Oh How I LOVE Christmas Cards!

Have I told you how much I LOVE getting mail...well I LOVE it! 

Receiving Christmas cards in the mail during the holiday season is one of my most favorite things! I especially love the cards that come with pictures (I mean I love the cards with no pictures too, but I absolutely love getting picture cards)! It just makes me so happy to run to the mailbox everyday and see what new cards we will get! I might just go out on a limb and say its my favorite time of the day! To all my friends and family out there who have sent me a Christmas card know that it is being displayed proudly. I have been wanting a very cute wire Christmas tree that displays cards but until then I have them hanging  from ribbon on my magazine rack so I can admire them everytime I walk by.

Enjoying the Ice...

2 Days with no school because of icy roads=

-A lot of extra time on my hands to...have a ridiculous photo session with my precious dog in her Mrs. Claus outfit

-Take at least 3 naps no shorter than 2 hours each in one day!

-Make my husband cinnamon rolls and coffee for breakfast.

-Watch Regis and Kelly and the Today show (and maybe a soap opera or two).

-See my husbands brand new truck slide out of our extremely icy, steep driveway while he checks the mail.

-Get an early stocking gift from my sweet husband (see picture below)

A French Press...something that I have been wanting for quite some time now!

Babette as Mrs. Claus

Another picture of the fireplace with the addition of Babette's stocking

Our table decorated for Christmas

I have officially started Christmas Break and the best part is that Alec is taking the same two weeks off of work to spend some extra special time with me! I am so excited and feel blessed that Alec works at a place that will allow him to have so many wonderful vacation days!

If I don't post again before Christmas I hope everyone has a very blessed holiday!

Merry Christmas! 

The good old days...

I stumbled upon these pictures the other day. I thought you would share them with you.

Junior year Christmas gift exchange

Christmas at 949 EN 13th St.

"The Pink Palace"

We always had a fun Christmas gift exchange! I remember when it all began freshman year! I am blessed to have such dear friends!

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

If you don't know already...the Lawrence's LOVE Christmas (especially Alec)!!!

We have had our Christmas tree up since the beginning of November and if it wasn't for me Alec would have had it up back in July!!! I've never known someone who loves Christmas so much...I think its cute!

This weekend we went shopping at my favorite shopping center in Tulsa...Utica Square. It just feels like Christmas when you are shopping there. Then we finished up the rest of our decorating (see pictures below) and started wrapping gifts.

Then today we took Babette to visit Santa at our favorite dog store...the Dog Dish. I thought the picture was cute...although Babette's ears are so big they are covering up Santa's face. But oh well, she's cuter than Santa anyway :)

The fireplace...ready for Santa's arrival!

Alec put our Christmas lights up this year! I think he did a great job (and we didn't have to make a trip to the ER so that made it even better)!

I couldn't decide which one I liked better...black and white or color so here are both!

A Branson Thanksgiving!

We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving with the Lawrence/McKinney side of the family in Branson, MO this year! Here is a picture outside the great hotel we stayed in: The Chateau on the Lake. We had a great time (especially at Silver Dollar City) and enjoyed spending time with everyone...its a rare occasion when the whole family is together. We knew we had to get a family picture especially since Austin and Katherine will be in Africa visiting her family over Christmas. They will be missed!

Pay it Forward! Trust Me, You Want To Read This One!

Last week I happened to check my google reader (if you don't use this and you like to read peoples blogs...you need to start now...it let's you know when a blog has been updated) at just the right time. I was reading one of my regular blogs Oh, Boy & all thing Caleb Ryne (aka Cassie) and saw this great idea of "Paying it Forward." I had to participate! Look and see what was in my mailbox one day when I got home: 

Let me just say you can not go wrong with me and Starbucks...and anyone who knows me knows that's the truth! 

Thanks so much Cassie! I can't wait to go and get my favorite holiday drink!

 Okay, Now here is how it works:

The purpose of "Pay it Forward" is to do an act of kindness without expecting anything in return (other than that the recipient will, in turn, pass the kindness along to someone else). I will send a small, fun gift to the first 3 people who post a comment on this entry. In turn, those three will post this information on their blog and pick 3 people they want to send something to...and the game continues on and on! The little something you send can be something you made, bought, were given or found....ANYTHING you want! Just a gift that will make the person's day! If you are interested in participating, be one of the first 3 people to leave a comment. You will have to promise that you will then post about this on your blog, link back to me, and then send something to the first three people who sign up to play through your blog. *** After the first 3 people comment, I will give them my email to send me their address. If you would prefer me not to know your address, that's totally fine! I'll send you a gift over the computer!***

If you have never commented on my blog and have been wanting to "reveal" yourself as a loyal reader now is a great opportunity....don't be shy! I would love to know who is out there in blog land reading about my little life!

Anticipation

I can't believe November is already halfway over. Being a teacher all major holidays are built up about 100 x's more than the average person! We do lessons, art activities, journal, programs, etc. focused on these holidays which just lead to bigger build up and anticipation. Every teacher knows how many day until ______________ (you name the holiday). 

Well, all that to say, I can't wait until Thanksgiving break. I need a break and can't wait to spend time with family. We are going to Branson with Alec's family (which has become a Lawrence family tradition). Then Saturday we are having Thanksgiving with my family. 

But what I am most excited about at this point is TWILIGHT!! It comes out Friday. I really wanted to go to the midnight showing but when I got on the computer to order tickets (on Sunday) they were sold out :( But I do plan on going Saturday and I can't wait!

Karla got me hooked on the Twilight series this summer...she had tried to get me to read it and at first I was a little apprehensive. I mean I'm not the type of girl who is interested in books about vampires. But I took her word for it and read the first three books within a few weeks this summer. Sadly, after school started up my reading time has depleted greatly. I'm still working on the 4th book and love it so far! Seriously if you haven't read these books you should. Thanks Karla! I've always known you have great taste. I don't know why I doubted you!

A few weeks ago I got to take pictures of my 2 nephews and niece for their family Christmas card. I wish that I got a better picture of the three of them together but the boys were not interested in being photographed and they let me know it! Sweet little 10 month old Emerson was loving it though! 

Sorry! Its extremely long!

Its time to fall back which is probably one of my favorite days of the year...I love sleep so getting an extra hour could not make me any more happy (not to mention I really need it for this upcoming week)!Life lately has been extremely busy...I feel as thought I'm always saying that but its the truth and it often makes me long for my wonderful 2 month summer vacation! 

These last few months have been rather crazy for the Lawrence's.  

Beginning in early September Alec went hunting in the panhandle of Texas with all of his college buddies. It has become somewhat of a tradition to take this hunting trip every year and it seems as though they always come away with some really interesting stories not to mention a ton of poor dead dove :(

A few weeks later Alec went to a casino along the Oklahoma/Texas line for a bachelor party for an old roommate. It sounded like they had a fun time.

Then the last weekend in September we headed down to Abilene for our friends wedding! We had such a wonderful time seeing so many great friends! For just a few hours it felt like college again. The wedding was beautiful (at one of my favorite places in Abilene...the Paramount)! I was able to go eat lunch with my teacher friends Rachel and Sarah! It made me really miss teaching with them but it was wonderful catching up! I will always love Abilene and hope we get a chance to go back soon (I'm hoping for sing song....what do you think Alec????)

     At the wedding reception

Then in early October I had a conference in Edmond for two days (Thursday and Friday). Then I left early Saturday morning to fly to San Antonio for my good friend Hannah's wedding. Alec was not able to go with me so it turned into a great girls weekend for me! I was happily greeted at the airport by my wonderful friend Brooke...she was so sweet to cart me all over town all weekend and let me stay with her as well! We were able to spend so much great time together and catch up on life...it made me really not want to leave...but I can't wait until Brooke comes to visit me over Christmas break (PLEASE)!!!

     Beautiful Brooke and me at the wedding.

  Me and the gorgeous Hannah on her wedding day!

Hannah's wedding was gorgeous! She was glowing all weekend and I feel so lucky to have been able to share those special days with her! 

The next week Babette got spade. Poor baby. But she has made a full recover and sadly enough is still as hyper as before...I've heard that after their surgery that changes...well not for Babette!

Then a few days later Alec went on a business trip to Chicago for a week. It was the longest amount of time Alec has been away from me since we have been married....I survived! In fact, life was pretty easy because I stayed with my parents all week. I know, I know, it sounds ridiculous but my parents house is about fifteen minutes closer to my work and I got free meals every night so I couldn't really resist. However, me and Babette were so ready for him to come home!!

Just this last week, school was crazy! Halloween was largely to blame but we had a few other things that contributed as well, like: our huge AR party, a field trip, Veteran's day program practice, and family fun night (where I worked a 13 hour day). I am looking forward to Thanksgiving break like you would not believe!

Then just last night, Halloween, we went trick or treating with our two nephews and precious niece! They were adorable in their costumes (my mother in law made the boys costumes and they were incredible)! We had a lot of fun!

     The Space Aliens

Really ready for the fun to start!
An upset Emerson...she wasn't sure if she wanted to be a butterfly.

Then she decided that she looked pretty good :)

Seriously the most beautiful butterfly I've ever seen!

Some updates...

A few months ago I posted pictures of our house after we took down wallpaper and painted. Well here are some pictures after a little bit of decorating. Although its starting to shape up I could sit here and list hundreds of things I would like to do/get for our house. But I'm pleased with how its coming along!

Decorated for fall

Guest Bathroom Part 2

Okay, I'm finally posting before and after pictures of our guest bathroom:

This bathroom was quite the undertaking. We took the wallpaper down, had to mud the walls and sand them, then we painted the cabinets, put new hardware on, and changed out the light fixture and the bathroom fixtures!

10 years

10 years ago today me and Alec decided to start our journey together as boyfriend and girlfriend. Its been so wonderful to share so much of my life with my very best friend! I look forward to many many more!

8th grade Homecoming Court...braces and all :)

I love you babe!

Lately...

Labor day weekend was wonderful! I went shopping with my Mom in Kansas City and we had a great time! It had been a while since our last mother/daughter trip. 

This past week was crazy at school. I've been working really long hours trying to get things done although it seems that the list just keeps growing. Sadly, I will be going to school tomorrow (Sunday) to try and get some work done as well.

Alec went out of town this weekend to go hunting in Texas with his friends and his old roommates from college. He left Friday around 3 and probably won't be home til late Sunday evening. So me and Babette have been having a girls weekend and I've been trying to get some things accomplished around the house.

Here is a picture of my precious students on the first day of school!

Back to Blogging

Sorry for the lack of blogging...I've had a lot going on lately.

From the months of July through September we have 11 family birthdays. Because of this I have vowed never to have my children in those months (fingers crossed). So needless to say we have been busy with birthdays and the beginning of school.

I started teaching 1st grade on the 20th and I love it! Its quite a change from Pre-K but I'm really loving it. I love that they are independent and can go to the bathrooms by themselves, they can actually write words in their journals that I can read, they can sit at their desks and work quietly. 

I started looking for a job in July (I should have started earlier, but I was loving getting things done in my house and just enjoying my summer). Needless to say the second week in August came around school was starting all over Tulsa and I had no job. I had basically given up and thought I would just do the dreaded subbing thing. Then one afternoon my Dad called me and said, "Catie, I was standing in line in subway here in Sapulpa (a town where my dad works) when I overheard two women talking. One of them was saying that she could not find a 1st and 3rd grade teacher. So I leaned over to her and told her I could help her out. Of course she was a little confused so I started to tell her about you and now she wants you to call her immediately." So I got on the phone and called her...she wanted me to come to her school right away for an interview so I changed clothes as quick as possible and headed to Sapulpa. Once I got there I met the principal and two other teachers at the school. We talked for about an hour and a half and they took me on a tour of the school. Then they asked me to go wait in the conference room while they talked. A few minutes later she came in and offered me the job! Of course I said yes. Then it was off to human resources to fill out an application (because I had not applied to Sapulpa Public Schools) and complete all the paperwork.

Now I have to tell you the coolest thing about this story is that my principal told my Dad in subway that that morning the counselor at the school and her had prayed specifically for the Lord to send them a 1st and 3rd grade teacher. She said to my dad that she felt that I was the answer to their pray that morning before she had even met me. I believe it, except they were the answer to my prayers. God provided completely for me and I am so grateful to be there. I can't wait to discover the many reasons why He put me there!

Our Patio

Still working on the bathroom but thought I would post a picture of our outdoor living space.

I love our new outdoor furniture. It has been so nice to go outside and sit and enjoy a cup of coffee (in the morning or evening) and read a book.

You might notice two grills...which I am not the biggest fan of but we have our original grill and one that the previous homeowners left. I had originally wanted to sell the grill they left in a garage sale, but I think Alec likes the option of having two grills because one is propane and one is charcoal so it looks like we just might end up with two grills. 

Be our guest...

Today, thank goodness I am going to start painting our guest bathroom! It has been a long process to get it ready to paint. 

First we had to remove the wallpaper...not fun. As we were removing it we found that it was the bare drywall underneath so that meant only one thing...Alec was going to have to mud it and sand the walls out. Alec did that process 3 times...every time he came out of the bathroom from sanding he was covered in dust...as he said, "I look like a giant powdered donut." I have to agree. The bathroom was covered in dust. It was disgusting, so I cleaned it up yesterday and caulked along the baseboards. Now were ready for the paint.

Here is the bathroom before with the tragic wallpaper...I'll post updated pictures when I've finished painting.

Prayers

I just found out that one of my sweet little students' father passed away the other day. My heart breaks for him and his family. 

If you could remember to keep this precious little boy and his family in your prayers I would greatly appreciate it.

Summer...one of the perks of being a teacher

Summer has been so nice. Not working and getting paid for it...I can't think of many things better than that! Honestly, I haven't had a summer like this since I was 15 years old. It's been wonderful!

You would think with all this time I've had being at home I should be all unpacked and settled into our new house...not quite. I've been kinda lazy...it's true but I'm not really in a hurry. However I did paint the entryway yesterday so I'm getting stuff done slowly but surely!

A big reason why things haven't been getting done....Babette. We've just been having fun together all day! Here are some new cute pictures of Babette and a few family photos.

I hope to post some new photos of the house soon...