June 6th

Today is the 66th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, and I'm surprised that there was almost no mention of this on the TV or radio today (at least not that I noticed). I found a link to something and decided it was worth putting up here. It's the late, great Mr. Reagan giving a speech in Normandy on June 6, 1984; definitely worth watching and reading. http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/ronaldreaganddayaddress.html

Today is also this fella's 26th birthday.
This is my new favorite picture of Oliver; he's such a sweet daddy already to Elizabeth. I love Oliver because he loves Kira...that's a must if you're going to marry one of my friends! I also love him because, whenever I'm with just him and Kira, he automatically makes himself the third wheel so that I don't have to be. I don't know if he even notices that he does that, but I do. And I adore him for it. Happy birthday, Oliver!

this morning

I went for a jalk (jog-walk) this morning (at 7:00! woohoo me!) and noticed a precious little robin trying to pick up a worm off the road to take home to her hungry babies. I stopped to watch and thought, "My, that sure is a large worm! What a good mama she is." I moved a little closer...not a worm! Not a worm at all! Nope. Baby snake. A. Baby. Snake. I don't do snakes. I know they eat rodents, and that this is indeed a good thing. I'm actually fine with them being in nature. I just don't everevereverever want to see them. And I did today. And I'm done talking about it.

A while after my jalk, I needed to take care of a few chores. I put my iTunes on shuffle to keep me company and this song came on: Heart, "Alone" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxfdDrKO8uM. Little known fact: for as long as I can remember, I've dreamed about singing this song karaoke-style. As long as it's playing really loudly, I sound exactly like Ann Wilson when I sing along. Well, in my head I do. Since the song was already playing, I decided to practice for my karaoke debut while unloading the dishwasher. I was sounding especially good today when I heard a knocking coming from my downstairs neighbor. I hit "pause" and realized he was knocking on his ceiling to get me to hush. Yikes. He apparently doesn't share my love for Heart and obviously has no karaoke dreams of his own. I hope I get a much different reaction from the crowd when I take the stage someday.

PS--If you've never seen this music video, take a few minutes to watch it. It's 80s gold.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

my family and friends

lazy, glorious, wonderful summertime!

the delightful nap I just woke up from

being done with the $160 (yes, $160!) GRE, even though I can't find a straight answer on whether my scores are good enough...if they want my combined score, I'm fine...if they want individual scores, I may be retaking this bad boy since my math score was kinda ugly...like, bless-her-heart-she-had-to-guess-on-all-but-five-of-them, ugly
(*update: The UAB lady just called me back and said my combined score is good enough to get in! Such a relief! I'm glad I don't have to pay to take that mess again.*)

my health

time to read! There aren't many things that make me happier than my weekly library visits during the summer. Nerd? Most likely. Do I care? Not a bit.

the fact that Joran Van Der Sloot is finally (hopefully) getting what he deserves...I just hate that another girl had to die in order to get him locked up...all the officials in Aruba who dropped the ball with Natalee Holloway now have blood on their hands, in my very humble opinion

getting to visit with Ms. Juanita at the fabric store today...she helped me pick out my first sewing machine last summer and always asks me to bring my projects in for her to see...she fussed at me today for not having something to show her, so I'll have to get on it!

Rue McClanahan...I'm not ashamed to admit that I adore "The Golden Girls" and have seen almost every episode...when I heard that Rue died today, I felt like I'd lost a family member :( She'll be missed very much!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Freedom is not free

I took this picture at the Korean War Memorial in DC, and the more I think about it, the more it moves me. Today I am thankful to the men and women who have sacrificed time with their families, their health, their dreams, their well-being, even their own lives, so that I can live in freedom. I can't imagine having that kind of selflessness. I take my freedom for granted every single day, and I want to be more mindful about not doing that. I spent my day enjoying family and food, and it makes me feel a little guilty that I'm only able to do that because a soldier somewhere isn't able to. Something to think about.

*Side note: "WWII in HD" was on History Channel in its entirety Saturday. I planned to watch parts of it because I love learning about that time period. I emerged from my WWII coma 10 hours later. That's right; I watched all. ten. episodes. I sprinkled in a few chores and errands so I could say I didn't spend 10 hours on the couch watching TV. Actual couch time was only about 9 hours...so much better than 10. I know so much about WWII now it's not even funny. Try me :)

life-changing

I'm currently re-reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This will be go-around #3. I think this book has affected me more profoundly than anything I've ever read (except for Gone with the Wind...it speaks to my inner Scarlett and makes me want to wear a hoop skirt and live at Tara and marry a blockade runner). I don't normally read a lot of Christian fiction because I find it preachy and a bit cheesy. *Does that make me a bad Christian? I'll ponder this.* This one is phenomenal, though. Laura gave me her copy a few summers ago and told me it would change my life. I rolled my eyes, thanked her, and then texted her numerous times a day during my reading to profess my love for the book. I would set out to read "just one more chapter" before bed, and then look at my clock and see 2:00 staring back at me. Laura was right...I, of course, was wrong.

The plot is amazing and it really, truly makes you think about the depth of God's love for us. The prologue is particularly gut-wrenching, but it's so worth it in the end. I really think this should be required reading for every woman on the planet. In fact, if I was filthy rich, I'd buy all of them a copy. But I'm not, so I won't...sorry ladies. I'll just blog about it. If you're looking for something to fill out your summer reading list, add Redeeming Love to it. It will change your life. Roll your eyes if you want to, but on this little matter, I'm right and you're wrong. Read it. Be changed. The end :)

D.O.N.E. (and T.E.N.U.R.E.D.)--a special edition of Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

• this wonderful school year...incredible kids who made it easier for me to get out of bed each morning, great parents, fun coworkers, lots of lessons learned, sweet memories
• finally being tenured, in an "unofficially official" way :) WOOHOO!!!
• summer break :) :) :)
• the fun little cleaning/dance party we had today...I cranked up some Justin Bieber and the kiddos had the classroom cleaned top to bottom in a little over an hour! You know those scary ants that live in the jungle? The ones that swarm on their prey and have it reduced to nothing but bones in like 7 seconds? That's what my students did to my classroom today. I stood in awe.
• my family and friends (particularly Uncle Mark and Cousin Jerry...happy happy birthday to them today!)
• the ability to remain faithful even when you don't understand how bad things fit into the grand scheme of life
• finally deciding to start grad school in the fall...well, if UAB will have me, that is! In fact, I'm fixing to register for the GRE once I finish typing this!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

prayers

I don't think anybody reads this blog but me (and my mom), but I figured I'd put this out there just in case. If you pray, please remember the Stamps/Vollers families in your prayers. Baby Graham passed away this afternoon. I'm sure any and all prayers for the families would be appreciated during this difficult time!

A scattered Saturday morning

I'm in love. With a gum...Ice Breakers Ice Cubes: Cool Lemon. This gum is like chewable Toomer's lemonade; how can you go wrong with that? I bought a new pack the other day and was upset when I reached into my purse after lunch yesterday and found it empty. I dug around in there thinking it had spilled out into my purse. Nope. I chewed it all. In two days.

I saw something outside last night that made me desperately unhappy. It was one of those vile creatures whose name starts with an "r" and rhymes with "coach". I almost looked up a picture to put in this post, but then I wouldn't be able to come back here anymore. And that would be a tragedy. Do these nasty things serve a purpose? And if they do, isn't there anything else that can do whatever it is they do, just without the grossness? Thankfully, the thing was outside and not inside...that gives me the heebs like just about nothing else. My chivalrous neighbor kindly squished it for me and said he would leave it there as a warning to all the others. I hope they see their fallen comrade out there on the sidewalk and go hang out somewhere else for the summer.

I want to sew something today. It's been a while since I've had the time (or honestly, desire) to sew, so I'm going to take advantage of this. I don't know yet what I'm sewing...I'll get there when I get there. But I'm sewing something.

I made something really good the other night. It sounds weird, but it tasted amazing. Chicken+Amy's Chunky Tomato Bisque+Frank's Red Hot+sauteed onion+kidney beans+whole wheat rotini+a little shredded cheddar on top=seriously tasty.

I've finally given in and started watching "Friday Night Lights". When it first premiered, I remember thinking that it looked like a show I would enjoy. I made a concerted effort not to watch it, because I don't like being a slave to the TV. The new season started a couple of weeks ago and I watched it. And I'm hooked, just as I knew I would be. Not only am I now a slave to my TV, I'm going to have to spend my summer renting the previous seasons so I can get caught up. Sigh.

I heard this song on my drive home from Mobile last weekend. It made me laugh. Not that there's anyone I feel this way about (hmm), but if there was, I'm sure this would sum it up nicely :) Jaron and the Long Road to Love, "I Pray for You": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFJu8DCH_b0

Thursday is the last day of school. This year has flown by; of course, there were times when it seemed to drag but overall? Poof! Flown by. The kiddos are so excited about moving up to 6th grade, and I'm excited for them. I'm more sad about this year being over than past years...I think because I'm not going to see them next year. I've loved this class and even though we've had some less-than-perfect moments, I'm going to miss them a lot. Whether they know it or not, they've taught me so much. I've put my heart and soul into teaching this year, and I hope my darlings are just a tiny little bit better for being in my class.

I don't know if I've ever been so excited about summer break. I've got places to go, sights to see, friends to visit, weddings to attend, books to read, movies to watch, things to sew, a life to live...can't wait to get on it!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

• family and friends
• new babies!
• good news :)
• being able to participate in LA and Randolph's way-too-fun wedding weekend
• feeling like I make a difference, even a small one
• job stress, because it means that I have a job
• being able to cross a few things off my miles-long end-of-the-year checklist
• the realization that, this time next week, School Year 2009-2010 will be in the record books
• summersummersummersummersummer
• a great year with my kiddos...they've taught me more than they'll ever know
• my health
• my power still being on, even though the storm is threatening to ruin my chances of watching "The Office" season finale tonight...here's hoping!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Welcome to the world, baby girl! (and boys!)

Elizabeth Anne Aaron made her grand entrance into the world at 11:59 AM today! She's 7 lbs 3 oz and 20.5 inches long with fuzzy brown hair :) I checked my phone like a crazy lady all day waiting to hear from Oliver, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't do a happy dance when I got the news. I'm so very excited for Kira and Oliver and can't WAIT to meet Elizabeth. She and Aunt JJ are going to have lots of fun together!

In other baby news, Kate became an aunt yesterday. Her nephews William and Graham were born at 29 weeks, so they're tiny (but healthy, by all accounts). They have a long road ahead of them...I'm sure any prayers for them would be mucho appreciated!

Last but certainly not least, Laura and Bart's nephew Steven also arrived yesterday. Woohoo! Babies, babies, babies...who's next? :)

Happy birthday, Grandad!

(My graduation day in Auburn...44 years after Grandad became an AU alum himself.)

Today is Grandad's birthday; he's celebrating his big 35th this year :) I'm so thankful to have him around. He's a hoot and a half; I don't think I've ever spent any time around him without laughing. He has such a funny, quick wit. I love to hear him whistle through his teeth; I've never found anybody else who can do that quite like he does. He lives for his family and does anything you ask him to do without complaining. He's one of the wisest people I know. He can make and fix just about anything. He is a walking history textbook, and I think the only people who know more about the Civil War are the ones who lived through it :) I'm thankful for the time and effort he's put into researching our family's history; I hope to spend some time with him this summer learning more about the Johnstons. I love him to pieces and I hope he's got many more years with us. Happy birthday, Grandad!

Another one bites the dust!

I spent the weekend in Mobile successfully marrying off another friend. Laura Allyson and Randolph's big day (weekend, actually) was amazing. The rain held off, everything went smoothly, and the bride was remarkably laidback the whole weekend. It tickled me to see her so happy and utterly sure about starting her new life as a Miller. I also loved getting to catch up with some precious friends, some of whom I don't get to see nearly often enough. Wonderful weekend! I'm quickly running out of college friends to marry off, so I try to make the most of these occasions. Who's next? ;)

I swung through Troy on my way home to visit with Kira, Oliver, their new dog Scout, and, as of right now, a still-unborn Baby Elizabeth. It was so good to be able to visit with them one last time before they welcome that sweet baby girl. She'll be here Wednesday unless she comes sooner on her own...Kira and I share a weird affinity for even-numbered days, so tomorrow would be ideal :) But if Elizabeth decides to stay put until the 19th, nobody will be any less excited to see her. I can't wait to get my hands on that little lady!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for...

• family and friends
• the upcoming weekend...LA's wedding...Randolph makes her happy, that makes me happy, everybody wins :)
• the reuniting of friends that LA's wedding will inevitably bring about...always a good thing
• a 3 hour dinner with coworker friends yesterday...lots of chitchat, lots of laughs
• some fun activities (Mystery Quest, butter churning) accomplished with the kiddos this week, and more fun things planned for next week
• a serious slowdown coming up reeaaal soon...yes, please!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

1,095 days ago...

(The. Best. Picture. Ever. Laura, Kira, me, Rachel...UC22 girls)

I walked across the stage inside Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum and ended a marvelous ride. May 10, 2007. I could go on and on (and on and on) about how incredible my Auburn experience was, but I won't. Instead, I'll see if I can narrow my life on the Plains down to ten favorites.

Tim Tyler: Oh, Tim. The Piano Man. If he was playing, we were there. I fondly remember Tim Tyler Tuesdays at SkyBar, especially the Tuesday of our graduation week. We were graduating, Tim was graduating, SkyBar was full of nothing but seniors...it was incredible. We graduated at the same ceremony, and I loved hearing the huge cheer when his name was called out.

lazy summers: I spent two (well, two and a half) glorious summers in Auburn, one living in the McDonald's backyard, an unspeakably great one on Gay Street, and part of one packing up my Auburn memories and starting my grown-up life. Daily schedule: class, work, then fun :) I loved it when Auburn emptied out for the summer.

long walks: Nearly every day after class and work, I headed out for a walk around campus. Really long walks. That's how I got to know all the nooks and crannies of AU. Sometimes gabbing with friends, other times catching up on my praying or my tunes. If it was raining, no problem...that's what the Coliseum was for. I still laugh when I think about the time Laura and I ran every single, solitary set of stairs in the Coliseum in a fleeting moment of fitness. No problem, until our jelly legs were unable to walk us back to the apartment. Lesson learned...nobody wins when you run the stairs.

Alpha Gam: I wasn't the "sorority type" when I decided to rush, but I'm glad I changed my mind. Many of my memories center around Alpha Gam events and friends. I'm beyond thankful for my 2 years living in Dixie Bibb Graves, my time on EC, formals, socials, pep rallies, runs to TCBY right at closing time, road trips, parades, Concourse dances, Homecoming floats, candlelights, those loooong days during rush, and so forth...

nights on the town: Way too many to count. Good music, good friends, good times. Some fun memories that are a little hazy and some that I've been sworn to take to my grave :) One standout: Benjy Davis Project at Bourbon Street...senior year...trip to the bathroom...unfortunate tumble off my high heels...an even more unfortunate landing...Laura walking thisclose to me all the way back to UC22...Rachel taking pictures that I hope have since been burned...the demise of my favorite jeans

food: Momma G's. Amsterdam. Niffers. Nihon. Provino's. Late night junk from Willie's. Barbecue House. Veggies to Go. Yum.

classes: Does that make me a nerd? I'll ponder that. I didn't always want to go to class, but I enjoyed most of them. I loved meeting new people each semester and had some great professors. I really loved my education classes; it was fun getting to learn things that I would actually use in the future. (One exception: Senger's math methods class. I refuse now and forever to use toothpicks with my students as a protest of what we were forced to do in this class.)

football: I loved that from September to the end of November, I never had to worry about weekend plans. Wake up, tailgate, game, out to celebrate the victory/mourn the loss...done! Repeat the next week. Jordan-Hare Stadium on game days will always be one of my favorite places on Earth. I love that, while I was a student, we beat Alabama every year. I love that I was there for the 2004 perfect season. I hope I never forget the splendor of the AU/GA game that year...last game of the season, nighttime kickoff, a victory, those paper shakers floating in the air...amazing.

friends: I can't even begin to describe my friends. They're in every memory and in my thoughts every day. My life would be empty without them.

graduation week: What a week. "The week everybody cried." Exciting, fun, full of hope, and sad all at the same time. Our last TT Tuesday, cap and gown photo shoot, soaking up each second because we knew it was about to be over. Walking across that stage and hearing my name. Having to wait until the next day to get my diploma because of $22.19 in dadgum copy charges. Celebration supper at Momma G's with Daddy and the girls and Trotline @ SkyBar. Next day lunch and lemonade at Toomer's with Kira, Oliver, and Laura. Saying goodbye and realizing everything had changed. Figuring out a new normal. I remember all of it. And it makes me smile.

weekends are my thing

I'm really good at enjoying weekends; it's one of my many, many talents. I headed to Tuscaloosa on a gloriously cool Saturday to go see the Blue Angels with Daddy. I was running late (spent the morning dawdling...surprise!) and that put us in a time crunch. *Side note: Blue Angels started at 3:00.* 1:30...aware that we were missing the fun "little planes" because I'm a slowpoke, we drove to the newspaper office, walked across the bridge over the river lugging a backpack and two chairs, and hiked through downtown Northport only to be told that the street was closed and we weren't allowed to walk to the airport this year. My grump factor went up a few notches. Back up the hill, back over the river (still hauling the aforementioned backpack and chairs), on to the shuttle pickup point...2:00. A policeman at the parking lot told us a shuttle would be by in 15-20 minutes, so we decided to wait. The shuttle finally arrives...2:40. Most definitely not the advertised 15-20 minutes. My grump meter is dangerously high. I'm kicking myself for being such a slowpoke because I'm positive we're going to miss the show and have the worst weekend in the history of the world.

The driver got us to the airport right at 3:00, we staked out our spot, and the Blue Angels started about 5 minutes later. The timing could not have been more perfect! Our spot this year was so much better than last year, and we got to see everything. I can't fathom being skilled enough and confident enough to fly a plane at that rate of speed that closely to someone else. I bet there are more than a few dominant personalities in that bunch of pilots! My pictures don't do it justice; the combination of a way-too-slow camera and a fair amount of operator error left my pictures a bit lacking. Oh well, at least I have something to show for being there!

The weather was awesome again for Mother's Day today. We had such a fun family day; I'm thankful for my mama :) With work schedules and such, the four of us don't get together as often as we would like. I was glad Daniel was able to come by for a little while before he had to go in to work. For her Mother's Day present, Mom wanted us to help make stepping stones for the front yard. I was excited; that's right up my alley. Daniel was a good sport, although that is most definitely not right up his alley. I liked the way they turned out; I'll have to get a picture of the final products from Mom. Happy Mother's Day, Mom! We love you :)