good times.

Oh! You don't know enough about me? Ok. I'll see if I can help...

1. It's early morning, about 2:00AM, and you're driving home. You come to a red light and sit there. There is no one in sight for miles around. Do you wait it out or run the light? Oh I definitely wait until it turns green. I don't like to break rules.

2. If you had the chance to re-do the last 24 hours, would you change anything?Actually, I think I regret my dinner choice for tonight. Dang it.

3. When you reply to someone's comment on your blog, do you reply in your comments or go to her blog and comment? Well, I OF COURSE comment on "her" blog! Who doesn't appreciate a good blog comment?

4. Your favorite Disney movie is: The Little Mermaid. There was a span of about 4 Disney movies, that, in my opinion, are the BEST...The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and the Lion King (a close 2nd)

5. Do you recycle?

No but I should. I need to add it to my to-do list.

6. Games of strategy or games of chance?Strategy. I enjoy trying to make my mind "work". I like trying to be as smart as my mom (wishful thinking).

7. Do you have any recurring dreams? Yes. What are they about? You'll never know.

8. What did you learn from your first real job? I was able to distinguish between 62 different Aspen Bay candle scents. If I closed my eyes and you put a candle under my nose, I was approximately 95% correct when identifying the smell.

9. Do you buy or borrow most books? Borrow. I love for people say "you'll LOVE this book!" and then proceed to give me the book to read. I trust those people. I am not one who is able to walk into a book store, look at a random book, and say "hmmm...I want to read that book." Whenever I DO try to choose a book on my own, I usually read the book and end up being depressed because I'm single. I don't get it.

10. What fashion trend of the past did you say you'd never wear again but did?

Well....for the record, the following "trends" were a part of my time but were never officially (and thankfully) worn by me AND WILL NEVER BE WORN BY ME. Period:

-backless tops

-2 piece prom dresses

Nope. I will never be caught dead wearing either of the 2. Yikes.

11. When do you start Christmas shopping?

As soon as Dave Ramsey tells me it's OK.

12. Have you ever been so happy that you literally jumped up and down for a few seconds? If so, what was the occasion?Yes. I can think of a few particular times:

-anytime MSU wins (especially vs. Ole Miss)

-hearing that my sisters were pregnant (it doesn't get any better!)-seeing an old friend that hasn't been seen in WAY too long!

Enjoy your weekend! I'm planning on doing it myself!

Thankful Thursday...

Every morning at school, I write a journal prompt on the board and when the students finish their morning work, they're to take out their journals and write. I love letting them read their journals to me because I enjoy seeing what's going through their little minds. :) This morning the journal prompt was "What are you thankful for?"
One particular entry caught my attention--not just for the wonderful sentence writing it contained but also the content that was included. I was so touched when I read it, that I took him down to the principal and let him read it to her. She then made a copy of it to share with others. I'm going to type what he wrote exactly how he wrote it, so obviously, I don't want anybody criticizing the spelling/grammar here! :)

Here you go:

"I am thankful for the teachers I have they are kind and respecful. I am thankful for what God gave me. I am thankful for my mom and my dad for taking cre of me and teaching me to do write. I am thankful for my friends for believing in me for everything I do. I am thankful for God for taking care of the rich and poor everyday. I am thankful for Miss T. and Miss Marquita for teaching me and I know they work hard. I am thankful for my grandmother every time I cry she makes me feel better. I am thankful for God for giving us food and clothes and our life and we should prase him everyday." -Jamori, age 8

Precious, precious, precious.

Now that you know what this sweet 8 year old little boy is thankful for, I want to ask...what are YOU thankful for today?

not really loving the whole "time change" thing...

I'm a very routine person...I eat breakfast at 6, lunch at 11:45, and ideally I like to eat dinner around 6. I guess my child dog has picked up on some of his mommy's character traits...

He eats EVERY night at 5:00. And don't worry...if it's after 5, he'll LET ME KNOW. Today he starting telling me that he was hungry around 4 (and YES, he does TELL me when he's hungry!). I finally realized that his little 8 lb body hasn't quite adjusted to the time change!

Take a look. I just think he's the cutest thing here.

Oh...and uh..go ahead and ignore my whiny, high pitched annoying voice. If you've been around Max, you know that the higher your voice, the more he tilts his head! :)

Oh, and in case you're wondering, I did feed him a little early. I mean, how could I say "no" to that? :)

Fun weekend in Gulfport!

I'm so glad I decided to spend a nice long weekend in Gulfport with Heather and Trey! Even though Heather didn't know where she was going half of the time, we still had a great time! :)
A few highlights from the weekend:

• a bulldog victory! Heather and I were so proud to see our dawgs win! Almost equally exciting was this interview with Anthony Dixon. Gotta love him.

• I got to see TWO of my dear friends from college! Unfortunately my time with sweet Kelli (Darnell) McGuffee was so short, I didn't get a chance to snap a pic of the 2 of us, but I was able to have lunch with my college roommate, Morgan, and insisted on getting a pic of us! Morgan and I lived together in McKee Hall our sophomore year, and and in the KD house together our junior year. Ilove that girl! Morgan is getting married in a few weeks and it was really special to have a little time with her before then!

• Oh! I also got about half of my Christmas shopping done while I was there! GO me!

My parents went to see Henry in Clinton so they could see him on Halloween. They took him trick-or-treating, where they just happened to to run into my friend Heather and her husband Tom, who were at a Halloween party close by! Although I was a little jealous that I wasn't there for this cute photo op, I was glad that they thought to take a pic of them together! :) SO cute.
Even though this is only a 4 day week for me, it's still past my bedtime. Good night to you all!

Oh, and by the way, am I the only person who's itching to put up my Christmas decorations? I'm just wondering....

PRAY!

This sweet little boy needs prayers.

After reading about this precious child, I realize how petty my problems seem.

Bless that little one.

Where in the world....

...are you reading from? (yes...I'm fully aware that I ended that sentence with a preposition.)

I want to know! Upload a picture of either you, your children, your family, etc. and let me know where you are!

Are you a little curious too? Click here and make a guestbook for YOUR blog! :)

Happy almost Wednesday!

LT

chilly weather, COWBELLS, and a celebration...

I'm sure most of you either heard about or watched the MSU/#1 ranked UF game last night. We made not have won the game, but we came very close to it and I was extremely proud of my boys. Definitely my favorite moment of the night:

The bulldogs played a great game, and I think Ole Miss is shaking in their cleats at the thought of playing us in the Egg Bowl in a few weeks! BRING IT ON REBS!It doesn't get much better than this.

A few tailgating pics:

So...it definitely got a little chilly!


An attempt for a quick snapshot with my little buddy before the game. I quickly learned that getting him still that long was NOT going to happen.


This afternoon, my mom, MSKS, and I hosted a shower for my dear friend Alexa, who, as you may recall, is getting married in just a few weeks! There was a great turn out at the shower and Alexa got some fabulous gifts (isn't that what's really most important?) :)
me and the pretty bride-to-be!

me and mom

me and MSKS


me and 2 of my best

I can't wait for Alexa's big day in December!

YAY FOR FUN WEEKENDS! :)

Max (aka "Big Bird")

So...here's Max's Halloween costume (thanks for sharing it, cousin Sophie!). As you can see, he's beyond thrilled about it. HA!

So, what's YOUR child (OR pet!) going to be for Halloween this year?

a little humor for your Friday!

How true is this???

HOW MANY SEC STUDENTS DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHT BULB?

At VANDERBILT: it takes two, one to change the bulb and one more toexplain how they did it every bit as good as the bulbs changed at Harvard.

At GEORGIA : it takes two, one to change the bulb and one to phone an engineer at Georgia Tech for instructions..

At FLORIDA : it takes four, one to screw in the bulb and three to figure out how to get stoned off the old one.

At ALABAMA : it takes five, one to change it, three to reminisce about how The Bear would have done it, and one to throw the old bulb at an NCAA investigator.

At OLE MISS: it takes six, one to change it, two to mix the drinks and three to find the perfect J. Crew outfit to wear for the occasion.

At LSU: it takes seven, and each one gets credit for five Semester hours.

At KENTUCKY: it takes eight, one to screw it in and seven to discuss how much brighter it seems to shine during basketball season.

At TENNESSEE: it takes ten, two to figure out how to screw it in, two to buy an orange lampshade, and six to phone a radio call-in show and talk about how much they hate Alabama.

At MISSISSIPPI STATE : it takes fifteen, one to screw in the bulb, two to buy the Skoal, and twelve to yell, "GO TO HELL, OLE MISS".

At AUBURN: it takes one hundred, one to change it, forty-nine to talk about how they did it better than at Bama, and fifty to get drunk and roll Toomer's Corner when finished.

At SOUTH CAROLINA : it takes 80,000, one to screw it in and 79,999 to discuss how this finally will be the year that they have a decent football team.

At ARKANSAS : None. There is no electricity in Arkansas

I LOVE IT!!!

(Oh...and go Dawgs!)

Have a fun football-filled weekend!

why would you want to miss THIS?

THE BIG BAG SALE!!!!

Mint's BIGGEST sale of the year!

This Saturday, Oct. 17 at 9am

Stuff a brown paper bag full of great merchandise for only $25 in the boutique!
Plus...10% off storewide in the home store!

COME EARLY FOR THE BEST SELECTION! (Oh, and did I mention that there will be coffee and donuts waiting for you???) :)

Again I ask...WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO MISS THIS???

An award! Yay!

Is there anything better than receiving a blog award? Well...maybe there is I guess. Still, I got a major award from not just one, but TWO fellow bloggers (thanks Jessica and Julie!)!Like any other blog award, there are rules, and they are as follows:

1. Each Super Scribbler I name today must in turn pass the award onto 5 most deserving bloggy friends.

2. Each super scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received the award.

3. Each super scribbler must display the award on his/her blog, and link to THIS POST, which explains the award.

4. Each super scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.
Here are my nominees:
1. MSKS
2. Claire
3. Katey
4. Candy
5. Emily

Feel honored, girls, for this is one major accomplishment.
On another note, Sugarland's Christmas album is released today! Everybody GET.EXCITED.
Happy Tuesday.
Until next time.
LT

MY wedding.

Don't get too excited...I'm NOT getting married unfortunately.

I do, however, feel as though I should have been a part of Jim and Pam's wedding the other night. It kinda hurts my feelings that they're not a "real" couple. Anyway, I loved the episode. I thought it was perfect. I especially enjoyed the wedding dance, which included the the wedding attendants and guests.

I'm guessing it was somewhat inspired by this dance, which really DID happen!

I've mentioned before that I'm not a dancer, though I wish I were. I became a fan of "Rock the Reception," which came on TLC (I say "came" because I don't think it even still comes on anymore! Sad.). I blogged about this once before. Anyway, I'm pretty much obsessed with this video now and I want to do it at my wedding. I'm not sure how my bridesmaids will react to the news of being forced to dance at my wedding NOR am I quite sure how FBC Starkville will feel about this (HA!). Still, I think it would be so much fun, don't you agree?

I'll let you know when I find the guy!

OK...I just have to share...

I'm not much of a forward-sender nor am I much of a forward-reader...well, not unless the email subject is somewhat enticing. For example, if the forward tells me to "send this to 12 people or I am not a Christian", I immediately delete. I waste zero of my time reading that nonsense. However, if the forward contains mullets, bad jokes about Ole Miss, humorous church signs, etc., I'm in, and will more than likely forward them to others to enjoy. I do have a secret though. When I send a forward, I delete the "Fwd" in front of the subject, because people are less likely to open the email if they think they're about to see some ol' forward. Am I right? Anyway, I got 2 really fabulous forwards today. While I definitely forwarded them on to some, I feel that they were both worthy of making it to the blog. These are both PRICELESS.

Forward #1:

"Football: North vs. South"

The Difference Between Football in the North and South

WOMEN'S ACCESSORIES
Up North: Chapstick in their back pocket and a $20 bill in their front pocket.
Down South: Louis Vuitton duffel with two lipsticks, powder,mascara (waterproof), and concealer. Wallet not necessary, that's what dates are for.
STADIUM SIZE
Up North: College footb all stadiums hold 20,000.
Down South: High School football stadiums hold 20,000.
FATHERS
Up North: Expect their daughter to understand Sylvia Plath.
Down South: Expect their daughters to understand pass interference.
ATTIRE
Up North: Male and female alike: woolly sweater or sweatshirt and jeans.
Down South: Male - press khakis, oxford shirt, cap with frat logo Female – Dresses in school colors and matching pearls.ALUMNI
Up North: Take prospects on sailing trips before they join the law firm.
Down South: Take prospects on fishing trip so they don't leave for the NFL their senior year.
CAMPUS DECOR
Up North: Statues of founding fathers.
Down South: Statues of Heisman Trophy winners.
HOMECOMING QUEEN
Up North: Also a Physics Major
Down South: Also Miss USA.
HEROES
Up North: Mario Cuomo
Down South: "Bear" Bryant
GETTING TICKETS
Up North: 5 minutes before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus and still purchase tickets.
Down South: 5 months before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus and still be placed on the waiting list for tickets.
PARKING
Up North: An hour before game time the University opens the campus for game parking.
Down South: RV's sporting their school flags begin arriving on Wednesday for the weekend festivities. The real faithful begin arriving on Tuesday.
GETTING TO THE STADIUM
Up North: You ask "Where's the stadium?" When you find it, you walk right in with no line.
Down South: When you're near it, you'll hear it. On game day, it becomes the state's third largest city.
WHEN NATIONAL ANTHEM IS PLAYED
Up North: Stands are less than half full.
Down South: 100,000 fans sing along in perfect 3-part harmony.
COMMENTARY (MALE)
Up North: "Nice Play."
Down South: $*#@%
COMMENTARY (FEMALE)
Up North: "My, this is a violent sport."
Down South: $*#@%
ANNOUNCERS
Up North: Paid.
Down South: Announcer harmonizes with the crowd in the fight song, with a tear in his eye because he is so proud of his team.
AFTER THE GAME
Up North: The stadium is empty way before the game ends.
Down South: Another rack of ribs on the smoker. Planning begins for next week's game.

I just loved everything about that. SO MUCH TRUTH!

Moving on....

Forward #2:

"How to Fail a Test with Dignity"

So...did I let you down? I told you they were great.

I'm heading to see a movie with Katey now...I realize that means I'm missing "The Office" wedding, but I'm going to watch it later, so DON'T tell me what happens. Thanks.

TGIF. Well...almost.

Breast Cancer awareness GIVE AWAY!

Click here for more info!

a serious case of the Mondays...

"When you come in on Monday and you're not feeling real well, does anyone ever say to you, 'Sounds like someone has a case of the Mondays?' " -Office Space

I know, I, for one, have had a serious case of the Mondays today. First of all, I can't talk. Still. I'm still fighting this so-called cold and I just can't seem to shake it. I feel fine, but I sound like a chain smoker (which I am N.O.T.). In case you forgot, I am a teacher, and without much of a voice I'm unable to do too much with the kids. It's so frustrating! ON TOP OF THAT, my assistant, who I depend on so much at school, was absent today. Needless to say, it was quite an interesting day at school. Thankfully, my kids were somewhat understanding of my 'hoarseness" and it ended up being an OK day.

Am I glad my Monday has come to an end though? That would be a resounding YES.

I did have a really fun weekend though. Aside from the fact that I went to the game with Heather and Tom (see yesterday's post), I also got to spend a little time with Henry. Rob had plans here, so he brought my little buddy with him. Before I continue any further, allow me to share my new favorite photo of this child:

Preciousness. There are few things about this picture that make me smile:

1. his mouth wide open

2. his rain boots, which he calls his "waterproof boots"

3. camo pants

4. MSU jersey--not because he's wearing it, but because he's wearing it with the WP boots AND the camo pants.

Classic.

I also went to 2 of my favorite places yesterday: Ann Taylor Loft and Target. :) Mandy and I drove to Tuscaloosa after church yesterday and despite the nasty weather, we had a great shopping trip! (I also might add that I got some really cute new clothes too!). To top off the afternoon, we stopped off at TCBY in Tuscaloosa, where I devoured a chocolate/oreo shiver. YUM! Perhaps you recall what happened to Starkville's TCBY a few years ago (I'm still not over it. Can you tell??). It was such a treat to have some yesterday, but it made me realize just how very much I miss having one close to me!

Moving on..there are a couple of items that have recently been added to my "favorites" list. I thought I'd share them with you in hopes that you will enjoy them as I have:

1. LASH BLAST MASCARABesides the fact that I think Drew Barrymore is super cute, this mascara really IS great. It's no secret that I'm a Bobbi Brown snob with most of my make up products (In fact, I'm pretty confident that if she and I were to ever meet, she would want to be my friend). However, buying less expensive mascara has never really bothered me. I've tried several different kinds, but this is my favorite so far. I don't have very long eyelashes, so I'm always trying to find a mascara that lengthens them. L.B. may just be the winner! The first time I looked in the mirror after applying it, I said to myself, "Wow, LT...your eyelashes look fabulous!" It's true.

2. PAPERMATE FLAIR PENS

Don't you love it when you find a pen that writes really well? Call me a nerd if you'd like, but I guarantee that most of you out there have a favorite pen--the one you HATE to lose! Well, I've found one that tops them all. These pens write like pens, but they look "juicy" like markers. I can't explain it. You just have to try them. I have approximately 15 (all different colors) on my desk at school. I'm thinking of labeling them so no one borrows one and "accidentally" forgets to return it. I take them very seriously.

AND FINALLY (drumroll please)-

In case you haven't heard, Sugarland is releasing a Christmas album!!!! I absolutely can't wait! I can't remember the last time I went out and bought a CD. I usually just pick and choose songs I like and then download them on ITunes. Not this time though! The release date is October 13, and I plan on buying one that afternoon. In fact, I may go ahead and start listening to it then too! To me, there's nothing better than Christmas music. I also think Jennifer Nettles is the most fabulous of all, so I can only imagine her singing Christmas music. I totally can't wait!

....thanks for listening! LT

3 things I love about October: beautiful weather, football, and TAILGATING!

Despite the not-so-great game yesterday, it was a beautiful day--perfect for tailgating! I went to the game with my friend Heather and her husband Tom. Heather and I didn't have tickets to the game, so we stayed at the tailgate, propped up our feet, sipped on wine, and watched the game on TV. It doesn't get any better than that, huh?!Me and HEGS

I ran into one of my most favorite people in the world, Kelli (Darnell) McGuffee. We were KDs together in college. It's ridiculous how long it's been since we've seen each other! Fortunately, she and her husband live in Gulfport, where, as you may recall, Heather and Trey now live. No more excuses for not hanging out, Kelli!

Me and Kelli D.

And don't forget the Sudduth group! HEGS and I made our way to the "Sudduth Tailgate" to visit some of our people. Good times!

Bambi, Angie, me, HEGS, Lynn, Monica, and Sophelia.

Happy Sunday!

an important birthday and a special memory...

First of all...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANDY!!!

Today marks the 29th birthday of my dear friend Candy. If you're a reader of the blog, you've read about her and can somewhat understand why I absolutely love this friend! I've mentioned several times that God has not only blessed me by giving me lots of friends, but He's in fact given me lots of best friends. The friendships I have are very rare.

Candy is my best friend from college and we've remained as close (well...probably gotten closer!) since college. She's married with child #2 on the way, and she still somehow makes time for me! In fact, she lets me invite myself to visit whenever I want! Seriously. I love this girl. Want to know more specific reasons why she's so fabulous? OK! Just click here and here. Here's a picture of her and her cute hubby Chad (stolen from their blog). LOVE THEM.

I hope your birthday is fantastic, Candy! You're loved and MISSED!!!!

On a different note, today also marks the 19th anniversary of my cousin Kyle's death. He was killed in a car accident his senior year of high school (the picture below was taken shortly before then). Although I was only 9 when it happened, I still have memories of him and think of him often, especially every Sept. 30. I have thought of him today probably more than I have any other Sept. 30 that I can recall. I'm not sure why. I just can't help but think of what he'd be like now, where he'd be living, etc. He was just so young. I remember it being a sad time for our entire family.

Sorry to sadden the mood here, but I DO think it's important to remember those who have lost loved ones even if it has been years and years ago.

Kyle was loved and is missed everyday by us all.

I hope you're all enjoying the weather as much as I am! According to a student of mine (who says he's going to be a meteorologist), it's supposed to be rainy and "thunderstormy" again tomorrow night and maybe Friday. NOT AGAIN!

Happy Hump Day!