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.