Day.Fifty.Five.

I was the poster child for laziness today. I slept in, sat around and watched tv, and did do the laundry. I had plans with Michelle, but due to unforseen events, she couldn't make the drive. Bummer city. I miss my friend. I like to see her preggo! It is exciting. I am going to have to wait but I am determined to see her soon.
At the beginning of my blogging, I had read the book, The Lucky One. Well.. little did I know that a movie was coming out!  So, I called up two of my friends and asked if they wanted to see it tonight. They agreed! YAY! Girl's Night at the Movie Tavern! I love the Movie Tavern. They have a full menu and you get your dinner while watching the movie. The seats are comfortable too!

The movie was good. I think that there were a few missing elements that would have related to the book more, but all in all, it captured the book pretty well. I was happy with the movie. Our service at the Movie Tavern wasn't the best. I was frustrated because it was my friend, Jen's, first experience. Bummer again. Our waiter just seemed scattered and out of breath and pretty forgetful. As we were walking out, I saw him running from one end of the building to the other. The guy had people on opposite sides. I FELT TERRIBLE! I guess it just goes to show, you can't tell what a person is going through just by a quick glance.

I recommend the Movie Tavern and I recommend The Lucky One (book and movie)! :)

Fun night with the girls, home to my husband and pups.

Can't complain.

-Alexis

Day.Fifty.Four.

TGIF!
(I wish that tv time block was still available)

After school today, I joined a few friends for drinks and dinner. I don't drink, but it is always fun to just relax and refresh. It was fun to hear stories from the week and just sit.
We went to a restaurant in Delaware called 1808. I tried the grilled cheese and YUMM!!! It was so delicious. I am so glad that I found it on the menu. After dinner, we headed to Whit's custard. I aways get the same, chocolate with marshmallow. It was nice to sit outside and enjoy the warm weather. I am so glad it is looking more like spring and summer. I am blessed to have met some amazing people this past school year. They are always there and helpful when I have questions. I know that I have made life-long friends. :)

Off to head home and take care of the pups. :)

Have a great night.
-Alexis

Day.Fifty.One.

Well... I can not dwell on the events of yesterday.. I must move on. (easier said than done...)

Anyway...
I started the couch to 5k running program a while back (I would say beginning of February) when my sister, Wendy, approached me about running in the Komen for the Cure race. I looked into the process, and I thought to myself.. I have never been a runner, but I need to be healthy, and this is a great program to get started. (I always joke that I want to be addicted to running... and I don't know how other people are)
Pinterest is a GREAT motivation. There are so many inspirational quotes that are just helpful at times. Here is the pin that made me run for the first time: (maybe it will inspire you too...)

I knew that this was true, so off I went. I am determined to not be a quitter. I searched for the couch to 5k and found a wonderful app for my phone. It is called "Ease into 5k" It did cost money, but not more than $3. It is perfect for me. It tells me when to warm up, run, walk, cool down. It is encouraging too! ("You're halfway there" and my favorite "Last run, coming up!") It has a journal for me to jot down notes about my run, a graph of my running, and even lets me use my own music! I recommend this app!

After I had been running for a bit, I decided I would try to find a 5k that may be sooner. I looked online and found The COLOR RUN! I know that I am crazy, but I was determined to run in it. So, I went to the website (www.thecolorrun.com) and found that there weren't many near Ohio. Bummer! So, I went on the facebook page and asked them to come to Columbus, Ohio. Well...about a month later, it was set! (I had no part in doing this, but I did suggest it at one point) I am so glad that they are coming to Columbus. I have started a team. CR12. (color run 2012) If you want to join, let me know and I will give you the password to join the team. 

Here is a quick overview of The Color Run:

1. Must wear white. 

2. 5k walk or run. (my goal is run)

3. After each kilometer, they throw a specific color of powder on you. By the end, you have five different colors on you and you are tie-dyed!

4. I will frame this shirt and bib from the race. My first race EVER! (I never thought I would say that...)

Check out the website for more info. Here is the picture that made me want to sign up!

You can't deny it... it looks awesome. Join me and my team~

-Alexis

Day.Thirty.Four.B.

*Two*Peas*In*A*Pod*

Michelle's baby shower was RIGHT after the baptism. I am uploading the pictures from the shower. I was in charge of decorations, cake, and cupcakes. I think that it all turned out wonderfully! It looked great and the twins are going to be well dressed, diapered, and spoiled. Special thanks to Laurienne for helping with the decor! :)

Here are the details: 

 Cupcake/Cake Tower

 A Bit Closer...

 *New Cupcake Stand*

 Yummy!

 Two Peas <3

 -Sign In Table- 

 Frame, BABIES, Advice Cards/Jars, and Banner Fun

 Gift Table

-Homemade Banner: Two Peas In A Pod- 

 Close up...

 -Table Setting-

 Frozen Peas in the Jar (just a fun touch)

 Place Setting with Cake Pop Pea Favor :)

 *TWO PEAS*

 -Cupcakes-

 Cake Topper

 Family at the Shower

 Momma<3

*Best Friends*

If you have any questions about how anything was made or where it was found, let me know and I will be sure to contact you via comment on how! Many things were inspired by pinterest... of course.. :)

Off to start my spring break... with a nap!

-Alexis-

Day.Thirty.

Thirty Days!!! I am feeling accomplished!

Well today, school went wonderfully. We made jellyfish out of upside down paper plates and crepe paper! The kids loved them! They were swimming everywhere!! It made me smile just to watch their sense of wonder and their excitement.

After the bell rang and all of my kiddos where safely where they needed to be... my brain, for some strange reason, turned to MUSH!? I walked down to talk to a fellow teacher for a minute.. and forgot that I was supposed to tutor. I tutor the same child every Tuesday and Thursday for the past 4 months? strange...

Then, on my way to meet a friend at Polaris, I got two text messages. One from my friend asking to meet earlier which was perfectly fine... but I was still frazzled from missing tutoring. (I am obviously not one to make mistakes like this...) Then I get another text from my friends from my old school asking, "what time are we meeting, 4:30 or 5?" Immediately, what runs through my head... we are meeting? I thought that was Friday!? Again.. brain has lost it! (I will shop for the shower.. tomorrow) Here is a wonderful quote that sums it up:

(Courtesy of Pinterest)

After it was all straightened out, I got to see Courtney as she met me to drop of Michelle's gift AND Jennifer and Christine. Christine even had the babies! (I know, she is not a baby per say, but 2 is still a baby in my eyes) The little one even let me hold him and enjoyed my company!

I must say, I am glad that I am friends with people I work with. They are encouraging and never let me think about the negative. I am blessed with friends who care about me and really support me teaching. Dinner definitely reminded me that I was made to teach! (Thanks girlies<3) The journey has not been easy, but my day will come. Thank you for always supporting me Jennifer, Christine, and Khadine. You are truly a blessing in my life. We don't see each other often, but when we do.. it counts! This reminded me of you:

(Courtesy of Pinterest)

When I got home, I got straight to work on the cleaning. I have neglected to do it the past few days, so today I caught up. The kitchen is what I was dreading. I did a quick clean... I will organize next time. The dogs seem to be so calm when I clean up, then AS SOON AS I SIT DOWN, one is hitting the bell to go outside and then it is chase each other time, for about 10 minutes of constant barking and running. ((I hate when the vacuum lines are gone and I JUST vaccummed-They give me a sense of accomplishment!))

I am off to read some more of The Leader in Me and about writers workshop for Book Club Thursday morning...

Enjoy your night.
-Alexis

Day.Twenty.Eight.

Sunday. A Day of REST. (not so much...)

I got to sleep in and John made me eggs and toast! Yumm!

Then, it was off to get work done. I have a long list of things that need to get done. It is painful to look at!

First on the list, get things prepped for this weekend for the shower and for the baptisms. My goal today was to make a list of needed things as well as make the Easter basket filler for Mia and Zooey. I made it and had to blog! It is so cute, easy, and reusable! Perfect!
Here are the simple directions... pictures included:

1. Choose your fabric(s) <I used remnants>, pinking shears, and ribbon.

2. Cut the fabric with the pinking shears into pieces/strips. Mine were about 2.5 inches wide by 8 inches tall. (I just used the folds in the fabric to guide the scissors) They do not have to be perfect. Because I wanted the colors on both sides of the tie, I kept the fabric folded partially, so it was "two-sided".

3. String the ribbon (the length you want) between two chairs.

4. Start tying! I did just a single tie, then moved on. I did one color at at time to create the pattern. On my second one, I cut ALL of the fabric, and I just had to tie, tie, tie. It was easier to have it all cut then to tie.

 (yellow)

 (yellow and blue)

(yellow, blue and pink)

(yellow, blue, pink and green)

5. After all of the pieces are tied on, I spread them out and 'fluffed' them. They were still taught because of my tying, so I fluffed.

All Fluffy!!

6. Find a cute basket... (I only had this box, still cute) and lay it inside! Then, fill with goodies!!

I, personally, think they turned out super cute! 

**I think that this could be used in photos too... I made some for my favorite twins, so they might get to use them in their newborn pictures! :) **

Happy Crafting!
Off to do some more for the shower! <3

-Alexis

Day.Twenty.Four

Sorry this is a day late, but I was so busy last night, I didn't get a chance to write.

Well, after a day at school, I ran home to take care of the dogs and headed straight to Polaris Mall to meet up with Laurienne! (and I got to see Celia too!) We met to get some stuff for the upcoming shower at Party City. I will be making a lot of things from scratch with the help and guidance of Pinterest. The theme is 'Two Peas in a Pod' so we are going with the green and white color scheme... a hint of pink and blue, of course. I got to hang out with Celia! She is precious and getting so big! We bonded quickly.. could it have been my ridiculousness of making facing and trying to earn her love!? I did get a KISS goodbye. Laurienne said she doesn't just do that to anyone... so, I feel the love. Check out our photo session in the back of my car. (It was pretty sunny!)

 Oh, the binkie! 

 CHEESE! Piggie tails and all!

-Silly face, of course-

After we finished shopping, I headed to meet my fellow baseball widow for dinner. Yumm! We both got the same food, classic. Tito, our waiter, was trying to be a comedian. He wasn't that funny. Of course, on our way outside of the the HOT FRESH sign at Krispy Kreme lit the night! Jamie hadn't had them fresh off the line, so we had to go in and get one! We went in and the gave us a FREE one! Then we HAD to buy more. They didn't make it home and we definitely have a lot of running to do to get rid of those calories! We have a goal for this summer, and we are going to make it! 

Adi and Aspen thoroughly enjoyed sleeping on the temperpedic with just mommy! We spread out and and slept like babies! Look how well rested Adi was this morning! 

Off to write today's post... hehe

-Alexis

Day.Eighteen.A

Today, I am writing EARLY! A few great things happened today:
1. I had my interview and I think it went pretty well.
2. After two weeks off, I worked out.

I want to thank all of those out there who were praying for me today. I was able to stay calm and focused.

I have fallen off the bandwagon on the working out. I have been doing the couch to 5K program that I have a cool app for on my phone. I would have never thought to myself that I could be a runner, but a friend of mine and I always joked that we wanted to be addicted to running like the runners! So, I started the couch to 5K program. (My sister and family and friends have all decided to enter a 5K) Lucky for me, DCS is having a 5K that I may join in on just to prove to myself that I can do it! Today, after two weeks of NO running. I thought I may die... but I didn't do terrible! I am on week 6 of the program and it is a 5 minute warm-up, run 9 minutes, walk 3, run 9 minutes, then cool down for 5 minutes. I made it through the first run doing well... then the second run came around, and WHEW was I struggling. I didn't have to use my inhaler, but I didn't make it through the last run. I didn't stop, but I struggled! I know that I cannot let working out take a backseat. It is definitely a struggle to make it a priority. Life just seems to get in the way... whether it be school, family, dogs, etc. I must keep focus!

I was more nervous today about how my students would be with a sub. This is the first time I have missed and it is a big stress. I wanted to make sure that everything went smoothly and the same procedures happen so that the students are comfortable and still learning. My mind was spinning this morning! But, all in all, the day went well and learning happened.

I am going to relax for the rest of the night. I think it is a much needed and well-deserved.

-Alexis-

Day.Seventeen.

I truly appreciate the beautiful day! I even took the kiddos out for extra recess because it was too nice not too! The day went by quickly and the lovely afternoon seems to have disappeared quicker! Because I am not going to be at school tomorrow, I had to prep for my subs. I started and then realized that they did not know the little procedural things and that will definitely throw my kids off tomorrow. (or they will all argue about how to do it, because they are always right...)

After I stayed at school until 6pm prepping for the sub I headed home and got to hang out with the puppies and catch up on my shows. I need to relax big time to get prepped... but I am not doing that well. Anyone who knows me, I don't stress and shut down, I work... I work hard! It is constant. Anything to keep me busy and my mind focused on other things.

I want to say thank you in advance to all of those loved ones who have contacted me, helped me realize my strengths, and given me pieces of calm. I really appreciate all of your guidance. I know that I am just over analyzing.. as always. Keep up the prayers and I know that God will find a place for me.

I had a GREAT story to share, but... my brain has lost it. If I think of it, I will be sure to share!

So much on my mind...

Goodnight and God Bless Readers!

-Alexis-

Day.Fourteen.

Sunday. I really enjoy Sundays. Today, I had the chance to catch up with my best friend Michelle! We got to spend the morning together looking for maternity clothes for her ever-growing belly... the babies even gave me a little kick! They love me already. I really don't know where I would be in life if Michelle wasn't part of it, so today's blog... all about Michelle!

Michelle and I grew up in the same small town in the Ohio Valley. We didn't go to the same elementary school, but by middle school, our small private schools had dances for us together! We all would crowd into a church basement dancing in circles of girls and circles of boys. We really didn't become good friends until high school. Of course our lives were full of boy drama. Michelle drove me to school because she drove passed my house.. so why not! I will never forget the multiple car rides in her white corsica with the squeaky door. She drove me to school the day my mom slapped me for agreeing with her that morning that I was being a B*tch. Michelle just laughed as I got in the car! (thanks friend)

Senior year came and FLEW by. I knew I wanted to go to college, but didn't know where. Michelle said to me one day, I am going to Ohio Dominican. I respond, "cool, I'll go too!" (looking back.. wow.. what a way to handle that gigantic life-changing choice) We headed to ODU (parentless), two small town girls and we got lost. I mean REALLY lost! We were in downtown Columbus... scared! No one could help us either. We persevered and made it to ODU orientation at least an hour late. We got to the campus and we liked it. We were going to be roomies of course and we already had the room decor picked out! (Crazy Daisy of course...) College came and went. We spent so much time together and I wouldn't EVER change that experience. Michelle and I are a lot alike and we have our differences. We know how to work together well. (whether it would be on school work--both becoming teachers-- or at Hoggy's waiting on people and bringing them their BBQ) We grew up together and here we were in college. I met John one day at ODU and we hit it off pretty well! We would hang out a lot. Michelle and I really needed a change of pace in our relationships. (true story... what were we thinking!) So, John and I had a brilliant idea...set Michelle up with one of his friends. Well, the initial set-up didn't happen, but Michelle did find a friend she eventually fell in love with. Two friends dating two friends. (perfect scenario) Michelle and I always were there for each other (still are). We call to vent, we call to laugh, and sometimes we call to cry. God gave me a friend and I couldn't have asked for a better one.

We have had times of excitement, happiness, sadness, nervousness, emotion, devastation, and we have always gotten through it. There were times that one of us would fall apart, and the other was there to put the pieces together. I would not be the woman I am today without Michelle. She gives me strength to get through the tough days and encourages me that there is tomorrow.

Fast forward... graduation! Michelle and Adam are engaged, John and I are engaged! Michelle and Adam move about an hour away to be by Adam's work. John and I are in Columbus. We both got married. (maids of honor who couldn't make it through a speech if we were being PAID!) *I was a blubbering mess... but to my defense, she got married first.. it was hard to let me best friend go*

Now, here we are, both looking for full time classrooms and on the road to a family. Michelle and Adam have been blessed with TWINS! How exciting! (and I am already an honorary aunt... no big deal)

I know we aren't sharing a bedroom anymore, sharing a kitchen and eating dinner together everynight, or working on schoolwork together, but in many ways as we grew up and inadvertently apart, Michelle and I have remained so close. We talk to each other often and try to visit as much as our schedules allow. Today, spending time with my preggo friend made me realize how blessed I am to have her and her family (the Grant Avenue one and the Fieldcrest one) in my life. They are all so supportive and full of life and love. I can not wait to be there when my friend brings a baby girl and a baby boy into the world! The twins are already blessed with amazing parents. I pray nightly for their development and growth. I pray that they will be successful and seek education. I pray that they are kind and loving. I will add to my prayers tonight... that they will be blessed with a friendship that Michelle and I share.

Here are a few pictures of me and my best friend throughout the years. I have a few that are on an old and broken computer that I *wish* I could share:

Oh Boy... I think that of all of the wonderful experiences we have shared, there are not many pictures we have to choose from.
More picture taking must commence!

<3love you mich

-Alexis-