A Week's Worth of Activities

It has been a busy and tiring week! Here is what's been going on in the Sanders' home.

Friday night, Mama, Daddy, Pam, me, and Jared went out to eat dinner at Ruby Tuesday (one of my favorite restaurants). By the way, we were seated as soon as we walked in at about 6:30. After that we went over to Aldi's and the Dollar Tree. We had a good time together and laughed a lot. Jared had been away for the week and spent nights alone so he was starving for some socialization, which means he acted crazy! It was fun, though!

Saturday was our day of charity work. Jared played in the ICYC golf tournament and I bowled in the MDA Bowl-A-Thon. That night we all went to see Joseph in "Little Shop of Horrors." It was great! He was the 60 pound puppet of Audrey II, the plant! He was awesome, like always!

Sunday Pam fed us all. She made some delicious chicken tettrazinni and some awful cheese biscuits. lol She can make good ones, but she tried a different recipe and substituted ingredients. YUCK! That afternoon was also a day of charity because I did Pam's laundry for her! lol After church that night we went with the usual crowd to Jacks and it was good.

Monday I attended the viewing of my friend, Mr. Horace. I asked his wife where the peppermint and butterscotch were. She laughed and said if she had thought about it she would have put some in his pockets. It was good to see her and she cried a little when I walked in. Course, I did too. I found out nothing, as far as they know at this point, was wrong with him. They woke up Friday morning. He went to the restroom to get ready for the day and she began cooking breakfast. She kept calling him to let him know that his breakfast was ready. When he didn't respond she opened the door and found him dead in the floor. Just like that! What a shock it must have been for her to have found him like that. He was 79. No funeral, just visitation and a small burial. Mrs. Reanie said he didn't want people standing over him crying and he didn't want a sad service with sad music and all. Well, on with Monday, that night was Open House at the school so I was there until a little after 8 pm. Joseph called me before Open House and asked me to come and eat dinner with him and Pam at her house. I did and it was fun and good!
Tuesday night we went to the Polishing the Pulpit to hear Thom Holland. He was excellent! We got to see some friends from PA, Jody, Evelyn, and Julia Apple. We stayed late and visited with them.
That about sums up my week. I hear Jared is home so I better go and get dinner started!

A Sad Day

Not only was today a hard day in the classroom, but it was also a sad day. My friend, Horace Collins, passed away today. He and his wife had volunteered at PGES for many years. They even had a badge they wore everyday that said who they were and that they were special volunteers. When I had the opportunity to choose which classroom I wanted last year, I did not realize that I was also receiving the good help of the Collins'. They had helped the teacher who had occupied my room before. So, when school started last year they came to me and offered their services. Every afternoon they would show up for the last couple of hours of school and help me stuff folders, hang up art work, wash my whiteboard, and Mr. Horace would do odd jobs around he classroom. They did a lot for me including helping me gain about 10 pounds! Mr. Collins brought me several candy bars a week, plus cinnamon peppermint discs and butterscotch candies. Whenever my candy jar on my desk would get low, he would refill it! They quickly became my good friends! They were good company and good help! They decided at the end of last year they would no longer come to the school on a regular basis. They may visit once in a while, but that would be it. Mrs. Collins' would be staying home with a new grandbaby due in October. I haven't seen or heard from them since the end of school. I thought Mr. Horace might call and see how I was doing this summer. I never heard from him. I wish I had called them. You see, Mr. Horace loved to talk on the phone. When I was out with the dreaded stomach virus, Mr. Collins called to check on me because I was not at work and I had not mentioned being out. He also knew about the storm that hit Adamsville and wanted to know if we were ok. Mr. Horace really wanted me to come to his house and have ice cream with him and Mrs. Reanie, he wanted to show me her cookie jar collection, and visit with them. I don't know any details about why he passed or if he had any health problems at all. I have missed them so much this school year! I wish I would have called them sooner to tell them so. I received the message about his passing right before lunch today. My children were sharing news with the class and I turned to read a message on the computer screen from the office. I had to read it three times to beleive it! I couldn't hold back the tears and when I turned to face the class they just stared back at me. I asked them to sit quietly for a moment so I could step in the hall. The teacher next door came to the classroom to tell them why I was upset. Some got a little upset themselves because they knew him as well. Let me just say that it is very hard to put on a smile and try to teach after such news, especially on a day that was already rough (I have some doosies in my class, let me tell you!). We soon had to go to lunch. I sat there quietly and ate which is not normal for me. I usually take lunch as an opportunity to get to know the kids individually. I must have looked real sad despite my efforts, because one of my sweet little boys turns to me and smiles and then says, "Mrs. Sanders, I'm gonna pray real hard tonight that that man comes back to life so you won't have to cry anymore! I don't want you to be sad!" Then he jumped up and gave me the biggest hug. It was both funny and sweet of him! It did not help the tears, but it was awfully thoughtful! Kids are special. I always thought I attracted three kinds of people- Kids, Old People, and Crazies! Please note that I tried to end on a light note because I don't want my post to be completely sad. lol My next post should be on a lighter note because I have a big day full of fun and adventures waiting for me!

Scaredy Cat!

I didn't want to post about this earlier in the week because I didn't want some "bad guy" on the internet to track me down and get me! I have been all alone all week long. I am a REALLY big chicken and could never live by myself. I suddenly hear noises that are normally there, but I don't think about them until I am alone. Jared has been in Montgomery all week at his warehouse there. He left Tuesday morning. Tuesday night I was on the phone with him, in the laundry room, and I swear the hot water heater was about to blow up and I was going to burn to death or the house was gonna burn if I was ever so lucky to be away from the explosion! I don't know why, but over the last two weeks I am paranoid that every major thing we own is about to break down and cost us lots of money! I know why though. We spent a lot to have our bathroom remodeled and then about two weeks ago, our good friend from college, Randy, called to say that he was getting married December 22 and Jared is to be in the wedding. Last week we bought the plane tickets to Arizona and it was reasonable; however, we are to be there for 6 days! We will get home on Christmas morning! There are not many people that we would go to the trouble for, but Randy is one of the very few. Now I start to worry over every purchase because it is gonna be an expensive trip at the most expensive time of year! Anyway, back to me being a big chicken, last night, as I was pulling out of the church parking lot, I saw 3 cop cars whiz past at like 100 miles an hour! This gets me rattled because they must be after a "bad guy" and I have always been sensitive to people doing bad things - for example, whenever there was fight in the hall in high school my heart would race and I would just worry over the people. Then my mind starts to going and I think "what if there are "bad guys" on the loose and they are running loose in my neighborhood and I am home all alone!!!!" I promise I am not crazy, it just sounds like! So, I called Jared and made him stay on the phone with me until I was safely dead bolted into the house. Hopefully, tonight, I will hear nothing out of the ordinary. Just me, my soaps on dvr, and a good book (Harry Potter).

Tidbits!

This weekend was a relaxing one! We ate at Golden Rule BBQ in Irondale. I got to see an old student and her family. Well...I didn't actually "see" her because the lights went out at the restaurant, right after we were served our drinks! We just had to have faith and hope what we ordered was actually what was on our plates! lol We were using cell phones as lights! It was humorous and made for a good adventure! Saturday we went to Hannah's 1 st birthday party! She is the sweetest baby! It was also nice to see friends we don't get to see very often (Brandi, Michelle, and Shannon)! After the party we went back to Josh and Katie's to watch "Facing the Giants." It was a cute movie. It had two of Jared's favorite things- football and miracles! lol J/K! Sunday night we went with the usual crowd. We ate at Dairy Queen. It was better than it has been in a long time. They even let me order a bacon cheeseburger without the burger! Those of you who know me know I do not like hamburgers so this was a nice treat! Last night Jared and I spent the evening trying fix up business cards for him and Dad. They are in a side business with another man and his wife. They sell and deliver medical supplies to people who are not on hospice or who do not have insurance or medicaid does not cover supplies, things like adult diapers, poise pads, bed pads, sheets, wipes, baby diapers, etc. Prices are lower than Wal-Mart and are delivered right to your home. If you want to know more, let me know and I will hook you up! lol I better go make dinner. We had grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch today and they were so tasty I decided to have it again for dinner. Have a nice evening!

The BEST husband in the world!!!

As you can guess from the title, I think I have the best husband in the world! Last night after church, Jared came in and cooked dinner. I got to work on the ironing and preparing for work the next day. I had meant to cut out all my things that I had laminated that afternoon, but with bill paying and other chores, I didn't have time. When I came out of the laundryroom I found Jared sitting in the floor, cutting out my laminated stuff. It was so sweet! I went on to bed later, after we finished watching Big Brother 8, of course! Before I drifted off to bed, I could hear Jared cutting away, trying to finish it for me. And then tonight, he came in from work and got started on it again! I really had a lot of little pieces and he is trying so hard not to mess them up. I am so lucky to have a partner who helps out and does what needs being done!

The Start of a New School Year

It's official, it's the start of a new school year! I miss summer already, but will soon be back into the swing of the school year. My class seems to be a pretty good one. We'll see what the future holds. Of course, I miss my kids from last year and find myself looking for them in the halls. I've seen them all from last year except one and I know she is there somewhere because her mom registered her the night I helped with registration. She told me that she wanted me to be her teacher again, which is a nice compliment! It's always a little hectic in the beginning until schedules are tweaked and routines are in place and running smoothly.
Our friend Randy called Wed. night and said that he was getting married on Dec. 22, 2007 and wants Jared to be in the wedding. Did I mention that he is getting married in Phoenix, Arizona and right at Christmas time? We better start saving now because plane tickets are already expensive to go out there (which is why we have never been before), but at Christmas time! I guess Randy is worth it :) We might end up spending Christmas out there, we just don't know yet.
In other news, Jared is considering starting a blog, but doesn't know if he will keep it up regularly. Stay tuned! Well, I am tired so I will go. I will try to do a better job of updating from now on.

100 Things About Emily

1. I am very thankful because I am truly blessed!

2. I simply ADORE my husband of 5 years!

3. I have the best Christian daddy who always showed us the perfect example of how to be a Christian leader.

4. I have the best Christian mama who showed us the perfect example of how to be a worker for the Lord.

5. I have the best Christian sister whom I love to death! She spoils us!

6. I have the best Christian brother whom I love to pieces! He makes our life so much more interesting! When he is around we all laugh til we hurt!

7. I love how Jared treats my siblings like they are his. I love how he is protective of Pam and buddies with Joseph!

8. I love when Jared and Joseph get on a goofy roll and then my dad joins in!

9. I appreciate the good job my in-laws did raising Jared.

10. I am glad Jared chose to attend Faulkner instead of fulfilling his dream of playing college football. I never would have met him!

11. My 4 years at Faulkner are the best years of my life.

12. When I graduated high school, my brother gave me a Bible. Inside he wrote "I hope you have the time of your life." And I really did!!!

13. When I was little I nicknamed Joseph "Hobo Joe" and eventhough he fought it for years, he eventually gave in and does not mind the term of endearment.

14. My whole family LOVES to cook, but I can't stand it! I want to love to cook, but I just don't! My dad cooks the best breakfast, my mama cooks the best EVERYTHING, Pam bakes the best desserts, and Joseph cooks the best homemade mashed potatoes. Really all four of them can cook anything!

15. I am proud of my parents for starting the L/L program at 4 different churches. L/L is a wonderful program for training children to become christian leaders. The annual convention is the highlight of my year!

16. When I was in high school I had to write an essay on my favorite place on earth. I wrote about the mess hall at Backwoods Christian Camp. I started going to camp there when I was 7 years old.

17. I hate that the only year I missed camp at ICYC was the year Chris was baptized. We waited for so long!

18. When I was in first grade, I read the most books in the class. It was over 100!

19. I am still a bookworm. I just wish I had more time than I do to read.

20. My mama always reads before she goes to bed. When I was little I did too. Now when I read, no matter when or where, I fall asleep!

21. My favorite drink has been water for as long as I can remember. It's even written in my baby book at age 2!

22. I love how I am like my mama who is like my grandma.

23. I enjoy getting letters every month from my Grandma!

24. In college some of my friends nicknamed me Granny Glenn.

25. I am thankful that Jared got to meet my Granny Glenn before she passed away.

26. I met Jared the first day I moved into Faulkner. We were friends immediately and 9 months later we went on our first date.

27. I began planning my wedding to Jared a year later. I even bought the dress I picked out way back then. Once I saw it, I knew it was the one! Two years later, I bought that exact dress!

28. My wedding day was perfect! Those of you who were there may wonder, what with the cake topper crashing to the ground before the reception, the fact that my dad never got a full tux and had to wear Daniel Courington's. It was fate! How many people own their own tuxedo? :) Plus all the other countless mishaps including me being sick and puking during wedding photos! The day was a dream!

29. When Jared asked me out for the first time, he was COMPLETELY BALD! It was not pretty!

30. The first time Jared asked me out I replied with, "You mean just the two of us, by ourselves?" See, he or one of the other guys always called and asked us girls to do something. We all just hung out and did things together all the time, so I wanted to make sure it was a just us date and not a group get together! He told me I sure made it difficult on him.

31. I love being around my mama's family! We always have fun!

32. I love playing cards with my grandma and aunts and all. We constantly play til we are too tired and ready for bed! We become addicted!

33. I hate when our visit is over with my mama's family and we come home. I begin having withdrawals from card playing and no one will play.

34. I love the sound of windchimes. They remind me of my Granny's house! I have a couple on my porch, just like her. Her prettiest sounding one was a gift from dad to her. When she passed away my dad put it on his porch.

35. I have never been to my Granny's grave since the day she was buried. I really don't need to, I have enough reminders and fond memories!

36. Granny had terrible vericose veins, so bad that her legs were blue from the knee all the way down to her feet. When I was little I thought her legs were pretty, I guess because I thought she was beautiful!

37. I guess God decided that since I thought Granny's blue veins were pretty, I could be the one to inherit them! lol

38. I began watching soap operas when I was a baby. I would sit in my Pop's chair with him while he watched his "stories."

39. To this day I still watch Pop's stories, plus 1 extra.

40. I am obsessed with All My Children, One Life to Live, and General Hospital.

41. I love to read children's books.

42. If I had to choose another career it would be a Bible class teacher.

43. I secretly enjoy watching Hannah Montana, That's So Raven,and The Suite Life of Zach and Cody on the Disney channel.

44. I love being around children!

45. I love when Xander asks me, on the way to Bible class, "Are we going to learn, Emily?"

46. I just love Xander and pray he grows up in the church!

47. I hope when I am old and crotchety (sp?) I will still love the sounds of children, especially in times when they are learning to behave in church. They are the future of the church and I hope I never forget it! Maybe I will print this blog out (as Granna suggests) so when I am old and have Alzheimer's I can remind myself. :)

48. I hope I never see another loved one plagued with Alzheimer's.

49. I love when Addi says something to make you feel special. That girl knows how to say the right thing to people!

50. I like how Levi says my name. He only recently started saying my name to me, but he has known how to say it for quite a while. What a stinker! :)

51. I love to watch Hannah "be busy" while she's kicking and grinning that snaggled tooth grin. Plus I love her cute ears!

52. I love how Brianna calls me "Cousin Emily." When she was four she said "cousin" like Balky Bartakumus (sp?) from the tv show Perfect Strangers.

53. I love when Nolan jumps into my lap to cuddle.

54. I love how Marley will pay you no attention and then when you least expect it, hugs you and grins at you.

55. I love Chandler's high pitched voice, especially when he is saying, "I want to go to Emily's house! Yeah!" Plus I love his long, skinny, chicken legs!

56. I love listening to Dillon explain something to me and I am proud of him.

57. I love messing with Erica and I think she is beautiful.

58. I wish Aunt Kendra visited like she used to.

59. I love going to Aunt Kendra's house.

60. I love my Grandma's house.

61. I am glad that Josh Courington married Katie because it brought Katie to Sylvan Springs. I've never really told her, but I think she knows- I am glad we are friends again! It's nice to have a friend from college around! They just get you better!

62. I miss my friends from college. I wish they all lived closer.

63. I like the friends I have now, too!

64. I have fun on girls' nights.

65. We used to have jam sessions in college (girls only, of course!) and my nickname was "DJ E."

66. My parents call me Lucy because my middle name is Lucille.

67. I am named after both of my grandmothers.

68. I love the color pink.

69. I also like the color purple (don't confuse with the movie starring Oprah Winfrey :) )

70. I have always been very girly.

71. I never liked to play in the mud or dirt.

72. I match EVERYTHING!

73. I cannot function in clutter!

74. I love doing laundry and ironing.

75. I have a tv in my laundry room.

76. I am thankful I was raised in the church.

77. I pray daily that Pam and Joseph marry christians.

78. I am slightly obsessive.

79. I love cheese.

80. Starbucks is my weakness and I have passed it up for two weeks now. I think it's time to give in!

81. I like being around people!

82. I enjoyed working at JCA. It didn't feel like a job, but a privilige. (It was time to move on, though.)

83. JCA Summer Camp is the only summer job I would take! It's a blast!

84. Jared and I love to travel, we just hate riding/driving in a car to get there!

85. I cleaned poo poo off of a kid who was covered from head to toe a couple of weeks ago.

86. I had bifocals from third grade to sixth grade.

87. I don't know of a single family member on either side of my family that does NOT wear glasses. We all are blind!

88. I was caught in the Blizzard of 1993. Pam and I shared a t-shirt that read, "I survived the Blizzard of '93." We thought we were so cool when we wore it!

89. I don't like animals.

90. When I was little I collected stickers, stationary, pens and pencils, and erasers.

91. I have collected Mickey Mouse stuff forever!

92. I want to go back to Disney World soon!

93. I also collect Charlie Brown stuff. When I was in high school I read a story about Charles Schultz and the basis of Charlie Brown in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. It reminded me of Joseph and ever since then I give Joseph Charlie Brown stuff. Now I think Xander looks like Charlie Brown.

94. I wish I didn't nag/boss/yell at Pam and Joseph so much when we were growing up...

95. ...Or back talk my parents.

96. I love my family! :)

97. Jared was/is my only love!

98. I love being silly with Jared!

99. I love the way Jared looks at me, it makes my heart melt!

100. My favorite place in all the world is in Jared's arms!

Harry Potter Junkies

Well, this weekend, the new Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, comes out! Jared and I have been having a Harry Potter marathon to get us ready for the movie. We know we are dorks, but it's fun! We hope to see it at the IMAX theater at the McWayne Center Saturday.

Back From Vacation

Jared and I got back this afternoon from Gatlinburg, TN. Jared left his cell phone in his parents car, so we had to call them and go meet them at Books-A-Million on Lakeshore to get it plus my bags from the outlets (I had stuffed them under the seat to make room). Well...how do I put this??? Ok... here it is...Saturday and Sunday we did nothing. Monday afternoon we FINALLY went somewhere (the outlets). Jared and his dad played goofy golf while the rest of us shopped. Later that night we played more goofy golf. Tuesday it was FINALLY decided that we might do something! We drove through Cades Cove, played another quick game of goofy golf (we payed for it the night before, but had to go after the first round because Granny was tuckered out). Then we went to the Dixie Stampede (YAY!). Then we came home (YAY!). Mr. Harry was fun to be around. Granny was fun to be around. Caleb left Sunday afternoon. Our cabin was awesome! Good thing because we spent most of our time there! Now we need another day to de-stress!!!

BUSY!

I have been so busy lately! I don't seem to have enough hours in the day! Last week Jared and I were at ICYC. We both had a very good time! Last Friday we came home from camp to our unfinished bathroom. Things have been hectic in that department. Work is STILL being done as I type this post! Anyhow, I have worked 7am to 6 pm everyday this week and today is my first day off! Hallelujuah, well... sort of...I had to get up at 6:45 am to get a shower before they got here to work on the bathroom, so no sleeping in! My in-laws will be here somtime this evening because we are all going to Gatlinburg for the next 5 days. Should have some interesting things to post when we get back from that trip! It's already started with, "Should we get a hotel room tonight since your bathroom isn't done?" Well the shower works and we having a working toilet in our half bath, so what's the difference between that and the situation we always have when we go anywhere with them? 7 people sharing one toilet, sink, shower, and usually room???? At least here we all get a bed and a room! Enough of that...we WILL have a great time! :) Life's an adventure!

Catch up

I think I will be caught up on news after this post.
This weekend was a good one. I was (and still am)completely beat from last week. I worked 7am-6pm and then went straight to VBS and taught, got 4 or 5 hours of sleep and started all over again! It wore on me! Friday night, Jared and I were beat, so we got Subway and stayed at home watching his new dvd, Collier and Company (that's the movie John Schneider(Bo Duke) made as an Indy film recently). It was in response to Jessica Simpson and Jonny Knox's version of The Dukes of Hazzard movie. It wasn't the best movie ever, but it was decent. We have the case autographed, so it's a good keepsake. Saturday I slept til about 8:30 am, got up, went to the couch and watched tv and slept some more while my sweet husband spent 2 hours mowing and weed-eatting the lawn. Then he came inside, showered, and then swept the kitchen and two bathrooms, and scrubbed the two bathrooms, never once complaining about my laziness! I am so lucky! I finally got up, showered, mopped the kitchen and two bathrooms and later vacummed. Then we went to several furniture stores with Pam, helping her find livingroom furniture. We ate lunch at Red Lobster and then came home. Joseph Garrison and Chris Hosmer came over to play darts and shoot some pool. Sunday we ate lunch at Golden Rule BBQ to celebrate Pam's birthday (late). Jared's parents came so I could take them to the airport on Monday. They are flying to Washington D.C. to visit Granny's sister. Her name is Beulah Mae. After church Sunday night we went to Chili's with a group including Jared's parents. Monday I dropped the in-laws off at the airport and then met Jared for lunch at Logan's. I love the summer because I get to eat lunch with Jared a good bit. It can be costly, but well worth it! I love my husband!!!!

Vacation Bible School

This past week Sylvan Springs Church of Christ had their VBS. It was a lot of fun and work! Rachel Garrison was my helper in the 2's and 3's class. If you know Rachel you know that she thinks she is clueless when it comes to kids, but she really did GREAT! I had a really good time with her and am trying to convince her to be my helper in that class on a regular basis since we have more kids in their now. We'll see! We had MANY laughs! Kids are hilarious and when you throw Rachel in the mix- priceless! Here are a few things that went on during the week.

Sunday Rachel refused to take a strange kid to the bathroom, but did wipe Xander's snotty nose TWICE! (side note: Xander did his famous stunt of pooping his pants, but neither of us had time to change him until class was over! He didn't smell that bad! Plus we were finger painting and trying not to get it everywhere! Who am I kidding? Rachel wasn't about to even consider changing him!!!) Also, Rachel chased two kids around the room while I attempted to teach the other four!

Monday: We did the story of Jesus feeding the 4,000. We fed them crackers (bread) and Sweddish fish (fish) and learned that gummies or some type of food helps them pay better attention!

Tuesday: By now Rachel was real good at chasing and wiping snotty noses and I could do a better job of teaching uses gummies as bait!

Wednesday: Rachel left the room to get something and Xander asks, "Where is she going?" I replied, "She ran away!" To which he innocently asks, "Is her afraid of us?" lol When Rachel came back I told her what he said and she laughs and says, "You don't know how true that is Xander!"

Thursday: I brought my cousin Chandler who is three the last night. I had to go change a strange kids diaper, then Chandler's. Rachel was reading the story to the class. When me and the potty kids came back, we settled in to hear the rest of the story. After a few minutes of listening, Chandler hollers out to Rachel, "You stink!" Then Xander chimes in with, "Yeah, you stink!"

I will sum the week up by saying this- VBS was a blast and I can't wait til next year!

Dukesfest 2007 & Our 5th Wedding Anniversary

For our 5th Wedding Anniversary, Jared and I wanted to go somewhere, but it had to be close because we had to be back for VBS. We heard Dukesfest was going to be held in Nashville, so we decided to check it out. If you know Jared, then you know the show The Dukes Of Hazzard was his favorite childhood TV show! We had the BEST time! We left Friday night. We ate dinner at Cracker Barrel and then checked into the Hotel Preston. We've never stayed anywhere in Nashville except for the Opryland Hotel. We enjoyed our stay at Hotel Preston. We woke up Saturday, grabbed some breakfast at McDonald's and then went to Dukesfest at the motor speedway in Nashville. We walked around and looked at about 190 General Lee's and other cars from the show. That was neat! Then we decided to get in a line for an autograph. Since Roscoe P. Coltrane (James Best)was Jared's favorite, we got in his line first. We stood in line for over three hours! James Best is also an artist and had some very beautiful paintings, so we bought one. The above picture is of us with him and the painting we bought. He was very kind! He was signing autographs all day. Did I mention he is 86 years old? Then we stepped over to Enos's line and bought a 8 by 10 of him and had him sign it. We have started a collection for Jared's "Man Room" a while back when I met Cletus while at Cooter's Garage in Gatlinburg. There I bought an 8 by 10 of Enos and had him sign it along with a t-shirt for Jared. Anyhow, then we left and went to Cooter's Garage there in Nashville and then on to eat at The Rain Forest Cafe. That was a really fun atmosphere! We had our picture made there, but it's not digital and so I don't feel like scanning it right now. Then we went back to Dukesfest to hear The Crickets and Cooter's Garage band, and then the cast sang "Just the Good 'Ole Boys" a few times. They also had kids from the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital there because all proceeds from Dukesfest went to the children's hospital. Ya'll know how we feel about Children's Hospitals! Then they had all 190 General Lee's (The Parade of General Lee's) driving around the race track. It all ended with fireworks. We came back Sunday after church, had lunch at The Macaroni Grill and went straight to VBS! It was a wonderful weekend! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, JARED! I LOVE YOU!

Memorial Day Weekend!

Jared and I had a very busy and FUN weekend! Friday afternoon we drove to Brundidge for a visit with his family. Friday night we ate dinner at the Mossy Grove One Room School House steak and shrimp restaurant. It was delicious! Jared and I shared a steak and a shrimp skewer. Saturday we met Andy, Jenny, and Caleb in Montgomery at Jim 'N Nicks for lunch. Andy left for Brazil yesterday and wanted to have BBQ one last time before he left. He will be gone for 3 and a half weeks. Later we did a little, not much, shopping and went back to Brundidge. That night we went to Brian and Jennifer Davis' house to see Addie. She was so cute! She is now four months old and very long. She's really a cutie! We came Sunday in time for evening services. After church a group of us went to the Pizza Hut in Sumiton for their all-you-can-eat buffet. It was good! I hope we go back! Sunday was also Pam's 26th birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAM! Monday my dad's cousin rented a pavillion at Oak Mountain right next to the man made beach there. We had a blast! It was reall good to see the cousins! I miss them! I am used to seeing them on a daily basis and now it's just holidays, mostly! I hope everyone enjoyed their vacations!

Just Another Day

My school year is ending and it is slightly sad. I really LOVE my class this year and want to have them again! Jared says I do this every year, which is true, but I can't help but think that my next class just might be rough or hard. I also have a lot of What Ifs, for example, What If Royall's new teacher only sees him as a struggler academically and fails to appreciate his tender heart and good humor? What If Gage's new teacher smothers his crazy antics even if he is a little loud and rambucous? What If Janterica's new teacher only sees that she doesn't do her work eventhough she is very smart and misses that she is unique and hilarious? What If Brendan's new classmates tease him harsely about things kids their age shouldn't even know about? What If Steven's stuttering causes him to be teased? What If Tia and Maurkeycea's new teacher only sees that they are sassy instead of beautiful girls who can be very helpful and kind when they choose to be? I literally tear up as I say good-bye to each child because I truly will miss them? I get so attached each year and it really does take several months with the new class before I start to let go off the previous class and embrace the new one. It's a vicious cycle, but I can't help but think about all of the amazing students I have had the privilege to teach! I am very lucky!

Chris Hosmer is My Hero!

Here's the dish...
I wanted to make my class a video of all the pictures I took over the school year. I was going to do it on Pam's computer because she has the program to do it. I had to wait until after the graduation banquet because she was doing the video for that. She ended up not having enough memory to complete the project so she and Chris had to finish it on his computer. Anyhow, I decided to explore my my computer programs to see if I had a movie maker on here already. I am not very computer savy so this was dangerous. I found a program and began maing this wonderful video that kept tearing me up-my class is so great! I stayed up until after midnight on Saturday. I couldn't finish because the rest of the pics were on my camera, which was in the car, and if you know me, you know I will NOT go outside after dark, I am a terrible scaredy cat! So I decided to go to bed, afterall, I did have church the next morning. Sunday I spent all afternoon working on this video. After lunch and 1 quick bathroom break, I FINALLY finished right before church! I was so proud! Unfortunately, I couldn't get the movie to burn to a dvd. I saved the project and left it up on the computer and went to church. At church I was like "Chris, I really need your help!" He tried and tried, but I had done something wrong saving the movie and he couldn't fix it. Then he tried putting it in another movie making program, but it would only copy the files from Sat., not Sun.'s work. I messed something up. Then, he volunteered to stay up all night and redo it at his house! Wow! I was grateful and guilty! I felt bad, but, if you know Chris you know that he currently has a lot of time on his hands and he is a night owl. He said he didn't mind because he had nothing to do on Mon. He even volunteered to bring it back by the house (I don't think he would have woke up at 7 am when I would have stopped by to get it)! :) At 4:45 am I hear Chris's race car (that's what Xander calls it because he thinks the front grill has a mouth and the car is Lightening McQueen from the Disney movie Cars) in the driveway dropping my movie off, leaving it in the grill on the porch like we had agreed. He saved my day! Naturally, I couldn't go back to sleep because I felt so bad it took so long and I was so grateful I was trying to think of ways to pay him back. Anyhow, my class absolutely LOVED the movie proclaiming that I was the best teacher in the whole world! I had a wonderful day thanks to Chris!!!

The #1 song on the Day I was Born...

The #1 song in America on the day I was born was "Sad Eyes" by Robert John. What was the #1 song on the day you were born, married, child's birth, etc. Check it out:

http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

A Sad Night in TV Land

I got goose bumps as I watched one of my favorite shows end tonight and I probably would have cried if Chris had not been here. Gilmore Girls ended tonight! I started watching GG in college, not too long after it first aired. See, I always taped 7th Heaven and then my roommates and I and our fiances would watch it over dinner. Dorky, I know, but serves as a great memory! One night I taped 7th Heaven for too long and what did I record with it? Gilmore Girls! It's funny, but I remember fast forwarding it and watching my other shows I had recorded and then, one night I had nothing to watch. I remembered that show I accidentally recorded and decided to watch it. Seven years later I am still recording and watching the GG (see blinkie). Tonights episode made me want more, like every other episode! Also, last night I watched the finale of 7th Heaven and Surivior Figi! Both of these air on Sundays, so I watch them later, cause of course I am at church! It's that time of year when a lot of good-byes are being said. I start to dread saying good-bye to my class. I really grow attached! You know the feeling, it's sad, but good, too. The one you feel on Easter Sunday when you realize all your year long work is done and the high of the convention is soaring back down, and then you start over, so it's good. Or the feeling you get after spending a week at camp and riding that high only for it to end, but then you always have next year. Or when you graduate college or high school and that chapter ends, but a new one begins. Anyhow, life is good and all good things must come to an end, but new things will begin and be just as good or better. Well, I must close because I am starting to sound like a commencement speech!

A Whirlwind of a Weekend!

What a weekend! Friday night a group of us spent all evening pricing "treasures" for the yard sale we were having to raise money for ICYC. It is so interesting to see all the things people have. Saturday we got up bright and early and set up for the yard sale. It is A LOT of work, but can be enjoyable, as well as being a good tool to use to speak with others about Christ. I met an interesting lady named Brenda. She shopped the yard sale while I tagged along behind her trying to get her to buy everything she touched. This may drive most crazy, but Brenda loved it! You know how you can just tell when someone will take your crazy antics and have a good time with you? I just love that! You meet the most interesting people that way. As Anne (of Green Gables) would call it, "kindred spirits." I'm not necessarily saying that Brenda was a kindred spirit, but she was fun. Afterall, she did leave and come back to the yard sale three times. She even gave me her phone number and had me call her towards the end of the sale. I invited her to church and she said she would come. Well see, I hope so! Did I mention that she bought a Jesus statue and started kissing it, literally? Sunday was Mother's Day. My Mama wanted to eat at O'Charley's, so we did! It was very tasty! Pam and I gave Mama and Daddy (for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and their 30th Anniversary) a weekend getaway with most expenses paid. They want to go to Savannah, GA. Sounds fun! Jared and I would go there for our 5th Anniversary (together for over 8 years!!!), but they are going the weekend after their anniversary which happens to be ours. Going to the same place your parents are going to for their anniversary could be akward! :) We had a good Mother's Day with my Mama.
Today was a good day. First, Pam bought a house and will close on May 31. My Mama is already "weepy" as she calls it! Also, today, I played wheelchair basketball against people from the Lakeshore Foundation. It was loads of fun! I mean they were spanking us on the court and they had missing limbs! This tells me that I desperately need to get in better shape! Those guys' upper body strength was amazing! They were very nice, as well as, generous on the court! I even scored! It was really rewarding to hear my students yelling for me! It was just like the time I played basketball in High School. The one time I scored all season was so glorious and shocking that I was fighting my huge grin, you know, I was just too cool to grin like a goober just because I scored so my mouth just twisted all crazy! It's funny the things that you remember. I will post pictures as soon as I get them developed and scanned. I forgot my digital camera at home and had to use the old 35 mm in my classroom. I better get off to bed soon. I was pretty tired all day. The yard sale just wore me out! Have a grewat week everyone!

Updates for the Week

Wow! It's been a awhile! Last week I spent the first part of the week trying to get things done for Joseph's graduation and the last part of the week waiting to hear of it would end up happening - it didn't! Stinks! Long story! Shame that it was all fine until a few days before the ceremony. His advisor messed up and Bevil, as of today, has still not sent his transcripts to Faulkner, after SEVERAL different times of filling out the SAME paperwork over and over! Oh well...when life deals you lemons, well, you know the line! :)
Last Friday the second grade at Pleasant Grove Elementary went on a very adventurous field trip to Noccalula Falls and the The Museum of Natural History in Anniston and Gadsden. We left PG at 7 am and returned at 4:30 pm. I was lucky enough to be on the charter bus that stalled five times and then died and would not make it up the hill into the museum. Luckily we got that far! We had to unload our bus and get on another one. Our bus had to cool off before it would make it up the hill! When it was time to go our bus was there and never did stall again; however, we lost the luxury of the air conditioner! I really had a nice time and got to visit with my fellow second grade teachers and the parents and grandparents of my students! If Pam could have been so lucky! She went to Atlanta, GA to Six Flags with her 6th graders the same day and her trip makes mine look perfect! Her shabby charter bus (yes-she too was lucky to be on the dud bus- what does this mean about Glenn luck????) blew a tire in Anniston and Pam's bus had to unload on the side of I 20 and get onto an already full bus! Pam had to stand all the way back to Botenfield! Did I mention her bus had duck tape on the floor, she never did figure out what the duck tape was actually holding together! Scary!
Saturday Jared and I had a nice day together. We ate lunch at Red Lobster, went to a matinee to see SpiderMan3, did a little shopping at the Galleria, and then had dinner at Johnny Rockets. Oh yeah! That morning Pam, Chris, and Katie Ward came over (Katie had never seen where we lived) and played a little pool and sang Kareoke. None of us can really sing! Sunday we ate lunch at Shanghai with Kevin and Gayla and Cassie Bradford and then they spent the afternoon at our house. It was good to see them.
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week at school. Tuesday our PTA arranged for every employee at PG EL to have an hour long lunch off campus. We were picked up in shifts in front of the school in a Hummer stretch limo! We were given a short joy ride around PG and then to a church fellowship building for a steak lunch. Then when we were finished we rode back to school in the Hummer limo. Today the PTA also gave us all Wal-Mart gift cards! I feel so blessed! I have also received several nice gifts from students.
Tomorrow night a bunch of us will meet and price and load yard sale items for the yard sale our church is sponsoring. ALL proceeds go to Indina Creek Youth Camp. It's a great opportunity for us all to swap junk and give to the camp we all love! The yard sale is on hwy 269 next to the Crazy Bill's fire works stand across from AJ"S quick stop in Minor. Come check it out! It starts at 7 am, Saturday, May 12.