Some more of my favorites: Florence edition

Friday night we stayed in Jackson, so we could go to Homecoming at JCS. It was a blow out! We only stayed for the first half and felt very sorry for the other team. However, we were happy for the Eagles!! Saturday morning we headed to Florence to spend some time with my family. First, we made a stop at Chick-fil-A for some breakfast. YUM!! I think I could eat at Chick-fil-A every day!! Once we arrived in Florence, we went to the hospital to see Grandma. She has been there since Monday and hopes to be home in the next couple of days. I love my Grandma!! She makes me smile and laugh every time I see her. After our visit, Mom, Dad, Craig, and I went to a favorite lunch spot...Trowbridge's. After lunch, we went home to watch the Alabama game. I LOVE watching Alabama football with my family, since Craig is not a fan. Well, it wasn't much of a game, but it was still fun to watch!! ROLL TIDE!! Mom cooked a wonderful dinner, another one of my favorite things about being in Florence. Maybe she could move to Jackson and me our cook. Mom, we could work out a plan if you're interested. Later that night, Craig and I went over to Melissa and Eric's house. Melissa is one of my best friends, and I love catching up with her. I also love that our husbands get along and entertain themselves while we talk nonstop. I really wish we lived in the same city!! This morning we went back to see Grandma before going to church at Stony Point. Mom and Dad picked up Zaxby's so we could eat and watch the Titans game. What a disappointment!! I always enjoy being at home, spending time with the family, eating delicious meals by Mom, and catching up with good friends!! Another great weekend!! Hope everyone has an amazing week!!

These are a few of my favorite things (and people): Nashville

Two weekends ago, I went to Austin with Grandma. We had a great trip, and I will always treasure our adventure. When we returned to Nashville, I met Betsy at her place. Then, we were off, so I could meet sweet Mayzie McClain. Mayzie was born at the end of July, but I was so busy preparing for school that I could not make it when she was born. Luckily, her Mommy, Jenny (college buddy and old roomie), was a teacher, so she understands. Anyways, I was so excited to FINALLY meet Mayzie and to see Jenny!! Mayzie is precious, and I enjoyed holding her while catching up with Jenny and Betsy. Congrats Jenny and Owen on your beautiful little girl!!Last weekend, Craig and I went to Nashville. On Friday night, we met some of our closest friends, James, Elizabeth, and baby Andrew, for dinner at Satco. We miss James and Elizabeth and the rest of our Memphis gang, so we enjoyed catching up. We also miss the yummy food from Satco!!(This is where I stopped taking pictures. However, I know someone else in the fam took some.)

Saturday morning, we woke early to eat breakfast at Pancake Pantry!! SO DELICIOUS!! After breakfast, we went back to Craig's parents' house to watch football and relax. I went to meet my cousin, Krista, before lunch. She just got a job teaching 1st Grade in Metro, so I wanted to share some of my old books. It's always great seeing her!! Good luck Krista...I know you'll do great!!

Charlie, Ashley, and Gentry came over for lunch, and we spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out with them. Charlie and Ashely went to a concert Saturday night, so we were able to keep Gentry longer and play with him. He's always on the go, but he's so much fun!! While Gentry was having his bath, Craig and I snuck away, so we could see Luke and Laura. (I told you Nashville was full of our favorite people.) We watched some more football and visited with them for a little while. I love having so much family in Nashville, but it sure keeps us busy!!

After church on Sunday, we dressed in our navy and baby blue for the first Titans game of the season. Ashley's parents kept Gentry, so all 6 of us were able to go to the game. Titans games are always fun, so we had a good time with Craig's family!! They played great, and hopefully, will keep up the hard work all season. Go TITANS Go!!

Well, I think that about covers some of our favorite things (and people) Nashville edition. Be on the look out for more of our favorite lists...

1st Birthday

Remember me??

Can't believe this cute, little puppy celebrated his 1st birthday on Friday. No, we did not throw a big birthday party. However, if we were still living in Memphis, he would have celebrated with his best friends (Trek and Bailey). He has had a rough transition to Jackson without his friends and has not been able to meet too many new buddies. Hopefully, his next year of life will bring more close friends and fun times. Just thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures of our sweet puppy over the past year!! We love you, Tucker Bear!!
I was so little!! Mommy still wishes I was this size at times, but she loves me!!

Living with these two from September-January can be a little tough. They like to dress me in crimson or burnt orange and give me lots of red and orange toys. I don't really understand, but I like the toys!!

Sometimes I miss living in Memphis and playing with my best friends, Trek and Bailey, every day. We had so much fun on the tennis courts!! However, I do like all the new space and the big green area at the new place.Playing outside and laying in the grass, what could be better?? Hmm...Digging in the dirt, eating grass, mulch, or anything else, and running away from my parents!!Happy 1st Birthday Tucker Bear!!
P.S. Happy Belated Birthday Great Granny!! So glad we share the same birthday. Don't worry, I won't tell them how old you are!! I enjoyed celebrating with you at your house.

Highlights from Austin

We were a little nervous I might miss the flight due to a car accident. Luckily, I made it to the airport in plenty of time (and then our flight was delayed). Grandma and I were excited for our adventure!! Look out Austin...here we come!
Meet TJ!!
Grandma was thrilled to meet her first great-grandson.
Naomi LOVES her little brother, and she is a great big sister!

Look at that precious smile!!My buddy for the weekend.
She is full of energy and is very creative.
She LOVES Toy Story, the Beatles, and her family.
Naomi sitting in her "Zacchaeus" tree acting like a monkey.Feeding the goatsWalking with GrandmaNaomi and TimTJ and Grandma

Thanks Tim & Jackie for a great weekend!! I appreciate your hospitality and kindness. We had a great trip!! Sorry Jackie that I do not have any pictures of you. What a wonderful family I have!!

a little of this, a little of that

Hasn't the weather been so much better lately?? I have loved the cool breezes on my morning walks with Tucker and the lower temperatures throughout the day. The nicer weather is REALLY making me excited for football season!! On Friday night, we had our first taste of football. Craig and I went to the JCS game. We started slow but ended up playing well and winning. It was fun, and I'm looking forward to having a high school team to watch. This is a new experience for me. I have never been at a school (in 20+years) with a football team. Crazy, I know. I'm even more excited for college football to start and for my defending National Champions to have another amazing season. ROLL TIDE!!

Saturday was a busy day at JCS. We had our Back to School Rodeo Saturday night but spent a couple of hours setting up before the big event. It was great evening, and I was glad Craig was able to go to meet some of my students, their families, and my wonderful co-workers. After the rodeo, Craig and I both talked about how blessed I am to be a part of an incredible school with so many great people.
On Sunday morning, I left Craig in Jackson and went to Nashville for a few hours. WHY?? I had to see my sister, even if it was only for 5 hours. I try to take advantage of every chance I get since she is living in Miami now. :( Hopefully, with the help of some of her friends, our plan will work to get her back in Nashville by next August. I enjoyed spending the day with Bethany, my parents, Luke, Laura, and so many cousins!! For lunch, some of my cousins (Krista, Paige, and Katie) on my dad's side of the family joined us. I always enjoy catching up with them!! I'm glad they are at Lipscomb and that we get to hang out on some of my visits. After lunch, we went to Luke and Laura's condo for a little while before meeting my cousins on my mom's side of the family. It was great to see all of them, and I always enjoy seeing Elsie, Lucy, Sophie, and Lola. They always make me laugh with their funny stories and sweet smiles. It was another great weekend!!
This weekend, I have a special trip planned with my Grandma while Craig is on call Friday and Sunday. I will be sure to blog about our trip next week. Hope you all have a wonderful week and a safe Labor Day!!

More Visitors...Yes, Please

Craig and I had a relaxing weekend in Jackson. On Friday, we had a nice surprise visit from my aunt, uncle, and two of my cousins from California. I was so glad they went a little out of their way to see us. We don't see them that often, so it was nice to catch up with them. They came over to our house after touring Freed's campus and stayed for an hour. Hopefully, we will be seeing them more since their oldest daughter is at Lipscomb. After their visit, we grabbed a quick dinner before going to the ballpark. Yes, you're right, I don't like baseball. However, I was very excited about the game on Friday night.

Jackson has a minor league team, the Diamond Jaxx. Craig has been begging me to go to a game with him all summer. As you guessed, I was not very interested in attending. My attitude changed a couple of weeks ago. Adam sent me a text one day informing me that a guy from San Antonio had been called up to Jackson. Anthony, was in the youth group at Northside, where I interned for two summers. I was very close to his sister and really enjoyed getting to know his family. I immediately sent him a message on Facebook letting him know we lived in Jackson and would love to watch him pitch if he would give us his schedule. Well, he started on Friday night, so we went to the game. It was so fun to see him play and to talk with him after the game. He came over for dinner tonight, and we were able to catch up a little more. He's a great guy, and I know the Lord will continue to use him for HIS kingdom. Hopefully, we'll get to see him pitch again before the season is over.

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!! Hope you have a great week!!

Back to School

Wednesday, August 4: My first day as a 4th Grade Teacher

I was very nervous prior to Wednesday. I was so excited about being at JCS and about my co-workers, but I was still unsure about teaching 4th Grade. However,the day was great!! After meeting my amazing 19 students, my fears were calmed. I have a wonderful group of children, and I'm so pumped about the year. I still LOVE teaching Kindergarten, but I am learning to LOVE a lot about 4th Grade. I love the independence of the students. I love being able to go deeper and challenge their minds with our lessons. I love their ability to sit quietly and work without being told 5000 times what to do. I'm sure the year will hold a variety of emotions, but as of now, I am so happy and excited about teaching 4th Grade at JCS. Thanks for all your prayers and support!!