Hey.....that's the way we do it......

....good friends and blue skies that never end. Hey......that's the way we like it- good times, sunshine, and summertime!

Love that song =)



Ahhh.... today I turned back time by 15 years.

How did I manage this? I went to the water park on a hot summer day!

Today, my dear friend Honey Cup and I went to Geyser Falls water park.

WE HAD A BLAST! I haven't had that much fun, or laughed that much, in a really long time. Part of my Goals for 2009 discussed back in January was to take time out of work to play and just live a little.

I had so much fun!

We arrived at the water park around 11 and stayed until well after four. We rode the rides, ate Dippin Dots ice cream to cool us off, floated around the lazy river at least 30 times, swam at the clear water beach,and then rode some more rides. Afterward, we headed to Chilli's to enjoy some good food, good conversation, and even better margaritas out on the patio. I then headed to Books-A-Million and purchased 3 new books to devour (another post coming on this soon).

I cannot say enough about how much fun I had today. I guess I'm in shock because I haven't had much fun in years- so I figured I had lost that ability. Well, today showed me that I still have the ability to run around a water park, swim, splash, play, and act like a kid- except now I can have a nice drink afterwards ;)

My mom is coming down July 15 and we're going again- I cannot wait!

I'm EXHAUSTED! I'm going to enjoy a nice cool shower, put on my favorite pj's, and climb into my bed and read my new book (but I know I will be out as soon as my head hits the pillow- I'm so tired). I wish I had taken a picture of my friend and I after our day of fun in the sun. I did snap one on my camera phone to capture the rosy color in my cheeks from soaking up the sun's fabulous rays!

But, alas! My summer fun is just beginning! Tomorrow after cello lessons, I get to spend the entire day with my best friend, Chickadee- swimming, tanning, having girl talk, reading, and enjoying ice cold margaritas!

Let the good times roll!

Let's give a warm welcome to......

My dear friend, and kindred spirit, T, has plunged into the world of blogging. We spent yesterday afternoon discussing sewing and building blogs. I'm super excited that she's started journaling her life. This chickadee is amazing- she's a home school mom with THE most beautiful and talented girls, she's a painter, sewer, cook, and the list goes on and on! She's extremely crafty and always amazes me with her extraordinary amount of talent. She is also a very strong Christian- one whom I seek advice from often. I'm so very lucky to have her as a friend- and I look forward to reading her posts.

So, all of my faithful bloggers (and blog stalkers)- take a minute and check out her page. I've also liked her under my fellow bloggers. I promise that after reading about her for a bit, you'll get hooked!

T- thanks for the mini sewing lessons! I cannot wait for our trip- we're going to have a blast! =)

Indecisive

Helpful decorating advice needed....

I'm in the process of constructing our guest bedroom. I was originally going to do our office first, but I've changed my mind- mainly because I've yet to find office attire that appeals to me.

I have a blank canvas to work with- literally, there is nothing in our guest bedroom! I'm torn between these two beds:

This first bed is the one I've been eyeing for months now.
Before I would have never considered a metal frame bed- but after seeing this one, I'm in love. This bed just seems so warm and cozy! Plus, it's different- which was what I was going for! I also love how it fits in with my style- I love cozy, french country-ish, soft-suble colors. The name of this bed is Bellisimo- no doubt, because it certainly is very beautiful! =)



This second bed is one I happened upon a few days ago. I love it- but I'm hesitant to get it because it is almost EXACTLY like the one we bought last summer for our master bedroom. The only difference is ours is a sleigh bed and does not have drawers at the foot (but is the exact same color, same rustic/country cottage feel, and has the same bead board trim).
In fact, our bedspread and linens have blue hues almost identical to the bed spread pictured. I'm fighting the urge to pick this one by telling myself that I should not decorate our guest room just like our master bedroom. I'm wanting something different- but this is still soooo pretty and definitely my style! (In our master bedroom I went for the french country-cottage look).

So, which one should I choose?


On a side note: I've found the perfect sewing table for only $100! It's a steal! I wanted something that would close back up so that you couldn't tell it was a craft/sewing table. Plus, I wanted a good bit of storage and table top space. Here's what I found...... Love it! What do you think?

You would never know it was a sewing station.....

.......until you opened it up.

It has a rack at the back (above the sewing foot pedal) to store your machine on. The rolling wheels are removable - but I kind of like being able to move it around. There is a leaf arm that lets up or down to provide more table top space. Plus, you can't beat it for only $100 bucks! I'm thinking of maybe painting it a cool, airy blue - then roughing it up with a wire brush to antique it. If I did paint it- it would go great with either bed (I don't want to over crowd our office, so until we get moved, I'm going to put my sewing station in our guest bedroom. I'm hoping to one day have a sewing/craft room- then I can get an amoire for our guest room) So, should I paint it or not- What do you think?

I found two colors on this chart that I liked...
They are- Pale Cadet (top row, second color)
November- Third row, third color).

Ahh.... decisions, decisions. What's a girl to do?

STITCHES

I've decided to turn my sewing hobby into a small side business. I'm just getting started -and not sure how it will go- but I'm going to give it a try! I thought STITCHES would be simple and easy to remember. I consideredt adding 'Sylvia Grace' into it- but I decided on Sylvi (it's a nickname my favorite aunt, Betty Boop, calls me =).... So what are you waiting for? Check it out!

Very Disappointing

After class tonight I rushed.... and I mean rushed....home to watch the new Jon & Kate + 8 episode. After the previews I was preparing myself.... I knew what they would say.

I will admit that I'm an avid watcher..... have been since the first documentaries of them and into the first season. I've read their book and have enjoyed watching the family grow over the years. In today's world, it's rare to see a marriage make it past 3-5 years. So, when you come across a couple that is making it work- you can't help but find yourself cheering them on!

So.... I will admit that I cried like a baby during the entire show ! ! !

It makes me so sad to see how their family has fallen apart. Many of my family and friends are on Kate's side. I lean a bit more towards Jon's side... but I definitely can see both viewpoints.

In the end I will miss the family dynamics that have captivated me for so long. Regardless of how hard they try, the show-- and their lives--- will never be the same. In my opinion.... it's just my feelings and I'm entitled to them......... the Gosselin's should end the show and focus on their relationship with their kids and themselves--even if it's only a friendship. It's time to let the show go-- the magic that was there before is gone. Now it's only akwardness, gossip magazine drama, and heartbreaking to watch.

Having been through 2 divorces and one adoption by my 6th birthday..... I know how the kids feel. I was the age of the young kids when my parents divorced.... and not matter how young you are- you remember!

To the Gosselin family - I wish you nothing but the best!

To our Dads......

I found this website that lists the Top 5 Worst Gifts to get your dad for his special day. Check it out!

Just Sewing Away

I finished making a few dish towels using that cute fabric in green and red. I also made several dish towels with Mississippi State fabric for myself and my family.

Take a look.....

Luck Be A Lady

Tonight, Hondeydo and I decided to head to Philadelphia to visit my grandparents and grab a bite to eat at the casino. While at the casino we decided to play a little. We ended up playing the 25 cent slot machines. We picked two machines side by side and started playing. We were there maybe 5 minutes when my machine hit. I quickly cashed out (or else I would have played until I lost it all back). As soon as my ticket printed Hondeydo's machine hit! He immediately cashed out and we headed straight for the checkout booth and then to the car.

How neat is that? We pick two machines side by side, and they hit within 1 minute of each other!

I spent $8 total...... and won $88!
Honeydo spent $40 even.....and won $463.25

Total spent: $48
Total won: $551.25

Afterwards we shopped around town for a while, visited my family, and then grabbed a late night dinner at Outback before heading home.

Luck was definitely a lady tonight! =)

Bad News on a Saturday Morning

This morning one of my fellow teachers, Honey Cup, called to ask if I had heard the terrible news. I hadn't so she begins to tell me this horrible story of how our school had been burned.

Gasp.....

What? What? Say WHAT?

I looked online and saw the video... sure enough, someone intentionally busted out several widows and caught our principals office on fire! Just the day before someone broke into the building, stole a few items, and wrote graphite on the walls.

Please be in prayer for my principal and my school. My principal's office was completely destroyed- she lost everything. Other offices were damaged along with our copier, fax, laminator, and all of the other office equipment.

I've heard rumor that we may not have the summer enrichment program. I hope so badly that we do- this was the first time our school was having this type of program.

My question is this: Who could possibly do such a thing?

Follow this link to a watch video of the fire, courtesy of WTOK news.

Follow this link to view an updated video.

I may have found a way to occupy my sleepless nights.....

Once again I'm wide awake past midnight...... darn that insomnia!

Here's the first kitchen towel I've made with my new sewing machine. There are a few imperfections, but I'm getting the hang of it. I haven't used a sewing machine in years! Plus, I need to restock my sewing basket with thread.... as of now I only have 6 colors.
Baby steps..... I'm taking baby steps.



I found this super cute fabric and bought it in red and green. I love the birds and flowers on it!



I'm hoping to make new curtains for my classroom before the summer enrichment program begins. The only problem will be finding the time to make them.

I'm hoping my friend T will give me a few lessons on making children's clothes - she is a sewing and embroidering expert! She makes the cutest outfits for her girls. Maybe I can learn a few tricks before we have children of our own!

It's Official

I now have a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education!

Go me!

I passed my oral comprehensive exam today (the written comps paper was due last week) and I'm so happy to have that behind me!

I got a new sewing machine, some super cute fabrics, and a new sewing bag as graduation gifts from my hubby! Thanks Honeydo! =)

This has been a long and busy year..... but now it's over and I can finally enjoy the sweet taste of success ..... a.k.a a pay raise! Time to kick back and take it easy.....

....until August at least! Then I'm off to work on my Educational Specialist degree.

I know, I know.... I never stop! What's wrong with being a 'little' driven? ;)

In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.

Bill Cosby

Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time. Success is dependent on effort.
Arnold H. Glasow

A non-doer is very often a critic-that is, someone who sits back and watches doers, and then waxes philosophically about how the doers are doing. It's easy to be a critic, but being a doer requires effort, risk, and change. Always be a doer.
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

All I want to do....

.......is sleep like a baby the whole night through!

Lately I've been suffering from bouts of insomnia. The first few days of Summer break I could go to bed at 10 and sleep till 12 the next day! I've always been able to sleep that good-- I never had to worry about not getting adequate beauty rest. Now, I can't seem to go to bed at all.....

Monday night I slept for about 2-3 hours...

Last night I slept fine.....

Tonight, I'm wide awake -- again. Maybe it's just my nerves....

I was really hoping to get my beauty rest tonight because in the morning I have my oral comps exam for my Master's degree. It's at 11:20 and I really don't want to be groggy with bags under my eyes.

Alas, I'm sipping a cup of 'Surrender to Sleep' lemon chamomile tea (with honey, of course) and doing a bit of reading hoping that will put me to sleep!

Maybe......

+
will =

Celebrity Bloopers

I don't know about you, but I love it when celebrities show they are really human by messing up every now and then!

Last night my good friend Chickadee told me to find the following videos on YouTube. I did and they were hilarious!

The first video is a clip of Brett Michaels singing at the Tony Awards. Notice the large drop down backdrop that takes Michaels out! Hilarious! I think he actually broke his nose during this ordeal! Too funny! He was singing and trying to be smooth....... he's smooth all right! Maybe it's funny to me because I've never liked him that much anyways! Hmmmm...... I wonder if any of his Rock of Love ladies were there to help him up! Ha! If you turn the volume up, you can faintly hear it when he hits.....






This second clip is from the MTV Movie Awards when Kristen Stewart drops her award, doesn't know what to do or say, and eventually runs off stage! She was trying so hard to give a good speech...... which was mumbled and included her scratching her head! I love how the Moon Man behind her picks it up....... and how they show a clip of someone in the audience laughing at her! Can we say.......AWKWARD!

Dips

Most of you may already know about this topic.....(I'm always behind!).....but I'll share it for those who may not!

My stepmom actually introduced this to me last week! It's a simple, quick, and inexpensive way to make your own dips. Just buy your preferred flavor packet of Hidden Valley Dips mix (found in the salad dressing isle), one 16 oz. carton of sour cream, mix the two together, and enjoy!

I had been using the Original Ranch Dips mix when I make Taco Soup- so, I should have known more about it! After all, on the back it does give the easy directions! =)

My two favorites so far are the original Hidden Valley Ranch flavor and the Fiesta Ranch flavor. It's ready to eat as soon as you mix it up- however, I found that the dips have more flavor the next day, after they've sat for a bit in the fridge. Each packet makes 16 0z. and is enough dip to use for a good while! It's cheaper than buying the traditional dips for chips and paying 3-4 bucks for just 8 oz.!

Give it a try and let me know what you think! I've also found really good recipes from the Hidden Valley Ranch website. The one I'm going to try next is the Spinach Dip recipe... I'll let you know how it comes out!

My husband's going to love this post!

After turning in my comps paper, then sitting through class all night, I was really looking forward to just being lazy today. I stayed up till 3 a.m. watching movies with the idea that I would sleep really, really late today.

The way my life has been lately, I should have known better....

My Dad called me this morning at 10:30.... so much for sleeping late.

I planned to go back to bed once I had talked to him, but just before I hung up the phone I happened to glance down at my wedding set.

One of the diamonds had fallen off! I looked in the bed, in the bathroom, on the floor- EVERYWHERE! I couldn't find it....

So, I freaked out! I jumped in the shower, got dressed, and drove the hour drive to Meridian to take it to the jewelers.

For Christmas a few years ago, my husband bought me a second wedding band to go on the other side of my engagement ring. When he bought it, he also purchased extra insurance on all three rings.

Thank goodness my set is ensured out the wazoo! The jewelers are replacing the diamond at not cost to me. It's all free! I just dropped it off and left!

And to think, I tried talking my husband out of having my rings ensured. I told him it was way to expensive (which it was), and that nothing would ever happen to them.

There's not many times in life I say this.....

My husband was right- and I was wrong!

I guess the saying is true - "You never know what's coming for you!"

The Last Lecture

As mentioned on a previous blog, I read "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. I finished it about 3 nights ago and cried like a baby during the last few pages! You cannot read this book without stopping periodically and reflecting on your own life and decisions. I highly recommend this book!

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book.....

"The brick walls in life are there for a reason. They're not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something."

"Complaining does not work as a strategy. We all have finite time and energy. Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won't make us happier." ---This really hit home with me in that I'm the ultimate procrastinator!

"Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. It's a phrase worth considering at every brick wall we encounter, and at every disappointment. It's also a reminder that failure is not just acceptable, it's often essential."

"Be The First Penguin. When I taught the 'Building Virtual Worlds' couse, I encourage students to attempt hard things and to not worry about failing. I wanted to reward that way of thinking. So, at the end of each semester I gave out "The First Penguin" award. The title of the award came from the notion that when penguins are about to jump into water that might contain predators, well, somebody's go to be the first penguin!"

"Get in touch with your crayon box. As I spoke about childhood dreams during my last lecture, I asked everyone to close their eyes and rub a crayon between their fingers-- to feel the texture, the paper, the wax. Then I asked them to smell their crayon. Smelling a crayon takes you right back to childhood, doesn't it? To this day I always carry a crayon in my shirt pocket-- for those moments when I need to remember."


I'm now reading 'My Sister's Keeper' by Jodi Picoult. I saw previews of the movie, starring Cameron Diaz, and it looks interesting! I'm hoping to finish the book before the movie comes out June 26. This is the first time I've read the book first, then watched the movie. I always do it backwards! =)

Bye Bye Monkey!

I am officially DONE with my comps paper!

I turned it in and had to supress the urge to run through the university dancing a jig and cutting flips!

Glad to have that monkey off of my back!

Now all i have to do is sit through class twice a week for just a little longer and I'll have a Master's degree!

I'm already planning my big I-survived-my-master's-degree PAR-TAY!

Here's a special treat.....