wedding

Or as Reece likes to say, "weddin'" planning is going quite well. We have a date: June 26, 2o10. We have a location: Inn at Carnell Hall, Fayetteville.

We have our wedding parties. A photographer. Wedding bands ordered. Registry started."Save the Date" pictures taken. And...I have a dress! It should arrive in January. Yay!

The theme and inspiration for the day is Art Deco. Think "southern charm" meets Radio City Music Hall. Having a great time planning and enjoying all the little details.

Looking forward to 6.26.10

the perfect proposal

I am one lucky girl. Last Sunday, Reece asked me to marry him and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect proposal. Thanks to our very own and very secret photographers, I have amazing pictures to remember the day {thank you Bekah & Dallas}

Here is our story.

Reece and Mrs. Jean have been planning for quite a while...

Jean asked me to meet her in the football lockeroom at 12:30. When I arrived, I found Reece in a suit and tie...cool as a cucumber. He asked to go for a little walk. As we were walking, Reece and talked about the day we first met: He was driving Tusk on the football field and I was riding on top. He helped me down from the trailor, our hearts went pitter, patter, and the rest is history.

Our families were waiting for us at our favorite restuarant, Noodles. I was very suprised!

So in love. So very happy. I cannot wait to marry my best friend.

Thank you Reece for a perfect day.

Thank you to both my family and Reece's family for sharing our special day with us!

Yes, I am still here...

Hello all. I am still alive and kickin'. This has just been very busy year so I haven't had a whole lot of free time to get on here. But let me catch you up to speed...

First grade is getting better everyday. It is so neat to watch their young minds grow. I have some very sweet little ones and some little stinkers mixed in..but I love them all just the same.

The pommies are great too. We all survived the busiest November to date...and they did so beautifully. Between the two squads, we are getting ready for 4 halftimes and a few timeouts... But basketball season is officially here so maybe things will slow down just a little bit. Maybe.

I really appreciate my family and friends (Reece) being so understanding with my schedule and occasional crankiness. Occasional. You are all wonderful and I am blessed.

Happy Birthday Reece!

I am a little late...but I still want to publicy wish my wonderful boyfriend Reece a "happy birthday." We had a great birthday celebration week...Much like your average celebrity, Reece had 3 birthday parties...4 if you count the one at Tyson. I wish I had moore footage of the events. You will have to visit the hopper house for that.

Either way, Reece had a great 24th birthday. It is so great to watch people celebrate the man you love. Gosh I am so blessed to have Reece in my life. Love you.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my Dad, George's, 55 birthday! He came up Thursday and we have celebrated all weekend! Saturday he went to get a routine haircut and came out...mustache-less! His response..."when you turn 55 you gotta embrace your youth." Oh Dad...haha
I am so lucky to have such and wonderful father. I can't even begin to describe how much I love and respect him. He's a good man, that George Palmer. And I'm lucky to be his little girl. Love you, Dad! Happy Birthday!

pom camp, flying solo, and lots of meetings

Well we are all back and survived Pom Camp '09...The girls did a great job and represented the U of A so well. Here's a list of all their awards (sorry I have to brag just a little): 4th place home routine, superior trophy for "blue ribbons", superior trophy for home fight song, a program improvement award (thank ya very much), and most importantly Most Collegiate!
Wow! I'm very proud of the girls and their positive attitudes. Watch out football season, here we come!

I flew back from camp early...my first time to fly by myself...I was just a little bit nervous. I accidentally told several fellow travelers that I'd never flown solo...oops. I made a friend on the first flight and thankfully made my connection in Memphis. Phew! What an adventure.

This week I have been attending meetings for first year teachers. Surprisingly, the 8-3 meetings haven't been all that bad. I am really looking forward to working in Bentonville.

This weekend I have alot to do in my classroom...and when I say alot I mean ALOT. and....Reece has the annual Tyson Softball Tournament this weekend...Go Deli Dawgs! :)

Dust off the pom poms...its work week.

Yep. Summer 2009 is drawing to a close and the new pom year has arrived. Tomorrow the 24 girls will arrive excited (I hope) and ready to practice those fight songs and swing marches...lung 1, head pop 2, clap 3, run 4, shake 5, wink 6, 7, 8. Okay thats not really a dance...I just made it up on the spot...and just kidding about the winks. ;)
While the exact schedule of the week is still up in the air it is not unusual to practice two or three times each day until we leave for camp in Milwaukee on the 31st. Just a side note...I will be moving some things into my new classroom this week too (WOO HOO...very excited!)
Even though workweek is busy and hectic, I am excited to see the fresh crop of pommies and get the season started!

GO HOGS!

"What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" by E. Lynn Harris

The Razorback Spirit family is mourning the loss of our volunteer cheer coach and friend, E. Lynn Harris. The Best-selling author and avid Razorback fan passed away last night after suffering from a heart attack. E. Lynn had the most generous spirit and giving heart. He showered each squad member with love and treated us like his own. All day today, I have replayed various conversations and exchanges with him. Our Razorback family was blessed by his generous and kind-hearted ways. He will be forever missed...but we are forever touched.

"What Becomes of The Broken Hearted" is E. Lynns touching memoir about growing up and facing challenges and adversities.

Roomies

Donna, Me, & Jamie 2006

Recently, I moved into a new apartment. With this move came the end of an era. You see I lived with two of my best friends for four years. Yes, you heard right, FOUR years. Almost unheard of in the girl world. Our friendship began during freshman year when we all pledged the same sorority and became "baby angels." We all had separate lives that year...I knew Jamie, and Jamie knew Donna...but when we moved into the house sophomore year our friendship took off immediately. Inseparable from day 1. Oh boy did I have fun with those girls. Our sophomore year was one of a kind. Wonderful memories that are bringing a smile to my face even as I am typing. It only got better when we moved into our very own apartment the following year. What big girls we were...and what a family we had become. We lived at the apartment on Mount Comfort for three years. I have experienced so much with these girls: joy, laughter, tears, firsts, birthdays, trips...oh I could go on and on. Jamie and I can rap the entire "Grillz" song...I'll never forget my first date with Reece...Donna called and said, "If you are having a good time say the word, octopus." so of course I said octopus in the middle of our date...how funny. I love these girls with all of my heart. I cherish the multitude of memories and I am very excited to see what the future has in store for all of us...no matter what these girls will always be my roomies. "Lizards for life. Love ya. bye."

Happy Birthday Darby!

Today, my baby brother is 20 years old. I can hardly believe it! He has always been such a sweet boy. Story is that I begged and begged for a little brother. A sister just wouldn't do...I wanted a "bubby." On this day, 20 years ago, my wish came true. And don't you know I let him know who was boss from the moment I met him...I pinched his little nose. Well I had "to see if he was real!" :) Always a good sport, he has been dressed in tutus, chauffered me in my Barbie car, and been my ballet partner (lifted like the real ballerinas don't you know)...

Now he is a football player at Harding University and I couldn't be prouder. I am amazed and humbled by the man he has become. But...he will always be my little bubby.

Start spreadin' the news...

This post is about a month late...I've been quite the lazy blogger

In June, Mom and I went on a wonderful trip to NYC. She was honored as a Scholastic Art Teacher of the Year. The only one from the State, thank ya very much. She received a nice gold medal and took a bow on stage at Carnegie Hall.

Our week was filled with shows, art, eating, and shopping...all of our favorite things.

We saw 9 to 5, Guys and Dolls, In the Heights, and a ballet by American Ballet Theatre. I channelled my past life as a ballerina and couldn't help from posing a little...

Mom couldn't help herself either...

I may have had WAY too much fun at the Scholastic Book Store in SOHO. Of course I went on vacation and bought what else...but children's books and puppets. yikes! haha.One of the best parts of our trip was a question and answer session with up and coming fashion designer Zac Posen. He was a former Scholastic Art & Writing Award winner. We met him at the Museum of Art & Design...I was blown away by his genius, eloquent vocabulary, and passion for his field. It was a truly memorable experience.

What a great week!

tag...I'm it.

Well for all who is wondering...I survived the MAT and graduated (for real this time). But Ill "blog" about that later...First things first - Allyson "tagged" me so here it goes :)

nstructions:* Mention the person that tagged you* Complete the list of 8 things* Tag 8 of your wonderful bloggy friends* Go tell them you tagged them

8 Things I Look Forward To:
New York trip with my Mom
Coaching Pom this season
Teaching precious (and not-so-precious) children someday
Having time to organize
Having time to workout
Laying out this summer (alot)
Reading a good book
What the future holds for Reece & I


8 Things I did Yesterday
Slept in!!!
Watched the Today Show
Started a new book
Worked out (finally)
Shopped for fabric
Bought a bedside lamp for $14!
"Cooked" dinner for Reece which consisted of an oven bake pizza & cheese bread
Watched Dancing with the Stars and The Hills on Reece's new T.V.


8 Things I Wish I Could Do/Have
Stronger Faith
Sing - can't carry a tune.
More "extra" time
A green thumb
Cook, bake, anything in the kitchen really.
Worry less
Write a book
A full-time job



8 Shows I Watch:
The Hills
Dancing with the Stars
The Today Show
Desperate Housewives (on occasion)
Brother's and Sister's
any HGTV show
any wedding show

I Tag:
Jennifer
Kelly
Megan

Busy Weekend...

Whoa. Where did the weekend go? Friday night my wonderful boyfriend took me to dinner. I so enjoy dinner dates. We went to Mellow Mushroom...it was deeevine. After dinner, I hit the computer and worked on homework until 11 or so.
Saturday was busy, busy, busy! It was the day of the Red/White scrimmage and FIRST pom practice (for the incoming freshman). So, I woke up extra early and "pommed" myself - big hair, make-up, and I even sported a red Razorback workout top. Thats right.
The girls arrived at 9:15 excited and ready to go. For the next 4 hours they learned a few band dances from myself and other pom girls. Before we knew it, it was time for the scrimmage. What a big day for these new girls! The game was very similar to a real home game. There was a pep rallys (in the rain), Tusk, Greet the Team - the full nine yards. Both squads even took the field and performed "double tell" It looked great and I was very proud!
But one of the best parts of the day was seeing my old pom friend, Amanda at the game. She is one of the old pommies that has gone on to conquer the business world...and I miss her terribly.
After a big, exciting, Razorback-filled day, I was pooped....and VERY proud of all of the girls for working so hard. I think this is going to be a great year for the program.
Sunday morning I went to church and spent the afternoon finalizing my Action Research Project. It'f finally done. I can see the light at the end of this graduate school tunnel. Current countdown - 18 days. Hallelujah.

let the countdown begin...

The moment every MAT graduate student has been waiting for is just around the corner. That's right, graduation is in T minus 25 days. I am anxiously anticipating May 9th. While this year has been a challege, alot of positive things have come from the experience. I had the opportunity to learn, first hand, how to teach precious little children. Everyday... every moment in the classroom was a learning experience. And boy are they funny...I love having conversations with the students. Their view of the world is so simple and matter of fact - the way we all wish it was.
I have also made wonderful friends this year. The interns at my school have become a support system for endless questions, ideas, and a shoulder to lean on.
This year has taught me so much about life and what truely matters. I am thankful for the opportunities I have had and hopefully someday soon I will be able to take all that I have learned and use it in a classroom of my own.

aunt margie

My dear, sweet Aunt Margie has passed away. She was diagnosed with cancer 3 years ago and fought with unbelievable strength. You could always count on a sweet card in the mail from Aunt Margie. Throughout my life, she never missed a birthday, Christmas, or Valentine's Day. And Boy oh boy could she cook. Her homemade jams & jellies were famous in our family. Not to mention her chocolate gravy...mmm. My Nana so enjoyed traveling, chatting, and cooking with her sister. They always had a wonderful time together. Aunt Margie's kind, selfless, and compassionate spirit will carry on, but she will be greatly missed.

Aunt Margie and Uncle Joel at one of Darby's games.

sitting and hoping and wishing and waiting...

When I was at home last week, Mom & I watched one of my favorite movies..."My Best Friend's Wedding." I just love the opening of the movie where the bridesmaids perform a little song and dance number.
I thought about the lyrics to that song tonight. I was lost in thought, as I often am, and caught myself thinking a few "if onlys." You know..."If only I had..." "If only I were..." "If only it were May..." I realized I was sitting, hoping, wishing, and waiting...for what exactly? For anything, except for what I have at the moment. That my friends, was a sad realization.
Then the gospel song, "Count Your Blessings" came to mind. I have so much to be thankful for. Too many things to mention. So why do I wish for more?
Maybe it is human nature...an inherit drive for success that pushes us to never settle for less than the best. But what if this moment really is the best that our life can get? That, I know, is all in the Lord's hands...But I do have faith that life has wonderful things in store for me...if I can only be patient enough to WAIT and let them happen when they are supposed to happen.

Procrastinator

Thats right. I am a procrastinator. VERB: pro·cras·ti·nat·ed , pro·cras·ti·nat·ing , pro·cras·ti·nates VERB: intr.
To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness. Wow. That's a little harsh...
But, I have had plenty of time this week to do school work. Have I? Nope, not one bit. Instead of doing school work, I have chosen to do a number of other unequally productive things. For example, on Sunday, I watched 4 movies. On Monday I went to Target. On Tuesday I watch more movies. Basically there has been a whole lotta couchin' and nota lotta workin'..But that's what Spring Break is for, right?? I NEEDED A BREAK!! I'm sure if I explain that to my professors, they will completely understand. yea. right. So maaaybe I can find time in my busy schedule of lounging to complete the tasks that are due. On the bright side, there are only 6 weeks until graduation. Hallelujah.

the glory days

Maybe it's because this is the least busy I've been in a long time, but I got to thinking about how my life has changed over the past year. One difference that comes to mind: I am not on pom anymore. For four awesome years I got to live my childhood dream on the Razorback football field and basketball court. Boy was it fun! Not only did I get to dance and perform, I made lifelong friends and relationships. I miss dancing, performing, and most of all seeing these girls everyday...

They have moved on to conquer the business world while I have stayed to coach future Razorback Pommies.

It seems like longer than a year since I donned the cardinal & white uniforms and waved matching poms. Even though I may not wear the unis, I can still dance with the girls every now and then. :) So essentially, I'm still living my dream...

GO HOGS!

Fun at Nana & Poppy's

While looking at pictures from my Mom's camera, I found quite a few funny memories from Christmas 2007.
First we have have Dad...catching a few "zzz's" after a big lunch...


Hmmm....Darby and I thought. What could we do for fun?


I know...Mom's camera!

After making sure Dad was really asleep, Darby decided to take advantage of the situation...

Not ever being one that likes to be left out...I joined in on the fun...

(Notice that Dad hasn't moved yet...)
Oh wait...it gets better.

Shame on you Darby...

Can't a man take a nap in peace??...the answer to that is well, no. :)

Fast forward to Christmas 2008...

See a pattern??
Big meals+big naps= family fun!

Think twice before catching any zzz's around me and Darby...muuahahahaha!

Meet the Palmers

Meet my amazing family...

First, there's my Dad...

George, my Dad is a hard-working, Christian man, who offers me sound advice in this unreliable world.

Next, there's my beautiful Mother...

My Mom, Jerris, is my best friend. We share many common interests such as art, traveling, dance, and bargain shopping :) The older I get, the more we have in common and the closer we grow as friends.

And then there'e my little brother, Darby...

Darby is my not-so-little brother. He has the sweetest heart and is growing into a quite a remarkable young man.

I am blessed to have such a great family.

Reece Baker Bailey

I've blogged about him, but never formally introduced my wonderful boyfriend, Reece.

We met our sophomore year at the University of Arkansas. He was in charge of the real, razorback mascot and me...well I rode on the trailer, on top of the mascot. I know, confusing and a little strange. But that's how it's done in Arkansas. Anyways...back to the story. Well see Reece is quite an attractive man. I flirtatiously shook my poms and made eye contact with "Tusk Boy"-as all the pom girls called him-for nearly two years. Rumor has it, he was "eyeing" me as well. As fate would have it, we formally met January of our Junior year. After a "Rock Star" function, dinner & a movie, and a snow storm, we were a couple. And...we have been together every since. What a guy that Reece Bailey is. I am one lucky woman. I love you, Reece.

Welcome Back

After a month hiatus, I am blogging once again. Trust me, I would have rather been blogging over the past month than conquering a massive amount of school work. But...its over (for now) and it's SPRING BREAK! Yep that's right...Spring Break. Ahhhhh. It feels so nice to be at my parent's house. Unfortunetely, I have caught a nasty cold/flu bug. So that means lots of rest & relaxation for me...

Here's a little look inside what I've been up to lately...

This is me & Merlin, "The Magical Math-i-magician"