Monday, January 31, 2011

Super Bowl Madness!

First of all I should let you all know, in case you um live under a rock, that the Super Bowl is here!!  You know where I live! It is big news all over the place!  The ESPN crew has taken over downtown Fort Worth! Okay on with it....

Let me set the scene for you:

Picture oh 3 weeks ago, on a Friday night.  I am of course attending choir practice (aka happy hour) with the group. (at our normal Friday night spot)  We were having a blast!  We were chatting about our weeks and what was up next....as the evening passes various people head home.  Then we are left with oh about 8 of us hang out and enjoying our adult beverages.  Out of no where come the "promo" gals!  You know the kind...way to short of skirt/shorts, the tatas all pushed up for some major cleavage. They were the Coors Light girls!  Of course they were promoting Coors.  Fancy that, but Chris prefers this beer!  They come over and do the small talk about Coors, blah blah blah.  Then everyone at the table gets a complimentary drink.  They place the coster on the table and ramble something about entering for a chance at Super Bowl tickets.

Of course we were well past the phase of small talk with these gals, I mean heck we got the free drink now move along.  Then I randomly decided, FINE I will enter the silly giveaway.  I mean my theory on this is...I have unlimited text so why not!  Here is what you had to do.
text a picture of that funny box with the Coors mountains
Take a picture of that sign on the coaster.  Then text the picture to that random number.  It was a done deal.  I sent the pic, and got some type of conformation text back.  I really left it at that.

F-A-S-T F-O-R-W-A-R-D! Now it is LAST Wednesday, January 26! Here I am teaching away when I keep hearing the vibrating noise of my phone!  (Yes, my phone is always on my teacher table....its the way I check all school emails throughout the day; since my main computer is hooked up to the promethean board) I couldn't figure out why it kept going off.  I mean Chris had left that morning for an out of town trip...was it him? had something happened? I was a little worried.  Needless to say I was 10 minutes from a break.  I took my kiddos to specials and then jumped right on my voicemails.  No it wasn't Chris! Wheew!  But it was a random IL number!  Why?

I called the number back to find out..............I was a winner of the Coors Light Super Bowl sweepstakes!  Are you KiDdInG ME?  I couldn't plan this stuff, really!  Folks, we didn't win the 2 tickets TO the Super Bowl.  However, I won a pair of tickets to the Coors Light Super Bowl Party "Silver Bullet" on Friday, Feb 4th!  Not only that but the party will be at the local Honk'e Tonk down the street!  The lady gave me all the info she knew, which was NoNe!  I gave her may address and away we go.





The tickets arrived on Sunday! I was crazy excited because I needed more info.  I mean I have been wondering all weekend about what will go on there.  Will they have a band?  Will we just go and have drinks?  So many questions!!!  Most of the questions have been answered!  The main performance will be BlAkE ShElToN!  I love him! (Chris not a big country fan, but is excited for the drinks)  I can't wait to go have a blast!  What a fun weekend will be have Super Bowl Parties almost every night!  Can you believe this?

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Favorite things giveaway...from Tracy

Giveaways...my luck has been tested lately! More to follow on that in the next post. However, Tracy is hosting her favorite things blog giveaway.  She has lots of fun little items you can win.  Many of which are some of my favorites.  Head on over to see by clicking HERE!  You have till the 17th to get your entry in! Go check it out NOW!!

Friday, January 28, 2011

5 Question Friday!

Yes, I am joining in again with Mama M's 5QFriday!  I love that my tennis has OFFICIALLY been moved to Wednesday nights for various reasons.  *blogging *super tv show watching *happy hour with my old school girls.....oh I digress back to 5QFriday.  Here we go:


1. If you had $1,000 to donate to a charity, which would you choose?


I would donate to The National Alopecia Areata Foundation.  For those that are unaware of Alopecia you can find out more detailed information here. My sweet niece has Alopecia, it is where your body fights your hair follicles. Therefore your hair will not grow, or will grow but falls out frequently.  Thankfully my niece is not in the extreme cases and has less than 40% hair loss.  

2. Snow days: Do you welcome them happily or are they a pain in your butt?
Well can I say...a love/hate relationship.  I personally LOVE, LOVE, LOVE snow days.  I love having a reason to sit at home and snuggle.  However, for work sake I hate that we have to make up our snow day on GOOD FRIDAY!  Yes, my school district uses Good Friday for a snow make up day.  If it were any other day then I would have a love/love relationship. 
3. What talent did you wish you had and why?
ummm....maybe not a talent, but I wish I had rhythm! Ha, I did Zumba the other day and realized I really am the most unrhythmic (is that a word?) person out there.  But that doesn't mean I wont keep going and acting like a FOOL! 
4. Are you a news, politics or celebrity gossip junkie?
CELEBRITY JuKiE all the way!  I love all the gossip and DrAmA that goes along with celebs! Bring me an USWeekly, Intouch...or People any day PLEASE! 
5. What is your favorite "cocktail"? (Are you a beer person, a kiddie cocktail junkie, or perhaps your more the "Cosmo" kind?! Anything flies...doesn't haftabe alcoholic!)
well...my favorite "cocktail" is pretty simple really!  If you want to make my day you need to bring me a BiG'Ol SONIC Dr. Pepper!  Yeap...my weakness is Sonic Ice, Styrofoam cup, and Dr. Pepper! I know not as exciting as and "adult" beverage, but it is my Happy Place!!!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

**Way to go Chris**



I'm so proud of you!
This week Chris found out that he has won a wonderful award through his company AXA!  He has worked so hard the past 2 years.  He has been hiring advisors and showing them the way.  His hard work has finally paid off.  In April Chris and I will get to enjoy a wonderful vacation to San Diego.  AXA will be hosting their 2011 National Leaders Forum there.  I am so PROUD of Chris.  Chris you have had such an amazing year! I am very grateful that he loves his job so much and wants to succeed more than any one else! His drive and determination amazes me each day.  I love this man so much, way to go honey!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

^SIGH^

AHHHH.....well I have just taken a huge sigh for the past couple of days.  Life around here has been a little crazy.  On Friday my grandma had a seizer.  This was very worrisome to our family.  Grandma has not been doing amazing for the past 6 months, so we could have done without this.  Needless to say while my grandma was under going this trauma; my sister was also having a procedure done.  FRIDAY was CRAZY on the WORRIES!!  Abby's procedure went as well as planned.  Grandma seems to be making steps towards recovery as well. Thank you to my sweet friends so sent out an extra pray this week.

Then we proceed into this week.  Today I had one of my biggest days yet at school. I had my FORMAL OBSERVATION at school. (non teacher friends...this is like your major moment to see if your principal thinks your are teaching to the TOP potential) Therefore, my Monday was spent worrying about how TUESDAY would go and planning, planning, planning.  I mean I get observed pretty regularly (once every 2 weeks with a quick 15 minute walk through), however you still want to be OUTSTANDING!  This morning I sat all 25 of my sweet darling BEEs down for a quick recap on all our rules.  I also explained that Mrs. H would be joining us at some point today.  They were very aware of my EXPECTATIONS! (not that they are much different from a normal day)

Thus the reason I can now take that HUGE DEEP BREATH & SIGH.  I feel like it went pretty spectacular if I might say so myself. (picture a pat on the back here)  All Majority of my sweet darling bees were right on target.  Of course with 25 it is almost impossible to ensure they all are following 100% of the time.  However, I will take majority for now.  Now tomorrow a few of my bees will receive a small "debriefing" from me.  The rest of course will get some STICKERS!  Ha, they are so cheap to please....I love that.  AH for now I plan to take a moment and just relax, then back to life! **Oh and a lot of laughing at my husband who is YeLlInG at Angry Birds as I type.  (I love his determination)

Saturday, January 22, 2011

~~We have a CSN Store Winner~~

I am so excited to announce my FRIST BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNER!!!!  Thank you to everyone who entered.

Congratulations to LUCKY #18 ~~BRIAN~~ you just WON $35.00 to CSN stores!
(winner chosen by random number picker)
Enjoy your winnings. I am sure you will love the  NEW LINENS!   Also I would like to send a big THANK YOU to CSN for such a wonderful giveaway opportunity.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

~~~HURRY~~~

The giveaway ends on SATURDAY!!!  Don't forget to enter for your chance to win a $35.00 gift card. Visit HERE to enter!!  Head on over now!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

What I'm loving Wednesday

WILW.jpg


I have followed a few blogs that do the What I'm Loving Wednesday...and thought today I would link up for it!  Here is what I am loving this Wednesday!!

I am loving that this week was another short week...but a little glad to be back to a normal week

I am loving that this face thinks he needs to lay between Chris and I all night

I am loving the TULIP PLANT Chris brought me home! 
Also that it has bloomed!!


I am loving that Claire and I got to accept the ATA adopt-a-school award from USTA


Most of all I am loving being a newlywed!!!
Head over to littledaisymay.blogspot.com to link up!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Arlington Tennis Association WINS....

Claire and I after we received the award

When I moved to Arlington right after college I fell upon the most wonderful tennis team ever.  Not only did I fall upon a great team, but also a wonderful organization.
img_148_49_w-225.jpg



Claire is the President of this amazing organization I speak about.   Arlington Tennis Association (ATA) (read more about the other programs at the ATA website)   The ATA spends countless hours dedicating time to seeing tennis GROW and become loved by others of all ages.  ATA is non profit and strictly volunteer based, which means we all dedicate our time because we care that much!  Last year ATA chose to take part in a new program that the United States Tennis Association (USTA) started.  The program is called Adopt-a-school.  (click here to see how you too can start this)

The idea of the Adopt-a-school program is to TAKE tennis to the KIDS!!!  Its simple, find kids that are enthusiastic about learning tennis...and bring the GAME TO THEM!  ATA adopted Key Elementary in Arlington last spring.  Claire and I began this adventure with hopes of reaching a few children at the school.  The children LoVeD, lOvEd, LoVed this program.   We meet with all students from Kindergarten to sixth grade.  We have since continued our program through the end of 2010 and will start back up in March for 2011.  The joy on the children's face makes every minute worth it.  How do we teach tennis at a school with NO TENNIS COURTS:  Simple we take the schools blacktop and TRANSFORM it into 2 QuickStart Tennis courts.  (read about quickstart here) We then make the teachers parking lot into 2 more QuikStart courts.  Oh and for my babies (I work with the k-2 group) well we have our own court on the side of the school gym.  Thats right my friends...we create 5 tennis courts out of thin air! Claire and I are true miracle workers, HA!!

a close up of the award
This past weekend Claire and I headed down to Horseshoe Bay, Texas for a USTA event.  Originally we were going to play some tennis, attend an awards dinner, and speak with other tennis organizations around our area.  However, due to some very WET weather we had a change in plans (no tennis outside).  That evening at the awards dinner Claire and I accepted an award on ATA's behalf.  ATA was awarded the Adopt-A-School program of the YEAR for 2010!!  Claire and I could not be any happier that ATA was given such and amazing opportunity.  We thank the USTA for allowing us the funding to create a positive outlet for the children of Arlington.  Personally I can't believe that something we do for "the fun of the kids" was recognized in such a way. I mean as for Claire and I we just love seeing the enthusiasm that each child brings to the courts.  We love to hear them talk about their great shots and how they can't wait to come back next week.  This is what tennis is about....showing others how wonderful the game can be.  No only does Claire  do the Adopt-A-School program but now she has begun Sunday session with the 4 and 5th graders.  She hopes to soon have a tournament with other local adopt a school programs in the very near future.

Monday, January 17, 2011

MIA & Shutterfly love...

Well I know I have been a little MIA from this great place.  However, I have had so much to do since school began AGAIN.  We have been very busy.  I have a love hate relationship with January and school.  For some reason my district thinks it is a great idea to cram a bunch of trainings into the month, as well as teaching.  Therefore long story short, we have had 4 day work weeks with the 5th a day of training (no kiddos).  Needless to say it is nice to only have kids 4 days, but it is killer to cram all our info in so quickly.  I promise I will be back to the blog this week.  I already have a couple of things to blog about....

Part of my business was that I have been CREATIVE too: I have been working on my wedding book.  I of course have claimed this before but will tell you again....I HEART SHUTTERFLY and their photo books.  I have made many 15 or more and love them all.  Therefore there was no question who I would use for my wedding memories too...check out our WEDDING DAY!



Friday, January 07, 2011

CSN Store $35.00 Gift Card!!

Every visited the CSN Stores?  If you said no then now is your chance!  CSN Stores features over 200+websites to purchase from.  You can purchase anything from modern bedding, shoes, home deco, cookware, outdoor living, and so much more. The CSN Stores family is offering you a chance to win your very own gift card for $35.00 to spend on anything you want.  How great is that?


I found so many wonderful goodies from CSN Stores.  I can't wait to spice up our home with a few of these items.  This place is a newlyweds heaven....I am in LoVe! 

Corningware French White

 10-Piece Baking Set


Paula Deen Home Round 

Pedestal Dining Table


Seaside Casual Nantucket 

Deep Seating Sofa

Okay so those are some of my DREAM items I would like to buy!  But they have so many items and prices you can't beat.  Here are the GIVEAWAY DETAILS:


MANDATORY ENTRY: 
Head on over to CSN STORES and tell me what you would spend your $35 dollars on.

BOUNS ENTRIES:
  • Become a FOLLOWER of my blog; or comment that you already are (1 extra entry)
  • Become a fan of CSN on Facebook (1 extra entry)
  • BLOG about this giveaway and leave me a comment with your link (3 extra entries)

**GIVEAWAY ENDS on January 21st at 11:59 CST. Please make sure leave a current email address with your entry so that I can contact you when you win.  The winner will be emailed a promotional code for their 35 dollars of fun! If I am unable to contact you, you will forfeit the prize.  The winner will be chosen at random via random number generator.  GOOD LUCK and tell your FRIENDS!!

Monday, January 03, 2011

Teaching life

Okay I know all you non teacher people will not feel a bit bad....but yes, today I had to return to WORK after my TWO weeks off.  I hated to go, really.  I couldn't force myself to get out of bed this am.  Good thing Chris was home to force me out!  Oh and another thing that helped was knowing we didn't have kids today, instead it was an inservice day.  But I really could have used a couple more days off...its so hard to get everything done in 2 weeks when 1 week is spent out of town doing CHRISTMAS.

Okay, off my soap box now...and onto more exciting things.  Some of my favorite shows started again tonight~~~Bachelor, Greek, and a few more later this week.  That makes me super jazzed.  Also tomorrow I will get my compliance teacher (an extra teacher because my class size is over the state limit of 22---I have 26 going on 27 maybe).  I met her today and she seemed super sweet and very excited to get stared with my kiddos! Oh and for you my blogger friends....Don't forget to stop back by on FRIDAY for the details of the big giveaway! Happy Monday to you all.

Sunday, January 02, 2011

2010 I am sad to see you go...


it was as some of you recall "WEDDING YEAR" in our house last year.  2010 was such and OUTSTANDING year that I do not want to see it go.  I loved every moment of last year.  As I sat here trying to figure out how to recap the best year of my life....well I guess I'll do my best!  However, it was one BUSY year!!!

January: I made the BIG MOVE!!!  Yes Bob and I moved in with Chris and Winston! Chris finally booked our wonderful Honeymoon to the Bahamas.  We began planning our Encore Celebration (aka back home party)....oh and we had 5 Months till the WEDDING!





February: The SNOW STORM of our time hit.  We were covered with oh 12 inches of snow, and had NO POWER for 3 days!  Thus allowing for tons of playing in the snow and snuggling to be warm. We began our marriage mentoring, which we loved.  To wrap up February my sweet nephew B was baptized!






March: Chris and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary of dating! Chris had his annual awards banquet for AXA, this year in Austin. My sweet niece Little Bear sent her FLAT MILEY to me for her school project. My wonderful mom came down for spring break to work on WEDDING, WEDDING, WEDDING stuff....  I FINALLY found a wedding invitation I LOVED! Also we picked the bridesmaids dress!  I visited my dear sweet Flax family for Spring Break! My hand made guest book came in too!!!  All 250 wedding invitations were mailed out...whooo!









April: Wedding goodies began to arrive such as, swimsuits, beach wear, and such.  We spent our first Easter together....golfing of course!  I began to stress out about our FIRST DANCE song!! Our first RSVP arrived!!!  ~~~~The Harigs hosted our amazing COUPLES WEDDING SHOWER~~~My family was able to make the shower!  My BLOG WINNINGS began....firsts a poster sized portrait for the encore party, then 100 post cards, and finally some personalized stationary.  The UPS man feel in love with our house as wedding gifts began to flow in like CrAzY! Only 2 MONTHS till the WEDDING!










May:  My sweet school team through me the best wedding shower ever!  The search for a new JOB began...boo.  I made our free post cards thanks to Wiggs.  I got interviewed by one of the best schools in FWISD...and she wanted to observe my class!  I got the new JOB I wanted!! YIPPEE I am a BEE!! We picked our Chris' ring and got it in.  Our final RSVP's arrived in the mail. The Goerig clan visited us as they began distraction to our sewer lines...B was in heaven!  One month till I DO's!!!







JUNE: WEDDING MONTH!!!  My wonderful mother and sister hosted my bacholorette party! Thanks mom and Abby for making it JUST what I WANTED!!  We began the PACKING, PACKING, PACKING!!!  After 18 suitcases we were ready to go!   Chris and I got our marriage license.  WEDDING WEEK HERE WE COME!!!  and our WEDDING DAY!!!



































July: Chris and I enjoyed the rest of our Honeymoon.  I blogged like crazy about our wedding!!! We put our house on the market, YIKES! Our engagement story was featured on The Knot!  It was a year from my Grandpa's passing.  We began married life!!












August: Chris had surgery on his ankle...yuck!!  I began moving all my school stuff into my NEW SCHOOL.  My family helped so much to make my party perfect, thank you.  Family and friends came to town for our Encore Celebration.....I got to wear my Wedding Dress Again!  I officially became a Roberts on all legal documents~Yippee! We got our WEDDING PICTURES!!! Oh and well I had my 6th first day of school.
























September: Our annual Scottsdale trip was amazing.  We relived the night Chris proposed! Our 1 year engagement anniversary of proposing..and 3 months anniversary of marriage.  Our mail began to arrive all soaking wet...YUCK!










October: My sister and co. came to visit for my 30th birthday.  Chris bought me my new MAC! We spent tons of time with the family.  The Rangers began to kick some major butt and we got to attend the games.  The FLU hit my classroom hard...and even KNOCKED me out for almost 2 weeks, blah!












November: Chris turned 30!!  We attended the OU vs ATM game with Abby and Co. I got to spend much needed family time in El Campo for B's 3rd birthday and my mom's birthday too.  Chris and I began our FIRST holidays as a married couple.  We headed to MN for Thanksgiving with Chris' family.  I taught the Roberts' clan the meaning of Black Friday; and they shared all their traditions with me! Winston turned 2! Oh and OU kicked Nebraska's butt in the Big 12 Championship...sorry Chris!



















December: Back to EC for Little Bear's Rock Star party and 7th birthday.  Plus we got to celebrate dad's birthday too.  School finished up with all our Christmas celebrations.  Chris and I hosted our 2nd annual Tack Sweater Party.  We began our Christmas traditions as a married couple. Finally we headed to Amarillo for Christmas with my family! Chris and I celebrated our FRIST CHRISTMAS MARRIED!!









What an amazing year it has been...I love 2010 for many reasons but most of all I love that it brought 2 families tougher.  This year Chris and I got to spend more time with our family, due to wedding festivities.  I love that our families supported us so much this year.  We are so blessed!  I know that 2011 will be a wonderful year too, but 2010 will always be the year I love most!