2008 is almost gone...YAY!! Bring on the New Year!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? PTO President, Started back to school, decided to be a teacher
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Of course not, and this year my resolution is to not make any resolutions
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? noone super close but some co-workers
4. Did anyone close to you die? Thankfully, no.
5. What places did you visit? Pretty much stayed around North Carolina
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? Simplicity. Peace. Order. More money.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? None really, Josh & I did celebrate our 5th anniversary, and of course the boys birthdays but nothing super exciting!
8. What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year? Doing great in school, Starting my Uppercase Living business, PTO President, getting the school playground equipment, Thank Goodness!!
9. What was your biggest failure? Unfortunately, I let my house and myself go too much!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Not really.
11. What was the best thing you bought? The wii!! We love it
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? The boys, they had an awesome year!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The people in charge of our country and the people responsible for the current state of our economy.
14. Where did most of your money go? Gas, House, Groceries...Shopping.LOL
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? School, I love my classes and I'm so happy I'm doing great! Brad Paisley concert was a hit too!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Not real sure!
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? Happier
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Exercise.
20. How did you spend Christmas last year? With family
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Absolutely, with my beautiful family
22. How many one-night stands? Ha!
23. What was your favorite TV program? NCIS
24. What did you do for your birthday in 2008? Worked and thats about it
25. What was the best book you read? Jenny McCArthy's book about her autistic son, and Twilight
26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Hmmm...no idea!
27. What did you want and get? A coach purse...didnt get...A Wii...got it!
28. What did you want and not get? oh yeah..i already answered it
29. What was your favorite film of this year? I was pretty excited about Sex in the City. I enjoyed watching it. I thought that it was entertaining and well worth the wait.
30. Did you make some new friends this year? Yes! And they are the best!.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Maybe a vacation? Or more money?
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? It was okay.
33. What kept you sane? The Internet! It is how I stay in touch with everyone. I pay my bills. Buy things. Balance the checkbooks. Chat. Post pictures. Google.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Noone really.
35. What political issue stirred you the most? The election.
36. Who did you miss? My grandfather..I miss him lots this year, I think he would have been proud of me & I could have used his encouragement and a big hug.
37. Who was the best new person you met? I'm not sure
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. The only person who you can count on is yourself. The only person who you can control is yourself.

Getting to know me..

Stolen from Monogram Teacher;



1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:00 Thanks to C, the Early Riser
2. Diamonds or Pearls? I love both,
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Twilight..Friday night
4. What is your favorite TV show? The Hills, Jon and Kate, NCIS
5. What did you eat for breakfast? Nothing, I need to do better with this..I have issues getting breakfast eaten..
6. What foods do you dislike? asparagus
7. Your favorite potato chip? Nacho Cheese Bugles, Sour Cream & onion, Funions, Sun Chips..love me some salty snacks!
8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Don't really have one
9. What kind of car do you drive? Mini-Van..and I hate it
10. Favorite sandwich? Chicken salad..loving Holly's Deli
11. What characteristics do you despise? not being honest
12. What are your favorite clothes? my pj pants and t-shirts
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Western Carribean
14. What color is your bathroom? Chocolate Brown, beige, teal
15. Favorite brand of clothing? right now I'm loving Ashley Judd's collection at Goody's or about anything at Kohls.
16. Favorite time of day? after 3:30
17. Where would you want to retire to? A cabin in the woods..
18. Favorite sports to watch? basketball
19. Coke or Pepsi? Diet Dr Pepper
20. Are you a morning person or night owl? morning person
21. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?nothing right now.. :(
22. What did you want to be when you were little? teacher
23. What is your best childhood memory? spending time with my grandparents
24. Nicknames? Steph
25. Piercings? ears
26. Eye Color? Blue
27. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
28. Favorite restaurant? PF Changs, Cheddars, Outback
29. Favorite ice cream? Pumpkin Cheesecake from Ben & Jerry's
30. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Pier One
31. Bedtime? usually 9:30-10:00
32. What are you listening to right now? Carson talking...all the time
33. How many tattoos do you have? none
34. Next film you'll see? 4 Christmas with Reese Witherspoon- LOVE HER!

So..

Just the other day I had a few different things in my mind to blog about and now...nothing. Can't remember a thing.


Friday, the hubster and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. Wow, it seems like just yesterday we were walking down the aisle. I love him more and more each day & I'm so lucky to be his wife.He is truly my best friend and such a wonderful daddy to our boys! I'm blessed with the most wonderful boys in my life.

Wednesday, the oldest and I are looking forward to going to Bryson City & riding the Polar Express in our pj's. Him, not me. :)

I'm in Christmas shopping heck...I'm stuck on a few more gifts and don't have a clue to what to get some people.

I do love the Christmas Season, just minus a few difficult people to buy for. The bestest and I are planning on taking our three little ones to Bristol Motor Speedway for the Lights they have their and maybe even some dinner out with our little men!



I'm currently doing an interim kinda thing for a 3rd grade class &I love it!!! I'm really contemplating on going on for my Teaching certificate.I'm leaning towards it majorly.

While taking some of the pictures for the book I mentioned earlier, we snapped one of me and the sister. I love it. May do something with it for a Christmas present for mom or dad. Who knows!

Rainy Weekend!

So far its been nice though. Went to the mall and some shoe store near Biltmore with the sister. Had to get the oldest boy some new tennis shoes, jeans and the sister needed new Sperrys. I actually walked out of the mall with nothing for myself. And no Christmas stuff!

I need to print this out for Josh. I doubt he believes it! LOL

Got lots of homework to finish for the weekend!

I've pulled out some of my Christmas stuff, but not my tree just yet. I need to get a few more things, like some cute stuff to put on my little tree in the kitchen. I saw some cute things at *gasp* K-Mart. Yeah, I was shocked. Cute little cookie cutters, rolling pins, cupcakes. Adorable!

I finished making one of the in-laws presents yesterday as well. Did a georgeous custom photo book of some black & white and sepia pictures of the 3 grandkids. I know they will love it. I cried while making it..finding quotes, and the pictures!

Hubby Survey

He's sitting in front of the tv, what is on the screen? The pursuit channel.

You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch

What is one food he doesn't like? Turnip Greens

You go out to the bar. What does he order? Bud Light or long Isand Iced Tea

Where did he go to high school? Same one as me

What size shoe does he wear? 11 or 11.5

If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Hunting Stuff..LOL

What is his favorite type of sandwich? Steak & Cheese

What is his favorite cereal? Cinnamon Toast Crunch

What would he never wear? pink...

What is his favorite sports team? OSU Buckeyes

Who will he vote for? McCain/Palin

Who is his best friend? Me of course!

What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? He says I micro-manage

How many states has he lived in? One,

What is his heritage? Irish?

You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? Yellow with Homemade chocolate icing

What could he spend hours doing? Hunting or Fishing!!

Simple Things that make me smile..

I was thinking today about all the little simple things that really make me happy & brighten up my day.

1. My kids
2. My hubby
3. kids at school giving me hugs
4. A long phone call with a good friend
5.Chocolate
6. Fall
7.The first spring flower
8. shopping
9.Nutella
10. a good song on the radio & singing along.

Okay, now for a serious post.

Let me just say I'm so thankful for what this year has brought me. I truly have felt so blessed in the past year. I've joined a great group at work and been brought to many new friends. I love them all and I'm thankful for each of them. This time last year things were so rocky- I had just given my two-week notice at my job and that was so tough. It was due to some unfortunate events and I really had to reach down deep to make that decision. And, I'm so thankful I did.

I love love love working at the school. I love being in school myself. I love the PTO. I love Uppercase Living. I love my life so much. I have the greatest husband, family, and kids. I know I wouldnt have been blessed with everything I have unless I made the decision I did. God is Good, he is Great! He truly knows where we need to be and puts us there. It may not make any sense at the time but he has a plan, and in the end it will work out.

Last spring, I helped another mom of a preschooler get a job at the school, like myself. Since then we have became friends and now I can honestly say she has become a best friend. I feel like I have known her all my life. I can trust her not to repeat things I tell her, i know she is always there for me and will always stand up for me. As i will do the same for her. I love her to death. i know she probably doesnt read this, (heck, I dont know if anyone does& thats cool, its my out)but I'm so thankful to have her in my life!

Fun with Four

Yeah, I'm procrastionating. LOL

. A) Four places that I go to over and over:
1. Work/School for the kids
2. Post Office
3. Grocery Store
4. Bank

B) Four people who email me regularly:
1. My mother in law
2. PTO Girls
3. My Dad
4. Facebook

C) Four of my favorite places to eat:
1. La Paz
2. Firehouse Subs
3. Zaxby's
4. Outback

D) Four places I would rather be right now:
I have a hard time with this question. Even though I have my problems, I'd still rather be nowhere but here. Warm and safe in my own home with my two beautiful and healthy children. But somewhere warm and tropical sounds fantastic too!

E) Four wishes I want granted:
1. School to be over and be a teacher
2. All debt paid off!!!!! And a little extra for fun would be nice, too.
3. A big nice vacation for all my family
4. To live happily ever after

F) Four TV shows I watch:
1. Tori & Dean
2. John & Kate plus 8
3. CSI: Las Vegas (dont care for the other ones)
4. Guiding Light

One Word Game

1. Where is your cell phone? Counter
2. Where is your significant other? Recliner
3. Your hair color? Brown
4. Your mother? home
5. Your father? home
6. Your favorite thing? laptop
7. Your dream last night? dunno
8. Your dream/goal? Several
9. The room you're in? livingroom
10. Your hobby? work :ugh:
11. Your fear? failure
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Teacher
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. What you’re not? Skinny
15. One of your wish list items? wii
16. Where you grew up? carolinas
17. The last thing you did? typed
18. What are you wearing? Clothes
19. Your TV? on
20. Your pet? gone
21. Your computer? pink
22. Your mood? tired
23. Missing someone? sure
24. Your car? Driveway
25. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
26. Favorite store? hobbylobby
27. Your summer? good
28. Love someone? Lots
29. Your favorite color? pink
30. When is the last time you laughed? todaywithkaren. LOL
31. Last time you cried? lastnight,goodmovie

Oh yeah,

Yesterday, my friend Kendal brought all her CookieLee Jewelry to school to sell markdowns and the new catalog stuff. Let me just say, her stuff is gorgeous! If you like jewelry you so need to check this stuff out.

I will be having a party soon & getting lots of great pieces, so you should do the same! Fun, girls night out with a little retail therapy!! Whip out the margaritas or a nice glass of wine!

Uppercase Living SOS..lol

I've been thinking, I'm going to get started trying to recruit someone to join Uppercase Living and help me out. Of course they will make there own comission (25%) like I do, but I will help out with the initial start-up kit cost. It's 169(for the large) and I think I will give them a $50 credit towards it. I'm being swamped with parties and with my school load getting larger, I need help! Majorly!

I'm loving Uppercase Living and everything that goes along with it, but right now I've got so much on my plate. By no means does this mean I dont want bookings, just I need an assistant to help out some!

I've had 3 parties in the last week and a couple of days. So its something that could be HUGE if I had more time to spend on it.

If you think you might be interested or know someone who would, shoot me a e-mail or a comment.

All it takes is someone who loves to decorate & all that and doesnt mind talking to a group of people ( around 15 at a time).

Watch for Falling Leaves!

I truly love the Fall season. The crisp fresh air..the color palette...everything..

Some of my favorite FAll things; Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks, Crisp Granny Smith Apples from the Farmer's Market, Those yummy green apple with caramel topping suckers, Scarecrows, the colors Orange, Green and Yellow on everything.

I especially love how everything becomes pumpkin & spice flavored when Fall arrives! I love pumkin flavored things! I'm craving some pumkin bread with cream cheese now! Yummy..

What are your favorite pumpkin recipes?

So, I havent posted in a bit

Lots of things going on.

J broke his arm and sprained his other wrist. Fun. He wrecked a 4-wheeler. Last Sunday to be exact.

Had another UL Open House, with a few more hopefully on the horizon. Thank goodness too. I cant wait to see these hospital bills and of course Christmas is coming.

I have no clue what on earth to get my kids for Christmas. They havent mentioned anything really & I just dont have any good ideas. B has mentioned a Nintendo DS but I'm not sure if we will get that for his birthday instead. His b-day is in a bit more than a month.

Oh well, a friend I work with was telling me about this awesome consignment shop in A-ville. I'm dying to check it out.

Friday is a teacher workday..not sure if I have to work or not. May work for the padre instead.

I've got lots going on with school & not really in the mood to do it. Yeah, that sucks. Hoping tomorrow is a better day to work on it and I have a more positive outlook.



Got a PTO meeting tomorrow. I really wish we could get this playround equipment deal done. I cant find something that fits our price range and all that jazz. Hopefully something will work out for us.

RUN dont walk to Goody's

If you have a goody's store near you, you need to check out the Ashley Judd collection. Not only are the clothes really cute but the sizes are all screwed up. I normally wear a 10 (yeah, I just told my size to the world. UGH) but can wear size 6's in Ashley Judd's clothes! Heckyeah!! now if just everyone knew they were size 6's. (oh wait, now they do!)

Anyways, way to make a girl feel good!!

Went shopping with my mom, sis and grandmother today! Got lots of Birthday loot! And miraclously shrank to a 6. Yeah, I just cant get over that!! Woohoo!!

J didnt do too great on his hunting trip, the weather didnt hold out. Though he's got his eyes on an 8-point on our property. Hopefully it will be his this week sometime!

Boys had a great week. B dressed up as Johnny Appleseed for Johnny's Birthday friday. C was his usual funny self.

I did some subbing this week along with working my normal schedule. I had 1st grade Friday & I loved it! I'm really pondering going on farther in school. We will see..let me get through this next year.

Just another Manic Monday

Well its Monday. I swear the weekend flies by faster each week. It sucks. I love the weekends especially during Fall. Friday night football, leaves changing colors, the spell of Apple and Pumpkin..yumm..

Which reminds me, I need to head up to the farmers market and grab some pumpkins for the boys and some apples. A yummy apple crisp sounds amazing.

Lots of things going on this week, J is going on his hunting trip, I'm adding another day to my work schedule at school,a *huge* Uppercase Living party at another local elementary school Tuesday afternoon.

And someone has a birthday coming up at the first of the month. YAY ME! lol. So exciting. I was hoping to find some great concert tickets but so far they are all pretty crappy. I guess the summer tours are winding down.

About the name...

So, I've been asked where the name of my blog came from.



Well, It's my favorite Eric Church song. Look it up on itunes, if your a country fan..It's great!



Eric is also a native of the Boonedocks of NC. He's a great performer, so if you get a chance to see him..you should go!

Starting Off

Well I finally decided to start a blog & keep up with it. I've started two in the past and never made more than 1 post. This time is different, I've got so much going on in life right now and need a place to get all the thoughts together. I've really bitten off more than I can chew right now. I've finally decided to go back to school & I'm doing it all online. I love it though! I also am serving as PTO president, working at the school part time and being an independent demonstrator for Uppercase Living fulltime. Whew.

The boys are loving school this year. B is in kindergarten and loves it. He is such a smart cookie and loves being with his friends.C is on his 2nd and last year of preschool. He also loves it. Preschool has been the very best thing for him.

J is still a wonderful guy. I fall in love with him all over again every day. Its hard to believe we've been married almost 5 years and together for 7. He is gearing up for hunting season & I'm actually looking forward to some down time when he is on his trips. He is actually leaving on one next week. He loves to hunt and fish & as hard as he works I'm glad he has something to enjoy. He's such a great dad and even better husband.