A Button?!

Well, actually a few buttons, some pipe cleaners, & felt. These little guys took about 1 hr. and I made 10! That is an easy project! It is a tradition for my Mom, Shawn, and I to get "The King" family members ornaments every year. It makes unwrapping them super fun from year to year & recalling memories of painting them or opening them.

Found this particular craft on Martha Stewart's website, under Kid Crafts. My siblings all seemed to love them, my dad & Juan especially loved the reindeer (I added a small red nose to Santa & the reindeer too).

~ Merry Christmas ~

Counting the Days 'til Christmas

Ooooo...another blog about...CRAFTS!

This one is so fun & easy. All the supplies can be found at Hobby Lobby, Michael's, JoAnn's, & Wally-World!

The plates are only sold at Michael's (as far as I know). I buy the set for $17 & the plates are sold as pairs. All the ribbon & decorations vary. I have made red ones with trees, presents, and trains.

I also have made blue themed ones as pictured below:

My teammate was my Secret Santa last year--Pam loved her plate so much that it inspired me to make them for my teammates this year. Well, everyone but Motts--what do you get for a male teacher/co-worker??? (A plate counting the days 'til Christmas isn't probably going to be a BIG hit for him!)

Cinnamon! Cinnamon! Don't Forget the Cinnamon!

So...my wonderful, crafty friend Clare gave the website listed below for Cinnamon Ornaments. I was feeling adventurous (and CHEAP). So, I made 30 of them--22 was what I was aiming for (1 for each of the 21 kiddos in my class & 1 for my Secret Santa).

Mom and I stayed up 'til 12:00 baking them--they did turn out nicely! I hope my kids don't break them before they make it home. It cost me a total of $5 for the supplies & the house smells wonderful. Check out the recipe: http://www.mccormick.com/Recipes/Other/Cinnamon-Ornaments.aspx

Here are the results:

"It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas"

Updated pics of my Christmas-time house! So excited to get more and more treasures as the years go by. I just love how my Mom's house looks at Christmas! My GOAL: Do it BETTER!! (Just kidding Vern, sort of!)

Garage Key!

Funny story behind this post's title...it will come later.

Once again, I was treated to the SUPER generosity of my brother & Dad. Chuck called Sat. morning with an agenda...installing my garage door opener. He got one for free & needed some parts from Home Depot to get it working.

Dad joined him around 10:30am & they got started. Well, a few hours later I pull up to my house & there they are, finishing the installation. I guess the free garage door opener was "too good to be true" and they scrapped it...the parts needed to make it work don't exist any longer! So, I got a brand new garage door opener--courtesy of Dad & Bubba!!

Merry Christmas House!

P.S. The title of this post--Garage Key--is actually a German word, which to this day my family knows NOT!! In the 80's my family & some friends were having dinner in a neighborhood guest house in Germany. At the table next to us, German men kept clinking their glasses together saying what sounded like "Garage Key" to our American ears. My sister & I joined in the festivities (we were only 6 & 4). The men thought it was hysterical...my parents were mortified!! Out of the mouths of babes...

Shawn & I hugging at the German guest house--a few hours after Garage Key!

So, an apt post-Thanksgiving blog--we still hold our glasses high & Garage Key each year. I almost did it at my sister's wedding, but hence that was too far!! :0)

Black Friday

I can't believe I caved...

Evelyn convinced me to join her on Black Friday at 12:00am at Wal-Mart of all places. And, I went!!!

It wasn't so bad & she even sprang for coffee - French Vanilla Latte. After leaving Wal-Mart at 2:00am or so, we headed to Toys R Us. Nothing there was worth buying, so we drove down to K-Mart and Kohls...well the lines there didn't look promising, so we left!

Right around 4:00am, we went BACK to Wal-Mart (yes, I went 2 times...CRAZY) so Evelyn could get some eletronic things - which only went on sale after 5am. 2nd trip wasn't as calm & could've been a little nasty for me (ran into a former someone who I hope to NEVER see again). Thank the Lord (really) that I was able to appear distracted & my hair was straight...people tend to have to look 2-3 times in order to recognize me...this gave me ample time for an escape route!!

I know it doesn't sound like me...long story...but there are people in my past who I want to stay there!

Black Friday isn't so bad, can't say I had a bad experience. There's a first time for everything...fun to spend some girly-time with Evelyn!

Gobble, Gobble

Okay, so a promise is a promise (Shawn)! Look at my second completed quilt & a picture all on the same day--I'm getting better :0).

What do you think?

Making a House a Home

New things are popping up on the walls everywhere at my new place...this IS an invite to my "peeps" You are WELCOME to stop by ANY time!!!

Check out the cool stuff I got from my Willow House/House Warming Party way back in Sept. I love the mirror especially! Mom didn't like that I put it upstairs: "People won't see it up here"--well geesh, they'll have to just come upstairs then won't they.


Won't the sconces look so cute with red candles & holly wreaths with red berries at Christmas time? I can hardly wait to decorate my new home for the Christmas season!!

"I Need a Hero"

I have the BEST brother in the world--haven't you heard?!?!

So, Ol' Man Winter has finally arrived (UGH) and before the really snowy, icy weather starts I wanted to make sure my tires were okay. Well, of course they needed replacing (I never have luck in this department--just ask my Dad, his infamous comment: "If there's a nail/screw in the road, Kristan will find it...har har har!").

Well, a few $100 later I was looking at a REALLY LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGG wait. I guess I failed to ask, or the Discount Tire guy failed to mention just how long (3-4 hrs.). I settled in with a few articles about gender in education. 45 min. later - I thought this isn't looking good, I think I need to ask just how long I'm going to be here. Right about then, in walks my ridiculous brother...he was wearing brown plaid shorts, gray boot socks to his knees, a beanie, & tennis shoes! He was looking for me...he had been cleaning his truck & noticed mine in the parking lot. He found me and told me about the 3 hr. wait & then invited me to dinner at his house to wait there instead of the waiting room--Evelyn & Noah were already on their way.

Thank goodness for BUBBA--aww, he's polishing his armor!!

Mean Girl?!

So I was at lunch talking about this very topic...then on TV I have been seeing all the re-runs of Real Housewives of _____ (there's OC, DC, Beverly Hills, New York, New Jersey, and Atlanta...did I get 'em all...who knows?). Maybe an even better question is who cares?

Well...being at home for the past 2 weeks can only be filled with so much crafts, shopping, Facebook, Blogging, etc. So I have become a Real Housewives watcher...I must say these WOMEN, not girls, WOMEN are MEAN!! If you were to look up nasty, vindictive, hateful - there has to be the names of these women! It started me thinking, especially because I've really only seen 1 to 3 episodes here and there of a few of the Real Housewives of ____ & then I caught quite a few of their Reunion re-runs yesterday.

Also, if you've ever seen the movie Mean Girls, they are mocking this same kind of caty, hateful, nasty behavior as shown in the reality show Real Housewives of ___.

So my point...I'm kinda jealous & disappointed in myself. Jealous because the STRENGTH these women have - to constantly return to an environment of negativity, & they don't even CRY!! I swear I would be in TEARS...I couldn't do it. I want to be able to say the things they say - do the things they do & walk away without the guilt (that HAS to follow, but that must be when the cameras shut off). And, it begs the question...what do their parents say?

Disappointed because REALLY?!?! That's what you want to project to millions of TV watchers all around the world?!?!?!?! I wouldn't want to look at, let alone meet up with some of these women for "drinks", if I had said 1/2 the hateful and vindictive things they say...

And disappointed that I really think that this is behavior I envy...do I really want to be a mean girl? Honestly, I am--my name is right along side those words too...but I die to my human instincts each and every time I allow God in me to shine through. I know what my Dad would say!

Glad my life isn't on camera--not sure I could handle being that "introspective!" But isn't it? God is watching, collecting footage all the time - not for a reality TV show, but to refine me & make me aware of the things I do that aren't Godly.

I really don't want to be a mean girl...I want to be God's girl. The one that makes Him smile from heaven, as He watches the footage of His daughter.

A $498 Fiasco

Since, I am 3/4 of the way done with my final (5th) snowman cross stitch, I decided to begin preparing for a second quilt - by the same designer, look at her website: www.piecesfrommyheart.net. This one will be equally cute, but I'm not showing pics of the quilt until it's finished. It's my Type A (Shawn hates that). Here are some pics of my fabric choices though:





What do you think?


So, now for the $498 question! As the sales woman was checking me out at JoAnne's on Friday, she was efficient & orderly - I had 28 different 6 in. pieces of fabric, so I understood her need for accuracy. She finally gave me the total...$498.

I was like, "I'm sorry, how much?"

"$498."

I began to fumble and blush, afraid that I'd have to pay $500 - because I had just spent 30 mins. at the cut table & another 15 mins. in line to pay. "Ummm, don't you think that's waaaay too much?" I replied starting to tear up - how embarrasing I thought, I'm going to have to leave because I can't afford my purchases!!!! Mentally, I began mocking myself: "Don't you know how to add--You're a TEACHER for cryin' out loud!" I think I even said to the cashier, "Well I am just a teacher, I can't afford $500 for fabric!"

Well, needless to say the cashier found the error - not either her or my fault. At the cut table the associate forgot a decimal point. So fabric that was $4.98 per yard, became $498. After my coupons & the 3 way split of costs with my Mom and Sis...the quilts will cost about $20. Not bad...way better than $500 that's for sure!!!

"...She's Crafty!"

All these craft posts & my Mom, have encouraged me to finish up all my: "started, yet not completed projects." Like my set of 5 counted cross stitch snowmen wall hangings...one more to go & then they'll be ready to frame (just in time for Christmas, I'M SO EXCITED!!)





Or, the pumpkin quilt...which is now happily smiling upon me each time I enter my living room!

And the 12x12 message board - an idea which I stole from Clare, who stole from a blog, etc.


Finally, I have all the supplies to make my candy corn wreath & most of the supplies needed to start my book wreath (hopefully I can find the right kind of book, but all the rest is covered). I'm looking forward to Clare's help today with finding that "just right" book :0).



I'll keep you posted with the quilt pics & my handmade Christmas ornaments...

No Time to Waste

Well...it seems that people enter and exit my life in the blink of an eye these days. My new philosophy as of today..."No Time to Waste!"

If I hang out with you, it's because I like you. I am not going to be around those who hurt my feelings or make me sad--why? I don't want to feel like less of a person after I've been around someone--who would? If I don't feel good about my time spent somewhere, I will not stay & be uncomfortable--I'll LEAVE.

Watch me kick rocks...eat my dust...I'm going, going, GONE!

Thanks to those who invest in my life, who call me to chat, who love me for me, & who MAKE TIME to be with me. YOU are the people who will remain in my life..

My life is full. Full of friends, family, and LOVE. My cup runneth over!

Sewing a Halloween Treat

My mom is a GREAT seamstress! She is great at making everything look so finished and store bought-looking.

I have dabbled in sewing. I've made pillows, pjs, curtains, but nothing like a quilt. My mom convinced me in October 2009 to try a simple wall hanging we found at a quilt shop off Filmore & Academy (just behind the Denny's). I bought the kit for $8 and collected fabric in oranges & blacks just like the instructions said. I saved the quilt for a "rainy day" and it disappeared in the basement - "Out of sight, out of mind" truly applies to me!!

This summer my Aunt Dee Dee convinced my mom to try quilting - my mom is turning my old room into a twin bed guest room for when her little friends & grandkids spend the night. My Aunt had "just the quilts" for her!

In June, my mom had had enough of me not sewing. She got out my Pumpkin wall hanging quilt & told me to get started. So we did! It has been fun, our dual machines cranking out rows of designs. My mom's quilts are much more intricate & WAAAAAAY better, but mine are cute!

We had almost enough fabric to make 3, so mom bought a few more fat quarters in black and orange. Now it's one for each of us: Me, Shawn, & Mom. Isn't it darling?!?!?! This one posted is Shawn's...each one is a little different - mine has a green stem.

Stitches of Stupidity

Well...I almost made it to 30 without any broken bones or stitches. But, in true Kristan form, I made a dumb mistake and 5 stitches later...

I was cleaning my coffee pot, I failed to notice that the spout had broken off in the sudsy water. The glass pot's jagged edge got me & I noticed first blood in the water & on the sink. I wondered how it got there about the time the side of my right hand started to sting.

Well, it was 7:22am so I thought, "Please, let Mom not have left for work...she'll know what to do!" I called and got Dad, who laughed that I didn't have bandaids or duct tape to bandage myself up. I hung up & called Mom's cell. After explaining what happened, I noticed & shared with her that my pinky finger was turning blue-ish purple. She calmly stated, "Kristan, go to urgent care...you'll need stitches."

After a few calls to teammates & throwing on a shirt - out the door I ran! The doctor & assistants were really sweet and I was back to work by 10:15am. Here's a photo of my incident.

Crafty-ness Rubbing Off

Clare - a great friend, who I always knew would be great at crafts (she's SUPER smart, but lacked confidence in her ability to do crafts! Why, beats me?) has been posting craft projects that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE!!

Since I have a new house, and decorations are scarce - well affordable ones are!! I've taken to stealing her projects & the links to the websites she's found & making some of my own.

I love STEALING a really good idea & making it yours - especially an inexpensive or easy one! Hopefully people consider this flattery - I will readily give you credit for the idea. A college professor once told me: "That a license to teach is a license to steal" (so with a certifiable teaching license & permission, from the college professor) I have taken Clare's blog posts on crafts & created them for my own, bare house.

THANKS!!! I am still crafting, but will post completed projects soon. Maybe Clare will want to craft with me...seems like I never see her :0(.

Party Adventure

So, a former teammate had a surprise party last week & I went. It's amazing how God puts people in your life that you don't see very often but can reconnect with here and there & it's like "Why haven't we talked in so long?" The answer is we get too busy...but I'm glad for the opportunities to reconnect :0).

It was a bit odd walking into a social setting from 3 years ago...so scary I was actually shaking & needed to walk out of the room a few times to inhale! But, I was glad to wish Allison a Happy Birthday & be apart of the big surprise...even COOLER was she had no idea!!

I am so blessed to have such great friends - even friends that I've moved on from. It's nice to be able to be happy in the place I am now, look back and remember people who've stood by me through the difficulties, and now have new friends in my life who I'm still willing to let in.

Forgiveness

Ugh...it's so hard to forgive. I KNOW it's expected of me from my Heavenly Father, but soooo much harder to actually do.

I think it's because you have to be vulnerable to someone who found a weak spot and poked it - over and over. You were hurt & they were the culpret. Now, it's up to you to "hear them out" and allow them a release for their guilt.

Part of me wants to say; "NO. You SHOULD feel guilty! You intentionally hurt me and I want you to feel bad for awhile." But, then that gentle tap happens, an image comes to mind...a Man on a cross, nails, crown of thorns, & whip lashes. Then I think, "What's my pain in comparison? What makes me deserving of heaven & salvation?" Nothing.

So, off I go to dinner tonight to be a teeny-tiny bit like Jesus. To show a former friend that because of God, I have overcome bitterness with the circumstances surrounding our lost friendship & I don't have a hatred for her...I will forgive, because that is what God requires of me, His child. For no other reason than: I was shown more grace than I deserve, from a Father who was without sin, & became sin to save me.

How could I not? And I'm even praying that I can laugh & smile - not to taunt or tease, but to truly reflect the happiness & joy I have inside, because of God's presence in my life.

10 Things About Me

Well, I have 2 friends who blog pretty consistently & I noticed their "10 Things About Me" blog posts and thought I'd join in on the fun (although neither of them invited me personally - I think I was a bit scarred from this).

1. Being a Christian is who I am. I was raised in church & by Christian parents so it's hard for me to remember a time when God wasn't in my life. I have a lot of "traditional" values that others (in this day & age) would think are unusual or weird - but to me it's what God asks of me. I'm not perfect, but I try to live a life that is pleasing to my Heavenly Father.

2. I am not punctual. I wish I were...it's not my gift. Honestly, it has nothing to do with not wanting to be somewhere on time or that I don't wake up early enough - I just don't watch the clock and BAM I'm late again. Please don't take it personally!!

3. I read everything. I recently returned from AZ with 4 books - I brought 3. My grandma gave me one while I was visiting, she thought I'd enjoy it. I LOVE BOOKS! I honestly buy for myself, my classroom, & even my niece & nephew...I will gladly share my addiction with you too, just ask.

4. People dressed in those fuzzy character costumes have FREAKED me out since I was little. Something about their faces being covered - they see you but you can't see them - weirds me out. I'm better now, but I will gladly stand from afar & let others enjoy the characters in those costumes.

5. Using public restrooms is difficult for me. I would rather be uncomfortable & hold it, than use a public restroom & I won't even begin to discuss port-a-potties. Thank goodness I was blessed with a large bladder.

6. I bring my camera on vacation, but I always get side tracked and forget to take photos. But, I have the best sister, who is good at taking photos & she gladly shares with me :0)!!

7. Teaching is the only career I want to have. I love being in the classroom & it took a lost job to make me realize that I went into education to BE WITH KIDS, not to motivate adults. I think, even though more money is in administration or other fields of work, I will be in the classroom teaching kids for most if not all of my career. It's strange how long it took for me to realize this too...I waited so long to decide to major in English & then to become a teacher - now I wouldn't give it up for anything.

8. My brother, sister, and I fought like cats & dogs growing up - but there are no 2 greater people in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD! They know me, love me, laugh at, and joke with me. They inspire me & look out for me the way no one else will, well hopefully until I get married. I love my family & even though it can be tough I don't know who I'd be without them.

9. I don't like wearing shoes. However I do love flip flops & sandals - AND I especially love to pamper myself with a pedicure every 4-5 weeks. In the winter I make wearing boots & shoes fun by matching my patterned socks to my outfit - I own like 3 pairs of all white socks - all the rest are striped, dotted, or a pattern of some sort.

10. I get haircuts from Cost Cutters because I am tired of paying $40 + tip for a service that needs to be done every 6 weeks. I am horrible about appointments & being on time (see #2) so it is a pain to have to make hair cut appointments so frequently, rush from work to get there, & then spend all that money!!

Although, I do love going to the dentist, that is one appointment that I look forward to - why is that?

Not surprising I'm sure, but it's who I am. Thanks for reading!

Summer Ball

It is nice to be in AZ - well minus the 110 degree heat!! I'm not complaining though, because it beats SNOW in June any time.

I love to watch baseball. It seems that every time I'm in town Nicholas has a tournament & I get to load up on all things baseball. I especially love to watch boys baseball...yes they make errors, but they try so hard and it's so rewarding to watch them make the base hit that scores a run or catch a ball to tag a runner and get that final out.

Congrats NICK - Cal Ripken Little League Champions for AZ!! That last game was a nail biter for sure but it was awesome to watch.

Scrapbooking with Sis

My sister and I enjoy so many of the same things. One of which is scrapbooking. You know that whole 2 heads are better than one thing...well, we work well together especially in the memory album arena.

We had fun purchasing items, learning how to use her Cricut machine, organizing, croppping, & designing Addi's baby book pages. (On a side note...Juan if you want to buy me a Cricut I'm down!!)

We only got 8 pages done because man, it's A LOT of work!! I think we get side tracked easily & photos bring up stories/memories that we talk about but that's the FUN of it.

I can't wait to visit & do more...it's been great!

Love Your Bubba!!

I know everyone loves their family...but I have to jump in and say that my family is the best!!! This weekend was moving day.

On Friday, at 3 pm Mark, Ryan, Chuck, Dylan, Dad, Evelyn, & I got everything over to my place. The boys doing most of the work...I was just sorting and directing where to put things. After 2 1/2 hours we were done.

Saturday morning the fridge was delivered at 7am promptly & Bubba came over AGAIN. I swear everyone needs a brother like mine! He was "handyman extrodinare" and got my kitchen light installed, old light mounted in the garage, shock installed in the door, leveled my fixtures, repaired a broken fixture (from moving-the only casualty), leveled my stove, installed my 2 broken mini blinds, installed & reprogamed my thermostat, & hung my shower curtain pole.

Then to top it off, he came over Sunday too & helped fix my water line so that my ice maker would work...which it is!! I love my Bubba...he is amazing & so considerate. It is nice to have a family that works hard for each other - such a gift from GOD!

A Trip to Home Depot

So...I am falling in love with Home Depot! I guess since I'm now officially a home owner there are so many cool things to buy there. Who knew? Well, I always went there for the things my dad needed or lumber (where else do you get that stuff?) but who knew shopping at Home Depot could be fun. I'm looking forward to curtain pole purchases, fixture updates, potted planters, & lighting accessories.

I am in love with HOME DEPOT!

Back to 1st grade!

Well, I think I've graduated from 5th & can move down to 1st again. Yay, I am hoping to finalize my transition...yes, it means moving schools AGAIN. I am happy to do it though (especially since I get to stay with my fabulous principal & move back to primary teaching).

I have to say that 5th has been an adventure. God knows that I wouldn't have left my old school, or tried 5th grade without a PUSH. I unwillingly went to SES & 5th, and along the way met some AMAZING people!!

I'm glad God is in control, He truly works all things for the good...~Romans 8:28~

Hell-O, I'm a Glee-k

Okay, so Wasington, D.C. was a great trip. It was full of exciting sites & tons of inside jokes about: mapples that are high in fiber, over zealous flight attendents, a crazy lady across the aisle who wouldn't shut up (especially since our wireless computer "would crash the plane"), & very rowdy middle schoolers sharing our bus - don't even get me started on middle school :[.

After 4 days of NON-STOP touring, we got to enjoy a long charter bus ride from D.C. to Williamsburg, VA. It ended up being about 4 hrs. - I don't know if it's supposed to take this much time - but it did (our bus driver wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed...but we went with it because what other choice did we have, right?). Being the fabulous 4th grade teachers they are...Leah & Christine were prepared! They had Season 1 of Glee & we agreed to watch.

Many of the jokes were inappropriate for our young audience, so we fast forwarded those sections - or skipped the episode entirely. Even with our abbreviated, kid-friendly viewing I fell in love with Glee. It took me back to high school & that whole cool vs. not cool status stuff. I loved choir in high school, hence I love Glee. For all of you out there who may relate to the "not so cool status" I'm sure you'll LOVE Glee. For those "popular kids" board the Sue Express, you might find yourself a Glee-k too!!

Home Owner!

Just a small post - yes, I am officially a home owner today. They rejected my first offer & approved my second. It's a townhome just off of Powers ~ really close to my school. 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, 2 car garage, & now it's mine.

I am equally scared & excited. Now I have to furnish it...we'll see. Growing up is scary!

Good Golly, Miss Molly

So coming back from Art today, my class was rambunctious as well....ALWAYS!! As we're walking in the hallway by Kindergarten one of my kids asks me about when CSAP testing begins (as if we haven't been taking them for the past 5 days, every morning from 10:30-12:00!!). I just ignore the question because quite frankly, I didn't want to answer it.

However, in true kid form, another student proceeds to ask me the same question?? Hmm...I just give "the look" and say, "Good Golly Miss Molly!" To which the student replies, "Miss King, I was asking about time? Who's Molly anyway?"

Oh dear! Giggle...I had to bust out in song. I think he was afraid or too horrified to ask the CSAP question again...for fear of death by my eyeballs emitting laser beams, well that or death by SINGING embarrassment, LOL!

Only 29

So, I've just learned that a 29 (would be 30 in March) 2nd grade MRES teacher-friend of mine passed away from cancer late Monday night, February 22, 2010. She was a wonderful person, wife, mother, and teacher. I'm am beyond sad & really just shocked at this tragedy. Never did I think I'd go to a funeral for a 29 year old!

As I reflect upon my memories of her, I am reminded of her humor & smile. She was such a hoot to do interviewing with--she would put the emph-A-sis on the wrong syll-A-ble & use her inflection to make us crack up as she was reading the questions. It created a very "light-hearted" environment & really threw the interviewees for a loop.

I also remember being in the office when she shared the news of her pregnancy - she was so excited. I remember praying for her son when he was born prematurely.

I recall all the parents & staff members really LOVING that their children had been placed in her class. She was an EXCELLENT teacher - kids loved her.

We'll miss you Michelle & I'll continue praying for your family.

Single on Valentine's Day

You know, this could be a sad post about being single on Valentine's Day, but it's not. I must confess that I do feel the tingles of the green "jealousy" monster on this holiday, mostly because it's EVERYWHERE! This year, maybe because it fell on a Sunday (?) it wasn't like that. I enjoyed a rather "comfy" day at home despite my nose bleeds & congestion UGH...I hate the arrival, disappearance, arrival, disappearance, (okay you get it) of Spring in Colorado.

I had lunch with a friend on Monday and decided to post, not because of the conversation (it was good to just talk & catch up), but because I'm truly just aiming for contentment with my life as it is RIGHT NOW. I just hear everyone so bogged down with laundry, cleaning house, having babies, not having a wedding ring (ooh, that's personal hee hee), etc. When I was 12, I wanted to be 13 so I officially entered my "teens." When I was 15, I wanted to be 16 so I could start driving. When I was 17 I wanted to be 18 - legal adulthood was just soooo exciting, well that & graduating High School to start college. At 20, couldn't wait to be 21 & drink (not that I do so much of that now).

ARE WE SEEING A PATTERN?? In every moment I wasn't there, I was anticipating the "next BIG thing!"

It's amazing how I teach things that are applicable to myself--an amazing God-thing! I was just telling my 5th graders, lecturing really, about how I didn't think it was responsible/appropriate for them to be texting during school hours. Yes, our district's middle school had 6th graders sexting--already, I MEAN, WHAT?!! One part of my lecture I got so stinking upset over their disregard for cell phone rules that I said, "I didn't sign up to teach 6th - 12th grade. My teaching degree is K-5, ELEMENTARY school. So start acting like kids, be kids, because you're not in MIDDLE school yet & that's not what I signed up for!"Actually, it's sort of a gigantic GOD-sized kick in the shorts..."Ummm, hey there teach! How about you DO what you SAY, not merely speak words."

Nice! So I'm finding all the good things about being single. Learning/exploring what I can do for myself, cooking the things I like, spending my money on Coach purses that yes, quite frankly cost too much but hey, I only have to explain it to me :0), going on lunch dates with friends and not having to worry about a sick spouse or kiddo, having the ability to start a new career after 5 years and not have to fret about how my family will be affected, traveling...and these are just the few I've come up with so far.

It's nice to count your blessings...not to say that this list wouldn't be just as filled if my life were on the wife/mommy track - this is just a reminder to myself that I need to be grateful for the place I'm at RIGHT NOW.