Monday night, the Auburn Tigers played the Oregon Ducks in a little game called the National Championship. What a game!!!
I couldn't be more happy!
Monday, January 24, 2011
"All We Do Is Win"
Monday night, the Auburn Tigers played the Oregon Ducks in a little game called the National Championship. What a game!!!
I couldn't be more happy!
Too late for a Christmas post?
I think not...some people still have their decorations up, so I think I'm good.
Christmas break was such a fun and exciting whirlwind for us. Steven and I left as soon as he got of work on the 23rd and made it to Mom and Dad's house at around 2:30 in the morning. Of course, Mom and Scooter waited up on us, but we were exhausted. The next day, Steven and I took Mom to lunch (er...we tried to, but she paid, so technically she took us to lunch) at John's and ate some Alabama bar-b-que (que in the 80's hair band, Cinderella's, "Don't Know What You Got Till It's Gone" music). Whitney and Chris made it in by the afternoon of Christmas Eve and Taylor and Patches came over after they had Christmas at her house. We all hung out and played an "oh so fun" game called password (mega fail) while we waited on Betsy and Michael to arrive.
They didn't make it in until 11:30, but as McCulloch's we were raised to be a little rash about things.
Yeah, we did it.
We read the story of Jesus's birth and then opened up our gifts that night. Mom went overboard, of course, but it made opening gifts feel special. It was almost 1:00 am when we finished. I was a zombie (sidebar: While unpacking, I kept seeing new things, and was like, "When did I get this? Who gave me this? Did I thank him or her?" Like I said --zombie is the only word I can find to describe how I felt).
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| Mom's (over the top) presents and tree :) |
The whole family decided to sleep in the next morning because we were having lunch at our house at 1:00, so we weren't in any hurry; however, at 7:15 in the morning, Dad woke us all up excited like a kid on Christmas (pun intended) and told us to look out of our windows. The whole yard was covered in a blanket of snow, and it was still coming down really heavy. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I cannot remember ever having a white Christmas...especially not THAT white. We all immediately raided Taylor's closet and put on every warm item of clothing he owned. We stayed outside for a while taking pictures, throwing snowballs, and attempting a snow man (epic fail). It was fun playing outside, but we missed Betsy and Michael! While we were all out, Mom made us chocolate syrup and biscuits. For those of you who just read that and are now making a "That sounds disgusting! Who would ever eat that face?" Don't judge. You people eat weird stuff too. I mean OYSTER dressing. REALLY? eek!
Later that day Grandma and Grandpa came over for lunch and to visit for a while. By the end of the day we were all so tired, but looking forward to going over to Aunt Sherry's for our annual Christmas snack food dinner. It was great to see all of the cousins and their new family additions. It makes things so lively to have little kids running around, don't you think? Anyway, we played Bunco, told stories, and ate really good food! The next morning, Steven and I were blessed when his boss called and told him that he thought he ought to wait an extra day to come back to North Carolina because of the bad weather. We were going to try to drive through the snow, so he could get back (my Babe has a strong work ethic), but it was great to be able to spend another day with the family! We ate and played games before going to Florence with Betsy, Michael, Taylor, and Patches to see a movie. Later we met up with Susanna and Jeff and ate a Rigatoni's (yumm!). She is supposed to have her baby next week, so we had a lot of catching up to do!
The next morning, we woke up early and made our way back to Eastern North Carolina. It was actually a pretty easy trip, especially considering most of the Southeast was covered in a blanket of snow. All in all it was great to spend time with family, but we are happy to be back at "our" home here in Perfection. I hope you all had a very merry Christmas, and are enjoying God's favor in the new year!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Blogger's Block
Just so you know (yes, I am talking to you, the five people who actually read this thing)...I have been writing. I have written four blogs, but I just didn't post them. I don't know why. I guess I felt like they just weren't complete or they needed time to breathe or something.
So here goes. Maybe this will break the ice for the previous unfinished blogs. More posts to follow :)
xoxo,
Ashley
So here goes. Maybe this will break the ice for the previous unfinished blogs. More posts to follow :)
xoxo,
Ashley
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Resolutions
I'm not exactly sure how I feel about New Year's resolutions. I have never been good at sticking to them all, but I may as well share them with you. By telling everyone, I am hoping for more accountability. Here goes...
1. I hope to become a more spirit-filled Christian woman. I want to be more dedicated to being in the Word and spending time in prayer.
2. I hope to be a better wife this year. I want to be a better supporter of my husband and his biggest fan (well not biggest physically, which brings me to my next point).
3. I would like to not only lose weight this year, but become a more healthy person. I aim to exercise as much as I can or at least 3-4 times a week (whichever comes first).
4. I hope to become a better listener and a better friend to all of those I cherish.
5. I hope to work as hard as a I can while I am in the classroom and try to make a difference in the lives of my students.
6. I hope to do my best in grad school and really work hard to not only understand the concepts taught, but to soak them in and make them a part of the way I teach.
7. I hope to be more organized...way way way more organized.
8. I hope to become a better, more healthy cook. I really like to cook, but most of my dishes are calorie laden to say the least. I want to learn to prepare more healthy home cooked meals that Steven and I will really enjoy.
9. I hope to learn a new hobby (i.e. sewing, gardening, sketching, playing an instrument).
10. Lastly, I hope to drink less Diet Mountain Dew. Seriously people, it's a problem.
I hope you all have enjoyed your break from all the madness of work; I know I did. It was great to be home with my family for a few days (blog about that still to come). Have a wonderful new year! Happy 2011!
1. I hope to become a more spirit-filled Christian woman. I want to be more dedicated to being in the Word and spending time in prayer.
2. I hope to be a better wife this year. I want to be a better supporter of my husband and his biggest fan (well not biggest physically, which brings me to my next point).
3. I would like to not only lose weight this year, but become a more healthy person. I aim to exercise as much as I can or at least 3-4 times a week (whichever comes first).
4. I hope to become a better listener and a better friend to all of those I cherish.
5. I hope to work as hard as a I can while I am in the classroom and try to make a difference in the lives of my students.
6. I hope to do my best in grad school and really work hard to not only understand the concepts taught, but to soak them in and make them a part of the way I teach.
7. I hope to be more organized...way way way more organized.
8. I hope to become a better, more healthy cook. I really like to cook, but most of my dishes are calorie laden to say the least. I want to learn to prepare more healthy home cooked meals that Steven and I will really enjoy.
9. I hope to learn a new hobby (i.e. sewing, gardening, sketching, playing an instrument).
10. Lastly, I hope to drink less Diet Mountain Dew. Seriously people, it's a problem.
I hope you all have enjoyed your break from all the madness of work; I know I did. It was great to be home with my family for a few days (blog about that still to come). Have a wonderful new year! Happy 2011!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
and Scene...
Christmas break is finally here! Headed to the movies (in the middle of the flippin' day) to see a film with the Cannon girls!?! What What!? Two weeks of relaxation, family, food, and fun await me. Merry Christmas, everyone!!! 
Monday, December 20, 2010
Christmas fun
This weekend was one of the most busy, but fun weekends I have ever had. For me, the words busy and fun don't usually go together, but this weekend was definitely an exception.
Friday nght, Steven and I were invited over to Bryan and Bridget's for Christmas dinner. Linda, Bridget's friend and assistant, made us homemade lasagna, bread, and dessert. Everything was delicious. Mr. Ray even came over and joined us, so it was a real treat. Afterward, we all sat in the living room around the fire, talked, and unwrapped our Christmas gifts. Bridget and Bryan got me the most fabulous scarf; it was made in London. (Bryan's mother was born and raised in London, so it was really special to me). It was such a peaceful evening spent with a couple that has taken us in as their own. I hope they know how much they mean to us!
Saturday, we woke up bright and early and went to the church for our last Christmas play practice before Sunday's performance. It's always fun to get together with our church, even if it is early on a Saturday morning. Afterward, Steven and I went to Bojangles for breakfast and ran some errands in town. After returning home, the rest of the afternoon, for me, was spent baking and making goody bags for our church members and co-workers, while Steven FINISHED the t.v. built-in for our living room. For those of you who are curious, below are the before and after shots of my man's work. I think it looks fantastic!
Friday nght, Steven and I were invited over to Bryan and Bridget's for Christmas dinner. Linda, Bridget's friend and assistant, made us homemade lasagna, bread, and dessert. Everything was delicious. Mr. Ray even came over and joined us, so it was a real treat. Afterward, we all sat in the living room around the fire, talked, and unwrapped our Christmas gifts. Bridget and Bryan got me the most fabulous scarf; it was made in London. (Bryan's mother was born and raised in London, so it was really special to me). It was such a peaceful evening spent with a couple that has taken us in as their own. I hope they know how much they mean to us!
Saturday, we woke up bright and early and went to the church for our last Christmas play practice before Sunday's performance. It's always fun to get together with our church, even if it is early on a Saturday morning. Afterward, Steven and I went to Bojangles for breakfast and ran some errands in town. After returning home, the rest of the afternoon, for me, was spent baking and making goody bags for our church members and co-workers, while Steven FINISHED the t.v. built-in for our living room. For those of you who are curious, below are the before and after shots of my man's work. I think it looks fantastic!
Before: Miami-Viceish mirrored shelf
During: After Steven took all the mirrors off (It was actually a lot of work!).
During: Painting the new shelf
And here is a picture of my work...This year, I did a few different versions of goody bags, but the one I am most proud of is called "Snowman Soup." On the tag, I wrote a little poem I found which says, 
"When the weather outside is frightful,
Finished: The new and MUCH improved tv built-in!
And here is a picture of my work...This year, I did a few different versions of goody bags, but the one I am most proud of is called "Snowman Soup." On the tag, I wrote a little poem I found which says, "When the weather outside is frightful,Snowman Soup can be delightful.
May it warm your spirit and your soul,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
When you feel a chill or 'brrrr'
Use the peppermint stick to stir.
Add hot water and sip it slow,
Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!"
The ingredients of "snowman soup" are as follows: hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and I added some homemade cookies and candies for extra fun.
Later Saturday night, Steven and I went over to a work Christmas party hosted by the Yosts. We all brought something (I brought cheesey ranch potatoes) and ate a big dinner. Afterward, we played dirty Santa, which was pretty entertaining, especially when someone opened up a framed picture of Tom Scott, given by Tom Scott. It was pretty hysterical. Later, we played team Imagineiff before calling it a night. It was really cold outside, so it was nice to come home, curl up, and watch a Christmas movie in our warm house.
On Sunday, we were blessed by hearing a wonderful message from a special guest speaker at church. Afterward, we came home, ate lunch, and I continued making goodies for my students. At 4:30 we were back up at the church preparing for the Christmas program. We had to dress like villagers, which I found pretty amusing. The program went well, and all the children looked so cute! The best part was all the food and fellowship after the service. While we were there, Donna invited us to come with her family to see all the Christmas lights around town. We had a blast. We piled about 10 people in a mini-van and made our way around town. We even made a few unplanned stops, which turned out to be hysterical.
Only today and tomorrow remain until Christmas break!!! It cannot get here fast enough!
Only today and tomorrow remain until Christmas break!!! It cannot get here fast enough! Thursday, December 16, 2010
Workin' for the Weekend
These days, I feel like I am doing just that...I try to tell myself, "Don't wish your life away," but with every new Monday, I find myself trying to push through and make it until Friday. Here lately, I keep repeating over and over again in my mind, "Christmas break, Christmas Break, Christmas break..."
This semester has been a challenge, to say the least. Don't get me wrong, I love my school, and I adore all of my co-workers, but I have never felt so stressed out and physically exhausted in all my life. There has been a lot going on in and out of school, which has me turning gray before my time. Steven and I spent afternoons looking at house after house, until we finally found the right one. For the past month and a half, we have been slowly but surely putting things away, and making this house feel more like a home. It has been fun, but draining, and I think it had started to affect my attitude--a lot.
For one thing, it wasn't easy leaving the comfort and security that I felt at Opelika High. While there, I developed friendships that were so deep. During my first year, Kirstin, Summer, Bryan, and I were inseperable. We would sit in my room during planning and just talk, laugh, and share about our lives, our students, and ourselves. (Maybe that's why I always had to stay late that year). They became my family during my time at OHS. Every time I think about them, I smile and remember all the great talks, laughs, and rants we shared.
I'm not gonna lie, it's been a little tough learning the ropes at the new school, but I am beginning to feel more and more at home. My co-workers at West Craven High have taken me in, and make me feel so welcome. I find myself looking forward to lunch every day because I get to share a laugh with some of the most down-to-earth and funniest women I have ever met.
With all the different things going on these days, I had started to lose sight of the reason that I chose teaching. Last week, I hit a brick wall. I felt like I had been grading research papers every night for a month (which is actually correct) because I told the students I would allow them to revise their papers before I gave them their final grade. I was exhausted, and to be honest, I was tired of teaching, reading, grading, talking, explaining...you name it, I was tired of it. And then, yesterday, something happened that put a smile on my face and made me literally tear up while sitting behind my desk. As the bell rang, and the students filed out of the classroom, a student who started the semester out with a bad attitude, who didn't try at all, and who frankly seemed to care less, came up to my podium with a Christmas card in his hand.
(Quick backstory: About a month into the semester, I sat this kid down, and we had a heart to heart. I asked him why he didn't seem to care about my class. He explained that he didn't think he was smart enough to pass, so he didn't think there was any point in trying. He went on the say that his mom worked two jobs just to keep food on the table, and that he had been thinking about quitting school to help out with money. From that moment on, I tried to make it a point to encourage him in some way every day. And slowly but surely, he started doing his work and even stayed after school for extra help. By the end of the first nine weeks, he had a 90 average, and had quickly became one of my favorite students.)
As he handed me the card, he sheepishly said, "Thanks, Mrs. Meadows, for everything," and walked out. I went over, sat down in my desk, and opened the card. On the inside he had written, "Thank you for believing in me, Mrs. Meadows. You may be the first person who ever has. Have a great Christmas."
I literally choked up. That is why I teach. That is why I grade, explain, answer questions, read, listen, and answer the same question again. It is for one moment like that...one moment that I feel like I impacted someone. That card meant to world to me, and it has made this tough semester seem like a joy.
xoxo,
Ashley
This semester has been a challenge, to say the least. Don't get me wrong, I love my school, and I adore all of my co-workers, but I have never felt so stressed out and physically exhausted in all my life. There has been a lot going on in and out of school, which has me turning gray before my time. Steven and I spent afternoons looking at house after house, until we finally found the right one. For the past month and a half, we have been slowly but surely putting things away, and making this house feel more like a home. It has been fun, but draining, and I think it had started to affect my attitude--a lot.
For one thing, it wasn't easy leaving the comfort and security that I felt at Opelika High. While there, I developed friendships that were so deep. During my first year, Kirstin, Summer, Bryan, and I were inseperable. We would sit in my room during planning and just talk, laugh, and share about our lives, our students, and ourselves. (Maybe that's why I always had to stay late that year). They became my family during my time at OHS. Every time I think about them, I smile and remember all the great talks, laughs, and rants we shared.
I'm not gonna lie, it's been a little tough learning the ropes at the new school, but I am beginning to feel more and more at home. My co-workers at West Craven High have taken me in, and make me feel so welcome. I find myself looking forward to lunch every day because I get to share a laugh with some of the most down-to-earth and funniest women I have ever met.
With all the different things going on these days, I had started to lose sight of the reason that I chose teaching. Last week, I hit a brick wall. I felt like I had been grading research papers every night for a month (which is actually correct) because I told the students I would allow them to revise their papers before I gave them their final grade. I was exhausted, and to be honest, I was tired of teaching, reading, grading, talking, explaining...you name it, I was tired of it. And then, yesterday, something happened that put a smile on my face and made me literally tear up while sitting behind my desk. As the bell rang, and the students filed out of the classroom, a student who started the semester out with a bad attitude, who didn't try at all, and who frankly seemed to care less, came up to my podium with a Christmas card in his hand.
(Quick backstory: About a month into the semester, I sat this kid down, and we had a heart to heart. I asked him why he didn't seem to care about my class. He explained that he didn't think he was smart enough to pass, so he didn't think there was any point in trying. He went on the say that his mom worked two jobs just to keep food on the table, and that he had been thinking about quitting school to help out with money. From that moment on, I tried to make it a point to encourage him in some way every day. And slowly but surely, he started doing his work and even stayed after school for extra help. By the end of the first nine weeks, he had a 90 average, and had quickly became one of my favorite students.)
As he handed me the card, he sheepishly said, "Thanks, Mrs. Meadows, for everything," and walked out. I went over, sat down in my desk, and opened the card. On the inside he had written, "Thank you for believing in me, Mrs. Meadows. You may be the first person who ever has. Have a great Christmas."
I literally choked up. That is why I teach. That is why I grade, explain, answer questions, read, listen, and answer the same question again. It is for one moment like that...one moment that I feel like I impacted someone. That card meant to world to me, and it has made this tough semester seem like a joy.
xoxo,
Ashley
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