Now paging the jerk in aisle 3...

I live in the south. It never shows here. When it does we get very excited and rush to the grocery store to buy eggs, milk, and bread. Although it does seem quite odd to outsiders we do it because we have no clue how to drive on anything frozen such as snow or ice which can keep us trapped inside for quite some time. Anyhow, this afternoon after I got home from work I headed out to the store to do my weekly grocery shopping. I needed more than the "basic necessities" (as listed above). We were out of food and my husband was coming home from a two day duck hunt. Needless to say today wasn't the day for casual food shopping. It was nuts! Every thing had been picked over (and I mean EVERYTHING... even the onions were sold out). People were rushing, bumping into carts... moms even had panic flashing across their faces. I have never experienced such a "Southern Snow Rush" of that magnitude. Even as a souther gal born and raised it was a bit disturbing.

As I am browsing the coffee section I overheard a very loud and seemingly annoying male voice describing this pandemonium to a friend (I am assuming who still lives wherever this man came from). As I continued to used my "splatter vision" (my father's definition of our family's "gift" to be able to multitask - aka eavesdrop) to listen in I realized this man had his own opinion and quite frankly began making fun of us "southern people." Basically he called us all crazy. Now I can make fun of southerners all day long until the cows come home but you let someone born above the Mason Dixon line go there and its on! Needless to say this guy got a big "go to you know where" look for the remainder of my stay in the store.

As I stood in line with all of my fellow "crazies" I couldn't help but thinking. Forgive us mister for looking forward to seeing snow... I guess we were just graced by the good Lord to be born here. I sure hope you realize how lucky you are to live here now.



This picture was taken around 8:00 on Friday. It had been snowing for about an hour. It is suppose to continue for 24 hours so I will have to post an after picture next!

I think I just got dooped.

Since we moved in our house two years ago I have wanted a new entertainment center. I mean of course the hubby's bachelor TV stand would do, but I wasn't looking for it to last this long. On Sunday Preston asked me what I wanted to do on my day off. I suggested sleeping in and going out to lunch but he had a better plan. He wanted to take me shopping for an entertainment center. Now that was an idea! It only took three stops before we fell in love with one. This is what we found. We love it and think it will make our living room! It is going to be delivered next Thursday. I can't wait.



Have you ever had that feeling that someone has done something nice so that you will do something nice for them. For example, "if you scratch my back I'll scratch yours." Well I got that feeling as soon as we left the store. We didn't even make it to car before my darling husband said the infamous words, "So I have been thinking..." As soon as I started the car he finished the sentence with, "I need a new boat."

Top Gun and Coffee...

Must mean it is a holiday from school! When I became a teacher four years ago I did not realize how much I would appreciate having holidays off. Of course I realized it was a perk of the job but that was about it. I was still fresh out of college and ready to work my butt off for little money.

Now as an "old pro" (ha ha - who am fooling) I can see that two things teachers adore are teacher workdays and holidays. I feel so blessed to have a job that I love (yes I do actually love teaching a class full of 21 children under the age of 6) that allows me time to be off with my family and friends. In actuality I also enjoy having a day to "regroup" sleeping in, accomplishing chores I didn't get to over the weekend, and to relax with my hubby and dog.

Of course the real reason we are off today is to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today I hope you will remember this wonderful man's dream. His efforts and ultimate sacrifice paved the way for our future. I am so thankful everyone in our county has equal rights regardless of the color of their skin. Most of all I am thankful that I have the opportunity to teach ALL children and for that I am forever thankful.

If you are lucky enough to have today off I hope you will enjoy it and make the most of this beautiful Carolina blue sky day!

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

It is no secret children are a gift from God. I am learning, the more teaching years I get under my belt, you can never expect the things they may say! You never know what they will say next. Last week I began teaching comparing attributes (such as weight, height, texture, length). When I asked my class if anyone knew how we can compare someone's weight a student I called on responded by saying, "My mom says wait means you are patient." I thought that was pretty sweet.

A few days later I caught one of my darling boys kissing one my sweet girls on the cheek during carpet time. I just gave him a quick "okay fella... I caught ya" look and went on teaching. After the lesson I asked them both to stay while the others got in line. I explained kissing in kindergarten was off limits - you know just mommies and daddies kiss, we have to wait until we are older and mature for those things (That's why we get married right? So we can kiss anytime we want?). Anyhow... when I asked him why he gave her a smooch his response was, "Well I was looking at her and I just couldn't help myself." Now if we all could love someone that much even if it is just for a quick moment during carpet time!

One thing is for sure, you gotta love 'em! I know teaching is the hardest job I will ever have. Of course I am sure being a mommy someday will be even harder! Even though it can get stressful I love it and I am so happy to have found something that makes me happy!



The above picture is one of me ready for a fun day in kindergarten! We were getting ready for our annual character parade! I was Ma, a character from the story "The Doorbell Rang."

New Year Resolutions

Last year Preston and I began attending our church. We had both been thinking of finding a new church to attend as our home churches were both an hour away. We were asked by a fellow fireman to come and visit during a Christmas play. We really liked it so we kept going. To our surprise we have LOVED going there! I say to our "surprise" because we were both raised in very traditional/small church settings. I am Baptist and he is Methodist. The church we now attend is non-denominational, contemporary, and made up over around 5,000 people. Next weekend is their "Discovery" class where we can learn all about what it means to be a member there. We are going and we are really excited! We feel we have finally found our "home church." After almost two years of marriage it feels great to have found a place that has deepened our love for the Lord! We couldn't think of a better place for us!

Each few weeks our pastor begins a new series of study. Before Christmas we went through each of the Ten Commandments. Believe me... they aren't as simple (or cut and dry) as you may think. To begin the new year we have now started a "New Year's Resolution" series. Here are the "resolutions" we will be covering over the next few weeks:

- I will say "no."
- I will say "yes."
- I will say "I love you."
- I will say "I'm sorry."

Last week we learned that saying "no" helps us to focus on the things that matter most to us in life such as God, family, marriage, etc. It was a great message to hear, especially before going back to work. This week we learned that we should say "yes" to God's love and that we should always ask ourselves "What would Jesus do?" before we act. We were also reminded to find scripture that relates to our needs and desires before we ask God for them. I cannot wait to see what our pastor has to say about the next two resolutions! I will have to keep you posted.

On another note (but still on topic... it involves our church as well) here is an update on our Mina Project. This project is sponsored by our church each year. Every person over the age of 18 is given an envelop with money inside ranging from $10 to $100. It was our job to find a creative way to multiply our money. Our proceeds from the project were to go to someone in our community. Preston build a fishing rod and sold raffle tickets to raise money for his God Mother who has cancer and is going through chemo. I sold half and half tickets to raise money to buy Christmas meals for the homeless at a local shelter. Preston raised $485 to his God Mother and I raised $214! It was an amazing process to be involved in and we are both very happy with how things turned out! Both of us were able to help those we really care about and it felt so good to have the support of our friends, family, and even total strangers!

It is amazing what is possible walking by faith!

Ringing in the New Year

For New Year's Preston and I visited Asheville, North Carolina. While in Asheville we visited the Biltmore House. We went at night so we could see it all lit up. They still had it decorated for Christmas so it was absolutely gorgeous! It is amazing to think at one time a family lived there! Here are some interesting facts we learned while visiting:

1. The Biltmore House is the largest home in America. At 175,000 square feet it is easy to see why.
2. George Vanderbilt began building the home when he was only 25 year old. He never worked a day in his life! He inherited all his money.
3. In the 1930's the home began welcoming tourist as a way to increase tourism in the Asheville area. This was a ploy to increase money flow due to the recession. It worked! The home is now welcomes guest 365 days a year!

Enjoying a New Year's Eve dinner at Deer Park Restaurant



Going Back to See it During the Day

A Year in Review

It is hard to believe another year as come and gone. This year was a year full of family, friends, fun, and new additions. Of course what year (of my life any way) would be complete without a wedding or two? The year of 2009 was good to us so I cannot wait to see what 2010 has in store!

2009 began with snow! Although it was nice in the beginning, we eventually lost most of our spring break due to snow days. I now realize why adults didn't like snow! One day is nice, but mess with my spring break and we have a problem.



In March Preston and I celebrated our 1st Anniversary! These last two years have been the best two years of my life! I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for our little family!



This spring marked my second season as a turkey hunter! Although I have not got my bird yet I still love every minute of it! This year I am hoping to call up my own turkey! I have been practicing! A lot of people give me a hard time about it, but I really do enjoy it and I am very serious about getting my first turkey!



In June, just as school was out for the summer, we ventured out to Hall River for what was my first kayaking trip! Needless to say it was an exciting trip. Thankfully my husband, my rescuer, helped me a couple times when times got tough on the rocks. I survived, cought some fish, and feel ready for next's summers river adventure!



This summer we had tons of fun! Last year we mostly painted and went on a couple trips to the beach. This year we decided to go, go, go. We had a ton of fun! We were able to go on several beach trips (with both family and friends). We also went to many concerts (well I did most of the going to those sans the hubby) and short day trips. The highlight of our summer was certainly our cruise! We were able to visit four countries in seven days! It was a total blast!





One of our favorite events this year involves our family's newest addition. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law welcomed a new baby boy in May! He is precious and certainly has a big spot in our hearts! Over holiday break I got to babysit him for the first time by MYSELF! It was such a fun time. He is now my "#1 little buddy" as Preston likes to say.



What year in our family would be complete without Carolina football. Football is Preston's thing. Tailgating is mine! I love socializing, cooking, and hanging out with a cool beverage! Life is good during the fall in Chapel Hill!



I know it doesn't look like much but this year was a great year! We are so blessed to have had health and happiness throughout the year! I hope that everyone has a year like never before in 2010! God bless you and yours all year along!