grown. I need to do this myself!

I just love this time of year! Fresh faces filled with nerves and excitement. Wondering what the year will hold.

Being in my hometown during this time has been especially fun as I watch traditions going on around me that I grew up with. For example, Senior Night.

Every year for as long as I know of, the senior class has a "Senior Night" the night before school. It is an all night event. No one sleeps. No one goes home. There are events planned from supper until school the next morning. My senior year, we had supper at the Rodriguez house followed by a dance and swim party at the Daniels home til wee hours in the morning. We met at this bridge around 3-4 that next morning to paint it. Yes, it's painted every year...and painted over sometime after. But, it's tradition. I love it! After painting the bridge, we all met for breakfast at the Roberts' house. We met at the big flatbed truck around 7 to RIDE IN! That is correct! All 100 or so seniors pile into a big flatbed truck and ride around town into school escorted by police and followed by a caravan of cars. Parents, friends, underclassmen, and teachers all gather to watch as the seniors ride in. Ahhhh...the memories! So, this bridge brought back memories.

I also spent some time helping a first year teacher get ready for her first day at the old junior high. It has now been changed to the new middle school, and added a couple of grades there. It was fun being in that old building again seeing some of the teachers that were there when I was there.

So, as all this is going on around me here. My mind travels back to my first "home" as a teacher. My Van Winkle family. The teachers will start work tomorrow. Earlier I told you about me sending my students school supplies and books in the mail. I can't help it! I love it! Well, I also stuck an addressed and stamped envelope in there too. In case they wanted to write back.

I have absolutely LOVED hearing back from some of these kids. And I hope there are more to come! It is so fun to see what they have been doing all summer. It is also funny to hear what they think about me. For example, Arrion's letter said, "My heandwriting is getting good. I think it is getting good because you make us write all the time when we are in trouble." Ha! Oh dear! I hope she remembers more about me than when she got in trouble! And, I also need to tell her fifth grade teacher to work on her spelling of handwriting!

I got some very decorated letters too. Mama warned me about this one. She said, "Oh, you got a big letter today! This one is done up real big. It is painted bright colors all over and then sealed with a feather!" Ha! I loved the creativity Nadia put into her letter! She even sent me a handful of feathers.

One of my part time jobs right now is helping in the preschool department of our home church. It is so fun to watch these little ones come in...some for the first time...to new classrooms. It is also wonderful to see school start the way all my younger grades began. With the Pledge of Allegiance, PRAYER, and BIBLE STORIES. Those were the days! I don't think it was technically allowed during those years, but my teachers did it. It was just what we did. I don't remember the year, but I do know that sometime during my elementary years, the school prayers over the intercom and bible stories in the classroom stopped.

As a teacher, I could not have survived my experiences without prayer! How can any teacher? How can anyone? It reminds me of this email forward I get periodically. I have blogged about this before here. So true...

You want me to go into that room with all those kids,
correct their disruptive behavior,
observe them for signs of abuse,
monitor their dress habits,
censor their T-shirt messages,
and instill in them a love for learning.

You want me to check their backpacks for weapons,
wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases,
and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride!
You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play,
and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job.

You want me to check their heads for lice,
recognize signs of antisocial behavior,
and make sure that they all pass the state exams.

You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps,
and communicate regularly with their parents in English and Spanish by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.
You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps!?

You want me to do all this and then you tell me........ I CAN'T PRAY?

-------------------------------
Although I realize this may be a depressing time for some of you, remember that this day will never come again. It was made especially for you by our Creator! Do not waste it! Say a prayer. Keep Him in your schools. Don't waste this day. Enjoy it! Live it for Him!

Have a wonderful school year!

When Life Hands You Lemons...

During our fun-filled week last week, Russ's parents' freezer also went out! Yes. Everything inside was thawing. This called for a very large cleaning out process. If you know Russ's mom, then you know that she loves groceries. I woke up that morning to all kinds of frozen, thawing goods on the kitchen table and shelves surrounding. It was a little traumatic for a bit. But....

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade! So, what else would we do with all those thawed filets, hamburger patties, pork, etc.? Why, grill it, of course!

Grace and Jenny came by for a quick visit to show us their buys on the tax free weekend. So, Grace helped me make salad, dressing, and twice baked potatoes for the sides while Jenny did a little more shopping.

I'm thinking that Grace is quite the helper and an AWESOME cleaner!

I make my twice baked potatoes with ranch seasoning, sour cream, butter, cheddar cheese, and bacon. Russ's mom cannot have some of that, so I saved two for her to fix for her diet.

It was a beautifully HOT day, and the guys grilled without complaints! I even bought some asparagus for Russ to grill. He happily grilled away!
Mmmmm...made me want to kiss the cooks. Well, at least the one I'm married to!

Now, that's even better than lemonade...don't you think!?

Toddlers in Tiaras...

...or something like that!

One of the things I love about being back "home" is how close we are to family! Last week, Jenny and Jeff dropped Grace off at Russ's parents' house so they could visit a family member in the hospital out of town. Russ had not gotten home from work yet, so Grace and I entertained ourselves.

How? Makeovers of course!


Once I did Grace's make-up and French braided her hair, it was picture time. Take a look at these glamor shots! Ha!

Help! We cannot breath!

I can almost hear it in the background..."Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!" I am also thinking that I should have done a make-over on myself before taking pictures! Yuck!

Grace's Justin Beiber move

After our silly poses, it was time to pull out the big guns! Or at least Granmomma's curling iron and Velcro curlers! I think the last time I used Velcro curlers was at my own grandmothers house. Every grandmother should have a set. Seriously.


Then, she found a nice spot to pose again...


You would think she likes all this attention or something, wouldn't you? Ha! We had a great time just us girls!

The girls and Farley

Of course, when Russ came in, he oooed and ahhhed over the new look. Then he and I went on a mini-date. I didn't see Jeff's reaction when he walked in, but I'm sure it was something like, "I will never leave you with your make-up hair-do aunt again!" She looked like a little teenager.

So, maybe this should be called Teenager look-alike in Tiara!

Bunco Crasher

That's me! The official Bunco Crasher in town! Need a sub? Never fear....I am here! Ha!

Last week, I subbed for Jenny's bunco group. Actually, we didn't even know if they needed subs when I showed up. But, luckily, they did! Yay! Of course, the next day at lunch Teri and Mama greeted me with, "So, I heard you cheated on our bunco group last night!" Small towns! Word gets around fast! Ha!

Bunco was held at Alesha's lovely home. We ate a delicious meal and I'd love to say we visited and had deep conversation. But, honestly, we were too busy watching the wedding going on across the lake! We almost cheered when it was over, but we decided that might not be too classy. Ha! I did win a "Big Bunco" at the beginning of the night. I got to wear the coveted Mardi Gras necklace for a little bit.

At least until...

Jenny rolled her "Big Bunco!" She wanted to make sure I PUT IT ON THE BLOG. So, this is a picture of her Big Bunco.

Karen, Brenda, Heather, and Lisa

We had a great time...as every bunco group does...laughing and talking and yelling, "Big Bunco!" or "Game!"

Carla, Wini, Rhonda, and Denise

Each table was well supplied with Skittles, Jelly Beans, or M&M's! I particularly loved the Skittles!

Take one...with Skittles in our teeth!

It has been fun getting back into my hometown society and catching up on the 8 years I've missed!

Take two...Alesha, me, Jenny, and Jamie

Thanks, girls, for a fun night and letting me crash your party! I had a blast!