2010

The year 2009 is coming to close and I'm thinking back to what a year it has been.

Run down of 2009:
Got a new car
Bonnie and I had some fabulous birthdays
Became a Mary Kay Consultant
Family had a great year (Palm Springs trip, Florida, Dallas with Mary Margaret, etc)
Micah Fullerton proposed and I said yes!
Started my 8th year of teaching (Yikes!)
Micah and I attended some fine Razorback football games
Found my wedding dress (2nd one I tried on!)
Fell off the blogging bandwagon, but jumped right back on when I had news!
Micah, Bonnie, and I had a fabulous Christmas card (Thanks Victoria!)
And much, much more.....

Isn't it funny how the year seems to drag on and on and then when we think back on it, we have such a hard time remembering what all went on?

I'm looking forward to 2010. Not only do I turn 20-10 this year, Micah and I are planning our future together. My New Year's decisons for this upcoming year are just that...decisions, not resolutions. I am going to simplify, organize, and eliminate all the extras in my life. I know that I cannot plan a wedding, look to a new life, and be a good teacher/fiancee/daughter/person if I don't get a hold on everything. Being a teacher, I crave routine. I do not do well with change. When I begin to feel stressed out, I shut down physically, emotionaly, everything.

Mary Margaret pointed out that after my "Did you miss me?" post, I didn't blog about anything until the night that Micah and I got engaged. =) I promise to do better in the future. =)

We haven't set a date for our fwedding, but we have made some great progress in the whole wedding planning thing. I have decided (with Micah) our colors (black, silver, celadon--with accents of red), found the dress (2nd one I tried on--more on that story later), and started planning our future life--Micah and I are focused on having a great wedding, but more importantly having a life together. We don't want to spend everything that we have on the wedding and then spend the rest of our life eating ramen noodles on paper plates. =)

I'm going to work tonight on cleaning and taking down Christmas decorations. I usually leave them up until Epiphany, but I figured with cleaning, it will just be easier to take them down now. So, when start back to school on Monday, January 4th (yikes!), the house is clean and ready for the new year.

I'm engaged!!!!

Last night/early this morning, Micah Cabe Fullerton asked me to be his wife. I, of course, said, "Yes!!!!!!".

When we figure out details, we will let everyone know. As of right now we are so, super excited! (As we totally should be) =)

Above is a picture of the ring. The one on my pinky finger is the wedding band that goes with the ring. I think he did a super fabulous, AMAZING job picking out the most beautiful ring!!!!!

Have you missed me?

I know, I know! I've been a terrible blogger. I love to check other people's blogs and I always note how often it's been since they've updated. I don't know why it's any of my business, but I do. I often would think, "There's no way I would let myself get behind in my blogging." Never say never!!!! (Also, I should take my own advice in what I tell my kids--"Be concerned about your own business") =) I haven't updated all summer long! It's now the 2nd week of school and I'm just now getting back into the swing of things. I have left everything to the imagination of my readers (all 1 or 2 of them?--maybe no readers!). Well, no longer I say to you! I'm back into my routine, slowly but surely tackling everyday obstacles that come my way.

First off, I had a wonderful, crazy, busy, travel-filled summer! I loved it, however, I'm glad to be back in my routine of school. I try to pack so much into my summer that I'm exhausted by the end of it. I did cross off a lot of stuff on my to do list. I'm still working on my office (used to be known as the office/craft room, but now it's just going to be an office) and guest room. In actuality, I didn't even really tackling those at all. I just let them sit all summer. I did get the guest bathroom done. It looks so good! I will be posting pictures soon (this week) so ya'll can see it. I worked on lesson plans, but we changed our class schedule, so I'm glad I didn't finish my lessons for the year because if I did, then I would have to change them all over again. Whew! So, the things I did cross off were great. I'll also be doing a list of books that I read over the summer. So many great ones!

I did a ton of traveling this summer. I went to Florida, Missouri, Fayetteville, El Dorado, and Dallas. Everytime I saw my new principal at the Primary school I was telling him that I just got back from one place and I'm leaving the next day for another place. Crazy! It was great times and I got to hang out with family and certain sweet man from El Dorado that I just can't help but be crazy about!

I also become an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmestics! That's right! Mary Margaret and I are not only real sisters, but now we're Mary Kay Consultant sisters. We traveled down to Dallas, Texas for Seminar and boy, did we learn a lot! That's a whole other post just to talk about. Loved it! Love Mary Kay! You should check out my Mary Kay website: http://www.marykay.com/jhui .

After my crazy summer, regular life seems kind of boring. =) I'm sure this year holds all sorts of exciting things to come my way. As for right now, I'm glad to be back into the routine!

To Do List for the Summer

At the beginning of the summer, I like to create a list of goals that I would like to accomplish by the time that summer is over. Some years I do really great and cross off everything, other years I don't do so well.

Well, today was my first official day of SUMMER BREAK, so here is my list of stuff that I would like to accomplish this summer. You will notice that there is a common theme.

(in no particular order)
1. Clean out/Vacuum/Get car back in order I am notorious for having a cluttered car, well, cluttered everything. I was doing really well with my new car--not having it get messy, etc. I live in my car because I am always going and doing something. So, the car got messy.
2.Organize Craft Room (the front bedroom of my house) If I want to get my business underway, then I need to have my room that I can shut the door on everything. Right now I cut things out on top of my bed, I sew at my kitchen table, and I draw/paint/etc. on my couch. I need a room to keep all my things in and a place where I do all my stuff.
3.Organzie Guest Room Luckily, I don't have too many people coming over and wanting to stay in my guest room. (Mainly for the fact that they couldn't sleep on the bed right now because it is covered with stuff.) However, by the end of the summer I'm going to have people knocking down my doors to come stay at my house. I've never really decided on a decorating scheme in that room in all the time that I've lived in my house and this summer I have decided that it is going to be it. It shall be done.
4.Paint and finish redecorating the Guest Bathroom I decorated the guest bathroom with pink, black, and white. Very cute, very girly. I felt bad for Micah everytime he used that bathroom because it is so very girly. By the end of summer, girly it shall be no more. It will be gender neutral, but very fashionable. I'm painting the walls a deep blue--not navy, not bright turquoise. The part I've done so far looks awesome. I am really expecting to do a lot when I return from the beach.
5. Organzie Garage Micah has pointed out to me that my garage is technically a TWO car garage, but right now there is a spot for just Jennifer's car. I plan to change that.
6.Keep track of the books I read this summer I love to read. Have been doing it for forever. I even joked with my Momma that I could have saved a ton of money had they not taught me to read. I wouldn't have had to buy a TON of books. My Momma pointed out that I really would be good for much of anything if I didn't know how to read. She was correct in that point. So, I plan to keep track of what I read this summer. I am hoping to be pleasantly surprised with the amazing amount of books I'll read. We will see.
7.DeClutter House I plan to just try to get rid of things that I'm not using anymore and give it to people that will find it useful. I just have too much stuff around me.
8.Lesson Plans for the Year I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to have my lesson plans done for the year. I plan on working on them during the evenings at the beach. It would be wonderful to have them ready just to print off during the year. I may have to tweak them a little bit, but that's totally okay.
9.Calendars for the Year I like to let the parents know what is going on in our classes and calendars are a great way to do that. Problem is, the year gets so crazy that it's hard to create a calendar for each month and keep up with all the things you need to do just everyday. SO, I'm going to work on it now and have them ready. What's that you are thinking? I know, it's BRILLIANT!!!!
10.Spend time with Family and Micah During the school year, I can't leave during the week and weekends are filled with church, so that doesn't leave me much time to go spend with anyone else. Micah has to work throughout the summer, so I plan on going down there as much as I can. I also plan to spend time this summer up in Fayetteville with my family. I was lucky enough to go home over Memorial Day and my sister, Alex, was there. It was so good to see her. Out of all my sisters, I don't get to see her enough because she lives in Knoxville and it's just so hard to fly to Fayetteville or to drive there. So, I did get to see her some this summer and it was so good. My other sisters, Mary Margaret and Victoria, were there, but Mary lives in Fayetteville and Victoria is home from Tulsa for the summer, so I know I'll be able to see them easier than I will be able to see Alex.

This is what I have now. I may add more as the summer progresses. We will see.

I will keep you updated on this list as I go through the summer. Today, I am pleased to announce that I was able to cross off #1. I had my oil changed today and my car dealership washes the cars when they are done, so I knew that I wanted to get the car cleaned out and then after it was washed I could vacuum it. Well, I did clean out the stuff inside there, got the oil changed, vacuumed it, and wiped down the dashboards and stuff. It looks so good. I am very pleased that I was able to do something productive today!

Do you make summer goal lists? What are yours?

Summer Break!

my view in exactly one week

Today was my first full day of the most wonderful thing a teacher can say......"Summer Break".

This morning I was in Hot Springs for a wedding of one my good college friend's younger sister. They are like family. After I was up and moving around, I went outside to leave and I felt like the starfish character in Finding Nemo when they have the dirty fish tank and then they wake up the next morning and the tank is clean. She says, "The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the tank is clean....". The 'tank is clean' part did not really apply to me, but as I walked outside in the beautiful sunshine and blue sky, I was like, "The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the sky is blue!". Micah was like, "Get in the car."

Just kidding!

He was just as happy about the weather as I was!

The wedding was held at the Anthony Chapel in Garvan Woodland Gardens. It was a beautiful chapel. Earlier in the afternoon we went to the National Park Aquarium. It was cool to see all sorts of fish, turtles, lizards, and insects. I enjoyed it and the whole time I kept telling Micah about how my sister, Mary Margaret, would LOVE it! Next time I go back to Hot Springs I want to go to the Gangster Museum that we passed on the way to the Aquarium. I love learning about Al Capone and the all that kind of stuff. I was thinking what downtown Hot Springs must have been like in that time period. I'm going to have to search for some books about it.

Now, I'm onto to preparing a summer goal list, packing for Destin, and pretty much just relaxing and splitting my time between Conway, El Dorado, and Fayetteville!

I'm also going to use this summer as a time to really get my business up and running. Remember to contact me at jennifer@jennifermaxine.com if you would like something or have an idea of something you would want for yourself or a gift item!

I would love to create it for you!

Blog Giveaway Opportunity

There is a giveaway opportunity over at the blog for my new little endeavor! Go check it out here. I will list the place to find the master list of all the giveaways!!! There is so many awesome things to try and win! The master list is http://www.sewmamasew.com/blog2.

The contests will be open until May 31st!!!!

Great Gift Ideas

Small Pails--colors, names, quotes can all be personalized to your specifications
Burp Rags--functional and stylish! (Machine washable and dryer friendly)
Large Pail--colors, names, quotes can all be personalized to your specifications

Great gift ideas for baby showers, birthdays, graduation, "just cause", and more!

Check it out at http://www.jennifermaxine.com/.

Okay....here it is!

I have been working on starting a little side business (like I don't do enough already). I am not at my home computer, so I can't really put any pictures up just yet, but they will be added.

I now have a little website with all sorts of goodies that anyone can buy for their loved ones. I truly enjoy creating each item and I hope it all takes off in a good way!You can find me at www.jennifermaxine.com. Take a moment to look around. I hope to have links up that you can buy directly from the website via paypal.

If you start looking and are super-duper excited about wanting something, just shoot me an email: jennifer@jennifermaxine.com. I will get started on it right away!

Crazy time!

I swear I have been around for these last 3 weeks, but I have been super busy. I have to deal with Holy Week, Easter, standardized testing, the testing fairy, end-of-the-year countdown for school, taken my best friend's little boy to paint a mother's day gift, thrown a baby shower, and I'm starting a new side business that will be unveiled by the end of the week.
In between all that other stuff, I'm trying to find time to train for my Brown belt test, prepare for our Mother's Day Concert at church, reorganize/clean out my house, spend some special time with Micah, spend special time with my family, spend special time with my Bon-Bon, get ready for summer, hang out with friends, sew, create, sew, and maybe sleep--but that is usually knocked off the list by something else that is 'more important'.
This is the time of year that I love, but I also loathe with a passion. It seems that everything starts piling up on each other and I feel like I'm being pulled in 250 different directions. Part of it is my own fault because I'll admit--I do a lot of things. However, I also know that I can usually hang out for a week not really doing anything and by the end of the week, I'm bored out of my mind. I get that from my father. He has to constantly be doing something.
I don't really like change as much as I should or one would believe that I do. I like to be involved in a lot of activities, but I like to mentally prepare for things that are coming up. Sunday night I usually plan out what is going on that week in my head. I like to think about what I'm doing for the weekend. Usually it involves having to go to a meeting or something like that, but I like to be prepared for it. Change scares me and totally unnerves me. During college, I always called my momma bawling at this time of the year because I felt out of control. I was having to deal with finals, pack up my room, and then figure out what was going on in the summer. Not knowing what's on my agenda of things to do freaks me out. It's hard to convey that to other people because most people are 'normal' about things like this. For me, it's just how I am. I can't explain it.
I get frustrated because I have a million bajillion things I would like to do, but the day just isn't long enough and my body can only survive on a few hours of sleep for just a couple of days. However, I'm taking a deep breath and I am going to continue to climb up the steps in front of the building in Philadelphia and raise my arms in triumph because I can go the distance!

Lia Sophia

Here are Casey and I after our 1st Half Marathon.

Tonight I had a jewelry party for Lia Sophia jewelry. My Lia Sophia jewelry advisor is my good friend Casey. She and I would get up at 5 a.m. and run back when I was into getting up at 5 a.m. and running. Now it doesn't happen as much as it did back then. Casey and I ran the St. Jude's Half Marathon and the Little Rock Half Marathon. I just adore her and her precious family. They are the best!

She came over tonight and showed me all her pretty goodies. I loved it. It's just like playing dress-up, only better because you can buy it and have it for life. You should check out her site and see what you like. This month there is a great customer special. You buy two pieces at regular price and you get up to 4, yes 4, pieces half off. And here's the kicker, they take your highest priced items as the ones for half off! How totally, completely, freakin', rockin' awesome is that business?!?! I am super excited about it. Check it out Here. Let me know if you like something or I think you can even order at that web address. If not, let me know and I'll get you in touch with Casey.

This week has been the week after Spring Break. It has been great to see the kids again, get back into a routine, and have the next countdown at school be the countdown to the end of the school year. As much fun as it has been getting back to school, I have had the hardest time getting enough sleep this entire week. I have just dragged all week long. I don't have too much planned for this weekend--hopefully there will be some blogging. I will post what I did over Spring Break, including pictures. Oh, and catch up on sleeping.

And one more thing.....I still love Micah Cabe. :)

Date Night

Micah and I had a date night tonight. Nothing really big--lowkey, but the best, as far as I'm concerned. We went out to eat at Laredo Grill, then Baskin Robins, and then we stopped by our friend's Courtney and Josh's place to see them. They used to live on the other side of Micah's duplex, but since they have both moved to new apartments we don't get to see them very much. It was lots of fun.

Not much is going on this week. I'm on Spring Break and I'm loving it. I slept in very late this morning. I stayed up most of the night because Micah was working nights and I spent the whole evening cutting out burp clothes and blankets for upcoming baby gifts. I am going to sew them when I go up to Big Cedar with my Momma and Sissy.

Tomorrow, Micah and I are going to finish cleaning out his old duplex so he can turn in the key and then we will probably watch a movie. I watched Australia last night. I know it didn't do well at the box office, but I really liked it. Music plays an important part in the story line and I loved that.

Tonight, we also watched the results show of Dancing with the Stars. I love that show. It's good quality television and that's hard to find these days. If you don't watch the show, you should check it out. Right now Micah and I are watching the season finale of Bad Girls Club. We just found this show today and we cannot stop watching it. There was a marathon of this current season because the final was on tonight. If DWTS is quality television, this is the exact opposite. It's crazy, but you can't help but watch it.

Look what I did!

Okay, so I did not inherit my Grandmom's green thumb at all, though in my heart, I would love to be a great gardener like she was. My Daddy is just as awesome in his ability to grow green things--like he doesn't have enough talents already. My Momma inherited the ability to plant flowers, etc. from my Grandmom and my Sissy is the person that I call whenever I have a question about some plant or tree. She soaked up all my Grandmom's knowledge on the subject of gardening.

Well, tonight I took the first step in landscaping. I've lived at my house for about 6 years now and I haven't once thought about or wanted landscaping. It didn't really bother me. However, I started thinking that it would look pretty and tried to think about what I would do. My Grandmom and Pop-Pop had a forsythia bush at their house and I always loved it. It is just so pretty and springy. I was at Lowe's on Wednesday and they had their forsythia bushes on sale. I bought two of them and planted them in my front yard. My friend, Jamie, helped me design a landscaping plan, but I'm going to have to save some money to complete everything. So, for right now, I have planted my bushes and I pray that they will flourish and do well!

Daffodils at Wye Mountain

Bonnie Blue's favorite spot--between Micah and me on the couch.

Some daffodils at Wye Mountain

Today Micah and I went to Wye Mountain to the Daffodil Festival. This was my first time to go and I loved it. I adore daffodils. They are my favorite flower. You drive up to Wye Mountain an just when you think you are lost, there you are with a field of flowers. It is great and so beautiful!

We walked around and I took a lot of pictures. Then, Micah and I went to this pottery place called "Doodles for You". I painted a large platter with my signature phrase "whatever!". I had a lot of fun. Micah sat with me for a while, then he ran some errands, and then he came back to get me.

We fixed spaghetti and then had pudding with ice cream for dessert. It was a great day and it will be a quiet night with some of the people I love.

blog vacation

Without meaning to, I have taken a mini-blogging vacation, a.k.a. I haven't posted in over two weeks. I've been really busy and haven't had that much to discuss. I spent the last weekend with Micah in El Dorado. He is moving to a new apartment, which is always fun to do. He is really excited and I liked it a lot. We went to his brother's house on Saturday and ate lunch with his brother, Reuben, and his dad, James. Just me and the Fullerton men. Reuben and I dominate the conversations. =) We then got out the musical instruments and played some songs. I sang, Reuben played the acoustic guitar, James played the bass guitar, and Micah rocked the drums. This was a talent that I knew he possessed, but I hadn't been allowed to see him play the drums until that day. He did a great job! I loved it. I ended up getting sleepy from our lunch, so I dozed on the couch while the boys continued to play.

The weekend before that Micah came up to Conway and I had testing for my 2nd degree Red belt. I passed my test and I'll test in August for my BROWN BELT AND BLACK GI!!!!! I am so excited about that test. Also, Grandmaster Han will be here for that testing, so he will get to tie my belt on me and I will get to have that honor. It will be so exciting I can't even talk about it. Micah and I went out on a date that Saturday night and saw Gran Turino. I really liked it. It was a deep movie and I was emotional throughout it, but I really thought the direction was great and all of the actors did a good job. We ate dinner at the New China restaurant--the 'Ryan's' of Chinese restaurants.

This weekend I am cleaning out junk and taking it to the flea market AND taking one of my favorite 2nd grader's out for her birthday. Piper is the daughter of my karate instructors and she is just an amazing person. For her birthday we are going out to lunch and then I am making her a reversible skirt. We will see how it all turns out. =)

Quick Trip

Yesterday I did not have school due to the President's Day holiday. I went up to Fayetteville Sunday night after my 1st church service. I didn't have to sing at 5:30 Mass, so I took advantage of that and a day off and visted my Momma and Daddy. On Sunday, I drove from El Dorado that morning to Little Rock, then Little Rock clear up to Fayetteville. I was tired.

I got to have dinner with JUST my Momma and Daddy and it was delicious. It was a very 'Jennifer' meal and I was telling Micah about it and he was like, "Well, that's a very 'Micah' meal, too. Too bad you can't send some of that down here." I know, it was too bad because it was a great meal. My Momma made some Baked fudge for dessert. SOOOOOOO GOOOOD!!!!!!!

Monday, I got up and Mary Margaret and I visted Angel (Charlie's Mimi) and Charlie. Charlie is my good friend Jessica's little boy. He is just so stinkin' cute. I swear I could eat him, he is so precious. Won't do it though! We played with him for a bit and then went to eat at Mellow Mushroom. Very good pizza. Then, Mary Margaret left us and my Momma and I went to Hancock's, Hobby Lobby, AT&T, and then out to West Fork to see how the little Bungalow is coming along. LOVED IT!

We got back home and then proceeded to move the Nordic Track to my car, so I could take it home with me to start working out more regularly. It was such a chore to get it in there, but we finally made it and then I drove back to Conway. My friend, Colton (from Karate), helped me move it out of my car and get it into the garage.

I'm cleaning out major amounts of stuff to be donated, etc. It is feeling so great to get this stuff out of my house. I'm so excited.

Valentine's Day--Part II

Micah and I spent a very quiet Valentine's Day with each other. We went to see He's just not that into You. I volunteered to see a scary movie, even though I don't like them, since it was Valentine's Day and Micah LOVES scary movies. Micah insisted that he didn't mind seeing the other movie. I loved it. Totally will buy the DVD.

We went out to eat at Bayou Bistro. We went early because we wanted to avoid the rush. We stopped by Baskin Robbins so I could get some peanut butter and chocolate ice cream and then we went back to Micah's. He had rented The Secret Life of Bees for me. Wonderful movie! Just loved it.

Now, we are just hanging out in our comfy clothes--just a quiet, quiet evening with the two of us and Bonnie Blue.

I couldn't be happier. =)

Valentine's Day--Part 1

Guess what I got at work today!
Aren't they beautiful?

I'm headed down to El Dorado for St. Valentine's Day weekend and then up to Home for President's day to spend time with the family.

Palm Springs, CA--complete with pictures!

John giving a little speech at the dinner
Mary Margaret and Hank Azaria--she got the picture, but I was the first one to talk to him and smoothly introduced my mom to him. I also met his very sweet and pretty girlfriend, who is expecting their first baby. Yea for them!

The Hui girls at the Lemonade Stand

Me and Ty

Finn--he has a rockin' hairstyle

Our Bathroom

Our room--forgot to take a picture right after it was cleaned!

My Aunt Linda, Ling, Uncle F.T.

Ling and Pearl arriving at the Parker in their Rock Star bus! She was surprised!

The Lobby at the Parker At Breakfast

My delicious omelet!

One of the pathways around the Parker. Look at the mountains in the background.

It's been FOREVER since I have posted, but now I'm ready. The last couple of weeks have been super busy. This weekend is pretty relaxing, which is great because last weekend I was in PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA.

My cousin, Ling, turned 40 on January 27 and her wonderful husband, John, threw her a wonderful surprise weekend. He started planning back in November and contacted my Momma about getting us all over there to help celebrate. Well, of course, the Hui girls are all about the parties and being places, so we were definitely in. We made our plans and flew out on Friday, January 30. My flight from Little Rock was delayed, so I was moved to a later flight from Dallas to Palm Springs, which meant that I was on the flight from Dallas to Palm Springs. I got off the plane from Little Rock to Dallas just as Alex's flight was getting in from Knoxville. We met up and had breakfast--complete with mimosas because we were on VAY-CAY. Then, the rest of our crew made it into Dallas and they proceeded to eat lunch. We got on our flight and made it to Palm Springs. We were seated back behind the wing, so it was really bumpy and as we landed, I got sick. That has never happened to me before, so it was definitely an experience.

You come out of the airplane, leave the area, then you are in the sunshine, complete with palm trees. It is amazing. There are these huge mountains all around, but they look fake because they are so beautiful. We arrived at THE PARKER. That's right, we stayed at the THE PARKER AT PALM SPRINGS. It was amazing! You arrive and they open your door---all dressed in their pretty white shirts and pink pants. LOVED IT!!!!

We checked in and then Alex and I went to the Lemonade Stand where we had a little snack. Later on in the evening we went to dinner and found my Aunt Linda and Uncle F.T. checking in. We ate dinner with them at Mr. Parker. It was great to have time to catch up with them before everyone else arrived. Saturday we woke up and had breakfast at Norma's. I had this amazing omelet. It was soooooooo delicious. All the girls had Spa appointments and we were also checking when Ling would arrive with her entourage. John had arranged for her High School friends to come and spend the night with her at the Chateau Marmont. Then, they took a party bus from L.A. to Palm Springs. When they arrived, we were waiting for them at the door and she was shocked!

We spent the day at the pool and had a fabulous time playing with Finn, Ty, and Pearl--Ling and John's kids. Later that night we had a private party at Mr. Parker. John had made a couple of videos, one which you can watch right here. The entire evening was just beyond describing. It was filled with love, laughter, and dancing.

We woke up Sunday, ate at Norma's, said good-bye to everyone and flew back to the 'real world'.

This week I have started working on my closet. Pictures and a detailed description of the entire process will be posted later. Today, I'm going to work on St. Valentine's Day cards, etc.

Kate Rocks My World!!!!

Kate informed that the link wasn't working in the previous post and that I could just copy it from the other blog and post it here. So, I did that and now Kate rocks my world once again!!!!!! She always has, but she rocks it even more!

When observing these pictures, please note that I hung all the hardware in this bathroom. By myself. With no men involved. I rock.

Finished project--doesn't it look lovely!
Before picture--note the messy counters and halfway painted part to inspire me to finish it. It didn't do that.

New car in garage. Note--garage is on list of de-clutter projects

Another picture of the counters--look at how clean they areA before picture! Messy, messy, messy!

Since my wreck, I had been driving a great rental car, an HHR from Chevy. This past Monday (January 19th) I got a new car. It's a RAV4. It is so precious. I absolutely love it!
This past weekend I went down to Micah's (I'm actually down again this weekend), came back to Conway and started to paint my bathroom, and got a new car. It was a busy, tiring weekend.
Here are pictures from my first de-cluttering project. I started with my master bathroom. I do realize that it is the smallest room and area that I could have possibly started with, but it's done and it looks great. I started with painting the bathroom the same color as my bedroom. When I moved in, like 6 years ago, I painted the bedroom before all the furniture was moved in it. I knew I wouldn't get it painted if I didn't do it then. I had every good intention of painting the bathroom at that same time, but never did. A couple of years go by and then I decide I'm going to paint a little bit in the bathroom, so I'll be inspired to finish it. A couple years later, here we are. I wanted to put up a shelf, but I knew I couldn't and really shouldn't put the shelf up unless I finished painting the whole bathroom. So, I decided Sunday that I was going to since we had Monday off from school. I didn't start painting until about 9 p.m. Real smart. I painted for several hours and then woke up Monday morning and painted some more. I needed an angled brush so I could cut in the edges at the walls and baseboards, so I had to go to Wal-Mart Monday afternoon and get that. In between painting on Monday, I picked up my new car, went out to lunch, and had several piano lessons with my students. THEN, I finally went back that evening and finished painting the entire bathroom. It was way past midnight when I was done, but totally worth it.
I didn't really finish cleaning out under the cabinet or decided where I wanted to put everything until Wednesday night after choir practice. I went by Starbucks with my Sissy, whom I was giving a ride in my new car. Then, I went back and got to work. I finally finished everything up on Thursday evening. I had to go to Lowe's and buy a new hand towel ring. I don't really like having a hand towel ring and I was really resistant to getting one, but I realized that I always have a hand towel in my bathroom. I might not like the rings, but I always have a hand towel that deserves to be placed in its correct area.
So, now that this project is completed, let me go over details:
1 can of sage green paint from Sherman Williams
1 new paint brush from Wal-Mart
1 bag of trash collected and thrown out
3 items that will be moved into the guest bathroom with a vast amount of cabinet room2 bags of things given to friends (1 bag-lip glosses, lotion, and perfume samples that kids adore, 1 bag-headbands, hair ties, ponytail holders, stretchy headbands)
1 new towel ring holder
Completely clear countertop
tray containing my "A" items--items that I use everyday and it makes sense that they are out in an 'easy' accessible place
my 'nice' towels placed out in everyday use because I deserve such luxuries. I shouldn't save them for other people. I deserve to use my 'nice' things.
My next project is my master closet. It's going to be major fun to organize in there!

Check it out.

Car in garage--note: the garage will be a future de-cluttering project. Have no fear!
Before--check out the halfway done paint. That was supposed to inspire me. Note the messy counters and opened drawers.

Ahhh! The finished project! So nice! Note that all the fixtures were hung up by me! All by myself!

I did finish my first de-cluttering project. I will post a before and after picture here, but if you want more details, check out my other blog here. I messed up when I was writing it and didn't realize until the end that I was on the wrong blog. So, I'm going to be lazy and not rewrite it. Really you should go there and look at it because I wrote in detail about the project and it was really cool.

Oh, I also got my new car! It's a RAV4--super cool and I love it.

Jenn---tacular!

Well, I do believe that my birthday was a spectacular Jenn-tacular celebration. I had a lot of fun and have some of the best friends and family.

I didn't add another update the evening of my birthday. I was at McAlister's, eating with friends, and when I came back to my house, I packed to come down to Micah's. Since the last update at lunchtime on January 15, I went to Price Cutter and got a birthday cake for my After-school choir kids. We had a mini-celebration and the kids loved it. Then, I had some piano lessons after school. I went home and checked my mail and found some birthday cards from my very Momma and Daddy. I had also received some more birthday texts, including one from Charlie and his Mimi, whom I call Angel. I know that Charlie is very smart, but I do have to admit that I was impressed with his texting skills at 9 months old! =) My very Momma sent me three birthday cards. One never fully conveys all the wishes that you would like to send to the birthday recipient. My very Momma had the cards marked in the order that she wanted me to open them. The first one was a very sweet one. Of course, I cried. Then, I opened the second card and it was about how a daughter grows up and even though she has to leave and start her own life, she is always your daughter and her home is always there with her Mom and Dad. You got it, MORE tears. Then, I opened the final card and it was super sweet. This card also contained my birthday present, which was totally awesome. Then, I called my momma and told her how I liked it all---the presentation, the chosen cards, the gift--and how it all made me cry. She almost started crying, but was super happy that I loved it all. I had my final piano lesson of the evening, got some new pink pajamas from those girls. I went to Starbucks and had a Caffe Mocha. I got a call from my Alex and talked to her a bit. Then, I went to McAlister's. The first people to arrive were Jamie and James Paul. Then Keri came with the homemade birthday cake that Shana made. It was super delicious. Carie and Will arrived and Shana came with Reilly and Piper. About halfway during the meal, Colton and Anthony made it in. They had to teach at Greenbrier, so that's why they were late. We ate and opened presents. I got a really cool soap dispenser from Jamie that has a peace sign on it. I loved it! Carie, Will, and Hannah (who was at dance) gave me a steering wheel cover to help me grip it better. Way awesome and totally will use in my new car! Shana, Tom, Keri, Reilly, and Piper all got me a pedicure. I love pedicures. Shana is a major non-clutter person and she knows of my desire to be more like her. She told me that she was going to help me in my process of de-cluttering my house by getting me a present that can be used on myself and did not add to the 'things at my house' pile that is my house.

Yesterday I drove down to El Dorado. I was really nervous and a bit scared to drive past the wreck site. The thing that upset me the most was seeing the two tire streaks on the road where I tried to slam on the brakes and avoid the other person. That was really scary and showed me how far away I was and how I did try to not hit into another car. I knew I had done that, but I got to see physical evidence of it. It was nerve-wracking, but I made it down here. Micah and I had a quiet evening at the house. We went out to lunch today with his dad. James (Micah's dad) had his birthday yesterday, January 16. Just one day off of the best day ever. We may stay in tonight or may go bowling. Who knows? We're wild and crazy people.

On a final note, I received official confirmation on my comps and I did pass everything and am awaiting that big diploma with my name and the letters, MEd after it. Totally awesome!

I pick up my new car on Monday. Pics will follow! Also, I'm tackling my first de-clutter project, my bathroom. It's not as cluttered as it's just not completely done. I need to finish painting the walls and redo some of the pictures in there. I plan on painting tomorrow evening and then finishing it all up on Monday. I will post before and after pictures.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

Okay, I'm not really as self-centered as it appears when it comes to my birthday. I just LOVE my birthday. My children are either going to love this fact about me or it's going to drive them up a wall. I'm really thinking they are going to like it because I do birthdays up big, so it's a win-win situation for them.

ANYWAYS, I had plans to upload a birthday pic this morning, but I was running late. I'm going to update this post throughout the day to let everyone know what I'm doing this fabulous day.

The birthday festivities and celebrations started last weekend with a birthday gift from my SISSY. I know have completed my collection of the Friends DVD's thanks to her. I was lacking seasons 2,3, and 4, but no more!

Yesterday, I got a gift card to Amazon.com from my friend Patricia, which today, has already been used up by me getting books on my Kindle. I love that thing with a passion.

I also got some birthday cards in the mail. One was from Mary Margaret, whose card informed me that no matter what has changed with me throughout the years (hair, clothes, etc.) one thing has stayed the same. She will always be younger than me. Then, on the back of the card, it informs me that 'I'm no Spring chicken!'. That funny girl! Thanks for the card, Moe!

I also got a card from Victoria, which told me how fabulous I was and I'm on this list of fabulous women, which really just includes Victoria and me. It made me laugh. She also drew a picture of Bonnie and told her hi. Victoria--Bonnie was very touched that you thought of her and says hi back! =)

Then, I got a card from Micah that informed me that not only was I cute, I was hot. I wasn't just hot, I was sizzlin' hot. I'm not just sizzlin' hot, I'm smokin' hot!!! This last part was on the inside of the card and when you opened it up, it had the sound effect of a smoke alarm going off because let's face it, I'm smokin' hot! =) I loved this card!!!!! Thanks so much, Micah! Love you!

Onto today, the actual day of my joyous entry into this world. I got birthday texts from Tom and Shana super early because we all were up very late. Then my first birthday call was from the wonderful Micah Cabe. He had to be at work this morning at 6:30 a.m. Not fun! Then, I got a birthday call from my DADDY! He was on his way to Tumor Board. My Sissy called me next and sang to me. Then, my MOMMA called and sang me not one, not two, but THREE birthday songs!!! I got to sing back-up on them over the phone. Laura, the girl I take to school, and I went to McDonald's for breakfast this morning and it was yummy. I haven't been to McDonald's in over a month--which is huge for me because I just love that place. I know it's not great for you, but I do love it. For lunch I'm going to go to Chick-Fil-A because my great friend, Karen, got me a gift card there. I love Chick-Fil-A. It's going to be an awesome lunch.

I did get myself a birthday present this morning. I got a fabulous Kate Spade organizer. It can be viewed here. It will arrive sometime next week. I cannot wait. It's red and hot pink, which some people feel do not go together. They are totally mistaken.

signing off for now. (8:40 a.m.) More birthday updates to come.

UPDATE (11:35 a.m.) I just ate a fabulous lunch from Chick-fil-a. This afternoon, my 2/3 choir will get to feast on a birthday cake. It will be delicious. I failed to mention my facebook happy wishes earlier. Keri was the 1st person to wish me happies on facebook. Tom was first, but he also was texting, so we are not going to count him. Colton's was funny. He wished me a great birthday--hoping it will be Jenn-----tacular. Hahaha! I love it. I've also had two classes sing me the birthday song, complete with "Cha-cha's". Oh, and it's lightly snowing! How's that for a birthday present? I'm thinking it's from Grandmom and Pop-pop because it's pretty to look at, but it's not messing up the roads. They know that I do NOT like that!

More to come throughout the day.

Countdown

It is exactly 10 hours and 58 minutes until my birthday. I cannot wait!

5 days and counting

Picture from a Festivus party hosted by Tom, Shana, Reilly, and Piper

It's now 5 days until my birthday. I've been a bit subdued about the birthday celebration because I've been getting over the wreck and dealing with insurance stuff, etc. However, I'm starting to feel like myself again, which means 5 DAYS UNTIL MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Getting back to work was lots of fun this week. I had a great time seeing all the kids. Tonight, I took Reilly and Piper out to the Homecoming game and we had a lot of fun. Reilly and Piper are the daughters of my Karate instructors, Tom and Shana, and they are just the best. The whole family is awesome. Totally great. The best people to hang out with. We had a lot of fun hanging out and good times were had by all.

Tomorrow I'm going to go meet with my knitting friends and catch up with them. I'm also going to start a new de-cluttering program thing. I have a problem with clutter. It's not all over my house, but certain rooms are more cluttered than others. It's a new thing I wanted to do this year--not necessarily a resolution, but a lifestyle change because I realized as I get older and start a family--they are going to need some of their own room to put there own stuff. This is going to be an ongoing project complete with before and after pictures. NOTE: I'm willing to bare my soul to all who read this fabulous narrative of my life. This is huge. Prepared to be dazzled by my de-cluttering skills. Project details coming soon.

Break

Everyone is blogging about how it is time to get back to the old routine of everyday life. I am excited and sad about going to back to work. It is always so much fun to see the children after our long break and see how they have changed and what all has been going on with them. I'm a little sad because it means that I'm back to my old routine without a break.

This break was really a good break despite the whole wreck. Even that was really sort-of a good thing because it forced me to sit and relax for several days. I don't do that very well. Micah came up from El Dorado to take care of me and we got to have some really good, quality time together. I mostly napped on the couch or read some things on my Kindle while he watched the numerous bowl games on the television.

Bonnie is doing a bit better. She had me worried a couple of days after the wreck because she was being so quiet and would make a face when she was moving. I would ask Micah if he thought she was all right and he would say, "You know how you are feeling--she's probably feeling that 10x worse because she is so small." So, she has been very spoiled the last couple of days. I'll hold her all day and I've made her some special treats so that she will be excited to eat. It's totally been working.

It's now only 11 days until my birthday--almost 10 days. It's crazy to think that I will be 29 years old.

Countdown---T-minus 13 days

It's officially time for the countdown to my birthday. It's only 13 days away. Can you stand the excitement? I can't!