Sunday Get to Know You

If you could host a Reality TV show what would it be?

Good question! I love the Bachelor and Bachelorette but I'm not sure I could deal with all the drama of it. I think it would have to be something on HGTV. I am obsessed with watching every show on there and getting great ideas for the house. I don't really know if that is reality TV but at least a TV show.

Do you put on your seat belt before or after you start the car?

I put my seat belt on after I start the car and usually after I reverse. I don't really know when this habit started but I noticed I did it this summer every time I got in the car.

Shave or hair removal cream.

I shave my legs.

What's your favorite feature in the house.

At this point is it always the front entry. I feel this room grab's your attention and makes you want to see the rest of a house. Right now this is the main room we are working on in our house and I will post pictures soon to reveal this room. Plan is by this next weekend we will have it done.

What is your favorite fall scent?

Pumpkin and spice

What tv show are you most looking forward to seeing this Fall?

It is a toss up between Grey's Atonomy, Desperate Housewives, and Private Practice

Personal Shopper or Personal Chef?

I think I am gonna have to go with Personal Chef. I wish I knew how to make some really great 3-4 course meals.

What is the first word you think of when you hear Fall?

Wedding...Greg and I got married in the Fall

First Week

Well I survived the first week of 3rd grade with my new group of buzzing bees. This group is known for being all boy and very talkative. This week they have been angels and I am loving the group I have this year. I will say thought that I do check in on my students from last year quite frequently throughout the day and I have missed them more than I could have imagined.

Greg and I decided to replace the countertops in our new home. The previous owners had cultured marable in all of the bathrooms. Greg and I decided we prefered granite instead. Greg even did a DIY and took out the old countertops. Here are some pictures of Greg taking out the old and also what the new countertops look like. I also bought some art work for the guest bathrooms. I love butterflies and they complimented the fixtures in the house. Greg and I also decided to replace the fixtures in the house because they had bronze and nickel in the sub baths and we didn't like the fixtures pictures to come when we finish that project.

More to come!

This morning I am meeting with a good friend to help with some decorating advice. I should have some pictures to post this afternoon because the granite for our sub baths is arriving. Check back this evening!

Pictues of the House!

We are still working on making the house ours! Here are some pictures though! These pictures are from when the previous owners were living here!

Front Entry

Back Porch

Kitchen

We have a new home!

Greg and I have been searching for homes for the last 5-6 weeks. We loved a neighborhood and have looked at everything that came on the market in this particular neighborhood. Last week as we were looking at another home in the area we came across a For Sale by Owner home. We called her Thursday afternoon and asked to look. We then went back with Greg's parents and that evening wrote a bid for the house. They accepted our offer. We are hoping to close July 16th and the goal is to be there by the week before school starts. I am so excited about this journey in our lives. The house is only 4 years old there are some projects we want to do but it is in Shreveport, a neighborhood we love and we are excited to start this new chapter!

Yay we found a builder!

We found a builder! Praise the lord you can check out his work at wesleythomasinc.net. He is young about our age maybe 5 years older. We love his style and attention to details. We have also figured out the budget we have for the house including lot. Later on Greg says we can add a pool and outdoor kitchen! Yay! As of now we are looking for the perfect lot. We are looking to build in a subdivision that has a lake. I want to be on the lake but the lots are very expensive and then there is the danger of flooding.

Here are some goals we hope to finish by August 2010.
Find a builder-check
Work on floor plans
Find the perfect lot

Goals where are we?

I set my new years resolutions and I think I have met only one of these goals. :-( Reading a book a month. I got behind but read alot in the beginning so I more than likely have read at least 8-10 books for the year. Althought I see alot of this in my future. I have alot of free time babysitting because the kids have 30 minutes of quite time a day.

This summer a major goal is to work on fun center activities for next year or skills that the kids can work on while I am doing more small group activities. I plan to start with Math and move on from there.

With plans to either buy or build a larger house Greg and I have done very well at sticking to the goal of only going out to dinner once a week. This night was last night for us and we enjoyed a pizza at Pie Works. Monday we did dinner at the horse races and tonight Greg cooked a skillet thing with pasta, chicken, carrots and peas. My plan for tomorrow night is tacos or left over pizza.

Another big summer goal is to take the Praxis to be certified in LA. I am planning on calling the office where you take the test in the morning to plan to take it during a week I am not babysitting or have other summer plans. Then I can move to to studying for the GRE and actually applying to graduate school.

Always more to come in this area!

Summer Loving/Living

Summer has offically begun for me. I started my summer by going to the horse races last Monday on Memorial Day. I got to see my parents, and some of my other family at the race. It was so much fun. Tuesday I started babysitting for Mr. Carter (the head master at my school). This is a 4 day a week job but good summer $. Starting June 28-July 16th I will be at a workshop based on math and science skills with 3 other teachers from St. Marks. Greg and I are looking at houses and deciding whether to build or buy so there is alot on our plate for the next couple of months.

Maybe a New House...

Greg and I have been thinking about moving to Shreveport for some time. Well now with tons of people moving to the area because of a new company we are thinking it is a great time to put the house on the market. We of course have to talk to the bank and CPA but it looks like by the end of summer we will be staying put in Bossier or moving to Shreveport!

I found out today one of my college roomies is having a baby! I couldn't be more excited for them!

Single Digits

There are only 9 days left in this school year! Wow

This week has been teacher apprecation week and I have been overwhelmed at how wonderful all my kids are. On Monday they all brought flowers. On Tuesday they wrote me a nice note and there was a wonderful box lunch. On Wednesday they brought cute stationary. I am overwhelmed with note cards. :-) Today there was a nice luncheon and then tomorrow it is dessert day. I am so blessed for the opportunities I have had at St. Mark's.

Sick

Well since January I have horrible ear pain! On our cruise in January we went snorkling alot and I got alot of water in my ear. I went to the doctor in Jan and got drops and it felt better. Then in March it started hurting again. I went to quickcare and got it irragated and tons of wax came out. Felt better...well here is May. I started feeling pain again which escalted into throbbing pain. I went to the ENT yesterday and got drops, an antibiotic and a styeriod shot. Today I left school at 2:15 feeling really sick with a bad headache. I have been incredibly sick at home this evening. I am taking a day off tomorrow. Thank GOD! I need the break. I will enjoy a day off from school tomorrow although I am not feeling well!

Greg has two new beautiful baby cousins that I am so excited to meet. 2 baby girls...Miller Ashton Carolton and Carloton Rose Christensen no not twins. Greg's cousin Trey's wife had Miller and Greg's cousin Christy Carloton Rose. I am very excited to meet these two bundels of joy.

14 more days!

Wow there are only 14 more days left in my first year of teaching. It has been very trying but I have gone up tremendously. I have a conference with a parent tomorrow and then one later on to discuss retaining two possible students. At first I thought this would be miserable to do my first year but I think it will greatly benefit these two students.

As always more to come on this issue later....

Greg has been working on a major project for his Dad's office this week. We have however, eaten at home every night since Monday. We did the grill on Monday as a tradition. This weekend we are having his parents over for Mother's Day. His mom gets Mother's Day this year. I did get to see my Mom last weekend though so it is OK. I have really missed my family lately. Greg and I even considered going home to take over my Dad's business. However, if we moved home then his Mom would get holidays and I love spending this time with my family because of all the wonderful traditions we have. I have been able to grow up alot here in Shreveport and have an amazing opportunity being able to work at the school I do.

Book Goals

Well at least I have met one of my New Year's resolutions. :-)

I have been reading alot lately. I am taking time for myself to enjoy something I love. I learned in school that as a teacher you should always know what you are going to read next. While I don't have that part figured out I have enjoyed reading a lot of good books lately.

In January I read Shopahalic and Sister and part of the Percy Jackson series.
In Februrary I continued to read the Percy Jackson series and read all five books. I am excited about this author Rick Riordan and his series. He is coming out with a new book soon.
In March I read Firefly Lane a book by Kristen Hannah and I enjoyed her books alot so I read another one in April called True Colors.
In April I enjoyed the last book I just talked about and Roses. It was a book similiar to Gone with the Wind. I will take any suggestions on what to read.

Sunday Get to Know You

1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be? Romance, horror, action, suspense?

I would have to choose romance. I am a total sucker for these. I love anything Nicholas Sparks and I love Pearl Harbor. I also enjoy a good comedy or action movie but I would say romance definitely.

2. Do you recycle?

Yes I recycle both paper and plastic in my classroom. We have a paper bin at school. I take the plastic to my inlaws because they have a trash bin that picks it up weekly. I need to do better about doing in it my own home though.

3. Have you ever been to a strip club?
No, and I don't plan to. I have no interest in seeing people pole dance or strip.

4. Do you have a nickname?
My grandfather called me Pumpkin, I go by Kell Bell or Kelli Leigh most the time.

5. What a name you can't stand to be called?
The b word I hate. No one has ever called me anything I really dislike.

6. What are you summer staples?
White pants and sun dresses

7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself?
A burger and fries at McDonalds. LOL

8. Are you happy with your boob size?
Yes

New Book

I have started reading a new book. It is by Kristen Hannah. I read one of her books called Firefly Lane and loved it. This one has the same basic storyline but is a lot more predictable. I have enjoyed reading it though and am meeting this goal on my 2010 goal lists.

Getting to Know Me!

1. Men's chest hairy or no hair?

Kinda a wierd question. I like a little hair on a guy's chest. I think having no hair on a man's chest is a little strange. Even stranger is when they shave it!

2. How often do you run red lights?

I try never too. However, on the way to work the lights downtown my First United Methodist Church change very quickly and I usually run this as a yellow or red light at least 2-3 times a week.

3. If you could raid any celebrity's closet who would it be?

Either Resse Witherspoon or Carrie Underwood!

4. Would you rather have more friends/followers on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog?

I would have to say my blog. I only have 3 lone followers and wish more people read it. But then I think too my life is kind of boring. LOL

5. What makes you feel sexy?

When I dress up and my hubby takes me out on a date. This always makes me fall more in love with him and realize why we got married. I love to dress up and be pretty for him.

6. I get excited when.......?

I come home and my hubby has done something special. I get excited when my kids do really well on something I thought they were having trouble understanding. I get excited when a new opportunity is presented to me and I try something new and succeed at doing it. I get excited when I get to see my friends and family. :-)

7. Are you the outdoorsy type or more the indoorsy type?

It depends on the weather. I have been loving the weather lately and wish we had a bigger porch so I could sit outside and drink wine and enjoy a good book. But if it cold or rainy I love to just be lazy and indoors.

8. Would you rather have your dream home or a million dollars?

I would rather have my dream home. In a dream home you can experience new things with friends and family and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Field Trip/Cotillition

Yesterday was a fun filled day. I had a Field Trip with my kids to TX. YAY! We went to the East TX Oil and Gas museum. We learned about boomtown and the oil rush of the 1930s. We took an elevator ride and looked at the different layers of the Earth. They got to see how deep you have to drill to actually hit the oil. In 3rd grade we learn about the layers of the earth when we study about rocks and minerals so this was an educational field trip.

Last night Greg and I went to Cotillition here. I had a student in it and a student's sister in it. Along with my friend Katherine's brother. At the end of the field trip I didn't want to go because I had a really bad headache but I actually ended up having a lot of fun.

I have realized anytime I get to spend with Greg is time looked forward to. He is so busy with the start of his business and making sure he succeeds. We are looking forward to finding time for each other each week and this is our new goal to find a date night and remember what we used to have.

Get to Know Me!

I got this idea from a friend and love it!

1. Showers or baths?

I am a shower girl! I used to take baths all the time and then someone said why would you want to wash your hair and soak in dirty water. EW yuck! I do love to take a bath to help me unwind and relax.

2. Do you have any crazy urges?
I love chocolate and get late night muchines alot. I guess this isn't really an urge though. I also have the urge to always be perfect and the best teacher I can be.

3. What is one thing you don't know about me?
Huh...I want to persue a master's in either administration, education phychology, or be a reading specialist.

4. Exercise love it or hate it?
BOTH! I love to go for a walk or run but am not very dedicated at this. I need to find a buddy to go with me. I love to run on the treadmill but not as much outside. I get in moods of exercising.

5. Do you think you have a good body image?
No, I want to tone up and get fit

6. Flour or corn tortilla's?
Both
I like flour if I am having fajitas but corn if I am making enchilada's.

7. How do you celebrate Easter?
We always go to church with my whole family (grandparents, parents, aunt/uncle, cousins, etc.) Then we do lunch. This year we did it at my aunt's house. My favorite part of Easter Sunday is the cross that is carried down the aisle at church. We decorate it with flowers and then some of the men from the church carry it down the aisle and it remains here during the service. After the service it is placed outside our church.

8. Hard boiled Easter eggs or plastic ones?
I always hid/hunted for plastic Easter eggs when I was little. However, I hard boiled the ones I decorated. I also remember as a kid pokeing a hole in the top of eggs, cleaning them out and then putting confetti in them. We cracked them on each other's heads. :-)

Get to Know Me!

1 - Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging to meet people who are from my area and to talk with others about teaching and newlywed life.

2 - Who's the one blog friend that you would want to meet most in "real life"?
Well the only person I know that follows my blog is a friend from Shreveport and I already know her.

3 - Why are you always concerned with losing that "extra 10 pounds" when chances are your husband/boyfriend/friends tell you that you look just fine the way you are?

I want to look the way I did on my wedding day. I felt healthy and beautiful. I also want to tone up and run a 5K in July.


4 - What's the one thing you wish guys could understand about you?
Why we need to vent so much! We look to men for emotional understanding when they are black and white and need things spelled out for them.

5 - Tattoos. How many do you have and how many are visible when you wear your "everyday" clothes?
Zero.

6 - What was the best year of your life and why?
The day I graduated from Baylor. This was a lifelong dream to go to Baylor and presue my career in education. My wedding day was also great because I married an amazing man.


7 - Name three things you would do if you were a man for one day.

1.) I want to understand why they think the way they do
2.) Do they really have selective hearing or just tone us out?
3.) Lounge around the house and not help with house chores

8 - What's your alcoholic drink of choice that usually raises a few eyebrows?

I don't think the beverages I enjoy raise eyebrows. I like wine red or white, White Russians, Colorado Bulldogs, anything fruity, etc.