Family Ties

If you know me at all...(seriously, I wonder how many times that phrase has appeared on my blog), then you know I am a total Daddy's girl! Hands down, he literally hung the moon, and is the best man on the planet!

BUT-- for Mother's Day weekend, my Mom and I are flying to Mississippi together to be with my grandmother and aunts! Y'all, I am so excited! Mainly because my Mom and her sisters are the most hilarious women on the planet. And my cousins....well just 9 of my closest friends!

Back to my Mom and her sisters...there's never a dull moment. We are always guaranteed to eat well, laugh a lot, and shop even more. I promise you, these ladies can make the most out of a shopping day...they wear me out! For example, when I was there for Christmas, we went to the mall 10 out of the 12 days that I was there....and those 2 free days, were holidays! We feel it's our duty to stimulate the economy! HA!

I've been anticipating this weekend since I bought my plane ticket...about a month ago! And, it's almost here. I love my family! They are the coolest people on the planet, and for the most part, we get along rather well.

--I interrupt this regularly scheduled program to let you know that I just received an e-mail from Priscilla Shirer's office....she can't come, BUT there's always a ram in the bush, and I've got some fabulous things planned....don't worry people...I will meet her one day...and it will be great!

So, I just had to hop in here and share my excitement with you....my faithful readers....I'm sure your Friday is now complete...HA! Oh, and for all of my Texas peeps....the beast known as TAKS is OVER! Praise Jesus....it's so hard to be quiet for that long...I like to teach....and actively watching the tops of heads is no bueno! But, until next year!

Have a fabulous Friday, and I just may be back later with pics from our End of TAKS celebration!!! Make today count...God loves you!

Update and Coupon Maintenance!

So yesterday I had a meeting and TOTALLY planned out what the next few months will look like legally speaking! It was exciting, but I left totally overwhelmed...not a regular emotion for me!

I mean, I know I can do it, but there are SO many details, and generally speaking, I'm a big picture person. I like to vision cast, and can easily identify next steps, but when it comes to the minute-by-minute....not my strong side! Luckily for me, most of my close friends are detail hunters, and they've got my back. Once I get a few of the paperwork duckies in a row, I'm going to have a 'meeting of the minds,' so I can delegate some of these tasks to much more capable people!

On the drive home, I found myself really shocked at the possibilities, but I was reminded that God predestined my steps before my Mother ever knew she'd be a momma, heck before her momma's momma momma knew....and that I've just settled for what I see, not what God can do in my life! Trust me though...I'm taking it one day at a time because God's blessings can knock a girl off of her feet!

I know you're probably chomping at the bit for more details, but honestly right now...I don't have them. I have a notebook with pages and pages of notes, ideas, names, contacts, addresses, etc...but I promise to keep you updated, and I KNOW I'll need your opinion, so please stick around!

Now-- It's Show Us Your Life at Kelly's Korner, and the subject is money saving tips. Now, I'm not the biggest finance guru...far from it to say the least, but I have a few tricks of the trade!

I keep a cute little leather pocket deal in my purse full of my coupons. That way, when I get them in the mail, I just stick them right in there, and when I go to the store, they're ready. Also, if you're a teacher, you get a discount at New York and Company, Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks, Books a Million...can you think of any others?

A lot of people decline this option, but I use one of my old e-mail addresses for stores to have. You'd be surprised how many stores let you know by e-mail when great sales are happening, and they'll even e-mail coupons. Stores like The Gap, Banana Republic, Express, NY&Co, etc will take the email version of the coupon if you show them on your cell phone!

Don't miss out on these coupons because you don't want to give away your e-mail...it's worth it!

I never go to the grocery store without a list...EVER!!!! I save so much money this way!

If you don't take your lunch to work....do it! This too saves money, and often times inches on your waistline! Being a single gal, I always have left overs, so I try to take them to work.

I'm sure you have many more tips....this is certainly something I need to work on!

Goodnight! Tomorrow is the last day of TAKS...our state assessment! Hallelujah!

Can pride EVER be Holy...HA?

Because if so, I am so GODLY proud of what I got a chance to participate in...

Well, I'm back, and my trip was AMAZING!!! Y'all, I had so much fun, ate SO MUCH...(I need to cleanse), and God spoke in the car just like I thought He would, and gave me the most amazing gift e.v.e.r!!!

I'll give you a day-by-day! So get ready....it was a packed weekend!

FRIDAY:
I left work during my conference period, and hit the road! I waited a bit on my sweet tea so that I could stop at Bucee's! Does your state have a Bucee's? If not...oh my word!!! You are missing out! I may have gotten a chicken salad wrap, and I may have also gotten a huge bag of brite crawlers...maybe!

I arrived in Waco with enough time to head home, change, and hop in the car to head to the middle school. Taylor and three of her classmates put on a PALS project for middle school girls. We were dressed in our PJ's, and had cute event shirts! The event was called 'Defying Gravity,' and the stage WAS SO CUTE!!! Tracy and I were blown away that the girls did so much on their own! It looked so professional....I was such a proud big sister!

My job was to talk skin care etc., with middle.school.girls! Oh my word! I kept thanking God over and over that I teach high school! They were so........EXTRA!!! Y'all, I'm exhausted just thinking about them. Whew...it was quite a night, and I taught 4 sessions!

The event hosted an amazing speaker, Joy Elliot, wife to Lynn Elliot, former Dallas Cowboy. Her story is amazing, and the girls really identified with her!

We made it home...to bed right around 1 a.m. Just in time for the huge storm to hit....welcome back to Waco! HA! Needless to say, I slept like a baby!

SATURDAY:
Slept in a little bit, but was up and at 'em so that we could go shopping! I was able to get some kolaches from West....sweet heaven on earth! We picked up some things for Taylor, and I picked up my Mom's Mother's Day gift, and a pair of yellow box flip-flops for me....do you know them? If not....you are missing out! The most comfortable flip-flops ever!

We made a little excursion to Hobby Lobby...and Tracy told me to get some things for a project that we could work on later...true story! You can go to her house and make just about anything...so I was pumped. I got a couple of sheets of scrapbook paper to work on these frames. Aren't they cute?! I'm so happy with how they turned out!

Lunch at Chuy's...can you believe it, Waco has a Chuy's...followed by more shopping! Then, my allergies were so bad that we ended up heading home, and I crashed! I couldn't have done another thing if I tried! I woke up around 10:00 ready for dinner of course!

SUNDAY:
I was actually able to sleep in. So much so that I ended up having a brunch of....drumroll please...BUSH'S! Then, Tracy said my favorite words..."you want to do your craft now?!" Umm! yeah! And we made so many frames...and they were SO CUTE! I couldn't believe how easy it was. She's going to sell them, and I'm just going to make them for gifts...neither of us really have the time, but did I mention how cute they are!

WHAT'S IN THE WORKS:So...I mentioned a conversation that I had with Him while on the road, and I'll give you as many details as I have right now. I feel led to hold a Christian youth conference for girls, in the 7th-12th grades. As a teacher, it is not always politically correct for me to share about God, even though I do! I love it because there are girls in my first period that will 'remind' me to say my morning prayers if I seem a little on edge..they are PK's...love them!

I digress-- SO, the planning is in the baby stages right now...I'm trying to secure a speaker, and I'm working with my friend Sarah on the venue...DISCLOSURE: the next few paragraphs will be ALL OVER THE PLACE!!! Stay with me.

So, for the speaker...do you know who I e-mailed, tweeted, and put a beautifully hand written snail mail letter in the mailbox yesterday? Have you any guesses? I've shared my undying love and devotion for her here, and here, and I read her blog EVERYDAY!!! I may be obsessed...just slightly..HA!

If you've never met Priscilla Shirer, and by that, I mean having read any of her Bible studies, then seriously, what are you waiting for! Her stories are so hilarious, and they make you feel totally normal...trust me! Anyway, I know it's a long shot...I know she's a really big deal, but I just might have an inside hook-up that I sure wasn't afraid to use!! NO SHAME HERE! I'm kind of chuckling just thinking about what I have just done, but seriously...it means that much to me...and here's why!

I did a little poll from twitter and my FB friends asking for noted Christian youth speakers...and you know the ONLY name that I came up with....yep...HER! So, I'm taking that, and running with it. If you have any names, then feel free to share..but it made me sad that there really aren't a lot of people out there for the youth...specifically young girls. I guess that's why I feel so strongly. I had so many women pouring into my life....SO MANY, and I know that is why I'm so cool now...OK...I'm joking, but it was awesome having these people in my life that I could go to, hear their stories, and learn from their mistakes..I want to be that to someone else.

For the sake of the length of this post, I'm going to end it...and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE say a prayer that Mrs. Shirer have mercy on my over zealous heart, and grace these babies with her presence. PLEASE!!! (Again, I'm chuckling that I can even type these words in the same sentence...but God is BIG enough...) Can you imagine how their lives would be changed?? Can you? I get goose bumps just thinking about it...if nothing else, maybe we can get on her calendar for 2012...because yes folks...she's booked through NEXT YEAR! Can we say turning water into wine....BUT GOD!

Goodnight friends..and don't forget about that really small prayer request...LOL!

Me, My Tea, and My Tunes

Today...has been a day...well really, this week has been a week! I don't know about you all, but I am ready for the weekend! I need to think...do you know what I mean?

On a normal day, at a normal time, a lot is swimming around in this head of mine...so you can imagine the movie reel that is playing out right now. It's enough to keep my exhausted and napping...ha! Lucky for me, I've got a drive to Waco coming up (you know..to visit my vanilla family, and help Taylor with her PALS project), and long drives always help me clear my head. It's something about being on the open road, with my iTunes playing on my iPhone....talking to God, listening, worshipping....drinking sweet tea from Chick-Fil-A....notice how I slid that in there....told ya I was obsessed!

I am often so guilty of asking the opinion of my close friends, that I sometimes have too many opinions floating around in my head, and really don't know which way to go! Are you starting to see just how all over the place I can be?! It's ridiculous!

I digress..I should return from my trip to Waco refreshed, and with a gameplan...Lord knows I need one, and the quiet time alone...no kids, no husband...just kidding, but seriously, no 167 kids calling my name, and pulling me one hundred different directions.

Have a Happy Earth Day bf's! Give back to the Earth that gives so much to us!

HONEST SCRAP RECIPIENTS:
I want to award the following blogs with the honest scrap award! It's an honor to pass it on!

Jessica at From Marriage to Motherhood
Melissa at Stafford Moments
Corrie at Sea of Corrie
Nicki at Nicksterland
Ashley at Ashley's Avenue

In all Honesty!

I received another blog award today, and I dont' know what to do with myself! Thanks Kelsey...I'm honored...honestly..HA!


Kelsey mentioned 10 random things about herself, and I thought I'd do the same!

1. I have a sweet obsession with sweet tea, and I'm convinced that if I gave it up, I'd lose that last 20 pounds!

2. I love reading blogs. I could do it all day if...you know, I didn't have a job!

3. I have an obsession with the overuse of (...) and (!)...! see?!

4. I do but I don't want to teach summer school this summer. What do you think? I'm divided!

5. I follow the same morning routine EVERY morning...without deviation!

6. I like room temperature bottled water...cold makes my head hurt.

7. I hate working out...I'd rather not eat bad foods!

8. My favorite Tyler candle is 'DIVA!' Have you met her? She smells wonderful!

9. I love colored markers, SHARPIES, and cute notecards!!! LOVE THEM!

10. I miss the chicken salad from Amelia's in Waco...like for real!

Hope you enjoyed reading my randomness for tonight, and thanks again Kelsey!
My allergies are still kicking my butt, so much so that I slept 4 hours today after work! It was AWESOME!!! Enjoy your night bf's!

Still waiting...

WOW!! I had no idea that my last post would evoke such emotions from you, my lovely readers....thank you for your encouragement, but for now, I'm still not ready!

I promise the publish button will be hit soon...just not today! Is that cool?! Sorry peeps, y'all know this is a struggle for me!

Yesterday, I worked out outside, and my allergies are kicking butt today! They actually started soon after I got back inside, and they still haven't let up. I have a huge tickle in my nose, and throat....yuck!

This week seems to be going by a little too slow for me. I'm headed to Waco this weekend to spend a little time with my vanilla family...ha! Taylor has a PALS project that I am helping her out on, and I couldn't be more excited. I get to teach middle school girls about proper skin care, and more importantly how 'less is more.' It should be pretty fun! I'll have pics to post later!

I don't know if I mentioned this, but I am going to Mississippi for Mother's Day. Mom and I are connecting in Houston and flying together to Jackson. I.can't.wait! I love going to MS to spend time with my family....I'm sure I'll have lots of laughs, and of course...pics to share!

Hope your hump day is going well friends! Catch you later!

Because that would be awkward wouldn't it...?

I have a confession. I've been holding out for the last couple of weeks, and to be honest, I don't know when I'm going to give you all full disclosure. I want to, but oh what a struggle this is. To be completely open, 'naked,' exposed....because what if it all blows up in my face, and here it is, for all the world to see!

I know that I really shouldn't be thinking about this, and just in case you're wondering about the valuable moments I may have missed due to not blogging...I have it all typed out...in posts... I'm just too chicken to hit the publish key!

Don't laugh at me...ok, you can laugh...go right ahead!

This made me feel better...

Today was a very trying day! I'm sure teachers across the nation can attest to this, but my kids are losing it...which causes their teacher to lose it! I had to raise my voice, and do a litt 'woo-sah' cycles....But, today two things made me happy...I had dinner with my BFF, and when I got home, a lovely package was waiting for me!

A couple of days ago, I ordered some accessories from Francesca's! All of it was on sale...well, except for the ring...I couldn't resist! But I'm talking a major sale here....two pair of the earrings were $6.00, and the other two were pretty cheap as well. I believe the necklace was $12.00!!

Needless to say...this made my day...and I immediately tried on every piece of jewelry...I can't wait to pair them with clothes! There's only one thing that could have made this day end any better, but I guess I will just have to wait until tomorrow!

Have a great night friends! I'll catch your guys tomorrow!

Amy Beth!

One of the greatest things about having a blog is that readers whom you don't even know stumble across your pages, and hopefully grab something they can call their own, and learn from.
One of my friends Amy Beth has a blog, owns her own business, touches the lives of probably 400+ girls, gives of herself freely, seriously...I could go on, and she's only 25. But today, I read a post from her that no one wants to see someone they care for go through. You can read that post here, but just know that it's the sucky of all suckiest (excuse my poor choice of words) situation.

Tomorrow, those that know her, and those that don't are banding together to pray for her....literally from all over the country, and quite possibly the world. Oh yes...she's that much of a big deal, and when you read her blog...you'll understand! If you feel so inclined, say a prayer for her. The Bible says "where two or three are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst of them." He's needed...to show up in a mighty way!

I ask that you pray specifically for: peace, her doctors, comfort, strength, healing, and whatever else the spirit leads you to pray. While the situation looks grim right now, we know whom we serve, and God is able...without a doubt we know that!

Have a great night friends, and I hope you'll join me in prayer!

~J

Monday Ramblings...

Have you ever felt like this? I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this before, but I am the "Queen of Overthinking." But today, I'm putting my foot down to doubt, second guessing myself, and my personal area in which I hold a Ph.D....motives dissection!

I've read my normal amount of blogs this morning, and my peeps are experiencing some tough times...and having some really bad days....even my kids are off the chain today...GEESH, can a girl catch a break!?!

On a happier note...this weekend I purchased my tickets for the Jill Scott and Maxwell concert! Oh my! I can't wait. This will be my third time hearing Jill in concert....I'm super excited! Oh, and Maxwell is easy on the eyes..so that alone makes my heart sing!

I wanted to take a pic of my really cute outfit today...I'm not normally like that, but I think it's cute. It's a H&M dress that I got for a whopping $12.95. My Gap cardigan is more than the dress! HA! I think I have it accessorized pretty cute too...here's one of my fun rings I got from Charming Charlie's. Does your town have one?? If not, you're missing out sisters!

Isn't it cute?! I thought so! Well, I hope this Monday makes a turnaround for you peeps....I'm on the downward slope to my day, so it's all good over here!

Catch you later gators!

~J

May 27/28, 2010

Today I woke up thankful! When I look back to this time last year....I've come such a long way! I was miserable by the way...so uncharateristically unlike me! But today, I've got joy in my heart, and pep in my step...cornball...I know!

This has been a pretty low key weekend! Friday I literally ran out of the school building as the final bell sounded. Just as I was getting in the car to head home, Malitta called...asking if I had any plans with the boy, and if not, let's have a girls night! Well...no plans with said boy, so girls night it was!

I had just enough time to take a nap, and had just fallen into a REM cycle when my phone rang...it was Malitta, super excited because she had just seen the SATC II movie trailer!

Mal: "J, guess what, I just saw the SATC II movie trailer, and guess who Carrie sees while on vacation, and starts having feelings for again?"

Me: -insert dramatic gasp- said in unison, "AIDAN!"

You see friends...Malitta and I spent the better part of 4 months watching SATC from start to finish...Aidan was my fave...sorry Big, but I've never been a fan of fickle men...10 years...umm, don't think so! So, I can't wait to see how/what/when/where/why...oh the wait is killing me!

I love everything about SATC...the fashion, the friendships, the shopping, the eating....the stories because seriously, everyone has a friend like on of those ladies...it's total girl overload, and I love it!

In This Season...

Fear rules my life alot! From the big decisions, right down to the little ones. Lately, I've been placed in certain situations that have shown me just how run by fear I really am. I keep asking myself how I got to this place, someone so confident, has a relationship with the Lord...yet FEARS and DOUBTS everything! I'm guilty of not trying things if I'm not 100% confident that I will succeed at them. But then that's like a double sin because I'm making myself my source of strength, and not God, on top of the fear and doubt....UGH!

It is so exhausting....sometimes, I think of a million different ways something can play out. We've all been there before...what if this and what if that...but the sad thing is I know who holds my tomorrow, so I should never have to fear and doubt.

I googled images of FEAR, and I couldn't resist putting this up...it's HILARIOUS to me! I actually laughed out loud!!! Poor doggie!

Scriptures on Fear:

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Genesis 26:24 I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you.

...and my personal fave:

Mark 4:40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?

It feels so good to go to the Word when I'm needing direction. I've said it many times before, but I seriously don't know what I would do without my relationship with Christ. So, if you're the praying type...mention my name will you?! I'd really appreciate it!

April Pollen?

Happy April! I can't believe that I haven't posted in the last few days! We have been having some beautiful days here in Houston! I mean absolutely gorgeous. The only downfall is the yellow cloud that has seemed to settled among us...better known as POLLEN! YUCK!

This is just about how bad the pollen is!!! I'm getting car washes every week, but I could probably use them wice a week! It's just that bad!

Oh, and the Alicia Keys' concert was AMAZING!!! I sang my little heart out! I had such a great time!

So..how are you guys? I hope this week is a great one...I'll be back later to post more...

~Nite!