I'm all right... Don"t nobody worry 'bout me

mic check.... mic check... 1.....2...

In the words of Mark Twain, the reports of my (blog) death are greatly exaggerated. Sometimes when you least expect it, life just sneaks up on you. Perhaps it is best to start at the beginning... I think better in chronological order anyway :)

This past December I made the difficult decision to separate from my husband. It was a very emotional time and I retreated to find myself and restore relationships with friends and family.

We have since reconciled, and found ourselves in the midst of a new adventure together-- the building of a new house, our house. The process has just begun (we've bought land, settled on a plan & picked out tile) and I can already tell it will be one of those "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" type situations.

Throw in state-mandated testing, fixing up the current house for re-sale, moving myself out, moving him out 4 months later, living in an apt filled with boxes, tennis lesson, 2 trips to Louisiana, my first craft bazaar and the end of the school year. I am just finding time to catch my breath. And to find words to write. Sometimes you've just got to step away from it all to gain perspective, and I think I'm ready to be back.

Somedays I just want to create something.
Somedays I just want to be silly with the young un.

Somedays I just want to sing (loudly!) & dance .

Somedays I just want to surround myself with the people that make me happy.
Somedays I just want to be left alone.

Somedays I just want to read a book.

But no matter what kind of day, I want to be open to the possibilities this blog presents. For creativity. For inspiration. For re-connecting. For tears. For laughter. For giving. For receiving. For forging new friendships. For finding me. And I invite you all to come along for the ride.

Six Word Saturday- late edition

Spring Break is just in time.

It's about that time of the school year when I ask myself if I have enough energy to make it till May. Weather gets better, kids get crazy and I get tired of sitting in a classroom all day. Enter Spring Break--- 9 consecutive days without bells. It's gonna be just what I need.

Wordless Wednesday

I want candy...

At some point last week I got an e-mail from my son's homeroom mom about teacher appreciation week. My district does their own teacher appreciation without the seal of approval from Hallmark. I knew it was coming up and last night I had a panic attack because I couldn't find the e-mail anywhere and knew I signed up to treat the class teacher and music teacher. Smashed Peas and Carrots to the rescue! I had most of the stuff on hand to make these super delicious (and definitely not low cal) twix bars.



For her easy to follow recipe & pictures, go here. Seriously, go there now, they are that delicious! They weren't as hard to make as I thought (and I can make some huge errors in food prep) and they made great sweet treats for the teachers--- I even took them to my campus for some teacher lounge love!

In other news, I turn 32 in a few short hours and have no idea what my plans are... dinner? drinks? crafty time? making a new things to do list? Any suggestions for celebrating 30 the 3rd time?

The one with no snow day

Today we awoke to sleet pellets. By the time we got to school they had turned into big fat snowflakes. And a few hours later it developed into a lovely winter wonderland. Check out the view from classroom. Yep, my classroom. Because I'm in school today.

Cause my district is cool like that and we're trapped in a middle school with snow on the ground and children in our classroom who rarely see snow. It's the perfect combination.

And so it goes, my life with no snow day :(

My Funny Valentine

If you've ever shopped for Valentine's for your child's classmates, then you know that the manufacturers rely on the power of cheese. I have been informed that in 4th grade it's especially important not to give out cards that contain any type of statement which might result in your friends teasing you about girls.

So with that thought in mind, I was thrilled when I stumbled across a super cute and creative idea at 24-7-365. Alissa is a genius!

1 hour (thanks Walgreens!) and 20 minutes later, we have embarrassment-free Valentines!

Are you ready for some Football?

Growing up in North Louisiana and Central Texas, I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't know football. And while pro-sports allegiances in the north part of the boot state were hard to come by, I've been a Saints fan for most of my life (I will admit to a brief fling with the Cowboys in the mid 80s). Yup, a brown-bag-wearing 'Aints fan.
Being a Saints fan as a kid was a lot like being a Cubs fans...if you set low expectations for them, they couldn't let you down. But today. Today is the day that the rest of the nation is invited to join the Who Dat Nation and learn what we've always known.

If you believe, it will happen.

Laissez les bons temps rouler boys!