Do you feel it? The stress of testing? The anxiety of the students? The restlessness of the teachers? The paperwork for TST? Lesson plans due again? Do you feel it? 'Cause we DO! We're feeling all that and more! So, it was high time for a little teacher down time where we can just relax and be humans. Not teachers. Not miracle workers. Not secretaries. Not mothers. Not nurses. Not referees. Not professionals.

Just friends.

One of the many things I will miss when Russ and I head north toward Memphis way is the friendships made during my four + years at Van Winkle. I would not have stayed past my first couple of days if it weren't for most of them. And, the ones that have come since then are only added blessings.

Every month a group of us gather at one of our homes. We visit, eat, laugh, and get really loud! Ha! I hosted our Christmas get together last night. We were missing a few people, but we partied anyway.

Mrs. Land, Mrs. Taylor, and Mrs. Jierski

Ms. Blaylock, me, Mrs. White, and Ms. Strum

We planned to play Dirty Santa. It was very fun, and it was just a good excuse to have a party.

I drew #1. The first gift I chose was a huge pick for the night. Yes! Spa massage slippers! Mmmmm.... I'm pretty much thinking I'm going to Walmart to pick one up for a Christmas gift!

However, I didn't get to hold it long before Mrs. White snatched it up! FYI - Mrs. Taylor, our pregnant friend, took it right away from Mrs. White. Ha! I chose a new gift - a cutie patootie giraffe computer moniter wipe. I've already used it!

Mrs. Jierski ended up with my gift. I almost bought myself one too! Cute doormat from Target!


What a great night! It's so nice to have relaxing and fun down time to remind us that there IS life after school! Ha! And, the countdown has begun! 9 school days left.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Last night, Russ and I watched our niece, Grace, perform in the children's Christmas musical at church. This year's program was called "Happy Birthday Jesus." It was so sweet! I love hearing the voices of children singing praise songs. I also love giggling at thier cute honesty when on stage performing for an audience! One little girl had her pants legs and both sleeves rolled up and was fanning herself dramatically by the end of the program. It was so funny! But, our little Miss Priss performed perfectly!

We loved watching and listening to her sing the songs with the motions. She would put her little hands on her hips in between songs...looking just like her mama! So funny!

Every once in a while, Grace would look over and smile at us just to make sure we were looking. It was such fun watching the children as all their hard work paid off!

Grace and Granmomma

Aunt Megan, Grace, and Uncle Russ

Great job Grace! So glad we could watch you as you remember the reason for the season!

St. Jude Half Marathon

Well, he did it! Russ ran his first half-marathon Saturday, and I am SO proud of him! This weekend, Russ and I headed north to Memphis for the St. Jude Marathon Weekend. This is a major fundraiser for St. Jude each year. They have a 5K, half marathon, full marathon, and a family run. Jimmy, Roan, and several of their friends ran as well. Russ and I crashed at Rachael and Jimbo's and had a great time! We woke up around 4:45 AM Saturday morning to meet up with the rest of the crew in downtown Memphis. Russ was ready!

Russ striking his running pose

When we arrived at the hotel, everyone was drinking coffee, visiting, and trying to escape their nervousness. I, on the other hand, wasn't nervous at all! Ha!

Lynn, Roan, and Emily modeling the latest in running fashion! So cute!

Me and Russ

Nothing is complete without lots of photographers!

Johnson brothers - Jimmy helped Russ train for this half-marathon, and he did a fabulous job!

I came to support my runners!

Russ, Jimmy, and Roan were the Johnsons participating in this race.

It was so funny watching everyone gear up to fight the cold on our walk over to Autozone Park. Roan tried to pose like Emily and me!

Once everyone drank their morning coffee and bundled up for the 26 degree weather, we all walked over to Autozone Park. Once there, among the other 8,000 half marathon runners, everyone checked their bags and I held whatever wasn't checked. I was happy to do so, because I used it all to keep warm!

Russ and Roan checking their bags

I held the leftovers: camera, phones, scarves, pullovers,etc.

Everyone did exceptionally well!! Steven finished first with a time of 1:51 (I think), Russ finished right at 2 hours, Roan finished with 2:04, Kelly with 2:09, Lynn finished with 2:17, and Emily came in with 2:20. This was everyone's first half marathon...except Roan of course. I was so proud of everyone! I, however, did not see anyone finish except Roan! So sad! There were SO MANY people! I did happen to capture Russ in a picture as he approached the finish line, and I didn't even know it.

Me and Russ after the race - Can we say COLD?!

Yay! I'm so proud of him!

Jimmy ran the full marathon and finished in 3:46. Amazing! Once again, I could not find him as he finished! I tried. I promise! I felt so bad! But, he did a great job!

Jimmy, Steven, and Russ after Jimmy finished

All the runners after the race and a change of clothes.

Russ and I really had a wonderful time getting to know everyone better and spending time visiting. It's my understanding we will board some runners next year, since we will be living in the Memphis area by then. Fun!

After the race festivities, Russ and I went back to Rachael and Jimbo's to visit. Russ took a shower and we watched the beginning of the SEC championship game before we left for home. Thanks so much for letting us stay with ya'll!

Rachael and me

Russ and Jimbo watching the game

Russ and I arrived in town just in time to catch part of the Corinth Christmas parade. It was such fun visiting with Russ's sister and her family. I haven't been to a Corinth Christmas parade in years! Probably since high school! We enjoyed it very much!

Russ, Will, Elle, Jenny, and Grace after the parade

To top off such a wonderfully winter day, I crawled in bed and opened a few early birthday presents from Jimmy and Roan and their family. So FUN! I LOVE presents! It really doesn't have to be much. Just putting wrapping paper and ribbon on anything and I get all giddy. Ha!

Thank you Johnsons!

We had a wonderful weekend! It's beginning to look and feel a lot more like Christmas every time I visit "home."

From Dixon with Love

Words really cannot do justice to the fun and excitement of this weekend's game day! I have waited around to post...just trying to find the right words. It's just not possible. So, instead...I'll give you a little rundown in pictures!

Russ and I woke quite early (I'd say around 5:45 AM) to catch a ride with Mama and Daddy to Starkvegas. Supposedly, we were "pulling out of the driveway at 6:45." Needless to say, we didn't leave exactly at that moment. But, we weren't far behind.

9:00 - TAILGATING Smith style!

Beginning to gather, visit, and EAT!

Love when family stops by! These are my dad's cousins and their families.

Life-long friend of my parents, Karen, always stops by to say "Hey!"

Church friends...

...even Ole Miss friends...

...Kristin's friends...

...Dustin's friends...

...Sherra's friends...

...friends that I used to babysit! How old am I?!

Russ, me, and Kristin

So, we try to be cordial MSU-UM friends prior to game time.

11:20 - GAME TIME!

Who let the dogs out?

We're really hating that Ole Miss lost their song. But, really...the only song we hear is "From Dixon with Love." Ha!

2nd Half - COWBELLS RING!!!!!!!! Dawgs play an incredible football game!

Mama and Daddy high-five a little boy sitting in front of us. Notice that the cowbells never stop ringing!

Ole Miss fans leave early

State fans stay late!

Ringing those bells!

MSU wins 41-27!

Coach Mullen assures the crowd that "there is at least one university in this state that is going in the right direction...and that's right here in Starkville!"

Crowd goes wild!

We had a great time! You really shoulda been there!

Merry Christmas Ole Miss! From Dixon with Love!

Now, go enjoy your bowl game!