Bucket List item...

     Before I die, I WILL fly to Los Angeles and enroll in one of David Moore's classes at the Millennium Dance Complex. He is a dance genius! I can never get enough of his videos! Check more out at http://www.youtube.com/davidmooretv!

What I'm Loving Wednesday....

     I saw a friend do this post a couple of weeks ago, so I thought I would try it out as well! This week I am totally loving summer! 

     This week I have spent every day at the pool! So I am loving laying out in my float and soaking up some sun!

 

     In addition to laying out in the pool, I have spent some major time using the Silhouette SD digital craft cutter. I have thoroughly enjoyed making several things for my classroom in the fall! ...I know. I shouldn't be thinking of school!

     This week I am loving watching The Voice on NBC! I have always been an American Idol fan, but I have grown really tired of how rigged and superficial the show seems to be. What I love about The Voice is that the judges don't see the people singing unless they like them, then they turn around. That way, they are judging strictly their voice! I also love that the judges are actually working with each contestant and giving them great advice to help them become the artist they want to be! Such a great show! I will definitely be watching every week!

       I can't get enough of Karmin! They are a duo who post their music on YouTube. They have some wonderful original songs, but they also do some amazing covers! Here they are doing Chris Brown's Look at Me Now. But another fav is their Lady Antebellum cover of Just a Kiss! They are so good....such a fresh sound!

      Lastly, I am loving Nashville! Due to some great friends getting married every weekend in June, I will be traveling a lot to Nashville! It is such a cool city, and there is so much to do! Every time I have been there, I have never done the same thing twice!

Simply stunning....

Blessed...

Special thanks to some sweet second graders for my Teacher Appreciation Week surprise!

    

      I have been contemplating for a while now whether or not it would be appropriate to write about the school I am currently working at. After today, I have decided to write a little thank you, I guess, to the wonderful people who have taken me under their wings this semester.
   
      I feel blessed beyond belief that I landed this position. I love working with these students because I see that they have inherited an excitement for learning from their wonderful and creative teachers. Each day is such a joy to come to work. I find that I am always smiling and having a great time. So, thank you to all of the teachers who have taken me in and made me feel like part of the family. I can't express enough how much I truly appreciate it.

     As the end of the school year draws near, I get a little nervous as to what the future may hold. I appreciate all of the teachers who are supporting me and rooting for me. You all are such a big help with all of your advice and encouragement. THANK YOU!!!! :)

Happily Ever After.....

      It has been almost a week since Prince William and Catherine Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, wed, and I am still obsessed and in awe of the life of the Royals. As I awoke on Friday, April 29th at 3:30 a.m., I was anxiously awaiting to see the dress that Kate would wear. When she stepped out of the car, I was in awe. She looked absolutely stunning and genuinely excited to walk in and marry her prince charming.

      My absolute favorite moment of the entire wedding was watching Kate make her way to the alter. As she approached, Prince Harry turned around to look at Kate, then he turned to say to Prince William that she was coming. As Kate made it to the alter, Prince William turned to her and said "You look beautiful, really lovely". Ahhh... At that moment, I knew that they were going to last forever! You could tell that they both are totally in love with each other and really support each other. It was such a magical moment.

     A few short moments later, the world was presented with the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. As the doors opened and the two stepped out, you could feel the eruption of cheers from the people who lined the streets. Prince William and Kate looked thrilled!

      Another favorite moment occurred during the parade back to Buckingham Palace. It almost brought me to tears to watch as Prince William and Catherine paid tribute to monuments along the parade route. In that moment when Prince William saluted and Catherine bowed her head, I knew this was a new generation of Royals. For the first time in keeping up with the Royal Family, they seemed to be giving back and thanking the people they represented for all that they had given to the country. It was one of the sweetest moments of the day.

      I wish the absolute best throughout their marriage. It must be an amazing feeling to know that the world is supporting them and rooting for their love to last. I know that the two of them will make a huge impact in the world and inspire others to as well. May the two of them live happily ever after!

      And by the way, Prince Harry, I noticed that you needed a Princess yourself. Feel free to ask me. I'm sure I would say "yes"! ;)

I have a Royal Problem...

No more "Waity Katie"!

      It seems that I have a Royal Problem. I have become completely obsessed with the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. I have spent the week on the couch watching every Royal special on television. Yes, I have a Royal Problem. I can tell you that, at this moment, there are exactly 20 hours, 19 minutes, and 36 seconds until the wedding starts. 

      At approximately 3:00 a.m., I will wake up, turn on the T.V. and watch every minute of coverage on BBC America. I am so excited to see Kate's dress, her flowers, the bridesmaids' dresses, the decorations, the Royal Family, the guests, and everything else.  It will be a beautiful celebration of love and the British Monarchy. 

      I have so much of a Royal Problem that I spent the better part of last night making cupcakes, royal blue, cupcakes for my Royal watch party of one. They even have cute little cupcake toppers! Here are my cupcakes....

      I have a Royal Problem. By now, there are exactly 20 hours, 12 minutes, and 58 seconds. Oh, to be in London at this very moment. I should have been born a Brit.

Lambuth to thee belongs...

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you....Let not your hearts be troubled. 

- John 14:27

       I learned earlier this evening from someone close to my heart that Lambuth University would be closing its doors on June 30, 2011. My heart is broken. I have tried many times to put in to words how much this institution has meant to me; however, it always seems to come up short. Words just simply cannot explain the impact this incredible university and the Lambuth family has had on me. I am simply at a loss for words. Maybe tomorrow it will hit me that it is real. But for now, I am finding peace in the memories of my time on the most beautiful campus - Lambuth University.

Thus Keeping True...

"We share the days of laughter. We share the nights of sorrow. But in the morning after, we face a bright tomorrow.....We'll never say goodbye."

      

Many times I come across my Phi Mu Creed bookmark. Every time, it brings about a sense of peace and pride. I am so honored to be a part of something so pure and strong. 

The Creed of Phi Mu

To lend to those less fortunate a helping hand.  To think of God as a protector and guide of us all.   To keep forever sacred the memory of those we have loved and lost.   To be to others what we would, they would be to us.   To keep our lives gentle, merciful and just, thus being true to the womanhood of love.

To walk in the way of honor guarding the purity of our thoughts and deeds.   Being steadfast in every duty small or large.   Believing that our given word is binding.   Striving to esteem the inner man above culture, wealth, or pedigree.   Being honorable, courteous, tender, thus keeping true to the womanhood of honor.

To serve in the light of truth avoiding egotism, narrowness and scorn.   To give freely of our sympathies.   To reverence God as our Maker, striving to serve Him in all things.   To minister to the needy and unfortunate.   To practice day by day love, honor, truth.   Thus keeping true to the meaning, spirit, and reality of Phi Mu.

Whatsoever things are true...

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

      I first stepped on Lambuth University's campus when I was fifteen. I was there for a choir festival, and it was raining. The campus was basically one giant puddle. I was not impressed. I returned every year with my high school choir for the choir festival. Every year, it was raining. When the time came for me to decide where I would spend my collegiate career, Lambuth was far from my mind. I remember thinking "It's rainy, ugly, and old." I spent most of my senior year with my heart set on an entirely different school. Then, when my plan was beginning to fall through, my parents and I just drove through the campus. It was raining.  However, the campus was full of cars due to a basketball game. Something inside me clicked. I decided I would officially visit Lambuth. 

      I first officially stepped on Lambuth University's campus in January. It was cold, but sunny. As soon as I walked in to the welcome reception, I felt like I was already a student. The current students at Lambuth who were chosen to welcome prospective students were so welcoming. I was immediately immersed in their stories, jokes, and advice about being a student at Lambuth University. I felt at home. I felt as though I already knew each and every one of these people. It was to most at home I felt on any college visit I had attended. I was invited to attend Scholar's Day in February where I would have the chance to interview for a scholarship. While driving home, I knew I had made my decision. 

      My first year at Lambuth was filled with all of the ups and downs of a normal college freshman. I loved being at Lambuth. I immediately got involved with Choir, SGA, Homecoming, and Admissions. I joined a wonderful sorority, Phi Mu Fraternity. 

     During my 4 years at Lambuth, I didn't just gain the knowledge to go in to my career. I built relationships that will last a lifetime. I met my very best friends who helped me to grow spiritually and emotionally. I am a better person now because of the people, faculty, and staff at Lambuth. Lambuth's student body was so diverse yet, as a whole, we became one big family. We shared in each others' joys, and we shared in each others' times of trial.

     It's only natural that, during this time of trial for my beloved university, we pull together as a family to help save our Lambuth. During these next few months, Lambuth will face many tough decisions in planning the future of this institution. My prayer is that whatever happens, life still remains on the beautiful campus. I pray that people for generations to come can still feel a part of Lambuth's family. I pray that lives are forever changed by the heart and soul of Lambuth University. 

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Happiness...

No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore, you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change.

- Barbara de Angelis 

      You only get this one life. Although life can be tough, and it is often hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, being happy will bring much more fulfillment to your journey through life. God always has a plan. He blesses each and every one of us with certain people in our lives to help us through tough times. While it is much easier to dwell on the negative, those people around you just want you to be happy and are there to help. Sometimes, it is necessary to make changes in your life. If it leads to your happiness, then please, make those changes.

Someday my Prince will come....

"I've been handed a sweet Prince...a Prince to love and to protect..."

- Michael Brieck

 

       It's official...the countdown is on!!! There are exactly 30 days until the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. 

 

       I have always been fascinated by the Royal Family of England. I did every term paper in high school on them. I read all of the biographies - I couldn't put them down! I like to believe that my fascination with them began at the time of Princess Diana's death. I was only nine at the time. I had always known who she was, and I had always thought of her as a beautiful celebrity. However, I didn't really understand what she was about. I remember thinking at the time of her death that I wanted to know more about her and her family. It broke my heart to watch her two boys who were a little older than me walk behind their mother's casket. Since then, I made it a point to understand the life that the Royals lead. 

 

       I fully believe in Prince William and Kate's love. Call me a hopeless romantic, but after reading the book William and Kate, I believe that the two of them will have many happy years together. I am so excited for their wedding! Although I'd much rather be in England for all of the festivities, I will be happily camped on the couch in front of BBC America watching every minute of coverage. Feel free to join me if you want! :)

Don't be such a ninny...

Ninny: \'ni-ne\ noun. a fool. 

   "Don't be such a ninny" is a statement I've heard often from the time I was a small child. My remarkable grandmother, Nancy, was affectionately called "Ninny." My older sister, the first grandchild, couldn't say "GranNan," so we stuck with "Ninny." It's hard to put in to words what Ninny meant to me. She was such a rock to everyone she touched - a sweet, beautiful, christian woman who could also be a fireball when needed. I always looked forward to going to Ninny's house. We ate chicken noodle soup and push pops. We watched movies and played with her antique dolls. Every moment was a treat. In a way it was ironic that we called her "Ninny" due to the fact that, as a child, Ninny's mother would always tell her "Don't be such a ninny" when she was being foolish about something. In reality, she was no "ninny" at all. Hearing this phrase so often never meant much to me until now. 

   
      Last May I graduated from Lambuth University in Jackson, TN. I had an amazing four years there where I met some of my best friends who have helped shaped me in to the person I am today. I'm sure I'll talk more about them from time to time. As an Elementary Education major, I spent my last semester getting a taste of the real world through student teaching. I phased out of the college and sorority life, and shifted my focus and heart to teaching. The two placements I taught in were second and fifth grade. I remember driving home from teaching one day thinking about how much these students were impacting me when, shouldn't it be the other way around? I knew then that my heart was in the right place, and that I was meant to teach. At that moment, I was so excited for what my life ahead was to hold.

     
      In August, I found a job in Jackson teaching fifth grade. I was so excited to start my career! Within the first month, I could tell that God had put a special group of children in my class. They were a rough bunch who had home lives that I could never imagine. Every day became survival of the fittest, and sadly, there were most days that I lost. If you've ever seen the movie Lean on Me, I felt as though I was playing a role in that movie. By October, my rose-colored glasses had come off along with the smile that usually stayed put on my face. It seemed everything I was trying was being thrown right back in my face. My parents came to visit my class and with two certified teachers and a cop in the room, it was all we could do to stay afloat. A month later, I decided, along with the help of my friends and family, that it was time to regroup and move on. I turned in my resignation and moved back home to Memphis. I remember my last week of school with my class was rough emotionally. I did truly care about these children, and it broke my heart that I couldn't "fix" them and their lives. I remember crying hysterically in the car with my roommates on the way to Chilli's. I knew I would miss them, worry about them, and laugh when I thought of some of their quirks. In my moment of hysteria, one thing came to mind.... "Don't be such a ninny." 

    
      Was I letting down my Ninny who has been my guardian angel for five years now? Was she disappointed in me for quitting? Or was she telling me to dust myself off and move on? Each day provides a different response to my hysteria. However, at this moment, I sit here as a substitute teacher in Memphis, TN trying to meander through life's journey. I hope to travel down life's road without being a "ninny" only to end up being an even greater "Ninny."