Jackie's Disney Wedding!!!

It's official and confirmed! Jackie will be getting married on January 15, 2010!!!! But wait...she's not just getting married and having a wedding....NO! She's getting married and having a DISNEY WEDDING!!! Yes...in WALT DISNEY WORLD! I know.... you can believe I am beyond excited!!!! So, the wedding planning has begun. I am very saddened I can't be "by her side" physically every step of the way. But, she knows how much I support her and I will pay back all of the support she gave me through-out my wedding planning. We will be heading to Orlando next year on Jan.14 and staying for the entire MLK weekend.
She will have her ceremony at the Grand Floridian Wedding Pavilion.
This is the view inside. If you look closely to the center window, you can see the castle.

This is the pavilion from the outside.

And her reception will be in Epcot's American Rotunda in the American Pavilion!


It's still some time away, but I am still really excited for her. This has always been her dream. I am so happy she is blessed for it to come true! :))))))

A Teacher's Remedy

I have to admit, lately, teaching 5th graders has been kicking my butt. They are totally hormonal. They are so mean to one another and no matter how positive I am and/or how much I praise those that are doing a great job, they still seem to wear me out and the DRAMA continues to catch on fire. Well, the good news.....18 more weeks left! If I've made it this far, I know I can make it. I do happen to have the most supportive colleagues I could ask for, which has been my sanity. But seriously, I get so overwhelmed I just want to cry! But I don't do that, of course. I do, however, find solace in 2 things....

a warm bubble bath!

an a cup of hot tea!
Occasionally I opt for a glass of wine...but I leave that for Friday nights!
Ahhh....feel a lot better! Now for a good night's rest.....

Re-organization: Master Bath

I've been dreading but wanting to re-organize our Master Bath for so long. And, I finally did it! I got in there with 2 huge bags and began to just throw away anything and everything we didn't need or use anymore. I didn't hold anything back. I just did it! Check out the before pictures.

This is what it looked like underneath my sink. I keep my hair dryer, flat iron, hair accessories, plus other toiletries under here. As you can see, I let it get out of hand!

This is the drawer that I kept my hair products and perfumes. It got so bad in there...so many things had spilled and made a mess!

And this is what our counter looked like. A accumulation of products, products, and more products! Just a mess!


Here are some AFTER pics. Boy, was I tired!




I also purchased a basket to keep our daily products in. I wish we had more cabinet/drawer space. So, in order to keep all of the bottles together, I thought we could use this basket to just pop up and down and in and out when we use our stuff in the mornings. This feels so good! I've been wanting to do this for some time, but I've dreaded the actual work! But, I am happy I finally got it done!

Bride Wars

I finally went to see "Bride Wars" after work this afternoon. I've been anxious to see this movie since it came out. So, you could imagine how excited I was allll day! (I am a dork, I know!) And let me just say how absolutely cute this movie is. I totally fell in love with it. It reminded me much of my wedding planning and the emotions an engaged bride can have. I thought the ending was great, as well. But I won't give that away, of course!

And another thing, Kate's character is named Olivia and Ann's is Emma. These have been definite names on my baby list for girls. I adore "Olivia" and "Emma". :)

Finally,I loved the wedding dresses both girls wore. Personally, I adored Kate Hudson's character Olivia chose. So dreamy!!! Which team are you on? Team Kate? Or Team Ann?

Anyways, if you were a bride or hope to be one, this movie is a must see!!!

Happy Inauguration Day!

Happy Inauguration Day!

I feel renewed. And I am filled with hope. May God protect and guide our new leader!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

*whistling the andy griffith theme song*

We went for a drive today with the in-laws and made our way towards Mount Airy, NC. This is the little town that Andy Griffith made famous. Yes, Andy Griffith is from this small town and it's the town which his show was based off....the town of "Mayberry". It was pretty much dead because it was Sunday and its the Winter. But it's supposed to be a tourist attraction. It was cute, though! Unfortunately, the only thing open was the candy shop. That was fun to see. And we came out with some yummy treats. I also saw this OLD barber shop with original barber chairs. And the diner where the characters would always have lunch in on the show. I thought I'd share the pictures! Enjoy.....

Shopping Online SALES!

I really wanted to go shopping today, but it's too cold out to go. And because of the cold I have a MAJOR headache. So, what better way to make me feel better than to shop online! I still have some Christmas money left. And ever since I became a wife and homeowner, any extra cash I get goes towards purchases for our home. Oh, how priorities have changed! It's a great thing. In the past, any free cash I had went towards a great new purse or shoes.

I logged on to CrateandBarrrel.com and snagged up some GREAT sale items under their outlet/SALE sections! Everything I purchased was a total of $59!

Look at this adorable winter door mat:

I got several of these picture frames. I think the Espresso border matches perfectly with our family room. And I love the white matted background. I would love to place these on espresso colored shelves:

And I got 2 vases, which I think add so much to a room without doing too much. The bronze vase is for the shelves with the frames. And the green vase will eventually go on our dining room table when we get one. I think the vase makes a nice piece that can go with our drapery:




Not bad for under $60, huh? And from Crate and Barrel! :)

I am ready for Spring...in DC!

Ronnie and I have decided to head to Washington, DC this Spring for a 3 day weekend. Not only will DC be re-awakened and renewed by President Obama, the Cherry Blossoms will also be in full bloom just like every year since 1912. I am way too excited! DC is about 5 hours from our house and we plan to take road trip. I think we've convinced our friends Rick and Melissa to go. And I've talk to my mom about going, too. This has been one of my dreams ever since I was little. I've visited DC twice in my life, but never in the Spring. The forecast usually calls for trees to be in full bloom at the end of March and beginning of April. I know it will be absolutely breathtaking. These trees are beyond amazing. Did you know these trees were a gift from Japan. They were given to us to enhance and celebrate the friendship between Japan and the US. Click on this link for more information,

Any suggestions on restaurants and hotels?

I am concerned.....

After a long day of teaching, I get home and I don't want to lift a muscle. What is wrong with me? I try to accomplish things early in the week. Then Wed. and Thurs. comes, and I lose it. I have no motivation. I used to love to work around the house and keep it tidy and organized. I used to LOVE to cook. Now, I loathe to do it. I am so backed up with the laundry, its not even funny. I still have to change and wash the sheets in our guestroom from our friends visit in late December! I do my best to catch up during the weekends, but I can't catch up. Weekends seem too short. What do I need to do to get more energy? This is very concerning. I don't know what else to do! What will happen when we have children? I need to get a grip on myself. HELP!

I've been a bad, bad, blogger!

I apologize! I know I have not blogged in so long. I have been so tired lately after work. And on weekends, I try to catch myself up with laundry, errands, and other house chores. I've really had a hard time adjusting to working full time and managing our home. Ugh!

It's 2009, though. I've been trying to make some changes. Not too drastic. But really trying to manage my life of chores. I promise I will get on the ball. I have some things to share, too. I've been wanting to blog, but again, I need to somehow manage it all in.

In the the meantime, check out some things I plan to blog about in the upcoming weeks:
-Our Spring trip. We hope to be making a weekend trip to Washington, DC to see the Cherry Blossoms!
-I am EXTREMELY anxious to see President Obama inaugurated!
-I began reading TWILIGHT. It was a present from Jackie for Christmas.
-UGLY BETTY, new season!
-Janelle and Jackie's weddings!!!!
-And hopefully, I can blog about some snow! I am anxious to get some. Why is it taking so long?

Stay tuned!