Cookie Time

As I sit here eating girl scout cookies for breakfast, only a few I add, I couldn't help but think of Troop Beverly Hills. This movie could very well be on my Top 10 list of All Time favorite movies. I would totally be the one "camping" in the hotel.



Support your local girl scout...enjoy some cookies.

OMG!

Oh my goodness! It's no secret that I have a love affair with anything monogrammed, but I just came across these and they are a MUST!

Via Just the Thing

MONOGRAMMED RAIN BOATS! Love them!!! However, I'm at a crossroads with the monogram....I'm getting married in a year and my monogram will change, but I want these now...what to do?

Bless Her Heart...

We made it to Friday!

In the midst of all we have to do at school, I sometimes forget to enjoy the funny little things my kids say, but every once in a while they will say something at just the right moment when I really need a laugh. And today was one of those days. This is how the conversation went...

Background from earlier in the day: This child had been sneezing all day, quite loudly, all at times when we were quietly working. Her sneezes were very animated and scared us all every time one came. This conversation occurred right after one of her lively sneezes.

Child (going to get a tissue and hand sanitizer): " Miss Savage?"

Me: "Yesss...."

Child: "I think I have allergies."

Me: " Yes, I think you might be right."

Child goes to walk back to her reading...

Child: "Wait, Can we still come to school with allergies?"

Me (laughing): " Yes sweetie, you can."

Oh Goodness, Bless her. We have had lots of discussion about not spreading our germs lately...can you tell?

Happy Weekend!

One Proud Big Sis....

About 3 years ago my brother, Brooks, came up with an idea...and what an idea it was. I'm sure I'll leave out some details, but I'll try my best.

At the time he was working for the University of Tennessee Mens Basketball Team, and a friend and teammate was diagnosed with cancer. Not wanting to tell anyone he kept it to himself, was treated, and played the 2007-2008 season while recovering. Brooks wanted to do something in honor of his friend, and thus came OUTlive. This is an effort to increase awareness of cancer detection and prevention. Brooks worked with people from the University and the Hospital to idea into action. Since its first year, they have raised almost $400,000! Brooks has moved on and is currently working at Tulane, but OUTlive is still going strong.

There are few words that can describe how proud of I of him. (And I don't think I have ever told him really how proud I am.) He saw the big picture...how he could help others. He was not worried about getting the credit for the idea, but instead continued to help the concept each year. Brooks, with your drive, determination,and vision....good things are sure to come! I love you!

Last Saturday, the Vols faced Georgia in the OUTlive game for this year. I know Brooks wished he could have been there...but I think he was in a way...his heart was there. He even got some recognition during the game via the broadcaster :)



I'm sure I've left out some detail or got some part of the story wrong, so visit the OUTLive page.

Wishing I Was Here...

This beautiful weather is making me long for days here...

Endless hours on the beach with a book in hand, escaping from reality, listening to the waves roll in...

...just a few more months.

Belated Weekend Update

Where do my weeks go? I have wonderful weekends and the the week hits like a hurricane and before I know it, it is Thursday or Friday....hints the 10:35 blog post on a "school night."

So, a quick weekend update...Josh and I decided at the last minute to head to the beach last weekend. WONDERFUL idea and well needed for both of us. We slept in, read, watched TV, had our Valentine's dinner, and for the first time in my life I took "work-out" clothes to the beach and exercised aka a brisk walk on the beach all bundled up. I love how just being at the beach, even in February, has a magical way of letting you escape your day to day life, even if just for the weekend.

Told you he was excited...

Josh and I before our Valentine's Dinner. Josh is getting much better at accepting our self-portraits.

And to top the weekend off, Josh even agreed to stop by the outlets on the way home! We found some great things at the JCrew outlet and on top of the sale price I got my 15% teacher discount...woohoo! It was a wonderful weekend and on the way home I decided on the projects for the this weekend. Operation Clean House...poor house, it has been neglected and the very visible dust bunnies are becoming a constant reminder of what I need to make time for.

Happy Almost Weekend!

Whoop, Whoop!

Someone sent me a blog award! Oh, the little things that make me smile. An Alpha Chi pledge sister, Stevie, was too sweet and gave me a "Stylish Blogger Award." Thanks so much Stevie!

So this is how it works:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Award 8 recently discovered great bloggers.

4. Contact the bloggers and let them know about the award.

So, 7 things? I'm really not that interesting, but I'll try to share 7 new things that I might not have shared before, but forgive me if I can't think of 7....

1. One day I would love to write a few children's books. I have had two ideas for a while, but just can't get my thoughts together. I love children's books and think EVERYONE should take the time to read them, young and old.

2. I have the urge to go back to school again...I know, I just finished my Masters last May, but I can't help it...I'm a nerd. I think I want to go back for a Masters in Library Science. However, with an upcoming wedding, these thoughts are on hold.

3. Stevie mentioned in her 7 things that she refuses to buy anything that she can figure out to make. NOT ME. I wish I could be more crafty and enjoy it. I've tried to do this and probably would save a whole lot of money if I did, but buying it is just so much easier. I'm definitely an asset to the economy.

4. I'm SO glad I waited for "the one" to get married. I waited a long time and after enjoying many weddings of my friends and wondering if I would ever get "my day" I finally am. I love you Josh! Only 394 more days! Ha!

5. I love all things orange, especially if it involves my Clemson Tigers.

6. I have a BIG sweet tooth. I love anything that has chocolate. I'm learning moderation.

7. I wish my brother lived closer. He is all the way out in New Orleans and rarely gets to make it home. I wish we had more time to hang out. I miss him.

I think I almost did it...7 new things, with the exception of #5.

Passing it on to (I haven't recently discovered some of these, but I am still following the rules by passing it on right? I like rules.):

Kristy at The Life and Times

Kathryn at Life as We Know It

Meredith at The View From Up Here
Caroline at Sweet Caroline
Ashley at The Whisonants
Kate at Making My Way Across the States
Lorrie at The Zelmer Family
English at I'm Not Together But I'm Getting There

Thanks Again! Happy Thursday!

Seriously?!

Just when I thought I have seen everything monogrammed possible, I came across this on another blog..

Found on Just Lovely via Heavens to Betsy

Seriously people? How cute is this? Not my favorite colors or pattern, but LOVE the idea! I must have one of these! Wedding Gift??

And while I'm on the topic of monogrammed goodies, I thought about one of these when I was on the floor working out the other day. I love the FIRM, but the more I think about how many sweatly people have used the mats they provide, makes me kinda want to vomit. And this one is much cuter...

Monogrammed Yoga Mat

New Year's Resolutions Report Card

It has been about a month and in true teacher form thought I would revisit the new year's resolutions. I know I have areas to work on, but I think I have done okay seeing as most people in America have totally given up on theirs by now.

1. SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!
Grade: D

Yes, I know. But in my defense I had some unexpected, not in the normal bill routine things to pay. Darn those car taxes....I really trying to get on track with this goal.

2. Get to the gym REGULARLY.
Grade: A+
I have been getting there at least 3 days each week...Woohoo! And dare I say that I feel a little bad when I don't get there. YIKES! Could I actually be enjoying exercising?

3. Read.
Grade: D
If this includes student work I would get an A, but unfortunately it doesn't. To get me started I did buy "Firefly Lane" to read for pleasure and plan on getting started this week. If only I could join my kids in Independent Reading Time...

4. Leave work at work.
Grade: C
I think this will always be hard for me. Grading papers is just so much more comfortable on my couch in my sweats than at school sitting at my desk. I'm also a self proclaimed nerd when it comes to work, so I guess my brain always has school in the back of it, that's just me.

This is a report card that would never be accepted at my parent's house. I definite grounding would have occurred. I keep telling myself I will work on some of these when life slows down. HA! I've figured out, life doesn't slow down. Baby steps...that's how I work these days.

We have tentative plans for a beach weekend where I plan to bring no work home for the weekend, and just plan to relax, read, and take in the time with the ocean. The smell of the ocean always clears your mind no matter what time of year.

Happy Tuesday!

Wedding Website is Up!

After making one complete web page with one site, then I deciding it wasn't user friendly and abandoning it, I finally have a wedding web page up. As of right now its only the basic information, and I will update as the big day gets closer.

Take a look...
www.mywedding.com/joshandashlee

Enjoy! Only 400 more days!

Sneak Peek...The Home Office

Josh needed a "Man Space" in the little house of mine, so I gave him a closet. At least I took the doors off.

In all seriousness, the guest room closet has turned into quite a cute little office. I'm in the process of finishing up the accessories, but here is a sneak peek...

LOVE this chair! Thanks for finding it Mom!

A little organization to hide the "stuff."

I'm looking forward to putting a little style into his space....a finished product coming soon!