SOL: Living Loved

Happy Easter, and happy weekend, everyone!  Today, my girls & I enjoyed sleeping in (yay!), shopping, (always fun!), and coloring Easter eggs, (which we are not very good at, but still fun!)  It was a great day!  While out and about today, we stopped by to see my niece, Kaylee.  She set up a booth on Main Street in Webb City today to sell some t-shirts she is selling for her senior project at WCHS.  Her project is technically about "Ethical Business Practices in the Fashion Industry," but is so much more!  You see, the shirts she is selling are part of a much bigger project, which has my niece's heart!  All of the profits Kaylee makes selling her shirts will go directly to the Rapha House in Joplin ~ an amazing organization!  The shirts say, "Women Are Gold," which is a quite powerful message.  It is based around an old Cambodian saying that goes, "Men are gold; women are white cloth."  Kaylee, as well as the staff at the Rapha H...

Friday is a great day of the week, isn't it?  The end of a triumphant work week (hopefully), with the promise of a fresh start right around the corner, and in between lies time for you to rest and be replenished. Today marked the end of a tougher week, which is fine because challenging weeks only make us stronger!  I am looking forward to spending the weekend with family, going to church, and visiting with friends.  (Weekends with volleyball/sports tournaments are super fun, but weekends without tournaments provide time to catch up on needed errands/housework, resting, and spending time with my girls!) Here are some of our favorite things to do on a "free" weekend: Sleep in! Go shopping (we really love northwest Arkansas!) Go to movies/rent movies Go out to eat Start a project (notice that I said "start" and not "finish," ha!) SWIM (summertime only, please) Hang out with friends Spend time with grandparents, cousins, and other families R...

What is Happening?!?!? I am SO READY TO FEEL WARM!!!!!!!!  I wore my coat most of the day today because I keep trying to wear spring-type clothing when winter  (in my sarcastic tone) won't go away!   I was feeling particularly grumpy about this today as I was driving, and it was like I got a "glass half-full" slap in the face!  Why?  Because the scenery around me is changing!  What was brown and dead is now turning green and budding!  This means we are one step closer to my favorite season----SUMMER! Summer is my favorite season for so many reasons, but the main reason is the HOT  weather!  Sunny & HOT!  I love the feel of the sun on my face, and one day soon we will hopefully be feeling just that! ........and one more thing----Winter, I have one thing to say to you:  You're stepping on spring's toes!   Just LET IT GO!

I'm just gonna put this out there for those of you who may not know me as well.......I have some quirks.  I have some ticks.  (I don't know why, but this is starting to feel like a confession post;) Don't we all have some quirks?  (Please say, "yes," please say, "yes!")  Here are some of mine: *Even numbers:  I don't know what else to say.  How is anyone "okay" with something that is odd-numbered?  We need symmetry, people!  *Noises when I'm trying to concentrate:  Have you ever tried really hard to focus and someone is tapping a pencil?  Or, maybe you're trying to focus on what someone is saying, but there are other conversations happening around you?  I.  Just.  Can't. *Light Switches and Electrical Outlets:  Yep.  I check them multiple times.  *Alarms:  I set 4 alarms every night, two minutes apart.  (I'm starting to worry you, aren't I?) *Symmetry:  I kind-of mentioned this earl...

Tuesday, 3/27....... Today was a good day.  We celebrated Dr. Zornes' birthday in the office today, (even though her birthday was during spring break & we're a little late doing so, oops!).  There was food, laughter, and just an overall positive start, middle, & end of the day, (since I basically grazed on the food all day, ha!)  It's fun to celebrate, isn't it?  This thought has taken me to a little bit of a sappy place this evening, (which sometimes happens as I get older).  Circumstantially-speaking...what day should we NOT celebrate?  We have a great school full of fantastic staff members and amazing kids.  Not only is our particular school great, we are part of a wonderful school district that puts kids first.  We live in an awesome town, where education is supported.  These are all facts that I sometimes take for granted, especially after a hard day.  I think it is good practice to frequently take a step back and rememb...

Slice of Life Land ~ Today was Monday!  The first day back from spring break, (in which I had 2 students tell me that they missed me, which made my entire week!), it was rainy (inside recess for most), and did I mention that it was a Monday? =) I thought it might be interesting to search some facts about some people's least favorite day of the week in an attempt to celebrate this day that starts our school week!  Some are odd, & some are funny, so here we go!  According to the Daily Express, a survey in 2011 reported that the average person moans for about 34 minutes on a Monday morning, compared to 22 minutes on other days.  (What?!?!) Monday is the most popular day of the week for online shopping.  (Sounds fun to me!=) Typically, Monday is the least rainy day of the week!  (Except for today, ha!) Monday is the best day of the week to go car shopping!  You'll get more attention from the sales people, & get a better deal on a Monday...

'Twas the night before spring break was over and all through my house, Not a child was cooperating, and I could not find my blouse. ........I'm not very good at rhyming, haha! Here we are, the night before we GO BACK TO SCHOOL!!!!  It's been a good week, but my favorite parts were the weekends before & after.  Both of my daughters did well in their Regionals competitions--not the places they had hoped for, but I'm very proud of them! As I think about the work week ahead, I start to feel a little anxious....so much to do & so little school time left!  Think about it, people:  4 & 1/2 days this week, then Easter, followed by MAP testing, & before you know it, the end-of-the-year activities pop up right around the corner!  This year has flown by!   Here are some fun moments we've had this year---offering a little motivation to push us through this upcoming season! Beginning of school fun! Encouraging facelift in our bathro...

It's going to be short, sweet & to the point, today, my friends.  We have been in a gym all day at my daughter, Kate's, volleyball tournament.  I am TIRED.  I am feeling OLD, today!  The girls did great, however!  They got first place in their pool, which means we are headed into the gold bracket tomorrow!  The top two teams at this tournament earn a bid to Nationals, which would be so much fun!  We are playing in a humongous sports pavilion in Lawrence, KS, that I'm assuming is part of the KU campus.  (It's out in the middle of nowhere, but it is so nice!) Tomorrow will be tough, & the girls will have to bring their "A-game," but they can do it!  Whatever the outcome, even if it is their last tournament, they have had a great club season, & I'm so proud of them! When we are finished tomorrow (whatever time that may be, yikes!), we will head home & get ready for the school week!  I'm happy to get back to it, but I may...

My girlies are back from Colorado, hooray!!  I met them up in KC this evening so we could be here for Kate's Regionals tournament, which takes place tomorrow & Sunday in Lawrence, KS.  We're hoping they bring home the gold!  I've asked both of them to "guest blog" this evening, & talk a little bit about their spring break!  Here we go!! Kate:   We spent the week in Winter Park, Colorado. The first day we got there we decided to go tubing! It was really fun, but we got cold very fast. My favorite time we went down the hill in our tubes was when we decided to all chain together and go down the steep drop. When we were getting out of our tubes we noticed a boy that had just gotten out of his. While he was walking, another person coming down the hill very fast cam straight towards him and wiped him out! I learned a lesson that night, always be aware of your surroundings.Yikes!Tubing was really fun, But also was skiing. Abby:   We skied for three day...

Today has been a good day!  My mother, my niece, and I drove down to Rogers, Arkansas to shop a little and eat at my very favorite restaurant ~ Chuy's!  Have you ever eaten there?  They have the BEST spicy jalapeno ranch dip that is A-MAZING!!  Here's a link to a copycat recipe that comes pretty close!  If you have a Ninja blender, all it takes is a few pulses and waa-la!  Yummy goodness!  Copycat Chuy's Creamy Jalapeno Dip Anyway, we also went to the cutest baby store, where I got two baby gifts for two very special mommies-to-be!  We then hit up some stores at the Pinnacle, where I got some super cute clearance sandals, two shirts, and had some fun looking for some Easter dresses for my daughters, (but no luck finding any....).  To top it all off, we stopped by a little place that makes yummy little mini-cakes, called "Nothing Bundt Cakes," (super clever name!).  Here is the link to their website:  (their cakes are so yummy!) ...

Let's face it--there is a lot of ugliness on the Internet today.  It's hard to get on social media or the Internet and not be immediately faced with sad news stories, people putting each other down, or just being subjected to negativity.  I'm not saying that one should keep him/herself from being educated regarding current world/local news, but sometimes I just need to turn my attention to posts, news stories, and videos that make me SMILE!  Here are some of my latest favorite cute &/or funny videos:  (p.s.  This is, apparently, what you blog about when you are bored over spring break, ha!) Baby Elephant Chasing Birds:   Oh my word!  This is the most adorable video!  Guaranteed to light your face up with a smile =)  Kid President:  20 Things We Should Say More Often:   An oldie, but a goodie!  I love this video AND it's message! Kid Snippets ~ Math Class:   This video makes me laugh SO HARD!  Esp...

Y'all.  I am stressed out this week!  I know you all are feeling it, too-----we're so close  to spring break, due dates are looming, and things are starting to pile up!  I have some "go-to's" when I am stressed out that help me to stay grounded and logical, (as my emotional side starts to take over!).  Here is my list of "De-Stressors" Spend extra time with people who make me smile:  Whether it's sending a funny Snap/text, talking to them on the phone, or visiting in person, spending time with people who make me happy is a definite "de-stressor."  This list includes my two daughters, my family, & friends! Sitting with my dog, Kale:  I say, "sitting with," because my dog absolutely knows  my moods.  When I come home at the end of a hard day, he will look at me, tilt his head to the side, then immediately come and sit at my feet for comfort.  He is amazing! Dance it out:  I absolutely love music!  I also rea...

Living in a Gym I've titled today's blog, "Living in a Gym," because that is what I do most of the year, and I absolutely LOVE IT!  My two daughters, Abby and Kate, love to play basketball and volleyball, and we are in the midst of a particularly busy season of competition!  I thought today's post would be a great time to blog about my girls, and some of the reasons I will forever cherish following them around gymnasiums!   My daughter, Abby, is a junior in high school.  She is a bit of an introvert, but can be highly silly around her friends and family.  She is kind, compassionate, and brings my heart joy!  She plays basketball and volleyball for our high school, and is also currently competing with the Club MVP volleyball organization.  We have a Regionals competition coming up this weekend, and we are hoping her team qualifies for Nationals!  It would be so exciting for her to compete at that level!   My youngest d...

Get Outta Here! Being outside...........this seems like a concept of the past sometimes.  As an educator & a mom, I have noticed a decrease in what I like to refer to as "kids being kids."  Some students prefer to be on devices, playing video games, etc.... rather than going outside to play !  As the weather is warming up, (yay!), Here are some of my favorite activities to do outside, (as well as my daughters'): Take Walk ~ Grab a friend, and get some fresh air!  Enjoy the company, as well as the exercise.  Go on a Bike Ride ~ This is something we did more as my daughters were younger, but I have always enjoyed a good bike ride!  (I had a terrible  bike accident as a child, ouch!) Swim ~ Only when it gets warmer, of course! Play Sports ~ Basketball & volleyball are favorites in my household. Watch Sports ~ Go to a baseball, softball or soccer game! Sit outside & Read or Relax ~ I love to sit outside when there's a breeze - e...

Move Over, Winter........... Alright, people - I have had ENOUGH of winter!  Many people who know me, know that winter is not my favorite time of the year.  The "winter blues" are real!  Everything from the cold air, ice, and not being able to be outside a lot, winter is a time of year that seems to drag on for me.  Even fall upsets me, because I know that winter is just lurking around the corner! I'm a pretty positive person, so my attitude during the winter months needed a "pick-me-up!"  Because of the negativity I feel toward this season that is actually my oldest daughter's favorite time of the year, I decided to intentionally come up with things that I can appreciate about winter.  (Seeing the glass half-full, people, half-full) Christmas!  My favorite holiday!  Although I could still experience my love of Christmas on a tropical island, Christmas in southwest Missouri is Christmas with my family , whom I love dearly. Yummy f...

A Dog's Life (Kale ~ The Best Dog EVER!) Isn't he the CUTEST dog you've ever seen?  His name is Kale ~ he is a rescue pup, and I could not love him more!  Our family rescued Kale about 5 years ago ~ Here is a little bit about his story, and how our family became lucky enough to call him ours: Our family had another adorable dog, named Jack - (Captain Jack Sparrow, to be exact=).   He was a "Jack Zhu."  Unfortunately, Jack could climb fences, and loved to run & be free.  He was an escape artist!  No matter what steps we took to keep adorable little Jack safely inside our fence, he would still find a way to escape.  Many people have helped us find Jack over the years, & the Humane Society knew him by name.  (He was a fun little mess!).  Anyway, one morning that Jack escaped, he was hit by a car.  We were devastated, particularly my youngest daughter, Kate.  I thought it would be quite awhile before our hearts c...

Things have been a little bit CrAzY lately......  When I am feeling stressed, I like to pause and remember the things that put a smile on my face.  Have you ever seen The Sound of Music?   If not, you definitely should!  The movie version was released almost 53 years ago, and it is wonderful!  There is a scene during a bad thunderstorm in which the children in the movie are frightened, and their nanny helps them through their fears by remembering their favorite things.  Here are a few of mine: Favorite People ~ My two daughters!  They are funny, sweet, and always know how to cheer me up! Favorite Food ~ Anything Mexican!  Specifically Tex-Mex-----YUM! Favorite Hobby ~ Reading!  I can get lost in a good book----especially a good mystery.  I also love to work puzzles. Favorite Music ~ Christian.  I'm actually very eclectic in music tasted, but Big Daddy Weave is my "go-to" when I need encouragement! Favorite Weekend Plan...