An Award!

My sweet bestie just sent me an award.  Isn't she just the sweetest ever!  You should go check out her page, if you don't already read it.

Here are the rules: These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbon of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

Eight sweet bloggy friends who deserve an award:

The Thrashers

Preppy 101

Monogrammed Teacher

From this Day Forward

Blue-Eyed Bride

Three New Friends to my blog:

Foster Mama

Mary

Black Labs and Lilly

8 Things

Mrs. Newlywed posted this, so I stole it from her.  Feel free to steal it from me, just leave me a comment so I can go check it out.

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:
1) seeing my man and my parents this weekend

2) FFA Banquet, meeting FB's kids 
3) FB's nephew's birthday party
4) meeting my principal, hopefully seeing my room for next year
5) Going Bonkers with my kiddos
6) My family coming to visit and attend cousin's baby's christening
7) our one year date-iversary
8) Summer!

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1) showered, tried on 8 outfits before finding the one for the day
2) went to Panera with Cathryn
3) misforked on the way to Fort Worth
4) watched a friend in Mrs. Texas 2009
5) laughed at Mrs. Texas 2009
6) went out to Mi Cocina with one of the top 10 Mrs. Texas contestants
7) laughed hysterically as we worked our way back to the Big D
8) talked to my man while I walked my pup

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
1) fly a plane like we drive our cars, then I could commute to all the places I'd love to spend more time

2) read faster
3) kiss Farmboy Right Now!
4) have the perfect bikini body without much effort

5) paint my fingernails without it looking super sloppy
6) be in 2 places at once
7) not procrastinate
8) do laundry more quickly, without the whole folding/hanging process

8 Shows I Watch:
1) House
2) Big Bang Theory
3) How I Met Your Mother
4) Family Guy
5) Morning News
6) NCIS
7) Hell's Kitchen
8) Gilmore Girls

I'm a WIMP!

I'm taking a quick trip home to find somewhere to live.  Since it's such a quick trip, I decided to fly.  Holly doesn't fly, so she has to stay here.  The poor thing... doesn't she look super upset.

How about now?  She's not super excited, or at least I don't think.  That's food by the way, if you were wondering.

Now back to my title.  I'm a wimp because I really don't like to leave my pup.  She's only had to stay at a boarders a couple of times.  The first time I left her overnight at the vet, I cried as I drove away.  Yea, I realize I'm a little crazy!  I also cried when I had to leave her alone for her routine surgery, it didn't help that she was only 4 months old.  I called the PetSmart PetHotel today, by the time I got off the phone my heart rate was up and my cheeks were SUPER hot!  Why am I such a wimp?  I also teared up watching the online tour, because they have a bone booth.  That's right, you can call your pooch and they'll bring them to the phone so you can talk to your sweet pup.  I won't be doing this!  First of all I'm pretty sure it would freak Holly out to hear me but not see me.  Secondly, I might cry which would definitely be joke worthy for the PetHotel workers.  

Anyone else a wimp when it comes to boarding their dogs?

A New Book

Farm Boy and I have been going through this book together.  You can find it here.  

Some of the questions have been funny, like What are 5 habits you like, and 5 habits you're not proud to have.

Some questions have really made us think, and we haven't always had the same thoughts initially.  

Some questions have made me really concreted my belief that he is the perfect man for me!  

I have really enjoyed getting to learn so much about what FB thinks of the future, relationships, the world in general.  So, I thought I'd put a question up for all of you.

This one was about dreams and aspirations.  The book had us list 10 each, I'll just ask you for however you want to put in a comment.  Finish the sentence, "If I were to marry I would..."

Farmboy's answers were generally about keeping a balance, providing safety and love, and communication.  He's so sweet!

My answers include: ... have kids, ... be a supporter and advocate for hubby's goals, ... be thankful for the little things in life, and ... stand together through all hardships.

What would your answers be??

I heart Sam Moon

Over the weekend, while my Missouri friends were in town I took them on a crazy shopping extravaganza.  I introduced them to DSW, Charming Charlie's, and Sam Moon.  It was my first trip to Sam Moon, and I fell in love!

I got a purse like this, except with longer straps and a leopard print scarf tied to the handle.

This was my favorite buy of the day!  I replaced my gym bag from 8th grade, you know the crazy black one with a swish on the side.  I still don't really understand how it has held up the countless PE classes, overnight visits, and a couple apartment moves.  When I saw it, I just knew I had to replace the perfectly good old one.  I think that's justifiable, since the old one is twelve years old.  I'm not kidding!  Anyway, I believe this will be the new overnight/gym bag.  (Those of you who are laughing about the gym comment can shut up now!)

This Summer... and what irks me while I wait for June

Farmboy just informed me that his tax check is going toward this.

John Deere 3000 series compact tractor

I can already tell my summer will include learning how to drive and mow with this ginormous thing.  What do you think the chances are that we can convince FB that I need a blinking cowgirl hat with fluff lining?? Not happening?  Yea... that's what I thought too.

I'll just have to dress my lil Holly like this instead!  How long do you think that hat will last on her head?

Maybe I'll just wear a normal hat and sunglasses for the mowing.

Now in other news... Farmboy's use of extra tax money has made me only slightly bitter about my tax money.... I actually owe money!  I've never owed money... never!  No fun new tractors in my world... or shoes.  

Also annoying me about my current state, Missouri's small town lack of internet usage!  I cannot find a place to live using ESP!  It would help if I could search online, but noooo.  There are literally 2 rentals in my area online.  Urrgh!  I am going to make a very quick trip in 2 weeks, hopefully FB and I will come across something then.

Is it June yet??  Now that I have a job on the horizon I'm sooo ready for summer!  What's irking yall about springtime... or is it just me?

Holly or Barkley?

This is my precious Holly.  My friends who are visiting from MO this weekend have decided that she is the real life embodiment of...

Barkley the enormous shaggy Sesame Street dog.  When Holly doesn't have her hairbow in, (i.e. 30 minutes after the groomer puts it in) she does have the hair in the face look like Barkley.  So I guess they may kind of have a point.  Other than size they may be fairly similar.

Holly's shaggy face

So what about your pets?  Are they look-a-likes as well?

Yay!

I got the job!  Actually I interviewed for 4th grade, but a 3rd grade position opened up the very day of the interview!  So I'm the new 3rd grade teacher for the district.  Yep, that's right I said THE 3rd grade teacher.  There's only one class for each grade, in the whole district.  I'm definitely excited for next year!  Now all I have to do is pack up, move, and find somewhere to move to.  Just a couple little things... ok not so little, but that's ok.

New Job and Old Friends

I have a major day tomorrow!  I'll be teaching like normal, but I have a phone interview for a job next year.  Please say a quick prayer for me, I'd really like to have a plan for next year.  Then after school two dear friends are coming to visit.  My closest friend from high school, one of the few people I've enjoyed living with is coming down with another sweet friend.  She is celebrating the end of the tax season.  I'll keep ya posted on our crazy tour of D-town.

Easter Fun

Welcome to the world lil' birdies!

The ducklings were hatched from FB's mother's ducks, and the chicks came from FB's niece's preschool class.  

This little duckling is Patch.  Patch was born with just the one eye, so he looks at you with his head cocked way to the side.  I thought you'd appreciate a view of the good eye, cuz the other side's not super pretty.

After two wonderful Easter meals, we took the ducklings to Farm boy's.  He took them to his class to help them learn about the growth process.  They stayed at his house til today when we both had to return to work.  Yesterday, I stopped by his house to see him once more before having to head back to the Big D.  Holly came in took one look at the box of birds and ran backwards, straight into FB's feet.  She definitely was more afraid of them than they were of her.  She spent the entire time wandering near the door, but never quite making it in there without one of us for moral support.  She did get out a growl or two, what a watchdog.

The ducklings will eventually return to Farm Boy's house.  He's planning a little house and run down to the pond for them to swim and play.  That may be a summer project for us, so far he hasn't roped me into that yet. :)  

Mom and I did a little Easter shopping today.  We went to The Candy House.  Mom got one of these for each of us (that's 8 total).

She was also sweet enough to buy just the two of us some chocolate covered pretzels and pecan caramel treats for Dad.

The place was all decked out for Easter, it totally looked like this.

Delish!  Hope everyone has a very blessed Easter!  Not just filled with sweets, but just a little time for reflection and gratefulness for our amazing Maker!

I went to DSW, otherwise known as the Mecca of Shoes!  This was my first trip to a big DSW, and it's just a tad overwhelming.  I went in searching for white sandals.  I started in the clearance and found these!

Farmboy told me I could use a pair of rubber boots, so of course I had to find some with some sort of style.  No plain old black  boots for me.  70% off to top it off!  Great find, could only be made better with more pink.
I also found the white sandals I was looking for.  These are for my Easter dress and other skirts that have been neglected due to lack of proper shoes.
Well, tomorrow I'm off to visit the fam and the FB.  I will post baby animal pictures when I can.

Have a very Happy Easter!!

It all hit me today!

I'm not really sure why today was the day that I realized once May ends, I have few plans!  I know I'm moving back to Southwest Missouri. 

 I don't know

• if I'll have a job
• where this job will be
• what grade I'll teach
• where I'll live 
• when I'll move 

Needless to say I'm starting to freak out a little.  FB, both my parents, and a couple people at school have been so sweet to reassure me.  Anyone know of anyone wanting to hire an elementary teacher? anyone.... anyone?  I've applied like everywhere, so hopefully I'll get a call soon. 

Holly's New Haircut

Holly went to the groomer today.

First I bribed her to leave her bow in for a picture.

She didn't really care about what I bribed her with she was in a hurry.

She was in a hurry to rip the bow out of her hair.  In the car she was rubbing her whole head against the seat.  She's really not a fan of the bows, but just look how cute they are on her!  Luckily I got this one shot, yep that's right just one shot.

Spring is here... for real!

I wore a skirt and flip flops today... reason #1 that I can tell spring is here.

Reason #2... Farm boy's mom has baby bunnies and the ducks are a hatching!!  I can't wait to take pictures of them all next weekend.  

The funny thing about reason #2... FB called me and I of course didn't hear my phone.  It's probably bestie's fault, she likes to talk, a lot!  hehe We were out shopping, so FB left a message.  His voicemail went something like this: Hey, we had quite the day here on the farm.  I've got some stuff to tell ya, make sure you don't forget your camera this weekend. Just give me a call. *click* He said all this in a tone that I took to be not great.  I called him right back and when he answered the phone my first words were "Are you OK???"  He being his typical calm self said yep, can I call ya later.  I figured he was probably in the midst of dealing with who knows what kind of thing on the farm.... My mind went to all the different things that could have possibly happened.  Maybe they brought the old barn down, they've been talking bout that lately.  Or maybe the wind did some sort of damage.   Or there's that other building they've been planning on redoing... Should I call mom and see if they've had bad weather?  No, I would've known about that sort of thing.

Two hours later FB calls to tell me ducks are hatching and his mom found baby bunnies in the rabbits' cage.  I hadn't worried exactly... just wondered.  Leave it to me to blow things just a tad out of proportions. :)  Oh well, all is good here and on the farm.  So I'm headed to bed to count my blessings, then call FB for our nightly powwow.  Pictures of the babies coming next weekend!

My PaPa

My grandparents are such unique people, definitely not your typical grandparents.  My grandmother has been known as GaGa for the past 30 years, since my cousin was old enough to make any sort of noises that she could construe as her name.  GaGa drives 90 everywhere she goes, it's kind of scary in her tiny little town.  She once had cataract surgery and told me it was so nice to see the stop lights again.  I, in the nicest tone I could muster in my fear stricken state, asked how she'd been driving without knowing if it was red or green.  She said she watched to drivers next to her then went.  That's a great plan except there's only 2 lights that are on streets where you'd have someone next to you to watch!!   My PaPa isn't a fast driver, he just does what he wants.  He once forced someone into the cones, because neither one was going to slow down to merge.

OK, I really did start this post with a point.  My PaPa has been in and out of the hospital for the last month.  He's had 5 stints in his arteries around his heart, but he's getting to go home tomorrow! Yay!  I called to check on him tonight, and we talked a lot about basketball.  He used to ref a lot until he couldn't run up and down the court anymore.  We also talked about his poor neglected poodle.  With him in the hospital, GaGa left in charge.  Think Beverly Hills  Chihuahua in Mexico all alone in the world, that's what poor Toy Boy has felt like lately.  Yep that's right his name is Toy Boy, and PaPa hand feeds him with a grapefruit spoon everyday.  GaGa... well she doesn't, he eats dry food out of the dish when he's finally hungry enough.

As I was saying goodbye, my loving PaPa called me by my aunt's middle name.  I'm kind of named after her first name, but her middle name isn't anything like any part of my name.  Where that came from, I'm really not sure.  Now don't get me wrong, my PaPa has no memory problems what-so-ever.  The memory issues are all from the grandma on the other side of the fam.  So to sum it all up.... Goodnight Denise.