home about contact sponsor why teaching midweek FAQs

Monday, May 31, 2010

Top 2 Tuesday - The Bachelorette



Today at The Undomestic Momma, the topic for Top 2 Tuesdays is The Bachelorette. You know I not-so-secretly LOVE this ridiculous show...  So, I'm happy to join in!


My top two picks... for a single friend (of course):

1.) Frank.  I liked him from the start, even if he does live with his parents at 31.  I think its the glasses.  (Sometimes I secretly pray for Jeff to lose his vision early... I guess the secret is out now!) Anyhow, he seems fun!


Honestly, no one else is really jumping out at me yet.  (This could make for a let down of a season.) So...

2.) I'm going to go with Kirk (minus the v-neck in the photo below... not.a.fan) even though we haven't seen much of him yet.  I just think he's cute!  We'll see...


P.S. Does anyone else think Ali looks just a little too much like Vienna now?!?! What is so wrong with dark hair? Honestly.

All photos from www.abc.com.
 

Saturday, May 29, 2010

One Month from Today...

One month from today, we are leaving for a BIG ADVENTURE.

Jeff and I are checking one off my 30 Before 30 List and driving across country!!!  (I'm calling it "ChapMANIFEST DESTINY," cute huh?)

We've alotted a little over three weeks to see as much of the great US as we can... Starting in Virginia (of course), then taking the northern route up through Yellowstone and Glacier National Park in Montana... Traveling along the Canadian border to Vancouver, then cutting down to Seattle and Portland, and rounding out the trip with stops in Boise, Salt Lake City (our engagement spot), and Denver to visit friends... I genuinely am SO excited!

(I had to delete the map b/c it was slowing down my whole blog. If you want to see the specifics of our route... Click here.)

We'll be camping and "roughing it" most of the time; and, although this isn't technically "my style," I'm super thankful that it IS Jeff's, so I can experience something I probably never would have considered...

But, I'm also quite nervous.  A lot needs to be done in the next 30 days --- inbetween the end of school, a family beach trip, two weddings, and a bachelorette party.

Case in point: Jeff left this morning for a three day camping and canoeing trip with the guys for Davey's (Amanda's soon-to-be-groom) bachelor party.  *Seriously, we've been bachelorizing it SO much lately that we might stop being married soon.  Can that happen?** ...And, let's just say that if you tried to convince me that a tornado ripped through town and dropped Gander Mountain's camping aisle in my living room... I'd believe it.  Easily.  I thought camping was supposed to be au naturale, about getting back to the basics... simplicity.  I have never seen something look so UN-relaxing in all my life.  In fact, I am stressed just talking about it!

Tonight, Jeff is "testing out" this new hammock he has purchased for our trip that, according to him, "wraps you up like you are in a cocoon and feels awesome."  Hmm... And, he'll be eating a lot of tuna in a bag and beef jerky.  (Can I just say, THANK GOODNESS for Addy's prize money!)  I'm definitely in for a wild ride!  (Literally.)

So... here's where YOU come in:

Have any of you made this trip before and have any suggestions?  (We need all the help we can get!)

What do we DEFINITELY need to see or do?


What are your thoughts on us taking Addy?  We'd originally thought no, but now we are debating.  We will miss her SO much, and she'd be a blast at all the national parks etc.

I've got a lot of planning to do... Can you help a girl out?!?!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Pay Day

Today was pay day.

Interestingly, Addy and I made almost the same amount this period.

That does wonders for my self-esteem.

Something is wrong in the world when a dog makes more money for looking good than a person makes for shaping the minds and touching the lives of children. 

But... I'm not complaining!

P.S. In case you haven't noticed, I'm in a bit of a blogging rut this week.  The end of the year is WILD at school, and I just can't seem to make MLA formatting and essays funny/interesting for my blog.  The end is in sight - just two more weeks - so I'll be back on my game soon!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Amanda's Bachelorette Party!

***This post is rated PG-13 for images of "lingerie." ***  (Consider yourself warned.)

This weekend, as the Maid of Honor, I planned a fun getaway to Alexandria, VA to celebrate my beautiful friend Amanda and the end of her bachelorette days!

You really can't beat a weekend with good girlfriends (plus, two pretty awesome bridesMEN/brothers), delicious food and drink, a fancy hotel, a fun city, and an underground DJ.  Need I say more?!?! 

I'm going to save all my sentimental talk for her wedding day (which is only THREE weeks away); so in the meantime, I'll leave you with some pictures...

A gift from the brothers... lovely.
Oh, and by the way, ADDY WON!!!!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Winners!!!!!

Updated to add: Check out the announcement at blog.forrent.com.  It's FOR REAL!!!  (Even though my Poppy is still convinced they are going to make us move to "LA or New York."  Haha!)

Today is a day full of winners!!!

Um... Addy WON the photo contest!!!
Here she is when we first told her she won!!!

Honestly, I can hardly believe it!!! Our girl just made us the easiest $1500 EVER!! (Well, our girl and ALL of your votes --- thank you SO much!!!!)  Jeff says he thinks we have finally broken even on her! :)

We now have a real life star in our house... I hope we can contain her!!!

And, it's a lucky day for two of you also... I am happy to announce the winners of Addy's two giveaways from last week:

First, the winner of the dog treats from AJ's Pup Pastries is.... Lauren from Shooting Stars Mag

And, the winner of the pet portrait from Design Blooms is... Ben & Emily
(I will email you guys for your mailing info, etc.)

Again, I can't thank you enough for helping us in the contest!  All joking aside, $1500 is a HUGE blessing for us as we enter the summer season - i.e. I don't get paid - and plan a huge trip across country.  God works in incredible ways!!!

What a glorious day!!!  (Even if it is MONDAY and raining!!)

Stay tuned... more to come later tonight on Amanda's Bachelorette party etc. :)

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Body for Life Update - Week 2

Well friends, I was really anxious to weigh this morning and was definitely hoping to post some HUGE numbers today... All week I've been feeling good, I thought for sure I'd be down a lot today.

BUT, I just stepped off the scale, and I only lost 1.2 lbs. this week.  Now, despite my desire to wallow in pity, I am really trying to celebrate...

First, last week I lost 4.8 lbs.!!!  (Which means, in two weeks I've lost 6 pounds - which is great!!)

I also am remembering from my Biggest Loser watching, that week two is often a little disappointing after a big number on week 1.  I know my body is trying to figure things out... And, at least I didn't gain anything. 

Finally - and I'm really trying to value this - I honestly feel SO good.  I have felt so comfortable the last week and good about myself... eating healthy really does make a difference - externally and internally. 

I still have three weeks to go until the wedding season begins; but, I'm already feeling like this is something I could stick to long term.  (How bad is it that two weeks is probably close to a record for me on a diet?!?)

A few things I think are making a difference:

High protein and healthy carbs --- my favorite meal is now CarbSmart Yogurt (Kroger brand), Kashi Go-Lean Berry Clusters, and fresh strawberries or blackberries... YUM!! 

The "cheat day"... One day a week, you are REQUIRED to have a cheat day and just go crazy!  This is supposed to rev your metabolism; but I'm realizing that it also helps me from obsessing over cravings etc.  Instead of thinking about what I "can't" eat all week, I just tell myself I'll have it on the cheat day and forget about it!

Not cheating AT ALL.  (And the "cheat day" isn't cheating...) I know if I take one bite of something "not on plan," I will blow it.  So far, I've survived dessert night for our bible study, donuts in all my classes, a cookout, a dessert reception for Junior League, and more...


A few things I will try this week:

Drinking more water and less caffeine!

Exercising more!

Writing everything down.

Anyways, I won't bore you with any more details... Today is my CHEAT DAY and I'm heading to DC with a bunch of fun girls to celebrate Amanda and her BACHELORETTE party!!  I'm definitely going to eat 1.2 pounds of chips and salsa and cupcakes!  (Oh yea, and I got a spray tan yesterday (ha!); I am ready to hit the town!)

If you're trying BFL, how are you doing?!?  I'd love to hear!

And, don't forget to vote for Addy HERE and enter her giveaways here and here! (All three end tomorrow!)

Friday, May 21, 2010

Fill in the Blank Friday... Fashion

I recently found a new blog that I LOVE.  Over there, it's Fill in the Blank Friday.  And, the topic is Fashion.  You know what a fashionista I am, so... I'm in!


1. One fashion trend I really regret is wide leg jeans (circa Limited TOO 1996).  WHY on heaven's earth would I ever WANT to have wide legs?!?!  Also, graphic and baby-doll tees.  Puke!

2. The one thing that always completes any outfit is pearl studs. I have a lot of other nice earrings, and I like them alright, but I ALWAYS feel better in simple, classic pearls. (Handbands come in at a close 2nd here!)

3. I would describe my personal style as casual classic.  I like jeans, solid black/white/camel, and stripes A LOT.  I can't pull off pencil skirts and tucked in blouses.  And, TRUST ME, I really can't do "sexy."  (I've actually been searching all of Roanoke for an appropriate bachelorette dress for this weekend... And, I've got nothing.  I look like a pre-matured eight-year old at a Britney Spears concert in EVERYTHING I've tried on!  Solid black dress... here I come!)

4. My fashion muse is Reese Witherspoon... but you already knew that.

5. If I could own one designer piece of clothing it would be I'm really bad at "designers."  BUT... I would like a pair of real Tory Burch shoes.  :)  Also, I wish I had a good pair of designer jeans - they really do make SUCH a difference - of course Jeff, TOTALLY, does not understand this!

6. I would love to raid the wardrobe of some of my students. Not in a creepy or "Juniors Department" kind-of way.... Some of them just have REALLY cute clothes!!  I used to ask girls all the time where they got their clothes, but I'm pretty sure it is uncool to dress like the teacher, so I stopped for fear of hurting their reputations.

7. Today I am wearing Seven jeans (these are hand-me-downs from my trendy sister... they are too short for me so I usually cuff them, but - thanks to BFL - I'm feeling skinnier today, and less hips/thighs to cover with fabric = more length*), a new white tank top from Target, and one of those tissue-tee cardigan thingies that doesn't button and is slightly longer in the front with red and white stripes; plus, of course, flip flops, pearls, and a tortoise shell headband.

*Yes, there is a good chance that it just looks like I'm wearing high waters, but I'm ok with it.  (Look for a BFL update tomorrow after I weigh in, NO, I haven't quit yet!)
 
Want to play along?!?  Just copy & paste these into your own blog entry.  (Or just answer in the comments section here.) Then, head over to the little things we do to add your linky!


P.S. Don't forget to vote for Addy HERE and enter her giveaways here and here! (All three end Sunday!)
Happy Friday!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Memo to My Future Self

At twenty-six, you are happy.  You ADORE your husband, and can't believe how "easy" marriage has been so far.  You actually get kind-of excited when you think about the challenges you two might conquer together in the future.  You talk a lot about how nice it will be when life slows down in a few years, and you have more time to spend together. Right now, your favorite part of every day is curling up with Jeff and Addy before bed. You CAN'T WAIT to have a baby, but you are fearful too.  You quite like being selfish.  :) You worry (some) about Jeff finding a job he loves, about maybe moving someday, about how you will balance a house when you have kids, and about going prematurely gray.  Deep down, you've known for a while that God has been preparing you for something big, you just don't know what it is yet.  This makes you a little crazy, but you try to just relax and let things come as they will. 

You LOVE your job!  Sure, some mornings you'd like nothing more than to sleep until ten for the rest of your life... But, for the most part, you really genuinely enjoy going to work.  You LIKE teenagers - a lot, actually.  And, you can relate to them because you remember pretty clearly being a student in those exact same classrooms etc.  Your heart is strong enough to not find your identity in how well liked you are, but you haven't hardened to the point where you don't care.  It still stings when a kid says something ugly, and your entire day can be made with one positive comment.  Your favorite part of teaching is the in-between - when kids stop in to say hello or talk about their lives - don't ever get too "busy" for that.  You also really like lesson-planning and can't imagine ever being the teacher that just photocopies the same lessons OVER and OVER again every year.  You pray that grading papers gets faster for you!  Secretly, you think high school relationships are the cutest thing ever, and even get a little sad when couples break-up.  (You also don't really mind the "dirty" dancing at prom... And, you promise never to be an "old stick in the mud" who sits back shaking her head in disgust at the music.)

You obsess - too much - over your weight.  But, you are still hopeful that there is time to get your issues "worked out."  You hope deeply that one day you will wake up and ENJOY exercise!  You think a lot about how to raise girls to feel beautiful.

You aren't exactly "trendy," but you try to look cute and, most days, succeed.  You don't want to EVER wear mom jeans, sleep in a moo-moo, or quit wearing make-up.  In fact, you hope one day you will like wearing lipstick as much as your mom does.

Your house stresses you out A LOT, and you've agreed NEVER to own a bigger one -- unless it comes with a maid and a yard boy!  You actually LIKE not having cable.  And, you think your house looks its best when it is jam-packed with friends!  You pray that it will always be a place where people feel "at home." 

You are much more of a homebody now than you were when you were younger.  You MUCH prefer dinner and wine on the front porch with one or two friends over a night out dancing.  BUT, You think its ok to have a wild night once in a while --- that's what grandparents are for! You KNOW how important girlfriends are and you VOW not to ever give those up because of kids/schedules/distance/etc. 

Speaking of, you TREASURE the time you've spent with your grandparents and - desperately - want that for your kids one day!  And, when the time comes, you will remember how your parents spent so many years sacrificing for you --- and not get angry at them when they start going looney in old age.

The things that hurt you most in life are comments that come from bitter old beavers.  And, some of the most precious conversations and friendships you have are with older women who REALLY want to know you.  When you are older, you will remember this.  You will ALWAYS encourage younger women - in your job, your community, church, etc.  You will offer advice when it is necessary, but mostly just support them and let them learn things on their own.

You WILL remember what it was like to be twenty six and still have SO much life ahead of you!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Addy's GiveAway #2

Ok, as promised, Addy is hosting a SECOND giveaway this week to thank you kindly for your votes HERE!!!  You guys are going to love this...

My friend Nikki at Design Blooms is SUPER talented, a pet lover (her Golden Retriever Minnie was my first love and the reason I have Addy today!), and TODAY just happens to be her BIRTHDAY!!!

Anyway, recently she did these cute silhouettes of her cat and dog for her house. 


I liked them so much that I commissioned her to do two of my mom's cats --- she's the freak that entered her two cats in yesterday's giveaway for DOG treats --- for Mother's Day.


And, today, ladies & gentlemen, she's giving away a custom PET SILHOUETTE for YOU!!

To enter:
1. Leave a comment on this post for one entry
2. Visit Nikki's blog HERE and become a follower for TWO more entries!! (Tell her Happy Birthday while you're there too, if you don't mind!)

This giveaway will close at 11:59PM on Sunday!!  Don't miss it!

And, don't forget to vote for Addy!
*You don't have to to win, but we sure would appreciate it!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

My Love Story

[Back-Linked on 6/24/10]
 
First of all, can you please just play - or at least imagine - a Taylor Swift song playing in the background of this post?  (Any song will do.) Thanks!

So, let's be honest, boys weren't really throwing themselves at me in middle school and high school.  For starters, I was "a prude." I also have freckles, which didn't help my case.  Either way, I cried after my first kiss in eighth grade so, I resigned myself to being a nun early in life.  ;)

In ninth grade, Jeff and I went on approximately four dates.  That is, of course, only if you consider your parents driving you to school dances in the backseat of the family van a date.  Then, out of no where - just when I thought things were beginning to get serious - he broke up with me on AOL.  (How could he?!?)

Lucky for him, he was just a little too late and I'd already decided he was the love of my life.  He could run, but he couldn't hide! For the next two years, I took every opportunity to humiliate myself convince Jeff that we should be together.  I wrote in a journal my sophomore year: "God, if you don't want us to be together, why can't you just let me GET OVER THIS BOY? I know there is something special about him."  (And trust me, I believed this with every ounce of my fifteen year old self.) 

Although he said 'no' all THREE times I asked him to dances etc., for some reason Jeff kept coming around.  Our lives, by this point, had taken dramatically different routes.  He became one of the "cool kids" who snuck out and drank, and I took on the role of "good girl" -- complete with Student Government, Young Life, and the newspaper staff.  While Jeff's friends made fun of me in the halls, my friends and I made up nicknames to talk about him ("the Rat" if you must know), listened to sappy KC & JoJo love songs, and drove by his house most Friday nights. I can pretty much guarantee you that if you asked ANYONE who knew us then if we'd ever get married, they'd give it a 1 in 25856784923 chance... (There was probably a better chance that he'd take out a restraining order and I'd end up in jail!)

Then, finally, my junior year, I had my first real boyfriend.  He was a great guy and perfectly fit the image of "Miss Christianity" I was going for...  For the first time in two years, I didn't think about Jeff all the time.  After all, he wasn't the "kind of guy" I was looking for.  Meanwhile, however, Jeff was going through his own transformation.  And, while I'd like to take credit for it, I can't at all.  He had become a Christian that winter and started hanging out with my group of friends - you know, the ones I ditched as soon as I got a boyfriend.  (Oh, high school!)

Ironically, the night I got dumped - and trust me, I mourned - when I called a girlfriend to cry, Jeff answered the phone.  And... the rest is history....  (Yeah right!) 

To be continued...

Addy's GiveAway #1

In case you haven't heard, Addy is on her way to being America's Next Top Dog.  :) You can vote for her HERE, or read more about the contest here

Either way, to celebrate this exciting week in her modeling career... Addy is hosting two giveaways!  (Yes, I think I've finally become that person who truly doesn't realize their dog is a DOG.  Oh gosh, next thing I know I'll be starting Addy Fan Clubs and writing a book from her perspective... Hold me accountable to NOT doing that, ok?!?)

Anyways, the first giveaway is from AJ's Pup Pastries - my friend's adorable dog-treat business named for her two fur-kids Akiva and Juliet. She specializes in homemade dog treats and "pup cakes" with a cute "decorative" touch. :)  And, if I can speak for Addy, she absolutely LOVED them!!!
Is it weird that I get hungry looking at those pics?

AJ's is giving away one large container of peanutbutter treats - decorated and plain - to a lucky reader (and a dog of your choice)!

To enter, simply leave a comment below for one entry, AND/OR visit AJ's Facebook Page (here) and become a fan for TWO MORE!  The contest is open until SUNDAY 5/23 at 11:59PM.

**Remember, you definitely don't have to vote for Addy to enter the contest, but we'd sure appreciate it if you did!  You can do it here... hint hint!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Addy's Big Break

Well, I never thought I would come to this stage in my life... But, its official: I'm exploiting my daughter dog for cash.  Here's the story...

About a month ago my friend Amanda (check out her cute blog here) told me about a pet photo contest her company ForRent.com was sponsoring. Knowing, of course, how obsessed I am with my dog - and what a good photographer our friend Howard is - she suggested I enter. 

We were allowed to enter up to five photos of our pet "livin' wild apartment style." (Don't worry, there are no official rules that say she has to live in an apartment... it should just - at least sort of- look like it.)

Well, last week I found out that she made it to the TOP TEN finalists out of over 500 entries.  The grand prize is $1500 and we've got a 1 in 10 shot --- I'm shamelessly going for it!! Do you blame me?
The photo they chose is probably my least favorite of the five we entered, but I'll take it!

I'd LOVE for you to vote for my girl HERE and help Addy on her road to stardom... And, to thank you for your support, I'll be hosting "Pet Themed" giveaways on my blog Tuesday AND Wednesday!  Woot woot!  (Or should I say "woof! woof!" - ok, I've crossed the line.)

Oh, and feel FREE to spread the word on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, etc.  Addy welcomes the extra votes!!

Thanks friends!



P.S. Just when I thought I'd finally trained Addy to act like a diva, she went outside yesterday and a bird pooped right on her head.  Don't worry, she's staying completely humble!

L-O-V-E (A Guest Post)

So, let's be honest, boys weren't really throwing themselves at me in middle school and high school. For starters, I was "a prude." I also have freckles, which didn't help my case. Either way, I cried after my first kiss in eighth grade so, I resigned myself to being a nun early in life. ;)
............................

Today, I'm playing along at Desperately Seeking Sanity's Trading Spaces: Bloggy Style... We're writing about LOVE, and I'm telling my own Love Story.  You can find the rest of my post here at Not Quite Susie Homemaker.

In the meantime, meet my new friend in the blog world...
Regularly, you can find her at {Not Quite} Susie Homemaker or running 1/3 of The Lady Bloggers Society.  Ya'll will love her blog for its honest chronicles of being a mom!  In the meantime, enjoy!

I love...

cleaning
sweeping
checkbook-keeping

mopping
sewing
& lawn mowing

exhaustion
mess
& lots of stress

laundry
dishes
feeding fishes

cooking
baking
& lunch making

diaper changing
& pooper scooping
the blu ray player with blue's clues looping

my husband's laugh
my baby's smile
...they're the things that make it all worthwhile.

Go check her out!!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Prom Recap

But first, a letter to my future teenagers (you, the ones I'm going to be so prepared to handle)...

My Sweet Girl,
Remember tonight that you are beautiful.  And, any boy that would rather look at the back of your head as you grind all over him, is NOT what you deserve. Dance with your girlfriends. Be silly. Kiss him if you want to. BUT... Make him look at your face when you dance... That is where he will fall in love. 
Love, 
Mom

And...

My Hormonal Son,
I know you think "the grind" is the greatest dance ever invented... You don't even have to be ABLE to dance in order to "get some action."  But, you honestly look like a dirty-fool.  Show some respect!  For goodness sake, remember all those awesome dance moves your dad taught you -- I promise, those will make you MUCH more attractive than just swaying your untucked, sweaty self all over someone else's daughter. And, if all else fails, remember: it's never too late for military school!
Love,
Mom 

.... I WISH I was kidding!

Despite the normal "dirty dancing," etc.  Prom 2010 went off without a hitch!  The ballroom looked beautiful, the kids had a blast, no arrests were made, and even my zit cleared up just in time!!

Here are a few photos of "A Knight in the Big Apple" :
(These are mostly of me, and our decorations... I just don't feel comfortable posting pictures of my kids!)

My co-sponsor Kristin & I
Kristin & her mom at the registration table - or, as I like to call it, "the fashion show!"
My "date," my mom... SO fun to go to high school prom with her! (P.S. LOVE what my hair is doing!)
And... a dance floor shot... During one of the few "slow" songs! (Sorry its so blurry... Using a flash on the dance floor is highly frowned upon.)

That's all folks... Until next year!
.........................
I feel like I have SO much to update you on... lots of fun stuff this week!  Including, a guest post from one of my favorite new bloggers tomorrow, Amanda's bachelorette party this coming weekend, and...

Addy's Big Break!!
Please go vote for Addy in a photo contest here!!
More information and two - pet related - giveaways later this week!!!

Happy Sunday!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Proma

Proma - (n.) Drama, of any sort, surrounding high school prom.


(Jeff and I at our Senior Prom is 2002.  I tell Jeff that his punishment for NOT taking me to prom my Junior year, is that he will have to go over and over and over again for the rest of his life as a chaperone. Haha!)
..........................................
 I am the co-sponsor of the Junior Class, and this weekend is our PROM!  (Ironically, just eight years ago I was a senior attending this very prom at this very location --- wow, how time flies!)

Anyways, I'm not going to lie and pretend that I don't LOVE this!  It is a lot like planning my wedding again and again every year... Of course, these 350 guests happen to be between the ages of 15 and 19, but that's just a minor detail.  I work with an awesome friend/colleague & cream-of-the-crop kids.

Anyways, the week leading up to the weekend have not been without their fair share of PROMA.

So far, we've had...
Three (that we know of) break ups. This is a MAJOR crisis.  I tried telling one girl about another couple that broke up thinking they could potentially just swap dates, but this did not go over well.

A girl fight - girl fights are the worst kind-of fight, in case you've never actually witnessed one - because one mistakenly thought they were friends and signed up for a spot at her dinner table, therefore taking (duh!) a "closer" friend's seat. Oh no you didn't!

SEVERAL frantic parents driving to the school long after the final bell to buy their son and his ("I don't know her name") girlfriend tickets.  Heaven forbid he should be stuck sitting somewhere he doesn't want to, or worse yet, has to wait in line to buy a ticket tomorrow! 

And, to top it off, our two secretaries got into a yelling match today over whether or not we should make photo copies of the guest forms....

Thankfully, I bought myself a new "prom" dress tonight.  Now, if I could just get rid of this miserable zit on the side of my nose, I'd be PROMA free and ready to go...

Bring on the sequins and up-dos!!

(Stay tuned for a recap on Sunday!)

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Parenting Teens

Because of my job, I've often said that I will be totally prepared to raise kids... once they enter the teenage years. (It is slightly inconvenient that there are approximately 13 years that come before that where I'll be a total mess!)

Anyways, every once in a while, I'm reminded that you just can't be prepared for everything.

I had to share this e-mail I got from a parent today...

"Yesterday I had a meltdown when ______ brought home yet another fat envelope of progress reports. I am e-mailing because he told me those reports are the only way he knows what he needs to make up. That will be a probem as I tore them all up and threw them in his face. Can you please print out a new list of make up work he needs to complete for you?"

Oh, poor mom!

Here's to you parents of teens... You are a true phenomenon!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Need ideas for wedding and graduation gifts?

In case I haven't mentioned it before... Jeff and I are going to SIX weddings between June 12th and August 7th... Besides the fact that I'm going to need SIX adorable dresses, we are also going to need some fun gifts for all these cute couples.  (And, that doesn't even include graduations, baby showers, birthday parties, etc.)  Tis the season!

My thoughts on gifts?  In most cases, go with the registries - the couple made them for a reason.  BUT, I'm a big fan of giving more personal gifts to close friends and family members -- a "splurge" if you will, something they wouldn't buy AFTER they get married!

My very first blog sponsor - The Letter Tree - has come to the rescue for the dilemma of finding perfect, personalized, but practical gifts for brides, grads, etc. etc. etc.


And, THE BEST NEWS... The Letter Tree is offering a special $5.00 discount on ANY item with the coupon code "Addy."  (Appropriate, huh?)  There is no minimum purchase required, but it does expire on May 31st... So act fast.

Here are a few "suggestions"...

Wedding Gifts:

PSA Stamps -- I have two of these (both gifts), and I LOVE them.  I seriously refuse to hand-write my return address on anything, even bills.  These make me feel so grown up and "official."


Or, if you're looking for something a little more "artsy," try a Three Designing Women stamp instead.  There are SO many styles to choose from... You'll probably just have to buy one for yourself too!  I mean, writing return addresses is so 1998.
Monogrammed barware... Wouldn't these be so great with some cute coasters and a few "signature drink" recipes.  (I'm all about having a gift-theme!)


Or... two of these heavenly beauties.  Ahhh... Jeff and I would have LOVED these!

New Baby:


or, "thank you note approved" stationary with baby's initials...

They also have tons of absolutely precious monogrammed outfits, bibs, etc.  (The pictures just weren't turning out on the blog!)

Graduation:

Monogrammed jewelry for "Big Girl" job interviews etc.


Or, any of their great totes and duffles... (Excellent for future teachers!)

I mean, seriously, you could do ALL your shopping right here!  (And, of course, pick up a little treat for yourself after all that hard work.)

Go check out The Letter Tree and be sure to use coupon code "Addy" for a $5.00 discount on ANY item.


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Pin It button on image hover