i LOVE this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvyknw4VClE

Roll tide... It's not JUST a saying, it's more of a state of mind.

Merry Christmas

While some of us are in our warm and cozy houses with family that loves us, food on the table, presents freshly opened, some people in our lives are struggling. I am so thankful for the job I have and the incredible gift God has given me for loving children, especially children that don't stand a chance. This morning I am thinking about the children in my room this year. I know that some of them are outside playing in the snow and that is the only present they will get this year for Christmas. I pray for them, I pray that God will take their lives and change it. I pray they will be able to escape bad circumstances. My friend, Jae, has a heart bigger than mine. She is an incredible teacher and friend. The kids she comes in contact with LOVE her. Here's a link to her blog. This Christmas morning her heart is breaking for some children she loves very much. Please pray for her.

Christmas Break

I have already enjoyed my Christmas break, and I've only been out 3 days. I am think I MAY be able to be a stay-at-home mom one of these days.
Monday, I went to visit Barbara and the Roly Poly. I wrapped ALL of her presents (I am such a good friend, right?!), held Aubrey, girl-talked, and licked the bowl of red velvet cake bowl. I ran by the Galleria to check out my new favorite store, Lotus Boutique. If you need a dress, go there! I picked up Moe's and ran home to watch the Holiday with Calla and Jess.
Tuesday, I layed in bed, discovered some of Birmingham, cleaned, packed, and Barbara, Kevin, and Aubrey came over for a visit.
Today, I woke up late, snuggled with Millie, finished packing, went to the doctor, and drove home. Once home, I realized...I forgot my house key for my mom's house in Birmingham. AH! I ran to a neighbor's, got the key, unloaded my car, and met with Mary, Reid, and Wright for pizza. I am not a fan of Arab. I am a proud native of Guntersville and I LOVE IT! But, we tried a pizza place in Arab, and I am quite impressed. Wright and I shared a pepperoni, green pepper, and onion pizza. SO GOOD!
In the mix of all of this, I forgot to mention the new workout I am trying. It's Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. And she is killing me. I shredded for the first time yesterday, and today I could barely walk. After a hot bath, I entertained my mom by doing Day 2 of shredding. I can't wait to get the bod of Jillian :) If you are looking for a workout DVD that challenges you and is fun, BUY IT. It's worth the $9 I payed.
Tomorrow, my group of friends will be celebrating Christmas in the Country at Paul's. I can't wait to be with everyone...

Good Bye

Saying good bye is so hard to do. My friend, LaToya, will be moving to Alaska in one week, for the next three years. I am going to miss her so much. She was my first friend at my new school and helped me learn the ropes of Birmingham. She always included me and made me feel like I was a part of her group. She invited me to events, even when she knew I'd be the only white person (haha, thanks for that!) LaToya brought me out of comfort zones so many times...which helped me to understand the kids we work with. Thank you for your friendship. Love you!!

gotta brag...

on my kids!! Guess what they did?! What?! You might be wondering...let me just tell you. Those kids made either an a or b (with one 79) on their 9 weeks math test today! I almost jumped for joy. I couldn't be prouder...well, I could be if the one 79 would have made a "b." But, seriously, today made me realize just how much I love what I do :) YAY!! for them.

Roly Poly

Two posts in an hour...whoa!! I've been meaning to posts these for a long time. Here are a few of my favorite pictures I took of my Roly Poly... :)

Love- Your Auntie :)

I'm bossy

So what?! I can't help it that I am bossy. I have been for a long time and I will be for a long time. I think it's why I am a teacher. I like being in charge and I like it when people like my ideas. That's why my friends and I get along so well. Even if they don't love my idea, they know how to say it's wonderful, tweek it to work for them, and give me the credit. Oh, how I love it. BUT, my family, my dear sweet brother, doesn't buy into this. He would rather me do it HIS way...crazy, huh?! Thankfully, he sets me straight (skraight, haha) and reminds me I can't always have it my way. He makes me re-think my first opinion and tests me to try out new things. And then eventually lets me have a little part of my way. I say all this to say, my kids at school let me have my way (they don't have a choice), my friends let me kinda have my way, and my brother doesn't let me have my way. And yet, I love him the most. :) Here's to a wonderful realization of a brother's love...

Well, shoot...

I can't believe it. In my lifetime, I don't remember Auburn ever being better than us (meaning Alabama). Except for now. I would never say I am happy for them, but I am glad they have a chance. Not only does it make the state and the SEC look good, it's good for their program and the competition they bring to the state of Alabama. I look forward to watching them play in the National Championship. But never forget...Roll Tide!!
Yesterday and today were terrific. I took the day off yesterday to get some important things done. Like, all my Christmas shopping. And cleaning my house...because today I had Prissy's birthday party at my house. It was nice to have my family over. I'll post pictures later.
This is what I have to look forward to when I get back to school. Jay'z and another girl in my class had a fight in the gym yesterday. Apparently it was bad. I really, really hope it's taken care of. I am going to call their parents and ask for a conference. I can't even explain how this made me feel. On one hand, I think I must be a pretty good teacher because it didn't happen while I was there and I've noticed these girls haven't been getting along. At the same time, I must not be a good teacher because when I'm away, they act crazy!! Oh well, when Monday rolls around I'll handle it.