Christmas Time is Here!

My living room looks like Christmas threw up!  I am only 2 boxes short of having it all wrapped up though.

I love that I was able to get some great ornaments for my unique family members.  Ever been to the Holly Leaf in Old Colorado City?  It is where I found all my Christmas ornaments this year.

Today I got my report cards & all my gift shopping done.  My favorite purchases are what I got for my Mom & Addi - they're gonna love 'em!!  I also love that I stuck to my budget & everyone pretty much got the same amount spent on them this year.

I made some cute parent volunteer gifts - snowmen candy bars with fuzzy sock hats {click this link & see a sample}.  It isn't my idea & I use BOTH socks, so the recipient gets something warm & tasty!!  I added a cute little tag, saying: "Thanks SNOW much for volunteering!"  It wasn't oober expensive, because the socks are sold in 2 packs & you can get a 6 pack of candy bars.  Plus, I only needed 5 - so I  added 1 to Clare's gift, it was perfect.

I got some pretty nice gifts from my Kinders - my fav...personalized stationary!!

And, thanks to my thoughtful pal, Clare, I am now the proud owner of an infinity scarf.

Merry Christmas,

Kristan

All the Small Things...

So the devil is in the details...it's the little things...good things come in little packages...

YOU GET IT, I KNOW!

You might also recall, a post last year...divulging in a little ornament fixation I have...well, actually - that my Mom, Sis, & I have...it's genetic {look it up}!

Well, last year no dice - this year, I'm singin' a different tune!  WHY, you ask...well check out these finds at Ross:

AND, I finished my Rockefeller Rival quilt.  Took a chance on some felt poinsettia buttons & gold buttons for centers - instead of the 45mm flat, red circles called for in the pattern.  I like 'em, what say you...good call?

Gather 'round the Hearth!

I haven't had a raise in 4 years...finished my Masters & got a bit more to take home.  Then, late last year our board announced we'd get steps & a signing bonus for 2012-13.  Look what I got with my bonus:

I can't wait to get my TV wall mounted & decorate the mantle...

Shopping with Mom

I love to shop with mom & today we were in the mood {as was most of Colorado Springs, it seemed}.

We used our JoAnne's & Hobby Lobby coupons (mom got fabric, of course) and I got:

Plate holders for my Copy-cat HAPPY!

Doesn't the pumpkin add that extra touch to my candy corn wreath?

Poppies & berries for my hallway vases.

I got an employee bonus too - soon I'll show you pics of my upcoming purchase with the arrival of those funds!!

Clean-up Aisle 4

...so I came home from my vaca to an occupied house, I was unaware!

My dad picked up my mom & I from DIA on Wednesday at 2:00pm and I was unpacked and enjoying a pot of coffee by 5:00pm {always TORTURE arriving from sunny Phoenix having worn flip flops & shorts...only to be greeted by 30 degree weather & SNOW!}, to readjust to my chillier home climate.

It was 10ish & I decided to tuck in for the night...I crawled into bed and felt the brush of cat food in my sheets.  What?!?!?...GROSS!  How did that get there...then about 2 seconds later I realized...MICE!!!  All sorts of creeps ran up my spine, did I touch it, was it sleeping there...AAAGGGGHHHHH!

I hopped out of bed, threw back the covers, and discovered the "secret stash" if you will.  The pesky rodent(s) were fattening up for the winter with my cat's food...while my house was vacant and I was vacationing in AZ...the mice had a vacation in my warm, unoccupied house!  I pulled off my bedding, washed it, and began vacuuming.  I noticed the droppings, but swept them up & cleaned Simon's bowl - thinking they were insects and I should have put the bowl of food away (I forgot in my rush to pack: after a day of Apple training, on the heels of getting sick, & having completed a week of parent-teacher conferences).

I have a cat, but Simon was staying at Mom & Dads until we returned from AZ.  The saying is true, 'While the cat's away...'.

Last night I went to Wal-Mart and purchased 8 traps & 2 of those sonar/radar repellent thingies--didn't want to chance my cat not being a mouser.  I placed 1 of the plug-in detectors in the kitchen & another upstairs in the hallway.  Then I went about setting my peanut butter traps.  I kept wandering looking if my traps had sprung, because I kept getting the creeps all last night - but NOTHING!

This morning I checked my upstairs traps, NOTHING.  I decided to take a shower, then check the downstairs ones.  What should I find, but that pesky varmint in my trap - YAY!!!!

Uh, but what to do now?  I AM NOT GOING TO TOUCH THAT TRAP OR THE RODENT IN IT!!  So who ya' gonna call?

Dad!  Thank heavens for dads...clean-up aisle 4 INDEED!  Dad was out shopping and swung by my house to inspect the trap & dispose of the mouse (I swear I saw it wiggle, but he said the mouse was long dead; I trust him, no verification needed!!).  I reset the empty trap & hope to catch his pesky pals soon, if they exist.  I found three "secret stashes" of food: the aforementioned bed, my boots, & my downstairs throw quilt.  So I spent last night searching every nook & cranny, vacuuming, & washing everything those little rodents trolled over.  My house sparkles!

That is all for now, 1 pic because really?!?!?!  those mice GROSS ME OUT {alive & dead, apparently}!!  Maybe I only had 1, cross your fingers...

Copy-Cat HAPPY!

Have I mentioned: I LOVE MY FAMILY!?!?!?!?  {Okay, I know I say it a lot - but geesh, it's true!} 

Today my sis surprised me with a Halloween Happy {umm, my pal Clare's family introduced me to the term HAPPY - a present just because; rightfully titled, because they make you happy :0)...I loved the term/idea so much I shared it with my mom & sis...now we too give HAPPYs!}.  Happy Sunday indeed!  Every year we visit in October {love my schedule, which includes 2 week fall/Christmas/spring breaks} and I HEART my sister's Halloween decor.  She found some cute mini candy dishes at the Target Dollar Spot a few years ago...I look for them, but they haven't been heard of - plus it was like 8 years ago!

Well, every year she just laughs at how much I love them...{she must too, because she's never volunteered to give 'em up either!}

Presh, right?!?!  AND for $1 each...

 Well, today I opened my Fry's HAPPY...

SUPER CUTE...can't wait to hang them!  Plus, there's 1 more, she wasn't sure if I'd want 3 or 4 -
the 4th is a Frankenstein!

I also commented on her door wreath...

Delish, right!?!?!?

Then while trolling the aisles of Joanne's we found it's twin...for 60% off.  I couldn't resist:

Can't wait to get it hung!

All I have to do is tie a raffia bow on & it's ready to go - the scariest part is packing them in my suitcase to ensure they make it home safely.  I'm such a copy-cat...thank goodness my sis doesn't mind!

Kristan

Wild Thing

So Gams, Addi, & Auntie went on a Wild Zoo adventure today at the Litchfield Park Wildlife World Zoo.  It was so much fun, I can't lie it was pricey...but when you consider that the money goes to the zoo & 6 others nation-wide, which are rescuing exotic pet/endangered animals, I don't begrudge the cost {as much :0)}.

We saw tons of birds, primates, & turtles.  Also, we saw a white rhino, lemurs, warthogs, a baby jaguar, a baby tapir, & quite a few aquatic friends too!

Like to see some pics, you ask?  OF COURSE:

Addi liked the hot pink birds!

Gams & Addi playing with the Capuchin

Feeding the giraffes - "Not like at your zoo, Gams.  I like giving them lettuce & crackers!" says Addi.

Addi loves the goat kidds!

She actually touched the horseshoe crab, surprising!

"Help me touch the starfish, Auntie." - "I did it!" Addi says.

"Again!"

One more time, for a photo!

It was a great day - Addi is enjoying a nap & getting ready to scream for "Brother, Brother - NO OTHER" at Nick's Centennial Freshman football game tonight.  Gotta love fall, family, & Phoenix!!!

Scarecrow?

Not the best photo...but Thurs. 9/27 was Scarecrow Day.

My costume was fun & very fall - the day was crazy but so worthwhile!!  Have you figured it out/heard...my Kinder team is THE BEST!!

Great teammates make all the difference.

Christmas in September!?

What?  Getting ready for Christmas!!  Well, got a jump start on my newest addition for Christmas decor (a September start ensures it WILL be complete & ready to hang after Turkey Day):

Backing complete - check

 

 Here's a glimpse of what the finished product will look like...

Needing to applique a bajillion green circles & sew on red button ornaments!!

 

Rockefeller Rival - "Fa La-La-La-La, La-La-La-La!"



Lovin' 31

I am so excited over my new 31 bag...

She's packed & ready for making apple muffins with my Kinders tomorrow...love that this & my lunch bag match.

So...what are your thoughts...aren't my accessories C. - to the - U.T.E.?

"Pink it was Love At First Sight...

...Pink is like red but not quite." -Aerosmith

LOVE that song!  Reminds me of good times with BHS buddies.

But, can you guess my favorite color:

My Macbook, iPad, iPod, & camera!!

I bet you'd guess pink, and I do like it (but my favorite is actually red).  Funny though how I ended up with so much of it's lighter hued friend, right?

The piece de resistance...

Isn't my Snow White vinyl sticker to die for - ME LOVES!

My dad just rolled his eyes...all I need is a pink Kindle case & a pink wireless mouse (hee hee).  BTW, sorry the pics aren't great quality - took them with my phone (which is old & NOT smart) because I left my battery & charger in AZ at my sister's house!

New Per"specs"tive

Just in...my new glasses!  I am S.U.P.E.R. excited to have some bling-tastic eyewear.  Yes, they are expensive, but they are an accessory that I wear daily - so when you consider that...maybe they weren't so expensive after all.

I even hope to get an additional (purple) pair in Oct. or Nov. - I'll keep you posted.  Until then, here are a few pics:

Beat the Heat

Technically, I don't complain about the heat...at ALL!  I'm from AZ so I have learned that hot/cold in reference to weather are based on personal preferences.  I PREFER to be hot/warm vs. damp/cold - 85 degree weather is spring in AZ and that is not uncomfortable, heck I've been known to be out in 115 degree weather in the SHADE (that IS hot!).  I love summer: sunshine, flip flops, margaritas by the pool, "Toes in the water, *&% in the sand..." & all things it brings - so I actively choose not to complain about hot weather...but man, Coloradans can't hang!!!

This post is really just to say that I love my little townhome, but when it gets 85+ degrees inside a girl needs A/C.  Don't know how people in CO say they don't need A/C...it is on the list of "Home Must Haves."  But until my budget can afford it (I want wood floors first...that is my priority)...these will have to do:


2 rooms upstairs, 2 fans



Dad and I did our Father/Daughter errand running today (browsing the Downtown Farmer's Market).  We went to Lowes and HD...found these 2 guys on sale so I snatched 'em up.  Just a smaller version of my living room fan, that I got from Mom & Dad for Christmas last year.  So in a few weeks gonna get my bubba to install them & take him out for a dinner - his choice!

What are you doing to beat the "heat?"

SAD Day!



Prayers are needed for my beloved city of Colorado Springs, CO. 32,000 people have been evacuated and 4 family friends are pretty certain their house is no longer standing!

The Waldo Canyon fire has spread...as of 8:00 pm update 6,500 acres have been burnt. This fire is really only about 10-15 miles from my house. I can't begin to describe the devestation I've seen since 4:00 pm this evening.

My heart breaks for the city...God is listening & our prayers are being heard - special thanks for the volunteers and workers on the front lines and those evacuated.

So blessed that my family is safe and none have been placed on any evacuation status, but that is not the case for many residents (some very close friends).

Sesame Street 3rd Birthday

Addi is having a party soon...check out these cute diggs -

My mom is so talented...I wanna be young again so I can pull off this A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E. look.  "Brought to you by the letter A & the number 3!"

Give me a Breck!

I have been on a semi "Stay"cation with my sister, Addi, & parents.  It was so nice to spend a week in Breckenridge...the weather was great & the pool at The Grand Timber Lodge was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G (to say the least)!

We had fun wandering Main St. - gettin' our shop on!  Of course we bought ornaments (it's tradition, one that Shawn started).  I found a super cute mini-stained glass snowman, mom found a country snowman, & Shawn found some pine cone/glass bells, with painted snowfall. 

It was fun to just relax and have no schedule - sleep, shop, swim in the gachuzi (what Addi calls the jacuzzi), REPEAT!  It was also fun to see Addi's enthusiasm about everything - music, swimming, the petting zoo, BBQ...whatever we did, she was down for the adventure!  Man I love this kiddo...so glad to call Shawn my sister & Addi my niece (too bad Juan & Nick didn't join us, oh...and Chuck, Evelyn, & Noah for that matter too!) ~



Daddy-Daughter Day

So lately, my dad and I have taken up Saturday catch-ups.  We run errands together, like: Costco shopping, Commissary shopping, & just running around getting our "to dos" done.

Today we went to Old Colorado City and went to the Michael Garman gallery - he was there signing (my dad wanted a cowboy statue).  Since Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory was just across the street, we went in (I had a gift card) and purchased some sweet treats.  Then, random stop of the day - turning in some gold teeth & silver for CASH.  It is amazing what people hold onto...glad dad was able to get some money!

It is fun to spend the day with my Pops - we have a good time laughing, joking, and just browsing together.  Pretty soon we'll start hitting up the farmer's markets too - that is fun shopping & I love to buy fresh produce and feel like I am supporting local farmers.  I think I'm going to have to treat my dad to some food at the Heart of Jerusalem Cafe too...he was asking about it & it was delish when  went there a few summers ago.  Dad said he wasn't sure if he'd like it?  Well, you never know unless you try Daddy-o!



Waiting

So I do have a 4.0 GPA, but no degree!  Well, I've earned it - but it hasn't come in the mail...so, now I have to call.  I "graduated" 3 weeks ago, so I have been patiently waiting - now time is up.  I hate having to call...I mean it COST me to get the darn thing {it wasn't cheap either} and I didn't go to the graduation ceremony...so why the hold up?

I'm also moving classrooms on Tues. and have to wait for the former room's owner to move out, so I can move in.  Last year same scenario...but my "mover-inner" didn't wait so his stuff was ALL OVER my room last year & it was so horrible.  I didn't want to do that to the previous occupant of Room #3, so I am waiting my turn.

Last night at our staff end of year party, a person mentioned how everything in her life is in place.  She wanted to be married, have kids young, have her career established, & now she's just in a place where everything is flat lined.  She said, "I hate stress, but I need it, you know?" 

Hmmm...NO.  I don't agree - I thrive in a drama/stress-free zone.  I like the balance in my life & I like the quiet moments {I guess that's what makes us POLAR opposites}.  I find it funny that that same person began to tell me about how to date...which sites I should be on & how I'll never find someone unless "I put myself out there" {a comment I hate!!!!}.  And, BTW, she's not even a Christian - cracked me up her views about dating, marriage, etc...when we have TOTALLY different values/morals & upbringings, what makes you think I would follow or listen to this UNSOLICITED advice anyway?!?!?!

Geesh, I really like how "content" people proceed to tell me about how to run my life--but this person admitted to not being content, so even more reason to ignore this, right? 

Is it absurd to think that I might actually meet someone beyond my own control?  I mean, I have prayed about this & I feel that God will bring me someone - no for me to direct, obsess about, or have control over {problems arise when this occurs}.  NOTHING is wrong with dating sites, but I'm not sure if that is within my comfort zone...can't I decide that for myself?  Isn't God bigger than my decision to date via Internet or not?  I mean, can't I meet someone that is a good, Godly choice - if God had that person in mind for an option, can the Internet stop that?  Just something to consider.

Anyhow, what's the problem with waiting?  My turn will come & until then it's not like I'm not living life & enjoying myself!!!!!!  I secretly wonder if all the people who obsess over my lack of dates just want to live vicariously though my {non-existent} dating stories etc. (as in this one did ____, he wore ______, or he said _______)!  I mean, what's it to you?  And, I KNOW this person passing out advice isn't interested in my well-being or happiness...

Who's the Master?

I AM!!!  Yes, Kristan L. King M.Ed. posting here peeps.

My paper is all turned in and my 4.0 GPA is {not quite, but BETTER WILL BE on 5/9} official!

So, now I am going to work on removing my laptop, which has been like my third arm, from my fingertips.  I can't wait to leave it at school...what?!?!  Or, bring it home for the sole purpose of doing classroom work, not papers or discussion posts.

Happy Tuesday - it's the BEST for me,

Kristan

"...and You Can't Pull Me Down!"

I'm on a Wicked high!

Last night was so much fun..."Memories are made of this."

All through.  It was AMAZING!

Clare has all the pics because in true "Kristan-form" I brought my camera but didn't use it.  {I'm like my mother that way - it's genetic, so get over it!}  But Clare is such a pal she'll send 'em to me & I'll add 'em in a few days.  BTW, Clare...we saw all the herbal attire & smelled the 16th St. stench because yesterday was some sort of 'Legalize It Smoke Out' FYI.

Here we are...can't wait to get inside.

Quick pic in front of the entrance, with the poster!



So, I've decided that I should do a theatre show every year - I have L.O.V.E.D. every one of them so why not?  Let me know if you're in - we can form a group of Theatre Gals...we'll fa' sha' have a B.L.A.S.T. & support the arts.

I'm off to get 2 on sale ceiling fans at Lowe's and rock out to the Wicked soundtrack in my car -

"Kiss me good-bye, I'm defying gravity!"

Stage...Clare the rebel!



Change - A Kinder Thang!!

I am so excited to embark on my newest professional challenge - Kindergarten Teacher {and as of 5/5/12 Kristan King, M. Ed.!!!!}

AAHHGG - is my first response.  I know many of my non-teacher peeps are thinking {as a family friend Beth said} "It's not that different from 1st, Kristan.  I mean what's 1 year?!?!"

Okay, moment of truth - about 5 years ago I said, "I will never teach Kinder."  HA...eat some crow girlie!  Well I have a mouthful & for all you who feel as Beth does I'm just gonna say, 1 year makes a WORLD of difference.  Eons - TONS, no joke 1 year is a big deal with 3-7 year olds.

I am excited too - there is something extraordinary about being the FIRST.  First to teach how to be in school, how to eat lunch, how to form & walk in line, how to recognize print & begin to decode it, first to spark that love of learning...

Okay - now I'm tearing up!!  I know {cheesy, I am cheese ball}.  So pray for me on my new adventure & I truly send up praise to the Lord for answering my prayers for the past 2 years.  I am looking forward to loving my team & my job - I know BOTH can happen, simultaneously - and I won't settle for anything less.  And, PTL my team has already "shown the love" and I can wait for planning to begin...

My Kinder journey begins on 5/9 with Kindergarten Round-Up - Yee Haw!!

Bad Reflexes!

People make fun of me {friends & family} because of my AVERSION to horror flicks.

Well, first of all...the plots always stink. I mean how many Saw's/Chucky dolls/Texas Chainsaw Massacres/Jaws/etc. can there be? Doesn't that get old...just sayin'?!?!

Then, there is the fear of the dark. I mean when I see a scary movie or one that is graphic, the images stay with me for awhile (Seven, 8mm). Of course nightmares & fear of the dark is soon to follow.... Really, did I just pay to see a movie that literally FREAKS me out & makes me lose sleep? So, I don't!

Finally, I have bad reflexes. This shows up in the oddest of occasions - 16th street mall with a Michael Jackson impersonator, characters in those fuzzy costumes, fire drills/tornado drills {it's the alarms, my kids have said "Watch Miss King, she'll hop & scream!"}, and yes MOVIES!

I have jumped or been startled quite noticeably in the following movies:

1. Jaws {seriously won't swim in the ocean too deep or snorkel because my PHOBIA of great white sharks, all from this movie} [FYI - I had a moment in Sea World in that glass tube thing with the sharks where I saw visions of the shark breaking the glass just like in Jaws 3]



2. Jurassic Park {stupid raptors - cracked my Uncle Keith up}



3. Lord of the Rings (those black horse riders; Chuck had to defend me because my scream startled my neighbor - he had a few choice words for me, because I caused him to spill his soda)



4. Independence Day - literally thought my heart was going to come out of my chest, when that alien hit the glass window!



5. Harry Potter - various points in MOST of the movies (especially the Godric's Hollow snake part in HP#7 Part 1)



6. and now...The Hunger Games - this time my neighbor, who I frightened with my scream didn't yell, she & her boyfriend thought it was funny {PHEW! I apologized, she just waved it off with a smile}

I guess the images & action just keep my attention, then when something jumps out it FREAKS the crap out of me - for reals!! I am sure there are more for the above list, these are just the most memorable - LUCKY ME. I should just keep my yelps to myself, but I can't...oh well - this is what makes me who I am (if you're easily embarrassed by public startling, don't go to the movies with me FYI).

Hippity-Hoppity, Easter's on its Way!

Just a quick post about my new Easter purchases:

Lovin' my finds from Pottery Barn, a fun way to change up my red/ivory plates with some seasonal FUN! And, this girl cannot pass up PINK!!! Now, I'm just waiting for a package from my sis so I can hang my living room/dining room curtains...will post more about that decore soon.

Hey and if this weather keeps up it might actually be/feel like Spring for Easter...wouldn't that just beat all! You could actually hunt for Easter eggs without snow?!?! Does CO know how to do that?

Fingers crossed,

Kristan

New READING Blog I Follow

Just found a new blog ~ The Best Endings & can't wait to read/preview the books on the list.

Now that I'm putting my new Kindle Fire to work I need some great additions...was a little bummed that she doesn't seem to like the classics...

only time will tell!

Keep reading,

Kristan

P.S. Am I crazy? I do read for my 1 1/2 Masters classes, 2 professional book studies, & now I'm downloading for my Kindle...hmmm, can we say A-D-D-I-C-T!?!?!?! {And this doesn't count the time I'm blog stalking & trolling Pinterest}.

Something WICKED this way comes!

I'm so excited, purchased Clare & my tickets to Wicked yesterday...

Hurry up April 20th - this will be my first musical theater show. I mis-spoke, my 1st just-theatre show was {rightfully so} at The Globe in London, England. Yeah, the one Shakespeare made famous - how could I forget the Merry Wives of Winsor, Pam?!?!

Well show #2 is gonna be awesome & I CAN'T WAIT!!! Of course pics will come, but they're a few months away - just posting early because I can hardly contain my excitement!

P.S. Wizard of Oz has been my favorite movie since, FOR-to the-EVER!