Kelly's SUYL: On Being An Aunt

I've always been the kind of person who likes kids.  I think most are cute, funny, and fun to cuddle.  I love to listen to a little kid giggle over something.  I have not, however, ever really had the urge, at least up to this point, to have one that I am fully responsible for 24/7.  Let's just call it like it is: first, I'm single which puts a little hitch in the plans and second, I'm kind of selfish with my time.  I like sleep.  A lot.  I love quick trips to major cities without having find a babysitter.  I love spending the day watching a movie or reading a book uninterrupted.  Additionally, I am a teacher, so I deal with kids all day long. Junior high school kids. The last thing I want to do when I leave work is to have another kid to deal with.  Well, except for one.

You see, almost 14 months ago, my brother and favorite SIL gave our family its first grandchild, my first niece.  She is the most darling thing in the history of the world.  What?  You don't believe me?  Here's The Divine Miss M last week.

It's hard to tell, but she's wearing my sunglasses on her head.  Needless to say, I'm pretty much hooked on this girl and have been since the moment she was born.  For instance, I made a quick trip into the city (just got back a couple hours ago) and the best part of my trip wasn't the hour I spent in Sephora or lunch at my favorite restaurant.  Nope, it was buying this sweet girl a couple of new outfits.  (And I'm chomping at the bit to give them to her!)  I think she's the funniest, smartest, sweetest little person in the world.  (I'm hopelessly biased, but also right.)  While I still love that I can pass her off to her loving parents when she's feeling a little fussy or has a dirty diaper, she's pretty much it for me.  She's my favorite photography subject and the only little one I will let give me far-too-sloppy kisses!  

I can't even begin to think of all of the adventures we will have as she gets older.  I already have lists of movies I want to watch with her on our future sleepovers, books I want to buy for her to read, places I want us to go together.  You see, my aunties always spoiled me and made me feel so very special, and I will have no less for Miss M.  It actually makes me teary to think about how grateful I am to have her in my life.  I rang in the New Year with her asleep in my arms and it was the best one yet!  

Who knows if I will ever have kids of my own, but being an aunt is one of the best experiences of my life.   

Kelly's SUYL: A Day In My Life

First, I feel like I should just say "Hi!" since some of you are probably new.  I'm Katie---a single, 31 year-old teacher in the Midwest.  I feel like everyone probably thinks their own days are pretty boring, and I am no exception.  Right now, I'm in the middle of prepping for state testing next week and the school musical and the beginning of track season at the end of the month.  So, this is what a normal Friday looks like right now:

5:40 AM - Alarm goes off.

6:15 AM - I finally get up hitting snooze a few times!  I've had the worst time getting going this week!

6:15 - 7:25 AM - Shower, find something to wear (depending on my laundry situation, which is typically sort of dismal), eat breakfast and get my hair and makeup finished

7:25 AM - Grab something for lunch and I am out the door off to school.  No early music rehearsals on Friday mornings before school so I have some time to get myself together once I get into the building.

7:35-7:55 AM - Get things ready for today's lessons and take care of anything that still needs attention from yesterday.  (For instance, this morning I reviewed the testing schedule for next week and started making notes of any questions that I needed to ask for clarification on, since I volunteered to post the schedules in the hallway for our students.)

8:00 AM-9:35- Bell rings and we're off!  Today, my two sections of American History students reviewed a section they had done summaries of earlier in the week and we looked at some pictures of World War II propaganda posters online, which we will be discussing in-depth next week.

9:35 AM-10:25 AM - My planning time. Today, I was focused on getting things together for the hallway testing schedules, on ordering paper fans and umbrellas for the musical on Amazon, and getting good news about being able to take a day off next week for a special event!  (YAY!!)

10:30 AM - 11:10 AM - Choir time!  Today, we worked on things for spring concert, including Coldplay's "Fix You", "King of Anything" by Sara Bareilles, and Bon Jovi's "Living  On A Prayer."  I like to do a mix of contemporary songs and more traditional choir songs.  All of my students also have Jazz standards or Broadway pieces that they work on as solos.  (This is in addition to anything they are working on for the musical, which more than half of the choir is part of!)

11:10 AM - 11:35 AM - Lunch.  This is usually time I spend in my room reading blog posts and doing anything to just give my brain a break for a few minutes.  I also prep for anything I need for my afternoon classes if I haven't yet.

11:40 AM - 12:30 PM - Music Appreciation.  Currently, we are studying Jazz music, so we are watching a concert featuring the music of Ella Fitzgerald.  I love it, the kids tolerate it.  Next week, we are moving back into a musicals segment.  (I'm thinking it's time for Singin' In The Rain for this group!)

12:35 PM-2:10 PM - My two English sections work on some testing prep stuff together.  We've been working on test-taking strategies, and a little last-minute practice on the interactive whiteboard adds a little fun to all the work!

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM - I rule over a study hall this hour.  My subjects are always a little fractious on Fridays.  We are all pretty happy when that bell rings for the weekend!

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM - Except I don't get to go home yet.  The director and I work with different groups participating in the musical on Friday afternoons.  She takes the K-5 kids to rehearse music.  Today, my group is fitted for costumes while we work on choreography for the three biggest dance numbers.  If everyone is picked up on time, I am finally out the door before 5:00.

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Because have the morning duty short straw next week, I decide to finish up the testing schedules and get them posted instead of going straight home.   By the time I get everything finished I'm out the door a little later than I planned, but I'm ahead of the game for next week!

5:30 PM - Phone rings.  Mom wants to know if I want to meet her and Dad for dinner at a local place, their treat.  Free dinner that I didn't have to cook?  I'm all in on that. Brush my hair and I am out the door again!

6:30 PM until I crash for the night:  Recently, my sister and I have been having dinner together on Fridays and just hanging out.  Now that she's working midnights at the hospital, I don't get to see or talk to her much until the weekend.  But this has been a long and somewhat relentless, so I will probably chill solo, watch a little TV or a movie (love hulu and Netflix!) and go to bed early!

Just another day in the life of this not-so wild and crazy single girl!  I look forward to seeing what everyone else is up to!

SUYL: Christmas Traditions

Since I don't have a husband or children, my Christmas traditions are still the ones that I have grown up with.    My younger sister, LuLu, is the keeper of all the family traditions.  Since she was born, if we dare to miss a tradition of any sort, we are sure to incur her wrath.  (Which, I suppose, is its own little Christmas tradition.) I actually love that there's someone who makes sure that we do all of the little things, because I would probably be a little lazy about them and let some fall by the wayside.

On Christmas Eve, we go to my mom's side of the family.  This is especially convenient, because it's less than a mile from my parents'.  We eat, mostly appetizer-style foods and desserts, and the little ones (anyone from birth to college) get their presents from the aunts and uncles.  The "little ones" is ever-expanding these days, as I have lots of cousins with kids.  The rest of us trade little things, and we shower lots of love on my grandmother, who is the only living grandparent on that side.  (She's in her eighties and still goes on vacations with her friends from high school.  She's pretty awesome!)

Afterwards, we go back to my parents' and open a couple of presents from them.  One is always pajamas, and the other is something small, maybe a sweater or something.  Then, we watch the local choirs and mock them a little, because we are cynical people with sick senses of humor.  While we are doing that, Santa visits.  That's right.  We are 31, 27, and 22 and Santa still visits.  (As Mom says, "If you don't believe, you don't receive.")  This will be the first Christmas with my niece, The Divine Miss M, so I'm an extra measure of excited!

On Christmas Day, we typically go to Mass (though this year, we will go on Christmas Eve) and then have sweet rolls for breakfast.  My dad's side of the family comes over for late lunch, and we visit and exchange gifts and just hang out and enjoy ourselves.  That side of the family is much smaller, so it's little more relaxed. (This is my parents' cat, Shredder.  He's pretty...evil.)

I can't wait to start some new traditions with my niece.  This year she's still too young to remember, but it won't be long before she will be able to really get into it.  I can't wait to see what everyone else does, too!  Thanks for visiting!

Kelly's Show Us Your Life: Non-Mom Bloggers

If you are stopping by for the first time from Kelly's--this is for you.  If you come here often, please hold....

Even though most of the bloggers I read are mom bloggers, I am certainly not one.  I'm a single, 30 year-old Midwestern middle school teacher with a love for pop culture, pretty things, and most recently a Pinterest addict.  I love photography, music and going out on the wine trail with my friends.  I love God and am saved by Jesus Christ, but am in the process of finding a new church home after leading worship with two of my favorite people for almost ten years.  (When God says go, you go, right?)  I like books, movies and beaches!  Nothing makes me feel more at peace than the sand and wave, which is funny since I've lived nowhere near beaches my entire life.

While I have love and respect for all the bloggers I have "met,"  I'm excited at the idea of connecting with some who are maybe more like me (God help you!)  For instance, being single used to scare me, but it just doesn't anymore.  I have lived on my own entirely too long, and it's going to take someone special to get my attention.  I am totally open to the idea that he's out there, somewhere, and at the right time he will turn up, but I think I am finally in the place where I will be okay if that's not how it goes.  Anyone else feel me on that?

I plan on checking in on the posts over at Kelly's, but I would love to hear from you in the comments, too.  Even if it's just "Hi and come check out my blog!"  I'm not picky!  I can't wait to meet you!


And as for the rest of you----I'm thisclose to getting my act together.  (Which means you should be watching the horizon for some horsemen. The end is near.)   Which means you should expect a whole new slate of posts next week, some with 30% more pictures!  I can't wait!   Thanks for always being a loyal and awesome audience, even when I am lame and whiny.  XO!

Kelly's Show Us Your Life: My Pet

First of all, if you are stopping by from Kelly's Korner, hi and welcome!  I hope you like my little blog because that's just how I am.  I want people to like me, even when I pretend like I don't.  I'm so not cool like that.  But, let's move on to the topic at hand, my pet.

I've written about my furry roommate before.  Delilah's poorly behaved to put it mildly.  She rarely listens.  She used to routinely climb door facings and curtains.  (That was before her width exceeded her height!)  She bites, randomly and with force.  She breaks things, usually only things that I like.  She's prone to psychotic fits and her favorite place to sleep is on a suitcase.  She's weird.  Recently, I've been thinking about getting a kitten, but I am not sure if she will adjust well.  (And I'd kind of fear for the kitten when I'm a work!  I've seen how she treats her stuffed animals.)

Here's the first post I ever wrote about her (which was actually one of my first posts ever)---Delilah, The World's Craziest Cat.

With all her quirks, I love her anyway.   At least 90% of the time.  You can read more about Delilah here, here, and here.

Kelly's Show Us Your Life: Where I Shop

(source)

Shopping as a plus-size woman is tricky.  Finding clothes that comfortably fit is like finding the Holy Grail.  Maybe easier.  But there are a few places that work for me.

I'm a fan of Lane Bryant.  They have great underwear and bras, and the clothes are fabulous.  It's a little more expensive, but they offer lots of incentives, sometimes even more if you have the store credit card.  Sometimes, I have trouble with their shirts that are more fitted because my fluffiness is not exactly reflected in my cup size, but otherwise I can usually find classic pieces that I can wear more than one season.  (Which pays off in the end.) 

Recently, I also discovered Tommy Hilfiger's plus size line.  Again, expensive, but if you can wait until they go on sale, totally worth it.  I like the Hope Boot Cut Jeans, and I have a dress that I always get compliments on (and managed to snag for half price at the end of the season at Macy's!).  Otherwise, I am not really a label girl.  It's definitely more about fit.  (Though I do have a thing for Coach purses...)

My other go-to places are Old Navy, Kohl's, Target, and Maurices.  These are mainly places that I get staples, like tanks and tees because their quality isn't always excellent, but I sometimes will score a deal on something else.  Last winter, I got a beautiful coat at Old Navy at 50% off and I am already looking forward to wearing this winter.  I wish that I had a few cute boutiques or something special to share with you here, but my area is a little more rural, so that's difficult.  Also, ordering clothes online is an issue because I have to try everything on, and sending or taking stuff back can be a huge hassle.Getting fancier things usually requires a shopping trip to the "big city," which probably only happens once a year or so.  Maybe some of you out there in the blog world will give me a little inspiration for my next trip!

Kelly's Show Us Your Life: Favorite Bible Studies

I have been lucky enough to have a friend with a calling for facilitating (she hates the idea of calling it leading or teaching) Women's Bible Studies over the years.  Crys has such a heart for this ministry, and that we won't be having a study together again soon is only one of the things that makes me sad about this season of change we find ourselves in. 

We have done many amazing studies together, and every time I think "That was my favorite one!"  But, let's narrow it down a little.  Though I've enjoyed the variety, my favorite studies are usually Beth Moore's.  I will be the first one to say that I am less than stellar about getting to all of the homework, but I have loved every minute of rich small group discussion and, of course, Beth's video lessons.  Our last study together was David:  Seeking a Heart Like His, which was wonderful, but was it my favorite?   Other standouts were The Patriarchs, Stepping Up and Living Beyond Yourself.  I learned so much from each of them, but I think if I were to pick my favorite, it would have to be Esther.  Esther spoke to me in a way that none of the others really have.  I don't know it was just the power of the story, or where I was at that time in my life, but the idea of "such a time as this" just blessed my heart.  It was a story that I knew (thank you, VeggieTales) but I didn't really get it until I studied it.  Which I suppose was kind of the point.

If you are visiting for the first time, you've probably missed me talking about how I am on the search for a new church family.  One of the things I want most to find are a group of women as godly and wonderful as the women I've studied with over the past few years.  I have learned so much from those women, and while most of them will remain in my life as dear friends, I want to find a church where I have a place to both learn and serve, and I believe that I will.  God has a plan for me.  Perhaps it's even for such a time as this...

I can't wait to hear what everyone else has been studying or using for devotions!

Kelly's Show Us Your Life: My Favorite Blogs

It's pretty easy to find out what my favorite blogs are because I list them in the sidebar, but I figured that maybe I could take a few minutes and tell you why I think a few of these blogs are so great. 

Disclaimer:   All of the blogs in my sidebar are great (I promise, click on every last one.  You'll love them!), but I didn't want this post to take me all day so I am taking a random sampling of awesome (Two from my real life and a sampling from my internet peeps)!  If I didn't pick you, it's not because I don't love you just as much as the other kids, I promise.  But my goal, like always, is to try to keep from boring people to death with my incessant droning.

Local Bloggers (My Real-Life Peeps):

A Life In Ordinary:  My friend, Crys, is an amazing writer.  (Seriously, she makes me look bad.)  She's hilarious and honest and all of those things that make a must-read blogger.  She's also a lot of fun to shop with because we have similar taste and she will guard the gates of Sephora if I must be kept out to avoid my own financial destruction.  (A very valuable trait in my friends, trust me!)

cette demoiselle mascarades comme un cusiniere: I am not a chef.  Luckily, Casey is masquerading as one.  Her recipes are easy enough even I could follow them.  (But I would rather just let her work her magic and enjoy the results!)  I think everyone should be reading her, because how else am I going to become a personal assistant for someone with her own show on The Food Network?


My Internet Peeps (We Don't Know Each Other For Real, But God Bless the Internet): 

The Lumberjack's Wife:  When I grow up, I want to be like Taylor (even though we are mere weeks from being the same age), except maybe with less camping and children breaking their glasses.  She is a homeschooling, elk preparing, canning jam superstar!  And she's so very funny, sometimes unintentionally.  (Plus, she was one of the first people I "met" through the interwebs and she has been such an encourager!)

Ministry So Fabulous! :  Minus more recent developments (the foster kids and British boyfriend), there have been many times where I feel like Amy Beth and I are living  parallel lives.  We share of love of big hair and the South, have similar taste in TV and find the same things heartbreaking and/or amusing.  She's a great writer and a better person.


People I Love But Have No Clue Who I Am:

matt, liz, and madeline :  I found Matt's blog not long after he had lost his wife.  I couldn't stop reading about his journey, and have continued to follow him ever since.  Matt's honesty, humor and love of music and the awesome-beyond-her-years Madeline can't help but win your heart.  (Plus he's a pretty great photographer, too!)

Rants From Mommyland :  I am not a mom, nor do I have any real intention of becoming one soon.  But I know funny when I read it.  "Kate" and "Lydia" crack me up, and they have some of the most fantastic guest bloggers around, like this post about teaching kindergarten.  (Plus, I have totally picked up some of their catchphrases, my favorite being "Suck it, fancy!")

Wish You Were Here - Bethany Joy Galeotti has been a major part of my early to mid 20s, as she plays Haley on One Tree Hill, my favorite guilty pleasure.  But this blog shows that she is more than a beautiful face.  She has a mix of tips, interviews, her wardrobe picks and other general blogging goodness.  I'm always willing to read a blog where it makes me want to be friends with the person writing.


I look forward to reading everyone else's favorite blogs too!  Maybe I will find a few more to add to my list!

Show Us Your Life: Baby Showers

This comes along at a perfect time for me!  I am in desperate need of some good baby shower ideas for my new niece or nephew.  We will be having the shower in late November, and I want to celebrate this baby in big style!  I love party planning, so to say I am excited is probably the understatement of the year! 

Not that I'm a novice.  In May, the Chicks and I threw a shower for Tara and baby chick, Macy.  We had the best time (and totally had the best food, thanks to Casey)!  You can read more about it by clicking the link below. 

http://ktslifeisfunny.blogspot.com/2011/05/memorial-day-weekend-recap.html

And now for a gratuitous baby picture of sweet Macy Jane!  Just because I can.

And it's not even like I haven't been to showers to get great ideas.  My cousin, Megan, was thrown the sweetest shower for baby Remi (due this week).  You can see her shower here:

http://ktslifeisfunny.blogspot.com/2011/08/wedding-and-baby-shower-ideas.html

To be honest, though, I don't even know where to start!  I know there are a ton of cute sites for invitations, but do you have any favorites?  What about themes?  I'm thinking "Cute as a Button" but, I'm still more than open to ideas!  If you can offer any help at all, or you just want to share, I will see you in the comments!

Kelly's Show Us Your Life: Blogging Tips

This makes me laugh because goodness knows that I am not a blogging expert.  But, I have this blog for a while and gained a few followers who weren't my besties, so maybe I have a little something to offer.

1. Find a blog rhythm that's comfortable for you.  Blogging every day is ideal, but it might feel a little overwhelming, especially if you are just starting out. 
2. This ties into #1, but quality wins out over quantity every time.  If you are posting every day but there's nothing there, what good does it do?  And on that note, blog about mix of things.  The bloggers I like to read the most are the ones who mix funny and serious posts.
3. Be yourself.  Well, as yourself as you can be on the internet.  I've found that when I relax and just talk about things I've been thinking about or things that are happening in my life, I get the most comments and hits. 
4. Figure out how much you are willing to share about your real life before you blog.  It's also not a bad idea to talk to the people you intend to feature (AKA your family and friends) to see what they are comfortable with.  It may be necessary to come up with some code names or some may not want to be featured at all.  Honor their requests.  There's no need to let the whole world know everything about your life.
5. Find a blogging community of some sort that you love and play along.  I've did the A to Z Challenge in April, and while it was more work than I usually put into blogging, it was a way to meet new people.  I also participate in Joyce's Wednesday Hodgepodge and Kelly's Show Us Your Life (obviously). 
6. Blog because you love it and have something to share and not for the stats.  I am a stat checker because data makes me happy.  But I don't breathe into a paper sack if I don't like what I see.  If you are doing it for yourself, then the rest doesn't matter.
7. I don't put pictures in every post.  But I do try to keep things mixed up.  I love to add links for more information about a topic and pictures when they are appropriate and available.
8. Read lots of other blogs.  Obviously, you want to be careful about copying another blogger's style, but I think that the more knowledgeable you are about what's out there, the more fun you can have.  Reading other great bloggers inspires my own style!
9. Think before you blog.  Just because you are fired up about something doesn't mean it's blog appropriate.  Either use the 48-hour rule (you write, and then revisit before you post) or have someone read over that is removed from the situation.  Just because something really annoyed you on Tuesday at work doesn't mean it still will on Thursday.  (This is especially true if you are writing about a person that annoys you!)

I can't wait to read what everyone else has to say!  Feel free to add your additions in the comments or link up with Kelly's blog yourself!

Please Pass The Dessert! (Show Us Your Life)

If you are joining me from Kelly's Korner, let me start by saying "Hi!"  Come in and have a look around.  I'm thrilled to have you here!

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I profess to have only a small amount of cooking talent.  But one thing that I love to make is dessert!  And I have a very easy recipe for cheesecake that I make all the time.  I can't take credit for this recipe because it came from a Hershey's recipe card, but I will gladly share it with the rest of you.

1 Extra Serving Keebler Graham Cracker Crust  (very important)
3 packages of cream cheese
1 cup of sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat the oven to 450.  Cream the sugar and cream cheese.  Add eggs and vanilla.  Beat until relatively smooth.  Pour into crust.  Bake at 450 for 10 minutes and then lower to 250 for about 30 minutes.  Let cool, then place in fridge for an hour or more. 

If you're feeling fancy, you can make a hard shell chocolate top by melting 2/3 cups mini chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream in the microwave.  Melt in 20 second intrevals, mixing each time so you don't scorch the chocolate.  When melted, smooth on top of the cooled cheesecake.


Another easy recipe I use all the time is for apple dip. 

1 package cream cheese
1/2 cup of sugar
1 package of caramel dip (like you would get to dip apples, not put on ice cream)
1 package of Heath brickle

Cream cream cheese and sugar.  Pile cream cheese mix in bowl.  Spread caramel over cream cheese.  Top with the brickle.

 It is so yummy with apples!  (And if you are lazy you can buy the pre-cut ones and have something to take to a work potluck in no time at all!)

Can't wait to read everyone else's recipes!

Kelly's Show Us Your Life: How I Stay Organized

Okay, first and foremost, I need my so-called real-life friends to stop laughing.  I'm sure that I am even daring to post on the subject of organization is hilarious them.  (Also, all of you laughing, we aren't friends anymore.)  And the rest of you, give me a moment as I prepare to reveal my not-so-secret shame. The thing is, I am messy, but I am not disorganized.  Nine times out of ten, I know exactly what is in each and every pile, and if you move it, my entire system will be destroyed. 

My problem is not with the organization itself.  I love storage bins just as much as the next girl.  My problems are in the getting it that way and keeping it that way realm.  I get overwhelmed easily and when I'm overwhelmed, I tend to just shut down.  Not exactly the most productive way to handle it, but here we are.  I also have entirely too much stuff.  I am, in fact, a packrat and I always have been.  (I've decided that it's hereditary, because my mom and grandma both are, too.)  I'm sure that if I throw something away, that will be the exact moment that I need it.  It's crazy, but it's true.  I'm not eligible for A&E's Hoarders or anything, but I just hang on to things that I don't really need.  So, what I'm saying is that I actually need to get reorganized at home.  I'm actually planning to do some of that this weekend.  I don't have anywhere to be for the greater part of two days, and I'm quite frankly tired of looking at all of the junk everywhere.  One of the ideas that I really want to try is making flipflop hangers which I found on EPBOT, because believe me when I say I have too many shoes all over the place.

As far as my schedule, my date book is everything to me.  The only way that I could work with four extracurricular clubs, coordinate RtI stuff, and do my regular teaching stuff is to write down everything.  I make weekly to-do lists (which is why I keep a notebook in my purse), try to lay things out the night before, and plan ahead as much as possible.  I'm also a big believer in keeping all of my files on the computer organized by what they pertain to.  It's the only way that I could keep track of files, music, pictures, etc. 

I'm anxious to see what everyone else has as far as their organizational methods.  Maybe I will pick up a few helpful hints!

**Update:  After reading some of the other posts, I realize that there are some things that I do for organization that I don't even really think about anymore.  One is alphabetizing my CDs and DVDs (the shelves for which take up the whole wall of my office) and color-coordinating the clothes in my closet.  Maybe I'm more organized than I thought.  (But probably not.)**

Kelly's Show Us Your Life: My Book List

Kelly asked us to share what we've been reading, and I'm really at the point where I'm just starting to put my summer book list together.  I still have a couple books on previous list that I haven't read yet (Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin and Abigail Adams by Woody Holton) but there are several others that I'm interesting in.

One is Crazy Love by Francis Chan.  I've had this book for several months, but I want to be able to devote some time to it and there hasn't been a ton of that around these parts.  I'm intrigued by what he has to say on God, the church, and faith in general. 

Another book I can't wait to read is Two Kisses for Maddy by Matt Logelin.  I've been a fan of his blog for a long time, and this book has been a long time coming.  His story is one that everyone hopes won't happen to them, but I love the truth and honesty that he uses to tell how he survived. 

I'm also planning on picking up Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen, Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner (soon in paperback), Promises To Keep by Jane Green, You Can't Drink All Day If You Don't Start In The Morning by Celia Rivenbark, and of course, If You Were Here by Jen Lancaster, her new "fiction" work out May 3.  I haven't done a great job keeping up with everything I've read, but if you would like to see what else I've been reading, you can find some of my other book reviews here, here, here, here, and here.

What have you been reading?  I can't wait to hear all about it!

Kelly's Show Us Your Life: My Family

Since I'm not married and their are no kids to speak of (if you don't count the ones I have from 8-3), I decided to share a little about my immediate family.  My mom and dad started dating in high school.  My mom was a year older (scandal!) and my dad was friends with my uncle, Bobby.  (Of course, as with most small towns they probably would have known each other anyway.) 

They were married in 1976 (check out those hats and rainbow pastel dresses), and lived in a trailer just down the road from my dad's parents' house (which is the house I live in today) for a while.  My mom started working as a teacher and my dad was still working at the family auto shop.   

They built a house on my mom's family's land (where they still live today), just in time for me to be born in October of 1981.  We all know how fabulous I am (ha!), so I will jump ahead.  My little brother was born three years later on New Year's Eve.  By this time, my dad had become a teacher, too.  Six years later, they added my baby sister to our family.   My parents loved and supported us in whatever ventures we decided to try, which means that they spent a lot of years at sporting events and community theater.  We were blessed with a good example of what marriage looks like, and I think it's something that we all strived for as we grew up.

Today, my family is ever-expanding.  My brother married Melissa in June, and I couldn't ask for a better sister-in-law. 

And of course, there's everyone's favorite little sister, LuLu!

I can't wait for the day that I have nieces and nephews to spoil rotten!  (But, seriously, no rush on that, guys!)  That's my immediate family, but that's really only a glimpse of where I come from.

My dad's side of the family is small, but my mom's is big and getting bigger.  Members of my family have been here for well over 100 years, so it's hard to find someone that I'm not related to in these parts. 

Here are all of the cousins in July at my grandma's 80th birthday party.  These are just the grandkids as of July (we are about to add another by marriage this fall!).  There are now 10 great-grands, with another on the way (due the same weekend as the wedding this fall, as fate would have it).  I love being from a big family.  I wouldn't know what to do if there weren't 25 or 30 people milling around the Farmhouse for dinner!  

It's been a lot of fun to share about my family.  I can't wait to see what everyone else has to share!

My Alma Mater

Well this week's Show Us Your Life is all about alma maters.  I wish (sometimes) that I could tell you that I had a typical college experience, but that's something I kind of missed out on.  I took a two-year community college scholarship right out of high school, partly because it was free and partly because of the fine arts program. I had a great time in the plays and choir and playing secretary.  Little did I know that I would soon make a decision that would change the course of my life.

Not only did I meet people who remain a big part of my life to this day (Hi, girls!), community college was where I decided to become a teacher.  Teaching was something that I had spent most of my life sure I did not want to do. (Both of my parents are teachers, after all.)  But through a series of events, I ended up joining AmeriCorps. 

AmeriCorps is a program that does many different things, but in my area, we tutored and mentored at-risk kids in local school districts.  It took me about five minutes to discover that it was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.  You are able to do two years of service, and get paid a stipend as well as money for school, so when I transferred into the Teacher Education Program at SIU, I decided to continue with AmeriCorps.  While it was a great opportunity, it meant living on campus wasn't really a viable option (as my volunteer site was almost an hour away from campus), so I became a commuter and continued living at home.  (Free room and board is always preferable to cafeteria food and a roommate who annoys you.  Of course I was still living with my pre-teen baby sister, so...)

So, I don't have stories about my Greek affliations, wild college parties, or the big Homecoming game.  But I do have great memories of laughing with the lunch crew and with the girls (and a few guys) in our cohort group.  And best of all, I found what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.  And isn't that really the best thing college can give you?

Kelly's Show Us Your Life: Beauty Tips

I am a woman of few beauty secrets, but I do know a good product when I meet one.  So here are a few of my favorites...

Hair

I love big hair!  I wasn't exactly given a choice, because my hair is super thick (not that I am complaining).  My brilliant stylist says that every time she goes to sweep up after I've had a cut, she wonders if she left any hair at all.  Because my hair is heavy, but still somehow fine, I use several products.  Right now, I am using Infusium shampoo and conditioner.  I like it, but I have to change things up quite a bit or my hair seems flat.  Two products that I swear by are Big Sexy Hair's Root Pump Plus and Chi's Pliable Polish.  They keep my hair reasonably bouncy and keep the humidity from taking over. (My hair is annoyingly wavy since I hit my later 20's, as opposed to the stick-straight hair I had as a kid!)  And I swear that I have a love of hairspray that would make Dolly Parton's Truvy (see:  Steel Magnolias) proud!

Make-Up and Skin Care

I haven't ever really gotten into using really expensive department store make-up, mostly because I usually end up overwhelmed.  Sephora is both a religious experience and complete sensory overload for me.  That said, I have been using the Neutrogena Healthy Skin foundation recently, and I really like it.  It does seem to help my skin stay moisturized and keep breakouts to a minimum.   I keep my face wash really simple, and use Cetaphil.  This winter I have switched to the Olay Complete Cream Moisturizer and have been pleased with how my skin has done.  I have very dry skin in the winter months, and this winter has been one of the worst.  But I love how my skin looks with this product.

I also love the Freeman's Facial Clay Mask.  I only use it once every couple of weeks, but it always leaves my skin soft and with a nice glow.  (And it's not expensive either!)

For hand and nail care, I swear by OPI polishes (my cabinet looks a little too much like a salon's) and the Just a Minute scrub!  It smells great and it sloughs off all the gross dry skin.  I've used it about once a week this winter and had great results.  I also like the Look Ma, New Hands Lotion, because it's not oily, as it's parafin based.

 

I think that's probably about all I have to offer, but I can't wait to see what everyone else has to share!

(All images from Google)

Showing You...Myself

Let me start by saying how weird it is to try describe yourself.  My name is Katie.  I live in the southern part of Illinois.  I teach middle school by day and leap small buildings in a single bound by night (ha!).  I'll be 30 this year.  I love (in no particular order) singing, history, giraffes, reading, and Jesus.  I love to take pictures, but don't love having my picture taken.  (Which is probably how I ended up getting behind the lens in the first place.)

I feel a little like the only single girl in the world.  I know this isn't actual true, as there would be no need for this event otherwise.  It's just that I am at the age where my friends are getting married and having babies, and I would be happy to just meet a good, Christian guy for coffee (well, hot chocolate for me, as I have never learned to drink coffee!).  I love to laugh and I have a definite music obsession.  I also love to watch movies or read.  I feel like I am pretty honest about myself here on my blog.  It's a place where I can write and through which I have "met" a lot of great people. 

I love where God has brought me so far, and I really was cautious about doing this particular "Show Us Your Life."  I mean, this is a lot more personal than what my kitchen looks like.  But, I just figured, "Why not?"  After all, this year is all about adventure...

Show Us Your Life: Entry Ways

My entry way is really not much to write home about.  My house was built like most old houses, meaning that additions and changes were made as money was available, so the floor plan is a little odd.  My foyer is just a space a few feet wide that leads to all the other areas of the house.  But I do have 10 foot ceilings, so  my goal is to draw the eye up, as illustrated below.

 Here are a few of my favorite things about this tiny space.  I love this mirror/shelf & coat hanger.  I got it cheap at a surplus store and it's been in my house since I moved in. 

 I'm trying to progressively add some of my favorite signs to the wall.  I refer to my decorating style as Early American Applebee's.  My tin signs are cool, but my favorite piece here is my signed cast poster from the Original Broadway Cast of The Lion King!

 These are the next two that are going to be hung as soon as I get the ladder back upstairs and get my dad to help me.  I've had them both for a while but am moving them in from other places in the house.

 Got this at Annie-Laurie's!  As you can probably tell, I like things that are a little campy.  This looks a lot older in person than it does in the picture, but I think it's so cute!

 I love this poster!  The umbrella's against the yellow.  And no, I don't live in Ohio.  That penant was with the Hawaii one and I couldn't leave it there all by itself.

 And of course, the Broadway sign!  It's actually kind of famous after this guest post.  I love the double meaning it has to me, and Amber did unscrew it off the wall in a basement just because I was flipping out about it. 

I keep this by the door.  Not only do I love it because I am a history nerd, I figure that when you are as excitable as I am, this is a pretty good life motto.

Well, that's my entry way such as it is.  Hope you enjoyed the tour!  Thanks for coming by!

A Little Late Is Better Than Never....

I'm linking up with Kelly to show you my dining room this week.  So "Hi" to those of  you visiting!  This is the main focal point of my dining room.    I have an "L" shaped room that houses my dining room, living area, and office.  The china cabinet is nothing fancy, but it's my grandmother's and I love it.  Mostly, I love all the dishes I have in it!  I do have a table, but it's small and usually covered in mail.  But here's a few of my favorite things.  These pieces are Fiestaware that belonged to my great-grandmother.  My grandma gave them to me a couple of years ago, and they matched what I already had pick out!  I thought it was cool that I had the same taste as a great-grandma I'd never gotten the chance to meet.

This adorable bowl is one of two I picked up at Annie Laurie's.  I adore unique pieces, and I thought these were just so much fun, even though I don't like cantaloupe!  And yes, that is a fine layer of dust you see there.  You wanna make something of it?  (tee hee!)

I have lots of Fiestaware.  I have the dark blue and green in my kitchen, but these are the colors of my living room, so I thought these fit the palette of the living room a little better. (And besides, you can never have too much Fiestaware.  Seriously.)

 

I also have a huge collection of wine and other glasses.  I had several different ones and my aunt has helped me add to the collection.  but my favorite things are little touches like these little picture holders with pictures of my grandpa's from World War II. 

Of course, there's also this centerpiece.  It's a 4 feet by 4 feet painting that I also got at Annie Laurie's.  It's really striking.  This is the next area that I am going to really work on, as soon as I get a chance.

Thanks for stopping by!